Project: Bonus Room Makeover - Before + Layout Plans

Even though we are still in the midst of #projectkidsbathroom, I can't help but start thinking about whats next on the list.

I really want to finish our office/bonus room, because it gives me a headache every time I walk into it.

After recently reorganizing the kids toys, I decided it was time to get serious. The last straw came over the weekend when I decided to sell my daughters old crib and couldn't find four of the many bolts that went with it. Luckily, the people buying the crib were happy with a reduced sell price to make up for it, but seriously? 

Annoying, much?

So, here's the room from back in January...

and here it is in its current condition (looking in from the hallway..), after I went thru every random box looking for those four bolts...

As you can see, I have everything in the center so I can paint! The paint for this room will actually be carried into the hallway and down the stairs as well, so there's a fair bit of prep involved! I will be pulling out the paint this week after the bathroom is caulked so I can do touch ups in there too.

See there is a method to my madness...most of the time!

So since there is no real progress to show as of yet, I thought I'd share some of room layout plans I have been playing around with in Floorplanner.com  . Keep in mind that our wall height is only 4'10" on the side walls. So that does limit where I can place things.

Option A: This option puts my desk closer to the window and utilizes the window wall for work space and storage. This eventually could be a homeschooling area (should we ever decide to go that route) or a place for arts/crafts. It also means the couch/guest bed is closer to the hallway. For good or bad, I'm not sure yet. I am concerned the window could interfere with this plan if it sits too low.

Option B: This option would also utilize the window wall for some low bookcases with artwork/family photos above it. The bed/couch area would be closer to the window. You would have to walk through my office and craft area to get to the lounging area. This is basically how my office was set up before and it worked well, but I'm concerned a work table in the entry could get a little tight.

What do you think?

Am I missing some obvious room layout options? 

I am very open to suggestions!!!

New World Market Metal Dining Chairs

The post title totally gives me away, but I'm going to tell you a little story anyways.

Once upon a time...

just kidding, that is how my little Elle starts ALL her stories.

On with it.

I had an out of body experience the other day...

My husband and I were walking up to +Cost Plus World Market in search of a shower curtain when we saw the holy grail of the clearance world...

a 75% OFF sign for all Outdoor Furniture.

And it was sitting on a metal chair.

There were 5 chairs in all...

2 red (orange?), 1 blue (black?) and 2 yellow.

I was almost excited, except with only being 5 chairs I was holding back. 

So inside we headed. I wanted to head straight for the outdoor section in pursuit of the 6th chair, but we got side tracked by our original purpose- shower curtain.

Then Miss Elle had to use the potty...

then we got distracted by baskets, and rugs and pillows... you get the idea.

I started to get anxious because I knew someone else would want MY chairs

FINALLY we made it to the outdoor section. 

There weren't any more chairs. 

I started freaking out as we headed to checkout.

My husband thought we should just get the five, I wasn't sure.

So, I headed back to the front of the store to double check that I wanted the chairs.

and what do you know...

there were 6!!

Hallelujah!! 

So even tho we were only after a shower curtain, we came home with these...

for just about $150. 

SCORE!

Only I'm in a conundrum now.  How to unify them?

We banished our old chairs to the garage (still untouched from the day I bought  them, I might add...) and brought these in around my newly painted table. I had just painted it a week prior to finding chairs, because it was gross from my kids and a I failed to seal it the first time I painted it.

Here's what my table looked like at the beginning of the year...

Now, I'm living with the hot mess of color, but only until we can decide on a color to paint the chairs.

(hey look! I didn't even bother to clear away my coffee mug or boosters...or edit my crummy iPhone shot for you.... #reallife )

Here are a few ideas:

Side Chair in Mint Green or

White I need to pick a color and decide if I want a clean look or something a bit more distressed. Also, I'm trying to keep the bigger picture in mind... future white cabinets...lighter color walls...rustic farm table....white trim...oh, and the pretty yellow cabinet I've never blogged about, its staying yellow.
I'd love some ideas or color suggestions!!!???

Easy Paper Characters for 3D Paper House

Earlier this month I introduced you to Laura from Fanfaron - in our Small Business Spotlight.
She shared this cute little house template...

3D Paper House

Well, Laura, also put together this tutorial for how to make little people to go with it!!

Such a cute project as we head Back to School!
What do you think? Will you give these a try?
You can Fanfaron on Facebook - Fanfaron By Laura

A Studio Tour with Andrea Turner Photography

Hi Everyone!

I have a fun Before & After tour for you today!

My friend from high school is an AMAZING photographer and is here to share her new DIY-ed Photography Studio with us today!

So much eye candy and inspiration!

Grab some coffee and enjoy the tour!!

Welcome to my studio!  

Elynn - 2 Months

Two Months!!

Elynn Colemen... or "Cole" if you're talking to my husband, has plumped right up!

At his last well baby, he weighed in at a hefty 15 pounds and 13 ounces.

He's almost off the charts for weight! 

Booby milk for the WIN! 

(TMI????)

I just had to go shopping for 6 month size clothes, which I find a little hilarious! I guess all the clothes I stashed away from Ever won't be as handy as I thought.

He is such a sweet & patient little guy. Doesn't even mind how many pictures I take of him....

and he doesn't mind that his big brother loves to to give kisses and hugs and steps on him at least once a day (if not more...)

 Tie/onesie from Myleah

I'm totally loving his #fatbabyinalittletie look.

More pictures to come from a recent photo shoot I did with my kids!

 There was a sneak peek on Instagram!

Also be sure to check out his Monthly Photo Project!

Hallway Toy Storage Makeover

Those of us with kids know one thing.
Kids = Toys
I dislike toys and try not to keep many around, but they seem to multiply with every kid we add to the family. Which means storing said toys is a NIGHTMARE.
We have a bonus room/playroom/guest room/office, on the upper level of our home. It's big, but lacks storage. Funny enough, we have gobs of storage, just not in the actual bonus room. Its all in the hallway BEFORE you enter the room. 

I fell in love with the idea of all this storage when we were looking at the house. AND then this is what it ended up looking like...

...basically a hodge podge of boxes and bins with no rhyme or reason to anything and lots of wasted space. The kids were good at getting stuff out, but we all know putting things back NEVER happens

(haha, my disheveled kid and a Roxy butt photo bomb.)

So the other day I was wandering through +Target , eating my popcorn and sipping on a diet coke (why is Diet Coke so good there?), anyways, I spied some plastic milk crates in an array of colors. The turquoise caught my eye and the price was pretty awesome... $3.49!? They didn't have enough in turquoise, so I debated on getting white or gray to round it out. I settled on gray - after many eye rolls and some impatient grunts from my husband.

He just LOVES my decision making process. Or not.

With a little shelf adjusting I was able to get 3 to fit across perfectly! The depth was spot on too, but I clearly didn't buy enough!

Milk Crates $3.49 ( double check your Cartwheel App for discounts!)

...and this isn't a sponsored post...

HA! So I headed back with the intention of buying 9 more. Only I saw the cute coordinating hamper and snatched it up, knowing it would be perfect for stuffed animals!

I removed one of shelves to create a spot for the hamper!

I'm a genius.

Hamper $14.99 on sale for $10 right now!

Or at the very least I feel like I worked a miracle in our hallway!!

We just finished organizing all the toys into categories, which I'm sure won't last, but at least they are put away. The very top row is still empty, so I will use that to store some of my random office/craft stuff.

What do you think?

My husband was worried they would look cheap. Which they are and kinda do, but I think in a playful, kid friendly way. I like the pop of color, too!

Now onto my next dilemma...

Here is another before shot of the blank wall from my Baby Gate post...

I've got some ideas, but would love to hear your suggestions!

Introducing Small Business Spotlight - Fanfaron + a Giveaway!

Happy First Saturday of August (say wha!?)!

I have been wanting to do a new blog series for a while that I'm calling:

Small Business Spotlight

As a stay-at-home mom who runs a small Etsy business on the side and an avid champion of the free enterprise system, I wanted to give back and help support small businesses and start ups using my blog as a platform. The first Saturday of every month I will be featuring a small business that is either local or online. As a featured store, they will get one month of free advertising on my blog and exposure through my Social Media outlets.

For your shopping convenience I have provided a link to there store over there in the side bar.
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see it?

Please take a minute to like, follow and support these small businesses!

If you are interested in a featured spot I have openings! 

The info on how to contact me is in the menu bar above.

Check out this month's featured business and don't forget to enter the Giveaway below!

20 Mason Jars for your Garden

Hey hey hey readers!! 

I have a special little treat for you today!