Rendering

This is what I have been working on the past few days:

I frequently do renderings of exteriors for my cousin who is a builder. I love how this one turned out. I really like the blue siding. I love to draw and render. My drawing classes were definitely one of my favorite courses in design school.

The Pendant Search

I am still working on sprucing up my kitchen. There have just been a few things holding me up. My daughter's party was one of them, and then this last weekend my handyman (also known as husband) shot an elk, so every night this week he has been, literally, up to his elbows in meat. Disgusting, I know. Anyway, I have been trying to find some options for a new light above my sink. Here are some lights from Lowes that I have been thinking about.

But then, on Pinterest last night I saw this:

I LOVE that light! It has a classic look to it that I think would be perfect in our 1940's home. The price isn't perfect though. I found a similar one here, but it is more than I wanted to spend, so I am going to keep looking for a less expensive one. Wish me luck!

1st Birthday Bash

My daughter's first birthday was this week, so of course I wanted to throw her a party. Let me just begin by saying that the day didn't go exactly as planned. There was quite a few ups and downs. It started with me puking my guts out the night before and thinking, "We are definitely postponing the party." I had some stomach flu thing, but luckily by morning I felt great, despite the fact that I didn't get much sleep, so the party was back on. But then, my daughter started acting a little cranky. So of course a million worries are running through my head, "Oh no, is she sick now? Maybe she is just tired because I woke her up a few times last night. Maybe she is teething." I don't know if I should cancel the party or not. The whole morning I am going back and forth trying to figure out what to do. I finally decide that we are just going to do the party, and pray that the baby doesn't get sick in the middle of it. So, with all of that going on I was pretty stressed trying to get everything done that I wanted to do, and the party decorations weren't as perfect as I pictured in my head. But with all of the drama, my baby girl had a wonderful time at her first birthday party, and that is all that matters.

I had fun making the invitations. (I edited out my daughter's name. It didn't just say "E" :) )

 
The birthday girl all ready for her guests to arrive!

I, of course, had to make a cute little birthday banner. I made it with cardstock and used crepe paper for the ruffles. And I apologize for the crummy pictures. The party was in the evening, and I had planned to take good pictures before it got dark outside... but that didn't happen.

I set up a few pictures on our entry table and then the guests placed their presents there as they came in.

I took a cake decorating class in college, so I like to make cakes. For E's I decided to do an ombre look.

And decoration with the most effect was the pom pom chandelier. I made the pom poms myself and then hung them and the paper lanterns to the light chain. I loved the way it turned out!

The party was a huge success! E loved her cake, that she insisted on eating with a spoon.

She was having the time her life...

until, right after the guests had left, she fell and cut her eyebrow open. Luckily, she is fine. We took her to the doctor, and it was just a minor cut, but I told you the day had it's ups and downs.

The High Chair Search

I have been looking for a high chair for a while now. We have been borrowing my parents old one. I really wanted a wood high chair because they have so much character, but I was having a few issues trying to find the prefect one. First of all, antique chairs are kind of hard to come by. At least where I live they are. Second, all the antique ones I found were overhead trays, which I didn't want. I wanted a sliding tray. The third problem I was having was most of the antique high chairs weren't very stable. Which is understandable because they are old, but if I am going to putting my child in it I want it to be safe. The last issue I was facing was the prices. Most of the antique chairs were approximately $80, and I found a brand new one for $135 but both of those prices were just way out of my range. Well, anyway, after searching and searching I finally found this little beauty:

I found it at an antique store. I have no idea how old it is, but I love it! I love it's simple clean lines, and it's really sturdy. But, what really sold me on it was the price. I only spent $25!!! It is missing the tray, but my crafty husband said he could easily make one. Now I just need to figure out what color I am going to paint it. I am thinking about doing a fun color like one if these high chairs.

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Isn't this pink high chair absolutely adorable?! I LOVE the wingback look.

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I was hoping to have a cute high chair for my baby's birthday this week, but I don't think it is going to happen. Oh well. I will still have to take some cute pics of her in it when it is done.

Online Living Room Design Board

I recently did an online design board. My client wanted to give her living room blue and green accents and make it feel more light and airy. Here is what I came up with:

I also did a quick sketch of the space to give my client an idea of furniture and accessory placement.

I am happy with how it all turned out. I can't wait to see it come together!

Happy Halloween!

This is my first Halloween with a little one, and I must admit it has been pretty fun so far. I had fun making this little owl costume. I found the idea here, if anyone is interested.

This week my little owl turns one year old! I have some fun party decorations planned, so (if they turn out like I hope) I'll be sharing them soon!

New Projects in the Kitchen

I am itching for a project, so I think I am ready to start sprucing up my kitchen with a few small and inexpensive projects. Here is what is looks like now,

And here are a few things I want to do:

I want to make a fun chalkboard. Mine won't be as big as this one, but isn't this one so cute?!

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I plan on finding some cute fabric to make a roman shade for the window above the sink.

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I also want to find a pendant light for above the sink.

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I have seen painted rugs all over Pinterest, and I want to try and tackle one. I love this chevron painted rug. I'm not sure what pattern I want to do yet, but chevron could definitely be an option.

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So, those are my plans. I can 't wait to get started!!