Happy First Birthday Blog!

Wow! How does time fly by so fast? It was one year ago on May 6th, that I started this little blog. I began writing to no one really, as I am guessing that is how most of us started out. Here is my first post and why I started in the first place.
I knew this blogging community was great before I started this blog, but I just never guessed on how sweet and supportive a lot of the other bloggers and readers have been to me.
I don't have a huge following and that's okay. Maybe I will gain some more as time goes on, and if I don't that's okay too. I am just SO appreciative of those that are following me, and for all of you that leave comments. You have no idea how it lightens up my day!
My goal for this year is to finish my course with Sheffield. Seriously it needs to be done like NOW. And I will try to very hard to be more consistent on my posts. I know I have been very sporadic with them.

In other news, I was contacted the other day by a designer/blogger that I met at the Design Camp in Seattle earlier this month, Courtney from Illustrated Kitchen and Bath.  She awarded me the Liebster Award. The Liebster award is something that new bloggers give out to other new bloggers to sort of share the love and maybe share some readers. Who doesn't love to be introduced to new blogs out there?
I was very honored that she included me. To be honest, I was actually given this award from Julie of Longhorns and Lilacs are few months back. I was super honored for her to include me as well, but sadly I just spaced off doing the post. Ugh, sorry Julie! Please go to Julie's blog and be sure to say hi.
Okay, so how this works is:
 

If the nominee decides to accept the award, he/she must:

1. Answer the 11 questions posed

2. Post 11 facts about themselves

3. Nominate 5-11 bloggers

4. Tell them they have been nominated

5. Create a list of 11 questions for the nominees to answer

 

 

So, here it goes:

 

11 Questions given to me:

1. What’s your favorite season? Fall
2. What’s your best advice for new bloggers? Don't be afraid to reach out to other bloggers for help or advice
3. Are you glass 1/2 full or glass 1/2 empty? I'd like to think I'm half full
4. Coffee or tea? Definitely coffee
5. What’s your favorite magazine? I have so many favorites, but Coastal Living the best
6. Pick four words to describe yourself. Introverted, loyal, open minded, giving
7. List your three favorite online shopping sites. Etsy, Pottery Barn, Joss & Main
8. Night owl or morning person? Night Owl
9. Which do you prefer: ocean or lake? Ocean
10. Where do you get your best blog inspiration? Life, other bloggers,  & Pinterest
11. PC or Mac? PC

11 Facts about Me:

 

1. I live in the city where I was born
2. I met my husband on a blind date set up by two of our close friends
3. I won a prize as a guest of Live with Regis & Kathie Lee, while visiting NYC and was on TV
4. After seeing Flashdance as a child, I wanted to live in a warehouse and become a dancer.
5. Had a HUGE crush on C. Thomas Howell growing up.
6. First time on a plane was to NYC and without my parents
7. First concert was Pearl Jam (I'm from Seattle, duh)
8. My favorite smells are peppermint, coffee and garlic
9. I have three daughters
10. In highschool I wrote a paper saying I wanted to be an interior designer for yachts and another year, I wrote I wanted to write a screenplay
11. Must visit Italy

Now, I would love to pass on the torch to the following bloggers: ( I thought I'd reach out to some of my blog followers that have had their blog for a year or less)

 

Andrea from The Glam Pad

Lekalia from Pillow Love

Petie from Inspired Nesting

Sandy from You May be Wandering

Emily from Emily Charlotte May

 

 

Nominees, if you wish to accept this mission and continue to spread the love to new bloggers... Here are YOUR questions:

 

11 Questions about You:

 

1. Where were you born?

2. What is your biggest accomplishment?

3. If you could live anywhere, where would you live?

4. What did you want to be when you were young?

5. What movie had a huge impact on you?

6. What is your favorite tv sitcom?
7. Your first concert?
8. First job?9. Country or Pop or Rap?

10. Beach or Mountains?

11. Dream Vacation?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Look Behind the Curtains with Linda of Calling It Home

All I can say is that one of the great things about writing a blog, is meeting (cyberspace meeting) new friends. There are so many friendly bloggers out there is this community, and so kind.

Linda from Calling it Home has been so nice from the get go, and I am so grateful she has joined in with me for my Behind the Curtains series. I am so fond of her series One Room Challenge. It is the greatest thing. If you haven't heard about it or read them yet, go there right now! Okay, well not right now... I want you to finish reading this post first.

 

 

So Linda, where are you based?  Currently, I'm in New Jersey but we just found out that we will be moving to Florida in about a year! Somewhere around here.

How did you get into design? When I was little, I used to make my Barbie's clothes and decorate their home. The rooms were not as impressive as this Jonathan Adler room, but I would say I was hooked at an early age. 

When and why did you start your blog? I stared my blog two years ago. I had been reading blogs for about a year prior, and thought "I can do that". I really started my blog for the motivation to finish my home. 

Do you have any design education/ degree? When I dropped out of college, I became an Assistant Designer for a budget dress company. It was my responsibility to find the accessories for the dresses...belts, buttons, etc. After that, I went into costuming and worked on television and film projects. When the writers went on strike, I knew I needed to make a change. Eventually, I earned a degree in Nutrition.

How would you define your style? It's all over the place. I would say it's Coastal/Chinoiserie/Eclectic/Boho.

What was your favorite room to design and why? Whatever room bothers me the most at the moment. For now, it was my entry. It felt so dark and sad, and now it's bright and happy.

What is your favorite paint color to use? I am currently obsessed with BM White Dove. I know it's boring, but it is the perfect backdrop for everything.

What is your favorite local décor shop? There is a tiny little store a few miles from my home. It's called Antiques & Design. They sell all sorts of vintage and chic things. I bought this urn there.

What is your most go to online décor shop? Ebay, I am having a great run with this Turkish Rug seller. I think I'm on my third rug from him. 

What room in your house is your favorite and why? My kitchen, because it overlooks my backyard. I am sitting at the kitchen table as I type this. It doesn't look like this all the time, but it is almost never tidy.

Who inspires you? Everyone! Pinterest is the place to go for inspiration. There, the designers names are often lost and you are just studying composition, color, and design. 

Looking back, have you ever had a big design disaster? Or thought, “what was I thinking?” Haha, who hasn't? In my current home, I would already do so many things differently if I could. For example, my friend told me to put a third bathroom upstairs. The thought of the additional expense prevented me from adding it. I should have. When a renovation is going on, it feels endless. However, the day will come when it is a distant memory and the results are what is left.

Best advice for new bloggers? Decide why you are doing it and what your goal is. It's alright if the answer is "just for fun". If we are being really honest, I would doubt that as the honest answer for most bloggers. Find a loyal group of bloggers and support each other. It is a big blogland and it can get really lonely at times. Be original and write in your own voice. If you are not formal and wordy, don't write that way. Besides, most people never read all of what you are writing, anyway. And, learn how to make your pictures BIG.

Best advice for someone decorating on their own? Have lots of inspiration pictures and find a blogger friend you can bounce your ideas off of. Also, take a photo of your room and look at it. Things look different on camera and you may be surprised at what you see. When in doubt, consult with an e-designer. They are super affordable compared to the costly mistakes you could make. 

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Thank you so much, Linda! I am so excited for your move to Florida. I know you'll find the perfect house, and make it yours in no time. I am also excited to follow along with you virtually.

 

Don't you love her kitchen ceiling? And I, too, am a huge white paint fan, so loving all of her house! White is not boring people! And those rugs!!!! Okay, okay, so now you can go over to her blog and check it out! Go now! What are you waiting for??!

And if you want to see my other Behind the Curtain posts, come on back and go here, here, here and here.

My Camping Trip (Design Camping)

It has been 2 weeks since I went to the Design Camp in Seattle, and I am just getting around to blogging about it. Can you say, slacker?? I can! Slacker! Oh, well 'tis my life.
I think the reason I haven't blogged about it yet, is because I'm still letting it all sink in. There was so much information being thrown at me that I almost wanted to crawl into my happy place, curl up in fetal position and start sucking my thumb.
Seriously, I learned a lot and it was a great experience. If you have a design company or a design student I highly recommend it. I am so grateful for winning my ticket. Thanks again Kim Hoegger!
I won't go into all the details today. I am going to try to organize my thoughts a little better and do separate posts on what I learned.
Here are just some highlights of Design Camp.
The Camp is put on by Lori Dennis and Kelli Ellis. Both are highly talented, have a long list of incredible credentials and rub elbows with the best of the best in the design world. You'd think they would be stuffy, maybe a little intimidating but they couldn't have been more friendly, fun and high spirited.

At the Camp, things that were discussed were: trends for 2013, business strategies, branding, social media tips, the world of real estate staging, commercial design, bath and kitchen design, lighting, how to get published, and even how to get on television. Amazing stuff was covered.

I was thrilled to meet this guy!

Nathan Turner was fabulous of course, and very personable.When he mentioned he used BM Super White in his beach house and in lots of his work, I couldn't help but scream in my head, "that's what I used! We must be design soul mates!" Haha. But I did have something to tell my husband when I got home, since he's not so on board my Paint it All White mission. If Nathan uses it, it must be good.

I also met Ronda Rice Carman, of All the Best Blog.
I bought and had her sign her new book , Designers at Home. I haven't got a chance to dive into it yet, but can't wait.

Also, finally got the chance to meet a local designer/blogger Keri Petersen from KP Spaces.
She did a presentation on stagging, and she did a great job.

I got to meet alot of other bloggers, Jen from At Home in the Northwest (Jen, how did we not get a picture of us??), Melissa from Design Delights, Maggie from Maggie Rose Online, Molly Quinn, a designer from Louisiana, and Holly from Holly Holbrook Interior Design. I met many others but one thing I wish I could've done was socialize more. I am very shy when meeting new people at first and wished I had tried to connect more. That is my only downfall of these three great days.

Again, I will post more about what I've learned later, but just wanted to share this with you since I hadn't done so yet.

If you are interested in this camp, they still have more camps lined up in Las Vegas, Philadelphia, and Orange County.

Oh, and a little side note, since I tend to not post for awhile at times be sure to follow me on Instagram (instagram/stewardofdesign) to see what I am up to between posts. It's my new addiction! Are you on it? Let me know and I'll follow you too.

A Little HomeGoods Shopping

I thought I'd share some fun finds on a recent HG shopping trip last week.



 

A nice textured burlap/linen type fabric bench, for $99.



 

 

Some great chalkboards with a shabby chic paint treatment.

 

 

A cute lamp and shade for a girl's bedroom.

A cute boho-inspired quilt that would be cute in a girl's room as well. I love the colors on this one.

Too bad I already purchased the bedding for my #3 girl's room already.

 

 

And who couldn't use a woven monkey? Actually, call me bananas but I think this would be sort of cute in a girl's room too.

 

So, I came away with a few good finds that I'll share later. I forgot to take photos of them. Figures.

Have you found any good treasures at HomeGoods lately? Will you be rushing out to find the monkey?



Feeling Legit...

Feeling legit... well, not really. Not quite yet anyways. I still need to finish my Sheffield course, and get my business license to feel really legit. But I'm getting closer.
I got these cards a little prematurely because thank goodness, Jen from At Home in the Northwest, clued me in that I will need them next week when we go to the Design Camp in Seattle, for passing around.
I am so happy with how they turned out! They sort of tie in with my blog, which I was trying to go for.
I got them from Flair Designery. They were so kind and so accommodating to me, since I needed them fast. Thank you so much, Maggie and Abby! I really do love them.

In other news, this is what I will be working on this weekend.

Yup, painting again! Sorry green walls, MISSION: PAINT IT ALL WHITE is taking you down!
I hope to show you more pictures next week, but boy this is one color that I will be happily be painting over. This is one of my "what was I thinking" moments for sure.

Have a great weekend!

New Sofas

I am so excited to get my new sofa and loveseat for my family room. I ordered the Pottery Barn Comfort Slipcovered.

Pottery Barn

I chose the washed linen/cotton slipcovers in stone. I always longed for a white sofa but with 2 kids at home that like to eat on the sofas (bad habit) and a dog, I know I'd be washing them all the time. So, I went a little darker with the stone. I think it'll still have that light feeling but hopefully will not show every little spill. I love the texture of the washed linen/cotton, and I am crossing my fingers that it holds up well over time and with washings.
They won't arrive until June though! Ugh,  I am very impatient when it comes to this stuff. I want it now.
Does anyone have experience with this sofa or the washed linen/cotton slipcovers?

A Look Behind the Curtains with Melaine Thompson @ My Sweet Savannah

Today, I'd like to introduce you to another local blogger to me, Melaine Thompson from My Sweet Savannah.
I have been a stalker follower of Melaine's for sometime now. I so envy her beautiful home on the lake. Her home just speaks comfort. She does her styling and decor with such ease, and everything is just beautiful.
If you have not checked out her blog, please do! She comes up with the most amazing DIY projects, that just blows me away. If her home, and creativity don't drive you to feel super inferior just wait for her soon to be released blog about fitness and health. This girl has some guns (biceps, I'm talking about) and the tiniest waist. Dang girl, it's hard not to hate you. But you can't hate her, because she is so sweet and gracious.
Anyway, enough brown nosing. Ha ha.

Here is Melaine's take on interior design.

Where are you based? I live near Seattle Washington.

How did you get into interior design? I've always been into interiors ever since I was little. Things really took off for me after we purchased our first home.



Melaine's cute dining table



Her chalk wall where she stenciled from using this source.



Washing dishes would be so much more easier with a lake view like that!

 

I love her little coffee bar area here.

 

How long have you been doing it? Around 12 years.

When and why did you start your blog? I started my blog about 6-7 years ago as a place to showcase my hand painted furniture and signs to clients.

Do you have any interior design education/ degree? Nope, I do not, self taught :)

How would you define your style? Traditional with a cottage/vintage twist. I like mixing old and new.

What is your favorite room to design and why? I'd say kids rooms. Kids rooms are just plain FUN! And, they are the easiest to please!



Melaine's son's and daughter's rooms

What is your favorite paint color to use? It used to be Ben Moore Teepee Brown, but I am drawn more to grey's now. Dark Grey in particular. Seal by Martha Stewart is a good one. I LOVE Ralph Lauren Oatmeal, it's a warm off white, a good neutral.

What is your favorite local décor shop? I have several, but in Kirkland, Haley's Cottage, and in Snohomish, Joyworks, Ruffles and Rust, and Faded Elegance.

What is your most “go to” online décor shop? I love Ballard Designs for pillows and accessories and I also love Joss and Main. There's some really great deals there.

What room in your own house is your favorite and why? Our living room. It has a lot of light and a big comfy sectional. It has a fireplace and a giant tv. It's a great family gathering spot.

 

 

Who inspires you? The list is long. Currently, Holly Mathis, Jill Hinson, {blogging girls} I love Nate Berkus and Sara Richardson.

Looking back, have you ever had a big design disaster? Or thought, “what was I thinking?” Yes, but do I have to tell? :)

Best advice for someone starting an interior design career? Go with your gut. Try not to follow trends, because trends will change.

Best advice for new bloggers? Keep going and don't give up. It may take a while to get your blog "out there" but just post, post, post.

Best design advice for someone decorating on their own? Buy what you love, no matter what. If you love it, you'll find a spot for it! Don't buy something if it's not LOVE at first sight!

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Thank you so much Melaine for being apart of my series! Your home is gorgeous, and I'm sure it's even better in person. (hint, hint)
We have the same inspirational designers, and I couldn't agree with you more when you say to stay away from trends (unless you love something) and go with your gut. I can't tell you how many times, I let other peoples' voices get in my head and lead me to something I didn't really want, and I have since had to change it or want to change it now.
Please hop on over to Melaine's blog and see more of her house tour and see all her great recipes, entertaining ideas, and diy projects.

*If you'd like to see my other posts in this series please go here, here and here.*