Winter Pinterest Challenge

We all pin, pin, pin and pin some more.  I see some great ideas all the time and think I can do that or oh that is a great idea!  So I decided I would jump on the band wagon and participate in

hosted by

Megan

Katie

Sherry

Michelle

After living in our house for a little over 3 years, I (actually Cody) hung up curtains in the living room.  It's amazing what curtains do to a room!  Then I started thinking about what I could do next in the living room.  And then I had a lightbulb moment!

I have pinned fabric covered lampshades and see tutorials all the time.  It adds color, textures and patterns to a room for little money. 

Here was my inspiration and the tutorial I followed.

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I headed out the thrift store in search for a lamp base and found one for $2.  Can't beat that in my book!  Then it was time to start hunting for fabric.  I thought this part was going to be a little more harder than I had imagined, but I was able to find some for a reasonable price - $9.95 per yard.  I didn't think that was too bad considering it is indoor / outdoor fabric.  I figured this would hold up very well, especially since I want mom's help making matching pillows for the couch.  

Here's what I started with.

And here is the finished product!

The base was already white, just had to touch it up a little bit.  Of course, I already had white spray paint on hand.  Can't beat free!

Here is a closeup!

Little by little, this room is slowly coming together.

Next project - making matching pillows for the couch, with mom's help of course! 

50 Years, Now That's True Love

My mom's aunt and uncle celebrated 50 years of marriage.  Of course, their children wanted to throw them a nice party to celebrate their 50 years of love for each other.  From first communions to graduations to surprise birthday parties, they have always come to celebrate with us for any special occasion that we have had going on in our lives.  Unfortunately, mom's side of the family lives in Indiana and couldn't make it down, but mom, Melissa and I went to join in on the celebration for their special occasion.  

During dinner, mom's uncle made the comment that they got married on $100.  The $100 was spent to buy the rings, pay the priest, her wedding dress and 2 Greyhound tickets to Indiana.  Wow is all I can say!  A tank of gas and some groceries for the night and there goes $100.

 Here are some pictures celebrating 50 years of marriage.

Of course, 3 events have to be going on in Atlanta at the same time and we have to be on the south side of Atlanta.  Who loves Atlanta traffic?!?!

Sitting in traffic, we see this character.  This is why a college education is important.

Had to move the flowers.  Aunt Jane was hidden behind there.

Vicky gave a toast and thanked everyone for coming.

Cynthia wrote a poem and read it aloud.  Aunt Lora, you would have been proud!

The couple and their children.

Time to open the gifts.

Family friends showed up they haven't seen in several years.  They used to ride motorcycles together and put together a collage of some of their trips together.

Mom made a beautiful quilt for their anniversary gift!

Cousins

Mom with her aunt and uncle. 

We had a great time and I think they really enjoyed their time.

Congratulations!

Stair Makeover Inspiration

I walk up and down the stairs every day and every day I get more aggravated at the stairs.  I have probably said a few bad words under my breath as I walk up and down them that's how bad they are getting on my nerves.

When I first bought the house over 3 years ago, everything seemed perfect.  Then I discovered Pinterest!  I have started seeing all these stair makeovers and I knew from the get go, this would be Cody and mine's first big project.

The carpet must go!!

Here are a few inspiration pictures to see what we are planning on doing.

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All 3 of the above homes had carpet, but not anymore.  I love these transformations!  I can't wait to get this project started and get the carpet ripped up.

We know this project is not going to happen over night, but the transformation will be huge.

Can't wait to post back with our before and after transformation!

Gallery Wall Inspiration

Gallery walls are something I see everyday on Pinterest.  After creating Melissa's Christmas presents for a gallery wall in her bedroom, I have really been thinking about creating one for our house.  My biggest dilemna has been where am I going to create this gallery wall.  I have finally found a wall so now it is time to get creative, but first I need some inspiration!

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Just from my pictures I have chosen as inspiration, I would assume you have guessed right that I will transforming our staircase wall.  From different blogs I have read, this is a process that doesn't happen over night.  It will take me a few months, if not more, to create our gallery wall. 

So I guess you know what this means for me - it's time to start hitting up the thrift stores! Frames, frames & more frames!