Dear Matt

If I had one of these...

... you would be able to see that these are the deer that Rico and I
had a stand off with yesterday on our walk. 



... but, I don't have an iPhone...

Matt, 1998 called, and they would like their phone back.

I promised it would be in the mail right after Mother's Day.

They understood that since I gave birth

to human beings that you also call your own

- yet... would never have been able to birth without me -

that yes, I should have an iPhone for Mother's Day.

All in a Saturday

Last week, I shared my wish list for some decorating re-dos I am working on. Since then, I had found some lamps and a starburst mirror. I ordered both online.

Yesterday, I recieved word that the starburst mirror order was cancelled. And then, the lamps came, and they were not exactly what I was hoping for.

My budding interior designer, Isaac, and I decided to head to a second hand furniture store in the area that I had never been to. My favorite one, Jade Grace, didn't have any of the items I was looking for.  I was at least hoping to find the dresser I need, and then maybe a vintage starburst/sunburst mirror.

At the second hand store, I did find an antique dresser but it had a stained finish, of course, which meant I would have to do some DIY magic on it... and that scared me, although the price was perfect. I also could have bought a chair (or four) for my bedroom that I have also been looking for, but they were all sold. Just my luck.

Isaac and I headed to TJMaxx, my second home these days, and I ended up buying a chair that I have had my eye on for a few weeks. It was marked down, so the time was right!

(Side note: I was thinking of painting this table, but I have decided not to. I am afraid of screwing it up.)

Pier One was right down the way from TJMaxx, so we figured we would pop in there to see if there was anything special that would catch my eye... um... like the whole store! Dangerous place. Isaac even said, in all of his wisdom, "I would love to work here, but I couldn't because I would want it all and I know I couldn't have it." As the words were flowing from his mouth, I was thinking, "DISCOUNTS, BABY! DISCOUNTS!"

No starburst or sunburst, but I did end up buying those paper lanterns to hang from the ceiling at Pier One. 

The original starburst that I had ordered was from Kohl's. At this point, my wise son said, "Can't we just GO TO Kohl's to get the one you ordered?"  Der. Well, of course we could try, but I said that with much doubt in my voice.

HOLLAR! FIFTY PERCENT OFF! At my Kohl's. Isaac is so stinkin' smart. Why did I not think of that 10 internet-searching-hours ago?

I loves it. Plus, I think the lamps we have are actually perfect.

So the green, blass retro ones have found a home in the basement store room. I paid shipping for them, and for that reason only, I will keep them for something later... like when we re-do Audrey's room for her thirteenth birthday this summer. I hope she likes green. 'Cause that, they are.

Rug and dresser are all I need for the bedroom. Oh, and I have decided I may need a little ladder/tilted bookshelf thing. Matt can thank Pier One for that.

My crazies, Part 328

I don't know how or why it happens, and thankfully, it only happens a couple times a year... okay, maybe a couple times more than that... but, when I get on a re-decorating kick, it drives me insane until it is complete - and perfect.  I will blame it on my A.D.D. or this sudden influx of 'free' time on my hands or... let's face it Mom, genetics.

I woke up this past Saturday determined to find new window coverings for our bedroom. The day ended in frustration... not because I actually purchased new curtains, but more so, because deep down, I knew they were, oh. so. wrong.

Yet, I let Matt hang them last night.

I tossed and turned all night with those curtains looming in the dark. Stupid curtains stop staring at me!

You know what happens next. I spent today looking for replacement curtains for the replacement curtains. I found them, of course, which would have been easy to do the first time had I not been haunted with the visions of DIY-ers on the internet who make all of their crap for less than what I paid for a sweet skirt at Goodwill this morning.

Matt, love of my life, close your eyes.

Today, I over-spent on my lovely white, airy curtains that will transform my sanctuary in to one only found in a magazine.

Matt, you can open your eyes now.

Buy cheap, buy twice.
-Ruthann Mayle Ruggiero

This quote of my mother also haunts me, thank you very much. Had I held true to this mantra, I would have spent much less time and money.

After being up all night long with those completely inappropriate curtains staring at me, other current decorating quandries bounced around in my brain. Literally... bounced in my brain... like a pinball game.

So I could focus on the kids coming in and out of the bedroom as we all woke up this fine President's Day morning, I had to purge my brain. I pulled out a piece of paper from my nightstand and made THE LIST.

Black bench - basement
Drum shade - kitchen

Zebra rug

Chest/trunk - den

White long/short dresser

Parsons chair for desk - bedroom

2 lamps, retro - bedroom

1 desk lamp - bedroom

Starburst mirror - bedroom

Rug  bedroom

Paint for touch ups - basement, master

When Matt found this list, he said, "Please tell me this is just a 'wish list'?"  Emphasis on WISH LIST.

You see, in the list, I have only actually found TWO of items. Neither of which I think I should spend money on.

Oh well, the new curtains are hung, but I still may not sleep because they need to be hung higher. It may be a two-pill kind of night.

Top 3 Must Haves

I have never been a product snob, but these are three products I cannot live without.

 

Smells so good... my sister's clothes cannot be the only ones. Thanks for the tip, Cathy. You have changed my laundry life forever.

Kaboom! The late, great Billy Mays was right on the money. The only downfall... it has zero green qualities. I should try the pump instead of the aerosol foam.

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine. Gives my hairdresser a fit that it isn't one of his products, but that's okay. My hair has just enough bend to end up not doing what I want it to do, and this product is awesome - put on wet or dry.


What are YOUR Top 3 Must Haves?