Master Bedroom...REVEAL!

It's finally finished!!! Well at least it's close enough that I'm ready to share!

I am so proud of this room, and myself for following it through from start to finish. I painted the walls, and did several projects that became a part of it.

Let's take a tour, shall we?

Just for reference, here's the before:

Not bad, still love the bedding, but the heavy oak furniture and yellow walls just had to go!

Here's a look at my inspiration board:

And here's the after:

I got most of my inspiration for this room from Faded Plains, and My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.

The first thing we did was shift all of the furniture to the right wall, and it completely opened up the space.

I attached an old gray shutter to the wall for a headboard. I created the wall art you see to the side of the bed, based on my inspiration from Urban Farmgirl. I also painted the nightstands and replaced their hardware, and painted and recovered the bench. I'm still on the lookout for some vintage mirrors to hang over the bed.

Since the room's only window actually opens into the add-on laundry room, there's virtually no natural light (making it extremely difficult to get good photos). I usually leave the dropcloth curtains open and sheers closed for privacy...and to keep from seeing the view of the back of our washing machine.

I stopped in at a thrift store this past weekend and the first thing I saw was this chair. I have been wanting a chair like this since I saw one at an antique store with a much heftier price tag. This one was only $20! It's in amazing shape with only a few slight chips in the paint. I grabbed it and told the kid working there - hold this for me while I look around!

The ruffle pillow was made by Maggie, and was my prize in her giveaway a couple months ago. The burlap bag is from Vintage Junky.

Hi-boy dresser purchased at Country Roads. A Ball Jar from the flea market filled with faux cherry blossoms, a white candle on a silver holder and a shell ball and little white pitcher from Marshalls, all of which I had on hand.

Sweet lavender sachets from Kristin's new Etsy shop, Uncommon Linens, in a vintage basket. They smell so good, and are not overpowering. Love them!!

I painted the nightstands and added new hardware. See that makeover here. Lamps are from Target. I was thrilled when they finally went on sale last week! A wood frame from Michael's that I painted gray, and a mason jar from the flea and filled with pink hydrangeas from my garden.

Gray shutter came from my go-to store for unique vintage finds, Country Roads, as did the middle row of pillows. Sue had graciously offered me a gift certificate as a thank you for helping her out with her blog, so I was able to splurge on these beautiful pillows from Full Bloom Cottage. The grain sack pillow came from the flea.

Still need to purchase the glass knobs for this nightstand. I like to keep my favorite reading material next to the bed.

Some of my favorite touches include the addition of the pink. As much as I loved the calm, soft neutrals, I love how the pink adds just the right pop of color throughout the room.

This hook was my grandmother's and used to be black. I painted it white literally an hour before taking the photos.

Another view of the bed where you can see the wall art I created. I had planned to have it over the bed, but just didn't like how it looked with the shutter. See how I transformed an old cabinet door here, and how I printed on fabric here.

So there it is! I hope you enjoyed the tour. I am so excited for this to be complete. It makes me smile every time I walk into the room, and I even want to make the bed in the morning! It has also become a "toy free zone!" (Not sure how long that will last...)

How bout one last look...

Yup, still loving it!

Later this week, I'll be showing you my inspiration for my little girl's new room, so stay tuned. Yay for new projects and for finished ones too!!!


Linking to...
Under the Table & Dreaming
Beneath My Heart 
Dittle Dattle 
DIY Show Off 
Polish the Stars
Today's Creative Blog
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
The Shabby Nest
Funky Junk Interiors
Tatertots And Jello
Be Different Act Normal 
Blackberry Vine 
3 Meadow Lake Cottage
Just a Girl 
At the Picket Fence
 
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Best Ever Super Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken

Getting my kids to eat is often a difficult feat, but I usually can't go wrong with serving them chicken. However, I get bored with just plain 'ole BBQ chicken! So I whipped this up one night and it was a huge hit with everyone.

This recipe works well when you are short on time because there's no need to marinate.

Super Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken

What you need:
Chicken Tenders (or breasts pounded down to make them thinner)
Minced Garlic (I buy the giant jars and keep one in my fridge at all times)
2 Lemons
Olive Oil
Garlic Salt
Pepper

1.Pour olive oil in a 9"x12" pan; just enough to barely cover the bottom. Add 3-4 Spoonfuls of minced garlic, and the juice from 1 lemon and mix.
2. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Place the pan of olive oil, garlic and lemon in the oven while it's heating. This will help to blend the flavors.
3. Once the oven is fully heated, remove the pan and add the chicken, dredging each piece in the olive oil/garlic/lemon mixture.
4. Squeeze one more lemon over the chicken, and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

See? Easy Peesy!! The chicken comes out moist and full of flavor. Serve with rice or noodles and your favorite veggie.

Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it came out!

We've got a full weekend of fun with all kidns of friends this Memorial weekend, from movie nights, to park playdates to Chuck E Cheese (not my idea!)! I'll be back on Tuesday with the Master Bedroom reveal, and a look at my next big project...Rilee's big girl room! Have a great holiday weekend!
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Adding Interest to Dropcloth Curtains

Boring title, right?

I had some dropcloths leftover from our old playroom (they were used as a room divider) and I knew that I wanted to use them as curtains in my master bedroom makeover.

They are so long that in order to fit the height of the curtain rod, I had to fold them at the top (if I were Gwen, I would sew them, but alas I am not).

However, I didn't like the look. So I decided to add a little interest. I took the curtain rod down, leaving the curtains clipped on the hooks, and started to tear strips about an inch and a half to two inches apart.

I tied the strips into knots. I realized halfway through that I probably should have made sure I had an even number of strips, but thankfully it worked out that I did!

I've only finished one of the two curtains before stopping for the night. Being that it was 11 pm, I figured it could wait until the next day!

Doesn't this look better than the boring old fold?

I love how it adds some texture and visual interest to an otherwise boring necessity. And it doesn't have to be perfect - in fact, I think the variance in length and width of the strips adds character.

I ordered a couple of things from Kristin's new Etsy shop Uncommon Linens. Kristin blogs at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia. I only came across her blog a month or so ago and immediately I was hooked! When she announced the opening of her Etsy shop, I flew over there and bought a pillow and some beautiful lavender sachets that will be part of the decor in the master bedroom. I can't wait to get them so I can show them off!

In the meantime, I have one last teaser shot before the big reveal next week...

I am so in love with this room and cannot wait to show it to you!!!
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Summer Projects

I'm into full-on project mode...and not only am I planning on working on some BIG projects for my home, I'm in the middle of planning THREE parties!

Rilee's baptism and adoption party is in July (this is a big one). Here's my inspiration:

I'm also planning for Cooper's Big BUG Birthday party in September, then Rilee's Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom birthday party in October. Whew! That oughta keep me busy 'till the holidays!

With my master bedroom on the edge of completion, I'm itching to get started on some other projects around my home. Here are some of the projects I want to get done this year...

My number one goal is to turn my coat closet into a mini-mudroom like this one from House Tweaking (this may be a little ambitious but I'm up for the challenge!)

Also on my list: 
Paint & accessorize my laundry room so I can finally show it off!
Organize hallway linen and cleaning closets
Paint my living room & MAYBE my brick fireplace (I seriously want to paint the fireplace, but I'm scared of screwing it up and not being able to fix it!!)
Remove all mini blinds from my house and throw them away! (I can't stand mini blinds)
Finish organizing/decorating the playroom!!!

And of course I will be sharing my progress here!

What's on your project list?
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Springing Into Summer Mantel & Mason Jar Planters

Realizing that summer is just around the corner, I decided it was time to change up my mantel.

We went to the swap meet a couple of weekends ago and I picked up several succulent plants for a few bucks each. I had planned to plant them in a large urn on my front porch, but since that was stolen several weeks ago (yes, STOLEN right off my front porch) I figured I would just plant and display them in the house.

I had seven plants total, some larger, some smaller and began picking through my cabinets choosing various bowls and pails to put them in.

I have several mason jars and thought the two smallest plants would fit perfectly - they did! I've never used mason jars as planters, but I love how they turned out.

I tied starfish around my $3 clearance Marshall's vases.

Various small glass bottles found at a local flea market for a couple bucks each. I placed small seashells on top of a few of them.

Seashells and craft sand (yes I live 15 minutes from the beach. No I do not like real sand.) in a vintage ball jar.

So there's my updated, updated summer mantel!

(An awful photo...taken at night...sorry!)

So, what do you think? Do the succulents fit in with the summer theme?

In other news, I'm almost finished with the master bedroom!! All that's left is to move in the new (vintage) furniture!! Should be sharing pics by the end of next week.

To see the progress:

Nightstands
Headboard
Bench
Inspiration Board

This will likely be my last post for the week. I'm taking my kids on a mini vacation to visit my cousins in Arizona and I'm so excited to see them! Sometimes you just need to get away, and believe me I REALLY need to get away!!! See you next week!

Linking to...
Under the Table & Dreaming
Beneath My Heart 
Dittle Dattle 
DIY Show Off 
Polish the Stars
Today's Creative Blog  
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
The Shabby Nest
Funky Junk Interiors
Tatertots And Jello
Be Different Act Normal 
Blackberry Vine 
The Lettered Cottage

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Birthday Bonanza Giveaway Winners!!

I am so excited to finally announce the winners of my Birthday Bonanza Giveaways!! Thank you all so much for entering. It was fun to hear all of your Mother's Day plans, favorite songs, and favorite drinks.

I'm sure you're all dying to know who won, so I'll just get right to it!

Giveaway #1: "All You Need is Love" Flour Sack Towels

The winner is

Kristin of My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia!

Kristin got in on the giveaway in just the nick of time, and I'm thrilled that she won. I am a huge fan of her fabulous blog, and her master bedroom is part of the inspiration for mine.

Giveaway #2: $15 Starbucks Gift Card

The winner is

Amy of Increasingly Domestic!

Amy is a complete sweetheart and has a great blog as well. 

Giveaway #3: Ruffled Burlap Tote Bag from The Ruffled Daisy

The winner is

Jessica of Jessabells...

Ladies, please email me your addresses so I can arrange for you to receive your prize!!!

Coming up later this week, I've got a new spring mantel to show you, and I'm putting a few more finishing touches on my master bedroom makeover, hoping for a reveal by next week!! Next up...kids bedrooms!
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Giveaway Update and Blogger Issues

If you entered my giveaways and left comments over the last couple of days, please check to see that your comments are still there because Blogger deleted comments from Wednesday and Thursday. I will try and contact everyone directly, but in case I am not able to, please try again.

Stupid Blogger.

Because of the issues, I will be leaving the giveaways open a couple of extra days to give everyone a chance to enter again. So, if you would like a chance at the Flour Sack Towels, or the Starbucks card, or the Ruffled Burlap Tote, please make sure your comment is still there, and if it's not, please re-enter your comments.

Giveaways will end Sunday, May 15 at 9 am PST (noon EST). Winners will be posted first thing Monday morning.

Thank you, and good luck!!!
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A Bedroom Bench Makeover & New Pillows

Part of the bedroom makeover project includes adding new seating. Currently, there is a dining room chair but I really wanted a small bench for the end of the bed. I found this one at the Goodwill and fell in love with her simplicity and the beauty of her subtle curves.

It was a hideous yellow-green color with a yellow and green floral fabric hot glued on over the two other layers of fabric. I removed the seat and the fabric and replaced it with burlap, then painted the bench to match the nightstands.

My only real splurge for the room was my new pillows I special ordered from Full Bloom Cottage at Country Roads.

I'm not sold yet on the burlap...what do you think?
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On Belonging, Part 2

When I originally wrote this post several weeks ago, I had come to a crossroads of sorts in my life. Our life had become too stressful and chaotic. I wasn't sleeping well, and I was letting petty things and outside influences get in the way of my, and our, happiness.

When I finally decided to post it, I did it because I know that for some reason, posting on this blog helps me to be accountable for my thoughts and actions. I did it because I know that I cannot be the only person who struggles, and I hoped that by sharing my story and my journey, perhaps someone else would be comforted. It was like a weight had been lifted, and a small amount of the burden I had been carrying - the burden to be liked and approved of, the burden of worrying what others thought - felt lighter.

Thank you all for the offerings of love and support for that post. Thank you for the comments you left, and the emails you sent. I am humbled by your sentiments. It's not easy to put yourself out there and let people see your insecurities, but I refused to let the fear of a negative response get the best of me. The thing is, we all struggle with our own demons, whether it be past abuse, or bullying, or trust, or weight, or self esteem. But these demons should not define who we are. Strength, real value, comes from within.

I hope you will come back tomorrow when I will be sharing my latest project...a bench makeover for the bedroom makeover!

And don't forget, the giveaways end on Friday at 8:00 pm, Pacific time. To enter, click on the links in my sidebar.
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What I Love FINAL Birthday Bonanza Giveaway: Ruffled Burlap Tote

This giveaway is closed. Thank you for entering! Winners will be announced Monday, May 16.

I'm counting down the days until my birthday this Sunday, and I'm starting the celebration early! I am so grateful for all the love and support I've found in blogland, and I want you all to be a part of my birthday celebration!!

Giveaway #3
I have been looking around for a new handbag/tote bag for a while now. I wanted something sweet and simple and not too fancy. I immediately fell in love with this burlap tote bag I found on Etsy. It's my favorite of all of my birthday purchases!

Amber,of The Ruffled Daisy, has always loved to sew and make things. She has two daughters, age 19 and 22 and last fall became an empty nester. To keep busy, she began sewing a tote bag. At a friend's insistence, Amber sold a few bags at a local craft show. She enjoyed it so much that she decided to begin selling her bags on Etsy just a couple of months ago. She offers both linen and burlap designs, with colorful fabric or linen lining.

Amber has graciously offered a CUSTOM tote bag to a lucky reader of A Simply Klassic Home!

Here's what to do (each is worth one entry, be sure to leave a SEPARATE COMMENT for each):

Mandatory:
1. Leave me a comment telling me what your plans are for my birthday Mother's Day.

Since my birthday falls on Mother's Day this year, I get doubly spoiled! First we're having a character brunch at the PCH Grille at the Paradise Pier Hotel (part of the Disneyland Resort). Then my mom and I will be spending time with the kiddos at Disneyland. Then a birthday dinner! It's a full day of celebrating! Yipee!!

Optional Additional Entries:
2. Follow A Simply Klassic Home.

3. "Like" A Simply Klassic Home on Facebook.

4. "Like" Simply Klassic Design on Facebook.

5. Blog about the giveaway (leave a link).

6. "Heart" The Ruffled Daisy.

7. Like The Ruffled Daisy on Facebook.

Please leave one separate comment for each entry. Winners will be chosen by random.org. When leaving comments, please be sure that your email is activated so I can contact you. Don't know how to do that? Check out my latest blogging tip at Gwenny Penny.


All giveaways will be open until May 13. Winners will be announced on Monday, May 16. Open to US residents only.

Good Luck!
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On Belonging...

This post has sat in my drafts for weeks, as I debated whether or not to post it. I'm making myself a little vulnerable here, so if there was ever a time to leave me a comment, it's on this post! Sometimes we need to speak out in order to heal...

*******************************

When I was in high school, I didn't belong. I was bullied, I was laughed at, and I was called names. I was different, and that made me vulnerable. I hated high school and was glad that it was over. I never realized until recently just how much and for how long I allowed those years to define me.

Those bullies, who were sweet and kind to my face, said ugly things behind my back. There were thinly veiled remarks and jokes, made at my expense.

Yet I desperately tried so hard to belong, because they were "my friends." I pretended to laugh at their jokes, but inside my heart was aching. Each day I felt left out and left behind. If it hadn't been for my church youth group family, I honestly don't know that I would have survived.

For even years after, I felt the sting of their words. I felt worthless, I didn't trust anyone.

This kind of harassment is an all too often occurrence in school, but it happens in our adult lives as well. There will always be people who feel the strongest when they are laughing at another's expense; kind to your face and cruel behind your back.

My biggest struggle in life has been the need to prove myself to those around me. Prove that I am worthy, prove that I belong. In my desperate need to fit in, I lost myself along the way because I tried to be someone that I'm not.

So here's the thing: in life, you have choices. You can make a choice to walk through life being angry and ugly. You can make a choice to let one insignificant person destroy your happiness. You can make a choice to walk away and be the stronger person. You can make the choice to strike back. You can make the choice to give up your power and let them win. You can make the choice to forgive and to ask for forgiveness.

You can make a choice to show the love of God in all you say and do.

I choose love. I choose forgiveness. I choose to let go. What do you choose?

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What I Love Birthday Bonanza Giveaway #2: Starbucks

This giveaway is closed. Thank you for entering! Winners will be announced Monday, May 16.

I'm counting down the days until my birthday this Sunday, and I'm starting the celebration early! I am so grateful for all the love and support I've found in blogland, and I want you all to be a part of my birthday celebration!!

I've been enjoying reading your comments about your favorite song lyrics! Reminds me of many songs I've forgotten, and gives me a chance to hear some new ones. Did you miss that giveaway? Click here for Giveway #1.

Giveaway #2

One of my favorite PLACES to splurge is Starbucks. My favorite splurge is a Grande Iced Nonfat White Mocha. This $15 Starbucks Gift Card will buy a few of those!

Here's what to do (each is worth one entry, be sure to leave a SEPARATE COMMENT for each)

Mandatory:
1. Leave me a comment telling me your favorite Starbucks drink or treat.

Optional Additional Entries:
2. Follow A Simply Klassic Home.

3. "Like" A Simply Klassic Home on Facebook.

4. "Like" Simply Klassic Design on Facebook.

5. Blog about the giveaway (leave a link).

Please leave one separate comment for each entry. Winners will be chosen by random.org. When leaving comments, please be sure that your email is activated so I can contact you. Don't know how to do that? Check out my blogging tip at Gwenny Penny.

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow when I will feature another birthday splurge and giveaway!

All giveaways will be open until May 13. Winners will be announced on Monday, May 16. Open to US residents only.

Good Luck!
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What I Love Birthday Bonanza Giveaway #1: Flour Sack Towels

This giveaway is closed. Thank you for entering! Winners will be announced Monday, May 16.

Hello ladies! I'm counting down the days until my birthday this Sunday, and I'm starting the celebration early! I am so grateful for all the love and support I've found in blogland, and I want you all to be a part of my birthday celebration!!

GIVEAWAY #1
I mentioned in this post about my new love - Etsy. I know this is nothing new to many of you out there, but I've only recently started actually shopping Etsy. It's wonderful to me how many awesome people there are out there with amazing treasures for sale. I have found tons of inspiration and things that I just couldn't live without!

I was shopping on Etsy last week and came across a few things that I just HAD to have. Here's my first birthday gift to myself from Vintage Junky Style:

I told you I love these lyrics!

Not only did I purchase one of these flour sack towel sets for myself, but I loved them so much that I purchased another set for one lucky reader as well!

Would you like to win them?

Here's what to do (each is worth one entry, be sure to leave a SEPARATE COMMENT for each):

Mandatory:
1. Leave me a comment telling me one of your favorite song lyrics (doesn't have to be your favorite song, just a favorite lyric.

Optional Additional Entries:
2. Follow A Simply Klassic Home.

3. "Like" A Simply Klassic Home on Facebook.

4. "Like" Simply Klassic Design on Facebook.

5. Blog about the giveaway (leave a link).

6. "Like" Vintage Junky Style on Facebook.

Please leave one separate comment for each entry. Winners will be chosen by random.org. When leaving comments, please be sure that your email is activated so I can contact you. Don't know how to do that? Check out my latest blogging tip at Gwenny Penny.

When I told Michelle of Vintage Junky what I was doing, she offered up another item for me to giveaway as well, which I will feature later this week. How cool is that??

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow when I will feature another birthday splurge and giveaway!

All giveaways will be open until May 13. Winners will be announced on Monday, May 16. Open to US residents only.

Good Luck!
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