Shutter Love

Over the last few months I have taken up a collection of shutters that I have purchased here and there.  My most recent score was twelve shutters for a whopping $10-DEAL!!  Once painted, the can make the perfect accent to any wall or accessory to any shelf.  I currently have them displayed in various locations throughout the house.  I have painted some of them, but find spray painting the quickest and easiest method.  Once painted I usually distress them with the mouse sander and apply an antique glaze to give them that worn look.

double shutter on wall to family room

bathroom accent

living room focal point

 mudroom accent

mantel decor

via Brabournefarm

via Tip Junkie

Dining Room Accent Wall Reveal

Finally,  after a few weeks of procrastination, we have finished the accent wall in our dining room.  I l-o-v-e how it possess both traditional and modern elements.  The metallic damask wallpaper combined with the bead board are the perfect backdrop for our new sideboard.  This was a very simple task, the only real trouble we had was cutting the board and chair rail to fit around the banister(which you cannot see in these pics).  Other than that minor hiccup, it was a piece of cake.

Patio dreamin'

With spring just right around the corner, the thoughts of creating an outdoor retreat have been weighing heavy on my mind.  The summer of 2011 was so busy that we really didn't have time to sit down and enjoy our outdoor space.  So we have made a promise to ourselves to slow down and make time to relax.  We want to create a space that is comfortable, functional and stylish.  We already have the basics (patio, gazebo (which needs a new top courtesy of the high winds) and some patio furniture.  Our plans are to purchase a new outdoor carpet, cushions, gazebo cover and lots of accessories.  Here of some photo ideas that interest me:

planter box idea via www.houzz.com

love the recycled patio tables and deck box via

www.centsationalgirl.com

illuminating patio lanterns via Dear Lillie

hanging chandelier via
www.homedesigndecorating.com

textiles and colour palette via

www.moredesignplease.com

Random Bits

Since we really haven't had much time to get acquainted, I thought it might be fun to share some "random" tidbits about me, my family and our life.  Let's start with five!

Here are this weeks "Random Bits"!  Drum roll please...............!!!! :) 

1.  I LOVE to craft!  Whether it be scrap booking, sewing, building or re-purposing.   It is my passion and my primary reason for starting this blog.  I am forever anticipating my next project or home renovation.  And, I would have to give much credit to my wonderful husband for accepting every new task with a nod and smile!  Thanks Babe!

2.  Running is my escape.  I started to run about two years ago to keep in shape.  Last June I started to train for my very first Half Marathon.  Though, challenging at times, I persevered and completed the half in October.  I have continued to run this winter in preparation for a spring race.  I enjoy the freedom of running outside, the comrade ray with fellow runners and the feeling of accomplishment after every run.  It has become a staple in my everyday routine and a passion I feel will stay with me for a long time.

3.  Avery lost a tooth this week! Yep, that's right!  It was a joint effort between her and big brother, but on Wednesday night she lost one of her top front teeth.  Thank goodness SK graduation photos were last week, lol!  She feels pretty cool having lost her tooth and she definitely sports it with much confidence!

4.  I love to garden.  At this point, I am soooooo done with this winter.  I am ready to get my hands dirty in the garden.  I am also looking forward to creating a new deck space and place to enjoy many cups of tea and/or glasses of wine:)  Spring can't get here any sooner!

5.  This website ROCKS!   http://www.sweetpickinsfurniture.com/  Very inspiring!  I want to be just like her!

Catch Up!

So, the back splash is finally done, minus a few pieces of trim!  Looks so clean and the top and bottom trim just finish it right off!  Well done Daddy! :)  With this project completed we are on to the next.  Since my last post I have been able to tackle a few minor projects(window/vinyl decoration for example).  If there were only 8 more hours in a day I'd be laughing!  My goals for the next few weeks are to finish our dining room accent wall and re-paint the kitchen/dining room.  This past weekend I picked up some fabulous wallpaper from Lowe's.  It is this beautiful beige/metallic damask pattern.  Our plans are to pair up the wallpaper with some bead board for this accent wall.  I think this combo will also compliment our new dining set, which is very traditional. 

Bead Board Backsplash

With 2012 off to a quick start, the pressure to begin my many home improvements/projects, is weighing in.  I have been pondering over many ideas and options over the last few months.  Paint vs. wallpaper, tile vs. bead board and the list goes on.....  So I have made up my mind on a few of the projects and would love to share (pics of before and after to follow!) 

For quite some time now I have wanted a tile back splash in our kitchen, but could never decide on the perfect tile.  Recently while browsing Lowe's I found this great brown/beige tone subway tile.  The cost of the tile had also dropped five bucks and was now $10.98, great!  But did I want to spend that kind of money on our back splash?  Ummmm, not really.  So while browsing a few of my favourite sites I came across this beautiful bead board back splash, found here.  I love the clean look and the super easy installation.  Even better was the price ($12 for a 4x3ft sheet :).   So tonight we begin cutting and hopefully installing. 

Welcome to Our Blissful Nest!  As you will soon see,  I have a strong passion for creativity. I love to decorate, craft, scrapbook, build things and make memories with my family.  I have been inspired (by the many wonderful bloggers out there) to bring in the new year with a blog of my own.  I look forward to sharing my stories and creations with you!  Stay tuned..