Master Bedroom Reveal - An Unexpected Makeover

When a decorator gets an idea, she has to run with it, right?

Thus is the case with this master bedroom makeover. If you've been following since the beginning, you may remember the first makeover just about a year ago. Well, it never felt quite right, but I had moved on to other projects and it was "good enough."

Now, I've got lots on the "to-do" list for this year, and the master bedroom didn't even make the cut...so why is it the first thing finished???

A couple of months ago I decided to use the shutter headboard elsewhere in my home so out of the bedroom it came. Then I realized I had to replace it with something but had no idea what. I knew I wanted to add more natural elements and warmth and texture, but how?

If you are a follower of Pamela at PB&J Stories you already caught a glimpse of the new headboard when I shared my painted mirror project. (As you can see, distressed won!)

I was Pinterest surfing and came across this project by Vintage Bliss. Inspiration struck as I remembered I had our old hollow core closet doors stored in the garage. I hoped it would be the right size, and though it was a little wider than the bed, I thought it was just right.

All of a sudden here I was completely immersed in a bedroom makeover. I went to my favorite store, Country Roads in Orange, California (ahem, fivetimesintwoweeks), looking for new pieces to complete the room. (It may be a sickness.)

I'm so grateful to have my amazing friend to bounce ideas off of. (From one Princess K to another, thank you from the bottom of my heart.) She found this beautiful bench for me at where else, Country Roads.

A quick coat of poly and she was ready to go.

The dresser was part of last year's makeover.

I added each of the vignette elements.

I grabbed some vintage books from the unused (in 20 years) church library to give the lamps some height and switched out the shades.

Dropcloth curtains are cheap and effective, and add the perfect amount of color and texture. Tied with burlap scraps to finish them off.

An old frame and iron bird hooks hold my necklaces (all three of them).

I tied a scrap of dropcloth and twine around a small mason jar, added a wire hanger for a cute little hanging vase.

I had to include a special new fluffy pillow in the corner for my sweet kitty (mostly to keep her off of my bed!).

And finally, a framed printable reminds me of what I'm striving for each day - to let go of the junk and live in the moment every single day.

I'm loving it all and know that this is exactly what I wanted!!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed this little tour. I'll be sharing some details later in the week. Now maybe I can get back to some of the other projects I've been working on!

I'll be linking up with:
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Evolution of Style
Savvy Southern Style
At the Picket Fence
French Country Cottage
Common Ground
Miss Mustard Seed
Funky Junk Interiors
The DIY Showoff

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Simply Klassic Sunday and Features

Welcome to Simply Klassic Sunday! The place you can come to share what you're proud of this week - projects, recipes or stories!

This week includes a special BBC (Beginner Blogger's Club) link section for all things blogging related: your favorite tips & tricks, advice, where you blog, what you've learned or just a general introduction to your blog! In case you missed it, you can find today's fabulous post from mentor Pink Postcard here.

The BBC was such a fabulous month of inspiration, both through mentors who shared their tips and advice, and in meeting twelve fabulous new bloggers. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in the club, or stopped by to say hello. I hope you all made some new friends!! For the complete list of participants, check out this post.

Now, on with the show...

I'm a sap for Union Jack lately, and this Union Jack Coffee Table from Domestic Imperfection is no exception.

Stars & Sunshine shared a fabulous tutorial to turn a glass vase into a lamp. Love the idea that it's wide enough to fit all kinds of treasures.

I featured Clean & Scentsible's Rain Gutter Bookshelves a couple of week's ago, and now she finally shared her reading nook reveal! So cute!!

I've always wanted a little chalkboard like this Chalkboard Cabinet Door from Hymns and Verses.

If you were featured, feel free to grab a button from my sidebar.

It's time to link up! Please pay special attention to which link up you join.

The rules:

• Home projects, crafts, tips, DIYs, makeovers, recipes, tips etc. are welcome. Show us what you're proud of this week! 
• Link directly to your post, not your home page. 
• Link as many posts as you would like, but please make sure they are new to this party. 
• No giveaways or shops, please. (If you have a giveaway or shop, I'd love to feature it for you - email me for details). 
• Play nice - visit and comment on other blogs that interest you!
• Please link to Simply Klassic Home somewhere in your post so others can join in on the fun. 
• By linking up, you give me permission to use any part of your post, including pictures, in a feature or on Facebook. Proper credit and links will be given to you. Feel free to email me with questions or leave them in the comments below. 

So grab a button and link up your posts below. Can't wait to see what you have to share! 

~ All Things Blogging ~

tips & tricks, advice, where you blog, what you've learned
or just a general introduction to your blog

~ Simply Klassic Sunday ~

Home projects, crafts, tips, DIYs, makeovers, recipes, tips, etc.

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Blogging From a Newbie's Perspective - from BBC Mentor Pink Postcard

Sadly, the BBC has come to a close! What a crazy fun series it was!! Did you enjoy it as much as I did??? I must say that I will be glad to get back to sharing my DIY journey with you, but I will miss my BBC friends! I will be sure to keep up the fun at least twice a month with mentor and featured blogger posts.

Don't forget Simply Klassic Sunday this weekend will include a special linky to share your posts on all things blogging related: blogging tips, advice, where you blog, an introduction to your blog, or even asking questions. I can't wait to see what you all have to share!!

Today's mentor is the fabulous Denise from Pink Postcard who is here to share with you some of the best blogging advice you could get - feeling discouraged? We've all been there!!!

Thank you so much Kristin, for inviting me to be a part of this series! I think this is such a great idea and so helpful- I wish I'd had a resource like this when I started Pink Postcard! Such an honor, and I am so humbled to be a part of this.

This is a post I wrote when I was fairly new to blogging. I didn't expect anything other than to get real about my feelings. No one seemed to be talking about their experience, except when I would email or talk on the phone with some of my other blog friends.

This was me sharing my feelings at the time, and I was completely overwhelmed by the response this post got. As a side note: some of the photos have changed since the original post because I could no longer find the originals.

Blogging from a Newbie's Perspective: what I've learned so far

You sent for me sir?

Yes, Clarence. A man down on earth needs our help.

Splendid! Is he sick?

No. Worse. He's discouraged.

I have to admit- I was pretty naive about what 'blogging' was.

The only blogs I knew about were family/personal blogs, or techie blogs, or movie junkie blogs.

I had a family blog in 2006, and gave it up after a few months. I found Facebook, and decided that would be a better format for sharing what was going on with my family.

For most of 2009, I had a desperation to find a way to connect with other creative people. Painters, decorators, people who were uber creative who could help expand my creative thinking cap.

I was talking to two of my sister in laws about wanting to work from home in a business related to interior decorating, but I also loved cooking and gardening.

One of them said to me, you should start a webpage!

I am so technically challenged I had no idea how I would build /start a webpage.

And then last year, a friend suggested I check out My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.

Blogging?! I kinda knew how to do that!

And then my whole world was blown wide open to a virtual online magazine of decorating!

Holy cow!!

Last July, I started this little project called PinkPostcard.

I really had no idea what I was doing, and was figuring out things as I went along, mostly too shy or embarrassed to ask questions of seasoned bloggers.

And then it happened. About two months into it, I started feeling insecure about how slowly my blog was 'growing,' I started gauging my day on how many people had commented or signed up to follow me.

And when you're blogging about things that are personal to you- your home, your sanctuary, the thing you take pride in- and it feels like few people are jumping on board with you, while the blog that started up three months after you has exploded with followers, well, it gets discouraging.

Just bein' real here.

And then about a month ago, I ventured into the hostess role.

In week 3, I woke up to check on the party, and GASP!

nobody's here?

*sniff*

Later that day, I saw that we indeed did have a party, but that was a tough day.

I felt like a big fat loser.

Remember the scene in Something's Gotta Give where she's writing and crying off and on?

Yeah, that was pretty much me. Going between discouragement and overwhelmed by the support of fellow bloggers, saying Me Too!

If you will, play this video and imagine this is me, blogging and reading your emails of encouragement:

(It's kinda long- you get the idea after about a minute)

And please please PLEASE, if you linked up in week three, don't think that I didn't absolutely appreciate you who were there- because I truly did! I just thought that by week 3, I wouldn't be seeing an empty page after two hours of being open for business! :(

Later that day, as I was visiting blogland, I came across a post by Donna from; Funky Junk Interiors. It brought me to tears. I was so encouraged, I wrote her a note of thanks.

She was incredibly kind in her words of encouragement and suggestions. I am forever grateful.

And then, in talking to some of the friends I've made since I started blogging, I discovered something....

Everyone else felt like me at one time or another!

Here's what I learned from my own experience thus far, and what others are saying:

*It's an emotional roller coaster.

*There just aren't enough hours in the day to visit everyone you'd like to, respond to all of the wonderful comments, and meet new blogs.

*Sometimes it feels like you're back in high school and it's like trying to get the attention of the popular kids (blogs) or keep up to eventually be on that track of popularity.

*It costs money to blog! I thought it would be a relatively "free" thing for me to do. Uh, no. Projects cost money and so does starting a business (like Etsy- that you help promote with blogging!)

*Not having enough "good things to write about"

*Not having projects good enough

*Wondering why some blogs have huge followings and yours is feeling rather invisible

*Some of my most favorite bloggers have all considered quitting their blogs at one point or another!

So, I write all this to say thank you over the past week to those of you (and you know who you are!) for your words of encouragement, for helping me not to feel like a big fat loser, and that I am not alone in my feelings. Every one of us started because we love what we blog about! And there are those days of discouragement and feeling unworthy.

If I can offer any thing positive as to what I'm learning, it's this:

Dear Denise: (and others in the same boat)

* Blogging takes time and dedication. Whether you do it for fun or as a business venture. Give yourself a break and relax. Enjoy it!

* Link up to parties, it's how people find you from the billion other blogs out there!

* Go with your gut.

* Be personal. (still working on this one) I started out thinking that I had to be careful about what I was writing about myself. You know, because of all those crazy rapists that stalk blogs. (kidding) I don't give out anything that personal. But we are human beings, we want to connect with people!

* don't compare yourself to anyone else. You have something unique to offer. Really, you do!!

* Teach. You may think what you know is not worthwhile or too simplistic, but someone out there doesn't know how to do it! It's what people want to know!

* Learn from people who do what you do- it's free! And probably a whole lot more interesting than sitting in a classroom.

If you're thinking about quitting blogging because of the time commitment, or just sheer disappointment, or unworthiness, please don't! Those of you who have been brave enough and honest enough to say so- I would sincerely miss your personality and what you bring to the blogging community. I may not get to personally tell you that as often as I'd like, but, I would!

I have so enjoyed my 7 month journey into blogging. I'm not considering jumping off a bridge into icy waters for the insurance money, and I'm not quitting my blog.

It's just been different than what I expected, and I never knew I wasn't the only one feeling the way I did!

I also never expected to find more supportive and thoughtful people on this journey. It's so nice to see women helping women.

So, sit down and pull that safety bar over your lap.

Hang on! Everyone else is feeling just like you do!

Still feeling discourage? Don't! We've ALL been there, whether as beginners or seasoned bloggers. That's why I created this community called the BBC. I've hope it's been helpful to you!

Saturday night, Simply Klassic Sunday will go live at 4 pm (PST). Remember, there will be not only a general linky for your projects and such, but there will be a special link up for all things blog related - your favorite tips & tricks, advice, where you blog, what you've learned or just a general introduction to your blog! Come back later to join in the fun!
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BBC Feature Create-W-Kat and a Link Party Announcement

I'm guest posting today! With the BBC taking over Simply Klassic Home for the month of April, I haven't been able to share what I've been working on - a makeover in my master bedroom! I'm giving you a little sneak peek today at PB&J Stories. Stop by and take a look!

I'm a little sad that this is the final feature for the BBC. I've thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share all of these wonderful ladies with you. I sincerely thank each of you who have taken a moment out of your day to leave a comment on their blogs. I know they appreciated it greatly.

LINK PARTY ANNOUNCEMENT: Since the whole point of the BBC is to share our mutual love of blogging, the Simply Klassic Sunday link party this weekend will include a special section for you to link up your posts on all things blogging related - your favorite tips & tricks, advice, where you blog, what you've learned or just a general introduction to your blog. It's up to you! So start writing those posts now, so you'll be ready!

Today's featured blogger is Kat, from Create-W-Kat!

I actually started to boost a little interest in scrapbooking and card making. For me, the simple act of stamping a sentiment, making birthday cards and preserving family memories really relieved stress!

I lost my Mother in August 2011. My siblings and I went through boxes of pictures that were basically thrown in, no organization and several ruined. My first thought was I needed to be the one kid in the family to preserve what we had left and for future family members to see our history in a poignant, sometimes funny format.

I never do things slowly, I jump right in, both feet! Now I am a little overwhelmed to come up with interesting posts, creating new art to showcase and build relationships online. I can use all the help I can get. Thanks for helping out the less experienced bloggers with your knowledge and networking contacts!

I've got one more fabulous mentor to share with you tomorrow as we close the series! See you then!

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How Do You Know What to Blog About? {a guest post by French Country Cottage}

I've got another of my favorite bloggers here today as a mentor - Courtney from French Counrty Cottage is here to answer some beginner's questions!

Hi everyone!! So excited to be over here at Simply Klassic Home!! Thank you for asking me to be a part of your series, Kristin!

So here are the questions that Kristin asked me to share my thoughts on.

How has the focus of your blog changed from when you first began?

That's a good one. Honestly, it has changed a lot. I started writing my blog for several reasons. It was a place for me to go to that was all about pretty stuff. Decorating, design, rooms and inspirations, etc. I loved being inspired by some of the other blogs online and I wanted to share projects that I was working on as well. I have always been a writer- so it seemed like a natural thing to do and I was excited to get back to feeding that creative part of me too.

So it was like a little hobby to write a blog post here and there and decorate something and take a few pictures and share them.

Now. I have been blogging for almost two years and my blog is more like a job than just a hobby. I work in Social Media with several companies and am so thankful for that and really enjoy it.

I host my own Link Party ~ Feathered Nest Friday ~ and I also blog several more times a week than I ever thought I would, for sure.

So it has turned from a hobby to more like a part time job and I love blogging so much more than I ever thought I would It has definitely become a big part of my life.

Did you always intend for it to reach the audience it has or feature the things it does? How have you had to re-evaluate as you've grown?

When I started blogging, I hoped to reach other people like me and to inspire them like so many bloggers have inspired me. I didn't plan on hosting a link party, or know that I would actually use my blog for work that just kind of happened. I have definitely had to re-evaluate some things because blogging can start to take over and you have to find a balance - and that is easier said than done! I am working on it even now so If anyone knows where that balance is - let me know! ;)

To help find a good overall balance, I have had to let go of some of the stress I place on myself with regards to blogging and let things flow more naturally. Sometimes I blog more, sometimes I blog less.

How do you know what to talk about? How am I supposed to know what the audience wants?

That is really a hard question because how do you know what to talk about?

I think most of us start out writing a blog and sharing just what we think people will want to read. But as you get more comfortable with your style, your blogging, etc. you realize that your readers come to your blog because they like whatever it is you are blogging about.

They might not like every post you do and there are always going to be those followers who disappear when you blog about something they don't like but you can't write a blog just for your readers because it comes from you and it is about you.

I do blog about personal things if I feel they are okay to share. I think of my readers as friends and have developed strong friendships with some of them outside of my blog. Learning more about the blogger writing the blog and what is going on in their lives really helps you feel more connected, so if you are comfortable sharing something going on in your life, why not share it?

Just remember that your blog should be what you want it to be about.

Write what you want to write.

Share what you want to share.

No one else can write your blog for you ~ it comes from you.

Courtney, I couldn't have said it better myself! Thank you so much for stopping by today to answer a few questions and offer your advice. 

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BBC Feature - The Captivating Life

Today's BBC featured blogger is "Gleeful" from The Captivating Life.

Please remember, if you see something you like, PIN IT! But please, visit the source and pin from there. Thank you!

I'm a twentysomething wife and first time mom-to-be. We have a miniature schnauzer named Oscar who is almost two years old and is full of personality. We bought our first house about two years ago and have been getting used to the adventure that is home ownership.

Hello My Pretties

I started this blog because I recently decided to make an effort to improve my cooking, gardening, decorating and photography skills. Despite being interested in those things, I hadn't been making much time for them lately. Blogging not only helps me focus on those things, but it has also led me to other fantastic blogs, where people pass along new and creative ideas and where I learn so many new things. 

Spaghetti al Forno

I have really been enjoying spending time on cooking delicious new meals, finding interesting and pretty DIY ideas, greening my thumb, and learning to take better pictures of it all to keep track of my journey. 

Summer in March

I can only hope that my blog inspires others as well. I'd love it if you stopped by to say hello!

Gleeful asked some questions about keeping your content fresh and knowing what to blog about, and lucky for us, Courtney from French Country Cottage will be sharing her thoughts on the subject tomorrow!

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