Emily Inspired Day

I started this post on Saturday, and finally finished it tonight, was distracted by Emily's news: check out her post!!!
I started my day Saturday with an Emily inspired web quiz, and then decided to clean and redecorate a little and finally take down all of my Christmas decor. I usually don't decorate for Valentines, but as I'm turning 30 on Valentines this year (very traumatic), and have begun to collect some special things, I thought, why not! (and I have no party to plan yet, although another girl at work is pregnant, another is getting married, and Abbie will need another shower at some point...)

Here are some pictures of my house: I change decor often as I hate cleaning, and only clean when I redecorate: I try to do it 3-4 x per year, as the seasons change. I always did this as a kid as well: I would move my furniture at least 3x/year. Abbie also tried to teach me not to clutter things, so I put them away, and change my displays often rather than putting out everything I adore. Normally, every piece in my house has a story, and some sentimental value...
I'm trying to get rid of things I haven't used in a while by giving them to family, friends, and charity. I accumulated 3 boxes after Saturday's cleaning! Its quite therapeutic to organize and redecorate without any shopping. I have boxes in the garage labeled with each season. Kris only allows me 2 months of storage of give away items in the garage before he throws them in the TRASH! (my mother would be horrified). So I have til spring to get rid of the boxes. Come and get it!


Now for the Rose Tour of Homes.
When you enter our home, to the right is the chest that holds all my candles inside, and on top Ma Ma's punch bowl (I had it 6 years before I figured out the base wasn't a separate bowl) The picture is of Sam at 6 months holding a gold bow and arrow, like Cupid! It says Happy Valentines Auntie Libba. The roses are from my wedding bouquet, embellished a little after 9 years of dust accumulation. The mirror was G-ma Strongs: she had it in her entry way as well.
Two more steps forward and you're in my den. My Lowe's Red rug (still smells of Tigger and Lacy) therefore it is rolled up in the garage most of the year, but I bring it out for Christmas and Valentines after a ton of Febreze. Kris and I compromised on the comfy leather couch (I wanted a sleek white sectional), and the precious pup: notice how she centered herself on the roses? We have two lazy boys to the left, directy in front of the tube. The kitchen is further to the left, but entirely too messy to photograph. Behind the kitchen is our master suite, and to the far right is the two guest rooms and powder room. We use one of the guest rooms as Kris's all male study, no women but Bella allowed (I'll post pics someday when I'm allowed inside) He did let me make some curtains, paint, and help somewhat.
Paralell to the entry, to the left is my dining room. We actually use it alot, and often leave the leaf in the table. I have a special padded grid for sewing that fits perfectly over the table (a great place for cutting and scrapbooking)
My table is set with pink and red rose petals on white milk glass I collected with Sharon. Kris surprised me about 6 years ago with these petals on my birthday, sprinkled all over the house!
My China Cabinet is changed alot: I love to do it. The rule is I can't have anything new unless it fits underneath in the storage areas: so bulky items like the pitchers are used at every diner or by the stove to hold utensils. Anything new needs to stack easily.
This is my Entertainment, well, Kris's Entertainment center, my display cabinet. For Valentines, I put everyone's wedding pictures out, and of course the most recent niece and nephew pics. He measured the opening and found the TV that fit every single centimeter.
Just off the den and breakfast nook through glass french doors is our sunroom/2nd guest room/kids play room. The kids toys are hidden in the chest, a filing cabinet, and a cupboard with doors. I found the pull out couch at my consignment store, put a washable slip cover over it, and found the ottoman 3 years later. The chair is a set of 4 I slip covered from the Salvation Army, and the chest is a donation from my friend Donna, you've seen her in other posts: beautiful blonde who is a dazzling cook...


Next is the picture my mother in law cross stitched that took 4 years: it has gold thread, pearl beads, and was a true labor of love. I always have it hung in a prominent place, so my sweetheart can't possibly forget our anniversary...

My Mother in law's Labor of Love



Our latrine aka powder room is decked out as well, some Walmart towels and flowers on clearance to do the trick... the holder is a letter holder, but I always outfit it with washcloths and the other side with travel toiletries when guests come.





The actual guest room, study, bedroom, kitchen, master bed and bath and garage are completely destroyed and embarrassing, so no pictures of them yet. I may get motivated and do them this weekend, we'll see. Hope you enjoyed the tour, glad you can't be here to smell the rug or write in the dust!!! Happy decorating!