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8 October 2012 Cha cha cha changes

Cha cha cha changes

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As you know, I have been giving my dining room/living room a complete makeover!  Remember how I first shared my feelings about my dining room here, then after being gone for the summer and returning home, I just couldn’t get the living room quite right.   I made some decisions and thought I had made progress, which quickly resulted in my gray and yellow love affair being over  because gray is just to0 difficult to get along with, leaving me in a state of undecisiveness for a few weeks now, but I am so happy to bring you up to date with the final decisions I have made!

Remember, my dining room started out looking like this.

 

And my living room looked like this.

After coming home from being gone all summer, I rearranged the furniture to this.

After weeks of not being happy, I decided to swap the furniture.  Today the furniture placement looks like this!

 

I flipped the two rooms.   The dining room is the focal point when you walk in the front door now.

The smaller area ended up being the perfect little cozy space for my chair and chaise.

I ended up deciding on these 2 fabrics for my curtains and ottoman.  Thank you JoAnne’s  for your Columbus Day Sale, a great 50% off sale!  I chose a more traditional fabric and adding a more contemporary fabric to the ottoman, these fabrics used together will help create a transitional decorating styled room.

Eventhough I LOVE this fabric,  I just just couldn’t get past the raccoon tails!   Thanks Hayley!

 

I am pleased to announce my handyman will be home in about 50 days now!  Can’t wait, he has some work to do to totally finish up this room!  The chandelier has to be swapped, pictures need to be hung, curtain rods need to be rehung to 108 inches, and 6 beautiful tufted, linen chairs need to be put together!  I returned the other dining room chair, it was the wrong color gray!  imagine that!

Along with a never ending honey do list!  I think I deserve a pat on my back, as anxious as I am to update and decorate this house, I have been very patient as my husband focuses on this deployment.  Patience is not one of my strengths, especially if it has to do with recreating and decorating my house!!

 

You know I love your feedback!  So what do you think about the changes?  I love the dining room table and linen chairs as the focal point, what about you?

Linking to Debbie Doo’s

 

 

 

 


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3 October 2012 When the Army gives you lemons, just make lemonade!

When the Army gives you lemons, just make lemonade!

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A few months back, I posted  these pictures on facebook and asked what would you do if this was your furniture.

Some of you said you would cry, some said you would actually burn it, some said buy slip covers immediately, and only a few gave suggestions on what they would actually do to make it work!

While I was visiting England with my husband, we stayed in the Military Lodge in Alconbury.  Not a five star by no means but very comfortable, clean, and very affordable!  This furniture was in the lodge where we stayed.  However, it  was also the furniture issued to us when we were living in Korea.   Being stationed in Korea is not like Europe, we could only ship 4000 lbs of our household goods.  That is NOT a lot at all!  Furniture was issued so you got what the Army gave you!  (Well I didn’t, I took a couch and recliner to be reupholstered (affordable too) because I knew better!)  Anyway many families are issued this sofa and 2 chairs.  This set came in 3 colors, navy blue, burgundy, and hunter green!  Talk about a blast from the past!!  Yep those were the 1990′s color scheme that the dotted print came in, there were other prints issued, but trust me, you got the “pretty” furniture if you were issued this beauty!   Even though it looks like you are living in a cheap hotel, there are ways to make it work.   Maybe not exactly what you had in mind, but for 2 or 3 years, it can work.

So to those of you who think OMGoodness, how in the world can I have a pretty, stylish,warm, and cozy home with this ugly furniture, I am going to give you some ideas on how to use what you got and when used with the right decor ideas, you can take lemons and make lemonade!

 As I searched the internet for  coordinating color scheme, I kept thinking what would I use with that furniture, because regardless of how short or long of time you live somewhere, it is still your home , you still have to live in it, with it, and it still needs to make you happy when you walk in the door!

I started with throw pillows.   I found several pillows that I thought would work with the hunter green color.  The pictures are hunter green, even though they look navy blue.    I immediately thought about the new gold color that is so very popular right now.  However I would not use a lot of it!  You could use navy blue with the gold, but I found some accents with red that I decided to use.  

Target

  I know many of you are thinking, why would you even use such furniture.  Because sometimes in life, it is what it is.   This is one of those times, moving overseas limits you in many ways and having a beautiful home is not on the top of the Army’s priority list.    But you always have options to make it work!  Korea style anyway! HA!

I definitely would use a print that was on a light background to contrast with the darkness of the furniture.  I’m a light and bright kind of person.

Potterybarn

Here are a couple of  rugs (Potterybarn) that could be used to add color, texture, and interest.

 

I think a neutral rug like this one from Target would be fine as well.

Hang a neutral or gold pair of grommet curtains like these linen curtains.

A colorful pattern print would bring out more colors and really add some pizzazz to your room!

  Both pair of curtains can be found at Target too!

Use additional contemporary home decor accessories like these mirrors that I blogged about here.

Kirklands

Everyone owns family pictures.   Gallery walls are trending right now so why not add something current and trendy to the room?  It would give the room a contemporary feel.  I love this whole display from Pottery Barn.

 Potterybarn

A gallery above the sofa would look great!

home happy home

You can check out  gardenberger  for great tutorials on arranging pictures!

Here’s a look at the whole collection that I put together.

 

Here are examples how to put them together.

Add a comfy, cozy throw blanket over the couch.  Light a few candles.  TaDa we just made lemonade out of lemons!

What accessories would you suggest to make the furniture not so “hotelish”?

We all have had and still have furniture that really is not our style, how do you make yours work?

Filed Under: Army Life, decorating Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
9 September 2012 Are you ready for some football and a giveaway?

Are you ready for some football and a giveaway?

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It’s football time of year again!  And showing our team spirit has become as exciting as the game!  So I thought this would be the best GIVEAWAY that not only shows your team spirit, but will make your yard and garden sporty looking too!

 Now don’t you go hating on me because I gave a shout out for Auburn, I can assure you that you can get this same look for the Florida GATORS!  You can even get one in red and black that reads Go Dawgs, even you FSU Seminole fans will be happy with some garnet and gold polka dots!  You can even rock the front of your military quarters with some Gold and Black, GO ARMY!!   What makes this such a great giveaway is that if you win, you can have this garden sign customized to whatever football team you are cheering for!

Not a football fan?  No worries, you can have one customized with your family name on it as well.

Dimple Dots is a small home based business in Phenix City, AL.    Dimple Dots is a Christain based, home business that Support Our Troops!   They sell personalized gift and home decor items.   Dimple Dots specialize in vinyl lettering and metal artwork.  The metal is made to withstand all elements of weather and is painted with a paint similar to a car paint.  Sign boards are made of metal and have been cut in a trendy shape and come in white, navy, hot pink, lime, red and black.   You can choose the colors placed on top of these base colors to show your team spirit or to add that perfect touch with a family name.   All signs can be placed on a regular size garden flag pole.

Dimple Dots ships to APO mailboxes!



Dimple Dots  also sells a wide variety of personalized gifts such as wall monograms.

This giveaway will run 2 full weeks and will end Sunday night, Sept. 23, 9pm EST.

Just follow these 2 simple steps to win:

 Leave your contact information as a comment  below on Recreate and Decorate’s blog post.  Will you please share on your social media fav!  The icons are at the bottom of the post and all you have to do is click the icon.

You must like Dimple Dots facebook page too!  I made it very easy to do so, just click on the link and you will go straight to her facebook page.  Show her that you support christain businesses that are “made in the USA” and who also support our Troops!  You may even want to let her know I sent you!

Don’t forget how easy it is to follow Recreate and Decorate!  All of the follow icons are to the right of this page!  There are several ways for you to keep up with me!  Let’s get social!

 

Linking to:

ladybehindthecurtain , at home take 2, motherhood on the rocks

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29 July 2012 When things are quite not right-Take 2!

When things are quite not right-Take 2!

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Have you ever been away from your home for a while and when you immediatey walk in the front door, you begin to notice all the flaws in your home?  Ok maybe not immediately, the smell of your home is ALWAYS the first thing that you notice!

  We were gone for 7 weeks this summer, and as soon as I walked in my front door, (and passed the smell test) this living room just didn’t feel right!  It felt way too cold and blah!!  We have lived here for almost a year, and I am just now realizing this?  Not really, but I had convinced myself it was good enough and was not a top priority for a while!  Well guess what!  It is now a top priority!  I know that once it is complete with a rug, new curtains, and new throw pillows that it will feel more cozy and warm!

The first thing that I realized very quickly, the teak chaise in front of the sliding glass doors  was quite not right!!!   It was pushed too far against the sliding glass doors and was apparent that it was blocking the doors!   I thought  ”what if I move the chaise forward and get it further away from the doors?”   The doors could still be useable but with a walkable space between the two.  Then the chaise will look like it belongs there!  “Maybe I can hang sheers in the middle of the glass doors to give it the appearance of  large windows”?  Something like this?  That would help fade away the outdoor furniture!  Because right now, that outdoor furniture is an eye sore!

Decorpad

 I couldn’t wait to get settled in and get my hands on this room!  My wheels were turning!   Because of the shape of the teak chaise, it really needs to be up against a wall.  However, I have my teak cabinet, AKA china cabinet, up against that wall!

So the chaise really needs to stay put!  I decided to pull the chaise out from the sliding glass doors 2 1/2 feet.

I rearranged the chairs and ended up using one less chair!  Still not sure!  But that poor little plant needs to find a new home!  I need something much larger in that corner.

  I plan to replace the red and browns (accessories) and use the newest color trend- yellow and grey.  Maybe some pillows like these.

But to be honest, this room will never look good until I get the ugly off white-peachy ceramic tile up and replace it with beautiful dark hardwood floors!  I just don’t understand why someone would put this particular ceramic tile in an entire house!   I mean not only are they ugly, but they are slick!  We have a pool!!  And they are a safety hazard!   Ok, now you know how I really feel about this ceramic tile! :-)

I am just grateful my husband hates this ceramic tile as much as I do!  I am even more grateful that he is willing to use the extra money from this deployment to replace the floors! That makes me very happy!!  I just don’t know how long it will take before we will replace them!  In the meantime, I have to live with them and do the very best that I can!  And knowing that most of my neighbors have the same exact floor helps a lot!!

I need your help here!  What are your thoughts about the chaise being in front of the sliding glass doors, but moved 2 1/2 feet from the doors?

What do you think about using the sheer curtains to “soften” the sliding glass doors and to hide the outdoor table? I mean the the view of the pool is not very good from that door anyway.

UPDATE!!  Shortly after I posted this, I was asked why didn’t I just move the chaise to where to two matching chairs were?  Well I actually tried this when we first moved in and my family did not like it at all!  However, I quickly slid the furniture around and here is what I have now!

 

 

So now what do you think of this furniture placement?   I like it best, but not sure what to do with that back!  It is just too much!  Any ideas how to camouflage it?  Maybe I should just sell the chaise and get a regular sofa for that space?

 

 

Linking to debbie-debbiedoos

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7 June 2012 I’m Such A Bad Mom!

I’m Such A Bad Mom!

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or AM I?

The day that David deployed was a very emotional day!  I have to admit, I did not handle it as well as I thought I would!  David and I decided to just drop him off at the airport and say our goodbyes rather than getting a security pass and staying with him an additional 2 hours!  The anticipation of him leaving was at an all time high, waiting any longer would have been detrimental to my mental health!  If you have experienced anything similar, you know exactly what I am talking about!  Sometimes it is best to just say goodbye and GO!

We woke up that morning and both girls had decided to go on to school.  Gabby wanted to go and take her AR tests (what a committed student) and Hayley had to take exams (even though the school would have worked with us).  Gabby woke up extremely early that morning, which is rare, she is always sneaking a sleep in until the very last minute.  I knew immediately when she was up so early that it was going to be a rough day.  I encouraged her to go get in the bed with daddy and get some early morning snugs!!  Eventually the 2 of them were up and she was determined to go to school.  So being the supportive mom that I am, I went along with this decision, even though I reassured her she could stay home!  The time came for her to go to the bus stop, so her daddy took her.  Because David is so organized and is the “has it all together parent” of the 2, he got to the bus stop with a few minutes to spare.   However this is very unusual for me as many mornings my fellow neighborhood moms look out for us and flag the bus down as we drive up and it’s about to drive off!  I wonder if he would have gotten different results if she literally had to jump and run to catch the bus that morning!  Meanwhile I am at home on the computer, either on facebook or working on my blog, because that is how I escape these days!  As I am getting Hayley up for school, David and Gabby return home.  Both are blubbering and I knew, we were in for a long hard day!  Gabby just could not say goodbye to her daddy.  Now David is a strong man, he does not show much emotion about too much, however when it comes to his wife and girls, that grown man can break your heart!  We got it together (temporarily) and managed to get Hayley ready for the bus.  Our sweet and entertaining  neighbor-daughter, Emma, who likes for us to refer to her as our 3rd child, comes over each morning to walk with Hayley to the bus stop.  When it came time for Hayley to leave for the bus, she was stopped dead in her tracks by emotion and we decided that David would take them to school.  Poor Emma!  She experienced first hand the sadness and grief that military families feel when moms and dads are deployed!  We all had our family hug, tears a flowing, ugly face cries, and me reassuring how strong we are, we are TEAM HOFFS  for heaven’s sake and we would be ok!   It took awhile to get it together and David took Hayley and Emma to school. Hayley is our quiet  and reserved child, she knew it would be easier for her to just go to school and get it over with than dragging it out all day!   And Emma was given clear directions to take care of Hayley!

The morning slowly passed and David, Gabby and I drove to the airport.  I had been mentally preparing myself all morning to be strong and not to lose it at the airport!   As it is time for him to say “goodbye”, we all 3 had a wave of emotion that still rocks me to the core!  Talk about ugly faces!  Usually I bury my face in my hands to keep from exposing that ugly face cry!  But at that moment, I did not care!!  I am sure we were a sight to see!  Here we are outside the airport, just a boo-hooing and bystanders watching and I am sure feeling our emotion!  I am sure with David being in uniform and the 10 bags he had to check, everyone had to KNOW we were a family of a Deployed soldier!  The rest of the afternoon is a blur, I just remember Gabby rubbing my back saying “Mom, it is ok, we are TEAM HOFFS!”  Wow I needed to hear that!

The day drug by and Hayley returned from school.  We decided to indulge ourself with some good ole comfort food!!!  So dinner time came and we decided that CRACKER BARREL was the place to go!  The whole atmosphere at Cracker Barrel is just what we needed!  Warmth, coziness, and CANDY!!

And what better choice of comfort food is there than our favorite-chicken and dumplings!!


 

Now I have to tell  you, I am not a mom who lets my girls just eat a lot of junk food and candy!  I am a mom of moderation, however I did let my girls indulge that night!  We all did!! The lesson that I wanted to teach my girls is that it is ok to feel sadness, it is ok to have a night of indulgence , but TOMORROW is a new day, and we will put our best foot forward and move on!  We went to bed that night, woke up the next day feeling like we could conquer the world because we are TEAM HOFFS, we can do anything!

I wonder though, did I teach them to go to food for comfort or did I teach them that some times us girls just need a night of indulgence and it’s ok, but we must move on?   Just another thing for me to stress about!  What do you think?

 

I am linking to http://www.serenitynowblog.com/, things i cant say

 

Filed Under: Army Life Tagged With: , , , ,