House Tour- Kitchen

***Our house tour page is in desperate need of an update.  This will be good for those of you new around these parts.  I’m going to try to do a room a week.  This way those of you that have been reading for awhile won’t be horribly bored…and I’m a giant slacker and a room a week is about my pace these days.  But really it’s for the readers.***

Introducing our kitchen, 2012 style.

Room Info

• Wall color: Svelte Sage (Sherwin Williams)
• Cabinets: Woodland/Provincial doors/Ivory
• Island Pendants: Barn Light Electric Bermuda Pendants/Satin Steel
• Stools:  HomeMakers
• Granite: Epic stone/Black
• Fridge: GE profile, french door
• Cook top: Whirlpool
• Oven/microwave: GE
• Dishwasher: Bosch
• Kitchen Table: Built It
• Kitchen chairs:  World Market Jackson Tub Chair
• Wood Floor:  BR-111 Brazilian Cherry

One of the challenging things of being your own contractor is completing all of those finishing details. We were so burnt out for awhile that we just ignored things like unfinished trim work.  Once we regained some energy, we added the bead board to the island and crown molding to the cabinets.  I was super lucky and won a great giveaway from Barn Light Electric which allowed us to replace our too small pendant lights.  We still have plans for a backsplash.  I’m also on a hunt for the perfect kitchen stools which will better allow me to watch Nate cook supper.

I like looking back on the progress we’ve made in the kitchen.

This concludes the tour of our kitchen.  Now I want a snack…

If you’re really bored, feel free to vote for our bedroom over at BHG.  Click here!  It’s an easy vote.  You’re the best!

Random Post…and Acts of Craftiness

I’m in a bit of a decorating rut.  More like a Everything-I-Want-To-Do-Costs-Too-Much-Money rut.  You’ll have that.  I’m also trying really hard to plan out rooms versus making impulse purchases.  This whole paragraph makes me sad. ;)

Nate and I are working on a little project.  It’s just taking more time to dry than expected.  Maybe that has something to do with me leaving the water to the hose on overnight, the hose bursting, and flooding our garage.  Surprisingly I did no damage…..other than slowing project drying time…and killing the Earth.

Note:  It has not rained in 3 months.  That is all garage water.  But look how clean my car is!!

Here is a sneak peek at our project. Any guesses on what it is? I’m hoping to have it done early this week.

Me using a hammer in fancy clothes.

Next random topic.  I have accepted a new position.  It’s a pretty big blogging career move.  I am now co-director of the Random Acts of Craftiness Project. 

The project is the brain child of Erin over at His and Hers.  As co-director, I am basically Erin’s blog husband on this project.  I keep her crazy in line.  (All husbands of bloggers have to do this, right?)

What is the Random Acts of Craftiness Project.  I’ll have you head on over to His and Hers for the full details (which are still in the works) but basically each month you are assigned a random item to make a craft with.  And the stuff on Erin’s list is most definitely random.

I wanted to chicken out at first.  There is no way I can make something with the items she has in mind.  But the more I think about it, I think I can.  They may not all be successes but the process of thinking outside of the box will be great.  I don’t know about all of you but I sometimes feel I’m losing some of my creativity by constantly browsing blogs and Pinterest.  Bring on the challenge director lady!

Are you in?  Tell me you are. It’s going to be such scary fun!  Have you been pondering a blog?  This would be a great excuse to start!  We are also looking for some guest judges so let me know if that’s something you would be interested in as well!

Any uncompleted projects your way?  Anyone else’s visions larger than their savings account?  Who is ready to craft with toothbrushes?

How To Add Blog Side Tabs

Décor and the Dog blew up yesterday.  Our Stylelist Home feature made it’s way onto AOL’s headers.  I couldn’t find the link but from the snarky comments left on Stylelist Home it appears that the post was labeled something like “Most Incredible House Tour Ever”…which led some to be mighty disappointed. Thanks to those of you that left nice comments and are sticking around.

Luckily, I had cleaned up my blog a little this past week-end.

I had some requests for directions on adding tabs to your side bar.  My tabs are linked to blog post labels. (You have the option of adding a label to each blog post in Blogger.) You could modify this to link to any address that you would like.

Get ready to be a fancy pants blogger!

You will need to make a rectangle that contains your text.  I did this step in Photoshop Elements but I am sure you could accomplish the same thing in Picassa or possibly PicMonkey.  You will need to export your tab to ~190-200 pixels (depending on the size of your sidebar dimensions).

Upload your tabs to PhotoBucket.

Head to your Blogger dashboard and go to the  “Layout” tab. Click "add a gadget".

Select "HTML/Javascript”.

Head back to PhotoBucket and copy the “HTML code”.  Paste into the “HTML/Javascript” window that you opened in Blogger.  Do this for each tab.

Click the "Rich text" button so that the images appear. (On the right in the image above.)

Highlight the image and click the “hyperlink” button. (Pointed to with an arrow below.)

Insert the address you want the tab to link to.  If you want it to link to the labels you have added to your blog posts, you will use….  http://www.yourblog.com/search/label/NameofyourBlogLabel

My address looks like this… http://www.decorandthedog.blogspot.com/search/label/BuildIt

The label that I use in my blog posts is “BuildIt”.  I did find that it has to be exactly like you labeled it in the post.  “buildit” would not link correctly.

Repeat for each tab and save.

Check out your fancy pants blog!

I decided to limit my labels to the main topics I cover on the blog.  Not every post will be labeled but I feel like it may be easier for readers to navigate.  I have also updated the tabs at the top of blog.  Not every post will make it to the top tabs but I like to make things as easy to find as possible around these parts.

Any questions?  Do you label your posts?  I didn’t start until last week and I’m still working on it.  Start early newbie bloggers!!

I Want a Rain Barrel

I worry about myself sometimes.  Okay, all of the time. 

Like yesterday when the toilet bowl cleaner that contained bleach slipped from my hands as I was going down the stairs.  There are now a few bleach spots on the stairs and my new shirt is also bleached.  Amazing.  I am never cleaning toilets again.

Or the other night when I was watering flowers.  I was thinking to myself that a rain barrel would be super helpful beings I am watering my flowers EVERY STINKING NIGHT.  At least I would be using a natural source of water.

via gardeners.com

And then I remembered that the reason I am watering is because we are in a drought and rain barrels aren’t exactly helpful without rain. 

Yeah.  My $100,000 education will only get me so far.

Nate isn’t pro-rain barrel.  He thinks they are for hippies.  I’m a wanna-be hippy.  Hippies are awesome.

On another water/yard related note, I finally talked Nate into moving our sprinklers.  (See, Nate is no hippy.  He waters our yard. Just not well.) 

He wouldn’t listen to me when I told him that the reason we have a dead spot in our yard is probably because it isn’t getting watered.  Upon further investigation, I was proven correct.  I just don’t get why he wouldn’t listen to me originally.  Oh yeah, the rain barrel thing.

Our poor yard.  I like having the blog as a diary of sorts.  This will help me remember the hotness and driest summer ever.  It thundered a lot the other night.  No rain.  Poor yard.

Do you have a rain barrel?  Where’d you get it?  Who is ready for some rain?  Who loves when they can prove their husband wrong?  (To clarify, that’s totally not me.)

Stylelist Home Feature

A couple of weeks ago I received an e-mail from the editor of Stylelist Home.  She wanted to know if they could feature our home and do a short interview.

I really didn’t know much about Stylelist Home before I received the e-mail.  The site has great decorating and DIY tips.  They have previously featured bloggers like Emily A. Clark and Hi Sugarplum. 

After freaking out, I agreed to the interview.  A phone interview from New York City, none the less.  I’m so glad I did.  Shana was really easy to talk with and she handled my awkwardness with ease.  Come to find out, their readers love articles containing pets.  Ike steals the show again!

The article was posted yesterday.  You can read it here!

Look at the stylish fluffy dog.  The fame has totally gone to his head.  As you read this, he is wearing a silk robe and talking to agents.

This interview was a great experience for me.  There was a lot of self doubt.  A lot of “my house is not good enough”.  My blog is “not good enough.”  A lot of “this is way beyond my comfort zone.”  I can’t do a phone interview.  I’m too awkward and don’t think well on the spot.  But I did it.  And I enjoyed it.  Who cares if I don’t have the best house or the best blog?  I’m proud to call both of them mine! 

This blog has brought me so many fun opportunities.  Thanks to all of you that read and encourage my nonsense!!

Are you a Stylelist Home fan?  

Arrow Obsession

I have a mind blowing addition to our powder room to share with you today.  Apartment Therapy is going to be all over this stuff.

I have a recent obsession with arrows.  I don’t know why.  It’s a weird Michelle thing.  (Along with many others.)

I found this little wooden arrow at Michael’s.  I grabbed my trusty red spray paint and got to work.  I painted it with lots of cardboard underneath.  Our driveway is still recovering from my red nutcracker painting.  Oops.  Sorry, driveway.

It might seem a little small now but there are plans for crown molding and a new window treatment.  Someday. 

Nate wanted to point the arrow down.  Boys. 

I think I will paint our mirror red….when I find the perfect one.  The one we have now is too small.  It was purchased pre-understanding of spatial arrangement.  Not that I really get it now.  But sort of. 

Yes, the light plate still needs fixed.  We don’t want to rush things around here.

Have you made any little but big changes lately?  Anyone digging arrows? 

Mixing Things Up Blog Style

You all know I like to change things up.  The blog isn’t even safe.

I wasted most of my day off yesterday learning blog things.  Like downloading new fonts.  I’m addicted.

New things to be aware of include:

1.  The header.  Oh, Ike.  I have been wanting to switch a white background.  Just to try it out.  I felt like the header needed an extra dose of color.  Thoughts?

2. I am actually going to start labeling my posts.  I wish I would have done that about 500 posts ago.  You live, you learn.  How does this help you?  I’ve added some tabs on the right to better direct you to things you may be interested in…without having to scroll through the entire blog.  I ramble on about many different things.  If you’re only here for the decorating, go on and click that decorating tab.  I won’t bore you with my amazing kitchen skills or how I sewed through my finger.

I’ll be cleaning up the top tabs this week-end as well.  Hopefully.  Maybe.

Let me know if something looks funny or isn’t working!

Big week-end plans?  Seen any good movies lately (rentals are a-okay with me!).  What meals should I add to next week’s meal plan?  How is that for laziness?

Recovery + Dove Toning Body Wash + Coupon For You

I have to admit something to you all.  I’m in recovery.  It’s been a long road but I’m willing to share with you all today. I am a former beauty product junky.

I’d walk into any big box store and be immediately drawn to the aisles of make-up, body wash, shampoos, and lotions.  The brightly colored packages and pretty new scents sucked me in every time.

I’d have battles with myself.  Self, you do realize that you have a PharmD.  You know there is no way possible for a shampoo to make your hair grow 16 times faster than a regular shampoo in one week.  I know but I am currently rocking a lame in between look.  I will try anything.

Lame in between hair style.

About a year ago I realized how much money I was wasting on these new products.  I would buy the new product and not finish the ones I had at home.  It was a vicious cycle.  There were bottles and bottles of half empty products taking up space in my bathroom. I decided to make a change.  I packaged the partial bottles up and donated them to a local women’s shelter.  I was only going to buy a new product when I needed it.  I could not open that product until the old one was finished. 

I have been very diligent about not breaking my new rule. I’ve become pretty brand loyal and less wasteful in the process.  But deep down, I’m still a product junky.

Imagine my surprise when I opened a package in the mail and it contained Dove’s VisibleCare Toning Body Wash.



Mmmm, new body wash.   Look at that new packaging.  A soothing spa green with a slight ombre finish.  A promise of “visibly more beautiful skin in just one week.”  A nice, light scent.

I was excited to try the body wash out.  It is part of a revolutionary line of body washes from Dove.  The toning body wash is designed to helps promote skin’s elasticity and strength.  I’m trying very hard to take good care of my skin while I’m younger…ish.  I didn’t do so well in my 20’s so I’m trying hard to make up for it in my 30’s.  Toning may not be highest on my list of concerns right now but it’s always good to get a jump on things!

The thought of using a new body wash was extra motivation for my nightly work out.  I was a little nervous though.  What if I didn’t like it? I try very hard to keep my reviews honest.  And that “visibly more beautiful skin in just one week” promise had me a little nervous.  Can a body wash really do that?

I was surprised at how soft my skin was after just one shower.  I’m serious.  It was crazy. The body wash has a nice silky feel and lathers up well.   I don’t feel the need for lotion after using this body wash.  I’ve been using more natural products but this body wash will be making a repeat appearance in my shower.  I feel that it will be especially useful during those dry winter months!

Although I no longer feel the need to buy every new product that comes out, I will definitely be more tempted to check out Dove's body washes...but only after I finish the one I have at home!

Want to try one out one of Dove's Visible Care body washes for yourself?  (They also have a Renewing Body Wash that nourishes and replenishes skin and a Softening Body Wash that softens skin and dry spots.) Here's a link for a coupon!


Visit Dove^® VisibleCare^® to get a coupon for $1 off!

You can also enter to win a spa gift certificate.  Remember your favorite blogger when you win. ;)

Are you a product junky?  Do those pretty packages and new scents get you every time?  What's your favorite "me time" product?

Enter to win one of two $500 Spafinder gift certificates!
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Navy Rug Obsession

My newest obsession is a new rug for our living room.  I love obsessions.  They keep me entertained during slow work days.  You can send my Pharmacist of the Year award directly to my home.  Thanks.



Do I need a new rug?
 
Hmm...define "need.” Nate says "no."  But he's also a fun hater so take that for what it's worth.  For the record, he really hates my obsessive personality.  I told you.  He’s a fun hater.

We are starting to think about putting in built-ins around the fireplace...which will lead to a room transformation.  I'm digging navy lately.  I think it will add a little color to a very neutral room.  Plus our current rug is too small for the space.  I think it's very pretty.  Just small-ish.  I also have decorating ADHD.

I know some of you like to day dream about rugs too so I'll share my current loves.  Feel free to enable me all you want.  I really am just day dreaming at this point.  I’m trying to be less impulsive with my decorating purchases.  It’s hard.  Real hard.  Super hard.  Need medication hard.
Let’s drool together.

This rug is probably my favorite.  Naturally it would be over $1000.  Dream big, little pharmacist.  Dream big.
 

Source: overstock.com via Michelle on Pinterest

This one speaks to me.  It’s a moody rug.  Kind of like me Nate.

Source: homedecorators.com via Michelle on Pinterest

This rug speaks me too.  I’m going to add “bilingual” to my resume.  Second language: rugs.

Source: rugsusa.com via Michelle on Pinterest

I wish rugs were less expensive.   Darn rugs.   This rug has a nice simple yet interesting vibe going on.

Source: potterybarn.com via Michelle on Pinterest

What are you day dreaming about?  Any other fantastic navy rug suggestions for me?  Who are my fellow obsessive personality blog readers?

Camera Bag

We all love the photos that DSLRs can take but we all hate lugging them around.  Right? Right.

I was harping on Nate awhile back because I felt that we weren’t using our DSLR enough.  We’d take our crappy point and shoot and get craptacular photos.  It’s pretty dumb to have craptacular photos when you own a DSLR.  Right? Right.

Nate’s complaint was that he didn’t like wearing the camera backpack that he owned (especially in places like Chicago).  We began our search for the perfect gender neutral yet easy to lug around camera bag.

We agreed upon the Lowepro Exchange Messenger Camera Bag in grey. (My parent’s kindly purchased this for me for my birthday.  Thanks givers of life.) We like that the bag is a neutral color, has good camera protection and has lots of storage compartments but isn’t bulky.

Chicago was our first time testing the bag out.  (Yeah, I'm right on top of this posting stuff on time business.)  I actually didn’t mind carrying it around…even when it was 1000 degrees outside. 

Hello, Bean/Cloud/Shiny Object in Chicago…




The bag has lots of compartments which came in handy for money, sunscreen, lip balm, Band-Aids, phones, etc.




We’re happy with our camera bag compromise!  I mean it's not an Ona Bag but for the price, it's a keeper!

How do you carry around your camera?  What are your camera bag requirements?

I was in no way compensated for this post.  Lowepro doesn’t know we exist.  We do, however, love their little grey bag and thought we’d share!