Thursday, March 24, 2011

Sneak Peek

Here's a little sneak peek of what I've been working on.  I bought this buffet along with the shelf I painted for our bathroom, on Craigslist for $45.  I thought it was a pretty good deal, even though it needed a little work.  I'm excited to have a little extra storage space.



It's taking a little longer than I had planned.  Extra paint coats, lack of motivation and I haven't been feeling very well this week haven't helped.  My goal is it get it finished this weekend.  I've been working on it in the garage, where my husband's car is usually parked and I know he would appreciate it if I finished it and got it out of the garage.  Then he wouldn't have to scrape his windows every morning.  Have I mentioned I'm ready for some warm weather?

Happy Champagne Thursday!

Cheers!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Color Outside the Lines


What Your Clothing Color Says About You

Article found at Womens Health Magazine

Blue

Relaxation
The serene shade soothes the person wearing it and makes the people around them feel at ease, say researchers at the University of British Columbia. Just consider the setting when choosing a tone, says Joe Lupo, co-owner of Visual Therapy, an image and style consulting service. "Midnight hues win at job interviews, while lighter shades make party guests feel comfortable in your presence." 



Red

Romance 
Red is the sexpot at the rainbow's end. Psychologists at the University of Rochester found that men are more attracted to women wearing the ruby hue. "Red is a stimulant for men; it boosts arousal and makes them want to chase," says Abby Calisch, Psy.D., a psychology professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. 





Purple

Creativity 
Whenever you want to feel inspired, pull on something purple. "This regal shade draws out the creative artist within," says Lupo. "Plus, because it's one of those colors that people either love or hate, wearing it sends the message that you're a self-assured free thinker." For a chic look, pair purple with chocolate brown or charcoal gray. 

We must have been feeling pretty creative this day.  Suzanna came over and we pretty much had the same outfit on.  Purple tops and black scarves. 


Black

Authority
The preferred shade of fashionistas, cops, and CEOs, black is the universal color of authority, says Calisch. Studies show that donning the dark color can make other people perceive you as more powerful and competent. "If you want to take the edge off, choose something with a bit of embellishment, like lace or ruffles," suggests Lupo. 



Orange

Fun 
This exuberant shade isn't the best choice for a serious business meeting or jury duty. "Because it's enthusiastic and inviting, you should wear it when you want to appear social, friendly, or approachable," says celebrity stylist David Zyla, author of Color Your Style. If an orange top isn't your thing, try a belt or a pair of shoes. 




Green

Happiness 
This hue puts you and others in a good mood, according to research from the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. Green's pleasurable vibe stems from its connection to nature. "It instantly brings about feelings of peace and contentment," says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and author of the book More Alive with Color. 


He looks pretty happy to me




I liked this next article, because it included a broader range of colors.

Your Favorite Color: What it Says About You
Article found at Care 2 make a difference


White: Symbolic of purity, innocence and naivete, white has strong connotations of youth and purity. If you are an older person, your preference for white could indicate a desire for perfection and impossible ideals, maybe an attempt to recapture lost youth and freshness. It may also symbolize a desire for simplicity or the simple life.
Red: The color of strength, health, and vitality, Red is often the color chosen by someone outgoing, aggressive, vigorous and impulsive—or someone who would like to be! It goes with an ambitious nature but those who choose it can be abrupt at times, determined to get all they can out of life, quick to judge people and take sides. Red people are usually optimistic and can’t stand monotony; they are rather restless and not at all introspective, so they may be unaware of their own shortcomings. They find it hard to be objective and may blame others for any mishaps. Quiet people with a preference for red may feel the need for the warmth, strength and life-giving qualities of the color, or they blanket their true feelings under a sober exterior. Red is usually chosen by people with open and uncomplicated natures, with a zest for life.
Maroon: Harsh experience has probably matured the Maroon person into someone likable and generous. It is often a favorite color of someone who has been battered by life but has come through. It indicates a well-disciplined Red personality—one who has had difficult experiences and has not come through unmarked but who has grown and matured in the process.

Pink: This color embodies the gentler qualities of Red, symbolizing love and affection without passion. Women who prefer Pink tend to be maternal. Pink desires protection, special treatment and a sheltered life. Pink people require affection and like to feel loved and secure, perhaps wanting to appear delicate and fragile. Pink people tend to be charming and gentle, if a trifle indefinite.
Orange: This color of luxury and pleasure appeals to the flamboyant and fun-loving person who likes a lively social round. Orange people may be inclined to dramatize a bit, and people notice them, but they are generally good-natured and popular. They can be a little fickle and vacillating, but on the whole they try hard to be agreeable. Orange is the color of youth, strength, fearlessness, curiosity and restlessness.
Yellow: The color of happiness, wisdom and imagination, Yellow is chosen by the mentally adventurous, searching for novelty and self-fulfillment. Yellow usually goes with a sunny and shrewd personality, with a good business head and a strong sense of humor. It is the color of intellectuality and all things to do with the mind. Yellow folks are usually clear and precise thinkers who have a good opinion of their own mental capacities and who have lofty ideals. They may at times tend to shun responsibility, preferring freedom of thought and action.
Green: The color of harmony and balance, Green symbolizes hope, renewal and peace, and is usually liked by the gentle and sincere. Greens are generally frank, community-minded people, fairly sociable but preferring peace at any price. Green people can be too self-effacing, modest and patient, so they may get exploited by others. They are usually refined, civilized and reputable.

Blue: Soft, soothing, compassionate and caring, Blue is the color of deliberation and introspection, conservatism and duty. Patient, persevering, conscientious, sensitive and self-controlled, Blues like to be admired for their steady character and wisdom. They are faithful, but are often worriers with somewhat inflexible beliefs and can be too cautious, and suspicious of flamboyant behavior.
Blue-Green: Exacting, discriminating, poised and attractive, the Blue-Green person tends to be sensitive, intellectual and refined, persevering and stable if rather detached. Blue-Greens have excellent taste, and are usually courteous and charming, capable but often refusing help or guidance.
Turquoise: Complex, imaginative and original, Turquoise people drive themselves hard and may be in a state of turmoil under their outwardly cool exterior.
Lavender: This is often chosen by a person who lives “on a higher plane,” who never notices anything sordid and who is always impeccably and beautifully dressed. Lavender people may be on a continual quest for culture and the refined things of life, high and noble causes but without the necessity of getting their hands dirty. A Lavender person is usually creative, charming, witty and civilized.
Purple: Purples are highly individual, fastidious, witty and sensitive, with a strong desire to be unique and different. Temperamental, expansive and artistic, a Purple person may become aloof and sarcastic when misunderstood. If you chose Purple, you tend to be unconventional, tolerant and dignified, likely to achieve positions of authority.
Brown: A Brown person has stamina and patience, tending to be very solid and substantial, conscientious, dependable, steady and conservative. Browns are not impulsive, and may be inarticulate and tactless but they love responsibility and are reliable and kindly. If you chose Brown, watch out for a tendency to be obstinate and inflexible.
Gray: The color of caution and compromise, diligent Grays search for composure and peace and often work hard without reward. Older Grays like life to run on an even keel with few ups and downs. Young Grays may be withdrawing from life and suppressing their personalities. Grays often have good business ability and tend to work too much.
Black: Dignified and impressive without being showy, Black people want to give the appearance of mystery, but their preference may also indicate a suppression of desires and worldly aims, suggesting hidden depths and inner longings.



I often find myself dressing Parker in the same color I'm wearing and I usually don't notice until a couple hours later.

Cheers!



Thursday, March 17, 2011

Shamrock 'N' Roll

Here's a few pictures of my little cutie in his shamrock shirt and his cool green Converse shoes.  He's been pinching all of his stuffed animals that don't have any green on them today.







May you always have
Walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy Champagne Thursday!

Cheers!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Pedestal Table Makeover

My second favorite Craigslist purchase to date is my Pottery Barn Aris Pedestal Table.  I bought it for $20!  Yes, that's right TWENTY dollars.  Its normally a $700 table!  When I bought it, it was pretty scratched up, but for $20 well worth it and nothing a little sand paper and paint wouldn't fix.

Aris Pedestal Dining Table
Image courtesy of Pottery Barn


I apologize I don't have any before or progress pictures.  I finished this project right before I started my blog. I sanded, primed, put a couple coats of bistro white paint on it and finished it with a clear coat of Minwax Polycrylic® Protective Finish in a satin finish.  


Here are a few after photos.











It is an expandable table, but it didn't come with the leaf.  Possibly a future project :)

Oh and in case you are wondering what my all time favorite Craigslist purchase is, its my house.

Cheers!

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Monday, March 14, 2011

Sometimes Its Cool To Be a Follower



Making the World Cuter is hosing a follow along.

We all like new followers and subscribers and likers right? Plus it's fun to make new friends! :)

All you have to do is follow me and like me on Facebook.  (Both can be found on my sidebar)
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BE SURE TO: Leave me a comment with your follow information telling me that you did all of that and I will do all those things back for you! (If you already do any of these things, just let me know where to find you so that I can return the favor!)

Cheers!

Placemat Pillows

I discovered this fabulous idea of turning placemats into pillows on the Bower Power blog.  Seriously, what a great idea!  I've had my eye out for double sided placemats ever since I saw the article.

I found this very bright placemat at Target for $2.99 and thought it would be fun for Summer.  Plus, I kind of have a thing for orange right now.


I took my seam ripper and removed enough stitches, so I could stuff it, then I hand stitched it back up.


I did the same for this cute bird placemat, I found at Pier 1, on clearance for $0.98.



Here's how they turned out.



I think they are pretty cute.  I'm excited to make a few more, but first I need to find more placemats.  

Cheers!

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Thursday, March 10, 2011

One More Thing

So, after the Key Largo shelf was hung up, I decided the area above the towel rack was a little too bare.  I took the picture below in Maui, when Chris and I got married and I've always wanted to frame it.  It incorporates some of the colors from the new shower curtain, so I thought this would be the perfect picture for the spot.  I had a 8x10 printed at Costco and bought a new 11x14 frame and mat at Michaels.  And here's how it looks in its new home.







Happy Champagne Thursday!

Cheers!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Luck of the Irish

I created a new St. Patrick's Day Wordle to add a little green decor to our house.  Wordle is a fun way to create "word clouds" using words you provide.  You can change the font, the colors, and the basic layout, but where the words end up are completely random.  

I wish I would have added a few more words or sayings, it didn't quite fill up the page the way I wanted.  Oh well, maybe next year.  I had a 5x7 printed at Costco for $0.39 and used the same frame I used for my Valentine's Day Wordle.  Cheap and easy project!






Cheers!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Key Largo, Montego, Baby Why Don't We Go

So, I found this beauty on Craigslist.  I actually wasn't interested in it at all, but it came with something else that I really wanted.  I'm waiting until the weather warms up to finish the other piece in the garage.  Who knows when that will be, I'm staring out the window now and it looks like a blizzard outside.  Yuck!  Anyways, this shelf was small enough I could bring it inside to paint.  




Primed and ready for some paint, in a fun KEY LARGO blue color.  I chose a paint specifically designed for cabinets, doors & trim from Ace, in a semi-gloss finish.




After a couple coats of paint...


I found a four pack of knobs at Target for $6.28.  I decided to stick with the satin nickel finish, so it matches the rest of the hardware in our bathroom.


I got this little cordless drill for Christmas.  I used it for installing the new knobs and it worked perfectly.  (The old knobs screwed into the front of the drawers and didn't go all the way through.)  I love the 90 degree attachment on the drill, it made my life much easier!


The Key Largo color is a pretty close match with the blue in the shower curtain.


Hung up securely on the wall, thanks to my husband.  Thank you Chris!

Right above the tub

I think it pulls the room together, don't you?

In case you want to see the bathroom transformation from the beginning, check them out here and here.

And just in case you want to listen to a little Beach Boys


I really wish I was on a beach in Key Largo right about now, but instead I'll just enjoy my new Key Largo shelf.



Cheers!


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