Becolorful

Motivated Monday October 31st

Happy Halloween and

welcome to Motivated Monday.

I'm a little late posting tonight.

I had a long convo with the girl child this evening that put me behind but it was so worth it.

Life has been crazy and we actually had to schedule a phone date for catching up.

I love our chats and that definitely took priority but now I am eager to share a few highlights from last week's link ups to Motivated Monday.

There were a number of Halloween posts and I know that most of you have already decorated, found your costumes, and have come up with some great trick or treat snacks but there were a few last minute ideas for those of you still trying to pull something together like this Halloween lamp shade idea from

Madtown Macs.

 

These simple felt shapes just stick to the shades and could be easily packed away for next year. I started thinking you could do holly shapes for Christmas, cupids for Valentines, bunnies for Easter. The options are easy and limitless.

 

Then there was this whimsical LInus pumpkin treatment from

Kim at Maiden D'Shade

 

How cute is that? Plus, no carving necessary. Sign me up.

:)

There were two over the top girly costumes that I thought were too fabulous not to share.

I adored this darling Cookie Monster number from

Kreyv

( To Crave)

So cute you just want to eat her up and I love the marabou. Adorable.

Then there was this princess dress from

Sew Fantastic

You could twirl for days in these two tulle delights

I would imagine these little cuties want to wear their costumes to bed, to the store, running errands... everywhere! and why not they couldn't be any cuter. These outfits were both made by their mamas and the posts include tutorials so be sure and visit them for all of the details.

There were also some ideas for Fall but not limited to Halloween. 

I thought this wreath made from store bought leaves, a piece of cardboard and a magnet was so simple it was genius.

I liked the understated simplicity of this look but you could make so many different variations of this idea using something other than leaves. It is light weight and because so many homes have steel front doors, I thought the idea of a magnet was inspired. To see how this wreath was made be sure to visit here.

This healthier take on Caramel Apples was also a motivator submitted by

The Crafty Scientist

 

Caramel apples and Fall, they just go together.

There were also some anytime projects that I wanted to bring to your attention.

 I was totally intrigued with this clutch made from a recycled book

via

Life on Walnut Street

Very cool. I am sometimes so amazed at how you people come up with this stuff. I never would have thought of that in a million years and I love it.

 

Motivated Monday sees a number of crocheted projects and this skill is something I don't know how to do. Maybe someday I will learn. I haven't featured anything like this for awhile but I thought this little soft rattle was especially cute from

Annemarie's Crochet Blog

 

 

So sweet.

 

Finally the week wouldn't be complete without at least one decorating post and I thought this foyer ledge update definitely took the cake.

I just can't believe DIY Design did all of this fifteen feet up in the air.

I am so not worthy.

:)

 

 

I Love Lucy

I Love Lucy.

A couple of years ago my daughter introduced me to this stylish and well made active wear. I live in the stuff.

Love it.

Last week my mom and aunt and I went to Dallas.

The main purpose of our trip was to visit my uncle but girls will be girls and we were also able to squeeze in a bit of shopping. My cohorts had never been to a Lucy store and it was so fun watching them fall in love with it just like I have.

These stores aren't everywhere. In fact, there is only one in all of Dallas but the beauty of that is you don't see yourself coming and going. I usually shop the Lucy store in Chicago but I have been to the store in Vegas too and it doesn't matter where I am, the staff is always friendly and eager to help but never pushy.

If there isn't a store near you, don't sweat it, they have a terrific website too.

I had all of my stuff shipped home so I wouldn't have to pay sales tax.

Free shipping. Gotta love that.

So when my package arrived in the mail this week it was a Lucy love fest.

 

These were a couple of my faves that I spied while shopping.

These tunic length tops hide a world of sins.

:0

and these fun nordic vibed leggings just had to come home with me.

 

You can't see it very well in this website image but if you double click and enlarge it you will see more of the detailing.

Now I guess I will have to start back on my work out routine if I ever hope to look like that in them.

:0

Lucy.

Comfortable, on trend, and it all washes like a dream.

They offer leggings that can be cut to any desired length, jackets with built in lights,  long and regular length yoga pants, the best athletic socks ever, and everything from bras to water bottles.

I love you Lucy.

To shop their site click here.

Happy shopping.

xoxo,

P

Book Review: The Kitchen House

A month or so ago I wrote another book review post and as it usually goes after finishing a good book I wonder what I am going to read next. I asked that very question last month and fortunately Tina came to my rescue. Tina has suggested several books to our book club and I thoroughly enjoyed everything she has come up with. She selects books that are well written and with characters that linger in your mind long after the last pages are read. When she gave me this title I knew it would be a good one. Thanks Tina. I was definitely not disappointed.

The Kitchen House is set in the South during the 1800's but before the Civil War. It is a story told from two different points of view. The first is that of a young immigrant girl. The girl, Lavinia, becomes an orphan while she and her family are traveling to America from Ireland. She is purchased  by a plantation owner who brings her back to his home as an indentured servant.  Lavinia is raised in the kitchen house with her new black family but ultimately is thrown into the privileged white world where she is forced to make many difficult choices.

The second point of view is that of a young woman who raises Lavinia like her own but must ultimately give her up to the life of privilege and comfort.

It is a story of compassion and conflict, good and evil, greed and generosity. A great read that could also make a compelling movie.

The only problem (again)  is what to read next. 

Tina? Are you reading this?

:0

I would love suggestions from all of you. Whether you read it recently or years ago, if it was great I would love to hear about it.

Have a great weekend.

xoxo,

:0

P

A Lazy Susan For the Holidays

Twice a year I participate in an artisan event called

The Traveling Door.

As usual, I am way behind when it comes to the number of pieces that I have painted for this sale.

Will I ever learn? Probably not.

I did finish this piece earlier this week and since the sale is in November I thought it was appropriate to include a few Christmas items. I usually do a few lazy susans but I have never done anything with a Santa so this was a change up for me.

I think he turned out kind of fun.

 

 

 

 

So chalk up one more to the "finished list"

and now, 

it's back to work for me.

:0

xoxo,

P

Linking my whimsical Santa here:

 

 

Motivated Monday October 24th

 

Welcome to Motivated Monday here at BeColorful

I was in Dallas this week. I was a bit of a fail on the blogging front but I should have a lot to share with you this week. I wasn't very productive on the creative front either but I can see "Y'all" sure were.

I love saying that.

Y'all.

It just sounds so friendly.

:)

Kind of a Texas thing.

I'm an unabashed wanna be Texan.

:)

Any who, I had so much fun reading about all of your Motivating Posts and these were just a few of them that I hope you didn't miss.

There were some great furniture updates that I thought were spectacular like this glammed up yard sale cabinet from

21 Rosemary Lane

 

 

Such a great vignette look.

I also was smitten by this zebra chair transformation from

Sweet Girl Expressions.

 

   

Who wouldn't love that?

I thought the redo of a nightstand shared by

Black Tag Diaries

with the crystal knobs on the weathered look turquoise finish was genius.

 

There is still time for some last minute Halloween inspiration and I adored all of the fun ideas flowing from this post that was submitted by

Personna Designs.

Be sure and stop by their site to see some totally fresh Halloween ideas by clicking here.

I had inadvertently given them credit for one of the items within the post but they had the integrity to bring it to my attention that the following idea actually comes originally from www.livinglocurto.com I was so happy to make the correction.

Give credit to where credit it due. Thanks ladies.

So, it was these owl s'mores from Living Locuro that just stole my heart. How cute it this?

 

Or how about this fun lantern made from an inexpensive light fixture cover, some holiday lights and stickers?

You can find the tutorial over at

Get Outta My Head Please.

 

Another inexpensive Halloween project was this pumpkin totem shared by

Mollie's Mom. It is made from metal burner covers!

 

There were so many varied projects.

This wet bag for new mamas on the go would be a great gift.

You can find it and the tutorial by visiting

Destination Craft

 

 

 

 

and I absolutely will be copying this great themed birthday party from Tasha over at Frugalicious Me.

 

 

 

 

From the invitations to the cake, this party is oh so Material Girl and so perfect for several of my besties.

Finally, Permanent Posies had me at artichoke hearts and capers.

You can find her recipe here.

This Mediterranean Salad will hopefully be on our table later this week. 

 

 

 

Motivated Monday October 17th

 

Welcome to this week's 

Motivated Monday.

Last week was a record for me.

Sixty submissions.

Thanks you so much.... I think

Is it possible to be over inspired?

:)

I have so many projects on my to do list and not nearly enough time to do them all.

I had a hard time narrowing down all of the great links to a few diverse ideas.

In order to showcase the most links but not have too long of a post, I will keep my comments brief.

Drum roll please...

Looking for some lampshade updates? Check out these at

Beyond the Screen Door.

Looking for an easy costume from a pillowcase?

How about this R2D2 idea from

Boy,Oh,Boy,Oh Boy

 

Needing a simple, organic and low unobtrusive centerpiece?

Be sure and stop by

Worthing Court for this idea.

I don't knit but

Easy Peasy Grandma

always has the cutest projects for her grandchildren.

This one I just had to share.

She did a sweater...

and a skirt. Wish I had known her when my kids were small.

 

 

These cakes from

Embellishments my SLR

should definitely be showcased.

Amazing.

and this Chex Mix recipe with fruit added is definitely on my to make list.

You can find the recipe on

Mommy Minded

 

I would really like to try this outdoor painted rug project submitted by 

Turquoise Piano.

 

and I always love the collage art that Eloise makes over at

Eloise's Collage

I liked that she added a single word to this one.

 

This simple paper lantern banner from

The Sassy Pepper

is a easy sewing project with big results.

Stop by to see it too if you get the chance. 

 

But one of my favorite posts this week was this painted desk from

Wise Designs.

To read about her design plan and inspiration click here.

Love it.

So much inspiration.

So many incredible projects.

My Monday will definitely be Motivated.

 

 

 

 

Layers of Spray Paint Update A Glass Vase

 

Sometimes I think up weird projects.

This was one of them but I was pleased with the result.

I had a plain glass vase that I probably received with a floral arrangement.

I taped it off and spray painted it gold.

Then, without removing the blue tape, I added some circle shapes cut from my Silhouette machine and spray painted the entire piece black.

There was a bit of bleed and some touch up was needed.

I didn't have a gold craft paint that was the same metallic level as the spray paint so I just painted over all the gold spots and gave it a shaded effect.

Next time I would try painting the entire piece first, even though the clear glass wouldn't show through and then add a layer of stripes and finally a layer of pattern.

There are so many options here that I think I will give this type of technique another whirl.

Thanks for stopping by.

xoxo,

P

LInking up my vase to

The Project Queen

 

Room By Room - The Kitchen

Today I decided to participate in the 

Room by Room - Kitchens 

event over at Cottage and Vine.

To see more kitchen ideas click on the icon above.

Our kitchen received a major remodel seven years ago. We were without this room for a full six months but in the end I would have to say it was well worth it and even though we are now seven years into it, there isn't much that I would do differently.

So, welcome to our kitchen.

 I have always loved white kitchens. They are so timeless and because our home is nearly 100 years old I felt a white kitchen was perfect for a house of this era. When we began this project the only two things I knew for sure were that I wanted a traditional look and I wanted it to be white with gray granite. 

My goal was to keep the larger and more expensive to replace features neutral and classic. So we stayed with white subway tile and wainscoting, chrome faucets, and cherry floors.

After living here for the previous six years with a dramatically smaller kitchen and barely functioning, nearly twenty year old appliances, Mike and I both had some definite wish lists for this space.

I am a bit of a dish addict so plenty of storage space was a priority for me. Our kitchen designer didn't let me down.

I thought this butler's pantry turned out to be so pretty

 

 

and I love this wall of cupboards.

 

Almost every single cupboard in this room has full roll out shelving to make items easier to find and put away.

 

 

 

 

I also asked for deep drawers under the cook top to easily store large pots and pans.

 

 

Mike had more to say about the appliances since he is the better cook.

We were rather land locked when we designed this new kitchen and as a result, even though we had a lot more real estate here than we had before, we had to make some choices. More storage and a warming drawer won out over a double oven and for us this seems to have worked out fine.

 

We went with a Sub Zero frig and a gas cook top with an encased commercial grade hood.

We opted for the Fisher Paykel drawer style dishwashers and I love them. I wish they had been side by side instead of on top of each other but this was the layout that worked the best and it really isn't a big issue because the lower drawer seldom gets used except for parties or large family get togethers.

 

 

We are fortunate to have two large windows in this room.

A large bay window over the main sink

 

 

and a triple window in the dining area.

 

These are both places that I like to change out the tchotchkies with the seasons.

 

Another priority for Mike was an island with an ancillary sink.

 

 We had to move a wall out three feet into another room to make it work but the man knew what he wanted.

:0

White kitchens with granite are nothing new but the one feature in this kitchen that is rather unique is the table we had made for this space when we did the remodel. 

 

I remember being flabbergasted by what those legs set us back but they have held up beautifully through all the abuse that a family of five dished out. Not a chip to be seen and yes that is one big a** piece of granite for the top.

 

It took six guys to move it in here.

I'm sure that if we ever move it will stay with the house.

Finally, what is a kitchen without art?

We bought these two pieces from a local artist in Galena

and this Sticks piece was an anniversary gift from Mike several years ago.

 

 

 

 It is hard to believe that this room is already seven years old. Since losing the old oak tree out back this summer I am thinking I may have to break down and add a roman shade to the bay window and I am ready to update the rugs.

Something a little less country and bit more like this.

 

 

or this

Something with a bit more of an edge.

Thanks for visiting.

Now I am off to get some more kitchen inspiration at

Cottage and Vine.

xoxo,

P

Also linking our kitchen here:

 

Motivated Monday October 10th

Welcome to the October 10th Motivated Monday.

Some of the highlights of last week's party were these great fall decorating posts.

First up is this great Pottery Barn Knock Off project from

Decorating Cents.

The hurricanes on the left are from Pottery Barn and run about $84.00

The knock off version on the right was created with glass vases. candles and leaves from The Dollar Tree for probably one tenth of the cost.

I like the the knock offs better.

I saw this great tulle wreath last year over at Between You and Me but she did us all a favor and reposted it again this year. I would love to make one in a Christmas version.

This great mantel from

Worthing Court

is full of great natural and inexpensive ideas you can incoporate into your own fall decor.

 

Not really Fallish but I just thought it was so pretty that I wanted to share it with you was this antique window project from 

Making It Homey.

A fabulous repurposed look and I think those colors just make it perfect.

Thanks to everyone that linked up last week and I hope you will consider doing so again.

 

Hollywood Regency Does Halloween

Halloween Glam and The Rest of the Story 

I'll put it out there and say I have never been big on Halloween decorations.

Maybe because so much of it is just so...morbid.

Blood, bats and death aren't things I like to be reminded of.

 I'd prefer to just decorate for Fall because Fall flair is warm and inviting and can be put out a bit earlier and stay up longer than Halloween bling.

So I had basically decided I was going to skip over the ghoulish stuff this year.

  Then I went to Pier 1 and saw a few things that inspired and ultimately caused  me to rethink my earlier buzz kill decision.

 

Lately I have been pulling together a Hollywood Regency meets mid-century vibe in our home.

Typical cutesy or garish Halloween accents were not going to fit into my vision -  for the most part I would have to create my own.

I started with the piano.

I already had the sheet music so all I needed was a mask.

Enter Target. They had several styles of white masks that are meant to be decorated. I just needed it to be white. It was a full mask so I cut it and shaped it up a bit and voila -

a Phantom of the Opera vignette.

Now I need a silver candelabra.

:)

A couple of years ago I introduced you to Carlotta.

She was this great mask that I had found at Pier 1.

I used her as Halloween door candy.

This year I decided to change it up a bit.

I thought about adding her to an antique oil portrait I have in the dining room but I didn't know how to attach her without damaging the painting.

So I did the next best thing.

I had an old frame that I wasn't using so I removed the cardboard backing and spray painted it silver. I reattached the backing to the frame and added a hook in the middle of the backing to hang Carlotta from.

If I didn't have plaster walls I would have just hung her inside an empty frame. Making nail holes in plaster though always seems to be a "whole thing" for me. The cardboard idea was easier.

 

 

 

I also took an old orange faux pumpkin and hit it with a coat of glossy black spray paint and set it up on a small cut glass vase so it would reflect in the top of the chest.

 
For several years I have wrapped my statue of Puck in a lighted garland of autumn leaves.

This year I did the same thing but after the Pier 1 pit stop I retreated from my "buy nothing new" mantra. They just had some amazing glitz. So I folded and bought this great vintage looking veiled hat that gives my statue that fabulous glam touch.

You never know. Maybe I will get invited to a party.

I will be a blingin' witch.

:)

I added another glam nod in the foyer.

This is my edited take on Halloween.

Just a simple black mask on a stack of white books.

Sometimes that is all you need.

In the kitchen I decided to fore-go the usual garland of faux Fall leaves and opted instead for a garland of green and amber beads that I typically wind through a centerpiece on the dining room table.

Cheers to mixing things up.

So as long as I was at it, I decided to pull out the rest of my Halloween stuff.

After going through what I had I have decided to get rid of a lot of it.

One tub for Halloween. That is my goal.

Most of the older pieces have a more humorous and whimsical vibe but I knew I could use them in the more casual rooms of the house. I would just use them in new or different ways.

 

- A runner folded over and tucked under the base of the clock. 

 

A pair of crows hanging around the bird cage.

I had to do two because of an old nursery rhyme that says,

"One is for sorrow. Two is for mirth"

I am highly superstitious.

:)

 

I always like to bring out my toast to Oz pieces. This time I popped a bit of color under them with some pink and orange striped placemats.

 

This look is just an old witch's hat,

shoes that I found at a consignment shop

 

and a snow globe from Hobby Lobby.

Instead of a photo, I inserted what I think of as the perfect Halloween quote.

The haunted house was relocated from its usual roost in the foyer to a window ledge here in the family room.

My no named witch made another appearance

 

and this side table took on a bit of Halloween spirit too.

 
So I hope it will all fit in one big tub.

^?^

Whatever, I need to call it done and move on.

I only have five weeks until The Traveling Door.

OMG. So not ready.

TaTa...

xoxo,

P

linking up my Halloween Nod here:

 

 

Linden Living Room Goes A Bit Hollywood

 

 

 

A little more than a year ago I began the update on my living room.

Can you believe it looked like this just thirteen months ago?

I started by taking the walls from a soft yellow to a pearl white and then I decided to have the ceiling painted a metallic copper. 

I replaced the fringed floral swags and jabots with clean lined luxe panels.

Except for the piano, everything was moved out for the painting.

The problem was, I didn't want to bring any of it back in.

Well, reality check. I would have to pace myself here.

I wasn't even sure what look I was going for. I just knew that somewhere between my mommy chauffeur years and early empty nester phase my tastes had changed.

My mid life crisis?

:)

The day we put our son on a plane to Japan I knew I wouldn't see him for a year. I needed a pick me up. So like any heartbroken mama, I went shopping. While I was looking at bar ware at Crate and Barrel I picked out a sofa.

I was still sad about James but it made me feel better about my life, at least for a little bit.

:)

This was a total 180 for me style wise but I was committed to change.

Over the past year or two I have found that although I am still a lover of the traditional style I am increasingly drawn to the flavor of mid-century modern and the glamorous looks of designers like Dorothy Draper.  

A transitional meets Hollywood Regency look if you will.

In the spring I took the plunge and sold the oriental style rugs that had been here and purchased this black and white retro vibe tweed.

It was like a Chanel jacket for my floor.

:)

Total love.

I found this great little accent table at the same time.

 

 

It was a start.

A few weeks later we added the cocktail table,

 and a mirrored chest.

(decorated ala Halloween)

 
 
I am still in need of lighting, art and accessories here.

Who knew decorating took so much time?

As for this chair, well I still like it but it isn't right in this space.

 


 

I may have it sold.

I see either a  pop of color or a black and white accent chair in its place.

I will know it when I see it.

In August the arm chairs I had been waiting for finally arrived.

My vision was coming together.

Then I found this fabulous table from Maitland-Smith.

The Pier 1 lamps were moved to another part of the house after I scored a pair of these from Joss and Main.

I found this shade at Tuesday Morning. It is helping me give a new look to an old floor lamp.

Now I'm looking ahead to what comes next.

These stone topiaries have flanked the fireplace since we moved in. I'm considering moving them into the dining room to make room for this iconic Hollywood Regency find from Live Like You.

 

Isn't he fabulous?

I die.

:0

He should be here later this month.

So this is where I am now a year later.

Quite a change. Don't you think?

 

 

 

My room is like a woman. She has her dress on but she still needs her shoes and jewelry.

Art, pillows and just a few significant and choice accessories.

A little Greek Key, a touch of quatrefoil, a fabulous mirror...

the joy is in the hunt.

xoxo,

P

I will be linking up my living room update here:

 

 

 

Motivated Monday October 3 - Flaunt Your Fall Flair

Welcome to the Flaunt Your Fall Flair Motivated Monday Linky Party.

Before we get started, though, I wanted to share with you these fun features from last week just in case you missed them.

From the oh-so-informative post from Carol Anne over at

Use the Good Dishes

that gives us the total 411 in this two part series of everything you never knew but should know about sheets. Whether you are just new to this whole setting up house thing or you have been doing it for decades, I guarantee you will learn something new here.

Want to learn how to make your own personalized ribbon for gifts?

Be sure and check out Carrie's post at

Project Possessed

 

 

If you have a printer the options are limitless.

 

There were several submissions featuring window treatments.

Sandi, over at 

Making It Homey

showed us her bedroom update with some embedded links to some of her other up dos in this space.

I love that she brought in a bit of color here.

Ashley from

Domestic Imperfection

also did a drapery update and you know I am a sucker for chevron.

How great is this look?

 

Switching it up a bit, I was amazed by all the thought and colorful creativity that went into this absolutely darling birthday party for a gorgeous little guy named Luke. Looking for colorful and fresh party and party decor ideas? Be sure and stop by to see all the fun with Christa at

Life With Luke

Then the post that just wowed me from the get go  was this great costume creation

idea with a detailed and easy to follow tutorial submitted by

Twin Dragonfly Designs

Seriously? This just made me laugh out loud.

If you own a smart phone or ipad you know all about

Angry Birds.

My husband plays this game like it is his job.

:)

This creative mom didn't stop here though.

Oh no, look at the whole line up.

This just cracked me up.

I remember how I would lay awake at night thinking up Halloween costumes for our kids. I thought it was so much cooler to make them than cop out and buy something from WalMart or Target. I would pat myself on the back and tell myself what a stellar mom I was. Then, it happened, just like it did with the birthday cakes, my kids BEGGED me for a costume from the store and not something I whipped up in my head late at night. So sad. Oh well, it was easier. 

Anyway, loved this. Loved them all.

Thanks to everyone that linked up last week.

This week I thought we would show off our fall flair here at Motivated Monday.