Curtain conundrom

A room full of windows is a wonderful thing. Figuring out window treatments for said room is not.

Our family room is a beautiful room with windows spanning 40 feet all the way around. It's gorgeous. The light pours in everyday and it feels so warm in there. Only in the last few months, when Bob replaced all of the windows (by himself!) have I taken down the lace curtains (eek!) left from the previous owner. We've been there for a year and half...

The problem, now, is that there is a terrible glare on the TV. I've been searching high and low for window treatments that will let enough light in while helping with the glare -- and that won't break the bank. I'm leaning more and more towards drop shade curtains. They are a little more economical than buying nearly 30 panels, and I like how they feel relaxed and homey.

Even more economical? DIY drop shade curtains. I'm thinking about trying this project this weekend.

Bob, stop rolling your eyes.

photo from here

IKEA trip

This weekend Bob is running a marathon near Chicago and our return trip will take us right by one of my favorite stores - IKEA. Of course, I'm very excited to see my man do his thing on that 26.1-mile course, but I'm also very excited for our IKEA trip. In preparation for all the goodies to be had - namely nursery gear, curtains, and rugs - we are clearing out the car so we can squeeze every last possible thing in.

I love walking around IKEA as if it's my own home,

I need this

Wow, the IKEA Uppleva. I really want one of these. I am always obsessing over cords that are poking out/in the way/really unattractive. This thing was made for me.

And, I love that they included the remote flub in there.

Sewing Saturday

This weekend I'm making curtains.  Hopefully, that is... if I can figure out how to work my mother's Sears Kenmore sewing machine.  So far I'm not having luck.  But, I did buy this beautiful fabric...

... that looks something like this... and I plan to use it to make a faux-headboard for my bedroom.  The two windows in the room provide great light, but also prevent me from positioning the bed anywhere that isn't in front of a door or window.  So, I'm going to make a giant curtain to do double duty - cover one of the windows and serve as a sort of headboard.  I think it will look great once I'm done.  I just have to figure out how to get the darn machine threaded and working. :)

I hope you have a wonderfully relaxing weekend!

Rainy Rainy Day

It has been a dreary rainy day today.  The kind that makes you want to snuggle up under a heavy blanket and watch movies with your husband and puppy.  Alas, I've been stuck at my desk all day and can't wait to head home.  Tonight Bob and I will be eating our favorite food: Cuban sandwiches from Black Dog.  We're also planning to venture our to find paint for our new house.  I'm thinking something greyish-blue for our bedroom...

Have a good night!

photo from here

Stools

I'm beginning a new obsession with trying to find some fun stools for my living room.  Aren't these great?

(via stylecarrot)

Frog Pillow

This pillow takes me back to high school biology class.  I'm not sure that I'd like this staring at me from the living room couch everyday.

House Numbers

I'm in the market for new house numbers.  Husband and I have done so much updating to our house, both inside and out, and I've been craving a fun new change to our house numbers.  There are so many cool options.  Love this pretty tile and these tiles.  And, wouldn't these numbers be awesome on a cleverly stained piece of wood (like yellow!)?  I may take inspiration from these for a fun backyard project...

Vintage Map Pillows

I'm obsessed with vintage maps.  There's something so cool about the colors, the details and the nostalgia.  I love this awesome pillow with a vintage map of Chicago.  And this one, and this one and this one.  :)

Awhile back I bought map almost just like this one and cut it into four pieces.  I framed each piece and created a great piece of wall art in our living room.  These pillows would be so great on our living room couch!

via etsy

Pretty Bright Idea

What a sweet and creative idea for a Valentine's gift.  If my valentine didn't read my blog, I might just make this for him.

And, it reminds me of a joke my father-in-law wrote into an article today:

How many optimists does it take to replace a light bulb?

None; Who says it's dark?

Surprised Husband

Bob and I had a wonderful first Christmas as husband and wife.  I surprised him with his very own Man Cave.  Decked out in gear from his favorite Chicago teams (and the Illini, of course) I loaded up a room in our basement with man essentials including a computer to check his fantasy scores, a dartboard, a poker table and a basketball signed by Coach Bruce Weber and the entire Men's Basketball Team.  Seeing the genuine surprise on his face was priceless.  He loved it - and, I loved making it for him!

And, Bob also got this signed Ernie Banks glove, which was the icing on the cake.

It was a lovely Christmas and we're looking forward to celebrating the new year, too!

Happy Sunday

Today is a good day!  Husband and I bought the finishing touches for our new bathroom including a vanity mirror and lighting.  I can't wait for the finished product!  While he enjoys some football with the guys I'm headed to see this movie.

I fell in love with the trailer and can't wait to see it.  I love Jake Gyllenhaal.  And, after that I'm taking a mini shopping excursion for some Christmas gifts and some holiday decor items.  I want to add some warmth and a festive feeling to our house.  Aren't these pretty?

Wish me luck! :)