Rug Love: Recap

CT and I have been in our house about 4 months now and we've went through our fair share of trying out and returning rugs. Because rugs make such a major impact on the room design - especially if you have wood floors - we sent back 3 rugs and finally have a few we love, another we like and a few that were mistakes but we can't return. 

When searching for our rugs - my 3 main websites were:

RugsUSA

Wayfair

Joss & Main

RugsUSA is always my go to website because they always seem to have a sale usually up to 70% off. I can never pass up saving money!! 

About 2 years ago we bought Kingston's 5x8 chevron black and white rug for roughly $50. We love it and it will be a staple in whatever room design he grows into. 

If RugsUSA doesn't have what I'm looking for, I then turn to Wayfair. Their prices are extremely reasonable and they have a great variety of home decor. I usually 'favorite' things to my favorites board and then continue to check prices for a week or so. Every few days they have different categories go on sale - so sometimes if you wait long enough your item will go on sale. 

My favorite Wayfair purchase is this nuLOOM shag rug, which is also my absolutely favorite rug! It's so soft and plush and perfect for our living room. If I could, I'd have one in every room. 

We also received a complimentary rug pad from the Rug Pad Corner and it helps tremendously with the softness of this rug. Not only does it keep our rug from slipping because of its felt and rubber texture, but it also gives it so much extra cushion. It's so soft that Kingston will purposely walk over to the rug, sit down and then free fall backwards. He'll only do this on our living room rug because it's the only one we currently have a pad under. 

Finally, if I can't find what I want from either RugsUSA or Wayfair - sometimes Joss & Main will have a curated board specifically for rugs and something will speak to me. These boards are hand picked from different contributors with their favorite things - all with items on sale. You have to be fast though because they sell out quick and the boards are only up for a few days. Once they are gone, they're gone - unless you can find the exact same item on another website (but it'll be full price). 

We originally purchased both of these rugs (not sure the names) from Joss & Main- the grey for our bedroom in a 8x10 and the multi colored blue for our dining room in a 5x7. We ended up sending the grey one back because it was a darker grey then what the photo shows, and the multi-colored rug currently resides in our dining room. This is the one I'm only in like with. 

I think I would love it more if our flooring was different, but for now it does the job. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've also had good luck finding random rugs at the local Ross, TJMaxx and Nebraska Furniture Mart.

For example:

I originally bought this rug for the pattern on the front (because it matches the color scheme of the multi-colored dining room rug) but then I realized I could turn it over and like it even more. 


Another love purchase from NFM. 

It's hard to pass up a $9 rug in the perfect shade of emerald! 

I've also purchased white bath rugs for every bathroom in our house (because look how great the pictures make them look) ...

but don't be fooled - in reality they pick up every piece of dirt, makeup mark and piece of hair! These are ones I hate and can't take back. This was definitely a waste of $50 on bath mats. 

Where are your go to rug shops? 
A girl can never have too many rugs! 

PTL People - We Have Internet

What a doozie it has been without internet in our house. 60 days to be exact.

 SO much has happened since April 17, 2015. 

We moved into our first home.

I purchased 6 rugs, returned two, and then purchased another. 

I turned a shower curtain into a massive piece of artwork - now hanging in our living room.

I painted, painted and painted some more. 

I hosted my first event - my sister-in-laws baby shower. 

Kingston started walking. 

Kingston received his first black eye. 

Kingston rode a pony.

Kingston puked 5 times - just today. 

As you can see life is busy and it doesn't seem to be slowing down any time soon. 

Stayed tuned for some fun new posts on life's best things! 

Home Ideas I'm Lovin'

While we continue to wait for the sellers bank to get their crap together our first home - I've been pinning like crazy. CT's hunny-do list is miles long and I've found lots of fun ideas that I hope to make happen once we get those keys. 

Here's what I'm loving . . . 

Via

1. Striped Accent Walls

I haven't decided if I'm going to go bold and do black or emerald stripes or stay subtle with white/grey stripes. All i know is that I need to make this a reality in my home. Such a simple inexpensive way to bring focus to an area.

via

2. Navy Front Doors

You want to set the tone from the beginning - what to expect on the inside shows with how the outside of your house looks. I love dark doors and pretty porches. We don't have a lot of room for more than a planter with flowers - so I hope to make the entry appealing by having a pretty painted door. 

  

via

3. Tuft Headboards 

I am obsessed with tufts - on chairs, ottomans and especially headboards. We plan to upgrade from a queen sized bed to a king and hopefully I can talk the hubby into helping me make a headboard. It shouldn't be too difficult or costly -  and can really bring drama into the bedroom. 

 via

4. Succulents 

Inside and outside - I want lots of them! They are a minimal maintenance plant with lots of color and texture. It doesn't get much better than that.

via

via

5. Color Throughout 

Whether its emerald in the living room, plum in the bedroom, navy in the bathroom or mint in Kingston's room - we plan to have lots of color throughout our house.

 via

via

6. Pillows
When you see an abundance of pillows on a bed or couch, doesn't it make you just want to jump right in? Pillows make things look cozy and inviting. I have been on the lookout for the perfect pieces - but so far I haven't found anything I love that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. 

via 

7. Sliding Barn Doors 
My plan is to replace our laundry room door (that open into the hallway and blocks traffic from both sides when it's open) with a sliding barn door. My only concern is that I hope it doesn't clash since we are more of a 'modern' family. 

via

8. Stained Concrete

Our soon to be basement has a finished bedroom and bathroom but the family room still needs completed. We plan to stain the concrete and cover most of it with a shag rug. It's cost effective and helps keep things cool during the summer. The only downfall is that during the winter it literally feels like Antarctica.  

My to-do list is a mile long but hopefully I can make most of these things reality! 

For the LOVE of Rugs!

If you haven't heard yet . . .  CT and I are in the process of purchasing our first home. (I guess you call it purchasing even though we are really just loaning it from the bank) That's if the sellers can get their act together ... but that's a story for another day. Anyways, it has been so overwhelming and exciting trying to come up with color schemes, decor options and deciding on furnishings. 

The living room is the one area in our new home that I'm having the most difficulties making decisions on. It's the first room anyone coming into our home will walk into, it's the room where most of my time will be spent and it's just the hub of our home. Decorating this room is a huge decision and obviously one I don't take lightly. 

A few things that I've made decisions on so far:

1. Color scheme: Grey, White, with Emerald & Black Accents

2. Walls - Light Grey 

(still need to decide on accent wall which will be the color of our kitchen. Right now I'm leaning towards a light green.) 

3. Small sectional in front of our fireplace 

4. Kingston's former changing table by our stairs
5. Our watercolor portrait as the focal point when you walk in

Fortunately, we have wood flooring throughout the majority of the house, so I knew from the beginning that I wanted a fun rug in the living room. I'm still looking for one that 'speaks' to me without breaking the bank. I know if I could just decide on something, it would easily make the rest of the room come together. 

Here are a few that I've thought could possibly play the part. 

Bouvardia Crewelwork Rug from Anthropologie

(This is seriously amazing and on sale... but still $480 - which CT would never go for!)

Frontier Juniper/Winter White Zig Zag Rug from Wayfair

(If only I didn't have a chevron rug in King's room and chevron bed sheets ...)

Safavieh Retro Black/Light Grey from Wayfair

(Because we are totes a black and white family)

Marrakesh Shag Grey Rug from RugsUSA

(I love the texture of this but I feel like white couches is a must with it - which I'm not so sure I want to do.)

Couture Magnolia Grey Rug from RugsUSA

(This one is only $99 which makes me love it even more!)

Pantone Prismatic Watercolor Rug from Target

(My decor options would be endless if this was my rug. Plus it matches our painting perfect!)

So ... as you can see there are many different options I like and I don't really have any one distinct style. My mind is going in 6 different directions and it's time I finally decide on one. 

Help a sista out - which is your fave?

Life Lately

I honestly don't know how us moms do life, especially the ones who work out of the home. I know I am in constant motion going from one thing to the next from the moment I wake up (which is usually at 530a). Getting myself ready, Kingston ready, Christian ready - working an 8 hour shift while trying to make time for 3 pumping session, making dinner, picking up the house, bed time routines. You name it  - us women are seriously amazing. God was so right when he gave these responsibilities and the personality traits  to the women - because I wouldn't have it any other way. I really feel a sense of accomplishment and power when I'm able to successfully get through my day knowing all that I do. 

Anyways, where I was going with that rant ... I haven't been writing much because we have been busy these last few weeks. Hopefully now that the holidays are over, I'll have a little more time to sit down behind the computer. Be prepared for more things baby and all things having to do with our new home! 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Life lately:

1. We have completed all our paperwork for our house loan and the inspection has been done. Now we are just waiting to see if the seller will make the recommended changes (new dishwasher, fix some plumbing in master shower, and fix a piece of siding that is rotten) and to finalize our loan. We close in about 20 days . . . I can't wait! Even though I'm nervous for that first payment to come due.

2. Two weekends from now we plan to take a trip up to Kansas City to visit the new IKEA and Nebraska Furniture Mart. We are on the look out for a new couch, king size mattress and a dining room table. I'm hoping for some good deals. This sista likes saving money. 

3. Once this house stuff is finalized - I plan on trading in my car and getting something much less expensive. Right now we have two car payments which is totally unnecessary because my car is only driven to and from work, the grocery store and a few other errands. I would love to have a car that's reliable and with no payment. Ideally I hope to find a 4 door Honda - in good condition with medium miles. I hear those cars last forever! 

4. Tax season is quickly approaching and the word around the block is that having a baby gets you more of a return?? If that's the case, I think Kingston is going to buy us some new carpet. 

5. I've been working at Koch for about 15 months now and I have yet to have a formal review. My boss said it's coming but needs final approval from her boss. What makes me nervous is that all the other team members have had their reviews approved and have been given them but mine is still in limbo. It had me worried but my boss assures me it's nothing bad.  Who knows. Hopefully I'm not in the process of getting canned. :/ 

6. CT's sister stayed with us for a while over Christmas break. Kingston had such a good time with his Aunt and I love seeing other people love my son. It makes this mama's heart so happy. 

7. Thank goodness for the buy, sell trade sites on Facebook. Prior to moving I plan to get rid of a bunch of our junk, and previously I've had such good luck using those sites. This way I'll be able to make a little extra cash and not have to tow it all the way across town. My goal is so start as fresh as possible in the new house. Right now we have such a mixture of stuff from my home in Salina, stuff from CT's college days and my college days. I know eclectic is a popular style but it's definitely not mine! 

8. My sister graduated from college last May and her first student loan payments is coming due this month. She has one private loan from Sallie Mae that is going to cost her $400 a month and there is no way for them to lower it any. Like seriously ... how can anyone afford that? And that's only one of her loans. She still has another one on top of that one to pay! Poor girl. Why haven't hackers used their talents to wipe out the student loan databases? People without student loans don't know how good they have it. 

9. Because my husband gained some pregnancy weight with me and it's the new year - we've started trying to eat healthier. No more eating out (which we are SO guilty of), more fish and veggies and no juice. I'm still drinking my coffee and dr. pepper so I'm not fully committed to this 'diet'. I guess you could say I'm more of the hubbys cheerleader and cook. 

10. I chopped off my hair and I love it. Out with the old long stringy pony and in with the new long bob. I'm trying to work on that MILF status. ;) 

Crafting: Kingston's Nursery

I think it's finally time that I reveal all of Kingston's nursery to you lovely readers. Thankfully, I started working on this bad boy as soon as we found out that we were pregnant because I haven't wanted to do anything in there for a few weeks.

I knew our decor scheme was going to be similar whether we had a boy or girl: 
dark walls, white furniture with metallic and either mint or raspberry accents. 

Let me remind you of our nursery inspiration.

original details here

And here is how I tried to bring that inspiration to life! 

(Keep in mind our untraditional room setup)

Wall Color // Lowe's // Valspar - Muted Ebony

Accent Paint // Lowe's// Pantone Universe - Bay

Crib // Cherry Orchard Furniture  //  Angel Line Mary 3 in 1 Crib

Chair // Wayfair

3 piece dresser/changing table // Home Decorators

Curtains // Target 

Rug // Rugs USA 

Mirror // gift from my dad which he found antiquing
Cloud Mobile // handmade by me 

Lamp // TJMaxx
K Wall Hanging // Hobby Lobby

Puff Quilt // handmade by me

Bedding // handmade by me // crib sheet, crib skit & changing pad cover
Mint Throw // TJMaxx 

Apothecary Jar // Nebraska Furniture Mart

Little Tins // Target - dollar section

Nuts & Bolts Metallic Men // Hobby Lobby 

Basket // Target 

The World is Your Playground // handmade by me

Dream Quote & K // gift from baby shower #3

Car Bookends // Nebraska Furniture Mart

Moustache Closet Makeover // done by me

*The tutorials I used for the fabric goodies can be found on my Pinterest board. 
*Shopping at TJMaxx is always hit or miss and they stock each location differently. 
*Check out my Etsy shop if you would like me to create the perfect puff quilt/mobile for your little ones nursery. 


I'm in love with how it turned out. 

It's modern. 

It's elegant. 

It's eclectic. 

It's us! 

My Life in Lists: If I had one MILLION dollars

This week I'm linking up with Marci - If These Walls Could Speak and Kelli - Team Gilbert for their new weekly link up - My Life in Lists. 

I dream about this daily - what would I do with a million dollars? 

How amazing would it be to come into a million dollars one day?  

I guess it would only be amazing if I came into it anonymously. 

With my million dollars this is how I would spend it: 

1. Pay off our STUDENT LOANS. 

We literally could afford a nice house in what we pay monthly for our student loans. 

The worst part about it all - I'm not even using my degree. 

 2. Build our dream home.

 via

via

3. Be able to be a stay at home mom - Michelle Duggar style.

AKA have lots of babies and be able to afford them!

I would also want to be able to adopt 2 little mixed babies from the US too. 

  

4. Travel: 

Fiji

via

Hawaii 

Castles

5. Invest it so I can make millions more!! 

Nursery Inspiration

A sneak peak into what my vision is for Baby K's nursery! 

1// Million Dollar Baby - Ashbury Crib (all white furniture)

2// lots, and lots, and lots of patterns

3// dark grey walls

4// Owl wall hanging - gift from an art festival (original color inspiration)

5// Black/White Chevron Rug (talked about here)

6// Mamaroo Swing/Rocker (modern everything)

7// Mint or Raspberry accents based on gender (still talking CT into this)

8// Reflections 3 Piece Cabinet (storage + changing table)

As you can see our theme is black/white/metallic + an accent color. I am SOO excited to see how this turns out. It's very modern and not the most kid friendly, but it's so our taste. I told CT that this is a preview of how our forever home eventually someday look like. 

Lots of patterns, metallic anywhere we can get it, but still keeping in mind simple is better. I've seen too many nursery's that are super cluttered, so I think this is going to be our biggest challenge. Well . . . besides the fact that we are technically transforming our dining room into a nursery. Complete with having to create a closet and some sort of separation between the nursery and the hallway. 

Let's not get started - that's a story for a whole other day. 

What are your thoughts on the inspiration? 

It's a Tiffany original!  =) 

It's definitely not most people's taste for a nursery, but it's ours and I can't wait to see how it all turns out! 

linking up with Serenity Now.