bedroom redo

We bought our first home in August 2008. We love our little 1958 California ranch. He is just the right size and luckily required few repairs. Most the stuff we did in the beginning was typical - paint, refinishing the floors, upgrading electrical. We aren't totally done with decor as it is an ever-evolving process (as my husband says, "we are done, right?" No, honey. It will *never* be truly done. )

We just finished round one in our master bedroom, finally making it comfortable and livable.

It is small and tough to place furniture. Our original bed frame didn't fit. Most of our furniture didn't work. It was painted this crazy-person pink - ceilings, walls and all in semi-gloss. Yes, it felt like the inside of a bubble gum bubble. And the walls were dirty. Ick.

Here is a few photos of what it looked at when we first moved in:


We just hated being in there.

Now, after some help from my designer friends (who suggested the furniture layout), here is what we came up with:








What a difference. I took these photos while changing the knobs on the vintage dresser we got on craigslist. We bought two smaller dressers to maximize storage and create a collection of sorts.

Next - tension pole lamp for my side of the bed, actually hang the photos on the wall and change the ceiling light fixture. I hate it.

What do you guys think so far?

New Year!

I have a REALLY good feeling about 2010.

That same feeling that you have when settling in at the movie theater about to watch the next BIG film.

That same feeling you have when standing in line to see your favorite band.

That same feeling that you had when you picked your seat in that large lecture hall for your first class in college.

Excitement, that good kind of anxious.

Here is what I am working on for 2010:

Establish a routine.
With my chaotic work schedule, it is tough to settle into a good routine at home. So I try to squeeze in stuff when I can...and it never works out. I let the stuff I love slide to the back burner when the "absolutely need to do" takes over. I need to make time for the things that matter to me most.

Stop selling myself short. Follow my bliss. Damn the naysayers.
I don't have to be Berenice Abbott. I just need to pick up my camera and shoot.
I don't need to be an American Idol. Singing in car is fine with me.
I don't need to win the marathon. I just need to cross the finish line.

I have this tendency to think that if I am not naturally talented in something, I shouldn't bother. That type of defeatist thinking takes the happiness out of even trying.

Be happy and have fun.
I let too many things get in the way of being happy. Screw 'em.
I'm going to get a massage, have drinks with my friends and watch Glee more often.