Overwhelmed...the only description of how I have been feeling lately....Lots going on, including some pretty big news in our little world (no, once again....I'm not pregnant), that I will eventually be able to share with you. In the meantime, I feel like I don't have as many home accomplishments to share with ya'll as I would like. So please stick with me, because as soon as life gets back on track so will my home posts. I do have a few small changes in the meantime...maybe mundane changes, but changes in any case. This blog post is nothing if not exciting...sense the sarcasm people...This is how the wall in our living room looked before....

There was nothing wrong with this cheap Target bookcase, of course, but it was not right in this space at all...The scale and shape were way off (too small, and needed to cover more horizontal space.) This is what it looks like now...

This last one was included, simply to show how adorable my husband is....trying to decipher the Swedish Ikea instructions :)
This is the Expedit bookcase from Ikea...Only $70, and adds tons of storage, and is the right size I think. The styling is still not right, but eventually I'll get it. In case your wondering...the boxes are from Michaels and hold extra remotes/cords/probably some nail clippers (lets be honest)...the gold vase and white bowl are both from Nebraska Furniture Mart, along with the large "Live, Love, Laugh" frame, and the keys are keys from all our past homes, and the jewelry box my engagement ring was in (I'm nothing if not sentimental). The lamp is from Old time pottery, and is about to be retired. The husband/wife figurine was a wedding gift from my Aunt. The cute blue candle holders are Ikea. Like I said before, the styling is not quite right, but I'm working on it...Actually it's sat like this untouched for over a month, but now I'll work on it. For styling tips check out this old post, where I pretend to know what I'm talking about...Anyways, what's new with you? Any exciting news? Any mundane home changes?...Do tell...

A few reader questions...

So ladies and gents (actually I think all of my readers, except for my husband, who may very well, just read the titles of my posts and pretend to read it, are ladies) I have gotten a few e-mails and messages, asking random design questions. I've put off answering them, simply because I don't necessarily know the "right" answer. I could technically call myself a professional (I wouldn't because that would be weird), but am definitely no expert. Then I realized you aren't asking for an official answer, but just MY answer...so guess what here's some answers...

I noticed you and your husband have been together for a very long time. How do you guys make decisions on design related issues, with probably pretty different tastes?
We have been together for about 10 years, but have only actually lived together about 5, so I don't have it 100% figured out yet either. I'm super lucky in the fact that, Race usually let's me take the reign on styling our spaces. He actually is into interior design (as much as a man that also loves football and monster trucks can be), but generally trusts my taste. He does, however, retain permanent veto power, and has used it on occasion. Also, he has his own little "man cave"/media room, that he has decorated on his own (including his bat mobile collectibles, no i'm not kidding). My advice basically for any woman is to take into consideration your husband's feelings. Most guys don't care to an extent, but a floral chair and curtains (which btw, probably aren't a good look anyways) is super feminine, and probably not super comfortable for your man. And let him have his own space. You don't need the whole house, most people have a basement or spare room that can be allocated for the gent in the household, and should be. Basically, just be considerate before you paint your bathroom pink and yellow (not only to your husband, but to any guest that has to use that bathroom).

I love color, and I see you do use color, but in a really minimal but fun way. How do you choose how many colors can be used in one space?
A general rule of thumb is 3 colors. I generally don't count neutrals as colors but if you use a very dominant neutral (a deep gray or brown) I would count it. My living room has a lot of blue, green, and golds...along with several neutrals, but no one color overbears the others...I don't think...

What type of photoshop do you use to make your moodboards?
I actually don't use photoshop (because I'm cheap basically). I do have elements but I find the free online program Pixlr.com to be easier. I generally then just paste it into paint, so that it can be sent to clients, with no issues.

So there's some design answers for you...eventually I will do a personal question post, so keep those questions coming, I love hearing from ya'll! Peace out...