Monday, November 21, 2016

Hard Candy Christmas in the Kitchen

Hi sweet friends!  Yes, this is really happening!  I actually decorated the kitchen for Christmas today.  If you follow my FB page you know that I have been struggling with getting in the mood.  Today I was touch by the spirit, and decided it was time.


So without a lot of chit chat because honestly, I'm a bit tired now.  Let's just jump right in and let me share my "Hard Candy" kitchen with you.


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I'm calling it a Hard Candy Christmas because my kitchen is always decorated with a candy theme.  I love the candy and gingerbread look for kitchens.  It's just so warm and inviting as all kitchens usually are.


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I started with my very thin pencil style Christmas tree and moved right on to the chandelier.  Did I mention I also have a thing for elves in the kitchen?


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Next, I worked on my shelves.  They are so fun and I am enjoying changing them out regularly.  I've got it set up pretty good but I've got a bit of tweaking to do.  I need to paint the wood block for the background of my embroidered sign (it's going to be black) and I want to find a cute little mini candy type Christmas tree to replace the plain little tree beside Mr. and Mrs. Claus.  I think they need their own miniature Candy tree as well!


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Next I worked on spreading out a few of festive servicing pieces and positioning my baking Santa's around as well.


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I had to set up an area to display more dishtowels.  Oh mercy, do I ever have so many embroidered decorative dishtowels!  I don't have my newest ones down from the sewing room yet, but don't worry they will make their  way in the kitchen soon.


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My newest addition to the kitchen is the adorable shabby framed chalkboard.  I actually just picked this up recently on clearance at Kirklands and new exactly where I wanted to use it.  I did'nt want to do the chalky scene for Christmas though I really wanted to just use it to hang a wreath on.  I already had this wreath and was quite pleased to see it actually is sized just right.  I was trying to figure out what to do with my adorable measuring spoons to display them when it hit me they would look so cute here on the wreath.  Love it!  I may add a few gingerbreads or other baking items to the wreath, or maybe not, still debating that one.


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After it was all done, I vacumed and mopped the floors.  What an enjoyable day to listening to Christmas music on Pandora, smelling my melted candles and now wrapping up the evening with homecooked Chili from the hubby.  Whew!  I'm tired, but my kitchen is all decorated now and it's all clean too.  Now that's not really the true meaning of a hard candy Christmas is it?  I know, so maybe I'll rename it my Sweets for my Sweets Christmas kitchen.  LOL!


Thanks so much for stopping by, and wishing you the spirit of Christmas soon!


Hugs and Waves!


Mary

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Halloween Tablescape 2016

Hallo Everyone!  It's that time of year when strange things begin to lurk around!   It's a little bit spooky, but a little bit fun here at The Decorative Dreamers house.  Once again I find myself under the spell of a very adorable and decorative tablescape.


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How about you?  Do you enjoy decorating for Halloween?  I used to do a lot more then I do now.  With my sons being older and out of the house and no trick or treaters anymore, I find myself still wanting to join in on the fun.  So instead of focusing on outside decor I focused on creating an indoor treat for us instead.


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This years tablescape began with my napkins.  I've had these checked fringe napkins for quite awhile now and since I have a boatload of them I figured I could spare a few.  I decided they would be the perfect background to showcase my carved pumpkin initial applique.  Isn't this just the cutest thing? After these turned out so well I wanted to keep stitching.  I love doing appliques and I especially love when I can make items for my own decor to showcase my work.


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Next came the new addition of my table runner.  I found the orange and black buffalo check runner on sale at Ross.  I was thrilled to see that not only was it marked down but that is was a blank canvas that I could customize myself.


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I started with adding this Witch hat initial font to each end of the runner.  This was a freebie font from one my sources.  I love how it looks though I do wish the hat was up a little higher.  Our last name begins with a "K" and this looks like an "R" to me.  Oh well!  It is what it is, right, and it was free so I'm good!  Happy, happy!


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I then decided to center this Boo applique in the middle of the runner.  I love this one! Looks adorable next to my witch boot salt and peppers doesn't it?


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After adding designs to the ends and the center of my runner I then decided to add two more Jack o lantern appliques in between at an angle.  I also flipped these two designs so this runner would be a great look from all angles of the table.   It was a little more challenging centering and angling both of them equally the same but I got it.  Whoohoo!


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After I finished the tablerunner it was time to set the table.  I chose to keep my setting a little more simple to keep the focus on my beautiful runner and napkins.  I decided to use only orange chargers and black plates with the napkins.  The chargers I picked up a few years ago, can't remember where, but the black plates are new this year from the dollar tree.  I was pretty happy to see them because I've wanted some black plates for awhile now.


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My hand blown purple goblets were just the right color for this setting and kept with the color theme.  One thing I was very focused on when I made the table runner was keeping all the appliques coordinating with each other.  I can't tell you how many times I looked at other pieces of fabric I had and thought, Oh this would be so cute with that.  Especially on  the candy jack o lantern or the hair bow on the other jack.  I resisted the urge to mix it all up with multiple fabric choices though, and chose to use only four colors; orange, black, purple and green.  I stayed true to keeping it coordinated and now I'm so glad I did!


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The little ghosties were a fun and whimsical choice for my candle holders, though I did manage to add a few votives for a nice glow.  The orangish colored votives were a summer clearance from the $1.00 bins at Michaels.  I love those bargains bins, don't you?


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After I finished my tablescape I couldn't help but notice how my shelves on the side table that were decorated for Fall just didn't quite match.  So even though I wasn't planning on doing any last minute Halloween decorating I just couldn't stop myself.


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I'm so glad I pulled out my Halloween box.  It's always so enjoyable when you see some of your decor you have forgotten you had.  I knew I wanted to use my witch, aka Miss Abigail, I bought one year while working at SteinMart.  She was a must. I had totally forgotten all about the wreath I made too. I was so excited to see it and even more pleased that it was a smaller size.  I made this wreath smaller one year to sit inside of a simple larger fall wreath of berries so you could easily pull it out when Halloween was over.  That was a great idea, even if the berry wreath didn't last.  LOL!


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 Doesn't Miss Abigail look so cute next to the broom parking sign, bad blood and poison wine mixes?  The witches sign and more ceramic ghosts I've also had for awhile now .  I just love how this side table turned out. So fun!  I had a straw broom propped up here, but had to move it because it was freaking the dog out.  LOL!  Ooops!


Funny, I just noticed I have a rooster sitting here that didn't get moved.  It must have blended in and i didn't see it until the picture.  Oh Lord, I must be loosing my touch!


Well, that's it y'all!  I hope you enjoyed your visit and I hope you have a whimsically wonderful and fun holiday celebration.


Happy Halloween!


Hugs and Waves,


Mary


 

Friday, October 7, 2016

Autumn Decorating - Part 1

Hi friends!  Once again I find myself absolutely behind on blogging.  I've decided no more promises, from here on out it's whatever will be will be.  I'm tired of apologizing and feeling guilty all the time. I will be the one who blogs off and on as I pretty much always have so no more apologies okay, I am what I am.  LOL!  Now one thing I will apologize for is two of my photos have my embroidery watermark on them.  I shared these pictures earlier on my Facebook page and used my watermark app on my phone.  I have two watermarks that I use, one for the decorating page and one for the embroidery page.  I got mixed up and watermarked these with the wrong one.  Mulit-media tasking not my best thing.


Well here we are in SC about to be hit by Hurricane Matthew and I am sitting here blogging.  How's that for crazy timing?  Luckily, I don't live on the coast but have family who are making their way up and have made as many preps as we can for what may come our way where we live.  We are also praying God will protect all in the path of what looks like a very terrible storm.  Please pray for all in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina!


Last week we finally started to have a bit of a cooling streak  and I was inspired to put out some more of my fall decor.  I have put a bit here and there but never did the full fall decorating until last week.  I have also decided I really like a more simple approach to fall decorating.


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I love the warmth of Fall Colors this time of year.  However, those bold oranges, reds, browns and golds can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming to to me.


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In the den I only did a small splash of fall on the mantle using what I had and reworking a few older floral designs.  I am so very pleased with the simplicity and sparkle of it this year.


The bamboo floral arrangements I've had for several years now after purchasing them from resale.  I pulled all the old cattails and leaves out and add these wispy looking grasses with feathers that I've had for a few years as well.  I think I may have actually stuck them in with the older floras that were in here one year.  Anyway, I decided to just use the grasses and feathers alone with some copper berries that I had from Christmas.  I used to use these berries on my Christmas tree in the dining room but stopped using the copper a few years back.  I hung on to them and recently put them in my fall boxes.  I'm so glad I did because I think they look perfect for fall.


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  I added a little more bling with my mercury glass candlesticks and a splash of autumn color came to life with these orange electric candles. You can't see it in this photo but there are tiny crystals around the edge of the candlestick by the candles.  So glam!  I love the contrast of the orange against the backdrop of my teal plates on the wall.  So pretty!


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Speaking of orange and teal.  Do you remember my orange pillows I bought last year at Kirklands?  Well their back!  Perfect next to the teal pillows don't you think?  This color is so lovely but definitely not something I like year round.  It's just too bold of a color for me to use year round but I do believe it would definitely work in here year round.


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The coffee table got a little bling and orange and teal as well.  I just adore pulling out my beautiful glass pumpkins every year.  They were such a wonderful find back when glass pumpkins were all the thing.  Now, it's white and gold polka dot pumpkins, you know the Kate Spade look.  I like that look too very much.  I also really love the copper pumpkin I have too that I purchased from Stein Mart of course.  I keep toying with the idea of changing out the raffia on this vase.  I've had this way for a few years now.  I really like it but I think I'm ready for something new.  We shall see!


So there you are!  That's it for my fall decor in the den.  Not much too it but when you have a large open room like this one is, it really is quite enough, at least I think so.


Thanks so much for popping in for a peek.  Hoping to get back before Christmas to show you some more fall goodies because I really have done a splash more here and there all over the house.  It feels great!


Take care everyone!    Linking up to a few Friday Parties today if I can find them @....


Foodie Friday and Everything Else


Hugs and Waves!                                                                                                                                               Mary

Thursday, August 11, 2016

My 10 Personal Faves

Hey blog friends!  I have challenged myself to get at least one blog post out a week.  It's quite a struggle right now with all that I'm juggling.  I've made a promise to myself so I'm  really going to work on being more committed to this.  I love blogging, taking photos and most of all I love sharing, so I hope there are atleast of few of you who are still following.

Today, because I just kinda feel like this might be fun or useful to someone out there in this big old world of ours, I'm sharing some of my personal faves.  If you don't find any of it useful to you now atleast you will now know a little more about me the woman behind the blog.

First up, is this;

No.1 Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara by Rimmel.  

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I found this product last year after experiencing a loss of eye lashes.  I am serious!  I don't know exactly why, but for some reason on both of my eyes I literally had a gap right in the middle where I had no eyelashes.  This freaked me out quite a bit because you see, I have a double row of eyelashes.  Anyway, I researched quite a bit and found that it can happen from hormonal changes as you grow older or even under stress, both of which I was experiencing.  I also tend to think it had something to do with a different mascara I was using to lengthen my lashes.

After doing more research I wanted to find a product to get my lashes back to normal.  I found several that were a bit more expensive but this product was also listed and was readily available at Target.  It is listed as having a natural grow lash complex with procapil that helps to grow and restore lashes.  I can vouch for this 100%, that it works!   It does not smudge or clump and is fabulous and is why it is my number 1 pick to share with you.

In keeping with the makeup end of things my second fave pick to share is;

No.2 Neutrogena Skin Clearing oil free makeup

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I have worn this makeup for years now and absolutely love it!  I used to only wear Clinique for many years and switched to this after wanting to find a lesser expensive version of the same product.  This is it!  The salicylic acid in this makeup does not dry out or irritate my skin but does help to control shine for me.  It stays on and fresh all day long without ever looking to over done.  It's a great product!

My number 3 pick is the Oil of Olay Cream cleanser products.  I personally prefer to use the product on right shown below.

No.3 Olay Total Effects 7 Nourishing Cream Cleanser.

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However for some reason I am having a very hard time finding it in stock at my local stores.  Believe me when I say I've tried.  I usually start looking for it weeks before I run out so I won't have to find something else.  This past month I started looking early and had a very hard time.  Needless to say I had to get something else so went with the Olay Regenerist Luminous Cream Cleanser.  I like it very much as well, though it does have microbeads. I prefer a smoother cream mainly because I have contacts and don't like to take a chance of get anything gritty in my eyes while washing my face. I rarely use a moisturizer and I truly believe a cream cleanser is why I don't need too.  It is moisturizing enough.  Usually I only use a moisturizer if I am not wearing makeup and thats so I will have an SPF 15.

My next favorite pick is shown above and below.  It's less about the products but more about the acrylic container.

No.4 Bino Acrylic Makeup Containers

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I first came across this container and the one above just a few summers ago.  I actually saw the one my hairbrushes are in first at TJ Maxx but didn't buy it.  When I went back I couldn't find any.  I looked for months on end and couldn't find it so I bought the one the q-tips are in.  Finally this one above started showing back up in the stores and I got it.  What I love about the Bino line is their acrylic is very heavy duty.  It's not thin like some of the others can be and is very durable.  I love that about their products and I love these in particular because of the depth and the shapes of the containers themselves.  They don't spread out all over the counter and are deep enough to hold my brushes, hairspray etc.  Storage space is very limited in my bathroom and this keeps my everyday items handy and organized.

No.5 Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion

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You have heard me speak before about loving my lotions, especially my bath and body works lotions. What I haven't ever said is how much I love a good daily moisturizer too.  I have very dry skin and absolutely have to use a lotion every day.  It just doesn't feel right if I don't.  I also have keratosis pilaris on my forearms and thighs.  It's a hereditary condition of small red bumps.  This lotion was recommended by the dermatologist to help control that.  I had been using other products because I was trying to save some money but have recently gone back to this because I found a two pack at Sam's Club that made this so very affordable.  I've feel like I am already starting to see an improvement on my arms as well.  It's a very light weight feeling moisturizer going on yet stays moist all day.  So worth the money!

No.6 Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SunscreenIMG_8334

As I said above I am very choosy about my skin products.  I have been using this sunscreen lotion for the past several years as well.  It is also another one of those products that can be hard to find.  I love how it makes my skin feel so nourished, doesn't cake or clump, smells tropical and truly works.  I love to be in the sun and reapply often because I prefer to use the 30 as opposed to a 50 so I can get a tan.

No.7 Martinique by Tommy BahamaIMG_8341

If you like a light tropical smell then you will love this product.  It's almost a fruity floral if you will but its very subtle and light.  Perfect for summer socializing.  I recently went though a few weeks where I was on a quest to add a few scented products.  I rarely wear a perfume or cologne and usually my bath and body products are as scented as I get.  But I do occasionally like to spritz on a little something.  Two of my older favorites are Jessica McClintock and Far Away by Avon.  This summer though I wanted to find something new to me and Martinique by Tommy Bahama is what I came across.  It was instant love and a great price at Ross of all places.  I first found it first at Marshalls but then went next door to Ross and they had it also for a few dollars less.  Our Ross keeps their colognes in a case and they are wrapped so I'm glad I got to smell it first at Marshalls where it was not wrapped or else I may not have bought it there.  I'm kinda funny about buying from department stores not just because of the extra costs but I always feel like I am being pressured by sales people when smelling the colognes.  I know I'm not really and that they are just doing their job to help but I often feel over encouraged at times.  Buying expensive perfume when I don't really like it is just something I avoid at all costs.  LOL!   I'm guessing perhaps this scent may have been around awhile now, but if your like me and a little behind, a little on the thrifty side and want to try something new.  This is a good one!

No.8 Wire Rotating Earring Tree

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If you are a jewelry hoarder like me you will love this earring stand.  I actually have several different types of jewelry stands, cases, ect.  These shown here are some I keep out on my dresser.  I find that having a selection right on my dresser helps me decide quicker, is convenient and is a great reminder to wear that jewelry I have invested in.  Working retail and buying wholesale I have been able to acquire quite a bit.  I love throwing on bracelets, earring and a great necklace when I go out.  Now that I am home I've slowed down quite a bit on what I wear but it's here looking at me and calls out to me every morning.  Yes, yes, yes, I love jewelry...that really should have been my no. 8 pick but I had to narrow it down so I focused on the earring tree.

I love the wire rotating earring tree because it is more vertical in space and holds quite a bit.  I purchased this from Michaels, this year and I think they also had a larger rotating tree as well.  This is the smaller one. It holds quite a bit and doesn't take up a lot of space on your dresser.  If your looking to organize your jewelry a little more this earring tree is a must.

No.9 Zukes Skinny Bakes IMG_8332

Sorry ladies, but this is for dogs.  You will understand why I decided to put this product on my personal faves list in just a bit but for now let me tell you why I love it.  First off, it is low calorie and my little baby girl needs low cal just as much as her mama does.  She has low level pancreatitis so she has to be careful what she eats.

I found these snacks at Pet Supplies Warehouse and bought them on a whim.  I can tell you the berries in the them smell wonderful and my little one just loves them to death.  I hope these are not just a seasonal flavor because were going to be in trouble if they are.  We call them her "skinny girl" treats.  We can say to her, Do you want a "skinny girl?"  and she will bark and squeal.  So funny!  It feels good to give her something she likes that is also good for her.  Your dog will love these if you can find them too!

No.10 Maizey the Cavachon

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And finally my No.10 (most personal fave of all) is my adorable little dog Maizey. She is now 2 and half years old.  She is a Cavachon, a cross between a Bichon and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  This little one has filled my heart with so much joy, I can't even begin to express how much.

Having a pet to hold, snuggle, care for and spoil after your kids have left the nest is a wonderful thing.  As you can see above we take her lots of places with us.  She goes sailing with us, she goes visiting, she goes on vacation with us and even enjoys just riding in the car.  Try and try as we have though, she just doesn't care for the pool.  Maybe one day.  She is now loving her Mommy being at home with her.  When I go upstairs to work in my embroidery room I will tell her I am going to work and ask if she wants to come.  She now immediately goes to the stairs and waits for me to carry her up.  Yes, I said spoiled, didn't I?  While upstairs she snuggles up under the desk where the embroidery machine is and lulls off to sleep with the noise.  When I'm finished I tell her its time to get off work and up she'll pop and we go downstairs.  Crazy little thing!

I feel so blessed by this little dog and I can honestly say it's been love a first sight for the both of us.  If  you are ever feeling lonely, get a dog, it's the best therapy you could ever have.

Well, that's my faves my friends!  Sorry to be long winded but I hope you enjoyed your visit.  Thank you so much for dropping by and for reading all the way if you did.  I'd love to hear from you too if you'd like.  I love to hear a few your faves along the same lines as the ones I've posted here today.  Hope your having a great week!

Hugs and Waves,

Mary

 

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Wanna see the new bedroom color?

Well....if you do your going to have to go over to my new blog!  Follow me over here now at;

www.thedecorativedreamer.wordpress.com.   Please???





New Color in the Bedroom

Hi Friends!  I am hoping this post will serve dual purposes here today!   I am conducting a trial post on the new blog to see how I like it and I get to update you on my master bedroom.


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Well I have to say as far as posting goes, I am struggling quite a bit but I am optimistic. Figuring out how to add pictures to a post is easy, figuring out how to get rid of duplicates in the Media picture file is a challenge.  Would love a tip on that if anyones out there.  Anyway, enough of that let's get to the good stuff.


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I wanted to share my new bedroom color with you today because well, I love it!   What a change from the parakeet green I had in here.  I still have some very dated furniture and a few unmatched linens now but we will get there eventually.  The new color is called Breaktime from Sherwin Williams.  It is a bluish greenish color that is just so perfect in this room.


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I am not sure why, but I am guessing it has to do with the exposure from the light of all the windows certain colors can be really off in this room.  I tested at least five different colors in here before this one hit the mark for me.  Most colors came out either to blue, too green, or too gray.  Blah!  I will have to show you a color that I tested in here that is in my sons bedroom.  It was so gray in here and in his room is a tranquil blue-green.  Weird!


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I also went on a search for a new quilt that would compliment this new color. This one works though it's a little bright. I really wanted something with a pattern but couldn't find what I wanted that would pull in the coral from the cornice boards. They are definitely staying.  I have a beautiful very large quilted white bedspread I normally use but since Maizey has decided she loves our bed I didn't want it getting ruined.  It wasn't cheap so in the closet it went until winter when we can use it under another quilt.  Oh the sacrifices we make for our pets right?


DSC_0338I certainly don't mind though, she is my heart!


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I have kept the white pillow sham out that has our initial embroidered on it.  I love this idea I had to do this back when I worked at the embroidery shop.  I am thrilled that I can now do this for others as well on my machine.  I decided to just put one large last name initial on the sham instead of having two different sets of initials on shams.  With my white bedset I used three standard shams instead of the two king sized ones.  This blue quilt set sold the king shams with the quilt so that was that but the white still works here. Eventually I may get a white bed skirt as well, or something with some white in it.


 For those who want to dress up their linens without spending a lot on embroidery this single initial is a great option.  Even if you were to do both shams with a single initial it's a great choice because lets face it, most men really don't care if their initials are on their shams or not.  I have listened to so many ladies struggle with whether to put their husbands initials on the shams or just theirs. Then there is the whole font issue.  Hubby doesn't like script but wife does, he want's his masculine she wants hers feminine.    I know to each his own, but here's a nice compromise just in case!


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I think this shot shows the best real shot of how the color actually looks in my room.  The camera and outside lighting in here is doing funny things to change it up a bit, but this is pretty dead on.  It is such a relaxing and tranquil color in this room.  I cannot tell you how much I love our room.  As you can also see I've been very hesitant to put anything on the walls in here too.  I want to keep it breezy and light and uncluttered.


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I would love to hear what you think of the new color?  In fact I would just love to hear from any of you in general.  Just drop me a quick reply to let me know if your here, that would be great.  If you're so inclined I would love ideas on what color to repaint my hutch in here.  My dream is to one day replace the furniture with soft white washed or grey washed furniture but that's further down the road.  Tips, ideas, suggestions, I would love to hear them all!


Thanks so much for stopping by y'all!


Hugs and Waves,


Mary