Sunday, November 30, 2014

My Christmas Present to Myself & Giveaway Winner!

Well, what can I say? Being an adult, and adult home owner nonetheless, means sometimes we have to sacrifice fun stuff we like to do in exchange for something we HAVE to do.
 
Through all the home décor posts, holiday mantels, and recipes I have shared with you, there is one spot that I rarely show.
 
And that is this space.
 
My side yard.
 
It is the side between the house and the garage where there was once a breezeway that was eventually finished into a real room that I use as my mudroom and office.
 
 
 
 
About five years ago this space use to be filled with weeds and random plantings that the previous homeowners put in.
 
I dug it all up, put down pavers to define the space, and then planted this little vignette:
 
 
It was a major improvement and looked good for one summer
(and yes, the window was bad back then too)
 
but over time the plants became over grown
and those sedum (live forevers) drew way too many bees for being so close to the house,
so I dug it all out and now it sits empty again, and my window has worsened beyond repair so now it has to be replaced.
 
Merry Christmas to me!
 
I get to treat myself to a new window.
 



See the wood rot? I tried to buy some time by filling in all the cracks and weak spots with waterproof outdoor caulking, and it worked for a while, but the time has come for a replacement.
 
This is something that a person may never have to do if they buy a house with new windows.  Mine were estimated to have been installed in the late 80s or early 90s, and the window is framed with wood, which overtime will eventually need to be replaced.
 
So here I am. The lucky home owner who gets to have her window replaced.
(feel the sarcasm?) LOL  
 
Windows are something I know very little about.
So where do I begin researching?
 
 I discovered a company called SmartReno.com. They do all the leg work for you by connecting you with contractors in your area for your specific need. 
 
All you do is go online, tell them what you are looking for, and the contractors will contact YOU.
 
No need to spend my lunch hour making phone calls and following up on voice mails, or researching online at night.
They do it for me!




So I guess the silver lining to this cloud is that I will get a new window for Christmas, which will help beautify this side of the house that has been a pain in my rear for so long.


Jennifer
 
 

*And congradulations to Jennifer O.! She is the winner of the Bona floor care giveaway.



 

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Christmas at Nell Hills-The Grand Tour


 I always love stopping by Nell Hills to do a little shopping. In fact, if I am having a bad day a trip to Nell Hills takes my mind off of it and always puts me in a better mood. The moment you pull up in the parking lot you start to get inspired. Its all in the details, which you can see are not overlooked.
 
I figured many of you will be putting up your trees and decorating this weekend, so I chose to bring you with me on an inspirational trip to Nell Hills Kansas City.
 
Come along with me as I meander through all the rooms chalked full of the best holiday design, and up the stairs to the second story where you will see gorgeous vignettes overflowing with luxurious textiles that make you feel right at home.
 
Nothing I say or narrate from this point forward could describe the beautiful designs you are about to see.
The pictures speak a thousand words! Some come along with me, and enjoy!
 










Don't forget to decorate the space above! I love these massive sparkly balls and icicles.





What a fabulous design tip.....separate your room with fabric. I love the black and white hounds tooth fabric used here too.















 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 







 


















Wouldn't this be nice to have in your basement? An abundance of fabrics and textiles to work with?
Yes please! :)








 





 

 






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I hope you enjoyed shopping with me, and I can't wait to show you what I purchased later this week when I reveal my
2014 Christmas mantel.
 
From my family to yours-
Happy Thanksgiving!
 
I am thankful to have you as a part of Decorated Chaos.
 
 
 
Jennifer




Linking Up To These Great Parties:
The Chicken ChickMarvelous Monday Linky PartyBy Stephanie LynnThe-Casual-CraftleteThe Dedicated HouseLinky PartyThe Scoop Banner
 
Savvy Southern Stylehttp://www.thethriftyhome.comGlitter, Glue & PaintTreasure Hunt Thursday96Photobuckethttp://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2014/12/welcome-to-this-weeks-edition-of-frugal.html#moreThe Shabby NestSay G'Day Saturday @ Natasha in Oz