Bedroom Remodel

Ok, it is not really a "remodel". We have painted the walls and hung some pictures but our bedroom is essentially the last spot for furniture and home decor that has not found a home in the rest of the house. It is time to make our room a special place! Here are some of my inspirations...

 

...This is the color of our one accent wall...

 

The truffle caramel color in this painting is the approximate color of the rest of our bedroom walls.

...This looks a lot like the dresser I bought from American Furniture Warehouse back in highschool. It is dovetail joint and solid wood. Best furniture decision I made back then!...

 

...Our Christmas Present...

 

...A very similar comforter set to the one we were given for our wedding (same basic design and colors)...

  

Another Christmas present from IKEA.

 

Nightstand from IKEA. It is a grey-brown.

 

Some of the brown's we like.

 

...Blue...

 We bought two medium framed pictures from Hobby Lobby of stone buildings and flowers (similar to the above picture) in the impressionist style of art. Hobby Lobby is a wonderful place to buy framed art. Often times they have 50% off deals and you can get large, already framed and matted art. 

 ...We purchased insulated window panels like this in a nice rich blue color with some of the gift cards we were given for our wedding at Target. They are so beautiful and keep our room very dark on the Saturday mornings we get to sleep in!...

Well, those are some of our ideas! We will post pictures once we have it completed! Unfortunately, we went to IKEA yesterday to buy the bed frame and it was sold out. So, we are now waiting for the item to be restocked. Looking forward to it!!!

Images from:
Blue Wall: http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1252&bih=610&tbm=isch&tbnid=BuVOPK5HzjQpqM:&imgrefurl=http://www.digital-tree.com/archives/84&docid=GB0DN7zstV4TmM&imgurl=http://www.digital-tree.com/images/blue.jpg&w=1200&h=800&ei=GLocT_-bOOeNsQKA_u24Cw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=720&vpy=14&dur=53&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=178&ty=124&sig=107353602423706726530&page=5&tbnh=131&tbnw=186&start=93&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:93
Tan Wall: http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1252&bih=610&tbm=isch&tbnid=P_zSWN404ubQdM:&imgrefurl=http://dreamingdecor.com/wall-sticker-ideas/gorgeous-wall-decal-design-ideas-by-wiwicoco.html&docid=aU2btx0uq5lFTM&imgurl=http://dreamingdecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Beautiful-Brown-Wall-Decal-Design-Ideas.jpg&w=570&h=572&ei=mLocT5jeFcugsQLw9MzQCw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=339&sig=107353602423706726530&page=4&tbnh=140&tbnw=130&start=66&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:66&tx=90&ty=70
Dresser: http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1252&bih=610&tbm=isch&tbnid=gdSav44MVsXCoM:&imgrefurl=http://milliesquilting.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-blue-and-green-quilts.html&docid=vcPnZAgvx2mU4M&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTzOpIFpBZQQHuF3celVyMaNwxHuTrAFSNou6HXPiPl7N_MKVapbHhzl1fLeOnZa3Rf2jLLx7i2AoFnJu6jkr_8-vcdSaX1rftF4qKjmfsx2LE4wC362kM65Pz3MtQ2VassDZgSGggeMT/s400/1010%252B2226.jpg&w=400&h=300&ei=HLUcT73SMImvsALo_OCHAw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=552&sig=107353602423706726530&page=7&tbnh=129&tbnw=179&start=145&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:20,s:145&tx=168&ty=101
Light, Bed Frame, and Nightstand: www.ikea.com
Comforter Set: www.bedbath&beyond.com
Coffee Cup Poster: http://www.google.com/imgres?start=431&num=10&hl=en&biw=1252&bih=610&tbm=isch&tbnid=NuW3Kt588a6vHM:&imgrefurl=http://www.scottscoffeehouse.com/coffee-cups-mugs.html&docid=WbYlEeObkvIMzM&imgurl=http://www.scottscoffeehouse.com/media/catalog/category/coffee-cups-i-posters_35463618_std.jpg&w=400&h=400&ei=ELccT-SpGsOg2AWpg5XWCw&zoom=1&chk=sbg&iact=rc&dur=407&sig=107353602423706726530&sqi=2&page=19&tbnh=131&tbnw=135&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:19,s:431&tx=70&ty=62
Blue Candle: www.crateandbarrel.com
Impressionist Painting: http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1252&bih=610&tbm=isch&tbnid=eZnCLZ4zu8afQM:&imgrefurl=http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/328786385/Handmade_Impressionist_Stone_House_Seascape_Canvas.html&docid=0Tb-a1GZe48ESM&imgurl=http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/328786385/Handmade_Impressionist_Stone_House_Seascape_Canvas_Painting.jpg&w=801&h=557&ei=N7kcT9iWLcv4sQKvpZHACw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=414&sig=107353602423706726530&page=2&tbnh=132&tbnw=176&start=18&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:18&tx=61&ty=56
Blue Curtains: www.target.com

2011 Reflections...2012 Aspirations

2011 Reflections:

2011 was filled with so many memories, both good and bad, but all equally important that I do not want to forget. Here are the big ones:

...One Year Anniversary... Andrew and I celebrated our first year of marriage. It was a wonderful night. Andrew grilled steak, I cooked the sides (basil and butter potatoes with green beans) and Tiramisu for dessert. It was a lovely, romantic evening at home.

...Became Parents...We lost our son to miscarriage, James Tiberius, on January 18, 2011. We will forever love and miss him. God grew our faith so much through our suffering and loss. We have been blessed in our suffering, God has been so faithful and loving.

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." -James 1:2-5

...Trip to California... For our one year anniversary, we took a two week trip to California. Lego Land, San Francisco, Sonoma (in Napa Valley), Yosemite, Sequoia National Park, Hollywood...it was wonderful!

...Home Improvements... Lots of home projects this year! We finished tiling the dining room, painted the large front entrance wall, replaced the lights in the kitchen and dining room, and replaced the over the range microwave, fridge, and dishwasher. I am such a lucky woman to have a handy husband!

...Miscellaneous... We paid off Andrew's car loan with our tax return (the first return filed as husband and wife!). We made the final payment on my school loans (huge burden lifted, praise the Lord). I was transitioned from an Administrative Assistant to a Finance Specialist position at my company. Finished all the requirements for a Bookkeeping Clerk Certificate.


2012 Aspirations:

...Travel... We are planning a big trip this year. We aren't sure where we want to go yet. Here are some possible locals: New Zealand, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, German, Italy, Greece... We have some serious decisions to make. :D

...Home Improvements... We want to tile the guest and master bathroom, the bathrooms need to be painted, new hallway lights, and replace the window blinds. No rest for the weary! But, our home is becoming so cozy it is enjoyable to continue working to fix the place up!

...Family... Will we try again this year????? Do you actually think I'm going to say? Think again! ;) We'll just have to keep everyone guessing.

...Nutrition... Healthier eating and regular exercise.


These are some updates on our 2011 and hopes for 2012. Thank you to all our friends and family who have prayed for us, loved us, and shared in our joys and sorrows this last year. We love you guys!

"I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
-Psalm 73:22-26

Holiday Adventures

As this was our second Christmas together, I thought that maybe the holidays would be simpler, quieter, easier, less stressful???...........NOPE!

Several changes to our family structures went into making a brand new, unique holiday season this year. First, my parents adopted two kiddos from Ukraine back in July. This was their first American Christmas and New Years. It was a blast spending time with my (now much larger and louder) family. My sister and I were put in charge of cooking dinner for Christmas Eve which was a huge adventure. We cooked a 10-pound roast beef, Irish Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus, Fresh Salad, Ambrosia (made with homemade cranberry sauce and freshly whipped cream, add some walnuts and voila!), rolls, gravy, and for dessert-Peppermint Ice Cream pie! Three hours of running around, cooking, and washing dishes. We spend Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas day with Andrew's family.

Secondly, Andrew's brother got married last year which added a new addition to the family as well.

Thirdly, Christmas fell on a Sunday this year. As some of you know, Andrew and I are hugely involved with our church. We lead the Greeting and Ushering team. So, we were up bright and early Christmas morning to make cinnimon rolls, little smokies, coffee and exchange presents together. Then off to church! What a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas by fellowshipping together and worshipping God.

After that, Andrew and I swung by Starbucks for a quick boost of energy and off to see family! We spent the afternoon with almost all of Andrew's family (excluding one brother and sister in law).

We ended our Christmas celebrations by seeing more family and exchanging presents again at Andrew's parents house the next evening. My sister-in-law gave me the most adorable apron that I will upload in a coming post soon!

Three days of Christmas. A few days off. Andrew had the week between Christmas and New Years Eve off. I had to work that Thursday and Friday. Andrew and I made the last payment on my student loans (HURRAY! ---I had to slide that one in---). We had friends over for New Years Eve. Lots of fun, laughter, and food. We socialized and played games (Taboo and CatchPhrase) into 2012. Oh, and guess what, the next day was a Sunday and we were back at church with only a little sleep but hearts full of thankfulness for the blessings God has given us. Lord Jesus, thank you for a year full of your faithfulness. Please, bless our new year and fill us continually with your hope, faith, grace, glory, and love.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Christmas Creations

After a very long break, I am happy to say that I am back and will hopefully be posting new recipes soon! Here is a brief summary of our wonderful (and busy!) Christmas and New Years.

This was my husband's and my second Christmas together. Our first Christmas together was spent enjoying our family traditions and this year we decided to start creating new traditions of our own. Starting with our Christmas tree. The Saturday after Thanksgiving we went with dear friends to the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains to select and cut a tree.

First, we built a fire (approved by the Forest Rangers prior to creation) and at some delicious Taco Soup and chocolate chip cookies.

Then we began our treck up and down the mountain side for the "perfect" tree. The U.S. Forest Service sells permits for $10 to go on certain days and cut down a tree. The tree has to have a trunk that is less than 6 inches in diameter and you have to take the whole thing (minus the roots). The program ensures that our forests stay healthy (the young trees often choke out the older ones) and reduces the danger of forest fires.

 After stopping at Starbucks for some Christmas beverages (Joy tea, Hot Chocolate, and Pepperman Mochas-YUM!) we headed home to begin decorating.

A quick snack of crackers, cheese, and olives starts the decorating off with a bang. Andrew and I invented a new beverage entitled Apple Champagne. You can make this by pouring equal parts Martinellis and Champagne.

Isn't it Pretty???

We had to rearrange our living room a little bit to fit the tree in, but it worked and was beautiful!!!

Next project: hand sew some Christmas Stockings! Yes, hand sew, but not by choice!!! I got a sewing machine for Christmas but didn't have one prior. It wasn't too terrible sewing by hand, just slow going.

...fabric selection...

Homemade pattern. I made this by tracing our store bought (cheap) stockings and modifying the shape to fit my style.

Cut the fabric a 1/2 inch bigger than the pattern.

 Next, sew the stockings inside out and do the same for the top flap. The key for the top fold over part is to sew it onto the stocking with the right side facing in so that when you fold the top over it is the pretty side. :D

...cut scraps and sewn along edges with buttons for decoration...

..buttons for ornaments...

I simple loop stitch with thick thread and a large needle. Beware: make sure to only sew it on the fold and not sew the fold to the main body of the stocking.

I used some scraps and sewed to long rectangles about an inch wide and 5 inches wide (sewn with the back of the fabric on the outside and the front of the fabric on the inside). I then turned the tube inside out and sewed the two ends together and then to the top of the stocking.

...we're better together...

...The final product hanging over our fire place. I used some wire and tucked it under the book shelf instead of putting holes in the wall. Maybe someday we will have an actual mantel to use. But for now, it works perfectly!

Next project: a Wreath

Because the Forest Service requires that you take everything for your tree we had lots of extra boughs from trimming our tree to fit our 9-foot ceilings. I used the boughs and wire and extra pine cones from the forest to make a fun wreath. I sprayed the pine cones with red glitter spray from Hobby Lobby.

It's not perfect but it is fun.

It actually turned out to be really big!

Finally, I used pine cones collected in the forest (they are only kindling for a forest fire) to add a very Crate and Barrel type accent to our decor.

I had so much fun decorating this year! Andrew and I are looking forward to creating new memories and new traditions next year and the years after that.