Lampapalooza Party!

It's time for us to share our lighting adventures with each other! I've been looking forward to this day for a while. I'll go first...

Remember the chandelier from the yard sale two weeks ago for $25?


I grabbed some brick red spray paint and when I got home I read the can and it said it was brown primer. Oh well. As long as it looks deep dark red, they can call it whatever color they want.

I found an inspiration page in the latest Pottery Barn catalog. Love the blues and the salmon mixed with white and wood. I'll be trying to copy this feel in my office at the new house {moving in two weeks!}.


So, the top coat is done but I want to add in a little pinky salmony red to the base coat with a brush and some craft paint. But I'll wait till it's hanging in my new office to do that.


The chandelier is wired to a plug so I can even light it up and see how it looks.


Then I hung it on a hook to see how it was in the air. Love it.

Your turn. Mr. Linky is here thanks to Kristen. Link up to the exact post {click on the title of the post in your blog to get the permalink} on your blog. If your link is just to your blog and not the post, I'll have to delete it. Don't understand? Email someone who's link is up there or look at their links and I know you'll figure it out. Feel free to grab the Lampapalooza button, I'm not with it enough to make a code for it. And let your peeps know what you are doing by linking to this post here. I'm gonna pick a few of my favorite posts and award tassel prizes. No promises that I'm making them all from scratch though. I'm moving, remember? Can't wait to see your lamps!



Need more party? Rhoda at Southern Hospitality is hosting a Burlap Party! She has burlap lampshades people! Talk about creative.

Quieting the "You Can't" Chorus

This fantastic, motivating and inspiring guest post was submitted by the ever talented Lindsey from Living with Lindsay.

My friend Zoë had the cutest new window treatment over her kitchen sink. As I sat there stuffing my face with her delicious Seven Layer Dip, I couldn’t help but stare at it. “It’s called a window mistreatment,” Zoë said. “I read all about them on this great blog called the Nesting Place. She makes everything with a glue gun!” They were definitely cute, but I figured I could never do something like that. I’d totally fold the fabric wrong and then end up burning myself with the hot glue. I can’t even make dinner in a Crock Pot without burning it; so wielding a glue gun dripping liquid “Ouch!” was surely beyond my talents, right?


My love of the Internet got the best of me. I immediately went home and pulled up the Nester’s blog. I was floored. Zoë was right! The Nester did make everything with a glue gun, and better yet, she included simple instructions (and even talked about burning her fingerprints off her hands! I’m not alone in the world!). That night, I sat on my couch until 3 am and read every single post the Nester had ever written.

Inspired from my late night blog fest, the next morning I marched myself down to the cheap fabric store and bought 10 yards of navy and white toile. In an extraordinary turn of events, the gal who had decided that being a stay-at-home mom meant that she didn’t have the big bucks needed to decorate had been empowered to create a fabric-covered headboard for the master bedroom. I blame Nester and her little birdie friends.


Looking back, I wonder why I even thought I should attempt to make the headboard. My poor husband’s first thought when I described my plan was that I was crazy. He begrudgingly accompanied me to the closest home improvement store to purchase the core door I needed (after I first scoured our neighborhood for free discarded doors in true Nester style), and he helped me strap it to the top of our car. The whole way home he questioned how I was going to attach the fabric, how I was going to paint the crown molding, and how I was going to install the trim through the thick layer of batting and the fabric. I just kept replying, "Don't worry. I got this."

As you would expect this story to go, the headboard turned out great. It was at this point that my inner-designer (Ha! I love thinking that I have an inner-designer!) told me not to let other people question my vision, regardless of who those other people may be. It happens to all of us, you know. Our mothers, our sisters, our husbands, our neighbors tell us that it might not work out and we might “ruin” something. My attitude had changed and I suddenly wondered how I could “ruin” something I didn’t much like in the first place. What’s the worst that could happen?


After a few more completed projects under my belt, I discovered that I was walking with my head held a little higher, my shoulders a little wider, and with a little swing in my hips. Believing in my vision and myself had led to a renewed sense of self-confidence that I hadn’t felt in, well, a really long time. I had proven to myself that I could spray paint anything that would stand still and wield a glue gun over my head without a burning myself. I had proven that sometimes all it takes to decorate my home is to gather up some things that I love and put them in a hurricane vase.


As I have learned, decorating your home isn’t about what is trendy, featured in the pricey décor magazines, and shown on HGTV. It’s about making your house feel like your home. It’s about giving you the confidence to make a few mistakes, go back to the drawing board, and try again. It’s about falling in love with a $2 item at a thrift store and making it your muse. It’s about gathering inspiration from a photo you see online or from a friend who has a great glue-gunned valence in her kitchen and making it your own.

Most importantly, decorating your home is about quieting all of those voices (including your own) that tell you that you can’t, you shouldn’t, you won’t.

Because you know what? You can, you should, you will.

********

Thanks Lindsay! Wasn't that an inspiring post? I think my favorite line was "I suddenly wondered how I could ruin something I didn't much like in the first place..." all too true!

Don't forget about the lampapalooza party tomorrow! You can link to any kind of lighting, a project, your favorite lamp, problem area, whatever. I'll have some prizes too. Let's just keep our fingers crossed that Mr. Linky will show! I plan on having the post up around 8am EST.

Update: Mr. Linky just told me that he won't be coming--so you can leave a comment and let us know to come visit your blog for your entry--I'll try to link to all the entries as they come in within the post.

How to Paint Cabinets:: For Imperfectionists

Dream kitchen with painted cabs

One of the things I get asked most often is "can you tell me step by step how to paint my cabinets?" um. I have successfully avoided answering this question here for 18 months. And I'm finally comfortable with sharing how I paint my cabs. It's not perfect and Better Homes and Gardens' isn't gonna come calling to get me to write an article on it but it works, and it's my way. And Remodeling Guy, for your own sanity, please, stop reading now.


I've painted cabinets in 8 different places in 4 different homes {not to mention the paint I've applied to rooms of dark paneling, brick fireplaces and an entire wall of dark shelving--mostly painted all by myself in the presence of young children}. I've never regretted it. I've never done it by the book and I might not have ever done it the same way twice.

For me, painting the cabinets was a must. Either the cabinets were so old and decrepit, dirty, ugly, or some other unacceptable thing that cabinets painted the wrong way were still a better choice than what was there. If you have new mahogany cabinets you probably don't want to paint those anyway.

If your cabinets are ugly, then this method is for you.
Painting Cabinets: Nesterized

1. Make sure the cabinets are clean. Soap and warm water works just fine. Now let em dry completely. If you have sandpaper, rough em up, if not, skip this step. Told ya it's not scientific.


2. Get some Kilz Latex primer and prime those babies. I only prime if I'm doing a light color--for red or black cabs, I don't even prime. I usually use a small sponge roller brush in conjunction with a regular paint brush for the hard to reach parts.

3. Paint the cabs--front of doors, inside of doors and anything that can be considered the front of the cabs. I don't paint the inside. I have never, I repeat, NEVER removed the doors. I would recommend removing the doors in a really nice, big, kitchen that you probably won't be using my method for anyway. It's hard to not paint over the hinges if the doors are attached but it is possible. See that photo of my white kitchen up there and how the doors don't close right? That's because the people before us removed the doors and didn't keep track of which doors went where. Very tricky. I just leave em on but understand, this act is considered heretical in the world of painting cabs.

4. Let the paint dry for awhile. I never waited long enough, only a day or so but I hear tell you should wait longer.

5. Paint another coat. And another if you can still see through the paint.

6. Save the paint so you can do touch ups over the years. {I like to keep one loaded brush in my refrigerator at all times, shhhh, don't tell remodeling guy} so I can touch something up at any time.

7. Be happy that your cabs are fresh and clean and look 367% better than they did.

Tell your husband, mother in law and next door neighbor that It Doesn't Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful.

More painted cabinet inspiration from the real experts:

The Lettered Cottage

Chatting at the Sky more Here

One Woman's Cottage Life more Here

Life in Grace

The top photo on this post was in my idea file and I cannot find the source. Please forgive me--if you know of the source, let me know and I'll give credit! Thanks!

Don't forget, Lampapalooza is this Thursday! Get your lamps ready!

Bland Wall Solutions

Door on the wall

Often times I'm on the prowl for some color, texture and interest on my builder beige walls.


Plates, architectural pieces, mirrors that reflect something pretty, and layering are all tricks that I use to help warm up bare walls. This is extra important when you are renting and have plain white walls.


You can mix shutters, shelves, plates, iron work, photos, favorite finds and framed art all together for a more eclectic look. Remember, there really aren't any rules and the decorating police are not gonna come arrest you for mixing stuff up a bit. I bet you've got stuff laying around your house right now that you could hang on a bare wall.


Large pieces of furniture grouped together can also break up those long monotonous walls of white. If you have shelving, add in some color and texture to keep it fun.


Once I even made a wall entirely of my favorite things. Mirrors, framed photos, plates, birdcages... If only I had had some bird art to complete the look. This is the part where I transition into telling you who DOES have bird art in case you are in the market for BIRDS...


Laryssa from L. Herbert Designs just introduced her newest watercolor creations. And I cannot stop thinking of great places to use these pretties--grouped together over a white dresser all framed in black? Or maybe mixed in with birdcages on the wall? In a little girls room? The best part is that you get to chose what background color you want for your prints so they can go with your decor.


I really like this taupe brown color shown on the the Bluebird Silhouette. You can even pick what size you want 5x7 {$7} or 8x10 {$18}. Laryssa explains all the important facts about her beautiful artwork at her shop. And she's got a whole slew of great stuff to choose from:

Watercolor Bird Silhouettes
Home Sweet Home Prints
Scripture Prints
Egg and Feather Prints

FREE ART!
{this contest now closed}

And now, your favorite part--if you need help dressing your naked walls, you can win a set of these Bird Silhouette Prints! You can mix them in with a stuff you already have or fill a blank wall with their enchanting presence. Just leave a comment and make sure there's a way for us to contact you. If you place an order using the discount code: MAY you will get 10% off until June 1st!

Bare Walls? Do them a favor and make them a showpiece--it's fun, there are no rules and it's affordable, even if you want to use real art!

Best Yard Sale Find

Y'all, I'm so excited about this I can hardly stand it! Remember that chandelier that Angela and I {by I, I mean pretty much Angela} found at a yard sale the other day? Remember she paid $20 for it? REMEMBER?


Remember how it was haphazardly thrown in the back of my car?


Apparently, this fixture is from the Thomasville Roxbury collection and sells for $1327.50! And Angela would never had known if it weren't for her eagle eyed neighbor! Yeeeee Haaaaw! Way to go, girl!

Have you ever bought anything at a yard sale and found out later it was worth something?

Finding Space For A Home Office

Our old house had a big open foyer. In reality, it wasn't large enough to put much furniture in but I wanted to take advantage of the extra square footage.


When we first moved in I just put my favorite white dresser in the foyer. Loved it. That dresser looks great anywhere.


After a while we realized that we wanted a place for an office. We had a desk, the computer, printer, storage and other stuff that desperately needed a home. The foyer was the perfect solution. We didn't even have to add on a room!


See that little door to the right of the desk in the first photo? We were able to hide all that yucky office stuff. There was also shelving on the left that you can't see and it held our computer and uglier necessities. Lucky for us this closet had a plug. But for about $50 you too can have an outlet put in a closet.

By the way, notice the difference in the wall colors in the photos? They are all the same color but that goes to show how different a paint can look in photos and on line.

Are you utilizing the spaces in your home to their fullest potential?

Here are some areas to consider:

• corners
• halls
• pantry
• garage
• laundry room
• the stair landing
• closets
• patio
  

Lampapalooza

Remember how we started talking about using lamps in our home? Remember how I had big plans to show you my lamps, talk about buying lamps, sizes of lamp shades, lamp height and whether or not you need to coordinate lamps? 'Member that?


Then we found out we had to move and my mind turned to mush and I lost the urge to hot glue and I left all my big promises just hanging out there forgotten. Well, I didn't completely forget. I did realize that my house is too small for me to get a wide angle photo that will show more than one lamp at a time. This is what happens whenever I try to take a picture that's not a close up. I believe I see a lamp back there.


So, I figured I'd just hand over the responsibility to the real experts. You. And since I'm not all planny like so many of those grown up, organized bloggers who announce their parties weeks, maybe months in advance, let's do it next Thursday, May 28th! Show us your lamps, your chandeliers, your problems, your solutions, your creativity!

I'll call up Mr. Linky and pray he shows and we'll all link up and show our favorite lamp, or light or whatever. I bet I can even swing a few tassel prizes for my favorite lighting entries for most creative, best lamp make over, best chandelier and maybe something else clever if I think of it.

So, are you in?

Like a Box of Chocolates

Yet another lovely birdcage for the bird I'll never have. $10

I'm well aware that telling you all about my yard sale finds is akin to me telling you all about a dream I had two weeks ago. No one cares, it's just meaningless nonsense that goes on and on and on and on...


So, at the risk of running you off, I'll share anyway. Don't hate me because my stuff is beautiful. M'kay?
My friend and fellow yard sale enthusiast, Angela and I found some great junk Saturday. She has an eye for colorful art. You should see her house. Wait, you will, I'm gonna sneak my camera over there really soon.


I fell in love with this 9 light chandelier. Complete with 9 shades still wrapped in plastic. I've got big plans for this $25 find. I don't know if I'll ever pay retail again for a light fixture.

Angela got this timelessly modern yet still traditional multi tiered chandelier. The owner told us that it was an $800 fixture. She paid $20. Love or hate her, you choose. I choose love.

I found a Pottery Barn file cabinet and pillow $30. Triple hook plaque, $1. Not pictured, the desk and hutch for my 11 year old son, $25.

Yard sales are an ideal place to shop for non urgent needs or wants. There are so many wonderful things to be had. We ran across a set of 4 new looking, darling black bar stools. Neither of us needed them but we couldn't help but stand in awe of their price : $20 for the set of 4. There was a glass topped sofa table for $10. And a couponer was selling her excess stockpile of non perishables at less than half the price of the local grocery store. The prices at yard sales are usually much better than that of thrift stores and Craig's list. The only problem is, you never know what you're gonna get.

I'm taking a poll over there in the side bar about buying second hand--where do you fall?

Updated to add this photo to answer Meg's question in the comments:

The time is 6:41 am--yes, being an early bird helps!

Want to see even more loot that people found over the weekend? Visit Southern Hospitality for her weekly Monday Treasures linky.

6 Ways to Identify a Decorating Perfectionist

Wow! You have found a hidden post! Lucky you!

Wondering if you or someone you know might be suffering from Decorating Perfectionist-itis Affliction Inflammation Disease Disorder Syndrome {D-PAIDDS} {Pronounced D-paids} Here are the symptoms:

1. A Decorating Perfectionist {DP} Is constantly apologizing for their home and the things within it as soon as anyone steps foot inside eg: "this house is a mess, I didn't have time to clean, I'm so embarrassed by my carpet..." The focus is on themselves NOT the guests.

2. DC's complain about their home a lot.

3. DC's tend to have a judgemental attitude towards others and their decorating choices

4. DC's have a hard time making a decorating decisions

5. DC's don't know how to accept praise or compliments for anything in their home

6. DC's like to point out every flaw in their home


Are you or someone you know suffering from Decorating Perfectionist-itis Affliction Inflammation Disease Disorder Syndrome? There is a cure and it's available to anyone. Simply replace the negative, perfectionist behavior with the following freeing responses:

1. Welcome your guests and choose to not make the focus on your home and what you perceive to be imperfections. Spend your time listening and responding to your guests and making them feel comfortable.

2. Whatever that thing is that you are complaining about the most, find something about that very thing that you can appreciate. Maybe you don't like your backyard--choose to be thankful that you have a yard.

3. Find yourself being judgemental? Treat others how you want to be treated, right? Put yourself in the other person's high heeled shoes and think about what really matters in life. Decorating the "right" way is pretty much last on the list.

4. Take a risk. Learn how to shop for your house, try new things, and make a change. Embrace the fact that you can learn more from doing it wrong than doing it right.

5. When someone compliments your home, say "thank you" or "we are so thankful for this house" or "our family really loves and uses our home". Nothing more. It's ok to receive praise.

Repeat as often as needed. Side affects may include joy, contentment and more friends.

Bird Watching

How I Furnished My House Without Spending A Ton @ Clover Lane


The Cottage Project @ The Painted House

Like that sliding door at The Painted House? Remodeling Guy tells us how to Use Wall Mounted Sliding Door Hardware to Change our Roomscape! Copy the Painted House and add some decorative hardware!

Wall Paper Art @ Thrifty Decor Chick


Buzzings of a Queen Bee : Shamelessly Copying Pottery Barn

Me Thinks

our next nest

I have a feeling that the next 4 weeks are gonna be an awkward time for me and this blog. How do you write about your house when you are starting to pack it up? We are moving in 30 days and as you can imagine, I'm in no mood to write a tutorial about a new project. I just want to burn everything in my craft room and garage {those are always the worst rooms to pack} and be done with it.


Then, I saw this post my sister wrote yesterday. Oh, feel free to leave, read it, comment about how much you love us and come back here. Now I'm sad that I'm moving 1/2 mile even further away from her. Doesn't that photo of Emily and the kids capture the everydayness of life? Poor baby boy is gonna hurt me one day for this. Emily--should I take it down?

And what's with my fam mentioning me on their blogs? I'm loving this! My Dad wrote a little ditty too. I liked it. He used me as an example in his story. Hmm, how else can I toot my own horn and talk about me and my big self? Anyone?


And since I'm all about being random today and showing photos of not my house. Can you guess what my genius, creative boys reenacted?


Well, I think I've properly offended family and the people who were on that plane. And I've also managed to talk about myself and link to posts about me. I am multi-talented. Time for me to go procrastinate packing my junk. Happy weekend and don't forget to check out your local yard sales tomorrow--I'm going with a friend--hi Angela!

Chandelier Lamp Shades

I am passionate about chandeliers. Love them. Want one in every room, even my closet.


And when I have a chandelier, I like to be able to switch it up a bit with clip on shades. Found that set of 5 hand painted shades while thrifting. I paid less than $5 for the 5 of them.


You can also use clip on shades to liven up a thin buffet lamp. I switched out a plain white shade for this 80 cent thrift find. And I've got two more to spare. I'm now on the lookout for a three arm small chandelier to go with my shades. It that backwards thinking?


Clip on shades. Keep your eyes open for them while you are out. When added to a chandelier they bring instant warmth and character to a room. You might be surprised how simple shades can soften up a dining room. My advice, grab your fabric file and jot down how many lights your chandelier has. Nothing is worse than getting a great deal on 5 shades only to come home and realize your chandy has 6 arms.

I'm Tired of this Stuff Swap Meet

This was left in the comments yesterday and I cannot get it out of my head:

For the purchases that don't work, and do not get returned, I have found a good solution. I get together with some girl friends once a year and we shop each others impulse purchases. Whatever doesn't go home with someone else we take to Goodwill. It has been lots of fun and unless it's a really nice piece, we don't charge each other, just swap.

Traci

Well, that sounds like fun! I've gone to a clothing swap before but it was with a pretty small group of women. Help! Have you been to one of these home item swaps before? How does it work? Do people fight over stuff. I can picture a lighthearted hair pull or accidental tripping over a perfectly painted birdcage. Just sayin'. Traci didn't have an email or anything for me to reach her and I've been thinking about this for the last 24 hours.

I'd LOVE to attend a swap, what could we call it a Get Your Nest on Party? {Insert Catchy Cute Word Here} Exchange? Does someone in Charlotte or Greensboro want to plan this? I would SO come and bring some stuff to swap.

I bet June and Emily would come too. Maybe even Kimba and for sure Jen. Tell me what you think about this. Would you attend one in your area? Have you been to one? Live close to me? Invite me!

Beautifying: It's A State of Mind

This birdcage is one of my favorite things. I don't have a bird. I don't need a big huge 3 foot tall bird cage. I didn't wake up one morning saying "this is the day, I shall buy me a needless birdcage". I was out, I fell in love, I had the cash. I bought it for love, not knowing where I would use it and decided it was worth the risk and that I could make it work. On the drive home I had decided it would look striking on my dining room table. When I got home, I forgot, we had a chandelier and the cage wouldn't fit. That forced me to try it in our bedroom and it worked beautifully.


Over the weekend I was hanging with my our family at my sister's house and my dad mentioned something about me carrying around my fabric all the time and how people approach shopping for their home. He asked a question that he probably doesn't remember even asking, and that got me thinking.

There are two kinds of shopping and shoppers.

1. Need Based Shopping/ers. You need a kitchen table so you save the money, measure, take a free Saturday and don't stop until you find the right table.

2. Beautifying State of Mind Shopping/ers. You are out for whatever reason, you see something you are drawn to, it's affordable, you LOVE it you might not know EXACTLY where in your house it will go, you just know that it will GO.

I would dare to say that most of the people reading this blog have experienced shopping method number one.


And, with this audience, I think lots of us have a beautifying state of mind. And we beautifiers can take it too far and have closets full of empty photo frames {or birdcages} that we love and were a great price. We can mistakenly make a purchase that we just didn't need and cannot use. We have to watch out for that. We could learn a lot by the strictly need based shoppers.


However, I've also shopped with people who have agonized over a purchase. They have found something for $7.99 that they love and they stand there in the store paralyzed with fear. Should they buy it? Where EXACTLY would they put it? If it's a frame, what photo will they put in it? What if they hate it. Never mind, it might not be the perfect shade of silver.

To those people I say, try it. Don't take that kind of risk with a sofa but, do take that risk with a decorative pillow. You can always take it back. And, before long, you start learning what will work and what won't and you'll have to return things less and less.


I'm not advocating shopping as a past time. Nor am I saying that you should purchase anything you love if you can afford it. But, I am saying, if you think that you are strictly a need based shopper and then wonder why your home doesn't seem finished, you might be stuck in the details.

I tend to be a need based shopper with the big things and have a beautifying state of mind with the small things. If I'm at a yard sale and something is 50 cents--no question, if I think I can use it, I'll try it and if it doesn't work I'll donate it. I also think it's great to shop with a friend who is the opposite type of shopper as you. You kind of balance things out.

armoire:need based shopping/stuff on top:beautifying state of mind

But, for any of you out there that feel like you can't make a small purchase that you can afford unless you know the very place it will work perfectly, I ask you to take that risk. If you truly find the item beautiful and think it would enhance your home, check out the return policy and just try it. Take it home, try it out 37 different places and start to learn what you do and don't like and what does and does not work. It's not rocket surgery, it's beautifying your home and it's supposed to be fun!

What kind of shopper are you?

*****

Related Posts:
10 Minutes to a Room You'll Love: Part 1
The $200 Master Bedroom Makeover
Top 10 Tools to Beautify your Nest

Fabric File-To Go

Have you ever been at a great mall, maybe while on vacation and come across a magnificent accent pillow and wondered if it would work with the fabric in your bedroom? Maybe you are at a yard sale and you find a mind numbingly beautiful fabric covered ottoman for a steal, but you aren't sure if the pattern would coordinate with your mistreatments. Do you buy it and hope it works or try to hide the ottoman behind the old toilet the people are selling {I think there is a toilet for sale at every yard sale I find} and hope it's there when you return.



Here's my solution. I gather up little scraps of all my main fabrics and hot glue them to a small sheet of paper. I include the pom pom fringe, paint colors and any fabric that I think I might need to look at while I'm out and about. This is the living room/family room/dining roomish side.


And here is the bedroomish side. And it is VITAL to have your name with the fabric somewhere. One time I left this fabric in a store and I was lucky that I was able to go back and find it. But you don't want to lose and never find it again. Now I stick my business card in with it and hope that if I lose it some kind person will email me.



I even included the exterior paint color and piece of copper from the roof just for a feel of the exterior, you know, just in case.


Oh, and lastly, I store it all in this falling apart plastic binder. It's a little smaller than a half of a sheet of paper and the fabrics that are glued to the paper just slide right in. Since it's clear I don't even have to remove them to see the colors. I really need a new one of these. You don't have to have something this large--I have big purses so it works for me. The point of this story is, it's helpful to have your fabric with you at all times. And, you want your name on it.

Do you carry your fabric samples around with you? Have a better idea for me to access them? Help!

***
cuff: Lisa Leonard Designs

I'd also like to address yesterday's post and apologize to any 50 year olds or women of any age if I offended you. I am so sorry. I edited the post to include poshiness of all ages. Please know the purpose of the post was not to imply that all 50 year olds are poshy. They are NOT. Really, I meant to call out any person who's purpose for decorating is perfection. My point was supposed to be that if you are going to a fabric store and you tell them you are gonna mistreat your windows with hot glue, expect the fabric store person to argue with you.

My decorating ways are unacceptable to people in the design world. I know that. I take short cuts, I abuse fabric, and then I teach you how to do it as well. Fabric people are not comfortable with that and I'm sure they have good reason not to be. But I'm happy with it. Our budget is happy and our home looks beautiful to me. Go fabric shopping with confidence, but if you tell the fabriteer what you are gonna do with the fabric, be prepared to defend yourself.

They look even better in person!

This is a article was originally posted in March of 2008. It's one of my all time favorite posts...enjoy!

I wanted to share this with you so that you can be at the ready when going into some of these wonderful fabric stores! Kimberley just emailed this to me--it's a play by play of her experience with a fabriteer as I like to call them. Read on, and enjoy...

here's Kimberley:

I simply must share my conversation with the clerk at the snooty fabric store where I purchased my mistreatment supplies!

Clerk (middle-aged, attractive, though not pretty, uptight!!!!): How can I help you today?

Me: I need 4 yards of this fabric (a fabulous animal print that was only $13.95/yard, which is a miracle at this store!!!!!)

Clerk: This is a lovely fabric, what are you working on?

Me: (Here we go...) A decorator's table skirt and two window treatments.

Clerk: Are you sure 4 yards is enough fabric?

Me: Yes, I believe so. I need 3 yards for the table, and whatever is left will be used for the windows.

Clerk: You don't know how much fabric you need for your window treatments?

Me: Not exactly, but I'm sure a yard will do the trick.

Clerk: Are you working with a designer?

Me: Yes.

Clerk: Well, what kind of window treatments has she designed?

Me: Upholstery tack valances.

Clerk: Are you using one of our recommended designers?

Me: Nope.

Clerk: Who exactly is your designer?

Me: Nester.

Clerk: Who? I've never heard of Nester, and I know all the designers in town!

Me: She's not in town. She's online.

Clerk: She's an online designer? How does she conduct her consultations online?

Me: She doesn't.

Clerk: Then how do you know what you are doing?

Me: I don't, I'm just looking at her pictures online and following her step-by-step instructions.

Clerk: I've just got to see this. Do you have her website? (She boots up her laptop.)

Me: Go to thenester.com. Yep, there she is. Click on the right hand side where it says window mistreatments. There you go!

Clerk: (After spending several minutes scrolling madly!) Well, these do look nice online, but I can guarantee you they don't look all that great in person!!!

Me: I don't know about that! My kitchen and family room look pretty fabulous--And all I needed were some upholstery tacks and unmeasured fabric with rough edges!!!

Clerk: (flustered) I'll have your fabric ready for you in just a minute. Did you say you needed trim?

Me: Yes.

Clerk: How much?

Me: Oh, I don't know, lets just eyeball it!

Let's hear it for Kimberley!!!!!!!!

Talk about facing the giants! For a minute there I didn't think the fabriteer was gonna let her make a purchase! I know she was just trying to be helpful but shesh! Can a person not go in a fabric store and buy $60 worth of something without being grilled? I mean, my checkout girl at the grocery doesn't ask what I'm making for dinner and then continue to tell me how I'm gonna burn it and mess up the recipe!

I sometimes feel like some of those women were just waiting to convince me that whatever it was I was doing couldn't be done without the help of them and a $100 per hour designer. When they ask me what I am doing with what I am buying I've learned not to tell them! I'll just say that my mom asked me to pick up a few yards of such and such for her or mumble something impossible to understand.


I'll be the first to say that there are some wonderfully, brilliant, encouraging fabriteers/designers out there--let's hear it for Jennipher {yes, that's how she spells her name so funky!} at Printer's Alley--this girl encouraged me to sell my tassels at a local shop! And I cannot forget Debbie out at 1502 she walked me through a purchase of 60 yards of fabric for a COM order! These girls really helped me make some great decisions!

But for all those poshy 50-something ladies {edited to add: poshy 20-something, 30-something, 40-something, 60-something and 70-something [thank you readers for pointing that out]} out there who believe that it must be perfect to be beautiful--give us mom's a break! Maybe we want our house to be beautiful but we also want to have enough money left over to sponsor a compassion child. Maybe we were nervous about even walking into your fancy store. Maybe we can only come with our children. Maybe we just want to be encouraged that we can do it ourselves and within our budget. Maybe we need to to be reminded that

it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful!

Lately, if I need something from a fabric store, I'll visit Fabric.com, etsy supplies or ebay first, I wonder if those fabriteers miss me? Have your fabric shopping experiences been good?

Bird Watching

I've been Bird Watching because sitting on my sofa while Remodeling Guy released my ebook {did you realize it was in captivity} has gotten my brain all mushy. And anyhow, there's such great stuff out there that I really need to make sure that you know about.

Also, I want to thank you for your tremendous, overpowering, breath taking support with that ebook and yet to exist Nestletter. Today we should hit 2500 downloads. And yesterday, Nesting Place hit a neat milestone: 3 million page views since January of '08! Y'all are really getting your nest on!

Have you heard what Simple Mom is up to? {do I talk about her too much? I'm sorry but I ADORE her!} I think I'll start a companion blog to go with hers called Complicated Mom. The tag line could be Live in Chaos, Stay Insane. Making Life Difficult For Myself. Would you read it? I long to have a more simple life. You too? Over the next two weeks she's walking us through Spring Cleaning with a Party! I'm secretly joining in and it's not too late for you to start it too!

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You MUST see this garage door redo @ Southern Family. $65 people. That's all I'm gonna say about that.

Craigslist Savvy @ Small Notebook. Vital tips when buying and selling with Craigslist.


Five Home Decorating Lessons we can Learn from Disney @ Living with Lindsay. Ok, so she linked to me and my sister in her post but that's not why she's here, this is a really great read!

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Winners of the DaySpring Platters:

Joan Crowell {from the RSS code word, I don't know if you have a blog}
Pam @ Ramblings of a Happy Homemaker
Sue @ Thistle Patch Hill

You lucky dogs. Email me with your address.

Want more giveaways? Check out the 3rd Annual Cottage Charm Giveaways!

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Mother's Day:
Need a last minute Mother's Day gift for your mom from the kids? How about you Etch a Glass Vase for Mom like Marie from Make and Takes.


Maybe you want to order a Feather and Egg print from L. Herbert Designs? Use the coupon code MOTHER through May 11 when checking out for 10% off anything in the store. My mom has the pears and loves them.

Or what about a sassy pillow from the Shabby Nest?



And on a more serious note,

My sweet roomie from Blissdom, Robin, also one of the funniest people in existence, was one of the Compassion Bloggers who just returned home from India. I've been keeping up with her and the others and all that they've seen and learned. And Pioneer Woman talked about the trip and Robin yesterday. Robin told me that she was online buddies with PW but I didn't know she really meant it.

It Doesn't Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful:: The ebook

The Big Announcement:

Do you find yourself discontent in your home? Have you given up, assuming that there is no way you can follow all of the decorating rules, rules you don't even know? Do you long for a home that reflects what is important to you and your family, welcomes friends, and is an inviting retreat at the end of a long day?

I swiped that paragraph strait from my first ebook, It Doesn't Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful. Those nine words also known as IDHTBPTBB have become my battle cry, my mantra, and the ebook-- my manifesto. And I hope you will adopt them as well. {am I the only one who thinks unibomber when I hear the word "manifesto"?}


I know some of you are familiar with my philosophy of a home. I've written about it here from time to time. But, I thought it would be helpful to have everything in one spot so anyone can access it all in one place without having to click around. Plus, I added in lots of new stuff. It's a quick read at only 16 pages and that includes all the photos.

I truly believe that the home where you live in right now can become your dream home. This ebook isn't a step by step list of rules for you to follow to achieve a perfect home but rather a fun read that will free you to make your home what you want it to be starting now.

The ebook is free to you for simply signing up for my Newsletter. A newsletter that I have no idea if I will follow through with and actually write but right now it sounds like a fun idea. Your email address will never be sold or abused in any way and if you hate the newsletter you can unsubscribe at any time.


There's also a companion book, or as I like to call it IDHTBPTBB's twin brother, written by my favorite contractor, Remodeling Guy called The Power of Remodeling: How Remodeling Your Home Can Change Your Life. It's a great read and it's free as well. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wish there was a movie.

For those of you wondering how I got all my computer smarts to come out with a fancy ebook and all I confess, Remodeling Guy did all the computer parts for me. Did you know that he's a computer wiz too? His attention to detail is unbelievable. Thanks RG for slaving away for me!

So here it is:

Sign up for the newsletter right down here and follow the directions to get the ebook:
It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to be Beautiful!

There is a box to fill in your name and email right above this. If you cannot see it, that means your computer has some kind of block on it. No worries, email me and I'll sign you up and tell you what to do!

Life to the Full

This contest is now closed.

DaySpring has a brand new line of beauties. They call it the Life to the Full collection. Fitting because John 10:10, I have come that they might have life and have it to the full, is depicted on the items. Also, when you eat on them, you are sure to become full in another way, becoming a member of the clean plate club so you can see the lovely designs. They are clever those DaySpring people.

{"Life" translated into 15 languages--isn't it pretty?}

What I like about this collection is that you can choose from black and white pieces {look how seamlessly this dessert plate fits with my white dish collection} colorful pieces, or shades of blue.


That means that there is something that will fit with just about any one's current dishware goings on. Even your mom's.


I'm a little partial to the black and white designs.


I put my old, decrepit looking, hot glue burnt hand up with this pitcher so you could see how BIG the pitcher is. And, I know what you are wondering...is that one of those that looks pretty but when you go to pour out of it all the drink come down the spout and runs down the side? Nope. I tested it. Makes you look like you have a master's degree in pouring. You're welcome.


And you know I had to hang these glorious works of art on my wall. I mean, I love to eat off of pretty things but I want to enjoy these every single day. How pretty would a grouping of different pieces be?


Have an empty painted wall? Start with this bread plate {$5.99} and gather some dishes that you have in white, solid colors, stripes...whatever you have and build out from there. Like this only colorful and fun!


Love, I tell you. I'm in love with this platter.


And DaySpring is giving away 3 of these platters to Nesting Place readers! Three lucky winners will get to love and adore and play with this charming piece in their home.


Did you get your mom anything yet for mother's day? Here's what my mom is getting and this and these. Well actually, I already showed it to her and she was giddy.


There are so many items available in the Life to the Full Collection, and there's a coupon code: LIFE20 to get 20% off and free shipping on orders over $50.

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There are three ways to win

1. Leave a comment and if you don't have a blog, an email so I can contact you if you win.

2. Tweet on twitter about this giveaway or write about it on your blog and come back here and tell me that you did so in a new comment.

3. Subscribe to the RSS feed up there on the right sidebar or here. Once you get the current post in the feed, there's a code word on the very last line. Email me with the code word in the subject of the email --I'm not gonna be reading those emails but they will count for the giveaway.

Good luck!

contest over thanks!