tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86053662592453816672024-03-14T00:18:34.195-04:00Plumberry Pie - just thinking out loud here - easy diy - home stuff - party stuff - LIFEKim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.comBlogger310125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-82306424127310132112016-10-25T11:38:00.001-04:002016-10-25T11:38:02.594-04:00our German rental...a tour...finally<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So here's a funny thing. I'm finally giving you a tour of our German rental and I'm not even living there. And not a very good tour, but I thought a peek would be fun despite the iphone pix and the fact that some of the photos were taken during pack up. Yes, pack up. We have actually been back in the states for just over a year now. A lot has happened, but for today, just a quick look back...</div>
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Loved those beams! That's it for now, but I may be back with a massive mind dump - aka - random rambling - or I should say renovation rambling. A bit of insight into the fun - not so fun - of renovating. ;)</div>
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<br />Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-53171088038172425792015-01-17T10:41:00.001-05:002015-01-17T10:41:15.376-05:00Oh, Hello TherePsst. Hello. Is anyone there? It has been ages. It's not that I haven't had any tales to tell or things to write about. Actually, the absolute opposite. I probably have more to write about than ever before, but just no urge to write. I think that it's because my head is so full, it can't decide which direction to take and leaves me speechless instead...err, wordless. Or perhaps it's that my words could really do no justice to my thoughts and experiences. There was also at least three months of learning how to talk, walk, drive and grocery shop again. I would compare the first three months living in Germany to the first three months of having a newborn...exciting, yet all of a sudden you have no idea how to live life as you knew it before.<br />
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There was a point that I thought I would shut down Plumberry Pie. An official, "it's over" post. But first off, I really don't have a huge readership, so it seemed silly. And secondly, I know how I am and that I just might get the urge to put thoughts to paper (or keyboard) again. So then I thought, why not just write a journal for myself, why the need to write out here? Then I remembered what it was. <br />
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Community. That's what brought me here in the first place. I used to tell my husband that the blog world was my ESPN. My little haven. A place where everyone was as excited as I was about a paper straw or home makeovers or a party idea and all the little things that made me giddy. HGTV was once that place, then I found a 24/7 fix for my addiction to all things home, but with the human voice and COMMUNITY.<br />
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I think the thing I cherish most about living in Germany right now is the community. I didn't realize that I needed it so much until I had it. I say this not to discredit my community back home, but maybe I wasn't embracing it like I should. Back home I was in my comfort zone. There was no need to extend myself. I could go into hermit mode and be complacent with that. Here, community is what makes this journey beyond my expectations and has awoken parts of me I forgot existed. My hopes are that I remember this when I move back and embrace our community more, reach out more, do more. It's the spice of life to be interwoven together, to learn, live and celebrate with each other.<br />
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After college, I've always said that we'd never have a time in our lives like that again. It wasn't just our age and the lack of responsibility that gave us that wonderful time in our life. I now see it was the sense of community that gave us that special time.<br />
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This post could go off on several different tangents, so I'll just stop here. I hope all is well with you!Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-68726738829063385732014-09-09T07:00:00.000-04:002014-09-09T07:04:20.191-04:00You Just Never Know...Reminder to Live SimplerA few week's ago, my mom's basement flooded with two feet of sewer water from that big rain in Michigan. A couple weeks ago, a friend was unexpectedly given three weeks notice that her husband's job change would move them back to the US a year earlier. You just never know when the rug will be pulled out from under you. These were <i>slap in the face</i> reminders to me to live simpler. To be more organized...or as organized as this Type B personality girl can get. <br />
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Living simpler has been on my radar for a long time. Moving to Germany gave us the opportunity to press the reset button on our lives. It's amazing that when you know you are leaving a place for three years, how suddenly it becomes clear how much stuff we don't need. If it's not important enough to store for three years or bring with me, then why did I have it in the first place?<br />
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I can't remember if I shared how utterly grueling the sorting, purging, packing and moving process was for us. I was pretty sure I was going to have a heart attack from the stress. Lots of deep breathing and exhaustion. Both mentally and physically. <br />
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Our lack of daily organization came to wreak havoc on us when moving day came. I'm a regular purger. Seriously, no less than five bags a time, several times a year. But the problem was, there were areas of our house that never got purged from our first move, boxes untouched, paper piles unsorted. Sure, I know, if you haven't looked at it for years, then just throw the boxes away. But I knew that hidden within the piles of garbage were things like important papers - marriage license, etc. So began the worst part of the purging process. I could go on and on, but the point is, I don't want to go there again. EVER!<br />
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By the time we left, I didn't even want to see my stuff or think about my house. I was never so excited to have to take an 8 hour flight. I couldn't wait to do absolutely nothing. I made a pact with myself that I would not let "stuff" take over my life again.<br />
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It's tricky. I'm living in Europe for Pete's sake! There's a careful balance of buying a souvenir just because I was there or buying it because I really love it and it will be cherished.<br />
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My mom's flood and my friend moving at a moment's notice reminded me to keep my stuff in check. Always be purging and be a strategic and thoughtful shopper.<br />
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We move again in two years and I just want it to be a matter of putting things in boxes. We've already been in Germany for six months. Time does fly and before I know it, moving day will be here again. So I've constantly been purging my house in my head. I already know several items that won't be coming back to the US with us. The list adds up every day.<br />
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Everyone's simpler lifestyle is different. I'm not to the point of moving into a 500 square foot house, but I would like to embrace life's rich moments and stop being weighed down by the stuff around me.<br />
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You just never know when the rug will be pulled out from under you and I want to be ready. Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-43600456873975184372014-06-12T04:16:00.001-04:002014-06-12T04:16:59.122-04:00Garbage Fairies in GermanyYes, it's true. Germany has garbage fairies. My neighbor told me about them, but I didn't believe her until I saw it happen. It was garbage morning and there they were taking our garbage cans to the curb. Amazing. Magical even. And if that wasn't enough, those magical, garbage fairies returned the garbage cans to their homes when they were done.<br />
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I could get used to this. No worries of missing garbage day and being stuck with your garbage until the next time. Brilliant!<br />
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However, let's talk about waste management here a bit. It's complicated and not so magical all the time. Garbage day is not the same day every week. It's not every week for that matter. It is every two weeks and on random days each month. <br />
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Also, garbage is not just garbage. There is sorting to be done, which I am actually totally fine with. Back home I already had a sorting system going with my garbage, paper and plastic/glass/aluminum. <br />
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Here is the breakdown:<br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">yellow</span> = packaging = plastic, just to confuse us, milk cartons (I think because they have the plastic spout?), aluminum<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">blue</span> = paper and cardboard<br />
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Yellow and blue are picked up ONCE A MONTH! This kills me. The yellow bin is usually overflowing by the time it's picked up. It's kind of eye opening how much packaging waste we have.<br />
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<span style="color: lime;">bio</span> = food scraps = not cooked food = veggie peels, egg shells, etc. oh and garden trimmings<br />
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black = true garbage, including leftover cooked food because there are no garbage disposals here<br />
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Bio and garbage are picked up every two weeks on totally random days.<br />
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Oh, and there's spermull. That's a very special garbage day that happens a few times a year. This is the day when you can put out all your big stuff like furniture pieces you don't want anymore. In the two days before this happens, white vans will drive up and down your street at least 25 times a day. I'm really not exaggerating. These are professional garbage pickers. I've done some roadside rescues a few times myself, but these guys do it seriously and they scout the streets until spermull is over and they move on to the next village. It is literally their job.<br />
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I know you're dying to find out how I sort my garbage...you're on the edge of your seat, right? I figure, just in case there's someone out there looking for info about life in Germany, maybe it will help them transition to this new world. When I found out we were moving to Germany, I scoured the web for blogs on living here.<br />
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So here you go...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bio</span></b><br />
I used one of my ice buckets for my food waste. At first it was under the counter, but I've found it much easier to have it out on the counter so when I'm chopping, I can easily throw it in the bin. This usually gets emptied every day or every other, otherwise it can get stinky and fruit flies may start to invade. Another trick a friend of mine does is she stores hers in the freezer, but I can use all the freezer space I can get. Did I mention fridge/freezers are much smaller here? This bio bucket concept reminds me of Rachael Ray's garbage bowl. Same concept really.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Garbage</span></b><br />
Under the sink.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Yellow & Blue (aka: packaging and paper)</span></b><br />
Cute IKEA garbage cans. They hold a lot and I don't have to change them so often.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Returnables & Glass</b></span><br />
It's funny, back home returnables were pop/soda/beer cans and bottles, but here, it is water bottles. I'm not even sure about soda cans to be honest. Oh and I forgot to tell you, you'll have to take your glass to a separate drop off bin. They don't pick up those.<br />
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I just used IKEA bins for these.<br />
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There are only garbage fairies, not bio or yellow and blue fairies. Those you have to remember to take to the curb all on your own. And if you miss bio day, that is not a good thing. And if you miss yellow and blue day, that's not good either because most likely your cans will be overflowing since it's only once a month.<br />
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Well, I hope this helps someone out there!<br />
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Happy garbage sorting!<br />
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<br />Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-61297533846678322162014-05-31T08:19:00.002-04:002014-05-31T08:19:28.439-04:00My Little Garden FriendsI've got new little friends. They live in my garden. I have a feeling they aren't good for my garden, but I like them anyway. They seem to be everywhere around here.<br />
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My little guy and I were looking for patterns for his math assignment and ended up on a snail hunt.<br />
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What started as a tedious math assignment turned into a sweet moment with my little man and a reminder to savor the small moments.</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Weekend to You!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy the small moments, they are the sweetest!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">- Kim -</span></div>
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Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-78995643029718631352014-05-28T05:03:00.002-04:002014-05-28T05:03:06.526-04:00first peek into the kitchen: open shelvingThere are many differences between life in the States and life in Germany. Some subtle and some not so subtle. Some that make complete sense and some that just plain puzzle me. One of the differences that has puzzled me is that Germans take their kitchens with them when they move. Yep, the kitchen sink and all! Light fixtures too. Hence that lightbulb dangling from the ceiling in the photo below.<br />
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Lucky for us, my husband's company has a warehouse of kitchens and they fit it to suit the house. Of course I asked if I could pick out the cabinet colors, but alas, no. Hey, it was worth a shot. Anyhow, the kitchen turned out much better than I anticipated. I was nervously expecting outdated cabinets from the 80s. But thankfully, they are fairly up to date and basic. However, the cabinets have an orange-ish tone I could live without. But in the grand scheme, they work and there's always the art of distraction to tone down the orange undertones. My plan is to add a lot of white and pops of black to distract the eye. We have a great set up, but it could use a little tweaking. <br />
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There was a blank wall between the refrigerator and bank of upper cabinets. So much wasted space. This was the perfect opportunity for open shelving. <br />
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Since this is a short term gig, I went for the cheapest shelving I could fine at the local hardware store. I think it was 2 euro per bracket and 8 euro per shelf.<br />
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These shelves make me a happy woman! Seriously, giddy!<br />
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I missed my chalkboard from my kitchen at home, so I remedied that with some chalkboard contact paper. An easy and inexpensive tweak that makes this rental more like home. I've since added washi tape to frame the chalkboard and it feels much better to me. I was too lazy to take an updated picture, but it will be in a future post I'm sure.<br />
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The wide open space in front of the cabinets is screaming for an island. I had hopes of a low cost DIY, but it was a bust. I bought industrial shelving, building only half of it and putting a butcher block on top. It was way too wobbly, so I've conceded to spending a little money to get a sturdy island. Sometimes it's worth spending the money. The island is an IKEA trip away. Can't wait!</div>
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That's it for now. Be back to share more progress when there is more progress.</div>
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<br />Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-85522478277504027872014-05-19T17:52:00.000-04:002014-05-19T17:52:04.891-04:00everything's coming up rosesQuite literally. Our home has 17 rose bushes and they are in full bloom. I don't really know what to do with these guys, except water at the root, don't get the leaves wet, cut at an angle right above a five leaf cluster. Any green thumbs out there have advice to share, please do.<br />
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I am in love with these yellow roses. When they are buds, they have a vibrant orange color, then they blossom into to pale yellow with pink edges. And they smell like no other rose I've ever smelt. In fact, they don't even smell like roses at all. They are fruity, sweet, almost like candy. I can't help but smell them over and over.<br />
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Our garden is full of plants and flowers that I don't know what to do with. I'm hoping one of you may have some insight for me. I'm going to take some pics of them and hope to at least find out what they are and maybe some advice from you on how to care for them. HELP! Pictures coming soon...</div>
<br />Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-15758943179589645752014-05-19T05:26:00.000-04:002014-05-19T05:26:03.599-04:00Our German Apartment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For our first month and a half in Germany, we lived in a hotel apartment until our container arrived. Here is a peek at our first home away from home.</div>
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We lived on the top floor, which meant climbing four flights of winding stairs multiple times a day. Add in groceries, and we had a mini workout each day.</div>
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One of the benefits of small living...I could jump out of the shower and do a load of laundry.</div>
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We didn't have a dryer, so we dried our clothes the old fashioned way. Oddly, this didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. It forced me to plan out my time better, rather than waiting for a mountain of laundry to overtake my laundry room. Living in this apartment was a mini bootcamp for me to break some bad habits. Although, now that I have a dryer again, the laundry mountain is growing again.</div>
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To get my house fluffing fix, I grabbed some cute napkins from the euro store.</div>
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And started collecting the pretty, blue glass water bottles the hotel gave us. Little moments like this made me feel more at home at little or no cost.</div>
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I happily displayed a Michigan oven mitt my friends gave me before I left. It truly is the little things than can make a difference.</div>
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Sorry for this dark pic, the lighting in the kitchen was non-existent. Just wanted to show you this efficient use of space. The kitchen was basically a hallway into the next room.</div>
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As you may already know, ice is not really a popular thing in European countries. If you want it, you must ask for it. I love my drinks iced up and stumbled upon these disposable ice baggies at the store. Again, the little things that can make you happy go a long way. <br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">We had two murphy beds and a table and chairs that served as our living, dining and bedroom. I missed having a couch! Next to this room was a doorway into another room that was more like your standard hotel room and across the hall we had another hotel style room.</span></div>
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It was nice to live simply for a while, but I was more than ready to move back into a bigger space. What I missed most was just a common area we could hang out with a couch. Oh, how I missed having a couch!! Oh and a refrigerator bigger than a college dorm fridge!! :) It's hard to store enough food for a family of five in one of those little guys. I'd never grocery shopped so many times a week as I did living there.</div>
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It was a great place to start our adventure. We've been in our house for almost two months now and are settling in. There are few things still hanging over our heads...like a kitchen table, but we may have found one. As we check things off the list, I'll give you a peek at our house.</div>
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<br />Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-1498012292743896622014-05-02T05:45:00.003-04:002014-05-02T05:45:55.561-04:00a refreshing {german} drink: apfel schorleHappy Friday, my friends!<br />
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Can you believe it is already May?! Yesterday was a treat here in Germany. May 1st is May Day (similar to Labor Day), so no school and no work. It was the perfect chill out day. The weather was sunny, we rode our bikes along the river, had lunch and grabbed some ice cream before we jumped on the ferry. It reminded of what a wonderful opportunity we have to be here and experience a new culture and traditions. I've been waiting for May Day because it is also the day young men deliver trees to the one they love/like. They actually deliver it the night before so it's there when his special gal wakes up. I was hoping to catch some guys on bikes carrying trees, but I missed that part of the fun. However, I was delighted to see decorated trees in front of many homes around my village. Such a sweet gesture that actually takes some true effort. I love it!<br />
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Our family is also enjoying trying new foods and drinks. Our favorite so far is apfel schorle. They sell it everywhere here. Before we moved, my husband shared it with us after one of his business trips. Since they don't sell it back home, we made our own version and so can you.<br />
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All you need is sparkling water and apple juice. You can decide on the ratio you like best. If you like it a bit sweeter, add more apple juice. Not so sweet, add more sparkling water. Personally, I do about half and half and maybe a bit more sparkling water. It's so refreshing and perfect for spring and summer!<br />
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Apple seems to be the most popular flavor, but I just discovered at lunch yesterday that they also do it with wine...weinschorle. Quite tasty. I'm sure you could use the same method, half wine, half sparkling water...maybe some fruit. YUM!<br />
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Happy Spring!<br />
- KimKim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-60454221792224843672014-04-29T08:03:00.001-04:002014-04-29T08:03:25.577-04:00Bruges, Belgium ...You Had Me at HelloFriends have been asking me to share some of our adventures here and I wanted to assure you that I'm not just sitting here being <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2014/04/homesick.html" target="_blank">homesick</a>. :) So I'm back today to share some of the fun...<br />
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The moment you step foot on the cobble stone of Bruges, Belgium, you are wooed by its charm. It stole my heart as we wandered the streets. It's a place I never knew I wanted to visit and quite frankly, didn't know existed. And now, it ranks high on my list of favorite places. I'm not sure if it's because I didn't know what I was in for and surprised and delighted at every turn in the road and winding canal. But I can tell you, it is magical. I almost felt as if we were walking around a movie set. It was just one of those places you see in pictures, but doesn't seem real.<br />
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Bruges has a rich history and its city has been left untouched to take you back in time. The streets smell of chocolate and waffles and if you're a beer drinker, you may just need to sit a spell to enjoy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old Chocolate Shoppe on Maria Straat - the BEST hot chocolate I've ever had!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This place stopped my husband in his tracks. Wish I'd written down the name of it.</td></tr>
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I know I sound like a travel brochure, but it truly captured my heart. There is more to learn about this wonderful place than I will go into here. I'm just here to share that it's definitely worth a stop if you're ever in the neighborhood. We actually only stayed for one night. It was a last minute plan. Our first trip after being here for just three weeks. There's a funny sense of urgency to travel any time we get the chance so we can fit in as much as we can while we're here. And I'm so glad that sense of urgency took us to Bruges.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EXckxAgnbxw/U1-RbY_VOcI/AAAAAAAAHmc/elxR7bbjEfI/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EXckxAgnbxw/U1-RbY_VOcI/AAAAAAAAHmc/elxR7bbjEfI/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the top of the Belfry.</td></tr>
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<br />Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-20863965881402940552014-04-28T08:54:00.004-04:002014-04-28T08:54:39.552-04:00homesickI'm feeling a bit homesick today. I think it's because I scrolled through some old photos and realized that I couldn't just jump up and visit my dad, mom, sisters, in-laws and friends. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJTjM6jhVuE/U15MK8m6WOI/AAAAAAAAHks/oQu06UlzDaA/s1600/IMG_0296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJTjM6jhVuE/U15MK8m6WOI/AAAAAAAAHks/oQu06UlzDaA/s1600/IMG_0296.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the picture that did it.</td></tr>
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It's not that it was some kind of revelation that I wasn't aware of, it just hit me at that moment. We've been in Germany for about two months now and it's been hectic, challenging and exciting all rolled into one. I'm not sure where to begin, but blogging is the closest to home I can get right now. It was one my favorite things to do back home, so I thought, I'd jump on for a few minutes for a little therapeutic writing.<br />
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I've started blog posts in my head a million times since we've been here and I'm not quite sure where to take this little ole blog. There's such a mixed bag of stuff I want to share...life as an expat, tips, travel, living as a renter and retraining my brain to live differently. And of course, the love of making a home a home. So I guess, I'll start with a little post I wrote on my thoughts the day our stuff arrived...<br />
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<i>today was the day. the big green truck containing all of our belongings finally arrived. there was a feeling of excitement to start making a home here and getting settled into a regular routine. as i unpacked the boxes, there were things that made me giddy to see again, then there were things that just simply made me cringe. the stuff that weighed me down. it's funny how when given the chance to start with a blank slate, how good it feels to be rid of stuff. the more I unpacked, the less I wanted to unpack. once i had all the necessities and all the things I really loved, i didn't want to put out the rest of the "stuff". So instead of trying to make it work, I've decide to take the stuff that made me cringe and put it on a shelf in the basement. then once i've finished organizing and tweaking, I'll peek back at it...I take that back, I think I'll just get rid of it.</i><br />
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<br />Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-40635504908190011942014-01-28T09:19:00.001-05:002014-01-28T09:19:33.520-05:00It’s official, we are moving to…<p align="center"><strong><font size="7">…GERMANY!</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xDpxEjCZABQ/Uue8b9_gbeI/AAAAAAAAHkA/ogqqRdO84sQ/s1600-h/Kim%252520at%252520Bonn%252520City%252520Center%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Kim at Bonn City Center" border="0" alt="Kim at Bonn City Center" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RHnu1liCTj4/Uue8c_RCtqI/AAAAAAAAHkI/L_Z0HWeFDlI/Kim%252520at%252520Bonn%252520City%252520Center_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Over the summer, my sister-in-law and I joked that after I <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/07/can-of-worms-prepping-floors-for-paint.html">ripped out all the carpets</a>, <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/07/sneak-peek-gray-white-striped-painted.html">painted the floors</a> and <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/11/one-room-challenge-reveal-just-peek.html">redid another room</a>, I would probably find out we had to move. Fast forward a few months, and BOOM, those words became a reality.</font></p> <p><font size="3">I have been waiting to write this post for what seems like an eternity. Suddenly things are happening at the speed of light and I kind of feel like I have to throw up on a daily basis. We are moving February 13th to the biggest adventure our family will probably ever have together. It will be the chance of a lifetime to see so many wonderful things within a train ride or short car ride or even a city hopper plane ride away.</font></p> <p><font size="3">You might be wondering, do the kids see it this way? And the answer is, umm, no and yes. As you can imagine a middle schooler’s reaction to leaving his buddies was not a pretty sight, my daughter was mixed, sad and interested in our new adventure and our big wild card surprise came from the little guy – completely excited. What the what? Didn’t expect that.</font></p> <p><font size="3">I know we’re in for a rough few months (or more) of transitions with the kids missing friends and me driving the wrong way on a one way, but in the end, I know the opportunities and adventures will outweigh all that.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Am I excited? Yes! Am I nervous? Yes! Am I sad to leave my friends and family? Of course. I am so grateful for my family’s encouragement and support to take this chance. Without it, I don’t think I’d have the heart to leave. Mom, especially to you, thank you for telling me to go for it without blinking an eye.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Oh, and when I said my word for the year was <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2014/01/2014-discovery.html">DISCOVERY</a>, that was kind of cheating. How can I help but discover and stretch myself while living in a new world? So yeah, I sort of set myself up for success on my word for the year. Just getting on the plane to go, I’ve already reached my goal of <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2014/01/2014-discovery.html">DISCOVERY</a>.</font></p> Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-87090331137440735482014-01-21T10:38:00.001-05:002014-01-21T10:56:23.238-05:002014: DISCOVERY<p>Hello and happy new year! It’s been a while. I’ve missed the old blogosphere. Thought I’d pop in for a moment for a quick post to set the tone for the year. My word for 2014: <strong><font color="#42d132" size="6">DISCOVERY</font></strong>.</p> <p><strong><font color="#58dedb">SELF-DISCOVERY</font></strong></p> <p><strong></strong><strong><font color="#ff0080">RE-DISCOVERY</font></strong></p> <p><font color="#ff8000">DISCOVERING NEW THINGS ABOUT MY FAMILY, MYSELF, MY SURROUNDINGS</font></p> <p><font color="#4bacc6">OUR STRENGTHS, OUR WEAKNESSES</font></p> <p><font color="#9b00d3">EXPLORING</font></p> <p><font color="#fd301a">GETTING OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE</font></p> <p><font color="#ff80c0">STRETCHING MYSELF AND CHALLENGING MYSELF </font></p> <p>That’s what 2014 is all about for me. I tend to get into a routine and end up limiting myself. I become complacent and forget to try new things and push myself out of my comfort zone. This year is the year to <strong>DISCOVER</strong>. It should be interesting, challenging and exciting. I look forward to seeing what happens.</p> <p>How about you? Do you have a word for the year? A mantra? A good old new year’s resolution? I’d love to hear about it. Do share in the comments.</p> Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-40229052495979232372013-12-10T14:57:00.001-05:002013-12-10T14:57:04.881-05:00Wintery + Woodsy Front Porch<p><font face="Century Gothic">During this hectic season, we barely have time to keep up with our own thoughts, let alone read, so I thought I’d just to do a quick hello and glimpse onto our frosty front porch.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OwUv_w53idA/Uqdx79xli7I/AAAAAAAAHgo/rzy9XVfY27Y/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520wreath%252520as%252520centerpiece%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><font face="Century Gothic"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie wreath as centerpiece" border="0" alt="plumberry pie wreath as centerpiece" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ylwQ0-Wgczs/Uqdx9a5D0xI/AAAAAAAAHgw/vSbvUidiWIQ/plumberry%252520pie%252520wreath%252520as%252520centerpiece_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Century Gothic">{wreath on the </font><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/05/diy-confetti-dot-top-gold-dipped-feet.html"><font face="Century Gothic">confetti dot table</font></a><font face="Century Gothic">, dressed with dollar store snowflakes}</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0SgPbnIuS1Y/Uqdx918mAKI/AAAAAAAAHg4/u5JAOw4JSkg/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520front%252520porch%252520pot%252520filled%252520with%252520birch%252520logs%25252C%252520grapevine%252520ball%25252C%252520cedar%252520roping%252520and%252520silver%252520ornaments%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><font face="Century Gothic"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie front porch pot filled with birch logs, grapevine ball, cedar roping and silver ornaments" border="0" alt="plumberry pie front porch pot filled with birch logs, grapevine ball, cedar roping and silver ornaments" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PwpabKDrCkE/Uqdx-bgQfVI/AAAAAAAAHhA/tB6f2pEgYd0/plumberry%252520pie%252520front%252520porch%252520pot%252520filled%252520with%252520birch%252520logs%25252C%252520grapevine%252520ball%25252C%252520cedar%252520roping%252520and%252520silver%252520ornaments_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Century Gothic">Last year, I was inspired by my friend’s pots filled with birch logs and tucked it away in my memory bank for this year. These pots seriously make me giddy. I’m in love.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-an7ee6Wdg_U/Uqdx_T39nTI/AAAAAAAAHhI/7ItIMnhIfno/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520winter%252520front%252520porch%252520pot%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font face="Century Gothic"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie winter front porch pot" border="0" alt="plumberry pie winter front porch pot" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V21bea5h_R4/UqdyAEBpu3I/AAAAAAAAHhQ/ot0D3HBNbzM/plumberry%252520pie%252520winter%252520front%252520porch%252520pot_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="477"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-II2RTnHLxaU/UqdyAqXnFMI/AAAAAAAAHhY/Q5KaZoOSjB8/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520baby%252520it%252527s%252520cold%252520outside%252520chalkboard%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font face="Century Gothic"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie baby it's cold outside chalkboard" border="0" alt="plumberry pie baby it's cold outside chalkboard" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rw72vVgyNpU/UqdyBQd-esI/AAAAAAAAHhg/UnYux5rXmxs/plumberry%252520pie%252520baby%252520it%252527s%252520cold%252520outside%252520chalkboard_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="750"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Century Gothic">Oh, Dollar Tree, oh, Dollar Tree, how I love thee Dollar Tree. Don’t you though? Those pretty snowflakes adorning the chalkboard are Dollar Tree finds.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y7XZ-tZDLDY/UqdyB46MRsI/AAAAAAAAHho/26piZsFV4po/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520winter%252520chalkboard%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font face="Century Gothic"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie winter chalkboard" border="0" alt="plumberry pie winter chalkboard" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MzdPVEcNpCk/UqdyCupIubI/AAAAAAAAHhw/wdM8roA0G1s/plumberry%252520pie%252520winter%252520chalkboard_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="477"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Century Gothic">Cold outside, it is! So I’m heading back in where it’s warm!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Im06STBYNf0/UqdyDB_gJYI/AAAAAAAAHh4/YJfIJdHNHyE/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520-%252520embellish%252520a%252520wreath%252520with%252520words%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font face="Century Gothic"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie - embellish a wreath with words" border="0" alt="plumberry pie - embellish a wreath with words" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lPCg7qcd20M/UqdyD788pxI/AAAAAAAAHiA/bLaPecqEFbM/plumberry%252520pie%252520-%252520embellish%252520a%252520wreath%252520with%252520words_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="6" face="Century Gothic">Wishing you all the <font color="#ff0000">J</font><font color="#58dedb">O</font><font color="#42d132">Y</font> of the season and throughout the year!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="7" face="Mistral">- Kim -</font></p> <p><font face="Century Gothic"></font></p> Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-50052924568305400522013-12-05T09:28:00.001-05:002013-12-05T09:28:17.300-05:00Advent Wreath + The Gift of Thanks<p>One of the neatest things about blogging is when someone sends a thank you note for something I shared. It warms my heart and blows me away every time. Thanks from a complete stranger, it is indescribable. And how small the world becomes to connect with people all over the map. </p> <p>So the other day, I received this note from Kelly. It made my day!</p> <blockquote> <p><em>Kim --<br>Found your <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2011/11/advent-wreath-update.html">Nov 2011 Advent Wreath</a> on Pinterest and it inspired me to create one of my own. </em> <p><em>Thanks for the inspiration,</em> <p><em>Kelly</em> </p></blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I-00h5iYMuM/UqCNfAyEKSI/AAAAAAAAHgM/PkT_XJnhNVw/s1600-h/Kelly%252527s%252520Advent%252520wreath%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Kelly's Advent wreath" border="0" alt="Kelly's Advent wreath" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7T50bRAFWZM/UqCNfyrK-bI/AAAAAAAAHgU/lerTce-6_tg/Kelly%252527s%252520Advent%252520wreath_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="477"></a></p> <p align="center">{Kelly’s Advent Wreath}</p> <p>Well, Kelly, thank <em><u>you</u></em> for making my day! Your interpretation of the Advent wreath is beautiful! (You can see my version of the Advent wreath <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2012/11/updated-advent-wreath.html">here</a>.)</p> <p>So that has me thinking… <strong>the power of thanks and gratitude</strong>…WOW! It was such a simple gesture that made such a huge impact on my day. What an easy gift to give to those around you.</p> <p><strong><font size="4">Who will you give this gift to today?</font></strong></p> Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-3366657986026634072013-12-02T21:30:00.001-05:002013-12-02T21:30:04.587-05:00A Thanksgiving Table Fit for Any Gathering<p>Well, hello there! Long time, no blog. My world has been turned upside down, but I hope to pop in here a bit more just like the old days. I have so much to tell you, but for now, let’s just start with our Thanksgiving table. This was a “use what you have on hand at the moment” kind of table.</p> <p>Starting with a cream table cloth that we’ve had since we got married, layered with gold wrapping paper and a navy chevron wrapping paper on top of it. I absolutely love using wrapping paper for table settings. It’s cheap and opens a world of endless options and if it gets spilt on, no worries.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U0VxnC7OuBA/Up1CCucAZuI/AAAAAAAAHek/w2hrsogfkQo/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520blog%252520casual%252520table%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie blog casual table" border="0" alt="plumberry pie blog casual table" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LK81lzyJYOA/Up1CDp7HE7I/AAAAAAAAHes/A-URgy7xti0/plumberry%252520pie%252520blog%252520casual%252520table_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>For our centerpiece, I used fruit and nuts that were already in the house.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Nod2sr8JpuU/Up1CEML-z3I/AAAAAAAAHe0/aSmwveST0P8/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520blog%252520casual%252520thanksgiving%252520table%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie blog casual thanksgiving table" border="0" alt="plumberry pie blog casual thanksgiving table" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GyyLoNrt2vQ/Up1CFM2QIvI/AAAAAAAAHe8/jSUKy5f0Ifc/plumberry%252520pie%252520blog%252520casual%252520thanksgiving%252520table_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>Didn’t bother with the china and used my everyday white. I love white dishes. They work for everything and make food look fabulous! I used tags and my handy dandy washi tape for place setting tags. Just tied them around the flatware with jute and used a gold Sharpie to write “thankful for you” to each person.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UcJprq5TF7w/Up1CFz1MR0I/AAAAAAAAHfE/eYQA__-RXMw/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520blog%252520%252520washi%252520tape%252520place%252520setting%252520tags%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie blog washi tape place setting tags" border="0" alt="plumberry pie blog washi tape place setting tags" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-31fZuo6L0mU/Up1CGzyD9UI/AAAAAAAAHfM/OmNALfvpFzc/plumberry%252520pie%252520blog%252520%252520washi%252520tape%252520place%252520setting%252520tags_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZOvtRV9jpnY/Up1CHkXFGRI/AAAAAAAAHfU/xLg8UngqAe4/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520blog%252520%252520thankful%252520for%252520you%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie blog thankful for you" border="0" alt="plumberry pie blog thankful for you" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bXWZr2VWuh4/Up1CIHi9_5I/AAAAAAAAHfc/xh0feOF0qCY/plumberry%252520pie%252520blog%252520%252520thankful%252520for%252520you_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>My love for trays continues. They truly upgrade the look of a few bottles of wine on a counter to a little bar area.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-snbS8nljZ3I/Up1CI_vTn0I/AAAAAAAAHfk/KjNBJRYbSgQ/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520blog%252520use%252520a%252520tray%252520to%252520make%252520any%252520spot%252520a%252520bar%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie blog use a tray to make any spot a bar" border="0" alt="plumberry pie blog use a tray to make any spot a bar" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wjctKtdMxzU/Up1CJftSG3I/AAAAAAAAHfs/TG6jX4xA4RI/plumberry%252520pie%252520blog%252520use%252520a%252520tray%252520to%252520make%252520any%252520spot%252520a%252520bar_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>And here’s a full view to give you a peek at the almost finished family room. You can see the gallery wall and the shelves are back in place.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0nLmOO7CN6o/Up1CKDHufHI/AAAAAAAAHf0/jDkazbKkAiE/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520blog%252520thanksgiving%252520table%252520family%252520room%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie blog thanksgiving table family room" border="0" alt="plumberry pie blog thanksgiving table family room" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h3-Zcc6voqE/Up1CK53bZlI/AAAAAAAAHf8/QWhQg-P5TK0/plumberry%252520pie%252520blog%252520thanksgiving%252520table%252520family%252520room_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>Well, that’s it for now. We had a busy Thanksgiving weekend, including a mad scientist birthday for my son. Hope to share some details with you sometime soon! And there may just be a series called <em>Never Before Seen Rooms</em>. Stay tuned…</p> Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-70171500586449748162013-11-18T07:27:00.001-05:002013-11-18T07:27:48.929-05:00hello<p>Well, I feel a bit rude leaving you hanging there from my last post with an almost done room and then radio silence. First, thank you, thank you, thank you for all the sweet comments. Oh my goodness, they truly warmed my heart and felt like a big hug. I appreciate all the supportive and kind words more than you know.</p> <p>Oh, and I also left you hanging on a Baltimore post I promised. Geesh, that’s not very nice. It’s like when you put your hand up for a high five and you’re left hanging waiting for a return high five. Not cool. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E9NqrWmsBBg/UooHw69XmvI/AAAAAAAAHeU/gpLG8kmBBhQ/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p>Anyhow, everyday life stuff continues to put up barricades to my progress over here and rather than stretch myself so thin that I snap, I have pretended it’s finished. And really, it’s pretty much done (except for the baseboard and the trim and the this and the that, but really, it’s pretty much done – ha!). I just haven’t been able to get the room picture ready to share. I put up the gallery wall, but honestly, not feeling it. Not sure if my pieces are too heavy visually or if it’s this one piece throwing everything off. It’s feeling cluttered.</p> <p>So just like the post title says, I just stopped in to say hello today. Was missing blogging, but can’t put my focus on it at the moment. </p> <p>Have a wonderful week, my friends!! Hope all is well.</p> <p><font size="6" face="Mistral">- Kim</font></p> Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-53018492012977982222013-11-08T10:46:00.001-05:002013-11-08T10:48:56.010-05:00One Room Challenge Reveal {just a peek}<p>Yesterday I was hoping I would have a post up and the angels would be singing with beams of light shining down on the finished room, but life happens. I had a man down sick last week and I caught a bug this week, so the last two weeks were a bust. Instead of pulling an all-nighter to get it done, yesterday I chose to curl up under three blankets on the couch and head to bed early.</p> <p>Admittedly, I was bummed this morning, but thanks to <a href="http://www.shineyourlightblog.com/2013/11/one-room-challenge-basement-reveal-part.html">Lisa at Shine Your Light</a>, I am here to celebrate what I’ve accomplished in 6 weeks. Her encouraging words reminded me that I’m much further than I was 6 weeks ago and that’s something to celebrate too. By the way, you must check out <a href="http://www.shineyourlightblog.com/2013/11/one-room-challenge-basement-reveal-part.html">Lisa’s reveal</a>…another black wall of awesomeness to fuel my <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/05/my-dark-side.html">obsession for dark walls</a>. </p> <p>So let’s see what I was able to check off my list from <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-one-which-room.html">my week one checklist</a>.</p> <h2><font size="4">Paint the walls Owl Gray. Check</font></h2> <h2><font size="5"><font size="4">Hang bamboo blinds. Check</font> </font></h2> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N7xfFw2Hj7A/Un0HXWVGNeI/AAAAAAAAHdQ/V-F4TTQngCM/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520bamboo%252520shades%252520layered%252520curtains%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie bamboo shades layered curtains" border="0" alt="plumberry pie bamboo shades layered curtains" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uIozmEm9GY8/Un0HYMGlkyI/AAAAAAAAHdY/f8tiWRp6v08/plumberry%252520pie%252520bamboo%252520shades%252520layered%252520curtains_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <h2><font size="4">Paint bookcases white with dark back. Check</font></h2> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QCC32xiJQc8/Un0HYs50j6I/AAAAAAAAHdg/nHpHJZd1-SY/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520white%252520bookcase%252520with%252520dark%252520back%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie white bookcase with dark back" border="0" alt="plumberry pie white bookcase with dark back" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HdKNqS8mW6o/Un0HZbjJwlI/AAAAAAAAHdo/fQxTCMB_E9c/plumberry%252520pie%252520white%252520bookcase%252520with%252520dark%252520back_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <h2><font size="4">Gallery wall. Umm, does one picture count?</font></h2> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-loZ9eJInQ_Q/Un0HaIxOB0I/AAAAAAAAHdw/y87TiGV0lTA/s1600-h/plumberry%252520pie%252520gallery%252520wall%252520art%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="plumberry pie gallery wall art" border="0" alt="plumberry pie gallery wall art" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_jTnFO6FdYI/Un0Hat11p0I/AAAAAAAAHd4/FWfhkRk7e1Y/plumberry%252520pie%252520gallery%252520wall%252520art_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>I’m so close to the finish line and will be back soon to show you the full reveal! Thanks to <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/11/one-room-challenge-linking-party-pretty.html">Linda</a> for hosting this because if it weren’t for you, I’d still be sitting here just thinking about all the stuff I want to do. Thanks to <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/11/one-room-challenge-linking-party-pretty.html">Linda</a> for encouraging us every week too and putting things in perspective for me yesterday. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ujZOfMz5Tao/Un0HbN3iG4I/AAAAAAAAHeA/q818hF2G84E/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> Make sure to check out the rest of the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/11/one-room-challenge-linking-party-pretty.html">linking participants finished rooms at Linda's.</a> Oh, and while you’re there, check out <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/11/one-room-challenge-my-family-room.html">Linda’s ORC family room makeover</a> on her Wednesday post. Magazine beautiful. You are sure to be inspired.</p> <p>To see the progression over the six weeks, check out these posts.</p><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-4-bookcases-end.html"> <h2><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-one-which-room.html"><font size="4">Week One</font></a></h2> <h2><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-2-painting.html"><font size="4">Week Two</font></a></h2> <h2><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-3-painting.html"><font size="4">Week Three</font></a> </h2> <h2><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-4-bookcases-end.html"><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-4-bookcases-end.html"><font size="4">Week Four</font></a></a></h2></a> Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-38719614822323630802013-11-06T10:12:00.001-05:002013-11-06T10:12:54.335-05:00Reveal Day for Official ORC Participants–Must See!<p>Today is reveal day for the 20 official One Room Challenge participants! The ladies have outdone themselves and there’s something to inspire anyone’s style preference. Believe me, you won’t be disappointed. Make sure to grab a cup o’ something and enjoy some awesomeness. Thanks again to Linda at <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/">Calling It Home</a> for dreaming up this thing. Hopefully I’ll be back tomorrow with my reveal as a linking participant. At this moment, it looks like an all nighter. Wish me luck! <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGBJSqcFNCk/UnlqQCiCtjI/AAAAAAAAPDo/oQnAVfgsBnc/s1600/ORCBanner+Fall+13.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGBJSqcFNCk/UnlqQCiCtjI/AAAAAAAAPDo/oQnAVfgsBnc/s640/ORCBanner+Fall+13.png" width="555" height="394"></a> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.callingithome.com/">Calling It Home</a></li> <li><a href="http://chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com/">Chinoiserie Chic</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.classiccasualhome.com/">Classic Casual Home</a></li> <li><a href="http://cottageandvine.blogspot.com/">Cottage and Vine</a></li> <li><a href="http://designaddictmom.blogspot.com/">Design Addict Mom</a></li> <li><a href="http://design-crisis.com/">Design Crisis</a></li> <li><a href="http://designindulgence.blogspot.com/">Design Indulgence</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.designmanifest.com/blog/">Design Manifest</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.theenglishroom.biz/">The English Room </a></li> <li><a href="http://chattafabulous.blogspot.com/">The Green Room Interiors</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.henhurstblog.com/">Henhurst Interiors</a></li> <li><a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/">Little Black Door</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.maddiegdesigns.com/blog/">Maddie's Nest</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.mixandchic.com/">Mix And Chic</a></li> <li><a href="http://mynottinghill.blogspot.com/">My Notting Hill</a></li> <li><a href="http://pawleysislandposh.blogspot.com/">Pawleys Island Posh</a></li> <li><a href="http://blog.thepinkpagoda.us/">The Pink Pagoda</a></li> <li><a href="http://simpledetailsblog.blogspot.com/">Simple Details</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.thevaultfiles.com/">The Vault Files</a></li></ul> Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-87553861996496652712013-11-04T09:46:00.001-05:002013-11-04T09:46:12.421-05:00One Room Challenge Week 5+: Not Much To Show For It<p>Aaack! There’s been so much going on around here, but not in the family room. You know, when it rains, it pours. Yeah, like that. Soooo, I kind of missed my five week update, but truly there wasn’t much to show for it anyhow. My father-in-law hung my drapes higher and wider, I changed out my recessed lighting for LED kits and thanks to all of you and your feedback, finally decided to keep the new brass table.</p> <p>I was so glad that the masses said to keep the brass table saving me from painting the old one. Yippeeeeeeee! I couldn’t even fathom painting another thing….especially since I haven’t finished the bookcases, the baseboards or trim on the walls. Time is closing in on me. Eek! I’m losing confidence that I’ll actually pull this off by Thursday. But either way, I’m much further than I was before, right?!</p> <p>Thank you so much for the comments and support. That has been the best thing about this entire process. Today I hope to knock some things off my list. And tomorrow, I hope to be back to share some Baltimore with you. I went to Baltimore this weekend for a wedding and believe it’s one of America’s best kept secrets for a fun getaway. Sorry for the non-update update and no pictures too – geesh. Hope to have something to show for myself on Thursday. </p> <p><font size="6" face="Mistral">Happy Monday!</font></p> <p><font size="6" face="Mistral">- Kim</font></p> Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-56528585994179279862013-10-25T10:13:00.001-04:002013-10-25T10:13:37.901-04:00Five Ways to Make your House your Home<p>There are some things I’ve learned along the way of trying to create a space that fits our family. Often times, I think we fall into the trap of “what it’s suppose to be” or “what others will think”. Here are a few things to keep in mind on your journey to creating a home just right for you and your family.</p> <ol> <li><font color="#ff0080" size="4"><strong>Break some rules.</strong></font> Really I think this is the biggest thing to remember. Just because it’s suppose to be a formal dining room and living room, doesn’t mean it has to be one. If your family doesn’t do formal, then turn it into a space that is more usable for your family. We decided, rather than create a space that looks pretty, but gets no use, we turned our formal dining room and living room into the least formal rooms of all – the playroom / craft room / homework room. It serves our family better this way. And an added bonus is that the table we set up in the craft room/homework room can double as an extra dining table for parties and holidays. Also, think outside the box of what an item is typically used for. A shower curtain can be so much more than a shower curtain. It can be new drapes or fabric for a new pillow or <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-big-cover-up-hidden-game-toy-storage.html">hidden toy storage</a>.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-awixv4AJFTk/Ump8heAJzgI/AAAAAAAAHco/pSTAzbJ7lHA/s1600-h/hidden%252520toy%252520storage%252520-%252520plumberry%252520pie%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="hidden toy storage - plumberry pie" border="0" alt="hidden toy storage - plumberry pie" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2w2LRt9iVcQ/Ump8iaGIwEI/AAAAAAAAHcw/hD5VlQ-ME6s/hidden%252520toy%252520storage%252520-%252520plumberry%252520pie_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="477"></a> <li> <div align="left"><font color="#ff0080" size="4"><strong>Take a risk.</strong></font> Don’t be afraid to just try something. Sometimes it won’t work out, but many times you’ll find it was worth the risk. There were definitely a bunch of doubters when I said I wanted to pull out the carpet and <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/07/painted-floorshow-to-products-used.html">paint the subfloor</a>. Now that I’ve finally done it, I am so happy I did. And the doubters became believers. And of course, I’m not talking about taking risks with high ticket items when the potential loss is not worth the risk. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mtYZZ_EApsY/Ump8i3sUlxI/AAAAAAAAHc4/cx2ZJs5DQUs/s1600-h/peek%252520in%252520playroom%252520oct%2525202013%252520plumberry%252520pie%25255B12%25255D.jpg"></div><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="peek in playroom oct 2013 plumberry pie" border="0" alt="peek in playroom oct 2013 plumberry pie" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l5MZhs_UrBA/Ump8jv1OTkI/AAAAAAAAHdA/t6m9XVs5NxA/peek%252520in%252520playroom%252520oct%2525202013%252520plumberry%252520pie_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="477"></a> <p><img style="display: inline" title="Plumberry Pie Teal Painted Subfloor" border="0" alt="Plumberry Pie Teal Painted Subfloor" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1RPPtvFQq4c/Ug1756YuThI/AAAAAAAAHFQ/X4GH0kzUmdM/Plumberry-Pie-Teal-Painted-Subfloor_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="555" height="416">{<a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-happy-hallway-teal-painted-floors.html">The Happy Hallway</a>} </p> <li><font color="#ff0080" size="4"><strong>Embrace what YOU love, not what you think others would like.</strong></font> Who lives in your home? You. Make it for you, not visitors. If shag carpet and avocado green get you giddy, then do it. Forget about what others think. Your home should be your haven and feel like a big hug. <li><font color="#ff0080" size="4"><strong>Don’t just make it pretty, make it functional.</strong></font><font color="#000000"> And make it functional for your everyday life, not for that once a year party. You can always adjust for guests when they come, borrow chairs and tables, etc. If you only entertain once a year, is it worth having accommodations for 25 when you have a family of five?</font> <li><font color="#ff0080" size="4"><strong>Shop your home first.</strong></font> Just by rearranging and borrowing from other rooms, I’ve been able to change things up in my home. Often times we get settled in and forget about certain items. They regain a new life and can change a room’s vibe just by moving it somewhere else. These <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/05/stripes-or-no-stripes-accidental-update.html">lamps</a> once lived in our playroom, but completely gave new life to this table in our foyer.<img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0598" border="0" alt="IMG_0598" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uQbQzX51aYM/UaUvEoXVJaI/AAAAAAAAGu4/Iff-_yv2sy8/IMG_0598_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="552" height="415"></li></ol> <p>I’m definitely no expert, but these are just some things I’ve learned along the way. Hope they help you as you make your space your own!</p> <p><font size="6" face="Mistral">Enjoy your weekend! </font></p> <p><font size="6" face="Mistral">- Kim</font></p> Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-21112595472687894602013-10-24T09:37:00.001-04:002013-10-24T09:37:39.340-04:00One Room Challenge Week 4: Bookcases + End Table<p>Hello there! Thanks for stopping in today! So glad you’re here! If you’ve missed the first three weeks, you can find them below.</p> <h2 align="center"><font color="#42d132" size="3"><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-one-which-room.html">Week One</a> <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-2-painting.html">Week Two</a> <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-3-painting.html">Week Three</a></font></h2> <p>Okay, so this week I decided to tackle the bookcases. It was just what I needed to keep me going. Seeing them transform and seeing how they transformed the space has given me back some mojo. These guys are making me happy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_FrAL6Ta5sU/UmkibbaxpvI/AAAAAAAAHaQ/-RGeLpBU1Ss/s1600-h/bookcases%252520in%252520process%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="bookcases in process" border="0" alt="bookcases in process" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JulKkhogTtc/UmkicbvlMEI/AAAAAAAAHaY/yC9NUQ-4d8s/bookcases%252520in%252520process_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>Just look at the difference painting the bookcases makes on the room. Before….</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="brown table" border="0" alt="brown table" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZsOuFJy5n4g/UmUz8wDOLcI/AAAAAAAAHZ8/qASGXm0uX2Q/brown%252520table_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></p> <p>…after-ish (in progress). Sooo much better! Of course my second grader doesn’t agree, but that is to be expected. And my 7th grader gasped and had to make sure that I wasn’t actually leaving the bookcases right in front of the fireplace. In good, old-fashioned, middle school tone of voice, “you’re not leaving them here, are you, mom?!!”</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7eJsS5_O4mA/UmkidJ7O-0I/AAAAAAAAHag/N0W6G0gl0m0/s1600-h/pops%252520of%252520accessories%252520against%252520dark%252520backin%252520on%252520bookcase%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="pops of accessories against dark backin on bookcase" border="0" alt="pops of accessories against dark backin on bookcase" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GK5RUCnh1Q8/Umkid35YqBI/AAAAAAAAHao/YC0kJJypcPM/pops%252520of%252520accessories%252520against%252520dark%252520backin%252520on%252520bookcase_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>On Monday, I mentioned that I was having trouble deciding on what to do with <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/thinking-out-loud-random-happy-your-help.html">this end table</a>. With some validation from my friend <a href="http://dimplesandtangles.blogspot.com/">Jennifer at Dimples & Tangles</a>, I finally decided on painting it in the family of blue/teal/turquoise as my definite game plan. And then…I stumbled upon this brass table at Home Goods the very same day (and that awesome fuzzy blanket). </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hZLVupY2RE4/UmkieRWLm3I/AAAAAAAAHaw/rlLlbt-eJcI/s1600-h/brass%252520table%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="brass table" border="0" alt="brass table" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-734C4hqp2-M/UmkifAyEBBI/AAAAAAAAHa4/RFM3LvuAVlI/brass%252520table_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="477"></a></p> <p>Also found this other heavenly, soft, blanket bliss!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PZbIjk65b40/Umkif_U3oZI/AAAAAAAAHbA/Td54SbGiGWE/s1600-h/gray%252520fuzzy%252520blanket%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="gray fuzzy blanket" border="0" alt="gray fuzzy blanket" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F1xfUCbUzWo/UmkiglCYyaI/AAAAAAAAHbI/irj3PPaMfS0/gray%252520fuzzy%252520blanket_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>Okay, back to the table situation. I like how the table picks up on the brass details on the <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-2-painting.html">console table</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NmF9J5TO1dc/UmkihJDtnyI/AAAAAAAAHbQ/pN2tht-w-fQ/s1600-h/brass%252520detail%252520on%252520table%252520linking%252520to%252520brass%252520table%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="brass detail on table linking to brass table" border="0" alt="brass detail on table linking to brass table" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NeSRSdh6KgQ/UmkiiPcWmRI/AAAAAAAAHbU/2teaqxTp2qY/brass%252520detail%252520on%252520table%252520linking%252520to%252520brass%252520table_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>It is still very tone on tone, borderline blending into the brown couch, but I think the metallic quality and it’s interesting pattern and shape make it work. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eYtx1XB7FnM/UmkijcC8coI/AAAAAAAAHbg/eLYgjm4KtT4/s1600-h/corner%252520view%252520of%252520couches%252520with%252520table%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="corner view of couches with table" border="0" alt="corner view of couches with table" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E5L906MytMg/Umkij8EsVjI/AAAAAAAAHbk/QjYWF2mPSzA/corner%252520view%252520of%252520couches%252520with%252520table_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ep_PU-W0eXc/UmkiklDgzHI/AAAAAAAAHbw/bQ4iDg8ZN18/s1600-h/room%252520view%252520with%252520brass%252520table%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="room view with brass table" border="0" alt="room view with brass table" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wt-aSvk_J2M/UmkilUCeGeI/AAAAAAAAHb4/4ZaMtZ2JVqA/room%252520view%252520with%252520brass%252520table_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>Or am I just trying to convince myself it works because I really DON’T want to paint another thing? I would love your thoughts…paint existing table or go with the new one? Whatcha think?</p> <p>Paint this one…</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="brown table" border="0" alt="brown table" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZsOuFJy5n4g/UmUz8wDOLcI/AAAAAAAAHZ8/qASGXm0uX2Q/brown%252520table_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></p> <p>…or keep this one?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4Vn90-UWhNU/UmkimdYrkwI/AAAAAAAAHcA/-gQvFOGcL_M/s1600-h/room%252520view%252520with%252520brass%252520table%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="room view with brass table" border="0" alt="room view with brass table" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0kNMien1bzg/UmkinO6ikbI/AAAAAAAAHcI/XV7-txKOTvM/room%252520view%252520with%252520brass%252520table_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>In the next couple weeks, I need to get the bamboo blinds up/find ones I like, install the gallery wall and finish unfinished projects like painting trim work. And this lamp is getting a little facelift. It may get an upgrade from its gold duct tape hat to a nice black one. We’ll see.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gn_0UF9M80s/UmkinueBj3I/AAAAAAAAHcQ/LPD3SN-XY7U/s1600-h/lamp%252520before%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="lamp before" border="0" alt="lamp before" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2lHOJAdxRDI/UmkioWAoiwI/AAAAAAAAHcY/Bf-70SRB3cE/lamp%252520before_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="182" height="242"></a></p> <p>There are a couple items that probably won’t fall within the 6 week challenge - the rug situation and slipcovering the chair. I want to get things done, but don’t want to settle on something I’m not sure on just to get it done either.</p> <p>Make sure to stop by Linda’s to see the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-4.html">20 bloggers doing the Official ORC</a> and <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-linking-party-week-4.html">the participants (like me) playing along in the Link Up ORC</a>.</p> <p>Thanks again for stopping by. See you next week for the another update!</p> <p><font size="6" face="Mistral">Have a great weekend!</font></p> <p><font size="6" face="Mistral">- Kim</font></p> Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-76652081284890365502013-10-21T10:02:00.001-04:002013-10-21T10:02:28.689-04:00Thinking Out Loud: Random Happy + Your Help<p>Do you have those random moments when something as simple as a bowl of tomatoes can make you happy inside? Every time I walk by this bowl full of green tomatoes, I get that random happy feeling. Don’t know what it is…the shade of green, the fact it came from our garden. Just random happy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QKeyPA2CN0U/UmUz5TFbxyI/AAAAAAAAHZY/FDF8pkA3G4s/s1600-h/green%252520tomatoes%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="green tomatoes" border="0" alt="green tomatoes" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L67slclZk_k/UmUz6YzbwlI/AAAAAAAAHZg/-9Z9qxsfWnk/green%252520tomatoes_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="448"></a></p> <p>And my daughter keeps poking happy moments in there for me by revisiting things I loved when I was a girl. I’m not even sure how my daughter heard of Annie, but ever since, she’s been bugging me to watch it. A few years ago, I bought the movie for $5 at Target knowing I’d want to watch it with my daughter one day. Well, that one day was this Saturday. My husband was on a Cub Scout campout with my youngest and my oldest was intently focused on the Notre Dame game, so Little E and I took that golden moment to watch it. I forgot how much I loved every.single.song. Those songs just make you happy. We couldn’t help but tap our feet around, stand up and dance a little. Good stuff! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3lKyo9Hb5MM/UmUz68qLpCI/AAAAAAAAHZo/mVwpfWYBKw4/s1600-h/Annie%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Annie" border="0" alt="Annie" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oqDKP6tW7lo/UmUz7sPkytI/AAAAAAAAHZw/gUwMD3OXTXg/Annie_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="477"></a></p> <p>What’s not making me happy is that round, brown table. I can’t for the life of me figure out what color to paint it. I was going to strip it down to its bare wood, but don’t have the patience in me to strip the fluted legs and curves. I’m lazy like that. I need new eyes and ideas from you. I’ve been staring at it too long. Some options…white, but the console right next to it is white and the two bookcases will be white (bookcases will be in the corners flanking the fireplace). A tuquoise-ish color or good old black….maybe coral. Or something totally different? What do you think? </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cNpiV506xCI/UmUz8PAb9BI/AAAAAAAAHZ4/BvfUuopKoDY/s1600-h/brown%252520table%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="brown table" border="0" alt="brown table" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZsOuFJy5n4g/UmUz8wDOLcI/AAAAAAAAHZ8/qASGXm0uX2Q/brown%252520table_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>Also, still undecided on the rug. Is it too much to have black and white striped with the pattern on the windows and pillows? (those curtains will be longer by the way). Been thinking about a blue rug instead, but hate to tie myself to a color that can’t easily be changed for little money. All right friends, I’m open to your awesome ideas! Throw them at me.</p> Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-86424223233044395412013-10-18T08:03:00.001-04:002013-10-18T08:03:07.304-04:00Flashback Friday: Fall + Halloween Ideas<p>Hey there! Happy Friday! On top of the <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-3-painting.html">One Room Challenge</a>, life in general has been super busy lately, so I thought I’d do a little flashback today. I haven’t gotten my Halloween groove on this year yet, but I have a ton to share from last year.</p> <p>First, let’s start with a quick flashback of fall this year. They are more subtle and nature inspired.</p> <h2 align="center"><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/09/just-touch-of-fall-on-mantel.html"><font color="#336699" size="5">The Mantel</font></a></h2> <p align="center"><img title="feathers for fall mantel" border="0" alt="feathers for fall mantel" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DqlVlEndI8U/UiopskBg28I/AAAAAAAAHHo/9CSKSvG9_Ds/feathers%252520for%252520fall%252520mantel_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <h2 align="center"><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-2-painting.html"><font color="#9e7c7c" size="5">The Console Table Vignette</font></a></h2> <p align="center"><img title="feathers in a cloche - plumberry pie" border="0" alt="feathers in a cloche - plumberry pie" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nHZr5Jo0mBs/Ular-kS-UoI/AAAAAAAAHW8/oRySgC1l4qY/feathers%252520in%252520a%252520cloche%252520-%252520plumberry%252520pie_thumb%25255B38%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="481"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <h2 align="center"><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/09/feelin-fall-on-front-porch.html"><font color="#f79646" size="5">The Front Porch</font></a></h2> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U4hog0BrhLM/UjzC941x-EI/AAAAAAAAHMY/4ZwsXZ83Fao/s1600-h/%25257Bplumberry%252520pie%25257D%252520fall%252520porch%252520table%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="{plumberry pie} fall porch table" border="0" alt="{plumberry pie} fall porch table" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8QejQw90V8g/UjzC-s3HX1I/AAAAAAAAHMg/CsNBSbf5roY/%25257Bplumberry%252520pie%25257D%252520fall%252520porch%252520table_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">Looking for Halloween ideas, here’s a good start.</font></p> <h2 align="center"><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-25-halloween-around-house.html"><font color="#ffc000" size="5">Halloween Around the House</font></a></h2> <p align="center"><img title="halloween collage" border="0" alt="halloween collage" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YZDSXPRKb_M/UIkigIgPAVI/AAAAAAAAEEI/D07q9sw6lKg/halloween-collage_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="475"></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_4183" border="0" alt="IMG_4183" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FUAYFYHC_Sg/UH65-u59vRI/AAAAAAAAD5g/qKt81rrUdIQ/IMG_4183_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="555" height="417"></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2012/09/halloween-mantel.html">Halloween Mantel</a> <li><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2012/09/double-duty-easy-fall-decor.html">Double Duty Fall Décor</a> <li><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2012/10/focus-frenzy-day-8-eye-candy.html">Fall Outdoor Décor</a> <li><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-12-homemade-halloween-costumes.html">Homemade Halloween Costumes</a> <li><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-17-halloween-glow-stick-pocket.html">Halloween Glow Stick Party Favor Pockets</a> <li><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-19-halloween-decor-craft-ideas.html">Halloween Decor & Craft Ideas from Thrifty Crafty Girl</a> <li><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-20-halloween-real-food-ideas.html">Halloween {REAL} Food Ideas from Chef Jackie</a> <li><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-21-halloween-treat-bags.html">Halloween Treat Bags</a> <li><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-22-candy-corn-cupcakes.html">Candy Corn Cupcakes</a> <li><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-23-candy-corn-pizza-yes-pizza.html">Candy Corn Pizza? Yes, Pizza!</a> <li><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2012/11/save-some-halloween-candy-for-christmas.html">Save Some Halloween Candy for Christmas</a> <li><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-27-halloween-blast.html">Halloween Last Blast Roundup </a></li></ul> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0ENBEORZTy4/UIwK5xNmcPI/AAAAAAAAEL8/4EK1EIYNqcI/s1600-h/fox%2525202%252520set%252520eye%252520ball%252520cookies%252520and%252520bones%25255B21%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="fox 2 set eye ball cookies and bones" border="0" alt="fox 2 set eye ball cookies and bones" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-woMsRMHbowU/UIwK62ZftnI/AAAAAAAAEME/q5ASa20MyCA/fox%2525202%252520set%252520eye%252520ball%252520cookies%252520and%252520bones_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="555" height="417"></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="7" face="Chiller">Have a great weekend!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="7" face="Chiller">-Kim</font></p> Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605366259245381667.post-56994670145580902462013-10-17T08:03:00.001-04:002013-10-17T08:03:32.421-04:00One Room Challenge Week 3: Painting Paneling + a Gold Garden Stool<p>I told myself that if I got nothing else done in these six weeks except paint the walls, then it was a success. Our walls have been wearing several different paint colors at the same time for longer than I can even remember. So this week, painting the walls got scheduled into my calendar as a must do. And I was dreading it. Painting is not my favorite, yet painting is one of the biggest bang for your buck things you can do. So alas, it is a necessary evil.</p> <p>But most of the things we dread doing are the things that give us the most satisfaction in the end. So glad to check it off the list. And just a quick tip for you if ever have to paint paneling. I found out right away that it was very helpful to use my paintbrush to get in the grooves first, then go back and roll the wall.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z9WI0pJxKvQ/Ul_R8DTz9wI/AAAAAAAAHXg/sw13OeOaM0w/s1600-h/painting%252520paneling%252520-%252520plumberry%252520pie%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="painting paneling - plumberry pie" border="0" alt="painting paneling - plumberry pie" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0hSp7wXc_xc/Ul_R85TPhtI/AAAAAAAAHXk/i_dhxyvUWSk/painting%252520paneling%252520-%252520plumberry%252520pie_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>I also painted the garden stool from my <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/05/paint-floors-refrigerator-tip-burlap.html">back deck</a>. I’m trying to use as much as I have on hand to keep this makeover budget friendly. It got the golden touch. First go around, I used a matte gold finish and it had a greenish tint to it and blended too much with the furniture. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0nfk6orr5EA/Ul_R9m4zRII/AAAAAAAAHXw/VEb1bSk768k/s1600-h/garden%252520stool%252520before%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="garden stool before" border="0" alt="garden stool before" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V3TYYVFFFZU/Ul_R-OQGzmI/AAAAAAAAHX4/cCrIYXgrlpg/garden%252520stool%252520before_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="182"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ADhlkMl2zT4/Ul_R_DJ9sWI/AAAAAAAAHYA/2h8tevb7lKk/s1600-h/garden%252520stool%252520after%252520take%252520one%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="garden stool after take one" border="0" alt="garden stool after take one" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lxZ5HAXbuFU/Ul_R__dCxbI/AAAAAAAAHYI/gmLKK5srhSY/garden%252520stool%252520after%252520take%252520one_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="182"></a></p> <p align="center">So I painted a gloss gold finish and it worked out much better.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8VKC7u-kL24/Ul_SATUDoJI/AAAAAAAAHYQ/Fo-DpTXXx6k/s1600-h/golden-garden-stool-plumberry-pie5.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="golden garden stool plumberry pie" border="0" alt="golden garden stool plumberry pie" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ONp7xXds60Q/Ul_SA9IWmjI/AAAAAAAAHYY/mbbMoH7aRKQ/golden-garden-stool-plumberry-pie_th.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" height="477"></a></p> <p>I’m having rug commitment issues. I tried a layered rug look using the rug I had from our first house. In my mind, the rug looked like the <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/control/keywordsearch?SEARCH_STRING=overdyed">overdyed rugs</a> you’re seeing all over the place these days. I think my memory was playing wishful thinking tricks on me though. The rug is much more maroon/burgundy than I remember. My wishful thinking had it as a lighter red that was faded. Boo! So much for saving a buck on that one. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kt4kvUUXhoI/Ul_SBsbOtPI/AAAAAAAAHYg/itO4BwVvCRs/s1600-h/layered-rug-with-old-rug-on-sisal5.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="layered rug with old rug on sisal" border="0" alt="layered rug with old rug on sisal" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Mfu80yWUbSM/Ul_SCoiPjUI/AAAAAAAAHYo/yhS7Dm41f28/layered-rug-with-old-rug-on-sisal_th.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="418"></a></p> <p>I’m also toying with the idea of black and white stripes, so I threw a black and white beach towel on there to get a feel for it. Layered.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-keGW8s6aliI/Ul_SDLUuOOI/AAAAAAAAHYw/jE0_OnpuL9A/s1600-h/striped-towel-layered-on-rug8.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="striped towel layered on rug" border="0" alt="striped towel layered on rug" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XrpQCpQakX8/Ul_SDz6r1lI/AAAAAAAAHY4/SeVMk3QXiLM/striped-towel-layered-on-rug_thumb13.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="365"></a></p> <p>And on its own. I’m liking it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-grYY6scC_c4/Ul_SEb5NbFI/AAAAAAAAHY8/2rBg-QD0DS0/s1600-h/striped-towel7.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="striped towel" border="0" alt="striped towel" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Xs2veuTXPUs/Ul_SE4X-M4I/AAAAAAAAHZI/xHt52xIxG1U/striped-towel_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="266"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90103254/#/90103254">IKEA’s Stockholm rug</a> is in the running.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="" border="0" alt="STOCKHOLM Rug, flatwoven IKEA The durable, soil-resistant wool surface makes this rug perfect in your living room or under your dining table." src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/stockholm-rug-flatwoven__56123_PE161531_S4.jpg" width="475" height="475"></p> <p>I also like this one from <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-trellis-hk85/blue/200HJHK85A-2608.html">Rugs USA</a>, but thinking stripes will stand the test of time and mix better with the curtains and pillows. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://cdn2.ha-img.com/p/s4/200HJHK85E.jpg"><img alt="Rugs USA Homespun Trellis HK85 Blue Rug" src="http://cdn2.ha-img.com/p/s3/200HJHK85E.jpg"></a></p> <p align="left">Or this <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=28890168&parentid=A_FURN_RUGS">one</a> from Urban Outfitters.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=28890168&parentid=A_FURN_RUGS&color=040"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Magical Thinking Chevron Rug" src="http://images.urbanoutfitters.com/is/image/UrbanOutfitters/28890168_040_a?$beauty$" width="273" height="411"></a></p> <p>This week coming up, I need to finish painting the baseboards and bookcases white. Also hoping to get the window treatments up and take care of some lighting issues. </p> <p>Thanks for stopping in today and to any new visitors, welcome, so glad you’re here!! If you missed the first two weeks, you can see them at the links below.</p> <p><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-one-which-room.html">Week One</a>: Inspiration Pics</p> <p><a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-2-painting.html">Week Two</a>: Console Table Makeover</p> <p>And of course, check out what everyone else is up to this week for their ORC over at <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-linking-party-week-3.html">Linda’s {Calling It Home}.</a></p> Kim @ Plumberry Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10146275611377393369noreply@blogger.com10