Hi Friends!

Oh my, this week has literally blazed right by and I cannot believe that it's already Thursday.

How has your week been? With Veteran's Day this past Monday, we have had non-stop LIFE over here! Ha!

 

I've got projects out the wazoo that I need to complete, some for myself and some for friends and my list of wants just seems to keep growing and growing.

 

One thing I did have time for was adding a little something to our entry. Now, the foyer of our rental home is pretty small and can sometimes feel a bit cluttered and overwhelming at times but what better way to make it feel fresh and new than to add a little texture and greenery?

 

 

 

 

I picked up these two hanging baskets from Williams-Sonoma a little over a month ago and originally they were on our mantel just because I wasn't really sure about their placement. I knew that I would use them in some way though.

 

 

 

 

After the original ferns I'd placed inside eh, hm...died. I purchased some single stem greenery from a local grocer for $3.99 and the hanging baskets only cost me $10.00. So, with tax, this little refresh was less than $15.00.

 

I am thinking of just about any way I can to add a little personality to this rental of ours and who doesn't love fresh greenery especially when it has berries.

 

Um, yes please.

 

 

 

You will have to forgive me for so many pics. My hubby traveled to China for business last week and brought a sweet little gift back for me in the form of a new lens. This is my chance to play around with it a little bit. I have SO much to learn!

 

I thought I would also share a few inspirational photos and a few tips for all of you out there with small entryways like ours. I didn't share the entire view {mostly cause ours is a mess right now} but trust me when I say it's teeny tiny. I will share more photos of this space along with an update of how things are going with the living space in the next Rental Redo post.

 



 

TIP #1 | PAINT A WALL...OR TWO.

In this case, a chalkboard one. Isn't this just too cute and at an entry, it would be a great space to leave notes for the kids or for a spouse or even to make lists and special guest messages. I LOVE this!  

 



 

 

TIP #2 | ADD A MIRROR.

And not just any old mirror, make it a good one and be sure it's just the right size for the space. We all know that mirrors can make a small space look much larger by reflecting parts a room. Another great idea is to not just add one mirror but a collection of vintage ones, some of all shapes and sizes, etc. can add just the right touch to a small entry.

 

 

 

TIP #3 | STRIPES, STRIPES and MORE STRIPES.

Of course these are oh so trendy right now but they aren't just trendy, they are functional. Adding simple lines to a short wall can give the illusion of length hence tricking the eye into thinking that the given space is much larger and longer than it actually is.

 

 

TIP #4 | ORGANIZE  IT.

THIS is my next step in ours. If it's not organized but the rest of your home is put together, it can definitely give the wrong vibes to guests entering the home. Free the space of clutter and create a space that is not only pretty but functional.

 

 

 

 TIP #5 | WHEN IN DOUBT, PUT A FRAME ON IT.

This one is surely my opinion but you just can't go wrong with a gallery wall. The one below is more symmetrical but you could add just about any type of frame or wall décor to fit your home's style or your own personality.

All images can be found here.

 

 

I also just wanted to take a sec to say thanks to you guys for following along and for commenting, giving advice, opinions and thoughts along the way on this rental refresh. It's been so much fun to add a little bit of me to this place we are temporarily calling home all while sticking to a pretty tight budget.

 

I absolutely love sharing this adventure with all of you!

 

Linking up with:

Savvy Southern Style

DIY Showoff

City Farmhouse

Rain on a Tin Roof

 

 

  XO,

Your comments on my last post are so supportive. It never ceases to surprise me every single time when an outpouring of support comes in on certain posts, how much it really affects me and makes me feel better. Thank you.

One other project I attempted to do with Oscar last week was some abstract painting. Selfishly I wanted some art for the house, and I love the look of black and white art - but wanted to do it with Oscar as I though it would be fun, but I also thought having a child beside me would make me loosen up my brush strokes. Kids are awesome at not caring what a final piece looks like, so Oscar was my support in "loosening up". ;) The results were ridiculously awesome in my opinion and I want to frame them all through my house.

Here is what we used to do it: 
1. Watercolour Paper (It's expensive for a kids project but the thickness of the paper is beautiful)
2. Black acrylic paint
3. Old Bowl / Tin (See top photo)
4. Big Paint Brushes (Dollar Store)

Getting the paint right:
All I did was watered down the black acrylic paint with some water to make it slightly more of a watercolour vs. acrylic paint - I knew we'd get some more variation in colour that way. I originally thought I'd buy black watercolour paint but a small tube was ridiculously expensive. So I opted for the acrylic. Kids art paint seemed to thin, and I worried it wouldn't dry nicely. So I opted for acrylic that sits on the middle in terms of cost.

The watercolour paper is really beautiful - and I thought is we were to frame a piece, having a nice paper would be beautiful. Plus, the watered down paint sits beautifully on watercolour paper. So that's something I think is integral in the success of this.

I did one piece to show Oscar he could do whatever he wanted and talked about abstract paintings. But he didn't really care. So then it was just the two of us splashing paint on paper. Oscar painted a piece of the paper ALL black which at first I tried to stop but then was like, whatever, because that's what painting is all about. We got some awesome pieces out of the event and one ended up framed in our living room (that I'm still updating...sloooowly)

Anyhow, I thought I'd post it as it was a ridiculously easy project to do, but the tricks of the watercolour paper and the acrylic paint I thought were worthwhile highlighting.

xo Linds

Happy Friday, friends and welcome to round #2 of Favorite Bloggers Friday! I am SO excited to introduce to you more of some of my favorite bloggers out there in blogland and give you a head's up on a giveaway for next week that you DO NOT want to miss!

First, some of my favorite bloggers...

 

 

 

 

SHAUNNA | Perfectly Imperfect

 

First up is Shaunna from Perfectly Imperfect! Let me just begin by saying that you just may see a little bit of a trend here this week...most if not all of the bloggers featured this week are SOUTHERN. I just MAY be a little biased but I invite you to check out each of their blogs and judge for yourselves.

 

Back to Shaunna. She is amazing. Not only does she author an amazing blog but she also owns a shop in Alabama that is just perfection! If you are in the state you should definitely take time to stop by to say hello to her and purchase something amazing from her brick and mortar!

I seriously admire this lady! Beautiful inside and out!

 

 

 

 CHRISTI | Burlap and Basil

 

I've followed Christi for a while and was so thrilled when I found her on Instagram. She cooks up one of a kind recipes and meals that just about anyone could duplicate at home and even features recipes for those with special diet needs like gluten free and dairy free! So good! Hop on over and check her out and be sure to follow along with her on her foodie journey!

 

 

 

 

 

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY | Rhoda

 

Next is Rhoda from Southern Hospitality! I have literally followed Rhoda since the beginning and it has been such a blessing to watch her grow, enrich and inspire the lives of SO many bloggers! She is truly amazingly talented, generous, creative...the list goes on and on.

Head on over to her place to meet her and see more of what she offers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

DON'T DISTURB THIS GROOVE | Brandi

 

Last but not least, Brandi from Don't Disturb this Groove. I can't help but think of the late 80's tune each and every time I visit her  blog! OMG, thanks Brandi! As a matter of fact, if I am honest...as I was typing this I had to Google the song just so I could hear it. You know, for old time's sake!  I am really just getting to know her but love all that I see from her and enjoy our brief online convos. Looking forward to meeting and getting to know her better!  

 

 

I hope you'll visit these ladies and join them on their adventures! You will not regret it!

 

And what else was I going to talk to you about??? Oh yeah...that's right...the GIVEAWAY!!

 

 

SO...are you following me on Instagram?

If not, you missed this...

 

 

I posted this pic a couple of days back. My new friend Jennifer from Décor Createur makes these lovely signs and so much more and has offered to give a set away to one lucky follower. You'll want to follow RHI on Instagram if you don't already. More details about this giveaway on Monday so come on back!

 

 

And here's a little tune to jumpstart your weekend...I just couldn't help myself!

 

 

 

 

 

Get your groove on,

Nothing says Fall more than leaves falling to the ground, spiced cider and pumpkin rides. And nothing says family and friends more than Thanksgiving gatherings around the table with fun centerpieces and décor with good food and lots of laughs with those most important to you.

 

This year, to be honest, I'm not really sure what we're doing for Thanksgiving. I've gone back and forth about décor and table settings and what I would like to include on the menu. I question whether we will do the day with our little family only (since most of our extended family is in the South and Michigan we won't see them until Christmas) or whether we will invite those who also have no family in the area and make it a party.

 

Whatever the case, I've been a pinning fool and collected a few ideas from settings to food to help make mine and your Thanksgiving a little less traditional and a little more outside the box.

 

FOOD | Simple and Tasty.

When making the menu for your Thanksgiving fare be sure to keep it simple, healthy and tasty. Try some non-traditional veggie dishes or add unexpected seasonings to your main dish. I've pinned a few things here to give you some ideas to start your menu off right. You can also click on any of the images below to get to the RHI Thanksgiving Pinterest Board.

 

 

DECOR | Light, Natural and Fun.

After food, this may be my favorite thing about Thanksgiving. I remember growing up helping set the table with the "good stuff" that we only pulled out a few times a year when we had holiday gathering or special guests. All the crystal glasses and silver trimmed plates accented the table and added just the right touch of warmth to the tabletop.

 

Since, you'll probably be hanging out at the table a lot, your tablescape and tabletop décor is important but you don't want it to take a away from the most important thing at the table-the people. {Get more ideas for fun tabletop décor and ways to add special details to your home by clicking the image below.}

 

 

 

 

ATMOSPHERE | Comforting Candles, Fire and Music.

This is a vital aspect of welcoming guests into your home or just creating an overall cheerful space for you and your family to enjoy. I know we've talked a lot it seems about the table but you can create a comfortable, warm atmosphere by expanding your vision beyond the dining table to wall, coffee tables, and even sofas.

 

Ideally, I know that we all live big, full lives. And if you're like me and have multiple kids the last thing you're thinking about is adding fall or Thanksgiving artwork to walls or pillows to the sofa. Do what you can to make your home what you want it. If it's adding a pillow or two to the sofa or a few fall leaves to the mantel, do that. No one wants to walk into a house that you've stressed over to make "perfect" and not feel cozy or get good vibes upon entry. We ARE talking about atmosphere here after all.

 

Candles are a great place to start. If you add scented candles sprinkled with warm scents like cinnamon, coriander, or basil you can bet your guests will feel right at home. If you have a fireplace, light it. What compares to the crackle of a toasty fire? Not much. These are, of course, just a few things you can do to add atmosphere when entertaining for the holiday.
 

 

So I hope this sends you well on your way to a Thanksgiving gathering you and your guests will remember for years to come not just because of how amazing everything looked but because you offered an opportunity for memory making through great conversation, good food and lots of laughs!

 

Be sure to head over to my Pinterest page and surf around for lots of other fun ideas as well!

I would love it if you'd follow along on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter as well!



Sharing with:
Savvy Southern Style

P.S. Thanks to some good ol' spammers, I am now moderating comments. Boo. But, as long as you're not a spammer and you're nice...your comment will show below so go ahead and leave some love!

Want to know THE easiest project that you can do? Drawing on a dollar store vase with a sharpie. There you go. Just call me Martha.*

In all seriousness, I started doodling on a vase that I had picked up from the dollar store and before you knew it, Oscar and I were counting bats and working together to decide where to put them. (And a singular spider that makes an appearance) All you need is a thin black sharpie, a glass jar or vase and that's it. I Googled Bat silhouettes to remind me as to how they should look - They are by no means good looking bats but to a 3 year old they were perfect (and therefore, perfect for me too!)

*I hope you sense the sarcasm. :)

Today, I am sharing with you just a few of my favorite bloggers that offer inspiration for my spirit and home!

 

Some of them you may know and others will be new to you! Whatever the case, be sure to hop over and give them a shout out and follow along! Trust me, these ladies are dishing up some good stuff and you don't want to miss a thing!

 

 

 

LIFE IN GRACE

 

First is Edie from Life {in}grace

I've followed Edie for what seems like forever and I just love her heart and all that she offers her readers from DIY to life building, she is just the best.

Here's a snapshot of her bedroom redo...yup, it's real. Gorgeous.
 

 

 

 

 

 

THE NESTER

 

Next up is this wonderful lady from The Nester. Myquillyn

{Like Jackquelyn with an "M"}is her real name and she is

amazingly talented, super big heart and pretty darn cute as well!

 

This is just one shot from her home tour on her blog. Loving the plates on the wall and the use the super creative juxtaposition of the lighting that she made! Talk about outta the box.

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR LILLIE

I've followed this talented chica since I started my original blog "Me 'n" My House" years ago! May I introduce to you Jennifer from Dear Lillie?

 I just love everything about her and it's been amazing to watch her family grow and see her talents and style evolve as well. Not only is she a talented stylist but she has a great line of accessories and home décor items that will blow your mind.

You can find more on her blog of course but here's just a taste...

 

ABBY M. INTERIORS

Abby M. Interiors is kind of a newer one for me but connecting with Abby makes me feel like I have know her for years! She has a keen eye for design and enjoys taking vintage and found items and incorporating them into her design. {Now ya'll know I love that!} She has the sweetest heart and I am enjoying getting to know her! Hop on over to her place and say hello, won't you?

 

THE BLISSFUL BEE

Last but not least is Amy from The Blissful Bee. How would I describe Amy and her blog? One word: FUN! That's what I think about when I think of Amy's blog and all of her fantastic DIY projects! Amy is also another blogger I just recently found a couple of months back and I am SO happy I did!



Of course I have a billion bloggers to share with you...this is just the beginning. There are so many talented women out there and I cannot wait to share more! Who are some of your favorites?
 

Happy Friday!

During this rental redo, I've had lots of grand ideas. To which most my loving husband has assitsted me in putting on hold for our permanent home. One of those ideas was a plank wall behind this sofa with 3/4 board and baten.

 

Really? Yes. Really.

 

In a rental. Yep. In a rental.

 

So, instead of covering this whole wall with reclaimed boards and wainscoting, I have decided to cover THIS wall instead. It's a tad bit smaller and less of a project than the other.

 

 Don't you agree?

 

 

Again, many of you (and lots of friends frankly) have asked why I would even bother making this place all nice and cozy or even worry about projects like this if we are only going to be in this place another year. To be honest, I don't think I have a really good answer for that. I just know that I need to create and I can't stop the process in my brain...it has to come out!

 

I am thinking we should have this project completed in the next two weeks or so. I would love to have it done tomorrow but I have a few more things on my to-do list before this so, it must wait!

 

In the meantime, this weekend I picked up a few things to add to our living room and I am beginning to put the room together bit by bit.

 

This lamp was one item that I picked up...are you ready...from Target! Don't you just love it? I love the chunky base and the black lampshade with gold lining screams sophistication. I plan on putting a pair behind the sofa on a console to "flank" the framed photos above. That wall won't escape my wrath, planked or not. I still have to finish filling it with accessories and whatnot to even everything out.

 

 

 

This isn't the most impressive picture of the lamp but it's really a stunner. Gold lining inside the shade and all. I will place a pair behind the sofa atop a console table and plan on adding some more eye candy to the wall behind.

 

 

This is staging at it's finest people...let me just tell ya. Ha! Really though...never mind all the pillows on the sofa and the barren table...it will all come together. I promise.

 

 

 

I picked up this awesome piece of chippy goodness at Haystack Antiques: HOME {eh hmmm, love that place BTW and if you are a local, you must visit} this past weekend as well. I went back and forth about the type of coffee table I wanted in the space and settled on this style. It's a far cry from my original thought of an industrial style table but so much more warm and cozy than wood and metal. I figure that since our home is temporary, and since this was such a good deal, if I got tired of it or changed my mind, I could always change it out for something else and use this as an event or photography prop. I fell in love with it though and had to have it!

 

 

I also picked up some ironstone and vintage botanical prints that I'll be putting up on the walls right after my {drum roll, please}...plank wall installation. Yah!

 

So, as I mentioned I've been dreaming of them no doubt. They stalk me. Seem to be everywhere I go. Okay, maybe not everywhere I go but kinda since they are in my thoughts everywhere I go!

 

Since covering the entire wall behind the sofa may be too much of a task given the situration here, I will be using one of our smaller accent walls to show off my DIY prowess. I am SO excited to bring in a little more character into the living area. And even more excited to share how we do it with you guys!

 

Anyhow, all for now...what do you think of my finds for the week? Thanks for letting me share my rental redo ups and downs with you! Hope you're having an amazing week!

 

XO, 



Sharing Over At...
The Feathered Nest
Jennifer Rizzo
Blissfully Ever After
Liz Marie Blog
What Meegan Makes

While in cottage country over the Thanksgiving long weekend I lucked out and found a few awesome pieces of furniture that were ridiculously cheap. I suspect that because the cottaging season was coming to an end, all of the local antique spots were just willing to get rid of pieces so they didn't have to hold them over the winter months. Regardless of the reasons - we had my Mom's LandRover filled with pieces to bring back to Toronto (thanks Mom!). Since then I've been having an fun time giving the pieces some love and I thought I'd share the progress ...
Read more »

Remember this chair? The one I bought two months ago with grand plans of tackling my first upholstery project? No worries if you completely forgot about it. Apparently, I did too. Well, over the weekend I decided it had been taking up space in our garage for long enough (yes, that's actually my garage and not a crack den I'm working in) and finally got to work. I only got as far as removing all of the original upholstery, but that's progress. As you can see, the seat back's webbing is still in good shape, but the seat's webbing (not pictured) needs to be redone. I'm planning to sand and refinish the frame before I get to that, though.

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by what I've taken on, but - perhaps foolishly? - still optimistic. I've got a million little tacks to remove, so that's next. Wish me luck! 

Well, it's Monday folks! How was your weekend? Hoping you were able to spend much needed time with family, friends and alone if that was your desire!

 

Our weekend was pretty full but oh so relaxing and rich at the same time.

 

Today is Main Monday, where I share some of my favorite finds from sales on Joss & Main over the past week. If you're not family with Joss, you can read more about the company and what they offer here.

Here we go...some fun finds this week! Just click on the pics below if you'd like more info about any of the items! Happy shopping!

 

 

 

 

 

XO,