Amateur Design Challenge

If you're a regular reader (anyone?), then it's no secret that the bare wall in my living room has been an eyesore  since I moved in.  I wrote a plea for help a few months ago in which I explained my debacle.  I decided that Santa's task this Christmas would be to save me from this design dilemma.  I asked for Hobby Lobby gift cards, money for furniture, and a bookshelf I found online just hoping I could find something, ANYTHING, to fix this wall that bothered me daily.  Well, Santa delivered.  I in no way claim to be Candace Olsen or a female version of Nate Berkus, but I'm pleased with how it turned out.  It's still not 100% complete and there are a few things I am still searching for, but it's much better than before.  Here's the before and after. (Thank you, Picnik.)

As you can see, the television table was too short to fill the wall, but too tall to place a picture above it.  I didn't know what to place on each side.  My symmetric mentality limited the possibilities.  I felt like what went on one side needed to go on the other.  Finally, I gave that up and decided to go with a chair and bookshelf.  The chair is a brown chenille wingback from Kirklands.  It was $329, marked down to $229, and the day I went in.....it was $185.  I checked my phone on a whim for a coupon and found a 15% off so I used it right away.  I ended up paying around $160 for the chair.  You can't beat that!  Santa (aka my mom that went all the way to Decatur for me) bought me the bookshelf for Christmas.  I searched all over for the perfect one.  This one came from BIG LOTS for $60.  I loved the open back and the criss-cross pattern on each side.  The curtains are from World Market- one of my obsessions, and the cross is from Hobby Lobby.  

It's a work in progress, but I have had so much fun designing my own little space.  Next, the bedroom.  :)

Playing Around with Picnik

What do you get on a night when nothing is on TV?  A new blog design!  I had so much fun playing around on Picnik making this new blog design.  True, it's nothing in comparison to Haley's (She designs them for anyone, so send her an email if you're interested.), but I was pretty proud of myself!  Now, on to some "pinteresting" and shopping around on Ebay.  What would we do without the internet??

2012...I'm coming.

I Am the New Year


I am the new year.  I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.


I am your next chance at the art of living.  I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.


All that you sought and didn't find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with more determination.


All the good that you tried for and didn't achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.


All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have- these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.  


I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Him who said, "Behold, I make all things new."


Happy New Year, friends.


Am the New Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bible Illustrator