Tweaking My Home Office

A few years ago, interior designer, Chris Madden, authored a beautiful coffee table book entitled, "A Room Of Her Own: Women's Personal Spaces". That is what this room is for me. This is the place where I come to create and blog. It is not a fancy space; but, simply, a place to call my own. This is truly a "working" office; and the books kept here are often used for reference or inspiration.  So, today, I am sharing my home office with you.

(Yes, there are a couple of boxes on the floor.  See? This really IS a "working" office...it's not just for show...LOL! The wall facing the desk, just out of sight to the right, houses my file cabinets, craft storage, and a small t.v.)

The office is conveniently located, diagonally, just off the kitchen. Thus, I arranged the furniture on an angle. When we first moved in, I painted the walls "Elk Tan" by Behr (Home Depot). After seeing it on the walls of model homes and in magazines, I knew that it would be versatile enough to work with my everchanging decor. Then, I had dear hubby to install this ceiling fan. As much as I'd like to have a pretty chandelier, this Texas heat demands a ceiling fan. I thought this one was pretty sleek; and I like the fact that I can control it from the desk, by remote.

Across from the desk, is a comfy red settee...

This was a gift from my best friend, and replaced the two chairs that previously occupied the space. It's a great place to curl up and read, watch TV, catch up with a girlfriend, or sneak away to take a nap. The zebra print throw is from ZGallerie. The iron piece is from Hobby Lobby...50% off. It makes a nice statement on an otherwise bare wall. (I'll eventually add some other accents to this wall.) On the corner of the desk, sits a small pot of orchids, that will soon be changed to dried hydrangeas. I usually have a candle lit for ambience. (I'm currently burning a pumpkin scented candle.)

Also, on the desk is a lacquered cigar box, that was a gift to my hubby, from a business associate. (He doesn't smoke...but the box looks pretty.)

The settee faces the bookshelves behind the desk...

On the left side of the bookcases, you'll find some of my sorority paraphernalia, my Southern Living Christmas books, and some decorative accents.

Below, are the two red vases that were in my last post. There are also a couple of western style bronze sculptures. These are Frederic Remington Bronze Collectibles, that are very popular in Texas. These two are called, "Bronco Buster" and "Cheyenne". They were corporate awards for my husband.  (The sculptures are extremely heavy and mounted on marble bases.) I finished off the ledge with some greenery and a bronze globe from Pier 1. The metal sign is also from Hobby Lobby... another 50% off deal!

I also found a home for the finials that were in my last post. The taller one has found a home on the desk...

And the lone bookend is atop a box on the top shelf. 

Overall, I'm pretty happy with how it's coming together. I will continue to tweak it, and fill it with things that I love. I just want a personal space to create...and just "be".

Thanks for visiting with me today; and have a great weekend!

Linking To:
A Delightsome Life-Return to Loveliness
Debbiedoo's Newbie Linkie Party
Home Savvy-Freshmen Friday
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating-Flaunt It Friday
The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home
2805: Potpourri Friday
Stuff and Nonsense-Fridays Unfolded
Kristen's Creations
No Minimalist Here-Open House Party
Primp Your Stuff Wednesdays
Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesdays
Type 'A'-Anything Goes
BNOTP Metamorphosis Monday
Show Off Your Cottage Monday
Boogie Board Cottage Masterpiece Monday

Verses of the Day:
..."Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."  Mark 6:31 (NIV)

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35 (NIV)

My Latest Finds...

It's been a couple of weeks since my last mini haul. Since that time, I have found some really great items for my home.


This iron piece, in a niche just off the family room, is one of my favorites. I had been looking for just the right accessory for the narrow ledge beneath it. I found this great iron votive holder at Kirkland's. It came with 9 votives, in alternating shades of red, amber and green. It also included a small bag of river rocks, to scatter in the tray. It's really pretty at night, when the tealights are lit.

Next, I got a green seeded glass vase for $9.99 at Ross. It's nothing fancy; but, I liked the color and the jute around the neck. I think it will be a cute accent piece somewhere in the kitchen.

I started collecting urns a few years ago, and have them scattered throughout my home. I think they are such a classic statement piece; and they never go out of style. Thomasville was having a closeout sale and guess what I got???

I just love the detail!

I don't normally buy accessories at furniture stores (they're waaaay overpriced); but, when you can find them at "going out of business" sales, you can get REALLY good deals! I got two of these.

I also like to use finials as accents on tabletops and on top of books and book boxes. I got these two at Hobby Lobby. 

This one was $7.50 at 50% off...

And this one was on clearance for $2. It is actually one half of a set of bookends. (I guess the other half got broken; and they had to sell this one alone.) The base has such pretty detailing, that I HAD to get it!  For $2, I'll just turn the flat side to the back...LOL!

I love iron candelabras of all kinds, and I thought this one was pretty. It was on sale at Hobby Lobby for 50% off, as well. I'm thinking of using it on the ledge, behind the tub, in the master bath.

Finally, I found these great vases. I love the 'molten drip'; and they were the perfect shade of red. I think they'll be perfect in the office above the bookshelves. 

Well, that's it for now. I have a couple of projects that I am working on. I hope I'll be able to post them in the next day or so. Until then, "Happy Decorating!"

Linking to:

Coastal Charm-Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Type 'A' Decorating-Anything Goes

Finding Fabulous-Frugalicious Friday

The Thrifty Groove-Thrifty Things Friday

 From My Front Porch To Yours-Treasure Hunt Thursday

Primp Your Stuff Wednesdays

Verse for the Day:

The wise woman builds her house; but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.   Proverbs 14:1 (NIV)



Fall Tuscan Breakfast Table

Today, I am sharing my fall breakfast table. With so much color in the kitchen already, I decided to use a more neutral dinnerware set, as opposed to my traditional fall dinnerware.  I wanted my base colors to be a bit more subdued and relaxed.  This would allow the fall accents to take center stage.  I took the seating down from six to four; and took my color cues from this Tuscan landscape tapestry, behind the table.

I started by layering a set of my everyday dishes on top of a rusty red placemat...replacing the neutral mat that I normally use. The dishes are a cross between brown and a mossy green. I chose the round woven placemat, in a russet color, for it's texture; and the shape contrasts nicely with the square dinnerware. I also love the neutral runner that remains on the table, as well. The thick fringe on the ends adds another layer of texture.

These are the dishes on the neutral mat.

I replaced the neutral placemats with the rusty red.

For my centerpiece, I used a small leather trunk that I have had for quite awhile, and filled it with a small arrangement of nature's bounty. I used hydrangeas, some dried grasses and florals, mini pumpkins, feathered balls, a few berries, and pheasant feathers.  I placed a few artichokes, in front, on the table.

I purchased these maple leaf napkins and harvest napkin rings at Kohl's, on sale for $1.99 each. They also bring a touch of fall color to the table.

Next, I chose to use brown glassware and the coordinating dinnerware mugs to complete the setting. Since this is our everyday table, I chose not to use anything "too fancy".

For height in the center, I brought in a gazing ball and its iron base, from the garden.  I love the dripping fall color, and the balance it adds to this side of the table; and I tossed some fall leaves around for color.

On the opposite side, I placed candles of varied heights.  I love the trio of fall colors on each candle.

Finally, I topped off each setting with a single artichoke.

 I hope you have enjoyed your visit today! Fall blessings to you!!

Please go over and visit my friend, Liz at Savvy Seasons by Liz for her BIG FALL GIVEAWAY!

Linking to:

Three Mango Seeds-Motivational Monday

House of Hepworths-Hookin Up

Savvy Seasons by Liz Autumn Arrives Party

Katherine's Corner-Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

Primp Your Stuff Wednesdays

The Blackberry Vine-Tuesday to do Party

Katherine's Corner-Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

Type 'A'-Anything Goes

Not Just A Housewife-Show Me What Ya Got

Homemaker on a Dime-Creative Bloggers Party Hop

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia-Tuesday's Treasures Fall Party

Dittle Dattle Amaze Me Monday

Debbiedoo's Newbie Linkie Party

Under The Table and Dreaming Sunday Showcase Party

Happy to Design-Sunday Favorites

The Tablescaper Seasonal Sundays

Flaunt It Friday

Home Savvy Freshmen Friday

Stuff and Nonsense-Fridays Unfolded

Feathered Nest Friday

At The Picket Fence-Inspiration Friday

2805: Potpourri Friday

The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home

Kristen's Creations

BNOTP-Tablescape Thursday

No Minimalist Here-Open House Party

A Stroll Thru Life-Table Top Tuesday

Cottage Monday

Be Colorful-Motivated Monday

Boogieboard Cottage-Masterpiece Monday

Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesdays

Verse of the Day:

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.    

 Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Homecoming!!

It has been a couple of days since I last posted to my blog. This past week was just a whirlwind!  I celebrated my birthday last Wednesday; and my 18-year-old daughter, Kierra, (who will be turning 19 this week), was home from college.

We are so proud of Kierra!  She graduated from high school, this past June, with a 3.99+ G.P.A. and earned a full, 4-years paid, academic scholarship! Her scholarship covers tuition, room and board, fees and books. (Our bank account thanks her!) God is Good!!!

 Kierra came home to celebrate with me; and to see her sister, Kourtney, who is 17, off to Homecoming. It was so nice to have both our girls home this weekend. To have my only children graduating from high school, back to back, is unbelievable!  Weren’t they both just in diapers??? (They are only 22 months apart.) Actually, I feel like I was just in high school yesterday!

Now, about Homecoming…I don’t know about the rest of the country, but, here in Texas, it is tradition for the girls and their Homecoming dates to exchange mums and garters.  These elaborately decorated mums and garters can run HUNDREDS of dollars; and the more elaborate they are, the more the kids love them! They are embellished with layers and layers of ribbons/streamers, trinkets, feathers, teddy bears, miniature cowbells…and whatever else you can dream of! The more you add...the more they cost! What started out many years ago, as a simple mum corsage has morphed into this:

To give you an indication of how long this thing is...it's hanging on a door!
Now imagine girls trying to pin these to their lapels!!

This is the top... 

(Her teddy bear is wearing a cheer uniform)

 This is the bottom...

Yes, there are even cowbells! Imagine sitting in a class with these things jingling.

(And out of all of that, yes, there is actually a mum down in there!)

Some of these things have become so big, that the girls now add a way to wear it around their necks! At least the boys only have to wear the coordinating garters around their biceps. However, some are just as elaborately decorated.

Kourtney is a senior and a 4-year cheerleader. She made captain this year; so that means booster club and more fundraisers for ME! (Yayyyy???) LOL!  If you know anything about cheerleading and football in Texas, it is INSANE! (Have you seen any of those Lifetime TV movies about Texas cheerleaders???) If so, enough said!

Anyway, those of you with girls know that all of this is a BIG deal…between the pep rallies, the mums/garters, the limo, the dress, the shoes, the hair, the nails, the makeup…it’s a LOT! But, I will cherish this moment, as this is the last time I will experience homecoming on this level. Kinda bittersweet! (However, dear hubby's wallet is still smokin'!)

Finally, I wanted to share with you a couple of birthday gifts from my favorite girls:

Kourtney found this really pretty vase at Pier One. She thought that the reds, golds, and coppers would coordinate perfectly with my décor. We haven’t quite decided where it will eventually come to rest, but you can be sure that I will blog about it!

And, Kierra gave me this Hobby Lobby gift card!!!! You can ALWAYS make mommy happy with a Hobby Lobby gift card!!! (So much to see…so much to buy!)

I’ll be posting soon about how I used these! Enjoy your Sunday!

Verse of the day:

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.   Proverbs 22:6

Embellished Candles

Some of you have emailed me regarding the cross candles that are displayed throughout my home. The most common question being..."Did you buy the candles with the crosses or did you add those?"

The answer is...I added them. It's REALLY easy to do! You see these candles, in boutiques, selling for about $35...minimum.  Additionally, the same shops are now selling crosses with "push pins" on the back, starting at about $19.99.

After studying these little gems for a minute, I realized I could make my own.

All of the components can be purchased at Hobby Lobby, during their 50% off specials...the candles, a roll of ribbon, and the crosses.

You simply take your candle, measure the ribbon around the perimeter, and secure with a dab of hot glue:

Then, run a strip of hot glue down the center of the cross and press it to the candle:

It's that simple! (Tip: Do not try to attach the cross directly to the candle, without the ribbon. It will not adhere well, due to the waxy surface.)

If you want to do something, other than crosses, to coordinate with your decor, you can also use crowns or fleur de lis symbols. I have even used decorative drawer/cabinet pulls that have a flat back. (These all can be purchased at Hobby Lobby, as well).

They usually cost me about $7 to make; and add so much to a room. These could be a great addition to your holiday decor; and you can get really creative with the embellishments you choose to adorn your candle.

That's it for today..."Happy Decorating"!

Linking to:
Women Who Do It All-Idea Sharing Wednesday
The Project Queen-Turning The Daunting Into The Do-able
Homemaker on a Dime-Creative Bloggers Party
Savvy HomeMade Monday
Debbiedoo's Newbie Linkie Party
Dittle Dattle Amaze Me Monday
Inspire Me Monday
Market Yourself Monday-Lunch Bag
 The Blackberry Vine-Tuesday To Do
Tuesday's Treasures
Type A: Anything Goes
Coastal Charmn-Nifty Thifty Tuesday
Home Stories A to Z
Grits and Glamour-Keep It Simple
Kristen's Creations
Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesdays
Home Savvy Freshmen Friday
Flaunt It Friday
At The Picket Fence Inspiration Friday
Finding Fabulous Frugalicious Friday
The Thrifty Groove-Thrifty Things Fridayl
My Romantic Home-Show and Tell Friday
Stuff and Nonsense-Fridays Unfolded
Home is Where My Story Begins-Home and Family Friday


Be sure to visit Cindy's blog, DWELLINGS ,for her fantastic giveaway!! Please visit her site for details!!


Verse for Today:

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Fall Dining Room Table

A few days ago, I shared with you my fall decorations in a post called,  Getting Ready for Fall. Today, I am sharing with you my fall dining room tablescape.

I worked on it yesterday; but, I felt like something was missing.  I had plenty of items already to decorate with; but, I wanted to add just a few little things. I didn't want to spend a lot of money to do it. So, I decided to challenge myself, to see if I could complete the job, with items from Dollar Tree.

With so much color going on in the rest of the house, I wanted the dining table to be just as glorious. I found these cream-colored plates at Dollar Tree and thought they were a good starting point.

A couple of days ago, I purchased these olive green salad plates, from the clearance section, at Big Lots. They were $2.00 each. The little details are somewhat Tuscan in styling. I thought they would layer nicely on the Dollar Tree plates.

While at Dollar Tree, I also found these cute little pumpkins, with the sprigs on top.  I thought they would be really cute, at each placesetting. I also grabbed a bag of 50 leaves.

I envisioned adding some green stemware to the table. I found these at Dollar Tree, as well.

 I saw a picture in a magazine, a while back, and loved the mix of stemware. I used my own amber goblets, and added a stem of crystal, to play off the candelabras given to me by my

mother-in-law.

The table was coming together nicely. I went around and started gathering accessories from all over the house.

 The amber mosaic rose bowls, sitting in the feathers, are from my coffee table in the family room. I brought the pedestal in from the living room, to elevate one. The cross, in the second photo, below, is from the china hutch.

My total at Dollar Tree came to $20.57; and I think all of the components work well together!

I hope that you have enjoyed visiting with me today; and as always, "Happy Decorating!"

Linking to The Thrifty Groove-Thrifty Tablescapes Party
Linking to BloggeritavilleThrifty Thursday
Linking to The Thrifty Groove Thrifty Tablescape Linky Party
Linking to Debbiedoos Newbie Party
Linking to Dittle Dattle Amaze Me Monday
Linking to Marty at A Stroll Thru Life-Tabletop Tuesdays
Linking to Show Me What Ya Got
Linking to Kim at Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesdays
Linking to BNOTP Tablescape Thursdays.
Linking to Kristen's Creations
Linking to Open House Party
Linking to The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home
Linking to 2805: Potpourri Friday
Linking to At The Picket Fence-Inspiration Friday
Linking to Flaunt it Friday
Linking to Finding Fabulous Frugalicious Friday
Linking to The Thrifty Groove-Thrifty Things Friday
Linking to My Romantic Home-Show and Tell Friday
Linking to French Country Cottage-Feathered Nest Friday
Linking to The Tablescaper Seasonal Sundays
Linking to Happy to Design Sunday Favorites

Verse of the Day:
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.  Hebrews 13:2