"Helping a Cool Blogger Warm Charlotte"

We all know my affinity toward the super cool Whitley Hamlin of The Queen City Style.  So when she reached out to me recently regarding a new to Charlotte philanthropic effort she's involved with, I didn't hesitate to lend a hand. 

 

 

 

  

It's called Warm Charlotte.  Whitley is one of four small business owners in the Queen City working to provide warmth to those in need during the upcoming cold weather months. The group is creating mobile drop-off centers through which you may donate cold weather items--sweaters, coats, scarves, blankets, sheets, etc--so that they can deliver them to shelters and families that need them most.

  

 

They are holding collections every Sunday in November, at various shopping center parking lots in Charlotte, so that you may pick a location that is most convenient. You can learn more on the website by clicking HERE.  But basically, here's what you need to know....

 

 

  

 

4 Drop-off Weekends

4 Locations

4 Charities Benefiting 

 

 

 

The When and Where

  

Sunday, November 4^th:
Southpark Mall, benefiting the Florence Crittenton Home

 

Sunday, November 11^th:
Park Road Shopping Center, benefiting Charlotte Rescue Mission

 

Sunday, November 18^th:
Stonecrest at Piper Glen, benefiting Crisis Assistance Minitries

 

Sunday, November 25^th:
Cotswold Village Shops, benefiting United Family Services

 

 

Not able to donate?  No worries, you can volunteer!  Don't live in the Charlotte area?  Donations can be made online!  Let's support our friend Whitley and help out those in need as well.  Thanks in advance. 

 

Have a question?  Leave a comment and I'll have Whitley answer.  Simply click the words Click Here to Join the Conversation just below this post. Need help? Read this.

 

 

"Halloween Design?"

Can orange and black ever be used together in design and not look like Halloween?

Focal Point Styling

Martha Stewart

 

Eclectic Bedroom design by New York Interior Designer Willey Design LLC

Eclectic Living Room design by Vancouver Interior Designer Johnson + McLeod Design Consultants


 

Modern Kids design by Ottawa Photographer Dyanne Wilson Photography

Never say never...

Happy Halloween! Be safe. 

I love comments.  Leave me one, it's easy!  Simply click the words Click Here to Join the Conversation just below this post. Need help? Read this.

"Evolution of Style"

It really is amazing how much your style evolves over time. I was reminded yesterday by a comment one follower left about my color selection in the living room. It dawned on me that the red sofa that I have is something that I'd NEVER purchase today. But for most of us, getting all new furniture each time the style or our opinions change is just not an option. So, we're often forced to work with what we have.

Several years ago, my first home was featured in a local newspaper. Needless to say I was ecstatic. They wrote a really nice article and featured pictures of my home. You can read it here.

I'm a little embarrassed to show these pictures, nevertheless see if you can spot any of my current digs in the old pics.

 Outside View
THEN

  NOW *

 *Well sort of, you know the story. Click here, if you've forgotten.

  

Living Room View

 THEN

NOW

Kitchen View



THEN

NOW

Guest Bedroom View



THEN

NOW

Master Bedroom View



THEN

NOW

 Backyard View

THEN

 NOW

Me in the Living Room View



THEN

NOW

See anything in the old place in my home now?  Has your style evolved?  If so, leave me a comment.  Simply click the words Click Here to Join the Conversation just below this post. Need help? Read this.

"Red, Red Rug"

I've been going back and forth for a few months over my sofa.  I would love to have a new one, but I actually love the comfort of my current one.  It's the most comfortable sofa EVER!  However, when I purchased this great 8' x 10' Pottery Barn rug at a garage sale this spring for $30....

Pottery Barn

... it left me with an issue.  I have a red sofa and now I have a red rug.  Clearly, that didn't work.

So, I've been waiting on the opportunity to get a slipcover and that opportunity came this past weekend.  I was able to pick up, not 1, not 2, but 3 Surefit slipcovers for an unspeakably low price. 

Surefit

For now, I'm going with this one.  It's a taupe duck fabric with a casual fit, which works with my cozy cottage decor.   Unfortunately when I bought it, it looked like this (yes, it's new).... 

Did I mention the unspeakably low price?  So, after a lot of ironing and about six cups of water later....

...I had something I could work with.  I decided to remove the current cover because you could see the piping underneath the slipcover, and frankly that was irritating me.

And here's the result...

I'm not the biggest fan of the "slipcover", but it works for now. 

                               BEFORE                                                           AFTER

                                        

Of course, because design is never done, now I need new pillows.  Oh well, it all makes for great original blog content.

Until next time....

Are you a fan of slipcovers?  Simply click the words Click Here to Join the Conversation just below this post. Need help? Read this.

"My Latest Goodwill Finds!"

Lately, I just can't seem to get enough of Goodwill. I'm not sure if it's just me or not, but it seems that the inventory lately has been unreal.  There have been so many brand new items recently, that I almost forget I'm in a thrift store. 

 

I thought I'd share with you a few of my latest finds. 

 

How I managed to find this beauty in-season, I have no idea.  At $2.99, SOLD!  My front door doesn't accommodate such a thick wreath with the storm door, so I opted to use it indoors instead.  Autumn perfection!

 

 

 

Looks like I'm taking my own advice once again.  I'm beginning a small gallery wall of my own in my bedroom.  The entire collection is from Goodwill and prices ranged from $0.79 to $3.99.  Seriously.

 

 

How cute is this oval mirror?

And this Empire fauteuil chair print started the whole thing. Can you tell I'm taking History of Furniture this semester?  Love it!

I've been Goodwill hunting for a pharmacy floor lamp for a couple of months.  No luck yet, but at $3.99, a table lamp will do.  I'm loving the old school charm this one adds.

And this is the view from my sofa.  Of course, it includes my autumn gold pine cone makeover...

 

 

...and the newest addition of this Nate Berkus seagrass basket NWT (new with tags) for $2.99. What better place for storing the remotes.

 

 

 

 

Lastly, I'm super excited about this 20ft string of outdoor/patio lights I found for $3.99.  

 

 

They have totally transformed the porch after sundown.  Did someone say S'mores?

 

 

 

I just can't say enough good things about Goodwill.  I also can't stop going apparently.  It's pretty sad when you start noticing the same people shopping when you go.  You think, "Wow, she's in here every time I come in here.", and then it dawns on you that you are one of them.  Lol!  Oh well, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.  Right?

What do you think of my finds?  Have you found anything great at Goodwill lately?  Simply click the words Click Here to Join the Conversation just below this post. Need help? Read this.

"Project Reveal: Blue Boy's Bath"



Along with the Navy Nautical room that I recently completed, was a bathroom refresher.  The room is used primarily by teen boys, so we wanted to make sure we used minimal but durable items.  Since this wasn't the major project all of the items really needed to be budget friendly. 

 

The most surprising thing was how difficult it was to actually find a shower curtain.  I guess being a girl and a "girly" one at that, I never really noticed that there just really aren't many home decor options for boys.  In the end, I opted for a graphic navy and white strip shower curtain, similar to this one.... 

 



Target



My goal was for the bathroom to tie into these.....

 

 

...both of which are connected to it.

 

We began with a blank slate. 

 

BEFORE

 

AFTER

 

Not bad for a quickie.  I'm sure you recognize the prints that I talked about here.  A natural textured rug, new cabinet knobs, a few small non-girly accessories and there you have it.  I must admit that we didn't have time to switch out the light fixture in time, but I've recommended something like this...

 

Lowe's

Typically I'd go with brushed nickel, but in this case with the chrome fixtures and knobs, chrome works just fine.  Plus, it has a school house aesthetic that I think is appropriate for a kid's space.

 

BEFORE

AFTERS

Want to know a secret?  The white gallery wall frames I wanted were a little to pricey for this project, so I purchased these at Wal-Mart...

 

 

 

...and spray painted them.

 

 

 

In the world of budget design, ya gotta do, whatcha gotta do. Lol!

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed....

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