Trend Alert – Over-sized Letters and a Quick DIY!!

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For as far back as when my youngest daughter, (now 4) was born, I think I have been obsessed with typography and lettering and the custom/personalized feel  that it brings to Home Decor.  Over the last couple of years, I think that I have become enamored with over-sized letters specifically.  And… so the hunt began.  Of course I would see them EVERYWHERE.  But, the catch is always the same, either they don’t have the letters that I am looking for, I can’t find the size I need, or the price is astronomical. (Or at least as far as this Momma is concerned)

So… I was at my 2nd Favorite Fabric Store….. you guessed it,  Joann’s Fabric on a totally unrelated quest, when I ran smack dab into these HUGE Cardboard Letters, which of course were going to come home with me.

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Admittedly, I had no idea what was next, because as much as I was stalking all the Over-sized Letter pins  on Pinterest.  My intention was to buy them and not to turn it into a DIY Project.  Naturally, you would think the next step would have been to look up directions.  But, NOPE.   I decided to go home and see what I already had in my Craft Closet (also known, as the JUNK CLOSET).  SCORE!!

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I sprayed the letters with Krylon Short Cuts Hobby Craft Paint.  And, to be honest, I loved that look and could have just left it at that.  It had a leathery rustic look.  But, since the A was actually an addition to my dh’s office decor.  It had to tie into the Chalkboard Walls, that are soon to come.

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What do you think?? I like it Brown.

I know that there should be a picture of the final step with the Martha Stewart Multi-Surface Chalk Board Paint.  But, I had to download all my pics from my iPhone to make room for the iOS 8 upgrade.

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Here is the completed project!! As you can see it hasn’t made it to its intended home yet, because Hubby’s Office is still a work in progress.  All in all, the whole project probably cost me no more than $7.00.

Who can be mad at that??  Have you decorated any spaces in your home with Lettering?  What was your favorite project?  I’d love to hear about it!!

 

 

And …. We’re Live!! – Restricted Members Only Content

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Many of you have noticed that there were some Cosmetic Changes happening on the Site, yesterday.  That is because we were going through the process of creating a Members Only Section.  If you sign up to become a member of our Blog, you will have access to Exclusive Content.  I believe that everything is working as it should.  However,  please excuse the changes, as we work out all kinks.

We Appreciate your Understanding and Your Patience.

In the meantime and in between time,  Register for your FREE Membership and take Advantage of our Exclusive Fall Printables!!

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Jumping Head First into Fall – Our Fall Home Tour

Fall Tour 2014 Hero Image

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons.  After particularly hot summers here in Georgia, when the seasons start to change, I feel the need to bring as much warmth in doors as possible, enter my Fall Décor.

I feel that the Entry to Your Home Sets the Tone for the Entire House.  So, I normally start with my Front Door and Work My way All the Back to the Kitchen.  But, this year, I was literally chomping at the bit, to pull out the Fall Decorations.  So I started indoors, that way the neighbors wouldn’t  know how crazy I am , lol.  I had also promised my hubby, I would wait at least until September 1st, to start decorating for Fall, and that is literally how long I waited.

I started with the hardest part, the Fall Tablescape.  To me, that is the make or break it point.  All other décor  gets married to this room.  I was pretty sure that I could use most of the items that I purchased last year, but still create a different look than last years.

Here is a glimpse of last year’s décor.

2013 Fall Centerpiece

 

2013 Fall Tablescape

Fast Forward to this Year:

2014 Fall Tablescape found on www.stage-presents.com

 

2014 Fall Tablesetting found on www.stage-presents.com

 

Side Buffet - Decorating for Fall - www.stage-presents.com

 

The Burnt Orange Bird Cages were something that my hubby picked up last year, when we were trying to figure out how to style the Side Buffet and the Mantle.  Luckily, they were already the perfect color, the only thing I added to them, were some fall leaves to line the cage.  I had a rather large ceramic pumpkin, and I simply put inside my glass cake plate, and added a few fall leaves and floral accents.  Then I decorated the table with other ceramic pumpkins and gourds.  Next,  I set the table with Fall Leaf place mats I bought last year from Bed Bath & Beyond,  in brown and gold.    I used Pier 1  pear and pumpkin salt and pepper shakers from last year and large fall leaves I purchased from Joann’s Fabrics, to make the table settings pop.  And, the scripted napkins were also something that I bought last year.  So I recycled pretty much everything while creating a new and I think a better look than last year.

Next Up, was my Foyer.  It gets a facelift on a constant basis.  I change up the Art Work and Décor based on Season Changes, Birthdays, and Holidays..  After all it’s the first thing you see when you come through my front door.

Past Foyer Looks:

Fall 2013 Foyer Decor

 

Christmas 2013 - Foyer Decor

 

This Year’s Look:

Fall 2014 - Foyer Decor

My Formal Dining Room flows directly into My Formal Living Room.  I didn’t do much in this room, but change out the centerpiece, just to give the whole space a uniform look.

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Fall 2014 – Living Room Centerpiece found on www.stage-presents.com

Then, I carried the decorations over into the Kitchen by adding these Chalkboard Candles to the Window Sill in the Kitchen.

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Fall 2014 Kitchen Window Display

Last Up, was the Front Door Area.  Here are some pics from the last two years.

2013 Fall Door

2012 Fall Door

And, finally this year!!

2014 Fall Door

Thanks for joining us on Our Fall Home Tour.  As always it’s a joy to decorate my home for my family, and to share it, with you.

Mommy Taxi Cab Confessions — The Summer Edition!!

Blogging over this summer is proving to be quite the challenge.  I feel like I need to get a voice to text app and start recording my thoughts in the car since that’s where I’m spending most of my days lately.

My 9 year old started her extended school year this past Monday.  And, as always, at least in our house, with change comes anxiety.  We had been talking about this since before the regular school year ended.  But, as the days grew closer, I could sense the “stomach clench”, maybe because mine was doing the same thing.  The days before were filled with lots of questions, which I tried my best to answer with the information I had.  The morning of we got to the school early, and as we sat outside and waited, I could see the tears welling up in her eyes.  New School (not her home school), New Teachers and New Kids. Ugh!!  And out came her teacher Ms. D.  She was a ball of sunshine and energy. And, even though she was scared, she took her hand and walked into the school.

Less than an hour later, I got a pic of a Happy Little Girl and I breathed a Sigh of Relief.  The next 4 days went perfectly and she told me she made a friend.  And, just like that, all is right with the world.  Whew!! These Growing Pains are as hard on the Parents as the Kids!!

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I have also spent a great deal of time driving my 17 year old around trying to help him find a job.  And, finally he scored a gig at Chick-fil-A. – Insert 1 Happy Momma!!

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The only person relaxing this summer is my little one.  She rides with me when she feels like it, and hangs out with Dad when she’s tired of the running around…

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So there you have it!!

Free Father’s Day Downloadable Printable (PDF File)

With Father’s Day only Thirteen Days Away, we thought we would share with you this great Father’s Day Printable that we created for our Facebook and Instagram Fans!!

To Download: Simply Click the Link Following the Picture and Enjoy!!

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DOWNLOAD HERE

Roots and Wings ….

PARENTING IS SUCH A DEEPLY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

If you want to see a Mom or Dad lose it, call into questions their methods.  Challenge their ability to parent effectively or even blame them for their child’s shortcomings, and you are almost sure to get a less than pleasurable response.

Parenting Quote - Roots and Wings

Photo Source: Pinterest

 

Roots:

plural noun: roots 

1.  the part of a plant that attaches it to the ground or to a support, typically underground, conveying water and nourishment to the rest of the plant via numerous branches and fibers.

2.  the basic cause, source, or origin of something.

Wings:

plural noun: wings

1.  any number of specialized paired appendages that enable some animals to fly in particular.

2.  a rigid horizontal structure that projects from both sides of an aircraft and supports it in the air.

So when it  comes to our little people, what exactly constitutes roots.  I have always thought that had something to do with teaching them to be grounded.  As well as teaching them about their history and their heritage.

Wings, I see wings as providing them with the tools necessary to be successful, compassionate, loving and empathetic humans.

The fact of the matter is that (at jumping off point), most of us have a general idea of what kind of child we want to raise.  After all we have had 9 months to think on it.  We’ve tried our hardest to diligently plan every detail.  If you are like me (a lil anal retentive), you created a Excel Spreadsheet with every item you thought your lovejoy could possibly need and you checked off each item.  You packed your bags and waited for what you were sure would be a Chart Stopper of a day and it was!!  You bring your lovejoy home only to realize, well he’s not all that lovable or joyous, lol.  He’s got colic, wants to be held all the time, and came out  all Type A and demanding your attention all the time.  Which maybe wouldn’t be so bad, if you didn’t have two other kids on deck.

Fast Forward through some years and you’ve managed to get a General Ebb and Flow, you’ve found a way to cater to all the little and BIG personalities in your home.

And, you finally learn that:

1.  EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT.

2. TO PARENT THE CHILD YOU’VE GOT AND NOT THE ONE YOU WANTED.

3. AND MAYBE BY NOW YOU’VE LEARNED THEIR INDIVIDUAL LOVE LANGUAGES.

You think you are finally getting this Insane Ride of Motherhood Down Pat.  You’ve got Square Pegs – Fitting Into Circle Holes.  You are rocking the Hell out of Life.  Only to Realize…. You are Just Getting Started.

The Greatness From Whence we Came — A Tribute to Black History Month

During the month of February(Black History Month), I have been sharing Black History Facts on our Facebook Page.  And, I was amazed at how much I didn’t know, almost every person that I shared, I either didn’t know about before, or knew nothing of the scope of their contribution to society.

The Greatness from Whence We Came - A Tribute to Black History Month

The whole experience left me in awe of the “greatness from whence we came”.  The ability to overcome and conquer the circumstances under which we were forced to live and the injustices that we had to endure created DIAMONDS.  “When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” – Peter Marshall

Our contributions to this country are immeasurable and continuous. These quotes by many of the “GREATS”, give a glimpse into the struggle and those who fought to not be defined by it.

If we accept and acquiesce in the face of discrimination, we accept the responsibility ourselves and allow those responsible to salve their conscience by believing that they have our acceptance and concurrence. We should, therefore, protest openly everything . . . that smacks of discrimination or slander. – Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) “Certain Unalienable Rights”
It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others. . . . One ever feels his twoness,—an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warrings ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder. -W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963) The Souls of Black Folk (1903)
I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. . . . Even in the helter-skelter skirmish that is my life, I have seen that the world is to the strong regardless of a little pigmentation more or less. No, I do not weep at the world—I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife. – Zora Neale Hurston (1901-1960) “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” (1928)
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed. – Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) Up From Slavery (1901)

I am both proud and humbled.

Valentine’s Day Across The Web!!

I literally wish I could do all of the amazing crafts and Valentine’s Day ideas that I have found across the web, but that would be virtually impossible.   So….. instead, I will share some of my favorite links.

Valentine's Day Craft Ideas from around the Web (Links Below)

There’s only a day left, but these are easy enough that you can work on them today, if needs be. I finished early this year, but it looks like the kid’s wont get to celebrate with their friends this year, due to the weather.

Do you have a little “foodie”, in your family?  If so this Free Valentine’s Day Printable Lunch Box Notes, will be perfect for you.

Got Construction Paper, and some Hand Eye Coordination, this Super Easy “Bee Mine” Valentine’s Day Craft is Super Cute!!

I know a lot of folks think Valentine’s Day is for the ladies, but I think our little men would beg to differ.  Check out this amazing Lego Valentine’s Day Boxes  made over @ The Blackberry Vine.  In 2012, she did this Lego Darth Vader Valentine Box.

I shared this on Facebook, last week sometime. But, I think it bears repeating. You can use things you already have at home to set a Festive Table for Valentine’s Day!! Ambiance, Ambiance, Ambiance.

Set up An Easy Valentine's Day Tablescape with things you have at home.

I used Scrap Fabric, Scrapbook Paper, A Valentine’s Snow Globe, and my Dinnerware and Silverware to create a Festive Table-setting.

Easy Tablesetting for Valentine's Day (with things you have at home)

Hope you all have the Happiest of Valentine’s Days, with the ones you love.  Be it your significant other or the whole family!!

Valentine's Day Quote Photo Source: Pinterest

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour

I got this idea of a Home Tour from seeing so many other amazing Holiday Spaces featured across several blogs.  And, let’s face it, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour

For as long as I can remember, Christmas has been my favorite holiday.  Being surrounded by family, the sights and smells, they have all played a part in memories that I hold dear to my heart.

It’s one of the reasons why I literally throw myself every year into “Decking The Halls”,  for my family, the way my mom did for my sister and I.  And the way her Mom did for her.

This is our second year having two trees.  The Family Room/Foyer Tree has all the ornaments that the kids have made through the years, our keepsake ornaments, and the traditional Christmas Colors.  It is the first thing you see when you walk through the front door of our home.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour - The Front Foyer and Hallway

This hallway takes you into our Family Room, where we decorated our fireplace/mantel with our Luxe Stockings and DIY Scripted Glitter Letters.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour - The Mantel

Our Formal Living Room and Dining Room flow into each other and house our 8 ft.  Douglas Fir.  This year we went with the accent color of purple and I had a ball “marrying” the two rooms.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour- Teal Purple and Silver Color Scheme

Needless to say, at this time of year, I am in my element.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour - Dobbie Our Christmas Elf Sighting

So from Our Stage Presents Family to yours, Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!!  I hope you enjoyed our home, as much as we enjoyed sharing it!!