Hutton Home Office {ORC week five}

Coming down to the wire!  Week five of the One Room Challenge.  Thanks to Linda for opening it up to all!

My progress to date: Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four.

Here we go...

My blind solution.  As my budget waned, I found these paper blinds from Lowe's for $6.  The gray, room-darkening shades actually look okay and will work nicely until I order my wood blinds after Christmas.

Still need to steam the curtains.

Homework station has remained the same since the beginning.  I added the stencil to the closet doors temporarily.  I plan to chalkboard wall them after the holidays, as well as hunt for a low-profile bookcase.

Simple, but elegant chair from Homegoods.

Family artwork almost ready to hang.  I brought the stencil into the larger canvas to tie the room together.

Shopping my home for accents.  Moving these from the living room, my grandfathers antique binoculars will work perfectly.

Some more accents borrowed from the boys bathroom and family room. 

Still to do...hang EVERYTHING!  Waiting til' the midnight hour to hang the wall decor.  I am going to give the room a final cleaning, lay the carpet, arrange the furniture, and add some fresh elements for final photos.

After all of this and that, I'm not going to want my husband and boys in there!

Final look at my inspiration photos:

I'm really humbled to be a part of this challenge, I'm in amazing company!

Thanks for visiting!

What you should be buying at the Dollar Store {right now} and Hurricane Sandy anniversary

Glassware for your holiday gift-giving and crafts.

Case in point...XL beer mugs.  Put a holiday craft beer in a mug, tie with a festive bow and a custom label and you have the perfect gift or party favor.

Holiday tins for your homemade cookies or candies.

Cupcake transport.  If you leave them with the hostess or at school, who cares? It was a buck.

Some stores have decorative glassware that isn't too cheesy.  Go ahead and splurge on that Yankee Candle, the accessory is only $1 and looks vintage. 

Baking tins and disposable hot beverage cups.  I actually prefer these coffee cups to the Chinet brand at Costco.  They are sturdier and rinse well for even further use...

Flash cards for toddlers.  Buy a few and stick them in your car for a little surprise on a long car ride with the kids.

Not really cheaper, but this sort of stuff will get you at the register and it is runny-nose season.

Gag gifts for tweens.  Throw some of these extras into a bag with a gift card.  I also pick up "beauty products" in the HBA section to enhance a young girls gift.  Hair scrunchies and head bands, mirrors, hand lotions, etc...

Because, really, with kids it's quantity over quality.

Chips.  For the husband that complains that you don't have enough junk in the house. 

All items and some photos courtesy of the Dollar Tree stores.

On another note....

Today is a year since Hurricane Sandy affected our area so terribly.  Our family that was affected are all back home.  I still have friends who are not back home and who don't have homes to return to.  Here is my last post before the storm.  And here is my post when I returned to blogging in January.

Prayers to those who are still struggling.

Thanks for visiting

Ghostini's {recipe swap}

Ghostini's

1/2 Cup small ice cubes or shaved ice

1/2 Cup of vanilla vodka

1/2 Cup of whipping cream

1/4 Cup of white chocolate-flavored liquor (we used Godiva)

1/4 Cup hazelnut-flavored liquer (we use Frangelico)

Chocolate syrup

Black & orange sprinkles or rimming sugar

Place ice in martini shaker or pitcher. Add remaining ingredients; shake or stir until blended. Dip your rims lightly into chocolate syrup and dip into sprinkles or rimming sugar. Pour cocktail into rimmed, chilled stemmed glasses, straining out ice.  

Tip:  Williams-Sonoma sells rimming sugar in 3 flavors.  They can be found here, and make a great Christmas/Hanukkah gift!

Thanks for visiting!

Weekend...

TGIF!

Chill in the air

Early soccer 

Trip to toys r us and a visit to grandmas.

I've dropped the ball on her dining room. We need window treatments, lighting and accessories. After....the one room challenge.  I've got a lot to work with though...

Trying my hand at braising short ribs. With red wine, onions and fresh rosemary.

And lots and lots of play-doh.

Disclaimer: the beer is mine.

Thanks for visiting ~ enjoy your weekend!

Planning Ahead {Christmas 2013}

I'm as guilty as all of the major retailers pushing Christmas early, but just as September and October went by like a flash, so will November.

We will be traveling toward the end of November; first to Disney and then to spend Thanksgiving with my family in St. Mary's, GA.  I'm so excited for our trip, but I know that time will get away from me.

I'd like to put a homespun, rustic spin on our holiday this year.

And, as always, Pinterest is providing the inspiration.

How organic and beautiful is this greenery and dried orange garland?

A snowman made of fish bowls, perhaps?

Greenery, cranberries and water in a mason jar with tealights.  A beautiful and aromatic centerpiece idea...

Get the kids involved foraging twigs for a rustic Christmas tree...

...as well as, twig stars.

My Uncle Ed (way back when) used to make folk art-ish Christmas trees out of large pine cones.  He would affix the cone to a round of primitive-looking wood and lightly dab the ends with white paint, sometimes adding a bit of cotton.  Not as "primary-colored" as the one above, but elegant and bucolic.  I miss him and I wish I had more of those trees...

I am hunting eBay and Craigs List for some accessories for my Christmas mantel.  Which is why I am starting early...Pinterest is not helping when it comes to some of the vintage items I am looking for.  When/if i score, I'll be sharing!

{all photos courtesy of pinterest}

To visit my Pinterest boards, click here!

Thanks for visiting!

Craig's List Finds {that got away}

Give me a can of paint and some fabric, I go wild.

I pictured these in black.

This would've been freshened up in a tropical print.

White, possibly distressed. with a quirky, unexpected paper backing.

Seller stated mahogany, I saw a fresh green bright lacquer.

Paint and new hardware and welcome to my foyer.

But alas....too far for pick-up or sold too quickly.  I'm still on the lookout!

{all photos courtesy of Craig's List ~ Central New Jersey}

Thanks for visiting!

Hutton Home Office {ORC week four}

Welcome to my One Room Challenge week four update!  To see what it's all about click here.

It's been a slow week for me.  My sweet baby boys birthday weekend coupled with a sinus infection, has slowed my progress.  I will catch up over the next few days.

The electrician came!  I loved this pendant before it was installed, but now...holy cow, the glow is lovely.

You can find the fixture here.

Thanks to Mary Ann for this vintage light bulb tip.

While picking up a few things at Tar~Jay, I found this rusty-colored shade with a bronze base for the desk task lighting.

Have to pick up stenciling, where I left off.

This is the dark brown {p}leather futon that will be placed perpendicular to the desk. The boys are enjoying it in the tv room, as it's currently a slide.

The little ones art project for the family art wall.  I gave him creative license and it's exquisite.

I am learning that I will have more blank wall space than I anticipated.  I have absolutely no budget left, so I have to get creative or continue shopping my house for more accessories.

So this is where I am

Thanks for visiting and following along!