Becolorful

Motivated Monday July 30th

Thank you for stopping by this week's Motivated Monday here at 

BeColorful.

There is always an amazing variety to the types of post that I find linked up here. I read everything from recipes, to crafting and sewing projects to helpful hints and home updates.

This week, though, what really jumped off the pages were some pretty spectacular furniture makeovers.

I wanted to share some of them with you here.

If you are thinking about throwing out an old piece you might want to see what some of these amazing bloggers have done first.

I guarantee that you will be inspired.

First up was this Othello Game Table from

Sutton's Daze 

Now I have never even heard of this game. I will have to Google it but just look at the table. I adore the red and it has such a fun graphic design I think it would look fabulous almost anywhere.

 

Vixen Made 

shared her English Apple Green dresser.

What a show stopper this is.

I think a big statement of color like this can just totally transform a room from "nice" to extrordinary.

 

This stenciled dining table created by

Domestic Imperfection

emulates an Indian inlaid look.

Timeless and unique.

Some pieces weren't just painted but were totally repurposed like this dresser turned book case from

 Living a Redeemed Life

I always enjoy seeing "outside the box" projects and that blue just takes it to a whole new level of fun.

 

 

It wasn't all about furniture though.

I throughly enjoyed reading about this laundry room reveal submitted by

House to Your Home 

Love the colors and I'm crazy for that rug. Be sure and stop by her post to see her collection of globes that she uses to put her personal stamp on this space.

 

 

Next, this post from Transformations From the Heart is about her window box and painted window which is so eyecatching and cheerful but I loved the whole vignette and couldn't wait to share it here so all of you can be loving on it too.

For all the how-to's you can stop and see her here.

Isn't it just sooooooo pretty? Talk about great curb appeal!

 

Finally, some of you may wonder why I choose the features I do. First off, I am looking for creativity and good design. I also like a post and blog that is easy to read.

Small font or crazy colored fonts on dark backgrounds are annoying. Sorry. The other critical element in creating a blog that draws me in is great photography.

Your project may be wonderful but if the pictures are small, dark or out of focus I am much less likely to feature you that week.

That said, I thought this 

Homemade Photo Box

via

 Renewed Upon a Dream 

is not only something I am going to try and make but I hope some of you will check it out too.

Using inexpensive, almost free, supplies she shows us in her tutorial post how to take better photos of some of our smaller projects with this simple low budget idea.

 

She even gives us some examples of how well her pieces photograph now.

 

 The lighting and white background really showcase her project, making this a very photo worthy feature.

 

 

What I Love Today {Apple Care}

About five years ago I converted from a PC to a Mac and I never looked back.

For the family we have purchased multiple iMacs, laptops, iphones, iPads and a Nano. Everything with Apple Care.

We have never had a reason to use it except on one phone for customer support.

At times, I wondered if we really needed it.

Trust me, you should ALWAYS buy Apple Care because you never know when 

THIS will happen.

 

For me, it happened the night before I was leaving for NYC.

I was absolutely sick. I didn't know if I should cry or throw up.

It happened so fast and I wasn't doing anything all that crazy. 

Actually I had just unplugged it from the wall and had opened the cover to make sure it was fully charged. The next thing I knew one hand was holding onto one side of the case and the ipad and the other half had flipped over and landed on my night table.

Not a sexy story to tell at parties.

My first concern was "How much is THIS going to cost me"?

I raced down to my office and retrieved my paper work.

Fortunately we had purchased Apple Care and better yet, it covered accidental breakage.

Thank you God!

I was afraid I would be going into the city and I wouldn't be able to buy any shoes if I had to replace my tablet, but Apple Care had my back. I am SO glad we stepped up to the plate and bought that coverage. 

Instead of costing me hundreds of dollars I would only be out $49.00.

That seemed like a drop in the bucket compared to my initial fears.

 

I would also like to talk a bit about the case that I was using to protect my tablet. 

My first iPad was a the original model and I had it for a couple of years.

Just recently, though, I had upgraded to this new iPad.

Isn't that the way it goes?

At the same time I purchased my new iPad I bought this magnetic Smart Cover from Apple in pink to protect it.

I liked how it looked and I thought the way that it automatically turned off the tablet was rather cool but after owning it for awhile I found it rather annoying. It would come apart when I was reading in bed or when I was trying to share show somebody something on the screen.

I have subsequently learned that according to Square Trade an after market warranty company, that the new iPad is more likely to be scratched or shattered  than its predessors and not because the new iPad is thinner or the glass inferior but because of this so called Smart Cover whick is apparently not so smart.

The cover, which is magnetic and comes in two pieces, tends to break away when you are holding it. This is exactly what happened to me.

I would say to anyone contemplating this style to "Step AWAY from the Smart Cover, you will live to regret it".

Opt instead for a cover that firmly encases your tablet like one of these models.

 

 

 

They may not look as sleek and they may feel a bit bulkier but in the end it is all about protecting your investment...

and while you are at it

don't forget to purchase the Apple Care.

You never know when you might need it.

Apple Care, it's what I love today.

On Being A Grown Up {Finally}

I married a man's man because that is the kind of guy I like.

What I didn't realize is that his take- charge kind of personality permeates into every dimension of my life. For the most part I like it. I have probably embraced it but as I get older I realize that  in so many respects  I defer to him. It is easy to become complacent and lazy when somebody else is willing to do all the work. Don't misunderstand, I feel like an equal in my marriage but when it comes to the details like travel arrangements, which cell service carrier we should use, or refinancing the house, I let him take over.  Since we became empty- nesters, though, I am making a conscientious effort to become more involved in the day to day along with the bigger picture decisions.

From the small things like figuring out why the Tivo isn't working to the bigger issues such as a better understanding of our investments and someday retirement funds, I am striving to be more of a partner than a follower.

Just last week I went to New York City with a friend who is married to an incredible man's man too. Between the two of us we felt like a couple of 50 something rookies. It may be symptomatic of our generation. I guess I am a throw back to the Mad Men era (Betty not Peggy). I used to fly by myself a lot when I was in my twenties. After the kids came along we did everything as a family. Other than a few road trips with my daughter and flying with my mom and aunt last year, I really haven't traveled much without my spouse.

Well, my friend's husband had planned this trip as a gift. All we had to do was get to the airport, figure out how to get checked in, find our connecting flight, meet up with the driver and find our hotel. Easy enough for most people but if you haven't done it for years it is a bit intimidating.

It isn't like we haven't traveled before, we have, but usually, like sheep, we just follow our guys. This time we were on our own.Both of our men were out of the country and out of cell range. We were flying solo. Guess what? With a little help from her daughter we did it! and I have to say there is a real sense of accomplishment and independence that comes with trying something new and being successful at it. I felt like a real grown up.  Now I can't wait to go again.

:D

 

Here are just a few highlights from our girl time getaway.

The site of the 9-11 Memorial

 

 

The Memorial Museum scheduled to open in 2012.

 

One World Trade Center.

I love how it stands so proudly and defiantly above the museum and Memorial Pools as a confirmation of our united determination and spirit. 

God Bless the USA!

 

I'm glad we were able to see this, even though it was so unGodly hot.

The rest of the time we spent on more self-interest pastimes such as this amazing musical,

 

 

and some pretty stellar shoe sales.

:D

KR laying out our plan of attack for the next day's shopping circut.

Google Maps are great but sometimes there is nothing better than an old fashioned paper map for being able to visually grasp the layout of the land.

:D

Lunch at Bergdorf Goodman's where two salads and two glasses of wine will set you back about $100.00

Sadly, I would do it all again.

:D

The Express Elevator to the eighth floor of Saks which is the epitomy of

SHOE HEAVEN!

 

These were just a few of the lovelies that awaited us.

 

A pair of these followed me home in nude.

A splurge yes, but I do crazy things like that when I am traveling.

 

These Miu Miu wonders were stunning but really, I don't have anywhere to wear them so I sadly had to bid them adieu.

 

I had added some "hope to find" things to my NYC Shopping Pinterest board and I was able to score this carry everything 8th wonder of the the world at Century 21.

Thank you God.

:D

 

On the streets there is just so much eye candy.

My guy would have been all over this jewelry store 

 

 

 

and this necklace made me think of my mom.

 

My daughter would have obsessed over the window displays and design and branding elements.

I had to give kudos to Louis Vuitton for the most eye catching windows.

 

It was an incredibly fun week and I wish I could do it all over again.

We became pros at hailing a cab and the concept of charge ship. Not once did we get lost. 

Yay us!

Next time we said we would be sure and get to Soho but all in all we are just proud to say that we arrived, we saw, we shopped, and we did it all by ourselves.

Those guys may regret ever sending us on this trip because they may have created a couple of grown up, independent travel machines.

Thanks guys.

xoxo,

p

 

Motivated Monday July 23rd

Welcome to Motivated Monday.

Let me begin by saying that even though I didn't have time to comment on any of your blog posts this week I did stop by and visit each of you to get my weekly dose of inspiration and you sure didn't let me down.

 

So why didn't I have time to visit all of you?

I was in NYC!!!

 

Yes, I had a blast but more about that and this

 ( my broken iPad)

tomorrow. For now it is all about you and what you have been doing.

There were some incredible room updates and furniture makeovers along with some tempting recipes. I read about incredible party ideas and some delightful crafting projects. It is always difficult for me to narrow it down to just a few highlights but these were a couple I thought were notable or unique enough that they needed to be shared.

First out of the gate was this remarkable room update

via

Life On Walnut Street

I enjoyed reading about her frugal decorating philosophy and I know you will too.

Under the food catagory I was intrigued by this 

Chicken Broccoli Ring

shared by

Happiest Mom on the Blog

Isn't that pretty?  It is too hot to crank up the oven right now but I am definitely saving this for cooler times ahead. 

The same thing goes for this tempting Tilapia recipe linked up by

Good Girl Gone Wife

I am always looking for simple and fast meal solutions with ingredients that I typically have on hand.

This recipe calls for these basic staples.

This I think I can handle.

There were also the clever and crafty creations like this particularily pretty dryer sheet mirror

via

Petite Passions

Great photography and I love that color.

I'm inspired.

I also liked this back to basics idea from

Mercy (ink)

for creating your own DIY antique blue mason jars.

Not to be missed was this delightfully fun suggestion for a teacher gift 

from

New Family On the Block

This whimsically decorated

Teacher Survival Kit

 is stocked with everything from 

wetwipes and push pins to hand sanitizer and rubberbands.

Finally, a teacher gift that a teacher could actually use.

When it came to artfully painted furniture I thought this table from

Simple Home Life

and this  Craig's List dresser

via

My Passion for Decor

exemplified what can be done with a bit of paint and some creative thought.

Nicely done everyone.

Adding A Little Glass To The Living Room

 

This is a more recent picture of our living room. 

Notice that aborted table over there on the left with a lamp on it?

Yes, it looks like this.

It was practically a freebie but it wasn't right.

It was undersized and unremarkable.

Even now it is still a bit underwhelming but I decided to add a piece of glass to it for a temporary fix.

Did I mention I'm going to NYC soon with a friend?

All I can say is a girl has to have some money left for shoes and handbags.

:D

So I had a couple of coupons from Pier 1 and opted to put them to good use.

This 30" beveled glass topper sells for $40.00 but with my $30.00 in coupons and rewards it only cost me one Alexander Hamilton plus tax.

I am looking for just the right tchotchke to put here.

All in good time.

While I was tweaking I decided to set out these glamorous glass plates that one of my besties gave me for my birthday.

She had my living room in mind when she bought them.

It's so nice to have friends with taste.

:D

xoxo,

P

Motivated Monday July 16th

 

BeColorful is where we come together to share our accomplishments, creations, and ideas. Think of Motivated Mondays as a shortcut to keeping up with all that is fun and new out here. Just this week 

Cranky Puppy Farm

( don't be too quick to judge, you need to read her profile to understand the name)

shared these great FREE printable labels with us.

Aren't they pretty?

Be sure and stop by her blog for a whole array of styles.

 

Every once in awhile there is a jewelry making post that grabs my attention. This fabric wrapped choker

via

 Jewelry Making Journal

looked simple enough for the most novice of us but had a stylish and out of the ordinary look that I thought should be showcased.

 

BeColorful's Motivated Monday wouldn't be what it is without a painted furniture nod and I thought this barnyard red boy's dresser shared by 

living a redeemed life

was spectacular.

 That distressed but brilliant red is perfect for this piece and love it with that hardware.

 

Sometimes  I think it was some misalignment of the stars that I somehow ended up living in the Midwest and that I really was supposed to be a Texas girl. I have to admit I was a bit envious when I saw this stenciled sign that was shared by

Domestic Imperfections.

 

The stenciling is perfect on this piece. It kind of makes me think of the patterns in a bandana. I think this is so fun but somehow I think a Texas sign up here in my flyover state would look a bit out of place. Even if I did make one that said Iowa it just somehow loses something in the translation. You know what I mean? It wouldn't be even fractionally as cool. :D

 Then there were the room make overs. Thank you readers for keeping me inspired. Mike and I have lived in our home for nearly fifteen years. We really needed new carpet when we moved in but after a laundry list of other improvements we decided it would have to wait. I'm still waiting. Somehow second floor bedrooms can get over looked but I know it is time to do something. When I saw what

Savannah Granny

did with hers I was duly impressed. 

You need to stop by and read her post to appreciate where she started from and how long it took her.  I love the idea of sconces above the night tables.

Thanks Savannah for giving me a bit of a kick in the design pants.

 

Another jaw dropping room make over was this bold and budget friendly boy's room

via

The Crowned Casa

With a bit of ingenuity and some purchases from K Mart and Hobby Lobby Mishebe was able to pull together this fun and magnificently cohesive look. The packing straps that she added to the valance and that dog print are among my favorite elements here... well that and the colors. Love it.

 

Perhaps you are looking for an inexpensive idea for a gift or needing a bit of knick knack inspiration. If so, then be sure and stop by

Bijana Shabby

Just look at what she did with a bit of paint, decoupage, and a couple of embellishments.

Here is the box before -

and here is what it looks like today.

Gorgeously romantic.

 

 When it came to organizational ideas I was thrilled to see this one from

Joy's Jots Shots and Whatnots

I've been buying a lot of hats lately. Seems like everyone else is wearing them too, so when I saw this idea using an old shutter door I knew it needed to be shared.

So now all I need are some shutters and a place to put them.

:D

 

Finally, if you have an old chair or stool or ottoman that you are thinking about tossing, well don't. You need to visit

Mollie's Mom

first and see her recovered stool that she did using $2.00 fabric.

 

Love it.

 

What I Love Today { My Dream Bedroom)

Sometimes when I am looking for an idea for a blog post I hit my Pinterest boards. Today was one of those days. When this image jumped out at me I knew it had to be my feature for

What I Love Today

and what I love today is this bedroom. We have lived in our home for fourteen years and somehow have never really addressed the bedroom other than a new layer of wallpaper. There always seem to be bigger or more pressing needs. Besides, who sees it anyway? Well, we do. I don't mean to be boastful but in less than a year we will have finally paid off our mortgage. I know, I'm lucky but it has meant sacrificing a bit along with a dose of discipline. That said, I am already starting to think of where I will put some of that extra cash when the time comes and our bedroom is right up there towards the top of the list.

This will be my inspiration jumping off point.

Gianetti Home

 

Our bedroom is dark. Painting it white would not make it seem any brighter so I am going to embrace its shaded secluded vibe. A color like this, maybe a shade lighter, would work for me. I love the double mirrors. I especially like those mirrors. I also relish the idea that the one on the left is above a mirrored chest to reflect more light and bring a bit of glam into the room. The graphic rug inspires me and the mixing of patterns and the pops of black and white make me giddy. An upholstered bed is a definite must. To change it up I will have to have a fan where that beautiful chandelier is. What can I say. I'm at that point in my life. :D  I might hang crystal pendants in front of those mirrors though. That would free up some space on the night tables and be a bit out of the ordinary, not to mention dialing up the sparkle.

So this inspirational bedroom design is

What I Love Today.

xoxo,

P

 

Spray Paint Those Faux Greens!

 

I remember watching a design show about five years ago where they were discussing the top decorating "misses"  and right up there at the top was using faux or fake flowers. It was news to me that this is a major faux pas. Now I'm not sure that I always agree with that. There are some really beautiful and hard to believe they aren't real artificial flowers out there and I think if they make you happy then go ahead and rock that fake look. I know I do.

This piece is still in our breezeway. I just love how it has been consistently in bloom for five years despite my brown thumb.

 

Sometimes I like to embrace the faux and add something to the space that is so obnoxiously fake that it is kind of an, " I know I'm fake, what of it" kind of attitude - like these oversized numbers that usually hang out in my studio.

 

 

Then there are times where I am on the fence. I wanted an organic element but I was going for subtle so I bought these dried green stems last year at Target and added them along with some of those lighted branches ( those are probably totally kitsch too - that will be another post) to a vase I had spray painted white. I can't believe I forgot to take my before picture. I guess I thought with all of the photos I had of our family room that I surely had a photo of this arrangement. You can see them in from afar in that top image but sadly, this underwhelming photo is the best I could come with of them up close before my paint job. I was focusing on the table but hopefully this gives you an idea of where I started.

When I was at Ikea last month I bought some reeds that had been painted black and white and that gave me an idea. These dried grass things were looking a bit too dried now and they had faded over time. So what's a girl to do to save them? Why spray paint them of course. So that is exactly what I did.

What? They don't have bright pink grasses where you live?

That's what I mean about embracing the faux.

I also moved them over to the other side of the room.

I move things around a lot.

Pictures make it very clear to me if a project is finished or not. This one wasn't quite right so I added a few more of those striped reed to help fill in the lower part of this arrangement. So I tweaked it a bit more. I would have shared another picture with you but it is raining and I am so glad it is raining here today that I won't complain that I couldn't get a good picture without my flash.

Now I'm thinking that plain white vase is needing a bit of an uplift. Don't you agree?

xoxo,

p

Motivated Monday July 9th

Welcome to another week of inspiring creativity here on BeColorful.

This could easily become your once a week source for ingenuity, originality and clever fresh imaginative ideas. The projects linked up here are just that good!

Like this boss and beautiful 

Parcheesi inspired dresser via

Leone Design

Who wouldn't love it? The colors, the classic clean graphic design?

This is totally major.

Thanks Martha for sharing your artistry.

 

I also got a kick out of this vivid green and glazed creation shared by

Let's Get Crafty

Using a Rustoleum paint and glaze kit she was able to achieve this stunning result.

 

I wasn't even aware that Rustoleum made a paint kit. So glad she shared this so that now we all know and can give it a whirl.

Switching gears, I thought these 

Star Tortilla Chips from

Make the Best of Everything

were a fun and festive look. To be sure they would have been great on the 4th of July but I think they could work for birthdays, Christmas or New Year's too.

 

 

You will also want to stop by

Whimsi-kel

for some ingenius summer patio party hints.

 She includes a plethora of ideas - everything from easily cooking corn in a cooler (who would have thought)

to slicing instead of scooping ice cream.

Seriously, if there is any thought of summer entertaining in your future this is a post you will not want to miss.

 Then there was this resourceful

old window upcycled project

via

Green PB & J's

A wonderful vintage vibe with a modern twist.

The perfect combo.

Book Review - Gone Girl

 

Gone Girl  by Gillian Flynn, is one of the two books I just finished reading and it's a book that my poor friends and family have had to listen to me go on and on about for two weeks now. Sometimes a book is just that gripping that you can't resist talking about it to anyone who will listen. For me, this was one of those books.

I don't read a lot of suspense novels but when I was perusing titles for my next read, it was the description for this book that really jumped out and intrigued me.

It is the story of Nick and Amy, a young married couple from two very different backgrounds. He is a working class transplant from a small town in Missouri and she is the daughter of two successful New York psychologist/authors and  the inspiration for their series of children's books entitled Amazing Amy.

The couple meet and marry as they are both working in New York but the downward spiraling economy and the declining health of Nick's parents cause them to relocate to Missouri.

The book begins on the morning of Nick and Amy's five year anniversary when she suddenly turns up missing. As is so often the case in these real life dramas, it is the husband that is the focus of suspicion or the "person of interest" 

The story is told in a first person narrative but from two alternating perspectives; Nick's voice and then Amy's diary. 

I found this whodunnit story to be a current and smart read.  There were elements that were predictable but there were also times that I found myself doubting my own conclusions. It makes me wonder if what I have heard about real life cases similiar to this has been presented  with such a degree of bias or sensationalism that I have been duped into believing that an innocent person is guilty or a guilty person innocent. Indeed, life can sometimes be ambiguous and like life the ending to this book was rather frustrating. Then again, the ending was  perhaps just an astute intellectual twist.

The main characters in the book are complex. As the story progressed I found my sympathies vacillating between Nick and Amy, as neither character is totally likable or entirely contemptible. I always think that is a necessary element in a well written book. The ancillary characters were more static but I found it compelling when their loyalties to Nick and their trust in him were tested and ultimately waivered.

This is not the first book by this author. Her other two books , Dark Places and Sharp Objects have also received abundant accolades, So I think I may need to add those titles to my "must read" list also.

As for Gone Girl, I truly doubt you will be disappointed if you decide to add this one to your own summer reading pile.

xoxo,

p

Motivated Monday July 2nd

Welcome to Motivated Monday July (can you believe it) July? 2nd.

I'm so glad you stopped by.

There were some absolutely incredible ideas linked up here last week and I can't wait to share a few  okay, loads of them with you today.

Seriously, Motivated Monday could be your once a week, one stop idea destination spot.

The projects here just keep getting better and better!

Right out of the blocks there was this oh-so-inspiring and motivating picture wall grouping from

Project Possessed

 I adore the whole idea but I especially like the diver elements. Such a fun look. She even offers us a tutorial so be sure and stop by her blog for all of the details.

Another great home project that is so very "pin worthy" was this chalkboard painted stairs idea from

Dream Home DIY

Hmmmm. Where could I do this?

:D

From there I discovered myself suffering from major chair envy after reading about

the glamorous upholstery makeover at

551 East 

Hollywood Regency Purr-fection.

Not sure I would tackle this myself but the design idea is etched on my brain for the next time I am furniture shopping. Just her inspiration gets me half way there!

:D

 For all of you jewelry makers and/or Anthropologie fans out there this post from

Khadjia's Creative Mind 

is a must read.

I love that she lives in Pakistan and is familiar with Anthropologie.

:D

I never would have guessed. Shame on me.

It really is a small world isn't it?

You will see how she was motivated by the inspiration piece to create her own for a miniscule fraction of the price. She offers us a very easy to follow and genius tutorial.

I'm thinking a trip to Michael's is in my future. 

:D

Another great Anthro knock off came from

Transformations From the Heart

Inspired by this -

but not willing to fork over the 980 dollars, she resourcefully created her own.

Definitely Motivated Monday material.

:D

You know I can't resist the painted furniture posts. Hey, it's what I do lol, but this technique from

Generation to Generation

 

was something new for me and may be one of the coolest out of the box things I've seen in quite a while.

It is an old photo that has been enlarged and adhered to a dresser!

 I know people will be pinning this baby left and right.

 

Since Independence Day is this week I can't end without adding a couple nods to the 4th of July.

I

I'm a bit shocked that it is already here. So if you are like me and are looking for an inexpensive and last minute patriotic project that you could do while watching TV then you should stop by 

 

Simply Staci

for some 4th of July inspiration.

With some recycled wood, nails and yarn she created her version of Old Glory.

Way to rock the red, white and blue Staci!

 Another easy and time thrifty idea that I am contemplating are these patriotic military frames over at

Love and Laundry 

Using store plain store bought frames and patriotic rub- ons, she created something that would make a wonderful gift or a terrific memorable tribute to someone who had served our country.

Thanks Shatzi and Happy Birthday America!