Heat Wave

This is what my garage has looked like for a month now:

And this is what it will look like until the sauna has been removed from my garage. Primed and ready and waiting for this heat wave to leave Oklahoma...

So what else is a teacher to do on her summer break when it is too hot to paint in my garage...

A Few of My Favorite Things - Home Decor and Accessories

Meet my Design Notebook:

This notebook saves me from moments of insanity where I would be wondering "now where did I see that (insert cool idea or thing here). " I have it divided into sections like walls (paint and wallpaper), DIY, furniture, decor, organization, living room, office, etc. Then anytime I see something I love in a magazine, book, catalogue, website, or on a blog I print/tear it out and stick it in here. It has been the best thing for keeping my ideas in order and in one place.

The best thing about the blog world is finding out secrets and tips from other bloggers. I thought that I would share some of my favorite things and tips through a series of blog posts.

Home Decor and Accessories

As much as I love finding something old and making it new again, every now and then youhave to splurge on an anchor/staple item for a room. A lot of times I spend the most on an inspiration piece i.e. - art, curtains, a pillow, light fixture, etc. And then fill in the rest of the room with inexpensive finds. These sites also give me lots of decorating ideas and fresh perspective on ways I can copycat with things I already have.

ZGallerie - www.zgallerie.com is one of David Bromstead's (host of HGTV's ColorSplash) favorite home decor shops. They have very modern/contemporary items. I love to mix contemporary with vintage/flea market. I went into one of their stores when I was in Vegas last week and found so much inspiration. Most of their decor is very monochromatic, which gives off a very clean and fresh appearance. You can re-create so many of their items by spray painting old decor that you have around the house. Turning it into a fresh piece of art.

I saw these Couture prints on their site and it inspired me to find similar prints online. I printed them off and framed them for a fraction of the cost. I will be hanging them in my office.

World Market - www.worldmarket.com I love this site for import goods. They have tons of unique items to add some worldy flair to a room.

Overstock - www.overstock.com Besides the fact that they ship everything for $2.95, they have great hardware, light fixtures, tiles, etc. at very reasonable prices.

I found this light fixture for my office on Overstock.