Revamping Around the Double-Wide

Whew!

I have been trying to capture all the decor and design changes around the Double-Wide in the Sky... it has been quite a bit.

I can't believe that we have been in our new diggs now for over a year. We celebrated our 1 year anniversary towards the end of August. It has gone by SO quickly!

We have had some adjustment..... ok.... quite a bit of adjustment.

Met A LOT of new people.
Some being VERY famous people... ahem.

Created new friends.... out of said new people.

And just plain --- having a BLAST!

So, I wanted to update some of tour pages of the Double-Wide in the Sky Tour located on the side bar.
Here is what I have done so far {click on the title to go to page}:

FOYER

KITCHEN

DINING ROOM

LIVING ROOM

There is still a new addition that we are awaiting for the Living Room. It might take about 2 months, but we are willing to wait. Ok... I can't wait. I am SO impatient! Uggghhhh!

Also, there will be 2 BIG revamp reveals coming VERY soon: My Office and The Master Bedroom.

Happy revamping... ya know... to any of those who are like me ;)

Layer Wall Art for a Dramatic Effect

I know it has been awhile.

That's what homeschooling and a new schedule will do to you.

So sorry. BUT, I have NOT slowed down in the decorating and project arena {although the posting category has definitely stalled}. Therefore, I will be having some posts forthcoming.... i.e. a revamp of the Master Bedroom. I'm SO excited to see it all finally coming together.

Here is a sneak peak. It is of a little area where I had a dresser and some framed marbled prints. I just did a little layering and bammmmm... GLAMMMMMMM!!!!!

Very simple to do.

Get a long enough nail to set off the piece you want to "stand off".
And then.... hang.

That's it!
Nail. Stan-off. Repeat.... as necessary.

I really like how these are different materials {vintage gold leaf wood and contemporary satin chrome}.

And the paint in the marble prints just compliments the paint color and mirror to PERFECTION!
This is when I do my happy dance :)

Seriously..... you should see me: shaking it to the left..... shaking it to the right..... and doing the
HIPPY SHAKE SHAKE with all of my might!

I left it with just 2 layers {3 if you count the wall}.

But, this could be even MORE dramatic if you did an entire wall with layered pieces. Especially, utilizing 3-dimensional elements like plates of vintage sculptures. Or just an entire wall of layered mirrors in various frames.

I do really love how the effect is so dramatic when paired with my wishbone chairs that are new but have that circa mid-century vibe going on. Along with my vintage brass nesting tables I picked up at a consignment store.

And how about that awesome metallic vase that I thought seemed too plain until I paired it with the stunning silver dollar branches from ZGallerie.

Oh, I just LOVE this GLAM feel!

A simple but effective way to add DRAMA!

I plan to link up at the following:

WEDNESDAY: Savvy Southern Style, My Girlish Whims, Lil' Luna, Creations by Kara

THURSDAY: The 36th Avenue, House of Hepworths, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Confessions of an ADD Housewife, Embracing Change

FRIDAY: Tater Tots and Jello, Serenity Now, At the Picket Fence, A Little Knick Knack, The Shabby Nest

SUNDAY: Under the Table and Dreaming, Nifty Thrifty Things, Twig Studios

MONDAY: Home Stories A to Z

TUESDAY: Not Just a HouseWife, Tip Junkie

Designing Around a TV

I was inspired by Centsational Girl's post today.

It got me thinking about how I have incorporated a TV into my design over the years.

She listed 9 ways:
1. Curate around it.
2. Flank it.
3. Frame it.
4. Mount it and surround it.
5. Niche it.
6. Shelve it.
7. Hide it.
8. Balance it with layers.
9. Own it.

She has some great info and pics on each way, so read her post for more info.

But, I wanted to share with you what I have done throughout the years.

1. I hid it. {#7} 
In one of those large obtrusive armoires. For years I hid that big huge bubble TV. I have no picture to demonstrate how obtrusive said armoire really was.... but, trust me. It was. And since it was so large and obtrusive.... we never got rid of it or said bubble TV until we had to... until we were moving to our Double-Wide in the sky.

2. I curated around it {#1}. 
When we moved to our Double-Wide in the Sky, we did something we had never EVER done before. We actually started to pay for TV programming. So, we decided to actually by a non-bubble TV and feel like we were technically savvy. So, I purchased a nice large flat screen TV and special remotes, so we could hide all the equipment.

I hide the equipment in our bedroom {on the other side of the wall} in a cabinet:

That yellow painting is covering up wall outlets that will house our next TV {you know, the one we will get about a decade from now... because we move quite slowly with electronic items}.

The TV in our living space is mounted on the other side of this wall and this it how I first tried to incorporate it into the space.

I just framed wallpaper in similar, but yet different-sized, frames. It was a cohesive collection around the TV. But, I wanted to go for something else without all the black weight around it.

Here enters the next change.....

3. I flank it. {#2} and I mount it and surround it {#4}.

I wanted to add some architectural interest to our modern space. So, I mimicked the window panes with moulding. I also wanted to incorporate wallpaper {for real}, so I set the frames with a graphic wallpaper print.

Then I flanked the black TV with some black wall sconces.

I like this design. It works well with the rest of the space.

Last, but not least, the other TV in our home.... well, I went VERY simple with the design.

4. I shelve it. {#6}

It's the TV in my kiddo's room.

You see that lower film reel case? It covers some more electrical wall outlets. An eyesore that we won't be using anytime soon.... so, again, I got creative with how to hide them.

Well, there is the look into how I have designed around a TV. How about you? Please share!

Foyer Tour -- Upgrade

We have recently added a new piece to the foyer, which has created a STUNNING upgrade to the space. We did a few other little changes, too. 

So, I updated the link on the side bar for the Foyer Tour and I thought I would add a new post. 

Isn't this vintage burled wood console table just FABULOUS!?!?!?!?!?!

Also, these Foo Dogs are just DA BOMB..... 

Seriously, another fantastic change to this space. It seems so much more alive and a part of our living space. So, without further content.... let's get on with the tour!

The entrance is painted a different color than the main living area. It's painted the same Martha Stewart Driftwood Gray as our Master Bedroom {which you can also see from the main living area} and our pantry.

The guest bathroom, my office and our son's room are located off of the foyer. The colors of those rooms compliment the gray and bring in the greens and blues throughout the rest of the house.

The tree stump side table {or stool} was a DIY project. Whenever I need to, I just pull it out from under the console table and use it. It has come in handy as both a table and a stool!

We LOVE our art.

This church painting is of the Methodist Church in Downtown Fort Worth. It was painted by a local artist and hung in the Dallas Love Field Airport. I found it at an antique store, of all places! The booth owner was very kind to me and gave me a great deal on it {All you have to do is ask. They can always say no.} I was one happy puppy when I brought this home!

The large St. Michael wood statue is hand-carved and hand-painted. It is a gorgeously unique work of art and compliments the painting EXTREMELY well. My cousin brought it with him from Guatemala.... so it is not only beautiful, but it has such a sentimental component for me as well.

I love to collect clear glass paperweights. Here is a small grouping on the console table.

The brass owls were a great vintage find. I LOVE them!

The lamp was from HomeGoods and lampshade was one that was revamped!

The console table came from a consignment store and the other vintage accessories came from either antique stores or thrift shops.

This other painting holds A LOT of sentimental value. It was given to us by my in-laws. They had picked it up in the first few years they were located in the Dominican Republic {over 40 years ago}.. They passed it onto us a long time ago. I had it reframed as a birthday gift for my hubby and it now greets him every time he comes home.

The mirrors I found at various places: HomeGoods, Flea Markets, Consignment Stores and  Amazon.com! I love each and everyone.

I don't know why, but we really enjoy these little guys. Separate, they are creepy. Together, they are {... well, still a little creepy.... but....} fun!

The antique pagoda mirror was an awesome find at my favorite consignment store. It is amazing! I have wanted something like this for a l-o-n-g time! It is a perfect fit, too. And it reflects more light at a crucial point in the foyer. Some things are worth the wait.

The lamps came from Hemisphere several years back. They seem to be pretty timeless and they compliment the mirror nicely.

Tho Foo Dogs, believe it or not, are extremely affordable and come from ZGallerie! The teal color works quite well with the rest of the pieces of art in the foyer and it continues the flow into the living space which also showcases these colors.

It's funny, because, even since these photos were taken... I have changed a few more things on the console table. I added a new piece of artwork just Friday. I LOVE IT!

The original hand-made heart glass is covered with a gorgeous epoxy that smooths out the painted surface of this reclaimed wood block. It is simple and gorgeous at the same time... mixing an eclectic abstract work with a reclaimed natural element. I LOVE it! And to be sitting on top of the boxes {striped box is from HomeGoods and the cigar box is from a garage sale}.... it was a perfect fit... like it was meant to be!

Isn't that what decorating is all about.... sometimes? 

Constant change.... hah!

Have a GREAT week!

Linking up to Serenity Now.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Oatmeal

FALL is right around the corner..... and this girl is JUMPING for joy!

For me...

FALL = PUMPKIN GOODNESS!

And I have already created my first pumpkin item.... slow cooker pumpkin oatmeal!

Num-num for the tum-tum!

I have the Dallas Heart Walk tomorrow morning and we have invited people to a Heart Happy Hydration Party after the walk. We will be providing water and heart healthy snacks for these awesome people who are helping raise awareness and funds for heart disease! So, what to have... but heart healthy oatmeal! 

Since I will be walking in the walk, I don't have time to prepare anything right before the party. It all has to be pretty much prepared and ready to serve. 

Enters.... my hubby to the rescue! He got me some American Heart Association Cookbooks. 

And this one had a Slow Cooker Pumpkin Oatmeal recipe in it. BINGO!

So, I tried it out. This is how it goes:

SLOW COOKER PUMPKIN OATMEAL

Serves 8: 1 cup per serving

INGREDIENTS

Cooking Spray

For the Oatmeal:

2 cups uncooked steel-cut oats

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup canned solid packed pumpkin {not pie filling}

6 cups water

1 cup fat-free half and half

1 cup raisins

1 teaspoon vanilla

For Topping:

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons light brown sugar

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon chopped walnuts {I omitted}

1. Lightly spray a 3 1/2-4 quart slow cooker with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.

3. Stir in the pumpkin.

4. Gradually stir in the water and half and half.

5. Stir in the raisins and vanilla.

6. Ladle the mixture into the slow cooker.

7. Cook, covered, on low for 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 hours.
8. Serve topped with the remaining brown sugar and walnuts {or I added crumbled bacon on kiddo's and a chocolate covered pretzel on mine}.

ENJOY!

My plan is to put this in the slow cooker tonight and wake up to the smells in the morning.
And then it will be all ready to go.... for after the walk!
I have cute little appetizer-sized cups and cocktail spoons to serve the oatmeal in at the party.

According to the cookbook, the total sodium content is 44mg per serving. AWESOMENESS!

What a heart healthy way to end a heart healthy and heart helping walk!

Num-num for the tum-tum!

HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEKEND!

I plan to link up at the following:

SUNDAY: Under the Table and Dreaming, Nifty Thrifty Things, Twig Studios

MONDAY: Home Stories A to Z

TUESDAY: Not Just a HouseWife, Tip Junkie

WEDNESDAY: Savvy Southern Style, My Girlish Whims, Lil' Luna, Creations by Kara

THURSDAY: The 36th Avenue, House of Hepworths, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Confessions of an ADD Housewife, Embracing Change, The Mandatory Mooch

FRIDAY: Tater Tots and Jello, Serenity Now, At the Picket Fence, A Little Knick Knack, The Shabby Nest, Kitchen Fun with My Three Sons, Between Naps on the Porch

1st Day of School and A Chore Chart

Hope you had a long and happy weekend.

We sure had a blast enjoying the last days of summer.

And for us, it really was our last days of summer.

We homeschool and we decided this year not to start classes until after Labor Day.... you know, the way it use to be. So we went flea marketing, swimming, running, playing and eating yummy food this past weekend. But, we also do a lot of fun things when we start school too ---- cuz we are just wild and crazy like that!

We started the day with a special breakfast: Gingerbread Waffles, Bananas and Scrambled Eggs.

Then, we promptly started school and kiddo was soooooo excited about receiving more difficult material. See, he is in 2nd grade {time-wise}, but he is starting on 4th grade curriculum. So, he was pretty STOKED!

With our new dog and the anticipation of a more intense year, we decided he would HAVE to do his schoolwork in his room. Last year I allowed him to work at the kitchen table... but, not this year. He would be too distracted by the dog ;)

But, he doesn't mind. He has pretty sweet diggs and he also feels so grown up.

Since this was the first day of classes and one of his favorite things to do is head to the Arts District to eat at the Food Trucks.... I just had to take him for being such a happy and good student.

This was some dangerous food. Brisket Tacos, Brisket and Mac-n-Cheese Slider and... get this.... Nutella and Marshmallow Tater Tots! Yum.... yum... and rich -- whew! -- we had to stop eating before we got sick ;p

Then along our walk back to the car.... we ran into this sign.

Well, OF COURSE, we had to obey!

We played... in the grass.

Then back home to finish off the school day.

We also implemented a new chore chart and "allowance" system. Kiddo is going to work/earn his way towards an iPod Touch. He is excited about adding up his money every day. Then at the end of the week, we will see how much he has earned towards his reward.

There is an AWESOME Crate and Barrel Outlet store just a few miles away from me.... and that is where I found most of the items to make this set up. The magnetic chrome squares, the green removable adhesive calendar strip and the magnetic hands all came from the outlet store. The colored magnets and the Command Strips I used, to mount the chrome squares to his closet door, all came from Target.

There are two squares: one for RESPONSIBILITIES and one for COMPLETED {responsibilities}.

At the beginning of the day, the COMPLETED square is empty and as he completes the responsibilities throughout the day... he gets to have the fun of moving the magnets to the completed section. I utilized the computer to print out some labels on sticker paper.

Pretty EASY-PEASY and simple to modify. if need be.

Let's see how this works out ;)

HERE'S TO HAVING A FANTASTIC SCHOOL YEAR!