Random Act of Kindness #67

Go ahead, convict me...guilty of slacking like no other. When's the last time I did a RAK post? Ummm, you can't remember? Yeah, me neither. It's been that long.

Fortunately, I was super inspired by a post my friend, Lisa, shared this week. You have to see this video. It's great! Click here to watch it.

After you watch it, you'll be ready for your next RAK challenge, so here ya go...

Did you know you could swing by Little Ceasars and pick up a large pizza for just $5? They're pre-made and ready to go. No ordering required! If there's not a Little Ceasars near you, I bet there's another place with a similar deal, you may need to do a little digging, but someone will love you for it, I promise.

Okay, friends, you know what time it is... go out and be kind! 

It's black and white

I've always been a fan of black and white in decor. Throw in a bit of gold and it's a winning combination in any room. My pinterest board has been heavy with black and white inspiration these days. So much so, that I finally had an "ah ha" moment and realized this is exactly the direction I need to head in our bedroom.

This moment came immediately after sending an on-line client a few inspiration pieces to look over as she decided which way she wanted her living room designed. Here's one of the 3 designs she had to pick from...

She didn't chose this design, but I'll be sharing the look she decided on soon. See the pillow in the middle? It's from West Elm and I've had my eye on it for awhile now.

Are you on board with the black/white/gold color scheme? Take a look below at the images that have my heart doing a little happy dance...

{via}

{Zinc Door}

{via}

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{via}

{etsy}

{Lamps Plus}

{via}

{Tim Balon}

Are you a fan yet?!

Bathroom plans

I had absolutely no intentions of even touching the kids' bathroom anytime soon. It was way, way down on the priority list seeing as how it's upstairs and they're the only ones that use it. But, I couldn't help myself and went crazy ripping down wallpaper. Then, there are the light fixtures literally hanging out of the wall with exposed wires and everything. So, I guess that means I'm starting on their bathroom way before planned.

I've always wanted to learn how to tile. What better place to start than a spot that doesn't see much traffic, i.e. the kids' bathroom is my guinea pig. And that sconce...well, that pretty much sealed the deal. It needs to find a home in our house. Both kids saw it and said, "Oh, that's cool!" Score one for momma. Something both kids agree on that's going to be living in a shared space.

In other house news, I'm pretty sure I've decided on a contractor to start the projects that are too big for John and I to handle. It's a fun feeling knowing we're on the brink of "the fun stuff" beginning to happen.

Happy weekend to you all, friends!

Dallas Shopping

I was oh so excited to hit the Dallas Design District yesterday for the very first time. Apparently, we "didn't even put a dent in it" but I was smitten with what I did see. Resources upon resources upon resources. They can turn anything into something in this town, I tell ya!

There were so many treasures that things were literally hanging from the ceiling. Filing these chairs away for my own design needs. Kinda loving that color! Hummm, now if only I could make up my mind and commit. If I were my own client, I'd be pulling my hair out at my indecisiveness. Commit, already, commit!

And, I'll leave you with something a little random but really funny. Talk about being noncommittal...I posted my chandelier on Craigslist then withdrew the post within 8 hours. Who does that?

Here's the story. I rashly decided that I needed to purge everything that was "getting in the way." Too much clutter and I'd love to build a little stash to buy the "new to me things" that we need, aka want. So, I snap a few shots of the chandelier that was left behind by the previous owners and without any research, decide $200 is a fair price.

Let's take a look...

Well, let me tell ya, I have never had quite the response from any other CL listing. Immediately, people were contacting me. Red flag, red flag! Darn...there must be something about this chandy that I don't realize. Guess I should see what similar chandeliers are listed for...do you realize I'm doing this backwards? Genius, I know!

Uh oh, looks like I've underpriced this piece by at LEAST $145 according to craigslist standards, not to mention, if it's actually a vintage piece, we're potentially talking a lot more than that! While I was out shopping yesterday I took note of other chandeliers that were selling in the $800- $900 range. No wonder people were practically racing to my house. Good thing I didn't list my address...whew!

So, how did I handle this awkward Craigslist moment, you ask? I admitted my stupidity to each interested party and gracefully explained I'd be re-listing this piece after having it appraised. Moral of this story? You can buy a lot more dining room chairs if you're smart enough to do a little research before making your next Craigslist post.

New Art...A treasure

I have another treasure to add to my art collection. It may just be my favorite piece thus far! I mentioned back in March that I was hoping my dad would draw a picture taken at Reed's baptism. Over the summer, he did just that. This piece is priceless on so many levels.

He drew it while we were living with them, waiting to move into our house. It was special being able to walk in and see his progress. Did anyone notice that he's drawing it upside down? He says that helps him with perspective and shading. Interesting, right? And you thought I loaded the picture wrong!...nope, that's really how it's oriented.

There's something so incredibly beautiful about watching someone use their God-given talent. 

This photo was not staged, their dachshund, Charlie Brown, claims my dad's lap as his spot of choice 99% of the time. Spoiled rotten*cough*cough.

{Actual photo}

I took this shot because I wanted to capture the raw emotion oozing out of Reed as John was praying over him. I love seeing John's hands on his shoulders, his wedding ring and even his camo waders. These things are all symbols that connect John to Reed as his earthly father. Then the words of his prayer and the baptism that followed were committing Reed to God as his Heavenly Father. See? There's so much going on in this picture!

{My dad's pencil drawing}

A closeup so you can appreciate the amount of detail. Those tiny tears melt my heart.

I shared my dad's story almost 2 years ago when I first started blogging. If you haven't had a chance to read it, please do. He suffered from a virus that attacked his brain and left him with a considerate amount of brain damage 7 years ago come October. His ability to draw is a gift that God used to aid in his recovery and one that miraculously improved post brain injury. Click here to read more.

Lighting Look for Less

Have you seen Crate & Barrel's new lighting? When I saw this beautiful light...

Dumont Pendant Light

                                        ...it reminded of a picture I posted back in May.

so, so pretty!

The originals are available at Dunlin for $948 EACH! Crate & Barrel's version is on sale for a mere $239.20. That's quite the savings.

These are fun too...

 

                                       Union Pendant                                Fulton Pendant Lamp

Can you tell I'm on the hunt for lights? I need a big 'o chandelier though since the previous owners took theirs with them and left me a bundle of wires. Gotta love that!

Happy weekend, friends. I'm having lunch with a childhood friend and I'm really excited. Remember this Transparent Tuesday post? Yep, we live close to each other now. God just keeps on answering those prayers. Above and beyond, friends, above and beyond!

Entry idea

Happy Tuesday that feels like Monday! Hope you all enjoyed the long weekend. Mine was full of design while my peeps, aka, the family, made it back to Austin to visit friends and celebrate the opening weekend of dove season.

Would you believe me if I told you there was more wallpaper removal going on over here? Will it ever end?! I'd show you pictures, but who am I kidding, those are boring. You want to see the pretty after shots, but sadly, I'm wading through all the middle stuff that isn't very fun to look at right now.

On that note, let's feast our eyes on something that is fun...

Esther Stewart

When I ran across this piece of art by Esther Stewart, I immediately began to wonder how it'd translate on the walls in my entry. So, I whipped out the painter's tape and played a little...

Hummm...a little crazy, right? I'm sure it'd look totally different once some of the shapes were painted and others were left for negative space. My wheels are turning. I have several other ideas I'm toying with and one is very labor intense for my sweet carpenter hubby. I bet his vote is for the painted, geometric craziness. ha!

There are so many "half started" projects going on that it's a bit overwhelming. I think it's time to sit down and prioritize! Will one of my "list making" friends please help me focus?