Before and After Feature

After a long sad weekend with the news of Sandy Hook I wanted to feature a great before and after.  Are you like me that you love a great before and after?  I love looking at the before pics and trying to imagine what they do for the afters before I look at them!

Design Indulgence did a great makeover of a master bedroom and when I ran across it on Pinterest I had to share:

Before:

And the amazing After:

If you have been around long you know I'm a sucker for neutrals, especially in bedroom spaces so this is right up my alley.  The things I love are that they painted the nightstands and reused things like the mirror, as well as covering up the holes above the fireplace.

Click here for more photos!


My prayers go out to those in Newtown, CT.  May God comfort you in your time of need.

Our Christmas Tree

Hi all!

We got our tree this last weekend and Jacob and I both agree it is the best tree we have ever had.  It is tall and thin and the perfect shape for the corner we put it in!  Unlike most bloggers we decorate our tree the same each year: white and multi-color lights, beaded garland, and all of our sentimental ornaments.

We put the unbreakable ornaments at the bottom and M has been doing great with it!

Have a great day!

Christmas Decor

Hi all!

I'm just settling in for the evening and I finally got around to taking a few Christmas decor pictures.  I decided it best to take some in the daylight and some at night and post a bit of both.  So far this year I haven't bought anything for inside as far as Christmas decorations go so I'm pretty proud of that!  I do think a wreath on the mirror above the mantel would look pretty!

A lot of our decor this year is easy and not fussy since we have a 1.5 year old running around and because the thought of putting away a lot of decor come January exhausts me. :)

Here are a few snapshots from around the house:

I plan to sew a runner for this table and make a box like I talked about here but this will do for now:

This centerpiece used to be Jacob's grandparents so I enjoy putting it out each year

You may recognize the vase from our usual decor.  I was planning to simply put up our usual small tree but it didn't seem tall enough now that I'm used to the height of the white vase and hydrangeas.  I decided to improvise and take the tree out of the stand and stick it in the white vase.  It's not quite proportionate but I don't hate it so I think it will do!

A few sprigs of greenery and vintage ornaments I found while thrifting years ago add just a touch of Christmas to this small vignette!

Our mantel is the same as last years.  I'm thinking a wreath would look beautiful over the mirror:

Not too bad for not spending a dime!

Toddler Friendly Christmas Tree

Happy Friday!

I wanted to share a quick project I just whipped up while M is napping.  I had a bunch of felt lying around and when I saw a felt tree for toddlers to decorate on Pinterest I had to give it a try.  I'm a bit worried about M and the tree this year so I am hoping I can direct her to this tree as one she can play with.

I took this pile of felt:

And turned it into this in just about an hour:

Oliver had to be in the shot!  The best part is that the ornaments all come off and because felt sticks to felt M can move them around and hopefully have fun decorating her tree.

I glued the tree to the wall with a bit of hot glue and the presents are attached as well!

Not too bad for an hour of time and completely free especially if it keeps M busy and out of the real tree!  Here's hoping!

Have a great weekend!

Instagram

Hi all!

I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving!  It was so nice to have family here and have a yummy yet low key meal.  I got my Christmas shopping started on Friday and have the house decorated for Christmas with the exception of the tree.  Since I'm new to Instagram and still trying to get people to follow I thought I would post a bit of what I've been up to here:

1. M's Christmas present from Granny and Papa will be this adorable Hape kitchen

2. My early Christmas present from Jacob is this HRM and I love it

3. I love a sleeping baby

4. Polishing the silver my mom gave me to use for our Thanksgiving meal

5. Everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving!

6. After the meal we enjoyed a fire, some wine, and football!

7. Jacob helping me straighten and organize the garland

8. Starting to look a lot like Christmas

9. I love these baby slippers from Hanna Andersson

Follow me so I can follow you back!  emilyanninteriors

Instagram

Hi all!

Just wanted to let you know I'm finally getting on the Instagram wagon!  Follow me at emilyanninteriors

I would love to follow you too so leave your info in the comments! :)

Have a great day!

Recipe: Vegetable Pot Pie

Good morning!

It's almost Friday, which is a very good thing in my book.  Jacob was out of town last weekend so I'm pumped to have him here and for the 3 of us to be able to relax and have some fun.  

One goal that Jacob and I have been working on is budgeting.  Well, see really we're pretty good at it....we've had a budget since we got married and for the most part we stick to it.  However, with M eating more and more and me getting lax on the food portion things have gotten out of control.  See I meal plan, always have...my mom did so I always plan ahead and make a list.  I think what was killing us was quick trips for this and that a few times a week.  

This is getting longer than I planned so I'll wrap it up.  The reason I'm telling you this is because I have found taking the amount we budget for food out in cash at the beginning of the month is really helping. Also, because I have been on the hunt for inexpensive recipes that are healthy too.  Bonus if they're easy because I usually have a toddler hanging on my leg....This pot pie recipe is one I have been making for years.  The original recipe calls for chicken but I made it vegetarian years ago and recently I made it vegan because of M's dairy allergy.

Add 1 bag of mixed vegetables and mushrooms to an oven safe dish.  I used canned because I had it for some reason but usually I use fresh.  Salt and pepper to taste and add 1 cup of vegetable broth (add cooked chicken if you want)

In a separate bowl mix together 2 cups of Bisquick and 1 cup of milk (I used soy but regular is fine)

Spread the Bisquick mixture over the veggies and pour melted butter over the top.  Bake!

 YUM!

You end up with a fluffy biscuit top and a yummy vegetabley center!  I love this meal on a cold night and we always have plenty of leftovers.  I bet you could make it the night before and just pop it in the oven when you get home.

Vegetable Pot Pie Recipe (Vegan)
1 bag mixed vegetables
mushrooms, chopped
1 cup vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups Bisquick
1 cup milk (soy or regular)
The recipe calls for 1 stick of butter, melted but usually use 3/4 a stick


Bake at 375 for 35-50 min or until the top is golden brown!

Thanksgiving Table

Hello!

I'm happy to have my Thanksgiving table together over a week early and the bonus is that I only spent $3 on it!  I have been dying to make a box as the centerpiece for our formal dining room table for months now and I finally got the wood to do it.  However, I just don't think it's going to get finished before Thanksgiving.....maybe Christmas!  While visiting family last month I got a few boards from my late grandpa's barn dating back to the 1930's.  I love that they have a story and that they mean so much!

Rather than a box I went with a single board in the center of the table.  I combined candles I already had with $3 worth of pumpkins I bought last weekend and I think I have a simple yet elegant fall table.

The leaf plates are a few years old from West Elm, the table runner is actually a curtain (gasp) ;), and everything else I had around the house.  I love it when I shop the house and it pays off!

Have a great week!

Restroom Before and After

Hi all!  

I hope you had a nice weekend!  I got a few things done around the house and even got in a bit of relaxing!  M is 17 months now and is going non-stop so relaxing and accomplishing something is a big deal around here. ;)

A local shopping center asked for my help in redecorating their family restroom and this new mama was happy to help.  I love it when public places offer places for nursing because it really does make getting out with a little one so much easier.....it's one less thing to worry about (where am I going to nurse??).  The budget wasn't huge but I love finding a good deal so I jumped at the chance!

Here are the before pictures.  It wasn't pretty.  We not only wanted to improve the look but we also wanted it to be a bit more functional (i.e. chairs you could comfortably nurse in).  We partnered with Z Gallerie and Pottery Barn Kids to get all of the furniture and art, which helped with the budget quite a bit!

And here are the afters:  I didn't change the actual bathroom portion as it wasn't in the budget and it functions just fine as it is.

I love this tile made to look like hardwoods.  In hindsight I wish I would have gone with the black grout instead of the dark brown as it looks a bit light for my taste.

Still needed:  a pillow or two, a changing pad cover and maybe a plant to make it a bit more homey.

Paint is SW Blue Horizon, the same as in M's nursery.

 The chairs are so comfy and the space is so much easier to keep clean, which is a win win in this mama's eyes!

Powder Room

Hi all!

I realized while updating the blog that I never shared our powder room.....not because I'm not proud of it but because it's very hard to photograph.  Like most small rooms it's impossible to get good light and I end up pulling a spider man in the corners to get different angles.  Well, since I have learned a bit more about my camera I finally have some decent pics.  I striped the bathroom last fall and I love it!  I used this method.

I love the bird/nature prints.  I find that what I'm drawn to most in wall decor is along these same lines:

The boat painting we bought in Cape May, NJ on our first wedding anniversary.  As you can see we have some updates that we need to do as far as the lighting is concerned.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

New Buttons

Hi all!

It's Friday!  Is it just me or are the weeks flying by?!  I mean, it's November already!  I finally got around to adding new buttons to the blog to feature some of my favorite projects and tutorials.

Check it out!

Banana Bread Recipe

Hi all!

2 posts in 2 days.....WHA?  I know, I know it's craziness! ;)  Lots of prayers for those in the eye of Sandy.  While we are only getting cold weather and lots of wind we stayed inside yesterday and I decided to make banana bread as a yummy snack for M.

I love this recipe because I most always have the ingredients on hand and it is simpler than others I have come across.  The bad thing is that I have no idea where I got this recipe because I have been making it for over 10 years.  Oops!

Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup bananas (I use 2-3 medium over ripe)

Directions:
Stir together and pour into a well-greased 4x8x2 1/2 inch pan.  Bake at 350 for 40-50 min or until browned.  Cool on a rack.

I love to eat it with a cup of coffee in the morning or with tea in the afternoon.  I usually microwave a slice for 20 seconds or so in the microwave because it's so delicious warm!

Enjoy!

Fall Update

Hi all!

We have been so busy traveling and hosting company that I have been MIA.  My mother-in-law bought me a great fall runner for our dining room table and I finally got it ironed and on the table.  I also added a few cream hydrangeas to the white ones and I think it helps add in a bit of fall.  I love when a few small changes can make a big difference!

I just got the supplies to work on a centerpiece for the table.  I'll be back with that when I'm finished!

Guest Post: Fall Decor in New York and Brooklyn on a Budget

Autumn in New York and Brooklyn is a season to celebrate in your home. Do not merely resign yourself to the long shadows of chilly days. Instead, bring some of fall’s warm, rich light indoors to enjoy in your interior decorating plans.

The best thing about the season is the plentiful array of colors already available outside that you can bring in and highlight for color accents. Gather up some of the colorful leaves from your front stoop and line them inside a clear, square vase. Use an acrylic sealer to coat them for sticking, then use a battery-powered tea light inside to illuminate. Kick up the DIY project a notch by adding lighted twigs you can buy at a neighborhood crafts store or might come across at a New York street fair. Tuck your display into a corner for an instant mood light to cast shadows that play off your houseplants.

Living in Brooklyn you realize quickly that trendy chic ideas are found everyone from doorstep interior, residents put their own flair that allows New York City it’s own classy flair, separate from this chic art district. For example, the multiple flea markets in Brooklyn can really be the start of a craft project weekend to transform your interior. Stroll around and look for maybe some candlesticks with round, flat tops, and then spend the afternoon spray-painting them in warm, autumn colors. Glue the candlesticks to the bottom of small, flat-bottomed crystal glasses that you could find in any antique shop in New York, and put them at varying heights on your mantel or on a sideboard. You can fill the glasses with tea lights or alternate with tea lights and candy corn for a Halloween party effect. You might luck into finding a deal on cranberries at a farmers market in Hell’s Kitchen and use a handful as decorative filling, alternating in layers with almonds or other light-colored nuts. 

Easy changes that also are budget-friendly include introducing a warm, snuggly throw on your couch along with pillows in autumn shades of brown and gold. Cinnamon candles can help give a homey scent, particularly after a long evening commute on the subway. Simmer some cinnamon sticks in water on the stove for instant fall potpourri ambiance. 

Remember that the secret to economical seasonal makeovers can focus on sights and smells in your home. New candles and updated accessories that reflect the season can be a quick way to transform your interior from summer to fall. Secondhand stores, flea markets, antique shops and even the corner grocer can inspire new ideas and create a quick spark of radiance to embrace the changing season.

Source

Alexandra is a travel enthusiast who loves to write about fashion, beaches, food, and the wonderful things in the world.  She provides her own insights on vacationing to the blogosphere.  If you would like to learn more about her, follow her @alexsjourneys or visit her blog alexsjourneys.wordpress.com 

Few Small Bathroom Additions

Hello!

I wanted to share a few updates to the guest bathroom upstairs.  Our home is a 4BR 2.5BA house so that means we have a master bathroom, a powder room downstairs and a guest/kid bathroom in the hall upstairs.  Since M is still little and doesn't really need a bathroom of her own yet (we bathe her in our big jacuzzi tub) the hall bath is basically only used for guests.  However, when I painted it Behr's version of Silver Sage (same as the master bath) I wanted it to feel a bit feminine for when she does use it.  All you have ever seen of it was a DIY roman shade.  It's horrible to photograph because the toilet and shower/bath are in one room and then 2 sinks are in a separate room.

I got some Rifle Paper Co note cards for Christmas with the intention of framing them in this bathroom. However, I couldn't find a frame I liked until recently when I ran across these:

I also added a metal tray I had lying around and a few soaps in a jar, a candle, and of course some cotton and q-tips.

I have been eyeing the zinc letters  from Anthropologie forever and since we now have an Anthro (yay!) I finally got one and hung it today!

Here is the art near the other sink, which is behind the door as you walk in.  Once we have another kid my plan is to get the letter of their initial and put it above this sink to delegate who's sink belongs to whom.

Nothing earth shattering but it feels nice to have a few things on the wall!  

Side bar: I hung the M by myself which is kinda a big deal because I refuse to hang things that need more than one nail b/c I'm horrible at measuring and such.  I decided to give the whole painters tape measuring thing a try and it really worked!  Let me know if you don't know what I'm talking about and I'll do a tutorial.  It literally took 5 min and I got it right on the first try.  Seriously.....this is amazing news (#can'thanganythingwithout25holesinthewall).

Have a good day!