New Project... Bookcase/Seating Combo.......

Now that HH and I have had time to catch our breath from finishing up Tatiana's room, it's now time to start the festivities in Gabriella's room.  Of course, she wanted us to start her room the minute we finished her sister's.  I mean, after all it has to be FAIR right?  Well, her room is going to be a little different.  Her bookcases are going to be built on each side of her window and we decided to build her a bench for seating under her window as well.  I am looking at purchasing a new rug for her room and adding lots of fun and unique accessories for her bookshelves.  I will also be getting a new window treatment since she will no longer be able to use her curtains (due to the new bench).  We will be putting a cushion on her bench and adding pillows to make it extra comfortable.  Lots of new changes in here and I'm excited to see the transformation. Here is where we are starting...

 Here's the window where the new bench seating will be. 

 

 

Bookcase #1 will be built here.

 

Bookcase #2 will be built here.

 

 

One last look at the "Before".

 

We are hoping this project can be completed sooner than the 13 weeks it took to finish her sister's room (Ha! Ha!).  I'll keep you posted.  

What kind of projects have you completed this summer?   

Before and After...... A bookcase and room makeover story.......

It's only been 13 weeks (Ha! Ha!) since we started the bookcase/desk project for our daughter Tatiana but I am happy to report that it is finally done.  You may remember when the project started here, I talked about the need for additional storage and a proper desk space.  The wall we decided to use is situated perfectly in her room to really maximize the space, give her plenty of storage solutions and provide a work space that is functional and stylish.  I also talked about adding some new accessories, a new rug and giving her a seating area. Enough talk, let's see her room now.  But first, just a few before shots....

 

Here are the plans.  

 

 

Here's the wall before.

 

Here's the bookcase before the primer.  I actually found the two bookcases on craigslist and they were the perfect dimensions so my HH just incorporated them into our design and added the molding.

 

Here's what it looks like with both bookcases completed and ready to prime and paint. 

 

And now for the after.........

 

 



This is now her new seating area complete with new rug and table (vintage).  The chair (vintage) got a new pillow from Ikea that really contrasts nicely with the rug and the vintage canvas over her bed. 

 

We put mirrors on both sides of the wall opposite the bookcase.  This helps to reflect the light from the window and also gives her room a bigger feeling.  You can see the bookcase (and my arm...sorry) in the reflection.  I ask you, what 11 year old girl doesn't want a peace sign somewhere in her room? I can't think of any.......

 

Here's the other mirror just to the left of the curtain. 

 

Here's the bookcase/desk combo all completed.  We are still working on decorating the shelves but we have a good head start.  Tatiana picked out the handles and the knobs and has been busy putting all of her touches in her room.

 

Remember the Paris souvenir from here?  It has now found it's home atop a stack of vintage french books (and a old High School History Book).  I think the vintage rhinestone clock adds just the right amount of sparkle.

 

I decided to cover the spines of some old books with great covers in a thick weight wrapping paper that I bought at World Market.  Because there is a lot of shelf space now, I wanted some symmetry to maintain some order and provide color.  This similar stack is on the other side as well.  The vintage brass owls are actually candle holders but work just as well as book weights.  

 

This vintage USA vase adds a nice shade of yellow to the mix.  

 

Here's one last look.  Oh yeah, the wood diamond moldings on the door are from a $2.00 bin at a thrift store.  They were green originally but they fit perfectly on these doors and I think add a nice touch to the overall look.  I also want to give a big THANK YOU to my wonderfully gifted and talented husband for doing such a fabulous job. Thank you HH! 

 

I really like the way her room has turned out and she "loves" it which is the most important part.  What do you think?  What has been your biggest decorating challenge?

Thrifting......Texas Style

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July.  I spent one day going to some out of the way places that I haven't been to in a while and I came across some booths that had great Texas Style. Where else can you find a HUGE assortment of vintage cowboy boots?   I loved this place. 

The detail work on this hand embroidered pillow is stunning.  Whoever did this was very passionate about it.

 

Let's see.... I'll take the tiger (kidding), the fringe jacket and the vintage brown Frye boots (not kidding).

Mickey looks right at home with all of these boots doesn't he?

 

How cute would this vintage radio flyer be in a little boys room or in a playroom?

 

Have a Happy Day!



Grilling and Chillin......

I'm planning on taking at least one day this long weekend to really relax.  Catch up on my magazines, hang out by the pool and enjoy some good times with neighbors and friends.  Within all of that fun, I plan on making these completos or, in English, Chilean style hot dogs.  I pulled this out of a BHG (Better Homes and Gardens) magazine a while back and it's fabulous!  This recipe is also in the book by Nirmala Narine titled, "Nirmala's Edible Diary:  A Hungry Traveler's Cookbook with Recipes from 14 Countries". If you have plans to grill this 4th of July weekend, give this recipe a try.  The flavors of this are wonderful and refreshing. It's also easy to make and can be made easily for a large crowd. Whatever your plans are, have a wonderful and safe weekend. Happy 4th of July! Bon Appetito.

 Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. snipped fresh cilantro
• 2 medium jalapeño chile peppers, stem removed and thinly sliced*
• 2 small shallots, peeled and thinly sliced (or 4 green onions, white parts only, thinly sliced)
• 2 Tbsp. lime juice
• 1 cup diced green and/or red tomatoes
• 2 avocados, peel and seeded, coarsely chopped
• Sea salt, kosher salt, or salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 4 to 6 all-beef frankfurters or other bun-size sausages
• 4 Tbsp. butter, softened
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 4 to 6 sub or hoagie rolls, split

Directions

1. For Avocado-Chili Relish, in a bowl whisk together olive oil, cilantro, jalapeños, shallots, and lime juice. Gently fold in tomatoes and avocados. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper; set aside.

2. Prepare frankfurters as desired.

3. In a small bowl, mix the butter and garlic. Spread butter mixture on the sub rolls. Ina large frying pan or on a grill rack over medium heat, place the rolls buttered side down and toast until light golden.

4. To serve, tuck frankfurters in toasted rolls and top with Avocado-Chili Relish. Serve immediately. Makes 4 to 65 servings.

 

*When working with hot chile peppers, wear plastic gloves or wash hands well after cutting; the peppers contain oil that may burn skin and eyes.

 

Like the recipe?  Check out her cookbook here