Springy

Yesterday I went to the Michael's near our house for the first time and saw some really cute springy stuff:

I wanted to pick up these but I couldn't really think of a use for them. And aren't they easily DIY-able? You could do so much with this idea with scrapbook paper and mod podge too. 

This sweet little bowl made me wish I didn't have a shell that I use for a quick jewelry deposit already... so cute. 

Since I've purchased a few fake plants that don't look fakey... I've been obsessed with cute little plants and succulents (the only plant I can seem to keep alive is a little bamboo plant from Ikea).

I love these ceramic egg carton and strawberry containers, they're so adorable!

I did pick up one thing though which cost me only $4... I've been needing something to store all my hair ties and bobby pins because they get everywhere.

Pretty, convenient, and cute... and only $4. Can't beat that.

Home Tour- Round 2

So yeah, you've seen a lot of the upstairs... now it's time to check out the downstairs area that Russ and I call our own. 

We've got an outside door that leads to the laundry room. 

This cute little laundry typography sign I found at Hobby Lobby on clearance for $11. Underneath that is my $8 Ikea laundry drying rack that conveniently folds up when I'm not using it. 

I hate the lack of storage in the laundry area (that's a reoccurring theme in this rental...).

There's the bathroom off to the left, the kitty room behind the curtain, and our bedroom to the right.

I found the perfect spot for my easy abstract art. 

I wish that I didn't have to hang up the rug when it's not in use but it's just too plush and the door doesn't close over it. :(

This room is obviously not done but I think I'm liking what I've got so far. I bought that chevron fabric at Hobby Lobby for $9 (and I'm still working on making it work) and it's just hanging with a tension rod. 

The fabric over the toilet is actually a dish towel from Target that came in a set for $6. I'm seeking out the perfect frames to frame the fabric but I couldn't resist just getting it on the wall to see what it was going to look like. 

The baskets I have on the sill there are from Homegoods for $8 each and house my hair accessories and makeup perfectly. 

On the window sill I have plants and pots from Ikea.

A very unexciting vanity.

The back of the toilet was an unused surface that I decided to utilize with a tray I bought at Ross a long time ago for the cat's ceramic food bowls. Since they're hidden in their curtain cubby, I could use the tray somewhere else. 

I used Velcro to attach it to the ceramic lid because it wasn't totally flat. I also know Ian and Zelda like to jump up all over and the Velcro insures that the tray (and the glass q-tip container is Velcro-ed down too) doesn't go flying and smashing. 

I'm usually not a very florally person but I love this fabric. Once it's on a smaller scale and in some silver frames it's going to look pretty.

And... a pedestal sink. Now, don't get me wrong... they're adorable and I can see why they used it for a such a small bathroom. BUT if you have NO other storage, WHY why why wouldn't you get a vanity?! 

Heading out of the bathroom and there's a little tiled section of the game room. I've set up my desk and Mom had an extra table and chairs.

The rug I got from Fred Meyer for $30(!). And, it's actually pretty nice too! (I really really love that store.) 

The curtains are these from Ikea which you can't tell from the picture but they have black, brown, and tan wiggly lines. They are so so perfect for this part of the room. 

We got this wardrobe from Target for $20 (which, if you're looking into wardrobes you'll know what an awesome deal that is). I'm actually really happy with it, too. It houses all of Russ' uniforms since our closet is so tiny.

I used to have this cube shelf in our entry way of our apartment and it housed my books and other cute knick knacks. But, it now serves a more utilitarian purpose. I bought those cloth drawers on a buy one, get one free deal at Fred Meyer. I bought a two pack for $13 and got another two pack free. Crazy, right?

It stores more of Russ' uniform items and PT clothes. I also have my sewing stuff in a drawer. The plastic unit on the right was from our old walk-in closet. I used some of that leftover wrapping paper from my shelf project to tape inside the drawer fronts. Now you can't see the contents and it looks a little more uniform. It doesn't look perfect but it's working for now. 

My printer now resides on my stenciled table and the basket drawers are perfect for board games.

Along the wall from the unused fireplace I've lined up some of the kid's toys. I like leaving them out a couple fleece blankets to curl up on because sometimes it gets quite chilly in the "basement."

All I've really got left to deal with is that pile to the left of the TV. We really just need another shelf or perhaps a Goodwill dresser to store some of those game items we don't have a place for. 

That end table was one of our old night stands from our old bedroom. I'm so glad I listened to Russ when he said not to get rid of them! It was a great idea of his to use them in here as end tables. 

I have our old comforter out on the sofa because it's convenient to curl up with and Ian has been using it a lot for naps lately. 

Happily, I found an inexpensive frame to put Russ' Fallout poster into so it can hang up beside the DVD/Game case. 

While at Ross we couldn't resist buying these two comic book plaques for $10 each. They're really a good find. I've always liked comic book style art so I'm glad we could incorporate it into the game room.

And that concludes our tour! It's a work in progress but it really feels nice and homey down here now!

Tacoma Recap!

So, Friday was the Tacoma Home & Garden Show and I went mainly to meet the authors of my favorite blog, Young House Love, and to get my book signed by them. 

We arrived around 11:30 am because I was sure there was going to be a run on the 300 seats at their presentation. 

Happily, the audience seating was mostly empty save a few early birds like me (though by 1 pm, there wasn't an empty seat at all). 

At 12, the rest of the audience members and I were unexpectedly treated to a presentation about trees. Uh, it wasn't my cup of tea (I would never call myself an avid botanical enthusiast like our speaker) but I tried to remain attentive even though most everyone else chose to give their attention to their smart phones. 

Then 1 pm rolled around and they gave a very nice half-hour presentation about "7 Lessons We Learned While Showing Our Home Some Love." After that there was a short question and answer session and then we all rushed over to form a line for the book signing. 

This is after waiting for over an hour... I guess I should have been more aggressive to get further in line?

The best part of standing in line? Laughing at all the confused faces that walked by and wondered what the huge line was for. It went around by the bathrooms so my brother told someone who asked that it was the line for the bathroom and they nearly fell through the floor. Hil-arious. 

While I was standing in line I kept trying to figure out what to say so I didn't make a fool out of myself or show how socially awkward I naturally am (I do this no matter what I'm doing; if I have to make phone calls, meeting someone, out for dinner with friends... I gotta figure out what I'm going to say or act like ahead of time to limit making a fool out of myself). 

And, I figured I wouldn't try and monopolize their time but just be polite, take a picture, and move on in the line. 

I didn't want to awkwardly gush and embarrass myself. I kinda kicked myself later because I should've at least told them how much I love their book and blog (but I hope they can gather that from my appearance at their book signing?)...

They loved that my book had so many little post-its bookmarking potential projects (which, I was looking around at everyone else's book and actually thought mine all bookmarked made me look dorky. I'm glad they liked my DIY enthusiasm!). 

I still have my "Virginia Is For Lovers" keychain so I used it as a prop in our picture (they're from Richmond). 

Gah! I wish I were more photogenic. Too bad it turned out a little blurry though. 

But yeah, I had a good time and it was fun. They're very nice and genuine people and I can't imagine how exhausting the travel, the presentation, book signing, and meeting people was for them. There were SO many people there but they had time for everyone. 

I also got a little something... There was a section of the arena they had for antiques and I stumbled upon a little card catalog (which I've wanted one FORever) for only $28! I had to snatch it up. It didn't look so, but that thing was heavy. It's solid metal so I guess it makes sense.

I didn't notice until we were walking out with it but it says it's property of the U.S. Army. Pretty cool, huh?

I'm pretty happy with my little Tacoma souvenir! :D

By This Time Tomorrow...

I'll be on my way to...

To go to the...

To meet...

They're doing a presentation and a book signing and I finally get to go and meet them and get my book signed! Last time I had the opportunity I was still in Virginia and their Richmond tour date was December 1st... as in the first day of our Virginia-Washington road trip. :(

But, it's all working out I guess! (I just wish it was in Seattle... but Tacoma's only 50 miles away too.) 

So, yay! I might even do a little blog posting via my phone for the event. If not, I'll be back Monday with the details. :)

Out and About Browsing

Ready to go out shopping with me?

Here we go!

I wish my bathroom had enough room for one of these cute little bathroom storage baskets that I found at Homegoods. 

This metal chest caught my eye but at $199 (!!!), I was comfortable leaving it at the store. 

I'm totally in love with this new take on the sunburst mirror trend that is made of gorgeous silvery branches.

This chair I spotted at Ross had such a interesting and pretty pattern. Strangely, Hobby Lobby had the exact same fabric available by the yard! What are the chances?

Heading over to Target and they've got some very springy, bright decor on display. I thought this clock was gorgeous; love it!

I thought these prints could be very easily DIY-able with some watercolor paints and a little time.

Next we're headed over to World Market (where I want pretty much everything that it's hard to decide what to take pictures of!).

I want to marry this coffee table. 

I kinda want this screen to use as a headboard... not sure if I can part with $169 for it though. 

Trunk! I absolutely love trunks... I must have one someday (though, it's probably going to be a thrift store find!). 

And lastly, Michael's. They always seem to have the cutest little figurines and sometimes you can get really good coupons for them.

I almost had to physically restrain myself from bringing home either of these babies. Maybe when they go on sale and I'll get lucky? Maybe.