DIY Window Shade Project-featuring Loft32!

I receieved an exciting email the other day letting me know about two sisters who purchased some trellis fabric from my Etsy shop, and ended up doing a little DIY project! It came out adorable! Here's their post from "The It Girl Project" blog!

Photos from The It Girl Project Blog

All in, this DIY valance cost us $69 ($48 for the fabric, $15 for the rods, $3 for the ribbon and $3 for the stitch witchery), that’s a savings of $365!!!

Two talented sisters if you ask me! And...not bad taste in fabric either♥! What do you think?



NEW PHOTOGRAPH/ARTWORK JUST ADDED!

/I just added some new photography to my Fine Art America page! Here's my favorite one...I'm going to put this one on canvas and hang it in the dining room!

Last weekend, my husband and I decided to visit our local Farmer's Market (here in Claremont). It was such a beautiful day. We had a delicious breakfast on an outdoor patio- while people watching. Then, we made our way to the local market, featuring organic and home grown vegetables, fruit, homemade honey and bread...can't you just smell it! There were also a few vendors selling succulents and other plants. I was drooling over all of the succulents and snapped this shot. 

Money Well Spent!

If there's one thing you can learn from my home remodeling experience, it's that you CAN decorate like a designer-without the high price tag!

Many of my friends know me as the woman who can always find a great deal. My husband says "I have champagne taste on a beer budget". However you spin it, I can find the look I want at a price I can afford....and that means NEVER paying full price. I've gone to the extent of having furniture custom made, simply because I couldn't find what I wanted for a price I was willing to pay. By doing this-you avoid the retail mark ups, and in most cases, get better quality at the same time!

Let me explain....I searched and searched and searched...for a simple dining room table. I wanted solid wood...none of the veneer stuff! I found ONE I loved, but they wanted $2300! Umm..NO! Even though it stole my heart, I was unwilling to invest $2300 into a table! So here's what I did....

I was able to have this dining room table custom made, to my specifications-for only $700! It's solid alder, 96" long, with espresso stain. It will last FOREVER! And to top it off, it's one of a kind!! I literally drew out what I wanted, chose the size specs and picked out the espresso stain.
Oh...the chairs, that's another great savings and fun restoration project. You can check out those amazing details HERE!

I also had a matching console made for only $300. Same style, wood and stain!

I believe a lot of homeowners end up paying the high retail or designer prices, because it takes a lot of time to find a great deal. I get that....sometimes it's just easier and quicker to buy the darn thing! So, I'm doing some work for you and featuring some SUPERB deals on some GORGEOUS decor items that might save you some designer bucks. 

First up...we have Swiss Dot Personalized Table Linens from Grandin Road. These crisp hemstitched napkins, placemats, and runners feature borders of embroidered Swiss dots that artfully add a classic touch. Currently on sale for $19.99-79.00. Comes in ecru (shown) and white.

Antique Copper Finish Glass Lantern Chandelier from Overstock.com. Add a touch of old fashioned styling to your home decor with this lantern chandelier. Only $166.99!

I might have to get this one for my bedroom! Brighton White Linen Storage Ottoman from Overstock.com. Upholstered in an elegant off-white shade that will match any decorating style, this ottoman is perfect as a seat or for storage. With a double-layered linen top, it is comfortable and plush, yet sturdy enough to set things on. For $201.99 it's tough to pass up!

Here's a peek inside!

Again, I will be grabbing a couple of these clover gems for myself! Do not under estimate decor items from stores like Lowes! Yes, you heard me...this 30"H x 30"W Quatrefoil Cloche Octagon Framed Mirror is from Lowes! You can get it at most stores, or order it online. And the finish is a beautifully hand-painted expresso. But wait....get ready to fall over! It's only $64.97!

And last, but certainly not least...what would you do without a signature piece? Absolutely beautiful Tufted Signature Ottoman from Overstock.com. This elegant ottoman/coffee table showcases a light tan-colored linen top, accented with button tufting. Carved wood detail on legs and millwork on apron completes the look. It's finished in espresso stain. How much, you ask? $215.99!

Close up of the signature pattern....pretty? Oui!

I'm guessing that you'll be hunting for some open spaces in your humble abode for these inexpensive, but "champagne" taste finds! Happy shopping! Let me know how it goes!!!



VALENTINE'S DAY IS COMING ♥

AND LOVE IS IN THE AIR.....

So, dress up those pouty (but sexy) lips of yours

and get ready for some post Superbowl game time!

If you're like me, then your #1 fan cannot go wrong with surprising you with some new home decor....and to show some LOVE for MY FANS (yep, you!)....I will be giving you all an EXCLUSIVE promo discount code you can use in MY ETSY SHOP between now and the LOVE observed day.

JUST BECOME A FAN OF MY FACEBOOK PAGE AND A DEVOTE FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG AND YOUR COUPON CODE WILL BE PRESENTED TO YOU.