blogroomshop

commence project room makeover!

alternately titled

my (realistic) living room dreams

Shopping is definitely not one of my favorite activities.  Fred Meyer is only a few blocks away and I will go there for everything, just to get it all over with in one trip. 

Except...

When it comes to home stuff I'm like a puppy in a convertible.  Doing kartwheels in the streets.  Laughing maniacally.  (not really).

I've been given the go-ahead and pretty much creative license for the living room, which is the only room that still nags at me to fix it.  My three limitations: our modest budget, the size of the room and of course we have carpeting instead of hard-wood...humph.

Change #1!

One standing lamp in the corner was not enough light and didn't distribute well.  These two large, modern lamps with soft suede shades provide all the even, romantic light we need.  Each has two bulbs which can be individually lit, so we decide if we want all four or none or somewhere in between!  The photo doesn't give a really good idea of how nice these look on either side of the couch.  The shades are a soft taupe color.

 

Change #2

Curtains!  We have big vertical blinds for the wall-length window downstairs, but these curtains soften the light if we leave the blinds open.  Plus, they're pretty.

Change #3

This audio tower encloses our record player, set of awesome speakers, and our growing vinyl collection and conceals all the wiring.  I can also decorate free areas with vases like those below from IKEA.

 

Change #4

I had a tough time choosing original art prints, but these are the three I've decided on for the different walls.  I'll mat and frame each with simple black and white.  We also have a beautiful piece from Keirsten Essenpreis, whose art I adore.

Bundled Mustard by Laura George

Baby Deer Photograph by Sharon Montrose

and an original by Wendi Owens

Change #5

After long deliberation, we decided that this furry little fixture can stay. 

See you all in phase two, where I get to pick out a soft grey couch, side tables and a large shaggy white rug!

 

weather report

Oregon Fall, sunny and crisp, may need to defrost car before driving to work, notice many acorns and leaves on sidewalk, very smug squirrels, pinkish sky at twilight, brisk air after dark.  That's the weather, by Texas.

(Whenever Texas goes out at night these days I imagine he is trotting off to the neighborhood pub for his usual scotch and lively conversation...)

little love card

I am on a printables spree!

Here's a small sweet card for a loved one.  I found a photo online and re-drew the animals, but they were really embracing like this.  If you're curious why I was looking online about cats and dogs - see below!

It's a card with front and back, just score and fold.  Two per 8.5'' x 11'' sheet.

Download Cat & Dog Cuddle.pdf

I have a funny, happy, feisty little companion named Texas.

Having grown up around big dogs, I always held a common predisposition against cats.  But along came sweet Texas, needing a home.  He's incredibly communicative and demonstrative; he cuddles and gives kisses, lets us know when he needs to go out, crawls into bed between us during thunderstorms, nips at our ankles in the morning if we are not giving him adequate attention.  Outside, he's the Neighborhood Tough.  Not that he ever fights; he's quite friendly with all the other cats and especially protective of the poor skinny strays.  They all follow him around in this little feline street gang.  Needless to say, I love my Texas as much as any other pet I've ever had.

We've moved to a large apartment that allows small dogs.  At the end of our lane is a park, and at the back of our apartment is a lot of grass and land.  I always wanted to take in a dog from the shelter and make our home even livelier, especially if we happen not to have children right away.  Our schedules allow for one of us to be home every couple of hours during the workweek, and evenings and weekends.  John has agreed, and we've done some research about breeds. 

I'd love advice about cats and dogs coexisting...

texas outtake

He was sure there was something for him in there.

traveling cat

april 1

  

texas outtake