Home Decorator

Craft Closet Make Over

Laurie36 Comments

I’ve finally done it. After 2 years of living in this house, I’ve finally finished organizing the last closet in my home.

This is the guest room closet that doubles as my “craft” closet. You could barely consider it a walk-in closet, but with 2 new shelves my man built for me over the weekend, it’s got just enough space for what I need.


Closet Before


Closet Before – complete chaos!


After – view from hall

(I used a different camera because mine is still broken. It was so hard to get these pics the space is so small. I hope you can get the idea.)

Small shelf with hanging space for guests clothes – just above the door that goes to the attic. I spray painted 2 of these tins pink and glued flowers onto the other 3.


Top Shelf


Middle, 2 new shelves that Jason made and I painted white.

I added these “curtains” to cover the other white bins and to make the space less messy. I used 2 tension rods and they open up in the middle. I was inspired by this craft room (1st one).

I hot glued black pom poms onto these pink fabric bins I got at Wal-mart. (I know you’re going to ask where I got them.)

I got the black bins from Wal-mart and glued on pink pom poms and ric-rak. I made these oval tags out of scrap book paper, hung them with fun ribbon, and hot glued them to the bin.

I spray painted the wicker baskets hot pink and glued on black pom poms. Yes, I already had these flowers. 😉

I am so excited to get my messy closet all pink and fabulous. Now my guests will actually have room to hang their clothes and store their suit cases. ha ha

I hope you’ve found some fun ideas to use in your own home or have at least been inspired for another project!

Girly Girl

Par-Tay!

Laurie16 Comments

I finally got some pictures to share with you of two fabulous birthday parties I was honored to attend. First Monica’s Princess Party:

We all dressed up as princesses and it was a crazy fun time. Here’s Monica in the white and beautiful as ever as princess for a day!

She went ALL OUT! She spray painted pumpkins, a castle, and a frog silver for amazing place settings around every corner. She even added white lights to the columns in her house and wrapped it in pink tulle.

Here’s Katri and Calli (the next birthday girl) showing off pink glittered cupcakes. Yummy!

She even had a throne!! Awesome!

We each went home with these white roses. Each rose had a different poem about friendship on them. They were also scattered in all the center pieces around the house which added to the incredible decor.

Next was Calli’s birthday party. For the game, we each brought a book to swap. We played it like the ‘white elephant’ game. It was such a fun party game idea!

Calli invited her friends from several different circles and it was so much fun meet them. That girl knows some amazing women! I was seriously impressed and had a great time getting to know everyone.

Calli and Katri made each one of us these amazing purses with a magazine inside as a parting gift. WOW!! I don’t even want to think the time it took to make all those bags.

I hope you’ve been inspired to throw an Over The Top birthday bash for your BFF! As a guest I felt so loved and grateful for my friendships. Just think of how the birthday girl felt!

Blogger

The New Tip Junkie

Laurie8 Comments

Out with the old.

In with the new!

I am so excited to tell you guys first, that Shannon over at EightCrazyDesigns has made me such an amazing new design for Tip Junkie! {{squeal with delight!}}

It only took 4 days from start to finish! I am so impressed with Shannon’s talent. I really was clueless as to what specifically I wanted and what she designed is so beautiful and so “me”. It’s completely different than anything I’ve seen. Shannon listened to everything I suggested and incorporated them beautifully. I’m so glad that I hired her!

(I had hired someone else in December and needless to say it didn’t go as seamless.)

If you’re looking for a blog designer I would highly recommend Shannon! She was so easy to work with, her rates are very reasonable, and she incorporated everything I said I wanted and MORE!

She took the liberty of changing the Tip Junkie girl’s dress and I absolutely loved it! Then I asked her to make a jacket for her and she came up with this seriously so cute wrap.

For all of you waiting for Tip Junkie to convert and become a modest lady – here’s her debut! I really have been working on getting her a jacket for MONTHS! Who knew Shannon would handle it in minutes. {{whew!}}

The new design should be up on Tip Junkie shortly. I hope you love the new design as much as I do. Well that may not be possible, so if you love it half as much I’ll be happy. {{wink}}

Shopper

New Products on Executive Homemaker

Laurie2 Comments

I’ve been crazy busy organizing these new products for the only daughter I’ll ever know, Executive Homemaker. She’s my “baby” of sorts and unlike my boys: she does what I tell her, wears what I want her to wear, and doesn’t {usually} talk back.

She is a little high maintenance but I enjoy the creative time we have together. Anyway, here’s just a taste of some new products you can find on Executive Homemaker.



Girl hair accessories by Lilliana’s



Hand painted canvases by Doodle Design Shop (tons more to upload)



Crocheted beanies by Noggins



Crocheted precious stones by The Pink Armadillo

All these products are so reasonably priced. Be sure to spread the word and support these Mom-prenuers on Executive Homemaker!

Genuine

I’m a Human Be-ing

Laurie9 Comments

I got the sweetest e-mail a while ago and I’ve been reading it over and over again. I thought I’d share the insight I received, hopefully it will inspire you as it did me:

“Laurie, … I hope u know how special u are, even if you DO nothing today you are amazing just because you are. We are human Beings not human Doings. Love you.”

Isn’t that the most thoughtful e-mail! I’m so inspired by this friend and she seems to be constantly concerned for others. She embodies service and is such a wonderful support. Thank you!

Did anyone watch Maria Shriver on Oprah yesterday? I was so impressed that she would announce to the world she had an identity crisis and that she struggles with living up to her parent’s expectations.

Maria also confided that she attributed her job and her accomplishments with who she was and her purpose in life. I can completely identify with that. Most days I evaluate my success by how much I’ve done – not how much I’ve loved.

Maria went further to say that she struggled with her image as being “first lady” of California and was unsure of what exactly that meant. In my own experience, there was a time that I tried to do it all and be the “Super Mom”. I felt that there were pressures to look a certain way, do specific things with your kids, and serve others all the time. Needless to say, it was impossible for me to achieve and it was the unhappiest time I can remember.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that I think my friend got it spot on – be who you are for God, yourself, and your family. Slow down, cherish the people around you, and just BE.

Some of the people I admire the most have what I call ‘still souls’ and they are able to live in the present. When you talk to them they are right there with you, instead of distracted. I’ve got to admit, I have a terrible time doing that. Which is why my word of the year is Cherish.

Can you relate?

Genuine

Today I am Quiet

Laurie9 Comments

“Today I am quiet, my mom understands. She gave me two ice creams and then we held hands. We went to the movies and then had a bite. I cried just a little and then felt alright.”

That’s my mood today. Even though I have had so much fun with guests, I’m having Tip Junkie redesigned and it’s going so well, and I’ve just uploaded 4 new Mom-prenuer’s products to Executive Homemaker. I feel down and a little blue. I took a 3 hour nap this evening and am feeling a little better. 😉

I’m sure it has something to do with the 9 guests I’ve hosted over the past 4 weeks. The stress of Davis’ new expander’s which is making life a little difficult. As well as the anticipation of Dylan’s doctors appointment this Thursday.

I’ve read some beautiful posts about your children the past several days and it’s really encouraged me. I love hearing how wonderful children are and the joys they bring into your lives. Even though our roller coaster is on a decent, I find great comfort that it won’t be long until we have our hands in the air and are screaming with delight.

Credits: I got that cute poem from a children’s book by Jamie Lee Curtis called “Today I Feel Silly” and the boys love it. (I have lots of social skills and feeling type books.)