Linky Love~

Hello out there!! Welcome to another great edition of Linky Love! Last week's Frugal Friday was the biggest to date...and chock full of frugal inspiration.

It brought with it lots of pillow posts...so today I thought I'd share a few of them with you.

First up, Under the Table Dreaming shared a fun painted Cabana Pillow tutorial...so fresh and summer-y!

Next, Lemon Tree Creations gave a great tutorial for making oversize rosette pillows.

Decor to Adore shared a ticking pillow tutorial.

And finally, The VG Huis shared her fun burlap pillow makeover.

For more pillow posts and other fabulous Frugal Inspiration click here.

Have a great day~

House Beautiful: Favorite Paint Colors~

Along with my subscription to House Beautiful, I received their fabulous bookazine entitled
" 500 Favorite Paint Colors". It has been a really intriguing read...seriously. If you love design...and color...or even if your a beige and white fan, you'll really enjoy this!

It is essentially a collection of favorite paint colors from real designers...not just paint manufacturers. And the photographs are gorgeous.

I sure wish I could get away with a pink room in my house..aren't these just amazing?

And black....there's seems to be an increase in the use of black walls in decorating...they don't have to be scary. Black is amazingly sophisticated, and not necessarily dark or dreary. Check out this living room...dare I use the word "bright" with the color black? In this room, the answer could just be "yes".

I had a periwinkle purple room when I was 8 years old...I must admit, I've never thought of it as being sophisticated, but in the room above? Absolutely lovely and sophisticated.

There is even a section about colorful neutrals. I found this section to be very intriguing. In the photo above, the lavendar is used as a neutral. And I think it totally works. In the words of Jeffrey Bilhuber, "Lavendar is the new beige. From lilac to amethyst, it's an extraordinary neutral and great unifier - a soothing, peaceful color that is timeless." Other colors they suggest using as neutrals...pale pink, blue-gray, even peach. Gives neutral a whole new spin, huh?

I just might never look at color the same way again.

And remember back in April when the Princess and I participated in Justin Hackworth's 30 Strangers project? If you're a Utah local, Justin is having his 30 Strangers Project show this weekend in Provo. We'll be there checking out his amazing photography. You can get more information here.

Linky Love is up tomorrow...

Have a great day~

Staycation~

Okay, so I must admit, ever since the media coined the term "Staycation" I've thought the whole idea was a bit silly. I mean, to me, I can't vacation while remaining at home. Too much to do. I just can't play when I know there are dishes waiting, laundry to be done, yardwork, (and don't forget the decorating projects). But this last week has shown me that having a "staycation" is actually possible. Of course, in my case, it requires people on actual vacations to be present.



Having my wonderful family visiting has kept me playing...and having a blast! But I've been so busy (and tired) that everything else has taken a back seat.

Today, I'm off to the pool with the sis and her family...but I promise to be back tomorrow with a real decorating-related post. Speaking of decorating...anybody catch last night's Design Star? Love that show! You all have any favorites yet? I know I do.

Oh, and Frugal Friday is the biggest to date! Click here for some Frugal Inspiration!

I'm off to play...

Have a great day~

Frugal Friday~

Welcome to this week's edition of Frugal Friday! Last week's Frugal Friday was the biggest to date with 160 people linking up to share Frugal Inspiration with us!! I'm so excited to see this event growing...and even more excited at the wonderful ideas that are shared!

Okay, speaking of wonderful ideas....I'm afraid I don't have any this week. Oh, I had grand plans to revamp the console in our dining area that I showed you all last week. But then the hubby's family arrived and I have been running around like a mad woman ever since. But boy has it ever been fun! And I'm not making any promises for next week either because one of my very favorite people in the ENTIRE world arrives tomorrow...and you can bet that I'll be spending just about every minute I can with her.



My little sis Holly will be here!! Hooray!! She's very creative and inspiring, however, so maybe, just maybe, she'll help me get some stuff done around here. Then again, we might be too busy playing. But isn't that what having company is all about?


Alrighty then folks!!


You know "da rules"...


1. Please link directly to your post and not just to your blog.
2. Please link back to the Shabby Nest so that others can enjoy the Frugal Goodness as well (feel free to grab my cute button on the sidebar!)
3. Comment, comment, comment! Show our participants "the love"!

Linky Love~

It's that time again! Linky Love!! I have some fun things to share with you from last week's Frugal Friday party...so fasten your seat belts!!

First up, a couple of great light fixture makeovers...


The Painted Hive shared this amazing modern light fixture redo...so chic!

And... For The Love of It shared a darling girly chandelier makeover...this transformation will blow you away!

Savvy Southern Style shared a pretty birdie bedroom...you just know I have a weakness for birds!

And talk about upcycling...check out this women's skirt turned table skirt...very clever!

Finally, this french bed redo from Primitive and Proper made me drool. Le sigh.

If you haven't had a chance to check out the Frugal Goodness that is last week's party, click here.

Have a great day~

A Little Pretty~

It's always fun to get an unexpected little surprise.

While visiting my Mom a few weeks ago, I was admiring a lovely Edwardian Terrarium Case that my father made for her out of wooden picture frames...from a tutorial by Martha Stewart (now I've looked and looked online and can't find the tutorial, but my Mom says she has the article, so one of these days I'll scan it in and share...and share photos of my dad's creation as well. I'm such a tease, I know.)

Turns out, however, that she had another storebought terrarium hanging around (of course she did), so yesterday, when I popped over for a minute, she sent it home with me. Gotta love my Mom!! "What is this terrarium I speak of ?" you may ask...it's that cute little glass-house-looking-thingie in the background.

It now has a home on the white buffet in my living room. And, you know what? It was the perfect touch! Thanks Mom!!

Shopping Sources: Lamps..............................HomeGoods

Candlesticks.....Michael's Craft

Candles..........................Target

Pigeon figurine............TJMaxx

"H"......................Anthropologie

Bird Tray.....gift from a dear friend

Floral Frog..........gift from Mom

House number "5".......vintage from our first house

Printer block letters...Brimfield Antique Fair

EDITED TO ADD: I had some readers mention that they had seen a tutorial in Country Living. This very well may have been the tutorial my Mother has (the photo - below - looks like the terrarium my father made)...she subscribes to both magazines...but I can't get in touch with her right now to check...so I'm just going to post the link. Thanks to Nita from Mod Vintage Life and to Laura for telling me about the Country Living Tutorial!

This I Love: vinyl on mirrors~

And LET THE GAMES BEGIN...

You would not believe how crazy fun it is to have...

a house full of family,

my two oldest starting swimming lessons,

our car in the shop (but - thankfully- coming home today!),

a cell phone that is dead because Mr. Three threw it off the balcony (yes, he did),

a washing machine on the fritz,

and numerous other crazy events going on all at the same time.

Okay, I'm sure you are questioning my sanity at using the word fun... but, aside from the washing machine, and the dead cell phone,

...it really is fun.

But I'm taking a breather from it all, to share with you my latest crush...vinyl on mirrors. Love it.

via The Lettered Cottage

I really love this one...I'm a typography nut anyway, and the fact that the words are sideways is intriguing to me.

Photo by Kasey of Lola B's

As soon as I saw this mirror on Kasey's blog, I emailed her asking where she got it...the fabulous bird is from McMaster and Storm. Love it!!

Gotta make me one of these mirrors...adding it to the "to do" list right now.

Have a great day~

Frugal Friday~

Hello folks! Welcome to this week's edition of Frugal Friday! I have kind of a funny project for you today...so let me explain first. You see, our out-of-town family starts arriving this weekend. Yes, the first of our summer visitors arrive Sunday...and then we'll be having house guests on and off for the next 7 weeks. I'M SO EXCITED!

So for the past few days, all I have been doing is cleaning and laundry. Laundry and cleaning.

But I did have a pinch of extra time to go the local nursery and buy some flowers for the front planter beds. And while I was there I picked up this sweet little succulent plant. Um, yes...this little plant IS my Frugal Friday project this week...ta da!

Okay, there's a bit more to it than that. Below is the console/buffet that sits in our dining area. It has been the bain of my decorating existence since we moved in. I love the piece. I need the storage. But, for the life of me, I can't accessorize the thing. (Well, that and I've decided there is entirely TOO MUCH black going on in that corner...so that will soon be changing....maybe that's next week's Frugal Friday project. But I digress...)

In an effort to add a little color to that boring corner, I took my little succulent plant and repotted it in this pretty sunshine-y yellow glazed pot.

Then I pulled out a lovely robin's egg blue plate and put them together. And voila! a little summer sunshine right there in that boring corner. (Still needs a little sumthin' sumthin' though). So there you have it...a funny, little Frugal Friday.

Now it's your turn!

You know "da rules"...

1. Please link directly to your post and not just to your blog.
2. Please link back to The Shabby Nest so that others can enjoy the frugal goodness.
3. Comment, comment, comment. Show our participants the love!

99% Complete and A Winner~

Happy Thursday! The Boys' Sock Monkey Bedroom is now 99% complete. So I've compiled a little slide show to give you all a look-see at the room...again.

Free digital slideshow generated with Smilebox

I just love this room! So why is it not 100% complete? Well, if you've read my blog for any length of time at all, you probably realize by now, that no room is EVER complete. I'm a tweaker. Yes, I am. And the two things I'd still like to tweak in this room?

First, the rug. I want something a little more boyish than the abstract floral-type rug I have in there. The colors are right, but the pattern is all wrong.

Second, I want to wallpaper the inside of the closet.

Since this house has no doors on the closets, they need to become a design feature. I thought adding a little punch with wallpaper would accomplish that task nicely. But since we rent, it can't be permanent. So I'm thinking of trying some of this. Easy Change wallpaper from Sherwin Williams. Removes simply by pulling it off the wall. No solvents...no damage. Perfect for renters. What do you all think?

And last, but not least, the winner of the Modern Bird Studios giveaway is... Mindy Gauthier. Mindy, drop me an email and we'll get you set up with your uber-fabulous prize!!

Have a great day~

Linky Love~

Hello there, my dear readers! Welcome to another edition of Linky Love featuring a few of my favorite links from last week's Frugal Friday party.

Enjoy!

First up, Sarah at A Beach Cottage shared her Entry Redo. So serene and welcoming!!

Next, La Maison Lafortune shared this unique idea for a headboard...love it!

I just love me a good "theme" birthday party and Amy at Lemon Tree Creations did not disappoint with this darling flower party. Check out those balloon flowers. Seriously.

And finally, Just Another Day in Paradise shared this great beadboard-bathtub-surround tutorial. Love it!

If you missed last week's Frugal Friday Fabulousness, don't deprive yourself...click here.

I will be announcing the winner of the Modern Bird Studios giveaway tomorrow...so make sure and stop by!

Have a great day~

Sweet Sixteen x Two (+ a few)

To all my American readers...Happy Flag Day!! When I was little, I used to think that everybody flew the flag for me. Why, you might ask? Well, let me tell you a little secret...

Without a lot of pomp and circumstance...I must admit that yes, today is my birthday. I am celebrating 38 years today. Yep. 38. Wow, time flies when you're havin' fun. (And I must admit...I shocked even myself that I am admitting how old I am on this here blog...I guess with age comes confidence...or senility....ha!)



To make myself feel better, here's a list of proof that I'm not that old yet...

• I have no gray hair...nope....not one single strand.
• I only have laugh lines...they are NOT crow's feet. (That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.)
• I still have a memory like a steel trap...only forgetting things "conveniently". Guess I'm not senile after all...must be more confident than I thought.
• I don't need my reading glasses much - unless I'm really tired.
• I can sing along to the Hannah Montana theme song with the Princess...although that probably just proves that I'm a nerd.
• But the biggest reason (and my favorite)...my kids still think I'm cool.

Taking those cute kiddos to the pool today to celebrate...because they still think I'm cool...and as long as that's the case...I'm one happy thirty-something.

Oh, and just a reminder that the Modern Bird Studios giveaway is still open until tonight at 11:59 MST. If you haven't had a chance to enter...click here.

Have a great day~

Frugal Friday~

Some of you may remember a few weeks back when I was discussing the fact that I wanted an overscale photo for my boys' sock monkey bedroom. Well, I did a lot of research trying to find a product that was what I wanted in a price that wouldn't break the bank.

Finally, while I was cleaning out my "favorites" file, I ran across a post that I had bookmarked a couple of years ago about creating vinyl wall clings. Turns out, it was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Wallhogs is a company that specialized in creating large art prints from your photographs or digital prints. They don't only create vinyl clings, they also use an adhesive backed fabric called PhotoTex, glossy posters, or canvas. They can make an image up to 7 feet! And the adhesive backed fabric and vinyl clings can be removed or repositioned without damaging the wall. (perfect for renters!) But, the best part? Their prices!! SUPER AFFORDABLE!!

Here's the picture of the hubby that I wanted to put on the boys' wall.

I uploaded it to Picnik.com and played with the colors until I got a sepia/brown combo that I knew would work in the boys' room (I thought the black and white wouldn't go over so well.) Then I made sure it was at a high enough resolution to enable a large print. After all that, I hopped on the Wallhogs site, followed their easy instructions and in a few days I had my 4 foot vinyl cling.

I must admit, it was a little time consuming to install...and it took 2 people...but I just love the result!! (Although I've decided it doesn't look nearly as large in the photos as it does on the wall..hmmm.)

And for those of you who are wondering...no Wallhogs didn't pay me for this post....I was just really impressed.

Now it's your turn!

You know "da rules"...

1. Link directly to your post and not just to your blog.

2. Please link back to the Shabby Nest so that others can enjoy the Frugal Goodness!

3. Comment, comment, comment. Show our participants the love!!

Displaying Kid Art~

I have sort of an art theme going this week...first with the great Modern Bird Studios giveaway (you still have time to enter, by the way...just click here.) And now, I have some fabulous ideas to share for displaying kids' art. And something tomorrow for Frugal Friday as well - how's that for a teaser?

On to the kids' art...

I simply loved this idea that Janell from Isabella and Max Rooms used in one of her client's homes. The picture rail on the wainscotting in this dining room provides a resting spot for a whimsical display of children's art. (And the beauty of it is, that it can change whenever a new masterpiece is created!)

I also really love this idea from designer Jan Eleni. See that great big piece of art? It's actually composed of a bunch of little square reproductions of one child's art! You could easily recreate this look with your own child's (or children's) artwork...what a great way to display them all without crowding your refrigerator door! ;-)

A perfect summer project...go round up all that art your kids dragged home with them from created in school this year and create a sentimental keepsake that looks uber-stylish!

Frugal Friday goes up tonight at 11:59 EST. Get your frugal inspiration going, and I'll see you then!

One last note: My Summer Sponsor Sale is still going on....one month for $35 or all 3 for $90. That's a lot of advertising bang for your buck! Email me if you'd like more information.

Have a great day~

Linky Love~

Thank you everyone for another amazing week of Frugal Friday inspiration!! I look forward to seeing what you all come up with every week...and you never fail to amaze me.


This week, the Princess and I were browsing the Frugal Friday party, and she was getting a kick out of looking at all the thumbnails. (Oh! How I love those thumbnails!!) We were noticing how many of the photos contained turquoise/aqua projects. Now, since I love me some turquoise/aqua (and so does the Princess) today I'm sharing with you all a few of the inspirational projects involving those colors...






The Pennington Point shared her amazing piano makeover. I think this is seriously adorable...and no, I don't mind at all that she painted a piano...I love it!





Perfectly Imperfect Life shared an extremely clever coffee table redo. I need one of these for my patio, thank you very much!

Little Mac Shack made this amazing upholstered headboard...love the fabric!!

And last but not least, Life in my PJs shared this darling necklace made out of...wait for it....duct tape, washers, and paint chips. No, seriously. Very creative!!

If you haven't had a chance to check out last week's Frugal Friday, get your little self over there right now...you won't be disappointed!!!

And if you haven't had a chance to enter the Modern Bird Studios giveaway, you still have time, click here!

Have a great Wednesday~

Modern Bird Studios Giveaway

Art is such an important part of creating a space. And personalized art is even better because it speaks volumes about what is important to you as an individual. This is where Modern Bird Studios comes in. Modern Bird Studios takes your personal photographs, waves their magic wand, and presto! creates the most amazing pieces of art I've seen in a while! Don't believe me? Go here and see for yourself.

Okay, so maybe they don't use a magic wand, but they do combine both technology and hand painting to create these fabulous pieces of wonderfulness. Gregg and Megan Deal are the talented husband and wife team who own and operate Modern Bird Studios. Gregg is the very talented artist who creates the pieces (so talented, in fact, that he is having a solo art show in their home town of Washington DC). And Megan is the marketing/PR, office manager, super-ninja behind the business end of Modern Bird. She is amazing to work with and one of my newest BFFs.

The process of creating these masterpieces goes a little something like this...you send them some of your favorite photos...then you pick size you want and the colors using their convenient color chart. But never fear...they'll help you through the process if you get confused. In fact, I tried a few different color combinations before arriving at the final product. And don't think that you just have to use photos of people, oh no! Check out this incredible depiction of the Colosseum!

The final product you'll receive is a beautiful custom piece on oak composite wood...just begging to be displayed!!

I needed some art for one of the walls in my little boys' sock monkey bedroom. So I sent Modern Bird some photos, and this is what I received...

I can't get over how adorable they are! I emailed Megan to tell her that I find reasons to go into the boys' room now just so I can look at the wonderful Modern Bird pieces (and that says a lot, because their room was already one of my favorites in the house!)

So now comes the fun part! Modern Bird Studios is offering one lucky reader of The Shabby Nest a 12″ x 12″ personalized piece (valued at $215).

How to enter: Simply leave a comment on this post.

You can earn extra entries by following Modern Bird Studios on Twitter or becoming a fan of Modern Bird Studios on Facebook. (please make sure to leave an extra comment for each thing that you do...I use Random.org to pick the winner, and each comment will only count once.)

Open to lower 48 states only.

No previous winners are eligible to enter.

Contest open until June 14th at 11:59 EST.

Finally, those sweethearts are offering a 15% discount to Shabby Nest readers....simply use the code SHABBYNEST at checkout. Offer expires ONE week AFTER the contest ends.

Good luck~