When Jesyka sent over this buffet and hutch transformation I was totally and completely wowed.  Refurbishing these old treasures is all the rage, and they are easy to prime and paint, but Jesyka created something really special with this one-of-a-kind makeover. 

Before:

After:

I love everything about this piece!  Not only did Jesyka paint it the perfect robin’s egg blue (that she mixed herself), but her choice of three different knobs complement each other so nicely.  And that pop of gold paint?  Swoon.   How about that incredible wallpaper!  Love that wallpaper!  Psych.  Not wallpaper.  Shelf liner.  Brilliant!

Jesyka also added lighting and changed that fixed middle window into an operating door.   Jesyka, Jesyka, you’re just a girl after my own heart. 

LOVE this.

Don’t miss her birdcage chandelier hanging from the ceiling that’s a wee stroke of genius.   Go on, hop over to visit Jesyka and give her big props for this inspiring piece.  Bravo!

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G’day friends!  Here’s some very cool news I’ve been meaning to share. There’s a little secret I’ve been keeping from you, but today seems the perfect day to mention it.   

Last week I snuck out of town on one of these . . .

to take me here . . .

where I woke up extra early (3 a.m. California time) to make a second appearance with this mega talented charming fellow . . .

who I greatly admire. 

It was so incredible to see Nate again and work with his amazing team.  A huge thank you to Emma for handling all of the details and arrangements, I loved every minute!  I was invited back to the show to design a new family room, or a “House Proud Blueprint”, for a couple with two kids who needed design help.  You’ll have to watch the show to see my room design and the big reveal!  

I was going to surprise you all when it aired in April, but since today I’m a guest over at Style Your Life and talking all about a great go to travel outfit plus travel tips to live by, it seemed a great day to spill the beans. 

The show will air on April 7th ! 

Exciting, isn’t it?  I’m still pinching myself!

So today, stop on by to visit with me and Jennifer over at Style Your Life?

Traveling in comfort and style is the topic of the day!   

And be sure to set your DVR’s on April 7th to see my room design and reveal! 

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Once upon a time I was a successful prosecutor with a heavy caseload and an immense knowledge of the Laws of Evidence.  In my leisure time, between preliminary hearings and closing arguments, I devoured shelter magazines and dabbled in remodeling on the side because deep down inside, I loved interior design.  Then I got pregnant, and left my job at the District Attorney’s office.  Then I had two babies.  Then I opened a law practice.  Then I started a blog ~ a blog about what I love.  Then I closed my law practice and took a leap of faith. 

I did something brave, something dangerous, something very risky.  I changed course, and I changed careers.  I realized that I truly do love home improvement, great design, interior decorating, and DIY projects.  It’s those subjects that keep me awake at night, not memorizing the exceptions to the hearsay rule.  

via

I love the thrill of taking on a new venture and teaching myself something new.  There is always apprehension and fear, but in the last few years, I’ve learned that challenging myself is the definition of taking a risk, and it is absolutely thrilling.  It’s why I experiment with power tools and paint, with recipes and gardening, and then write all about it.  With the risk comes the thrill.  It’s dangerous, and it’s addicting.

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Greetings, I hope you had a lovely weekend!  I spent mine mostly indoors with big rainstorms hitting our area, so I had a little fun inside doing some crafting.   

I had two quarts of tinted chalkboard paint sitting in my garage, waiting for some projects I plan to get to in the near future.  I couldn’t resist the idea of ‘sampling’ the colors this past weekend making some colored chalkboard vases.  Fun fun fun!  Something about the notion of leaving sentimental or seasonal notes on glass appealed to me, so I tinkered around creating a few versions around the house.  

Every time I bring home fresh flowers, whether from the grocery store or farmer’s market, my 7 year old asks me for a single stem for her room.  Love that!  I thought it would be sweet to make a little chalkboard vase for her in a bright colored paint , one where I could write little encouraging notes or endearing sentiments. 

This bud vase was created with Rust-Oleum’s ‘Raspberry’ shade. 

And this gray label with Hudson Paint’s ‘So Stone’ tint:

This is such a fun way to personalize vases, whether for you, or for a housewarming gift, or perhaps someone recovering from illness.  These make a great gift for friends too! 

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