Decorating Cents

Over this past year, there are some things I've learned about this world of blogging.  For one thing, it ain't easy.   source Not to compare my blog to others.    My blog's not perfect.  Sure there are larger, more successful blogs out there, but I'm doing this for me.  I didn't start a blog to be popular or have people approve of what I do.  I simply wanted a way to document my home's progress over time.  I can post pictures for my family and friends to see and in turn learn a few things from fellow bloggers.  There are so many great ideas out there.  Instead of being envious of fellow bloggers, I'm inspired and motivated to be better. source Not to compare my home to others. My home is exactly that, my home.  My family lives here and no one else's opinion matters.  I can't make my home look perfect and or buy expensive items just because I see them in someone else's home or magazines.  We have a budget and I try to stick

To kick off my blog birthday week, I'm excited to bring you a great giveaway today.  This giveaway is brought to you by Designer Pillow Shop .  It's a home decor company specializing in pillow covers and curtains in some of today's modern fabrics.  The pillows have the fabric on both sides and have an easy envelope opening. How about a chance to win some new pillow covers for your home?  One reader will win a $25 shop credit to Designer Pillow Shop. Look at all the pretty choices.  Wish I could win one! Use the Rafflecopter form to enter to win. a Rafflecopter giveaway Giveaway ends July 2 at 12:01 AM EST.  Winner will be chosen at random.  Good luck!

On Thursday my blog turns one.  It's hard to believe that one year ago I published my first post.  Time flies when you're having fun huh?  I had no idea I would meet so many great people and complete so many DIY projects.  When I first started this blog, I didn't think anyone would want to hear what I had to say, but you came.  This was just a way for me to document my home projects and vent when the hubby didn't want to listen to my ideas.  Thanks to you all for allowing me to share my ideas.  I certainly enjoy doing projects and reading about your projects too.  So we're celebrating all week long. - A giveaway - I'll share a few things I've learned this year - Q&A session - ask me anything and I'll try to answer them all in a post later this week.  Be as random as you want.  It can be personal or blog related.  Put your questions in an email to me or in the comments below. Thanks to all of my fabulous readers!  

The first day of summer was Wednesday.  With the hot weather and summer activities planned, there are a few things I have to have. Summer handbag I love this bright yellow bag from Target .  It's the perfect color to jazz up an outfit. Wedge sandals Anyone that knows me in real life, knows I love me some shoes.  Shoes can make or break an outfit.  These wedges can go casual with shorts or dressy with a sundress. Sundress   What better way to spend summer than in a cute dress?  I love the stripes of this one . Statement jewelry  Wearing a fun necklace or bracelet can take a neutral outfit to the next step. Bright nail polish  My go-to color for the summer is pink. Swimsuit Need something for the pool right?  I've been a huge fan of monokinis .  Maybe it's the illusion that it's a bikini from the back. Starbucks Frappuccino My favorite drink for the season is a Caramel Frappuccino.  They always ask if I want

Look who's back with another West Elm knockoff.  Does it seem like I'm a little obsessed with the store?  Maybe a little.  I love their modern edge, bright colors, and super fun accessories.  I've seen these spheres around the web and some more versions in home decor stores.  This calls for a ( drumroll )...DIY!  dun dun dun dun! Here are the ones from West Elm. To make my sphere I bought two 6 inch embroidery hoops.  There are two pieces to each hoop so I had four pieces total. I took them apart and put them inside one another until they looked like this. To keep them together, I matched up the metals parts and screwed them together. I gave them a coat of red paint for contrast.  I was going to stain them brown but figured I already had a lot of dark wood.  The red pops off the console and looks good next to the blue lamp. The red looks a little washed out in this picture but doesn't look that way in person.  weird

I recently received a package from Design Divas .  They have a large selection of vinyl letters and wall art.  Their mission: To bring affordable, quality Vinyl Lettering Quotes & Wall Art into as many homes as possible.     I had my choice of vinyl.  With so many choices, it was hard to make a decision on one.  I finally settled on this one for the kitchen. There was an odd spot above the kitchen pantry where I was never sure what I was going to put there.  This piece of vinyl was the perfect solution. Still debating on putting the red EAT letters above it.  What do you think?  

I've seen so many of these great Ikea Expedits.  Seems like every home has one now.  There are numerous ways to use them.  They make great storage in an office.   source source source source   How about for shoes?  Yes, please. source In kids' rooms. source source source Use it as a television console.   source source Such a versatile piece that can be customized to fit your home.  We have one and thinking about getting another one.  Do you have an Expedit?  How do you use it?  

I haven't done much to outside of the house.  I've never been one to do yard work.  I was made to do it as a kid by my parents and decided it wasn't something I wanted to do ever again as an adult.  Why force myself to sweat and overheat while doing any labor?  Well, we bought a house with a yard so I guess that means we have to do something.  Our neighbors have started sprucing up their yards so I figured I needed to keep up.  The outside is just as important as the inside. The hubby from the start has kept up the lawn by mowing, trimming, and lining the edges.  Big props to him.  He likes being outside and getting dirty.  No thank you.  The flower beds in front of the house needed help though.  On the left is a bed of shrubs so we decided to keep them that way.  The right side has some green sprouty things, not sure of the name.  They were spaced enough to where we could put some flowers in between.  After several trips to buy flowers and leaving with nothing in hand