2012 Home Goals

My home decor/design hero, The Nester, is hosting her annual Home Goal Linky Party.  So, of course I have to participate!

This year, I really want to focus on a few key things that I think can make a big impact for not a ton of money!

1.  Since the formal dining room is a space that everyone sees when they enter our house, I would like for it to be special.  I have been scouring Craiglist unsuccessfully for a buffet.  But, maybe when yard sale season starts, I can find something great.  I also want to add window treatments (or mis-treatments) plus a new chandelier and rug.

The only picture I could find of the dining room includes some Christmas decor, but you can get the picture - tan walls, tan chairs, brown table, no window treatments - boring!

Window Treatment Possibility:

Kimono Gypsy by Premier Prints

2.  On the other side of our entrance is the office.  It doesn't need huge amounts of work, but I would like to get some additional art on the wall and the bookcases need some rearranging.

3. I want to cover my wire pantry shelves like they did at FocalPoint. This is such an awesome DIY!  Then, I want to do some better organizing in there.  Maybe something similar to The House of Smith's below (a girl can dream, right?).

4.  Try to introduce more of the blues and greens we both love (pulled from our Good Earth pottery) into the living room - maybe through new chairs, throw pillows and window treatments/mis-treatments.

Good Earth Pottery - Bluebird Pattern

Photo from JustALittleOrganic.com

That's all!  Pretty simple.  There are other things that I would be happy to do if the right deal came along (kitchen counters, new breakfast table, etc.), but these few things would really make great impact in our ever-evolving house! :)

AnnaLauren's Big Girl Room #1 - The Bed

We are in the process of transitioning AnnaLauren from her toddler toom to a "big girl" room.  So, since that means  a new bed to replace her coverted crib daybed, it also means a little bit of redecorating in her room.

First up, the big girl bed of course!

We found this fabulous vintage/almost antique bed on my best friend, Craigslist, for $75!  The gorgeous girly lines, the sweet curved footboard, the oval perfect for a little initial - I died!  However, Tommy took a little more convincing!  But, thankfully he chose to trust me. :)

Here she is in all her glory!  She needs a little bit of loving!

Pardon my awesome cell phone pictures!

The lovely curved footboard

Gorgeous legs!

Graceful lines and an oval that I have big plans for!

Tommy really outdid himself sanding and sanding and sanding on her!

And here she is now - Tada!

I am crazy excited!!!

Again, I know the cell phone pictures are atrocious, but I promise to make better ones when I show the entire room.  For now, I couldn't wait!

Oh and AnnaLauren loves it too and calls it her Princess Bed.  Makes a mama happy!

I am linking to the blog parties on my sidebar.  You should visit them too!

Oh, and for those who want to know, here is the cost breakdown:
Bed from Craigslist - $75.00
Untinted Vivid White Paint/Primer Quart - $15.00
Rub On Poly - Free from Garage - ($9.00 if purchased)
2 Vinyl Initials from Etsy - $6.00 (including shipping)
TOTAL COST - $96.00!

Several people have asked about the bedding.  It is Pottery Barn Teen Graphic Pop.  It is a little expensive, But I lucked up.  You can read about it and see better pictures here.

Consignment Sale Bargains!

Twice a year, New 2 U Consignment has a HUGE children's consignment sale in Tupelo.  I always volunteer to be able to shop before it opens to the public.  This year I really racked up!

Here is my haul - 39 pieces of fabulousness from brands like Baxter& Beatrice, Remember Nguyen, Mis Tee V Us, Ralph Lauren & several custom made items!  Yes, it's all for AnnaLauren, sadly Noah has sized out of this sale. 

I picked up a brand new Pottery Barn Teen Graphic Pop quilt and two shams as well as a coordinating lamp.  The retail price was well over $300 and I paid $80!  Score!  I love it and it will be perfect in AnnaLauren's "Big Girl" room that is currently in progress.

Photo from Pottery Barn Teen

And of course I couldn't resist an Ole Miss cheerleader doll.  AnnaLauren named her Kelly and has taken her everywhere since I brought her home last Wednesday.  So Cute!

If you live anywhere in North Mississippi or West Alabama and have small children, this sale is fantastic!  I consign AnnaLauren's clothes and always do extremely well!