TV's and Fireplaces. And Husbands with Opinions.

So, the hubs and I have been discussing TVs and fireplaces lately. It's actually not my first choice to have the TV over the fireplace, but that's kind of where a lot of floor plans make you put it, and I'm fine with that. The debate is all about the size. Obviously, the TV most definitely cannot be as wide as the fireplace. (Ummm, hello, right?) I am really insisting on at least 10-12 inches on each side. Of course, Hubs disagrees, because, well, apparently the size of your TV is directly associated with the level of manliness you possess. I mean, don't get me wrong. I want to see the real housewives on a big screen just as much as the next person, but I've never been one to put function in front of aesthetics. Sigh. Here I go having to compromise again...which means we're going to need a larger fireplace.

image from Better Homes & Gardens

image from Wayfair

image source unknown

Simple Styling

Remember this post--a how-to on how to create a vignette? In case you forgot, or in case you really don't read this blog and just look at the pictures, here it is again: When creating a vignette, the easiest way to do it is to remember the tall, medium, short, layer, layer, layer rule. If you just look at the pictures, I realize you will miss this again. BUT for everyone else, start your vignettes with three items: one tall, one medium, one short, then add other elements to add depth, character, and texture. Check out the below pics for inspiration and style away!

image from Stylizimo

image source unknown

image from Savvy Southern Style

The Christmas Mantel

I came to the same conclusion that I come to every year around this time: I really don't have very many Christmas decorations that I like. (It's almost the same thing as opening the cupboards over and over hoping that there will be new food in there. Unfortunately, no matter how many times I open the cupboards and/or Christmas bins, there's nothing new and exciting in there--such a bummer.) Since I have way too many other things that I want to buy, I'm probably not going to go spend lots on new decorations. Instead, I guess I'll just have to get creative…either that or continue to listen to the Sarah McLachlan Holiday station and live vicariously through these images. I'll most likely do a combination of both.  Hopefully, I'll have some type of progress to share next week.

In other news, I love these Christmas mantels. There is something I love about each one of these mantels, but the wreaths, oh the wreaths are just amaze balls. I think I may have to incorporate a version of this somewhere in my house this year. Which one is your fave?

image source unknown

image from The Globe and Mail

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How to Create a Vignette

When I design a room, I start with the big things: the rug, furniture, window coverings, lighting, etc. The last step is the styling. Styling is what pulls a room together and gives it personality. (Think of it as the jewelry, scarves, and killer stilettos of an outfit.)

Vignettes are a great way to style a room. Every room in your house probably has a vignette or two (or three), whether you know it or not. A vignette is just a display or arrangement. Whether or not design rules exist is debatable, BUT there are definitely certain arrangements, layouts, and designs, that are more visually pleasing. Here's one easy way to create a vignette:  think tall, medium, short, layer, layer, layer.  I actually don't think about "rules" when I design, but when I think of my own house or clients' homes, I find that I've subconsciously used this formula again and again, just because it looks right! Of course, there are several ways to create a vignette, but this way is a great place to start, and it always works!

image from Lilypad Cottage

image from Better Homes & Gardens

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image from Apartment Therapy

Linking up at

Mom on Timeout

[color kreyv]: Blush

Blush, not to be confused with light pink or pale pink, is my favorite shade of pink. It's beautiful and peaceful. And, speaking of peaceful, I have no voice. I diagnosed myself with laryngitis. It's really not my best or most difficult diagnosis; afterall, I can't speak. It was really a no brainer. (You may not know this about me, but I always try to beat Mr. Hubs to the correct diagnosis. It's a sick game, I know, but it gives me a chance to gloat when I'm right. Gloating is key to any happy marriage.) I've never lost my voice before. It was literally just all of a sudden gone. Gone. And who knew it would be so necessary to have a voice with a three year old who constantly asks, "Mommy, you still have a birus in your boice?" Hopefully, it doesn't get any worse than no voice and a sore throat, because tomorrow, I medicate. That's right. I'm going to the outlets to get my shop on. Best. Medicine. Ever.

image from Lonny Mag

image from Phoebe Howard via House Beautiful

image from Elle Decoration UK

The Minimalist's Christmas Mantel

I just realized that I've been spelling mantel m-a-n-t-l-e-s. Wrong usage. Totally embarrassing. Mom, where were you on that one? (She usually calls me at six in the morning if I've made a grammatical error. She's the reason I'm a grammar snob.) Anywho, I am loving the simplistic nature of this mantel decor. And even though it's 60 degrees here, I would still like a roaring fire, because let's be honest, as far as Christmas is concerned, that just seals the deal. 

image from Cox & Cox via 79 Ideas

image source unknown

image from Line Klein via Cococozy

[color kreyv]: Blue

I've decided that more offices should really reconsider their decor. Or, just consider SOME decor. If any of them looked remotely like these pictures, I could stay forever (accompanied by an up to date People magazine, of course). I mean, don't get me wrong, I've really enjoyed my time in the Jiffy Lube waiting area as well as the waiting areas for the different doctors' offices I've recently visited, but they could really use some umph, if you know what I mean. Tomorrow I get to go to the DMV. I can't decide what's worse: the DMV or the gynecologist. Unfortunately, no amount of decor would make either of these experiences better. No amount. Ever.

image from Style at Home

image from Elle Decor

image from House and Home

Let's Talk Mantels

We've already established my pure, unadulterated jealousy toward anyone with a beautiful fireplace and mantle (and anyone with an IKEA, but we won't go there...today). Most mantles are the focal point of the room they are in, so, of course, they should be totally fabulous. Here are a few of my favorite ways to style a mantle.

(1)Layers: I love a layered mantle, as long as it is clutter free. Think threes, maximizing room height, and varying picture size.

image from Apartment Therapy

(2)Mirrors: Mirrors are a fabulous way to style a mantle. Mirrors bring in extra light and are super versatile. Finding a unique mirror will definitely score you extra points with the decorating Gods! With that being said, you do not want to make them angry.

image from Centsational Girl

(3)Hanging Prints: I love the idea of either two, three, four (two on top, two on bottom), or even six (three on top, three on bottom) prints over a fireplace. It's clean, it's simple, and super chic. If you are looking to maximize the height of the room (which I am always a big fan of), opt for four or six prints over the fireplace. If you use two, use tall prints.  And, above all, just make your mantle fabulous. Let's keep those decorating Gods happy, shall we?

image from My Favorite and My Best

[color kreyv]: Red & Pink

Are red and pink not the quintessential colors for Valentine's Day? And, I have to say, they look good together in a room. (Minus the red for me. You know I'm scared of red.) Valentine's Day is less than a week away. Seriously? It's going to be summer before we know it. I decided We established early on in our marriage that Valentine's Day is a girl holiday. Don't get me wrong. I'm not opposed to getting my husband gifts, and I am AWESOME in that department, but when it comes to V-Day, girls are really the ones who love to be spoiled. Chocolates, flowers, and all of that froo froo stuff is just not appreciated by men. So I say, why waste Godiva, roses, and diamonds when they're happy with a bag of peanut M&Ms and having control over the remote? Know what I mean?

image from House to Home

image from Bandana Mom

image from Creamy Life

[color kreyv]: Pale Pink

Today is February, people. FEBRUARY! Was it not just Christmas? And, now it's time for Valentine's Day. Time for reds and pinks.  Beautiful, beautiful pale pink. I would never have thought I would consider painting a room pink, but I must say, I LOVE these rooms, and they're not even little girl rooms. Totally chic. And the Phoebe Howard room? Yes please. I'll take every single bit of it. Gorgeous!

image from Design Fabulous

image from Phoebe Howard

image from Trove Interiors

Mantels and Ramblings

Six. Days. Left. Can you even believe it? Christmas is almost here!  Yay! I'm so excited! Our little family has been having such a fun time together.  Unfortunately, my hubby's stay-cation has come to an end...back to work he goes. Bummer.  We had quite the week together...

We drove to the ghetto city to get my hair extensions (or should I say weave) re-sewn in only to have it come right out the next day. Oh well.  I guess it's time for short hair unless I want to fly to Utah to get it done. Short hair it is.

The hubs had a cavity filled.

We took the car into the dealership and came back with a $1000 repair bill. But, then I talked the guy into letting me take a new Audi Q5 home for my loaner car.  Believe it or not, it helped soften the blow.  A little bit.

I went to a new endocrinologist to find out that my thyroid level is still WAY out of range. No wonder I feel like sleeping as much as my two year old.

BUT THEN...

We got to spend time with a great friend from Milwaukee.

We decorated Christmas cookies with friends.

We got to spend lots of time together as a family and even watched a couple of movies.

We went and saw Santa Claus twice.

We did Christmas crafts, rode a Christmas carousel, and looked at Christmas lights.

We ate a great Mexican meal with the missionaries.

We got to go to a super fun Christmas Party where we laughed A LOT.

We went to our church Christmas Party.

Overall, a wonderful week!  Funny how things are easier to cope with with the hubs around (and when you're driving a Q5 around town)!  I'm going to miss him this week! When he's done with residency, I hope he finds a practice where he can earn a lot and work a little.  Those jobs exist, right?!

image from Holly Mathis Interiors

image from Centsational Girl

image from The Lovely Cupboard

[kreyv of the day]

image from Design Lines

The Stockings Were Hung...

Oh how I love rows of stockings hung up just waiting for Santa. I love these ideas for people like me with fireplace envy. Unfortunately, I don't have a piano or a ladder to hang them from either!  Oh well...just more to add to my wish list! (It's getting quite long!)

image from Country Living

image from Pottery Barn

image from Country Living