The Best Medicine

I’m not generally a proponent of retail therapy.  It’s self-destructive in the long run.  When super stressed, I can be found soaking in the tub, noshing on my favorite candy bar (also self-destructive in the long run), or “going to bed” early.  And by that I mean watching my favorite show in my jammies in bed. 

All that said, I slipped.  A little.  We moved on Saturday and I had a job interview today.  Looking for work and packing while sick with a gnarly flu just overwhelmed my good-sense.  I stumbled into Freddies looking for shelf liner and “accidently” bought myself something pretty for the new house.  But it was half-off, and stole my heart.  It makes me happy.  That’s all that mattered at the time, and I’m still happy with my purchase so I’ve decided to share its loveliness. 

These are sculptural pottery candleholders.  I probably won't actually burn anything in them.  I love how they look with the paint color (which was a total suprise, it was red when we originally looked at the place, yuck). 

My life was out-of-control busy and the purchase made me feel excited and at peace about moving.  I know, I’m sick.  I think it was way too therapeutic to be sensible.

And I was responsible and got the shelf liner.

Have you ever “slipped” and “accidently” bought something beautiful you did not later regret?  Warning:  this sharing might be a little counter-productive to my no retail therapy rule.

Master Bedroom Evolution

I just wanted a place to rest that wasn't hideous. This room has evolved over 8 years. I've added one layer at a time as I learned and explored what I really like.  I've made a few mistakes along the way like a pea green wall color that made me look ill.  Just because you like a color doesn't mean it's good for romance.

1. This mirror was an impulse buy for my daughter's room. But when I brought it home, I loved it way more for my room.  Sorry baby girl.

2. I purchased similar shades to these for my Master Bedroom about 6 years ago.  They are a classic look that started to add a layer of textured detail. I found mine at Ikea for cheap.

3. I actually like these curtains better than the ones that hang in my boudoir.  Mine work well though and are the same color with a sheen to them. I wanted to add more texture to the room. I purchased two sets from Overstock - one for window coverings and one for the closet opening. Unfortunately I let a few reviews get in my head and they morphed into shower curtains. That is until I bought the pillows in #7 that really pulled the room together.

4. The headboard. I had a lot of fun with this one.  My sister and I made this together a few summers ago.  It only took one day and came out great.  I spent days researching the size, shape, and design I wanted. In the end I invested most of my budget into the fabric - a good idea because that's what you see and feel. I waited for a JoAnn's promotion to get the fabric 1/2 off ($65 to $33/yrd.)

5. Ikea dressers! A practical buy that looks great. Clean lines... ahhh.

6. I wanted my duvet to add some depth to the room decor.  The ruching really helped accomplish this and create more interest.

7. The pillows were such a great find.  A few months ago I saw them at T.J. Max and bought them on the spot.  They pulled the room together and gave it that polished look I was going for.

8. From the beginning I had these frames. I displayed pictures from an anniversary trip my husband and I took. This was a great way to add a personal and romantic touch to "our" room.

So Annie should be happy.  She's been asking for this post and I finally committed and did it.  I love the evolution that constantly occurs in my home and it's extremely satisfying when a room finally feels "done."

Master Bedroom by liz-galbraith-ellis on Polyvore

Chandeliers

Here's what's inspiring me today.  The Seattle Underground Tour begins in an old saloon, complete with an ornately carved wood bar, and several chandeliers.  Chandelier Heaven (because chandeliers are heavenly, and because this is where all chandeliers go to die.) 

Sparkly, glittering, casting romantic light.  But that's not where I stop.  I want everything old to be new again, so I was inspired by these chandeliers.  Why can't they be romantic and old, and new and modern?  All they need is a little paint.  And I found several motivational tutorials online.

Lara at howdoesshe.com:

 

Aimee at itsoverflowing.com:

 

 

 

 

And Vicki at vickihowell.blogspot.com:

 

 

 

If you know me well, you know I love the white chandelier, but my question is:  what is your painted chandelier pleasure?