decorating 101

Yesterday I got lots of stuff from my MOMS secret friend (aka Raechel-holler). I got a card, AND a bag with chocolate, another card, and a magazine from Better Homes and Gardens 100 Weekend Decorating Ideas. Lots of great stuff and ideas! I think she was inspired to encourage me because last weekend, for the very first time in the five and a half years I’ve lived in my house, I decided to decorate. I painted the two long walls “chocolate kiss,” and have used some brick red tapestry curtains with beige, dark green, and goldenrod hues that I found at Wal-Mart in the clearance aisle for $5 as the accent (and as the mat to frame some cute black and white pictures of the kids). I also spray painted a coffee table black to let it fit in (look out Martha Stewart, here I come!) and have plans to prime and spray-paint the TV stand as well. To unify all the different shades of wood. Well, maybe. My mom wants me to use her entertainment center, so I might spray paint it instead. Anyway. I am trying to work within a budget to “class” up our home. It is baby steps…but it has potential I think. I have just been very impressed and inspired by all of the homes I have been to in my MOMS group, and very embarrassed/ashamed of my own. The dirt, unfortunately, I have grown somewhat accustomed too…but the lack of creativity…it’s suffocating. And that’s so strange, because if I had to pick 5 words to describe me, creative would be number 2 or 3. I guess that only serves as an example of how exhausting being the mother of four can be, and as they are becoming older and more independent the light at the end of the tunnel is becoming a little bigger and brighter.

Anyway, just for laughs, this is my favorite decorating idea from the magazine, #74. Here is the description: Put old action figures and fashion dolls to good use as fun spots to store frequently misplaced keys. Simply drill a hole in the back of GI Joe or Barbie and then hang his or her on a screw or nail you’ve driven into the wall. Extend their arms for the perfect key ring catchers.

I wonder if that works with fisher price little people. Oh my god, it’s opened up a brand new world, he he. Just imagine how much space on the floor I would have if I nailed all the kids toys onto the wall …Or, better yet, if I started using Happy Meal toys to make mobiles. Hot wheels to make wind chimes. What will those Better Homes and Garden people think of next?

Decorating, MOMS