Becolorful

Motivated Monday November 18th

 

Welcome to this week's Motivated Monday here at BeColorful.

With our remodeling project in high gear and real life priorities my blogging has taken a back seat and I will have to say it felt good to take a break. When it stops being fun is when I will move on but for now I still enjoy it and  it has been fun for me to get your feedback as we move forward with our bedroom and bathroom projects.

This week I ordered the hardware for the master bath. I chose these pieces from Top Knobs because I felt they had enough detail to make them blend with the more traditional elements of our home but that their clean lines and simple design also gave them a bit of a contemporary edge.

 

 

 

The trim carpenter completed the crown moldings and began hanging the closet doors that will hopefully end up looking something like these.

 

 

He also began laying out the trim molding for the bedroom ceiling. This is one of those details that I wish I had been a bit clearer about in my own head and how I communicated it to our contractor. Instead we spoke in generalities with me saying I wanted a  smaller molding on the ceiling that was about fifteen inches out from the wall and maybe we would add some angles on the corners.

I think I would have liked something like this...

 

or this ...

 

 

but the molding they delivered doesn't have a curved element like this so in the interest of not delaying this project any further we will just have to do 45 degree angle cuts for interest on the corners. It is impossible to stay on top of everything and in the scheme of things this is a small hiccup.

 

 

Day Eighty Five and a Motivated Monday

 

We are making progress, albeit slow progress towards completing our master bedroom and bath remodel.

We have been torn up since the 17th of August.  That makes this day eighty five. Not that I'm counting.

I do have to say, though, that I really like the tile we chose for the bathroom.

These are eighteen inch squares on the floor. This will be the vanity area of the bathroom.

 

In the water closet and shower area we also added tile to the walls.

 

 

 

 

They aren't quite done in here yet. Apparently we need to have the trim team come back to finish the trim work before the tile can be completed. The trim guys are waiting for the granite people to put down the thresholds in the door ways. The granite guys were waiting for the base cabinets to be set.... I could go on and on.

:D

This old window is still here.

 

This is an earlier picture. The leaves have now changed colors and have started to fall from the trees but the window is still here. I knew they were waiting for it to get colder. LOL

 

The base cabinets did go in this week so they could create a template for the counter tops but now one will have to come back out so the radiator can be put back in place. One step forward and two steps back. Remodeling is such bliss. :D

The wood floors were also refinished this week but I haven't been able to get in there yet to take a photo. It will need to be covered up again tomorrow so the trim carpenters can come back in but hopefully I will be able to take a quick photo before that happens.

 

 

 

 

Last Minute Motivated Monday Halloween Creations

Our home is scary enough these days without adding a single cobweb or pumpkin. Fortunately I was able to get away for a few mental health days this past week and while I was gone they did get the drywall up. Look, I have walls!

It feels so strange to let this Halloween pass unacknowledged here at home but I have been able to get my decorating fix via my walks through Brucemore, this amazing estate in our neighborhood that was gifted to the National Trust for Historical Preservation. It is such a beautiful place to walk through. I like to think of it as Cedar Rapid's Central Park. :D

This month they featured a spectacular Scarecrow Invasion. While walking the grounds recently I took some photos with my iphone of some of my favorites. I thought it would be fun to share them with you, my readers. 

 

I love that the creators of these delightful fall icons had such a fresh approach to an age old tradition. Each scarecrow is a work of art and a thrill to see.

Speaking of art, my favorite didn't win but it was an interpretation of Vincent VanGogh.

 

I loved his canvas and oversized ear.

:D

Enjoy these seasonal delights and then scroll down further for highlights from last week's Motivated Monday event and link up your own motivating post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If that wasn't enough motivation for you this week then check out these inspiring ideas from last week's Motivated Monday...

You still have time to make a cake like this one via

Say It With Cake

 

or pull together these easy decorated pumpkins using faux pumpkins and ribbon. Washi tape would also work easily here.

 

 

Gluten Free With Judee

 

To cap off your week you will want to try this sassy seasonal adult drink 

from

Big Giant Food Basket

 

 

 

Motivated Monday October 7th 2013

    It was a busy week for me.

This time last week we had just arrived in Chicago. We ate a quick bite downstairs in our hotel and had an honorary blue drink to psych up for the final episode of 

Breaking Bad.

I

I was able to get in more than a bit of shopping during our stay so I looked at bedding,

I ended up mixing elements from a couple different collections from this same company so I don't have a picture of my final choices but hopefully I will have them on our new bed before the end of the year.

:D

I was ready for a new fragrance so I spent quite a bit of time trying some new scents. 

 

I eventually chose this one and I love love love the body cream.

 

Of course I also had to spend a fair amount of time in the shoe departments.

I'm thrilled to say I didn't come home empty handed.

There is a phrase that says something like,

Behind every successful man is a woman who makes it necessary.

I am one of those women.

:D

 

It was nice to escape the chaos of my life here at home even for just a few days. There was progress here this week even though it doesn't look much different.

So while my projects are being shelved I still enjoy seeing what you have been up to.

 

Did you see this oh-so-easy and healthy snack via

 

Adventures of Our Fami-Ly

?

I am definitely going to give this a try. Hopefully these apple chips will work out better for me than the Kale Chips I tried to make last winter.

Or did you see how

Biljana Shabby

took this vintage piece from interesting to extraordinary?

Here's a sneak peek of her final look.

To see the entire piece stop in and see her 

here.

Motivated Monday September 16th and A View From A Remodel

 

Welcome to Motivated Monday at BeColorful.

Thank you to everyone that shared their projects here last week.

They were all so inspiring but what would motivate me right now is an organized house.

If you are a regular here at BeColorful then you know that we are currently updating the guest bath and our master bedroom and bath. It will be such a fantastic improvement when we are done but we are in the throws of the chaos right now.

I took a few pictures to document our progress and to remind me the next time we think about taking on a big project.

:D

 

Bedroom furniture SOLD and out of here - check.

 

Can you believe how nasty that carpet is? We were going to replace it fifteen years ago when we moved in but there were too many other projects and not enough money.

 

 

Now, the big problem is where to put everything that is left so it is out of the way of the framers, plumbers, electricians and plumbers that are continually filing through.

It is piled up in Liz's room,

 

down the upstairs hallway,

 

 

and what remains of the overflow has been dumped all the way up on the boy's floor.

 

 

 Daunting isn't it?

I will have to say though, that while I was carrying things up here to temporarily store them during our renovation, I was able to pull together an entire car load of clothes, bedding, and books to take to the Goodwill. Purging feels so exhilarating!

 

So even though our home looks like a major dumping ground right now I just keep reminding myself of how fabulous it is all going to be when it is finished.  I am sure I will wonder why we waited this long to take this project on. Oh yeah, that little thing called cash flow. 

:D

Even as my surroundings are total chaos I am still able, though, to be motivated by what is going on in your world.

I often am so amazed after reading your posts and I wonder, "How did she ever think to do that"? For example, how cool is this bar stool turned night table? I have one of these bar stools in the basement. I'm thinking it would be perfect in the boy's bathroom to hold a kleenex box, toilet articles or a stack of washcloths.

Like A Saturday

 

 

 

I am also thinking fall and even though I just finished up our front door decor for this season, I will be pinning this one from 

Made In A Day

for the future.

 

I also was captivated by this earring storage idea

via

Home 4 Sweet Home

 

What did she use? A baking rack! Genius.

 

 

Decor, painted furniture and organizational posts always grab my attention. Because I am not much of a cook it takes a pretty tempting recipe to suck me in, but this week I must have been hungry because these two caught my eye right away.

 Food Corner

shared a

Fried Bee Hoon.

I had never heard of such a thing but after reading her post I know this is something I would like to try.

 

 While

The Big Giant Food Basket

had me from the start with this delectable image of her 

Elegant and Easy Four Layer Carrot Cake

 

This is sooooo not on my healthy living plan but every once in awhile a girl needs to break the rules.

:D

For now though, I'm thinking that this tequila drink from

 

Pink Recipe Box

would be a well deserved diversion from all the remodeling, shuffling, and mess.

This

Raspberry Tequila Sparkler has my name all over it.

Just a reminder. I'd love it if you would take a moment and visit my new fashion blog. You can find me here. I'd love to have you follow me there if you are interested in what is trending and how to best make the looks work for you.

Motivated Monday September 2nd

 

Welcome to Motivated Monday here at BeColorful.

I'm a bit late with my post this week because of the Labor Day weekend.

I love Labor Day when we can get together with the kids and this year we had a great time up in Galena with two of our three kids and a terrific son-in-law. There was a lot of golfing and shopping. The girls went for facials and we all made time for a football game, and Breaking Bad. Then there was the food. Lots of food.

:D

I love being inspired by all that my favorite peeps are doing. My daughter and I did a bit of furniture shopping and I always relish her input. I am anxious to finally make some decisions on our new bedroom furniture and I really appreciated her taking the time to listen to my ideas and offer some of her own great suggestions for our space.

So when I finally got back home tonight and started reading your posts looking for features for this week's Motivated Monday I was surprised to see that our own Liz had linked up a just completed project of her own.

Yes, I am a proud mama but I have to say that even if she wasn't my daughter that I would have featured her DIY lower level renovation because it is just that spectacular.

 

The bar area as you enter the movie room.

Life In Yellow

 

The sparkling chartreuse bathroom. I LOVE this color, especially when it is paired with the navy and the industrial touches.

Life In Yellow

This is just a sampling. To see the entire project you will need to stop by and see her here.

 

But enough of the nepotism right?

:D

Moving on to the non family features...

I love love loved this bookcase and I know you will too so make some time to stop by and see this fabulous Ikea Hack bookcase project.Great colors. Wonderful photography.

A Little of This A Little of That

I love these overlays and I have been saying that I am going to try this. In fact, I think I have been saying that for over a year. Now that I see how well her project turned out I am moving this idea to the top of my to do list.

 

I also loved this personalized ceiling fan idea. I don't have anybody young enough for this  sweet look but the same concept could be done with any type of pattern to create a unique look for any room.

Happiest Mom On the Blog

 

and you will never guess what she used to cover those fan blades... gift wrap! For all the how-to's you can visit her blog for an easy to follow tutorial.

Motivated Monday August 26th

Cheers to a wonderful summer break and the last Motivated Monday of August.

 

And to get this link party started check out this grown up lemonade drink

from

The Big Giant Food Basket

 

 

Perfect for one of these last hot summer nights before the back-to-school routines begin.

 

If you are looking for a great way to kick off the new school year then look no further for a  thoughtful, easy to make, and budget friendly teacher gift

via

 

The Moody Fashionista

 

stop by and visit her blog to see what kinds of fun and functional goodies she put inside.

 

Or, how about this back to school inspired printable wall art shared by

Signs By Andrea

 

Thanks Andrea.

 

Then, after the kiddos are away at school you might want to consider updating one of their rooms with some of these Explorer Themed images shared by

Queen B Creative Me

 

 

 

 

 

 

She has a whole collection of pics for us to look at if we stop by her blog.

I can't wait to see where she takes her inspiration.

Motivated Monday August 19th

Tomorrow is Day 1 of our remodeling project.

Actually, this is Day 1 or our fourth round of remodeling here at our Linden home.

We've lived here for fifteen years but it is a big old cavernous house and we are just now really addressing some of these long neglected rooms in this old house.

This time around we are launching into the Jack and Jill bath and then, after that is done, we will move on to the master bed and bath. I spent today pulling out everything that wasn't attached in this bathroom. It looks so naked now.

Unlike some of our earlier projects,where we did most of the work ourselves, this one will be a turn key operation.

There are some real advantages to growing older and handing this off to someone else is one of them.

Our target completion date is October 31st

but I'm not planning on hosting Thanksgiving here just yet.

It's not that I'm a doubter but hey, I've been down this road before.

:D

Add 25% to the expected budget and six weeks to the time line. That has been our experience.

The biggest change here in the Jack and Jill bath will be new tile.

When we bought this home in 1997 the tile in this room was predominately white but they ruined what would have been a great classic look by  scattering in a few country blue squares and a tile border on the floor. I couldn't live with it but I couldn't afford to get rid of it either so what is a  determined DIY girl to do? 

Paint the tile of course!

Although this got me through about five years before I had to repaint it, this isn't a permanent solution that I would recommend.

It might work well on tiled walls but floors get wet and need to be cleaned. They take a lot more abuse. As a result, the paint begins to wear, flake, and peel.

I repainted it about seven years ago and it hasn't had as much use in the last three or four years or it would look even worse. It may be hard to see here in the photo, but trust me, this is a tile who's time has passed.

The other changes in this bath will involve some new plumbing.

Now I'm not sure who or what they were thinking when they installed the shower head here but if you will notice it is on the WRONG wall.

We've already removed the nozzle but you can see what I'm talking about.

So after living with it for fifteen years, this is something we are FINALLY going to make right.

I will keep the built ins and the custom base cabinet.

I'm hoping a fresh coat of paint is all they really need. I'd rather spend the money in the master bath.

I'm also going to stay with the existing Corian counter top. 

The faucet, though, is another thing that will have to go.

This is my inspiration photo for this room.

I found this very tile for the floor but it was $16.00 per square foot over my budget so I've had to adjust my sites a bit already. Still, I think that the end result will be pretty similar to my vision.

So, enough about my Monday Motivation this is YOUR event and this is what YOU have been up to this past week.

And, in typical fashion you have been creative and resourceful,

I am never disappointed.

On the contrary, this week as I perused your posts I found these stunners to share.

To begin,

I am totally crushing on this 

Catalina Mist

painted cocktail table shared by

Like A Saturday

 

Oh for swoon.

Ten years ago I never would have been drawn to this but now I am all over it and I am, right this minute, cruising the house and looking to find something I can also paint up in this head- turning shade.

 

Then,

how great is this sport bag created by

J Embellish

using a favorite recycled t-shirt?

 

I love the phrasing. Perfect for this project.

 

Here is an easy idea from

A Spoonful of Crafts

A set of rustic napkin rings ...

 

and here's a snap shot of all you will need to make some of your own.

 

:D

Very clever.

When it comes to organizing, I am a total dork but I am not alone.

My Love For Words

apparently shares my orderly obsession.

Check out her tips for 

Kitchen Organization

 

She is even organized about HOW she organizes!

Motivated Monday August 12th

So glad you are here but first a shamless plug for my new blog highlighting fashion and fitness ideas.  I hope you will visit and opt to follow me over at A 50ish Life

 

Be inspired by Trending Tuesday ( some of the new trends for fall)

Friday Faves (favorite look of the week)

and

Weekend Style ( dressy and casual weekend looks to copy)

But for now welcome to another Motivated Monday.

 

It's been another creative week here at BeColorful.

I love love love the projects this week.

Right out of the gates is this OMG over-the-top comic designed table via

The Decorative Paint Brush

I have been following her blog, her pinterest boards and facebook page for a couple of years now. I am a Decorative Paint Brush groupie. 

:D

I was so glad she linked up this project this week so I could feature her and you can see why I am such a fan.

 

 

 

 

Too Much Time On My Hands

is another of my favorite blogs to follow.

She does a weekly post called Main Ingredient Monday. I love them.

This week the main ingredient was lampshades. In fact she offers up twenty lampshade revamps to inspire us.  There are shades covered in silverware, rope, and straws but I thought this one turned out especially well.

Again, for all the "how-to's" you can read about it here.

 

How about this creative frame redo using an old frame, chicken wire, and some chalkboard paint

 

via

Shabby Gals

It is fun for corralling photos but I might use it for jewelry too.

Finally, there was this

Memory Quilt

shared by 

Queen B - Creative Me

I know what it is like to slowly lose a dad so this post spoke to me on multiple levels.

Creative B, Bronwyn, lost her dad two years ago.  While he was alive he had a penchant for plaid button down shirts. So recently she decided to create this quilt using a number of her dad's favorite shirts.

 

What a great way to remember him. It must feel so good and be comforting to wrap up in these cherished memories.

 

 

Motivated Monday July 15th

 

 

Well, I am back from NYC a little poorer but with some fun new acquisitions added into my closet. I totally fell for these retro J Brand Jeans.

 

 

It's like channeling my inner Rachel Zoe.

They so take me back. I heard Cher's Tramps and Thieves in my head when I tried them on.

:D

I also scored some great sale shoes,

 

 

 

and  then a dream shoe too.

 

As I told a friend, "Hey, I'm old enough now. It's my time"

:D

 

I discovered things I never knew existed and now I seem to think I need. I cross off one item from my coveting list and add three more.

I'm hopeless.

 

 

 

 

We saw a play, visited Soho, and ate some amazing meals.

I loved it all but it was also great to come home.

 

 

Meanwhile, while I was shopping, you were busy creating and motivating.

 

Did everyone see these adorable shopping bags designed and shared by

 

Tarnished Silver ?

 

I especially like the Piggy went to market bag.

:D

 

 

Moms and Munchkins

 

shared some great change ups for the proverbial hot-dog.

I'm especially intrigued by the Greek version.

 

 

Then

Madtown Macs

inspired us all with this fun idea and tutorial for some summer door candy.

 

So original.

Motivated Monday July 8th

 

 

Welcome to Motivated Monday here at BeColorful.

 

This will be a busy week for me. I am heading to NYC with a friend for a few days of shopping and theatre. Girlfriends and shopping, one of my favorite combos.

:D

 

When I get back I am anxious to show you some of the updates we have been making here at home.

 

In the meantime, let me imotivate you with some of the awe inspiring projects shared by you, my dear readers.

First up, be sure and stop by

 

DIY Kinda Girl

 

and see all of her pinterest worthy images and projects from a backyard wedding open house. For starters, how about this cool chevron wrapped votive. This week is the overview but you will want to stop back and see her posts as she takes you through each project.

 

 

Next up was this cheerful and sassy tote

via

Happy In Red

 

She has shared a number of these totes with us but I loved the fabric and how she styled the top of the bag to work so well with the lines of the print. Gorgeous greens too.

 

 

 

True confessions. I got a C in sewing class when I was in middle school. So these step by step tutorials for very very very simple sewing projects that are part of a series from 

 

Joy's Jots and Shots

 

are totally what I need. 

Just look at this image. A perfect example of how she makes each step so clear and concise without making the non sewer, in this case me, feel inept.

 

 

Finally there was this fun post shared by

Tarnished Silver

 

She loads us up with some inspiring ideas of what can be created with paint chips. Some are images she has collected from across the internet but then shares her own project.

 

 

So fun.

 

 

Motivated Monday June 24th

 

Welcome to yet another Motivated Monday here on BeColorful.

I so look forward to seeing what you have been up to and this past week there were some really exciting projects and links.

These were a few that should not be missed.

From

 

The Colorful Bee

there was this delightful half moon table. Don't be intimidated by how great hers looks. Think you can't create one of your own? If you can pick out a stencil you could do this. I love her color and pattern choice don't you?

Color me inspired.

 

The Thrifty Rebel

came up with this whimsical pillow idea and what did she use? A beach towel.

How fun is that? I'm thinking this would be an awesome way to remember a tropical trip.

 

She Who Doodles

really does doodle. She even doodled her shoes. Why not? They look amazing.

Finally, there was this detox/weight loss post via

Gluten Free A-Z

She shares with us a simple drink you can make inexpensively with things you surely have on hand. Does it work? She seems to think so. I'm going to give it a whirl because it is all things I like and I could probably use a bit of detoxing.

:D

Motivated Monday June 17th

 

Thank you to everyone who linked up to Motivated Monday two weeks ago. I was a blogging disappointment last week and didn't get the link party posted. 

So sorry.

Anyway, these were some of the more popular links from the last event.

First up was this girly, pretty, and pink

Princess and A Frog cocktail 

via

Pink Recipe Box

Perfect for summer.

This DIY lampshade 

from

French Happy Nest

is so edgy and cool. Stop by her blog for all of the how-to's.

 

Third was this great denim quilt made from old jeans

linked up by

I Quilt For Fun

It so reminds me of a Piet Mondrian painting.

Very impressive!

 

 

Motivated Monday June 3rd

 

It's that time again.

Where did this week go?

I had hoped to show you some of my Traveling Door creations,

but somehow never have gotten around to that yet. Hopefully this week.

 

Besides, there is already ample inspiration here.

For starters you might remember that I featured this same blog, Glass Slipper Restorations, last week when I showcased her porch remodel but this week I wanted to feature her bathroom overhaul.

Check out these painted floors! Aren't they incredible?

 

To see more be sure and stop by

Glass Slipper Restorations

 

Also not to be missed was this Super Hero Birthday Party submitted by

 

A Little of This A Little of That

 

which is chock full of fun ideas if you are looking for a fun and memorable party theme for that certain young someone in your life.

There are buildings to be knocked down

 

clever snack ideas

and even a dynamite Super Hero photo booth! 

 

 

She also linked up her daughter's bedroom here. It was too fabulous not to share this with you also.

Be sure and stop by this post as well to see more gorgeous photos of this very

"Pin worthy" space.

 

 

 

It was a week of duo features for me I think because 

My Turn For Us

 

has posted  a very informative and motivational link to her own successful weight loss story. For anyone needing that nudge to get started or if you have hit a plateau and need some encouragement to re-energize your workouts you will want to book mark this one.

 

 

 

She also linked up a great low cal recipe for corn on the cob.

Click

Chili Lime Corn

for this great twist on a summer favorite.

Motivated Monday May 27th

Motived Monday

 

Bring it on readers. I love how creative you all are.

It has been a week of inspirational projects and ideas from major renovations to simple recipes, decor projects and blogging hints. 

I relish the variety of projects that are linked up here on BeColorful and I looks forward to being inspired and motivated by all of you.

Here are a few of the highlights from this past week's Motivated Monday Linky Party.

You will want to visit all of these links starting with

 

Glass Slipper Restorations
 

This post steps us through a front porch restoration. I was amazed at the transformation and attention to detail but I also liked and was intrigued by how she incoporated the feature that allows the reader to scroll over each picture with their cursor to bring up a detailed description of what is occuring in that particular step of the process.

Nicely done.

Next up is another remodeling project that also requires a bit of time and skill but the end result was so well worth the effort. 

Domestic Imperfection
 

steps us through a dresser to vanity conversion with a simple to follow and comprehend photo tutorial.

 

Blogging tips are always useful. If you are using Blogger this next post will be especially interesting.

I use Typepad as a blogging service but I have been considering making a change. It seems like Blogger has so much more to offer in the way of personizing and tweaking. I know it would be a big undertaking so I haven't been able to commit to that change yet but this post from

 

High Heels and Training Wheels
 

definitely has me thinking about it again.

How cool would it be to have a favicon that matches your blog header. Don't know what a favicon is? Then you definitely need to stop by and read LIndsey's post.

Want something simpler yet? Then how about this quick and tasty potato salad recipe that would be perfect for summer get togethers.

The Shady Porch
 

will show you how to dazzle your friends and family with her version.

 

Next, and this is something we could all also recreate - a delightful and welcoming summer door candy.

This cheery whimsical bicycle embellished wreath 

via

Like A Saturday
 

is the perfect nod to summer.

 

Finally, another easy to do project that makes me think of summer is this jute embellished mirror that was shared with BeColorful readers by

 

Made In A Day

How cute is that?

 

Such a great look that can take on a rustic, nautical, or western vibe depending on your decor.

 

Motivated Monday April 22nd and April 29th

 

 

Monday, April 22nd

Happy 50th B day to my brother.

Too bad he isn't on Facebook or I would ask you all to send him a message.

:D

I digress. Welcome to Motivated Monday.

I will not be able to post next Monday because we will be watching our son get married.

As a result, blogging is going to have to take a back seat for the next two weeks.

I know you will understand.

You will be able to link up to this post through May 7th.

 

Wow, what a week this past one was! So many great ideas that it was hard to narrow them down to just a few to feature but whittle it down I did.

I do apologize for not taking the time to comment this week. It was one of those crazy busy ones here. I did stop by each blog though. There were a number of new bloggers linking up and that is always fun to see. I hope you will take time to look back on some of the links from last week to see what you might have missed.

Some posts did not get very many views. I might suggest giving a specific name to your link so people know what you are showing them. Every one of you had something wonderfully creative or informative to offer. Some even shared what not to do like Jessica's black tea tanning spray. We like knowing what doesn't work too. As you say, "Time is valuable" 

So, here are a few of the highlights from last week.

Made In A Day

shared a tutorial on how to make this stunning Spring wreath.

 

 

The Thrifty Rebel

 

gave us  step by step directions and code on adding galleries to our blogs. Very cool.

She also showcased her bold and Bee-U-tee-ful painted dresser

here

Stop by to see the full piece.

I went gaga for this lighted outdoor cocktail table 

from

Joys Jots Shots

 

So pretty at night.

Finally,

Pink Recipe Box

posted five of the top healtier choice dessert cookbooks.

I was all over that.

:D

 

 

Motivated Monday April 15th

 

Mondays are synonymous with a fresh start and this Monday is no exception.

I've been waiting for Monday the fifteenth because that is when my painter is coming. Did I mention we are painting our dining room black?

So today it looks like this.

 

Tomorrow, I'm envisioning sophisticated soft black. 

Hope it looks as good in reality as it does in my head.

 

In the meantime, I have been inspired by you. I learn so many things from reading your blogs. 

Small Fine Print

introduced me to a new product I had never heard of.

Faux stainless vinyl film. Are you familiar with it?

Well here are a couple of images of how she used it in her kitchen.

 

Be sure and stop by her blog to find out how to win your own in her give-a-way.

 

Then, I was reminded by

how much I like simple clean lines and light and airy rooms.

by

Meeha Meeha

 

For some helpful hints on how to achieve a similar feel in your home be sure and stop by and visit her blog also.

 

 

The Bounty Earth

shared these egg carton Spring flower creations.

So fun and with a great tutorial.

 

 

 

Is it wrong that I thought they were also pretty dressed in their all white primer?

Kind of a modern take.

 

This Italian fish soup posted by

My Kochlust

 

had me adding to my weekly shopping list.

The blog is in German so you will need to hit the translate button.

 

 

Finally, I loved this from

 

One Organic Mama

 

 

 

I don't have anybody in diapers anymore. We are either too old or too young - depending on how you want to look at it. LOL.  I used both disposable and cloth diapers  when our kids were little but the cloth diapers I used weren't nearly as fun and stylish as what I see out there today. For all you moms or friends of moms or moms of moms,  this is a simple idea on how to keep stains out of those expensive designer nappies. No easy feat.

:D

 

 

Motivated Monday April 8th

How cute are those twirling girls in their up and down hemline skirts?

I remember loving a skirt that allowed me to do this this. Who are we kidding? We still do it right?

These skirts were designed by

 

Domestic Bliss Squared
 

For a complete tutorial be sure and stop by her blog.

 

There were so many great links here last week on Motivated Monday and it is always hard to choose which posts should be featured but here are a few more from last week that I thought should be highlighted.

I chose this recipe for

 

Cinnamon-Chai Mini-Donuts (Grain-Free)

 from

Auld Grey Mare
 

because it seems that we hear of more and more of us becoming gluten intolerant. I would imagine that for those people that so many typical desserts are out of the question but this donut recipe could definitely be a tempting treat.


 

Then there was this lady bug themed party 

via

Queen B Creative Me

Her polka dot cake balls are just too cute and not to be missed.

 

All you young moms make me realize how simple my life is now but I remember doing projects similar to these and loving it. Where did we find the time?

I must have slowed down or I don't multi task as well as I used to.

:D

Well, here is another mom project.

Emily, over at

My Love For Words
 

shared her memory game creation. Yes, she made her own using a Silhouette.

Isn't it kind of incredible? Lots of detail work here.

That had to take some time but it will probably get passed down to her grand-kids someday.


Finally, Ana from

Scrappy Pink Corner

shared with us how she corrals all of her punches. Using an old frame, embossed tin, and some curtain rods, she was able to create this useful and attractive storage solution.

Very nice.

 

Motivated Monday April 1

I hope you all had a wonderfully happy Easter.

Ours was rather quiet this year. A couple of us were under the weather but we were still able to get down to the Ox Yoke Inn in the Amana Colonies with Mom for Easter dinner. 

If you are ever passing through Iowa (because that's what people do - drive through) you need to put this restaurant on your bucket list.

It was recently featured on The Travel Channel

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa!

It helps when you know the owners and they make you feel special.

:D

 

Even though Easter is in the rear view mirror now. There were several Easter themed posts from last week that I felt were special enough to still be shared. 

When you think about it, Easter will roll around again so you may just want to PIN a few of these for next year.

For starters there was this oh-so-cool LIfe Of Jesus bracelet that is very timely this week but could be worn any time.

 

Evelyn, from My Turn For Us, not only shares the poetic story that each bead represents but also gives us a list of supplies we will need and a tutorial so we can make one of our own.

 

 

Thanks so much Evelyn for this beautiful reminder of what Easter is really all about.

 

 

Then there was this delightful post from

Pink Recipe Box

 

that featured the fun side of Easter with some whimsical and unusual items for your Easter celebration and where to find them. Things that will leave everyone thinking you are the most amazing hostess/party planner ever. 

:D

Like these rabbit ear salad servers

and these delightfully festive dessert plates.

 

 

How fun!

Not everything was Easter though.

There was this very noteworthy guestroom/girl escape shared by

Live Pretty On A Penny

 

You will want to stop by her blog to study all the organizational ideas she has going on here.


 

 

There was also this great how-to post from

The Thrifty Rebel

She shows us a three step paint technique that she used to create her

French Caribbean Mirror Makeover.

I love how layering those colors gives the shades such depth and a lively color dimension.

Finally, there was a card making tutorial from

 

Paper Seedlings

 

For all of you card creators, or want to be card creators out there, this is the blog for you. Each week she features a timely creation complete with a list of everything you will need to make one of your own.

 

Motivated Monday March 18th

 

Talk about a diversity of ideas!

Wow this week there is everything from make your own supplement capsules to recreating your own polka dot skinny jeans.

:D

I love love love how inspiring you all are.

I'm Motivated!

Check it out...

There was a chevron rug from

Smart Girl Style

I know there have been a number of these on Pinterest but here is another one and her easy to follow tutorial, I thought, needed to be shared for those of us who might be a bit math challenged and haven't tried this yet.

:D

Then there was this amazeballs handpainted trunk 

via

Decorative Paintbrush
 

I subscribe to Mary's blog and when I saw this this week I begged her to link up so I could feature it.

Be sure and visit her to see more images and all the incredible detail work on this piece.
Thanks Mary.

Barbara, from 

21 Rosemary Lane,

always has some great design ideas. This time she is showcasing her mantel and she

reminded us of how some decor projects evolve over time. This one took the better part of a decade to get to where she is now.

Doesn't this look invitingly homey?

 

Domestic Bliss Squared

 

dazzled us with her refashioned boot cut jeans. She recreated them into a skinny version and then added the polka dots!

 

Too fun.

 

I am a big proponent of supplements but they can get a bit pricey. So I was kind of amazed to read

Crystelle Boutique's

post on 

How to make your own capsules.

She talks about several different herbs and their health benefits - which I found very interesting and bookmarked it for future reference.

Then she shares with us her method for making her own herbal capsules and how we can easily do it too.

Thanks Crystelle.

 

Finally, there was this tasty looking temptation from

I Knead To Bake

 

This healthy change up 

had me adding some of her ingredients to my shopping list so I can try this later this week.