Are you tired of this display? What, 3 posts in a row, I've showed you this one… but each time a bit different. This is the final look for the little TV segment I did today. Roses were the finishing touch, I added those, plus more M&Ms, and a floral hanky.
Now, I won't make you look at this set up any more. Because it will soon be destroyed anyway, I plan on eating one of those candy bars that are wrapped in scrapbook paper!
The roses were a bargain. Our local Dillons grocery store marks down their flowers to $1.99 a bunch on Mondays, and this week, there was a TON of them to chose from, and late in the week too! I guess the week before Valentine's Day is a slow flower week, everyone is saving up for the big splashy bouquets for the big day instead. So, I got 4 bunches of flowers for 8 bucks.
Yellow isn't usually my color, and probably isn't associated with Valentine's Day, but I liked the cheerful splash of color in the bathroom.
So the holiday tips for this room are:
1- Put fresh flowers in every room!
2- Use a pretty, floral china plate for a soap dish, and set out a nicely scented, special bar of soap. (this one is home made, and was poured into a heart shaped mold)
3- Make a photo copy of a vintage Valentine postcard to wrap around your liquid soap bottle. I glued mine on, and after the holiday, I can just soak the bottle in warm water to remove the label and change to another look.
In the kitchen, I filled my white creamers with pink roses and white mums. One bunch of roses can make a much bigger impact if you spread it around, instead of having one vase filled with all of them.
From this bundle of sweetheart roses, I got 8 arrangements.
While my house was clean, I thought I'd take some full room shots. When TV cameras come over, you can't get away with just cleaning one side of the room, just in case. So, the whole durn downstairs is all picked up and all the floors are mopped throughout!
There are more Valentine Day's decorations to show, but I think I'll save those and just revel in my clean rooms and post those pics. Usually, I have to kick stuff to one side of the room to get a good picture. Today I can do 360s!
This is the view from my dining room into the kitchen/breakfast nook. That white cabinet is Sugarwing's play kitchen. Its big, bulky, and in the way, but we couldn't function without it. Next to that is the wood stove. Not pretty, but it sure can put out heat. And with MORE SNOW coming, I'll be firing it up soon.
You know, this is kind of a blah view. Maybe a 360 isn't a good idea after all? I guess I usually show the room from the best points of view.
This one is from the other side of the toy kitchen, standing in the breakfast nook. See what I mean about Sugarwing's kitchen being in the way? It makes getting into the pantry a pain, but is so worth it. She loves that thing.
For this, I was standing next to the wood stove. The screen around the stove is from Tuesday Morning's clearance aisle. I painted it with high heat paint because it was a dark bronze to start with.
This one is from the bedroom door looking into the kitchen.
No, those aren't dead birds on my chandelier, they are angel wings.
Another view of the woodstove. The mosaic thingy by it is a cement piece of yard art that I covered in china, glass, and old jewelry, then topped with a bird. The thing was actually a lighthouse, I hope that isn't too apparent. For a while, I was on a mosaic craze and everything got covered in broken glass and tile, then grouted. Hmmm, on second thought, this little lighth
ouse/bird/thingy might need to go outside. Do you ever just have stuff around for years because that just happens to be where you set it and it stayed there, not because it looked great, but just kind of out of default?
Taking a photo of your room and looking at that, can make you really SEE the room. I guess I just kind of always over look this and didn't realize how much it didn't fit in. It will be much better in the garden this spring. If spring ever comes- we have snow forecasted again!!!!
One more angle, this is from the stairway. I'm still not done with this room, the table in the corner is too small, I need a buffet type piece for under the mirrors. I could use a rug too, but just hate trying to keep one clean under a dining table where a 3 year old eats. The dogs spend a lot of time sitting under her chair, but even they can't lick up all the mess she creates.
Okay, that's plenty of angles of the same room over and over. Now, I'm going to go let the dogs out of their pen so they can start dragging in leaves across my mopped floor, and soon Sugarwings will be home and start pulling out her toys. All of this unnatural tidiness will soon be gone.
If you are in the Lawrence area, the 5 Romantic Decorating Tips for Valentine's Day will be on channel 6 Monday, for the 6:00 and 10:00 news.
If you want to see the rest of the decor tips, I'll post more later on, but for now, I've loaded them on HGTVs
But I have to warn you, that site is addictive!!
If you are in the Kansas City area, and want to find some of the best shopping ever, you need to get to this sale by some friends of mine! I was invited to be in it, but just couldn't make it happen. I do hope to go, if I don't have Sugarwings all weekend.
Its in an 8,000 sq ft warehouse in the historic West Bottoms.
1200 W 12th St (12th and Sante Fe)
Feb 5th and 6th from 9am-5pm
And if you are not in the Kansas City/Lawrence area, here is another option for you. The lovely Cindy, at the lovely, My Romantic Home, is having a show and tell party.
I enjoy your Valentines day/Romantic tips….and will be sure to use some too.
I enjoy seeing pics of your home…I have tile very similar and am tempted to tile the whole house…or better yet~rip up the carpet and paint the cement…can’t afford hardwood at this time.
With a daycare and a spoiled poodle who still potty’s in the house on occasion~I need easy clean~up~
As always……it has a been a de~lite visiting you 🙂
Everything looks so nice and pretty. I just love when my whole house is sparkling clean at the same time…a rarity over here! 🙂
Maybe they’ll (news) ask you to do some regular segments if this one goes over well…how cool would that be? I’m off to check out “rate my space”. Have a lovely rest of the day!
Karla, your home is gorgeous! It is so elegant yet romantic! WOW!! Thank you for showing these pictures!! I LOVE your home so much, you have done the most beautiful job with it!! I love your Valentine tips too! I adore yellow because it is so bright and happy. I am actually about to do a bunny in BRIGHT yellow. I am so ready for spring!
Hugs,
Amy
Spinnin’ ’round doin’ 360’s? I’m so jealous! YOU were the one who taught me to kick things out of the way! Cropping out the messes is my favorite thing to do! Your kitchen pic with all the creamers holding sweetheart roses is awesome!
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
Lovely posts, lovely home you have!!~ I love that stained glass piece, it reminds me of a piece we have, ours is a church window about 100 years old and huge!!~ Cute blog~ Do you have a follow option?
hey Karla..as usual every thing looks so spiffy..I have to quit looking at your site..I always want to go to my really home in B.C. and start decorating..but..I`m so loving the weather in California..Lorraine..P.S. I`m not going to quit looking!!!
You have a pretty home !
Diane
There’s not a bad angle in that house – it all looks beautiful. (and I hear you on the unnatural tidiness … I don’t know how people keep their houses looking perfect while they’re living in them. Unless they have a staff. Or no kids and no pets.)
Karla, how fun that you are doing a segment on the news!!! i guess i missed when you announced that…i have way too many blogs that i visit…and i admit it…i skim sometimes instead of reading everything…very bad of me…your home looks just lovely…i took a peek over at rate my space…and you are right, it does look addictive…i am staying far away from it…i don’t have enough time as it is to keep up with my blogs…
It is all “Oh, so pretty!” You are amazing:)
I have a fireplace screen at the shop that makes me think of you every time I look at it! There are two pretty fairies on it!
Wow, this post is really full! I loved the Valentine decor tips, and the views of your house. It’s so pretty. And what a great idea to take a photo and then evaluate how the room works.
Lorrie
Oh your house is so dreamy! I always feel so good (calm) when my house is picture worthy (which isn’t very often)!
Thanks for sharing from ALL angles!
Blessings!
Myrna
p.s. I got a blog makeover! Stop by and check it out if ya get a chance! 😉
Oh, Karla! Your home is looking especially beautiful today! Your photos are wonderful…everything looks so dreamy!
Your house looks like an angel lives there! Have to pass along the info to my KS friends to watch ~ and to shop! One of these days I am going to actually come visit!
:)Heidi
I love your spotless, clean house! It is such a wonderful feeling to have your entire home clean & shiney, but I, like you, can’t keep it that way for long. There are granddaughters & cats that like to play here. It’s all fun, though! I love reading your blog!!
Karla, what fun! You on TV! I wish I could get that channel…. Yiur home looks beautiful and your tips are fab!
Beautiful, as always Karla…….you have no idea how blessed you are. Love everything !
Love,
Deborah Woodrow
Karla,
I love your sweet house! I totally understand the big bulky kid stuff, I am going through a real decorating hiatus until my kids tire of Lego’s and Dora. My fav is the dead birds hanging from the chandy! I wish I was in Kansas so I could see your TV show, how cool is that! Will you be sharing the remainder of the tips on your blog for us Texans? Lisa
PS I blogged about you today.
What lovely pictures! Wow… I love looking at your home…very inspiring. I love how you mix fabrics and colors but they are all soothing. Don’t you love the clean look?
Beautiful!
Blessings,
Debbie
Mopping???
What is that???
I don’t think my house has ever looked that clean!
LOVE the stained glass half moon thingy!!!
It has already been snowing here since mid-morning…….
So beautiful! Someday my house will look that pretty – once the boys are up and out of the house that is! I am going to check out that new antique show tomorrow if we don’t get hit by snow. If you get the chance, you should come by Curious Sofa on Saturday and say Hi and check out all the amazing artists that Deb has put together for her Valentine Peep Show.
I just found your blog and I love it! I can’t believe that I am just now finding it.(Via My Romantic Home) I love your style. Your kichen and dining room are beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration.I will be following now!
I enjoyed the tour of your beautiful home. It’s amazing. Thank you for sharing.
If you have a moment drop by for my show and tell. Wishing you a great weekend.
Blessings,
Mary
I think it is amazing how we can see things more clearly through the camera lens….I totally use that method now to make sure my displays look like I think they do!
So many pretties!! And wow, you can do 360’s, too?! Lucky you!! 🙂
Judging from the photos, you’re tv spot must have turned out fabulous. It was so nice meeting you last weekend, and a fun, fun day indeed!
Well, first of all, I bet I know why you had to replenish the M&Ms! And great tip on the flowers! Don’t worry — not that you are! One sad day, Ms. S. will be too big for her toy kitchen. You’ll be glad you had it there, not just because it was a lifesaver, but because she loved it so much! And you could be together!
What a beautifully decorated home you have. I love, love, love your kitchen. Rosie
Hi,
Thanks for visiting! I know just how you feel about having everything in it’s place and clean all at the same time. Now that I have a larger home it seems I only get to deep clean one area at a time – it’s never sparkling clean all at the same time because it just takes too darn long.I don’t want to spend the entire day scrubbing, I’d rather be blogging! But we do keep it pretty neat and tidy, so that’s something at least!
Your home is very romantic and so pretty! Just right for valentine’s day.
Wow, 700 posts, that’s a real commitment! I’m impressed.
Have a great weekend.
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
Very inspiring and romantic looking! Yellow roses are the color for friendship and I think they go beautifully with your arrangement! Happy February to you Karla! It looks like you are all set for a wonderful one! Blessings!
Congratulations on the cleaning, however fleeting. It does seem that a spot in the house cleaned is incapable of staying that way for even two hours, doesn’t it? No wonder it is such a frustrating endeavor.
Hope the candy bar was tasty, that at least is a sweet way to celebrate the accomplishment and keep thoughts happy through the upcoming snowstorm.
that sale sounds fun 🙂
your house looks absolutely stunning.
Karla…the blog book is just like your blog. You download it and they print it out. You can choose from a few different covers…and what pictures you want on the front or back. You definately should try it….
I get warm, fuzzy feelings just looking at your beautiful house! deb 😀
Nothing like having television cameras arriving to get the cottage all clean and tidy! Your cottage is romantic and magical. I have really enjoyed visiting your charming home. One suggestion though, next time show some more photos of Sugar Wing’s kitchen.
Love to you and Sugar Wings and Twinkle too!
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
I’m chuckling away here. Why? Because your so called ‘blah’ view is just beautiful! I honestly don’t think you realise just how exquisite your home is, even the bits that you think aren’t that exciting. Believe me, your home is gorgeous.
Humbug has a play kitchen, also about the same size. I had to rejiggle the dining room slightly to fit it in! She plays with it every day, so it’s going nowhere!
And as for getting tired of your top display photo – tosh! I love it. Could happily look at it every time I visit. Actually, I see now that it totally inspired me. I made a vintage style choccy box from scratch, and see that I have decorated it in a similar manner to the medium sized one in the centre. So see? Even if you don’t realise it, everything you do and show is inspiring!
Have a lovely weekend, and stay cosy in all the snow headed your way. I see we have a dash of fog this morning, and it looks a bit frosty. Apparently we have cold temperatures and a dollop more snow to look forward to this coming week!
xxx
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed. Really a nice post here!
Your home is the ultimate in beautifully romantic decor. I absolutely love your home. And as Sarah, I have just this moment found your blog via Cindy’s Romantic Home blog. I WILL be coming back for more. Ah, I love everything you’ve done. My 4&1/2 yr old Grand baby has a beautiful “pink wooden play kitchen” that she enjoys extremely. Her Mommy is a wonderful cook, so she loves to emulate her. Enjoy every moment of SW’s playtime, because before you know it, you’ll be a Gan-Gan like me!! You’ll be wondering where did that time go? 🙂 Your home is SPECTACULAR!! PS Your woodstove & screen are awesome!