I took a break from blogging the last week and a half to focus on my own head space.  My heart is heavy with all that’s going on in our world.  I will keep my own politics and beliefs off the blog (for now, at least), but it’s hard to read the news and not be affected.  I’ve spent a lot of time wondering how I can protect my own children from things like gun violence.  See what I mean?  Heavy thoughts and a heavy heart are weighing me down.  I will say this, I truly believe if we’re going to change as a society it has to happen from the ground-up.  What I mean is those of us like myself, who are quietly living “the American dream”, have to step-up and create change.  Okay, I better stop before I do get political.

Onto lighter, brighter topics – my One Room Challenge makeover is coming along.  I skipped last week’s update but will be back this week with an amazing progress pic.  My husband knocked it out of the park with his contribution.  Teamwork for the win!

Now that we’re almost done with this project, it’s making me want to tackle a related one.  Painting our two-story foyer.  Eeeeeek!  I’ve been putting it off because, well, it’s going to be a ton of work (read: money & time).  But now that I see how light and bright the mudroom area is, it’s reinforcing how I see yellow undertones whenever I step into the foyer.  Is gray on the way out?  So much of my home is painted gray, I was thinking of mixing it up in the foyer.

Then I look at inspiration photos like this one, and think, why mess with perfection?

The Creativity Exchange

Back Thursday with fun progress pics of the faux mudroom.  See ya then!

one.  My husband is in Colorado until tomorrow so I’ve been wrangling the three kids on my own.  That is not a favorite of mine by any stretch of the imagination.  They are a handful.  BUT he’s returning from his trip with my favorite toffee.  We discovered Enstrom Toffee last Christmas, and life hasn’t been the same since.  Normally I hate toffee because it’s sticky and tastes like stale candy, but Enstrom toffee is buttery smooth and oh so fresh.  It tastes like it was made just for me.  I could wax poetic about this toffee.  Check it out for Christmas gifts….for yourself.

two.  Since I love my toffee, I must admit working out is bumping back up the priority list.  My family is happier when I’m working out because I’m less, um, cranky/irritable.  I loathe working out in a gym like a zombie on the dreadmill or elliptical.  I’m thinking I’ll try out Pure Barre.  It’s all the rage and seems like a good place to also meet people.  Now the introvert in me has to work up the guts to go to a class.

three.  Due to all that’s going on with wildfires/hurricanes, the One Room Challenge gave everyone an extra week.  Thank you!  If you missed my post yesterday, I updated where I’m at with our closet turned mudroom.  This weekend I must find a light fixture.

four.  Perhaps it’s because I’m, ahem, older but my kids just don’t appreciate Charlie Brown & the Great Pumpkin.  They’re spoiled by the high-def action packed cartoons and don’t appreciate the classics.  Gosh, I sound like an old lady.  I love watching the holiday Charlie Brown shows.  Maybe I’m nostalgic like that.  Or old.

five.  Tomorrow a friend and I are going my favorite craft fair.  If you’re in the Ohio area you must check out Charm at the Farm.  It’s an outside vintage/rustic/farmhouse chic craft fair.  Perfect event to enjoy the fall weather and pick-up some Christmas gifts.  Or something for yourself.  Last time I went I stumbled upon the Cotton Blossom Exchange.  I walked away with 5 items, I think.  Sadly they won’t be at the fair tomorrow but you can check out their stuff online.

Have a great weekend!

When we moved into our home the first thing I did was rip out the floors on the main level and stairs. While I love our new hardwood floors, I don’t love how slippery the stairs can be for our children and dog. We survived last winter navigating the stairs in socks, but it’s time to address the problem. It’s time for a stair runner.

Besides the practicality and safety of a runner, I’d also like to add color and a focal point for our foyer. Now the hard part is deciding which color/pattern to choose. I’ve been reading about different fabric options and installation techniques. Please check out my Pinterest Board to follow along with my brainstorming. I keep coming back to Dash and Albert for their amazing options. I mean, look at some of these beauties.

For some reason I’m drawn to shades of red for the stair runner. Red is a classic color, right? I wonder if I’d grow tired of it. As you can tell, I struggle with these decisions that aren’t easily undone. Then again I also like the more classic neutral look. The herringbone design below is neutral enough to go with anything. What do you think? Go bold or stick with classic?