French Country Master Bathroom (and the Tale of A Gorgeous Bed Crown)

Oops, there it is!

It's a master bathroom that I've never shown you because I.Haven't Really.Decorated It.Yet.

I have a clue about what I want to do, but I have BIG ideas and they keep involving a lot of cash and my hubby building frames for giant artwork, etc. etc...Errrr, he's a little behind on my projects and I guess I'll forgive him since he works long hours and he's such a doggone cutie. (He'd roll his eyes right here). So I thought I'd show you the bathroom, discuss one idea I have for the windows and you can throw in your input too. Maybe together we can figure this out!

I know it's 'in' right now to leave windows blank with no curtains, but I feel like something around the windows warms up the space. Our issue is the windows are on the back side of the tub, so if we want to open and close the curtains, it's going to be a pain to reach. I'm thinking of doing some sort of remote control shade that's hidden by a cornice. I could have stationary curtains on either side if I wanted.

A cornice? Like from the 90s??

Yes, I said cornice, lol. I just got back from visiting the Biltmore y'all. You know, the largest privately owned home in America? I want a fancy cornice so I can pretend to be the hillbilly cousin of the Vanderbilts. Actually, what I'm really into is architectural carvings and I thought how amazing would it be if I could get a huge carving to put above the window and use it like a cornice. See my dilemma? Now where am I going to find this huge architectural carving that will fit exactly over my window....Help me think on that. In the meantime, I'll show you what started this grand idea so you can have a visual of where I'm going. I saw this bed crown on Ebay. It is the bomb. I LOVE THIS.

Hubby says he's not into bed crowns.

Hubby never mentioned he's not into window crowns....hehehe. 

He's learning that he needs to be very specific around here.

The bed crown is only 24" inches wide, meanwhile each window behind the tub is much wider than that. So even if I bought two of them, they are just not wide enough to put over each window. I've even pictured a similar but flatter carved piece sitting on top of a wooden cornice board. I've looked high and low for a picture that would give you a good idea of what I'm talking about but I can't find one, so I'm hoping you can imagine it.                

Sigh. Wouldn't it be dreamy?

That bed crown though. It's really what I'd love to have in here.

Hubby just wants curtains.

He's talking about function when I'm talking about gorgeous bed crowns here? That silly man.

I'll discuss the artwork next time around and possibly spiff it up for Christmas. Also, maybe it's time I learn to use some tools. I asked for some once and sweet hubby bought me a whole set of pink tools. 

Shhhhh....don't remind him that I've never used them. He now carries a pink screwdriver in his truck.

I love a man who is confident.

See you next time.

Love,

Elizabeth 

Why can't the woman just go buy a set of curtains at Target like a normal person? Bed crowns? Who does this? She's exhausting.

The Powder Room

HEY Y'ALL! Happy June! May kicked my tail and I'm just recovering. My oldest son graduated college AND has his own apartment (WHAT??) and Bear has been either practicing or performing in three different plays in two different cities at least an hour from us...so that's where I've been. Hello Summer!

So now that I've slowed down, I wanted to give you a peek at the powder room. I'm showing you one side of a two sided bath. There are no windows in here, so excuse some of the lighting on the pics. Past the arched sliding door is a vanity, shower/bath and a closet, and that side is attached to my oldest son's room. I consider the half that I'm showing you the powder room, since it opens up to the hallway.  Also, I didn't want ONE MORE TOILET TO CLEAN by having both a powder room and a full bathroom for my son. (I'm so over cleaning right now). 

For years I have wanted an old piece of furniture to double as a sink vanity. In searching for an old dresser to add a sink to, I happened upon one with a bowl sink already added at an antique shop in Tennessee. I wish I had some before pics of it, but it was a 'tiger' wood. Lots of grain going on. It wasn't the color I wanted but I loved the shape of the piece and the drawer handles. Thankfully our cabinetmaker has been amazing and agreed to paint it for me and he designed a place in the drawer area for the plumbing to go.

Two different paint choices later (the first coat was cream, which was a big fat NO after seeing it), it ended up a glossy black. The cabinetmaker painted it with a paint that is normally used on boats so it would withstand water a bit better. There's no countertop other than the wood top of the dresser and I'm learning after almost two years that even with boat paint the water droplets, etc are wrecking havoc on the paint job. I will probably have to put on a countertop in the near future. (i'd love to try soapstone!!)

It's fun to decorate with unusual items and this shield was suggested to me by my friend Steve - see some of his decorating here, he's fantastic. The shield was a prop that Russell Crowe used in the movie, 'Robin Hood'. Steve knows where to find about anything and when I told him I wanted a medieval look, maybe a family crest or something like that for above the toilet, this is what he found. I couldn't decide if I wanted to pull the trigger on it and when I finally did, it had been sold.  I was shocked to find it on Ebay a few weeks later so I snatched it up. I don't know if Russell Crowe/Robin Hood shields hold their value or not, but it's a fun conversation piece. 

If you are conversing in the bathroom and all. :) 

Still in progress, think I'll add something to the far blank wall. I keep seeing these cute little paintings with animals dressed in clothing riding bicycles etc. on etsy ...Hubby would think they are weird but I love them. :) OR maybe I could turn this into my library bathroom??? Shelving upon shelving with books galore?? Give me your ideas!

If you'll notice I have mixed finishes on the lighting. That was not on purpose, the chandelier was actually originally in Hubby's closet and it kept getting hit when he opened his door, so we moved it. I don't follow rules on decorating (is there a rule on this?) so I thought it worked out pretty well.

What unusual pieces have you found to decorate with? And anyone have any comments on soapstone countertops? You like? You don't? Let me know!

Have a great day!

Love,

Elizabeth

P.S. With summer here, as you've already seen, I will be posting a lot less than normal to have more time with family, but I miss you guys!

P.P.S. I'm humbled to say was featured on The Dedicated House a couple of weeks ago as their most viewed post listed on the Sunday Showcase! Good times!

You wouldn't be impressed with this 'most viewed post' business if you saw how many times Elizabeth tripped in a day. Bless her heart.

Cleaning out the Closet

I walked into my closet the other day and just walked right back out.  I'd been putting it off cleaning out the closet forever, but the time has come that I must get rid of some things. (Disclosure - my closet is not some Pinterest paradise closet, I designed it to hang almost everything and there's no fancy wooden cabinets, etc, but it works for me!).

Here are some tips I have learned over the years that have worked when I implement them (and sometimes I'm a 12 year old child whose clothes end up on the floor). A lot of what I've been doing over the years is also listed in Chalene Johnson's podcast about cleaning out the closet, if you need additional motivation, take a listen to her on Itunes. 

1) This one is obvious, but get rid of what you are not wearing. For realz. Sometimes I hold on to a piece because I want to be that person who wears that little black skirt and look so cute. The reality is that little black skirt is two sizes too small and it's no where near cute on me. Be honest with yourself on what works and what doesn't. (confession: I may hold on to a classic, quality piece that I love even if it's a little snug IF I HAVE THE ROOM. You can't totally kill the dream all in one day. Surely I can lose five pounds??But if there's no room, the skirt goes). 

2) Hang up as much as you can. If you have the room, hang it so that you can see it and it doesn't end up all wadded up in some drawer and you forget about it.  Bonus - less wrinkles too! In my first house, my closet was half this size, but it still worked for me because I was pretty good at just keeping what I truly wore. 

3) Organize clothes by color, long sleeves, short sleeves, pants and jackets/coats. I did this about two years ago and shockingly it's still in place and I LOVE IT! Why? Because in the past I'd spend 15-20 minutes searching for my blue shirt, only to finally remember it was wadded up in the laundry basket. Now I can go to the long sleeve section, look in the blue shirt area and see that it's not there, and that there's a hanger waiting for it, so it's obviously dirty. Game changer! It's also kind of neat to notice what color you obviously like to wear (blue/black) and what colors you hardly ever buy (why don't I have anything cute and purple??).

4) Use hanging shoe racks and other hanging organizers. These are fabulous for everything under the sun. I put pajamas and yoga pants in the larger ones, so I can just grab what's on top and go. The only thing I keep in drawers are undies, tights/hose and socks.

I put a china cabinet in my closet that holds those in the drawer and my scarves are kept behind the glass doors so it's easy to see what I have. (It was my grandmother's, I'm pretty sure she would be appalled that undies are in there instead of china). My shoes are in the bottom. I know, right? Where are all the shoes??? Purses?? I'm just not a 100 pairs of shoes/purses kinda girl. I get rid of what I don't wear/use every year so I just don't need that much space for shoes and accessories (but I do love them!). I use decorative boxes on the top shelf to hold things I rarely use (my bathing suit, lol).

Thinking of painting the cabinet cream to match the shelves...you think? Once again, my grandmother would be horrified :)

If you don't have hanging space and need to put more into drawers, my friend, Sheri Bertolini is an amazing organizer, and has taught me when using smaller drawers, if possible set each piece vertically with the fold facing up, as if they were hanging files. You can see what you have and not take up near as much room. Here's that post on her site and browse around if you'd like a huge amount of great organizing tips!

I like to decorate this space with things that are special to me, since it's all mine and Hubby has his own closet.....my Dad's ties. My wedding picture is on the opposite wall.

4) Decorate your closet, make it a nice place to be. It doesn't have to be a large walk-in to make it pleasant. Use matching hangers. I have wooden ones (Ebay). I like how they look and I have the space for them so it works for me, however, I'd recommend velvet hangers if you have a smaller closet because the wooden ones take up A LOT of space. I don't know if there is a difference in quality regarding the velvet ones, but I saw a large bundle of them at Burke's yesterday for $10. If you do have the space, hang pics, a little chandelier, fuzzy rug, an ottoman, whatever makes you happy, because if you're like me, you are in there a lot! (Ahem, I may or may not have hidden from my children and eaten chocolate in there at one time or another. Cleaning out the closet does have it's advantages).

If you are in the same boat and need to purge, good luck on cleaning out your closet! Spring is almost here and you'll have a headstart!

Love,

Elizabeth

Keep in mind, you're taking organizational advice from a messy person. Just sayin'.

Christmas in the Master Bedroom!

Sooooo, the halls are decked with holly and I'm looking for some mistletoe to hang, but other than that, the Master Bedroom is finished.....

It's cozy and sparingly decorated because for Hubby and I, this is our retreat. No kid's stuff allowed. No clutter. It's the one room in the house that I can depend on to wake up and go to bed in peace. 

Speaking of Hubby..while I show you the bedroom, I've GOT to tell you what he did. You remember that movie, Pretty Woman?  I used to just swoon watching Julia Roberts being romanced by Richard Gere....this was my favorite movie for years until I grew up a little and realized my favorite movie was about a prostitute. Oopsie. So not me.

Anyhoo, so there's Hubby. 

Y'all, Richard Gere can't hold a candle to him.

I know, how is this possible?

Let me tell you!

So we left church Sunday night driving separately (I was too lazy to come early for choir practice) and I had announced I was stopping in at Kroger before going home. Bear was with me...the Kroger employees know Bear and look forward to him stopping in because he's sooo wild and entertaining there. I've often said if I ever have a stroke, it'll be because I had Bear at Kroger.

Needless to say, as I parked I was dreading going in with my big list and dreading even more opening my car door out into the rain with no umbrella, no coat, no nothing. 

I open the car door with a sigh....as I waited for my hair to turn into a huge frizz ball, out of nowhere a large umbrella is held over me as I get out. 

There, in the rain, stands my Hubby, holding the large umbrella above my head instead of over himself. 

Swoon! My knight didn't want me out in the rain...or having a stroke in Kroger, so he stopped in to save me.

Y'all, it was the stuff out of movies. I felt like I should be wearing a gorgeous medieval dress as I pranced across that parking lot under my knight's protection.

And then, he got the majority of the groceries and pushed the cart! 

I know, it's a dream come true. Sounds like no biggie, but I have a bad back, so it IS a big deal. I felt a little teary. Had he come home and completed the night with vacuuming, I don't think I could've handled it.

We got home, put Bear to bed and retreated to our bedroom, our little sanctuary.

Hubby's closet is on the left, mine is on the right..leading to the master bath

It's where private conversations take place, it's where Hubby whispers sweet nothings in my ear and listens to my deepest fears and greatest victories. 

Most of all it's the place for resolution and rest. We try our best to follow Ephesias 4:26 - Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry.

We are pretty good at this, especially after a night like that... I mean, how could I ever be angry with my knight with the umbrella who pushes the cart? Well, there is this one thing...

A couple of weeks ago, Knight 'accidentally' cancelled HGTV.

Oh, no he didn't! 

Oh, YES HE DID! And Fixer Upper just started the new season.

He's claiming he had no idea it was in the group of channels he cancelled. Good thing I adore that guy, seeing how he's my hero and all. 

He gets several free passes after the umbrella move. That was classic. I still get a little misty about it, so all is forgiven. Now, if I could just figure out the girl version of that move so he'd forget about the Christmas shopping budget. 

Let me know your ideas... :) 

Now go snuggle with your knight.

Or your Ellie.

Or, make me jealous, snuggle and watch your HGTV. 

Love,

Elizabeth

Mr. Kroger Bandit asked his mom for a pot belly pig for Christmas...I must draw the line at this point.  He's also just pretending to be asleep.

Cozy at Christmas Holiday Blog Tour!

Welcome! I'm thrilled you are here to see the Cozy at Christmas Holiday Blog Tour today!! I'm so excited! A great big thank you to Katie of Let's Add Sprinkles for inviting me to participate this year. I can't wait to peep into all the bloggers homes and be inspired by their beautiful Christmas decor! Today, tomorrow and Wednesday will feature several bloggers listed below who will show you how they've decorated for the Christmas season. 

Cozy At Christmas Blog Tour

MONDAY: Let's Add Sprinkles/ Hyacinths for the Soul/ Southern DayDreams/ White Spray Paint/ Garden Up Green/ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson/ Ellie and Elizabeth  

TUESDAY: Brookhollow Lane/ At Home With Jemma/ My Heart Lives Here/ The B Farm/ Botanic Bleu/ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen/ Art and Sand/ Ash Tree Cottage

WEDNESDAY: Sweet Nothings/ At Rivercrest Cottage/ Opulent Cottage/ Decor to Adore/ Fern Creek Cottage/ The Dedicated House/ Bluesky Kitchen

So bring on Christmas!! If you are new here, I'm Elizabeth and the sweet, sassy dog you'll see throughout the tour is Ellie. Hands down, Christmas is our family's favorite time of year. Michael Buble, hello? We decorate all over the house, play Christmas music and snuggle by the fireplace. I've included a couple of areas that have never been seen before on the blog. 

My obsession with Joanna Gaines and shiplap shows here in the garage hallway  :)

Bear, 10, requested a real tree, Christmas sheets and has claimed the reindeer blanket as his own. 

I wanted the reindeer blanket.

Ellie is so full of joy to be wearing that ribbon <insert sarcasm>.   :)

This is the family room, which is open to the kitchen. I still need artwork and a rug, but Christmas decor sure does make it homey. (Yes, I believe that could be the longest couch in America, lol).

Tutorial for this wooden tree is coming soon...Cost less than $1 to make!

How to Make the Magnolia Garland is coming next week!

On Thursday, I will finally show the master bedroom, all Christmas-ed up! I got a little behind so I apologize that it was supposed to be on here sooner, but I promise, it's a-coming! And all the 'how to' posts including the garland above, the dough bowl arrangement and the tree table centerpiece will follow shortly. I'm usually just a post once or twice a week girl, but shew, it's hard to get it all in before Christmas!  

It is getting crazy around here, but amidst the flurry of wrapping paper and Christmas lights, let us not forget the birth of our Savior.

Let us not forget to slow down and show love to one another, to forgive, to share, to comfort those in need. Let us be able to lay our heads down every night and say, It is well with my soul.

Love y'all. May your Christmas season be filled with joy and peace.

Elizabeth

Ellie: And may I never have to wear this sweater dress again.

**I hope you'll head over to Katie's Christmas tour at Let's Add Sprinkles and the other wonderful homes listed for today at the top of the post! Be sure to check back tomorrow and Wednesday so you can follow the links to those homes too!**   ***Most will post by 6 am Mountain Time

A City Boy and The Little Treehouse In the Woods

Bear likes to create things.

Without my permission.

This weekend I found a tiny crockpot plugged up in his room where he was melting crayons and coconut oil, oh, don't forget the essential oils! A recipe he found on Pinterest to make me homemade lipstick.

Oh my.

This kid! I love him. He was so excited about making me lipstick and of course, you have to wear it because he worked so hard and is so proud of it. And he did a great job.

Except it was Eggplant Purple.

I walked around looking like Joan Jett all day.

The deer are everywhere around here! Love them!

So when Bear kept asking his dad to build a treehouse this summer, Hubby thought it would be the perfect project to help him build and get some of that creative energy out. Little B (my 20 year old who isn't little anymore) helped as well..and we felt a little guilty since he had also always wanted a treehouse, but this is the first time we've lived in the woods and actually had trees. So it's for the both of them, even though Little B is about to be living on his own, lol.

They worked and worked. Mainly Hubby worked and the two kids would meander in and out, with Little B only here occasionally and Bear working as long as his little attention span would allow.

Finally the day came! It was done! Bear spent the first few days in there continually, he loved it!

He brought his friends over to see it!

He listened to music in there!

He had decorating plans for it! (That's my boy!) 

Then he left a little food up there...

We had told him animals would move in if he left food up there.

And...it got really windy.

Hubby had built it (he has been in construction most of his life, so he knows what he's doing), so that it would give a little with the movement of the trees.

 It swayed just a bit.

It creaked a little.

The metal roof made a LOT of noise as the acorns started falling from the trees above.

It sounded like gunshots.

Raccoon feast?

So once Bear climbed up there and he was convinced raccoons had just left and were coming back any minute, the creaking meant the whole thing was falling down and the noisy acorns hitting the roof were gunfire, he was outta there. He's not returned in quite a while.

Sigh.

And as I sit here shaking my head with my rock-n-roll lipstick on, I think...

Treehouse for sale. 

Love,

Elizabeth

LAST ONE...ELLIE'S HALLOWEEN COSTUME CHOICE #3

(the next post will feature all three, then I'd love to hear which one is your fav!)

You about have to be a Viking to survive this bunch, but I love those guys.