The Look For Less: Pottery Barn Toile Bedroom

I haven't done one of these in a while, so I thought this could be a fun exercise for today. I love the look of this Pottery Barn room.

I love the contrast of the crisp white against the dark chocolate walls, I love the toile bedding, I love the airy curtains framing the bed, and I love the cute little mirror above the bed.

Honestly though, it would be impossible for me to go out and buy everything in this room from Pottery Barn. I'm not picking on PB here, I love them, but I just don't have that kind of dough. So let's look at other ways to create this same look, shall we?

Bedding:

The Pottery Barn Matine Toile Duvet cover is $149.00 for a Queen, and standard shams are $29 each. That's not terrible, but let's look at other options.

The photo below is from Overstock.com. I know this pattern isn't "toile", but it does give the same feel. The best part? It's $39.99 for a queen sized duvet AND 2 shams. Are you liking it better now?

This appears to be the same pattern to me. I found this on Ebay (here's the link). The 3 piece set is listed for $79.99.
Here's another option for you, sew. I know, it's a scary option, but I promise the sewing machine won't bite. And here's some incentive for you; this option gives you the freedom to create exactly what you want for CHEAP!

For example, here are two brown toile fabrics I found on Fabric.com.

P. Kauffman Central Park Toile in Chocolate: On Sale for $10.19/yard

Premier Prints Jamestown Toile Brown/Natural: $6.98/Yard

To make a queen sized duvet cover you'd need about 5 yards of fabric, and a flat sheet (which you may already have). At the fabric prices listed above, you could have your own toile duvet for $35-$50.

Tired of me beating you over the head? It's okay...You don't have to sew if you don't want to. Really, I won't make you...I'm not going to come to your house to check up on you. Just giving you options here :-).

Sheer, Flowy Curtains/Something to Hang them On:

The lovely Pottery Barn curtains surrounding the bed are $25-$30 each.

These curtains at Ikea are $4.99...a PAIR! These curtains are $9.99 each at JC Penney (they come in white).

But what do you hang the curtains on if you don't have a canopy bed? How 'bout a ceiling mounted curtain rod? Like this one from JC Penney's?

Or, you could get super creative like this gal and build a wood frame on the ceiling and staple the curtains on the inside.

I would also scour Craigslist and fleamarkets for canopy beds that you could pick up for cheap.

Finally, Paint:

The paint color used in the Pottery Barn room is Benjamin Moore Kona (AF-165). It is really dark, though, so only go this dark if your room gets a ton of natural light. Also, I wouldn't recommend picking a paint color until you actually have your bedding since you want to make sure the browns match. I know...I'm being ultra helpful here :-).

So Let's Price Things Out:

The Pottery Barn Room: Bedding $207; Sheers (4) $100; Bed $1,299

Our Super Creative Option: Bedding $39-79; Sheers $10-40; Ceiling Mounts for Sheers $20-60

And...that's how I shop. That's how super-tight-income-little-'ol-me can afford to beautify my home. I hope this exercise gives you some hope that you can too.

Giveaway!!!

I recently discovered the cutest online store, Little Ones. They carry adorable handmade goodies for babies and new moms, like:

Knit Hats for Babies (am I right about the adorable thing?!)

Baby Bows (aww, makes me want a baby girl...)

And Darling Nursing Covers (oh how I wish they had these when I had a little one - instead I had to hide behind my 1990's plaid flannel blanket when I nursed...so00 not cute, and don't get me started on the maternity clothes I wore...1993/1994 were NOT a good years for maternity fashion).

So, down to the nitty gritty Giveaway details. Little Ones has agreed to give a $20 Little Ones gift card (!) to one of you. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below...no hoops to jump through...just leave a comment. And, if you were hoping for a little hoop jumping you can be entered again if you do some sort of link on your blog to this giveaway and then come back and let me know you did that.

I'll randomly select the winner (it's waaaay too hard to choose on merit...I always want to give one to you, and you, and you, and you). I'll announce the winner on Friday. Good luck!

P.S. Make sure I can reach you somehow if you're the winner.

20% Off at Restoration Hardware

I thought I'd pass along this ad that was in my inbox today from Restoration Hardware. You can use the code in the coupon to get 20% of ANYTHING (that's not already on sale...I called my local RH to make sure).

Since the code is hard to read, I'll tell you it's FFE0901 and you can use it November 12-16, 2009.

Personally, if I was going to use the 20% off coupon on something it would be on a gallon of their paint. I love their paint. They have lots of amazing colors (see here), and it has the best finish that's somewhere between flat and eggshell (which I love), and...I know this sounds weird, but...it kind of smells good. Um yeah, you know you're a paint addict when it starts smelling good.

And no, they didn't pay me to say nice things...they're not paying me at all...they have no idea I'm writing a love letter to their paint. Um, RH people? Can you find my inbox again and send me a free paint coupon? Please?

Have a great Tuesday! And tune in tomorrow for a GIVEAWAY!!!

I Found the Coolest (Inexpensive) Store on Earth

How many of you have been to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore before? Good for you - you'll totally know what I'm talking about in this post then. And those of you who haven't....OH MY GOSH! I am so excited to share this with you (Okay, let me compose myself here).

Uh hum...okay...I decided to stop by my local ReStore over the weekend...for the first time. It.was.so.cool. It's filled wall to wall with old doors (!), and old tile (!), and old shutters (!), and old light fixtures (!)...OH the spray painting possibilities!

For example (I apologize for these truly horrible photos. They would have been much better had I remembered to bring my real life camera, and not been forced to use my cell phone camera...which I couldn't figure out how to unzoom).

Imagine this chandelier painted ORB, or Black, or Red!

See all the shutters? Oh...wouldn't they be so wonderful painted robins egg blue, or...well...I'm sure there are other great colors too.

The best part about the ReStore is that it's not only chalk full of cool stuff, but the proceeds go towards building homes for people in need. And...you can buy what you want, and also DONATE what you don't need anymore. Okay, I'm going to cry like Oprah now. Great shopping for a great cause. What could be better?

To find your local ReStore, click on this link.

Have a great Monday!

What Are You Thankful For?

I gave Christmas the spotlight Monday, so I thought I ought to give Thanksgiving its due time today. I like Thanksgiving. It's not as sexy as Christmas, what with all those sparkly decorations and so forth, but it does have great food (my son once asked if I was going to cook a "big chicken" for Thanksgiving...he meant "turkey"...oh, I miss those days).

Anyway, what I really love about Thanksgiving is that it's an entire holiday dedicated to remembering and acknowledging all of the things we're thankful for. I'm a big believer in always counting your blessings, but Thanksgiving provides a unique kick in the pants to give some thought to all of those things you're grateful for. Here are a few things on my list (I apologize for the sappyness of this post):

1) My Son: He's, hands down, the greatest blessing I've received in my entire 33 years. And he does his own laundry.

2) My Parents: They're always there for me. Always. Even though they're 1200 miles away.

3) Our Home: I'm grateful for the safe haven it is for us, and the decorating playground it is for me.

4) Friends/My Adopted Oklahoma Family: Those of you living away from "home" know what I mean. There's nothing like a friend who will watch your dog, share carpool duties, rescue you when your car breaks down, and laugh with you when it's all over.

(Um, I'm a tad chubby in this photo...but I think it was taken 2 months post divorce (and in the midst of my Oreo obsession). Oh, I'm grateful for weight loss...)

5) Choclate, flea markets, thrift stores, TJ Maxx, paint...oh yes, paint!, the internet to teach me how to fix a toilet, fabric sales, homemade lattes, good tv, the best poodle in the world, hot showers, diet pepsi, Mexican food, pedicures, micro fleece...and good music...and the fact that there are people out there who can sing better than I can.

6) Finally, I'm thankful for YOU. Honestly...I'm not sucking up to the crowd here. I am truly, humbly, deeply grateful for all of you and the joy you bring into my life.

What are you thankful for? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I would challenge you to write out your own list.

Have a great weekend!

I'm Really Smart...Uh, Except When I'm Not

So, I'm a fairly intelligent girl...most of the time. I'm moderately handy around the house. I can use a drill, I've changed light fixtures, and I've painted...a.lot. So shouldn't it occur to a somewhat intelligent girl who knows her way around painting a bathroom that...um, I don't know...using the toilet TANK as a step stool to reach that really high ceiling is a bad idea?!

Nope...didn't even think about it. I just stood there, perched awkwardly on the toilet tank, wet paint brush extended, stretching like a yoga goddess to reach that impossible corner between the wall and the ceiling. And as I heard the gentle sound of water trickling, I thought (as the blonde I was meant to be) "Boy, that toilet sure is loud from up here."

Ha! Yes, Ms. AnNicole it is loud...that's because water's leaking onto your floor! Yep, my weight on the toilet tank broke the seal beneath the toilet. Hee, hee...oops?

So now this fairly intelligent, moderately handy girl is going to learn how to replace a wax toilet seal. Good times....

I'll be sure to let you know how it turns out!

I'm Becoming One of "Those" People

I used to get really annoyed when I'd see Christmas decorations in stores in October. I guess I felt like it was disrespectful to Halloween...or something (...I never really nailed down a reason, it just felt wrong).

Well...I have a confession to make...I'm becoming one of "those" people. You know, those people that are tapping their fingers for Halloween and Thanksgiving to be overwith already so I can start hauling out the Christmas decor. It's shameful...I know.

I even started a computer file for "Christmas Decor" last month. Wanna see what's in there so far? You'll notice that I seem to be drawn to a muted, sparkly, natural vibe this year (I realize how ridiculous that sentence just sounded to anyone not as totally obsessed with decor as moi).

Image: Pottery Barn

Image: Pottery Barn

Image: Pottery Barn

Image: Pottery Barn

Image: Ballard Designs

Image: Target

Image: Wisteria

Image: Wisteria

Ahhh, see what I mean? Now keep in mind, these are inspiration photos only. I'm NOT going to buy all this stuff (puh-lease say you know me better than that!). Y'all know I'm going to be gathering twigs and re-purposing Diet Pepsi cans to get the look I want (kidding about the soda cans...). C'mon November 27th...c'mon November 27th....

6 Easy Ways to Like Your Home More Today

Photo Credit: My Home Ideas

6 EASY WAYS TO LIKE YOUR HOME MORE TODAY

1) CLEAN SOMETHING: You don’t have to clean the whole house, just pick one area (i.e. a shelf, the floors in the living room) and clean it. Or set the clock for 15 or 30 minutes and see how much you can get done before the timer goes off. You’ll instantly feel better.

2) FIX ONE THING: Is there a light bulb that’s been out for a while? A piece of trim that needs 30 seconds with a glue gun? A button that needs to be sewn on? Choose one thing and do it.

3) MAKE YOUR HOUSE SMELL GOOD: Open a window (unless it’s 30 degrees outside), light a scented candle, spray some Febreeze on the upholstery (…and in your teenage son’s bedroom), bake cookies (well…you know…those pre-made ones from the deli case…I’m not asking you to clean AND bake real cookies!)

4) SHAKE IT UP BY SHOPPING THE HOUSE: Could the throw pillows on the sofa look nice on your bed?…or vice versa? Would that vase on your dresser be the perfect solution for your mantel with a handful of branches in it? Take a few minutes and experiment.

5) FIND SOMETHING TO PAINT!: Can you breathe new life into that old frame?, those ugly candlesticks?, or those boring oak stools? Think about it, and remember that a quart of paint or a can of spray paint is CHEAP.

6) DO SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY: Listen to music while you cook, light a few candles and “dine” over mac n’ cheese, eat on the good plates (that doesn’t have to include your 3 year old). Doing something out of the ordinary instantly makes things feel special.

Details, Details, Details

So, I was eating dinner Sunday night (homemade beef stew, which was quite delicious...I was extremely proud of myself), and I noticed something. Can you see it?

(By the way, I hope it doesn't gross you out to see my half eaten food. Sorry!)

Every stinkin' dish or glass had some kind of detail on it! Then I started strolling through the house to see what else I could find...and yep...not one "normal" dish or glass to be found.

Let's have a look, shall we?

Bees...

Beading...

Scallops...and Misc Detail Loveliness

Yep, apparently I just can't get enough of the stuff. And I'm okay with that...as long as guests don't start asking questions or referring to me as "The one with all the wacky dishes." :-)

And since you may ask, I bought the goblets with the bees at World Market, the small glasses with the beading at Williams Sonoma (I believe they've been discontinued), and pretty much everything else at TJ Maxx, Home Goods or Marshalls. Although, the plates were all made in Portugal....in case that helps.

Polyvore-itis

Polyvore-itis: An increasingly common and non-life threatening condition. Symptoms include a sudden rush of adrenaline as a “super-cute” rug is added to a virtual room, and eye strain as the participant creates “just one more room”. Can result in addiction.

I’ve mentioned Polyvore before on this here blog (like here and here). It’s fun, it’s addictive, and it’s a great time killer…if you happen to have some time you need to kill. And honestly, I'm a really visual person, and Polyvore is a great tool in being able to picture what a room will look like when you're planning a redo. For example, here's an early "draft" of my master bathroom redo.

I ended up not going that direction, but being able to visualize different options helped me to decide what I liked and dislike.

I’m not a Polyvore expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I thought I’d share a few basics with you because it’s kind of confusing the first time you try it. So here are a few BASIC tips.

1) Go to Polyvore.com and register to have your own account

2) Click on “Create”. Now you're ready to start creating.

3) The search function honestly could be a tad more user friendly. But usually I either just type in what I’m looking for in the search box, like “dresser”, or search by brand, like “Pottery Barn”. I then scroll through pages of results picking out what I like.

4) When you find something you like, you can either drag that item to your “board”, or you can save it to your items. If I find something I really like I save it to my items for future use.

5) Now the tricky (but really cool) part. You can do a fancy computer thing to be able to save photos you find online to your file of saved items on Polyvore. It would be absolutely crazy for me to try to explain how to do that…especially since you can just read about it HERE.

6) Once you create something you like click "Publish" or "Save Draft". Keep in mind, when you publish your creation, other people on Polyvore can see it. There might be a way to control that, but I'm not sure (see...I told you this was a basic tutorial).

7) How do you save your creation to your computer or publish it on your blog? Okay...stay with me here:

• A) Once you've published your picture, click "View Details". Then click on "Embed on your blog". You can then highlight and copy the html code next to the box that says "Blog".


• B) Then (again, there might be a better way) I usually create a new post in Blogger. When I'm on the page in Blogger where I can write a new post I click the tab at the top, next to "Compose", that says "Edit Html" - and then I paste the picture's html code in.


• C) If I just want to save the picture to my computer and don't actually want to publish it, I click back to "Compose" mode and then save the picture the way I would save any other picture I find online (by right clicking and selecting "Save Picture As". I then delete the post. Phew!...Have I totally confused you?
  
  

I hope that helps! If all else fails don't be afraid to endure a little trial and error. Seriously, what's the worst that could happen? Happy creating!