Our New Home | A Day in Mollywood

Trimming the House

November 28, 2012 By Molly

I’ve never been one to get crazy about Christmas. I’m not sure why but in past years, on occasion, I’ve been a real scrooge. I think it has to do with the season change. It gets much darker quicker and it puts me in a . . . mood. I’m just one of those people who needs the sun to set at 8:00 p.m. not 5:00 p.m. . . . sigh.

Last year was our first year in our new home. I can’t even remember decorating the house. My mother-in-law let us borrow lighted garland and graciously put it up on the banister. It ended up being beautiful. Thankfully she came down and did it again. Because man, that stuff scratches your hands. Ignore the bucket on the stairs. We were cleaning.

Surprisingly, we have put up the tree and decorated the mantle. I’m really into it this year. Our home feels so cozy and warm. I think we need a taller, fuller tree but this works for now! I loved taking out each ornament and remembering its special meaning. We have ornaments to celebrate buying a dog, getting married, home ownership, pregnancies and births. Looking at our tree is like looking over the past six years of our lives. Amazing feeling.

My favorite Christmas decorations by far are our stockings. I got them at JC Penney for 75% off after Christmas one year. I love the burlap look to them. It has that certain old-fashioned look to it.

You’ll notice the television is no longer there. It’s now a mirror that beautifully reflects light. Now I can decorate the mantle for each season! I plan on putting some bunting that says “Merry Christmas” draped across the mirror.

So that’s a peek into our home especially since so many people comment that they’d like to see more of it. I’m really in the decorating mood. Our shelves are here and our new rug is on the way! Finally, a year and a half after moving it finally feels like home.

Filed Under: Holidays, Our New Home 10 Comments

Plans for the living room

October 18, 2012 By Molly

I’ve been agonizing over what to do with our living room space. It’s kind of important as it is the room we spend the most time in and our entertaining space. I’ve already pointed out some of the problems but I am finally ready for some solutions!

I’ve been looking for rugs that would incorporate the new green color in the kitchen with some other color in the living room. I think I found it on overstock.com

Not only does this rug have the green color in it. But it also has a rusty orange, gold, blue and brown in it. It seems like the perfect choice and we could go with any number of paint colors for the walls. But a slate blue is looking like the winner for right now.

Since I’ve yet to find a bookshelf solution, I finally decided on this cube storage on both sides of the fireplace. They are just the right size to make it look like it was supposed to be there. I will put baskets in the bottom three cubes to take care of our toy storage problem. But the rest I can decorate and add some color. I also plan on putting a pretty lamp on top to help with the lighting issue. Framed photos will go in the wall space above it.

And the thing I am MOST excited about? We will move the TV down to set on the other side. This is the general idea below with the TV on the side of the fireplace instead of on the mantle. This will make room to put a mirror, candles, canvasses, holiday decor (!!!). I’m so excited to see how it turns out!

We will have to find some new comfy pillows and a colorful throw for the sofa and add other things from there. We’re on a serious budget so nothing too expensive. But I still think I can make this room look beautiful! We will hopefully start painting very soon.

I’ll make sure to take some before and after shots so we can see the difference!

Filed Under: Our New Home 5 Comments

House Help – The Living Room

September 4, 2012 By Molly

You guys? We’ve been in our house since May 2011 and still have yet to paint or decorate the main living space. I mean, it makes me feel like the laziest bum that we have done nothing to this area. But I am still having trouble figuring it out. I am most definitely NOT a home decor blog. I have no idea how to make a room look stylish. I’m afraid I’ll pick the wrong paint color and end up hating every decision I make. That and decorating a home is not cheap. We don’t have a large budget for decorating. But I’m so tired of feeling like crap when it comes to our home. I feel like it deserves to look good. It is a beautiful home and it’s practically naked!

So I’m going to show you a few photos and please please please for the love of God, chime in and tell me what you would do to the space! This is your chance to help decorate my home! Fun times.

This is the space I’m having trouble deciding how to decorate. The living room is open to the kitchen. It’s all just one big room and I think that makes it tough because you have to blend the decor and colors throughout each.

My main complaint is that the builders did not put built-ins on either side of the fireplace. There is absolutely no storage for toys or books or DVDs. And there is no place to put decorations! Since built-ins are too expensive for us right now, what do we do? Many people suggested IKEA bookshelves but those are out of the question due to shipping costs. The ceilings are really high so smaller bookshelves would look silly. Our plasma television sets on the mantle so there isn’t much space for photos or decorations of any kind. I thought about ladder shelves but am afraid my crazy boys will just try to climb them! If you have any suggestions or links let me know.

I found this option for a bookshelf on both sides. It has pretty good dimensions for the space and would allow us some storage and room to place pretties on shelves. What do you think of two of these?

Also, I’d love your suggestions for paint colors. This is tricky because do we paint the entire open space or just the living area? Do we do accent colors on the fireplace walls and leave the rest of it brown? I’m so sick of brown. I would really like some color infused throughout the space! Can we do a colorful rug on the carpet or is that just dumb?

We have already hung really long, light tan, sheer curtains over the windows. It is the only decor decision I have made and that was in January. Our sectional is a cafe latte brown and is really the only furniture we have in the space. Seriously. Everything we own is brown. But our sofa is only a year old so it can’t be replaced.

This is the view into the kitchen. The sectional sits smack in the middle acting as a sort of separation. I thought of only painting the kitchen and then doing accent walls to match in the living room but what color??? Oh, what to do. What to do. It’s so boring. I want to put up paintings and photos but on which walls? What are some cheap options for decor?

If only someone could make me an idea board! I’m not stylish enough to make one myself. I’m not crafty either so I’d rather just buy stuff.

Oh friends, won’t you please help me? Our house is screaming for a makeover!

Filed Under: Our New Home 10 Comments

Friday Brain Dump

January 27, 2012 By Molly

I went to see my OB/GYN yesterday (every girl’s favorite doctor). I have been bleeding for a month and finally admitted there must be something wrong. They did an ultrasound and I immediately saw the huge cyst on my right ovary. And bonus: the big one was covered with little ones! The doctor told me that my hormones are out of whack and cannot handle ovulation on its own. I dealt with this in high school too. My doctor recommended that I have the IUD taken out and go on birth control pills. I really don’t want to be on the pill but I also need to make my body stop bleeding. Taking the pills will also make the cysts go away so I won’t be in pain. I am also hoping this makes my hair stop falling out and my acne go away.

I have been going to the gym at least twice a week. I always thought I hated working out. But the part I hate is actually going to the gym. You know, getting ready, getting in the car, driving there, walking to the treadmill. I know, THE HORROR. But once I’m on the treadmill and I’m sweating out the stress from my day I can tolerate that part. Plus, it’s the way I feel afterward that makes the effort worth it. I am not doing this to lose weight. I am doing this specifically to release endorphins that will hopefully help alleviate my depressive episodes and irritability. I really hope I can keep up with it because I feel amazing after a good run.

I am hosting my nephew’s first birthday party at our house tomorrow. There will be around 40 people there and lots of kids. This is the first time that many people will see our new house and it makes me a bit nervous because it’s not completely decorated yet. Hopefully no one will care about that.

Last night I went to check on Landon and he was not in his bed. I was a bit panic-stricken. And then I found him. In his closet. Asleep. We picked him up and put him back in bed but it appears that when he wakes up he just hangs out in his closet. I asked him why he does that and he said there was a face on the wall. Poor guy. I told him if he is ever scared to come to our bedroom. It hurts my heart to know that he is scared and goes to his closet to hide.

That’s it for now. Everyone have a great weekend!

Filed Under: Depression, Friday Brain Dump, Landon, Our New Home 8 Comments

Dirt & Lace

September 28, 2011 By Molly

We’ve been exploring our new neighborhood. The boys recently discovered a huge pile of dirt. We’ve been having fun digging into the ground and looking around to find earth’s smallest treasures.

A fuzzy caterpillar. The boys were mesmerized.

Queen Anne’s Lace

Filed Under: Brigham, Family, Landon, Our New Home, wordless wednesday 12 Comments

The Playroom Reveal

September 7, 2011 By Molly

Welcome to Landon & Brigham’s playroom!

Now you see toys . . .

Now you don’t.

Colorful kiddie table was half price from World Market (baby does not come with)

Many of the toys are garage sale finds courtesy of my parents

Alphabet cable art display on clearance at Pottery Barn Kids

Landon helps me switch out the art every so often

Ikea Expedit bookshelf bought half price off Craigslist

I seriously love it.

I wanted the room to have lots of colorful accessories and toys

Canvas painting purchased at a womens trade show for $15

Sock monkey was a gift and the little sign was on clearance at Kohls

Other view of the room. Still need some pillows and something big on the wall. Photo wall maybe?

There’s that cute model again! Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere chair and rug from target which we already had.

As you can see it’s still not entirely finished. I want to make a cute cushion for the big toy box to create a neat little reading nook. I also tried to buy red tie-up curtains the other day but they looked awful. I’ve decided that we need red Roman shades instead. It has a big walk-in closet, which we use to store DVDs and soon-to-be my craft and sewing stuff.

So what do you think? I know I could have painted but I didn’t want to paint again. Simple as that. Maybe someday, eh?

Don’t forget to check out Landon’s room reveal too!

Filed Under: home tour, Our New Home, trying to be crafty 16 Comments

come sail away: plans for Brigham’s room!

September 6, 2011 By Molly

When we finally moved to our new house Brigham’s room was going to be the first one I tackled. I tapped my fingers waiting for some sort of inspiration. But every time I thought about it I came up completely confused. So I decorated Landon’s room first because, well, he was able to tell me what he wanted. Much easier. I think the main reason I kept getting stuck is because this isn’t a nursery and it’s not a big boy room either. It’s an in between room. It can’t be too babyish but it still includes a crib. See, my problems are big and important.

Then the other day I got an email from my favorite kid store ever, Land of Nod. It included a new piece of artwork. A ship with the word “ahoy” on it. And the idea for Brigham’s room was born.

Yes, there will be a theme. Pirates/Ships/Nautical/Sea/Americana/whatever-you-want-to-call-it. There will be red and navy and white and the walls will be a cool shade of gray as if Brigham were out to sea on an overcast day. See what I mean? The decorating clouds parted and I was pinning the crap out of awesome stuff. I am so excited now. I hope it doesn’t take three months to finish his room like the last one did!

The artwork:

1. Land of Nod
2. Etsy shop – Restyle Design Prints
3. Etsy shop – Monorail Studio
4. Found on Pinterest (how cute is this?)

I adore these prints too from esty seller Jennasue Design Co.

She also makes this one, which is just so cute I might cry. And also true since we live in Missouri.

Other Decor Ideas:

I want one of these to put above Brigham’s dresser. I can’t remember what they’re called (anyone? bueller?). I found one on Craigslist that was perfect but the lady wanted me to buy an old dresser with it. COME ON, woman! But she wouldn’t budge. No worries, I will find one.

How cute would this striped bunting be courtesy of etsy shop Betty & Barclay?

Oh, hello. I am the cutest drawer pulls ever made and you will buy me. Courtesy of etsy shop Echos of Summer.

Textiles:

I swear I am going to pull my never-used sewing machine out of its box and go to town. I want to make pillows and a crib skirt and curtains. I feel like I’m being unrealistic. But I’m on a strict budget for this room. So I have to be crafty or it won’t get done.

I’d like to make some pillow covers . . . it can’t be that difficult, right?

5. a shop called FINE
6. found here on pinterest

For bedding, I haven’t really settled on it yet. I don’t want to spend a large amount of money on crib bedding because he’ll probably transition to a toddler bed in a year (don’t get me started. I am mad at time). So if you have any ideas throw ‘em out.

I do kind of like this though. Especially the crib skirt. Only with my baby on the floor and not that baby. It’s from Pottery Barn Kids but how hard can it be to make a crib skirt? I mean, if you’re not me.

The best part of the whole room? I mean, besides the little boy who will sleep in it? Is this chair. I fell in love with it on pinterest. I think it would look perfect in his room. But I can’t afford a chair upholstered in Ralph Lauren fabric. Sorry, Ralph.

So let me introduce you to the best thing I’ve ever found on Craiglist . . .

This chair was free. Yep, free. He had it listed for $10 but when I called he told me that it would be setting outside his house and to take it if I liked it. Holy cow! I know it looks rough. That’s because it is. But like so many other bloggers I am going to turn someone’s trash into my treasure! It has really good bones. Now I just need to sand, repaint and figure out how to tear out those hideous cushions and make new ones. I want to upholster them with something similar to the striped canvas material pictured above. I think this youtube tutorial might help me.

So what do you guys think? I think it’s really cute. Seriously, if you have any other ideas put them in the comments. I would really love to hear what you think. But I think Brigham will love to sail off to bed in his new room =)

Filed Under: Brigham, Our New Home, trying to be crafty 8 Comments

Landon’s Room Reveal

September 5, 2011 By Molly

Finally! It’s time to reveal Landon’s bedroom. It only took, oh, three months. Hey, at least it’s done! Like I told you I am not a designer. But this room has my heart in it. When we visited this house before it was even ours he told us he wanted a “planet” room. He loves the solar system. Far be it for me to deny him what he wants. It’s his room after all, not mine.

Now, I know a lot of people wouldn’t go for this paint color. I wanted something unique and bold. My mistake? Buying paint from walmart to save money and skipping the primer. Ugh. These newbie mistakes led to a three-coat paint job that could still could use a fourth. But I gave up because I have had enough of orange fingernails! By the way, orange is very hard to photograph.

Anyway, I don’t really care that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. The only person I am trying to impress is my son. I wish I had a photo of the first time Landon saw his room. His eyes were as wide as saucers and he just gasped. He thinks it’s the best thing ever and tells everyone about his cool room when they come to our house. My favorite time is when all four of us crawl into his big bed and read stories and give each other night-night kisses.

Enjoy the tour!

view from the hallway

His nightstand and the book corner (they’re in the basket)

The solar system painting and ceiling decor

Close up of the ceiling hanging solar system

bedding and pillows

star lamp

another view of the room

Close up of wall decor (going to put some photos of Landon here too)

another side of the room

photo display made out of an old mirror (details below)

the amazing moon globe

Polaroid frame collection

you can write on them with a dry-erasable marker!

So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed the tour! I’m breaking it down for you in case anyone wants to know where I got something. I have linked it to the specific item where possible.

List of Items:

Paint color: Pumpkin Patch by Glidden (recommend the color but not the brand)
Furniture: previously used by my parents and gifted to us!
Blue curtains: Target
Blue bed skirt: Target
Comforter: Target (it was on clearance and I can’t find it anymore)
Bolster pillow: Target
Star sheets and pillow cases: Land of Nod
Solar system painting: Target
Ceiling solar system: Land of Nod (glows in the dark)
Star Lamp: Target (also glows in the dark)
Neptune hanging: Esty seller Hop Skip Jump
Star light, star bright hanging: Hobby Lobby
Repurposed mirror frame: idea and directions found on this blog
Moon globe: thrifted and given to me by my lovely friend Suzanne (Landon LOVES it! Thank you!)
“Moon and back” block: thrifted
Polaroid frames: Bed Bath & Beyond (these are awesome & can be easily changed)
Photos in the frames: Space flashcards from the $1 spot at Target! Hurry! (I cut them to fit)

I should have just made a list of “what I didn’t get from Target” =)

I hope that helps someone. Stay tuned for more house stuff this week!

Filed Under: home tour, Landon, Our New Home, trying to be crafty 28 Comments

Your Three Words

September 2, 2011 By Molly

I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. I haven’t done much with our new house. Last week I typed out a long whiney post about how I didn’t know what I was doing as far as home decor and interior design goes. I feel lost half the time. I had to stop looking at pinterest because it made me feel blue. People are so damn crafty. And I’m . . . not.

Then I decided not to publish it. Because I realized it’s not that I can’t do some cool stuff with our new house. It’s that I need to sit on my ideas awhile. You know, really get to know our house. She’s open (you can hear everything). She’s honest (we need blinds). She’s big (but prefers to be called voluptuous). I need to take my time. I don’t want her to get mad at me if I pick the wrong color.

I also realized that even though it feels like I’ve done nothing . . . I have done some things. All this to say, I have decided to show you guys what we’ve done so far keeping in mind that I am not The Nester or Young House Love. Go easy on me, okay? I am not a pro at this. I will never ever ever claim to be. But maybe I’ll get better. I need to unpack boxes (yes, 4 months later) and check mark some to-do lists this weekend.

If you’re patient and you come back on Monday you’ll get to see some projects we’ve done. In fact, if you’re really good, you’ll see home projects posted all of next week! Some are done. Some will just be an idea for the future. But still, aren’t you excited to finally see something related to this house? I know I am (excuse me while I commence crying at Home Depot).

So, ring the doorbell on Monday morning. I’ll be sure to make Naaman take out the trash and pick up his socks.

p.s. See that wreath on the door? It’s clipart. I have no idea what to put on the door. I mean, it’s such a nice door after all. But it deserved something. Turns out clipart is cheap and photographs beautifully.

Link up with Jenni at Your Three Words!

Filed Under: Our New Home, Silly Me, trying to be crafty, Your Three Words 6 Comments

my week in iphone photos (5)

July 2, 2011 By Molly

monday morning: in an unprecedented event I shaved my legs. It’s in the nineties here and I figured my legs needed a break from pants.

monday afternoon: Grandma Connie & Grandpa Neil came up to see the kiddos. I had to work but while I was gone Landon picked me some weeds flowers.

monday night: I accidentally purchased the wrong hair color. I usually go the safe route and buy honey butter. This is pretty light and I’m scared but also thinking I should just bit the bullet and use it.

monday night: I am trying to move out of my comfort zone as far as style goes. I was thinking about changing my make-up and nail colors. This is a metallic color by payless’ new line and essie’s Absolutely Shore, which is a subtle sea-green color.

tuesday morning: Take a look at this mess. This is supposed to be my jewelry box.
#1. This is dated and I want a new way to keep my jewelry organized so I can easily see what I’ve got to choose from. This is one of the reasons I never wear accessories. They are all stuck together.
#2. Note the fake green beans and waffles, which belong in the playroom. Ahhhh, the glamorous life of a mom.

tuesday afternoon: the boys are always doing fun craft projects at daycare. It makes me feel good to know they do fun things while there. This is Brig’s license plate and those are his hand prints! Definitely saving this one!

tuesday night: Another problem area in our new house. This is supposed to be my office. It’s set up in the kitchen and it is not working for me. As you can see it is a disaster. I have no idea what is in that pile. Also? That person in the picture frame. Yeah, I don’t know them. It came with it and I have yet to add something personal to it. Help me. I am beyond frustrated with how to go about organizing this house!

wednesday morning: speaking of trying new things. I bought some hair bands. Extra bonus for making me look younger. Maybe a bit too young?

also wednesday morning: blueberry almond flax oatmeal from target. It may look gross but it is absolutely delish! I wish I would be this good to my tummy every morning instead of skipping breakfast.

wednesday morning: getting a long overdue pedicure. My feet were in bad shape. It’s never good when the person taking care of your feet continuously comment on how awful they look. Yes, lady. They are my feet. I already know. But look how cute my new light green color turned out! The lady tried to get me to do hot pink. I told her I was not a hot pink person.

wednesday afternoon: Regrouping in my car with a drink from sonic. I feel sorry for people who don’t have a sonic near them. Because it is that awesome. Pouring one out for my sonic-less homies.

wednesday afternoon: Oh beautiful for spacious skies. I turned the music up and opened the sunroof. Let the vitamin D pour in on my head!

wednesday night: I forgot to take photos of my husband’s family BBQ! Lots of people I hadn’t seen for so long and I’m super sad I can’t show this off. But I am hoping to snag my sister-in-law’s photos and show you soon! This is a lake I passed that night on the long drive home. That’s a boat out there! It’s so serene at night.

all day thursday: on this day we had our huge company retreat. I was kind of dreading an all-day kumbaya session of “we’re great!” and “keep up the good work!” But then I won an award! You guys, I have not gotten an award in ages. I was so surprised. This is the highest honor you can get in my department. I got to walk up and receive my award from the owner of our company and 300 coworkers clapped and cheered for me. In case I haven’t mentioned it, I am the manager of volunteers for an amazing hospice company. I have been feeling really bad about being away from my kiddos so much lately and I desperately needed to be validated for my hard work. This couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ll talk more about what I do later. But for now – take a look at my awesome plaque that I will proudly display in my office!

thursday night: even though I was in a hurry to get dinner on the table after a long day I realized I needed to give the boys something nutritional. Fruit always seems to work for my guys and I even put it in a pretty arrangement on the plate! Then they smashed and ate it =)

saturday morning: riding a bike with his helmet on inside the house. Oh, and all while eating a waffle. My little multi-tasker

saturday morning: I found this nifty little thing at a craft store. It’s a full scale staircase wall template to help me put photos up the staircase! Yes, I’m cheating. No, I don’t care. I am decoration-impaired and need all the help I can get.

saturday morning: Brigham likes to lay down on the floor and pout when I scold him. As you can see his pouting never lasts for long.

saturday morning: Landon loves to pucker up and give me kisses. He is such an affectionate little guy!

saturday morning: both my boys on the built-in bench in the playroom. I have big plans for this little spot so stay tuned!

saturday morning: this is the usual state of the playroom. Do you think I should paint the walls and if so, what color?

saturday afternoon: I just adore this photo. He looks so grown up, does he not? I asked him what he was doing and he said, “I’m bogging, mommy.” ::head desk::

Do you take photos with your phone? Link up at Amy’s blog!

Also linking up with iphoneagraphy & instafriday. So many fun blog memes for phone pics.