Spring Brings New Things

Now that I'm completely obsessed with reading and fantasizing about home decor blogs, I've been trying to put theory into practice in our own home. For some time now, I've felt that our home need a lot of work. Although we love it and it's beautiful, it's so cookie-cutter. I've been trying to spruce it up while on a budget to, hopefully, move from the cold and personality-less, to a warm, inviting, expression of ourselves.

Here's what we've accomplished over the past month or so... Much more is needed, but I'm trying to focus on quality pieces for minimal cost. I'd love to just go crazy at Pottery Barn, I'm slowly learning that its fairly simple to take an idea from PB and bring it to fruition with much less money spent.

I did a little shopping of the house this weekend and found lots of great turquoise dishes and pillows! I think Spring is the perfect time to bring these back out to play! I cant believe how different our whole living area looks with just a slight color change!

This orange rug has GOT TO GO! But I cant find anything that "feels right" for this space. Any ideas?

This poor long empty wall just isnt getting much attention, but frankly I just have no idea what to do with it. I've been thinking of pricing built-ins to go along this deserted wall. I could re-arrange the living room furniture to face this wall if it didnt feel 10 miles away. Hmmm...

Patrick and I picked out a cute little antique green entry way stand at Kirklands - very reasonably priced too, I might add. But I'm still just a little hestitant about how it will "fit in." I'm definitely ready to get rid of those wood picture frames and maybe the rug too. I want that lil sucker, but I'm just not sure that it has a place in the Barton home.

This area just irks me! I'm finding an open concept floor plan is very difficult to decorate. No defined spaces make for odd nooks and crannies. This Ikea media stand still doesnt seem right on this wall. Last night, Patrick suggested cutting windows into the wall to allow us to see into the office and bring in the light from the front windows. I thought that was a neat idea.

My favorite TJ Maxx find! Only $29 and I LOVE IT!

The buffet and hutch that made my weekend! I found this on craigslist for a measly $75! I absolutely adore it on this once empty wall. Really helps to bring the eye up and away. So fun to decorate too! I'm just dying to go out and grab all sorts of little trinkets for its shelves, but so far I've been content to shop the house. :)

I recently picked up an oar from Walmart for $11 which I love! I'm not sure if I want to use it in our guest bath or our guest room. The bathroom already has a cool coastal vibe and I'm in the process of transforming our guest bedroom into a nautical haven. :)

Oh! And my other favorite TJ Maxx find! Isn't it adorable!? I've already moved it around our house so much - I think I want one for every room! :)

One of the first pieces I picked up for the house when we moved it. I still love the colors and the silly-ness of it all.

I also found some discount bar stools at World Market that were on clearance, but as luck would have it - they only had one in stock. :( I coulda cried. We desperately need new bar stools, wouldn't you agree? Even Pup thinks so! They were a mixutre of brown rattan. I'll have to search out some similar ones.

Our bedroom is still a disaster zone (please do not notice the un-made bed). We need lamps in here like CRAZY but I just cant find the right one to work with my sunburst mirror (on sale at Pier 1). I'd like to re-organize our layout too, maybe try to incorporate a sitting area in the corner. But then I'd have to coordinate bedding with chairs, lamp, etc... which makes my heart race and palms sweat. Ekkk! :(

Bringing spring to our porch -

These caught my eye at Kirkland's for just $7! What a steal! I love them more every time I see them!

Eye ♥ You

Today, my honey and I had a lovely lunch together out in this beautiful weather. While he was in the middle of his UFC story, I suddenly noticed how green his eyes are. Sunshine must be the key ingredient to making his eyes shine that beautiful shade of green.

Isn't it just amazing when you notice another thing you love about the one you love?

Nostalgia

Playin' Hooky

Yesterday, Patrick and I took a day off work to go to the beach and enjoy a sunny, warm day together sitting in the warm sand. It was a wonderful day... cooling breeze, white sugary sand (not too hot yet as it typically is mid-Summer when it's been scorched by the sun), friends, and a full cooler.

Now that I'm a working woman, there is no such thing as Spring Break, but taking a day off to create your own Spring Break is a must! Just a day is all it took to completely renew my senses! Here's a few pictures from our fabulous beach day.