Top 10 Home Staging Tips

{Top Ten} January

<u></u>January started a little slow due to the holiday-hangover, but I made up for it with a flurry of small and easy projects. I'm so thankful for those of you who  stop in every day, every week, or every Leap Year. In case you dozed off somewhere along the way, here's a recap of January.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8425258358/" title="Hi Sugarplum January Projects by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum January Projects" height="550" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8360/8425258358_138804c84b_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I became instantly <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/smitten-pb-teen-monogrammed-pillows.html" target="_blank">{Smitten}with a new-to-me pillow source</a>. Affordable monograms? Sign me up!</div><div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-anthropologie-style-confetti-vases.html" target="_blank">Anthropologie-inspired Confetti Vases</a> were a hit on Pinterest.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I whipped my sewing machine out for the second time ever, and made a <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-deer-head-applique-tea-towel.html" target="_blank">Deer Head Applique Kitchen Towel</a>. With pom-poms no less!</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8425258312/" title="Hi Sugarplum January Projects by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum January Projects" height="550" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8334/8425258312_f6f0d25b97_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We got a little sappy when talking about <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/clove-oranges-aka-best-smelling-things.html" target="_blank">Clove Oranges</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I shoved my face with two batches of P<a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/super-bowl-snack-chocolate-peanut.html" target="_blank">eanut Butter Cup Frito Bars</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/more-fun-with-plastic-animals.html" target="_blank">Plastic Animals</a> got the best of me again.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I shared a personal health scare, all in the name of giving you a chance to <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/fight-germ-battle-win-1000_24.html" target="_blank">win $1,000 from Clorox</a>! <i>(Seriously people, this is not chump change. Have you entered?)</i></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8424169235/" title="Hi Sugarplum January Projects by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum January Projects" height="550" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8492/8424169235_685f0148c6_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I cleaned up my mantel for Winter, and got sneaky with some <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-faux-birch-logs-winter-mantel.html" target="_blank">Faux Birch Logs</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">More snacking ensued with <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/sweet-spicy-pecans.html" target="_blank">Sweet & Spicy Pecans</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My obvious obsession with my name continued, with my cheery new <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-new-desk-nook.html" target="_blank">Desk Nook</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Whew! I'm pooped...maybe I should take February off? No way...tomorrow kicks off a Week of Sweet! I have a whole gaggle of Valentine sweetness to share. Did you have a favorite January project? What are you favorite kinds of posts to read around here?

{Top Ten} January

January started a little slow due to the holiday-hangover, but I made up for it with a flurry of small and easy projects. I'm so thankfu...

5:00 AM

Clove Oranges {aka The Best Smelling Things on Earth}

Isn't it funny what little things our memories hold on to, and how they shape what we like? I love black olives, but is it because they remind me of eating them straight from the can while playing cards with my grandparents? I <i>reeeally </i>don't like licorice, but is it because I ate a dirty piece I found in the street as a kid? <br /><br />Same goes for Clove Oranges....they always remind me of Christmas because I made them with my family every December. It was a memory I meant to make with my own kids this past holiday, but we never got to it. I stumbled across the jar of cloves last weekend, and instead of kicking myself for not finding the time, I decided to create new memories, and make them anyway!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8415145268/" title="Clove Oranges at Hi Sugarplum by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Clove Oranges at Hi Sugarplum" height="614" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8499/8415145268_fed2272ed5_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Cold weather keeps us indoors long past December, and this is the perfect afternoon project to do while cuddled under a blanket. All you need is a jar of whole cloves and some oranges.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8414048659/" title="Clove Oranges at Hi Sugarplum by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Clove Oranges at Hi Sugarplum" height="418" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8414048659_0715eab12a_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Using the sharp end of the clove, just push it in the fruit, arranging them in the pattern of your choice. If your orange is particularly tough, or your thumb a little sensitive, use a toothpick or skewer to poke your hole first. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8414048697/" title="Clove Oranges at Hi Sugarplum by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Clove Oranges at Hi Sugarplum" height="371" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8504/8414048697_a7fde4be53_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />As we sat together in the quiet house...chatting, laughing and creating, I realized that was actually the memory that makes me love Clove Oranges so much. I love the conversations that come naturally when working on something peaceful with my kids. And since there's no right or wrong way to these, everyone was content to create their own patterns and designs.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8414048947/" title="Clove Oranges at Hi Sugarplum by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Clove Oranges at Hi Sugarplum" height="489" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8414048947_645f89d870_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8414048765/" title="Clove Oranges at Hi Sugarplum by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Clove Oranges at Hi Sugarplum" height="499" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8414048765_47bde4cb3b_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />And instead of these getting lost in the Christmas hustle, they get to take center stage as a cherry and bright centerpiece for the gray months of January and February. Not to mention, they smell ah-maze-ing!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8415145224/" title="Clove Oranges at Hi Sugarplum by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Clove Oranges at Hi Sugarplum" height="595" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8226/8415145224_8c632d9397_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8414048821/" title="Clove Oranges at Hi Sugarplum by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Clove Oranges at Hi Sugarplum" height="444" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8414048821_34814b70e1_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />So what little memories have impacted your tastes and activities? Do you agree licorice is a nasty little candy? Can you smell the clovey-citrusy goodness through your screen?!

Clove Oranges {aka The Best Smelling Things on Earth}

Isn't it funny what little things our memories hold on to, and how they shape what we like? I love black olives, but is it because they ...

5:00 AM

Checking in

<div style="text-align: center;">Hi lovers</div><center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am here but not back. I just wanted to check in so y'all know what's going on in my world.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you follow me on Instagram (amberinteriors), you would have seen that we did not make it to the UK in time to see Nan one last time. She passed away on the Monday before we left </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's so SO sad but we are happy to be here with the Ducks fam celebrating Nan's life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a stroke of luck (in my book at least) and got to see the snow! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">G had the best time and has been such a good girl despite the long travel and major jet lag.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am so thankful she has been awesome...I may be overcompensating and allowing her way to much chocolate, can you blame me?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NOt_-Klmu6BzHbs_dJ__nCPCaQHmTqKa6t6nNhVsrkfQZEOKWk0_ru_f2_1uS-KIlCPblOWq7RQAEA8Nnk1fyXLFLLXYnlR5gNyVszJZEC06PJEr_xxrEUGlUo4QhOAy56Yr81rb50IW/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NOt_-Klmu6BzHbs_dJ__nCPCaQHmTqKa6t6nNhVsrkfQZEOKWk0_ru_f2_1uS-KIlCPblOWq7RQAEA8Nnk1fyXLFLLXYnlR5gNyVszJZEC06PJEr_xxrEUGlUo4QhOAy56Yr81rb50IW/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are some things you all should know about...if you don't know already.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I created a little gift guide for <a href="http://toandfrommagazine.com/">To & From</a> Magazine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Valentines is right around the corner and seriously this kinda gift giving made easy is right up my alley!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ldu01YX7ahZTqRaz61X-466mjOeZK_7VGFeRaArU7lvb16O1u2ikDFS3hUW3wmlhETvWDv3dy2m2PGGRGm749ckhRSOfDxJX9PtjkzDI6S_pobDrc1sjQgPDt03TevcUT6QDmQQ_f4OL/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-28+at+9.51.15+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ldu01YX7ahZTqRaz61X-466mjOeZK_7VGFeRaArU7lvb16O1u2ikDFS3hUW3wmlhETvWDv3dy2m2PGGRGm749ckhRSOfDxJX9PtjkzDI6S_pobDrc1sjQgPDt03TevcUT6QDmQQ_f4OL/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-01-28+at+9.51.15+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabCd9AEsS3Xz_lWyAsoOiKDZZQo1a-t7tHvtR6wFXVCe0Ar19v7-0SKqrWWSnne6OTDhT2BxEQtJm0lS_SpldfrXwYp8i_MqcRmeNC6nQiDJq9hHeC1nGrvWaG3UhqocUIlCQQMPipWZx/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-28+at+9.51.54+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabCd9AEsS3Xz_lWyAsoOiKDZZQo1a-t7tHvtR6wFXVCe0Ar19v7-0SKqrWWSnne6OTDhT2BxEQtJm0lS_SpldfrXwYp8i_MqcRmeNC6nQiDJq9hHeC1nGrvWaG3UhqocUIlCQQMPipWZx/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-01-28+at+9.51.54+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">roller skates...COME ON!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">then...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I jumped on the #VineApp bandwagon and got myself a little profile</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh563HwCU2oxcntqRWMs_35EK9zMN5N_drkzwWQx6C51-xRO4ydY0Gh4lGIoptrQqdvm3GU3inb2XDvGy-R2Tl0hINgLEpA4b_H2eTdRrBA8gdn26DXVRGXhQ94q19JQkB3Cv7MP4l_yItt/s1600/photo+copy+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh563HwCU2oxcntqRWMs_35EK9zMN5N_drkzwWQx6C51-xRO4ydY0Gh4lGIoptrQqdvm3GU3inb2XDvGy-R2Tl0hINgLEpA4b_H2eTdRrBA8gdn26DXVRGXhQ94q19JQkB3Cv7MP4l_yItt/s400/photo+copy+4.JPG" width="395" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Follow along for little videos such as this!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="b-hbp-video b-uploaded" frameborder="0" height="266" id="BLOGGER-video-ef1f986f8e2d4bf1-14690" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwpMtc-RFvVNLrTBNUEIp7G3HDd6f2lMze9vixytF6tXyzpFIIo9EYKfxl1rpHQciARM7emVy16fZO9JAtrrrfpCBf_V7F9ngXbtu4SgceoDwTJwnOA6vwX3IqoU4A_IStXdOgf&origin=ketchupowa.blogspot.com" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">also, there are only a few days left of <b><i>Free Shipping</i></b> on all items from the <a href="http://shoppe.amberinteriordesign.com/">Shoppe</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDEsLRfKRpoYjf1aNHu75v9ZeG-s33P4UrEJwR2-rGgT-QOBL7MnzATA3g7tZcOhSBxpMO837CqepCOZgDAkt85bgD06YshEtSbNbl0JCY-bQRB456sDEVY474N1WkQvZ-kudjLvugnxE/s1600/freejanshipping-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDEsLRfKRpoYjf1aNHu75v9ZeG-s33P4UrEJwR2-rGgT-QOBL7MnzATA3g7tZcOhSBxpMO837CqepCOZgDAkt85bgD06YshEtSbNbl0JCY-bQRB456sDEVY474N1WkQvZ-kudjLvugnxE/s640/freejanshipping-1.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ends on <b>Feb1st </b>so don't miss out</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will be back soon,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> don't forget to follow me on Instagram and Vine (amberinteriors)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">love you mean it</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>

Checking in

Hi lovers I am here but not back. I just wanted to check in so y'all know what's going on in my world. If you follow me on Instagram...

5:30 AM

{Super Bowl Snack} Chocolate Peanut Butter Frito Bars

Oh yes, you read that title correctly! When I stumbled across this recipe in our newspaper a few weeks ago, I knew these bars would be mine. I mean, they are one big mosh pit of the best foods ever invented....Fritos, peanut butter cups, pretzels, chocolate and butter!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8413754495/" title="Chocolate Frito Bars from Hi Sugarplum by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Chocolate Frito Bars from Hi Sugarplum" height="469" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8413754495_f29e43a57f_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8413754545/" title="chocolate frito bars recipe card by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="chocolate frito bars recipe card" height="429" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8413754545_b3c18d0d3b_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I got greedy with the Fritos and added too many, so my crust didn't set  completely. Darn, I was just forced to eat all those loose pieces.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8413754691/" title="Chocolate Frito Bars from Hi Sugarplum by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Chocolate Frito Bars from Hi Sugarplum" height="463" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8413754691_bc983be82b_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I trimmed around the outside with a sharp knife so my bars would have clean edges. Darn, more loose pieces to eat.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8414853570/" title="Chocolate Frito Bars from Hi Sugarplum by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Chocolate Frito Bars from Hi Sugarplum" height="436" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8045/8414853570_f55fca4615_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The plan was to have these as a Super Bowl snack, but they're gone. Like, the whole batch gone in one day. Darn, guess I'll just have to make another. Git in mah belly!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8413754603/" title="Chocolate Frito Bars from Hi Sugarplum by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Chocolate Frito Bars from Hi Sugarplum" height="444" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8499/8413754603_efcdc19c76_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Mr. Sugarplum grew up in the Bay Area, so there's Niners Mania going on in our house right now. Who are you rooting for...Ravens, Niners or the commercials? What ridiculously gluttonous snacks do you whip up for game days?

{Super Bowl Snack} Chocolate Peanut Butter Frito Bars

Oh yes, you read that title correctly! When I stumbled across this recipe in our newspaper a few weeks ago, I knew these bars would be mine....

5:00 AM

{DIY} Faux Birch Logs & Winter Mantel

<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Welc<span style="font-size: small;">ome back, friends, to another week of action-packed fun <i>(can you <span style="font-size: small;">see the sarcasm dripping off those words?)</span></i>!<span style="font-size: small;"> It's a good start for one of you, though<span style="font-size: small;">...<span style="font-size: small;">I <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/giveaway-heartgram-by-love-feast-shop.html" target="_blank">announce<span style="font-size: small;">d </span>the winner of the HeartGram</a>. Go see if it<span style="font-size: small;">'s you, and shoot me an email<span style="font-size: small;"> <i>(winner had no email address listed!).</i></span></span><i> </i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I loved, loved, loved our <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-jewel-tones-mantel.html" target="_blank">mantel draped with jewel tones</a> this past Christmas<span style="font-size: small;">. But I also love when you <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/12/organizing-holiday-decor.html" target="_blank">pack </a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/12/organizing-holiday-decor.html" target="_blank">up the holiday decor</a>, and are left with </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">clean and minimal again<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8405424607/" title="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs" height="723" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8405424607_26ebbbdeeb_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />I've found a formula for styling the mantel that works for me...balanced  height, something shiny, and at least one living object. In this case, the candles and stems add height, the silver candle sticks shine, and branches cut from our Magnolia tree, along with a piece of driftwood from <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/trip-report-tofino-bc-canada.html" target="_blank">this trip</a>, bring the natural elements.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8405424387/" title="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs" height="462" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8498/8405424387_dd3c6283ff_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Next to the hearth, I threw a sheepskin <i>(like I used to recover <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/11/dining-room-sheepskin-piano-bench.html" target="_blank">the piano bench</a>)</i> over the little stool...which is actually a camel saddle. For real<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">s</span></span>. My great-grandfather worked in Afghanistan, and used it while he was there. Whenever I think of getting rid of it, I remember these are the types of things that give a room character and life. If you have something not available at a mass retailer, hang on to it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8406516822/" title="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs" height="536" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8406516822_65caffd50c_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8405424331/" title="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs" height="594" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8501/8405424331_53d31760d3_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />This is a double-fireplace, with the other side in the Family Room. Since <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/11/family-room-no-more-wire-nest.html" target="_blank">installing the TV over that mantel</a>, we decided having fires wasn't a great idea....which means time to spruce up the fireplace box.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8405424541/" title="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs" height="670" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8405424541_c104191a34_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After cleaning out most of the ash, I gave the grill a fresh coat of b<span style="font-size: small;">lack spraypaint. <span style="font-size: small;">I <span style="font-size: small;">love the look of birch logs, but we aren't <span style="font-size: small;">privy</span> to them around here...so I improvised.</span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8406516554/" title="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs" height="520" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8406516554_a628b76f0b_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></span></span></div><br />I picked out just the round logs from a pack of grocery-store firewood, pulled off most of the rough bark, and gave them light coats of flat white spraypaint. Not enough for solid coverage, just a dusting.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8406516592/" title="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs" height="569" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/8406516592_90b8ee16a9_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></span></span></div><br />I'm sure you Canadians would notice the difference if you stopped by, so I'd have to distract you with a hot toddy. No one around here will know my secret. Unless we decide to light the fire...that could be a problem. <i>Disclaimer: That was sarcasm. I don't plan to burn wood that's been sprayed with flammable paint. I suggest you don't either. </i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8405424457/" title="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Winter Mantel with Faux Birch Logs" height="743" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8221/8405424457_27592998c3_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I love our fresh Winter Mantel....which will likely be the Spring Mantel a few months from now. What do you think of the faux birch logs? Want to come sit around our fire-less fireplace and drink hot toddies? <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Links to some of the projects seen in this post:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/09/living-room-painting-brick-fireplace.html" target="_blank">Painting the Brick</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/03/peek-to-dark-side.html" target="_blank">Painting the Mantel</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/living-room-mirror-mirror.html" target="_blank">Mirror Makeover</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/living-room-adding-some-accessories.html" target="_blank">Black & White Vase</a></i></div>

{DIY} Faux Birch Logs & Winter Mantel

Welc ome back, friends, to another week of action-packed fun (can you see the sarcasm dripping off those words?) ! It's a good start fo...

5:00 AM

Melt My Butter X

<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hey</span></span>, hey, happy Friday, friends! It's time for another  round-up of <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/search/label/What%20Melts%20My%20Butter" target="_blank">This Really Melts My Butter</a> <i>(I'm Southern, it's a requirement to use </i>Steel Magnolia<i> references whenever possible)</i>.  I pretend I'm showing these for you, but really it's my own selfish  bookmarking system. This is some of the genius going around in this  talented Blog Pool....<br /><br />I'm duplicating this project faster than Lindsay Lohan can finish a body shot! <a href="http://garrdenoflove.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/garage-door-makeover.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Heavenly Home</a> made their basic-builder garage door look totally custom, for a whopping $10! There's no getting around the big thing, might as well give it some character!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pFGk55I3HiSXmDxq2vfy-cJvZv3c9Swfj-rebyUy2R-9nsw5pmKQ4OGdOzxsswMusCb9xWFhyBMV1QvQ1QcPEBfKSoWVdC-mVw4_0qfS-owxtG-x5ymwJbH_w3yo_VbibbsicalCRSQ/s640/PicMonkey+Collage+garage+door.jpg" width="640" /> </div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jennifer at Chronicles of Home made this <a href="http://www.thechroniclesofhome.com/2013/01/diy-faux-capiz-shell-pendant.html" target="_blank">Faux Capiz Shell penda</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.thechroniclesofhome.com/2013/01/diy-faux-capiz-shell-pendant.html" target="_blank">n</a><span style="font-size: small;">t. Like made it from scratch, and using totally affordable</span> supplies. You won't even believe<span style="font-size: small;"> what she used for the shells.</span> </span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVOavCYYu9Q7UwOJrGDZlb3ZcHnkSJzWCDm5Sayt4g26Ltkb-JohT5YFecWkfHCZkjFluLfbdGgakYTrB91qymE5KnjPgfszmk9UbfZqZDuvEBnd_w3XRJH4a8R_a5dOzgHdt_j_4A2M/s1600/DIY+faux+capiz+pendant+1.jpg" /> </div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mandy at Vintage Revivals is always busting out ingeni<span style="font-size: small;">ous ideas</span>...this time it's her <a href="http://www.vintagerevivals.com/2013/01/diy-sharpie-wallpaper-tutorial-this-is.html" target="_blank">DIY Sharpie Wallpaper.</a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Can you even imagine the possibilities?!</span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="DIY Sharpie Wallpaper Tutorial @ Vintage Revivals" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTv9UpG_HhY4_ntUoH6NJyn3LuHpjZSeqilM9rxVbyz-CImC0UV3n_M61yvPxNwea2NtPhNnl4T5Aim4yIkLQJqH8xPKZXt0zXH8JCR2jv5pvxkAdPpk17qLF3knsfUdu0WMVw-RmhZdOe/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DIY Sharpie Wallpaper Tutorial @ Vintage Revivals" width="510" /> </span></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pantone told us what we already knew...that emerald green is gorgeous and this year's hot color <i>(hello, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/12/mudroom-complete.html" target="_blank">green striped door</a>!)</i><span style="font-size: small;">. </span>Jennifer at Dimples & Tangles know<span style="font-size: small;">s it too, and transformed this</span> <a href="http://dimplesandtangles.blogspot.com/2013/01/green-china-cabinet.html" target="_blank">China Cabinet<span style="font-size: small;">!</span></a></span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4pn2BOi4aecaiAFvcdc1GTroTQolJYIieUAt-_GctTyD7SOP1L38WOSSK8xO6UmW_45W2prUS1D9feMnQY1NGcrACKAIERK0qFD8yAVA6paWl__Iy_3FZHi_paY-V7MSQbLFjhknBMON/s640/china+10.jpg" width="428" /> </span></span></span></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've tackled <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/08/before-after-boys-room.html" target="_blank">random-spaced wall stripe</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/08/before-after-boys-room.html" target="_blank">s</a>, and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/09/before-after-guest-bath.html" target="_blank">symmetrical wall stripes</a>...<span style="font-size: small;">and <span style="font-size: small;">calculating the spacing is a total chore.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Erin at<span style="font-size: small;"> Home Everyday just transformed her bathroom with perfect <a href="http://www.home-everyday.com/2013/01/stripes-bathroom-reveal.html" target="_blank">Stripes</a><span style="font-size: small;">, and gives the best tutorial on how to figure out your own spacing.</span> </span></span> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnI4srNw9MNV5t8cw5hif-5XcAxJ9BRmI0y8DnhvRE6UvibsJrWFv_sp4oOl8DqNY0KK-eK9_n7EZf_g0lOOyAezqKGDQOSPTvVkFsxC6QXzHia3fFTxCdEPqc_YiRfep3UFITMGccHc/s640/Bathroom+1.jpg" width="640" /> </span></span></span></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><br />Traci Connell at <a href="http://connellinteriors.blogspot.com/2012/09/lavender-and-grey-escape.html" target="_blank">Classic with a Twist</a> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">is a local designer that just completed an entire house, including this jaw-dropping kitchen.</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasvVk_cHelojPrt9jHp2iWVPVLD2Za0y95w4C4mmdWpRIUhXpTVit2V00q7Fl7oBXiU2xVX7xM0BwGOaL9rc15Bmmt2khOpMB0VLXm33Vitcaln3DreKZ4AR-H2VPds_ZQD-apwVzVuU/s640/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasvVk_cHelojPrt9jHp2iWVPVLD2Za0y95w4C4mmdWpRIUhXpTVit2V00q7Fl7oBXiU2xVX7xM0BwGOaL9rc15Bmmt2khOpMB0VLXm33Vitcaln3DreKZ4AR-H2VPds_ZQD-apwVzVuU/s640/10.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />Freckles Chick made gorgeous <a href="http://freckleschick.blogspot.com/2013/01/framed-agate-coasters.html" target="_blank">framed agate art</a>....from a surprise source!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww100/freckleschick4/DSC08094_zpsadd53f75.jpg?t=1358881179" width="640" /> </span></span></span></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">My blog-crush, Courtney of </span>Courtney Out Loud, <span style="font-size: small;">is sharing his fabulous style with us<span style="font-size: small;"> through</span></span> <a href="http://courtneyoutloud.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/mens-style-weekend-gear/" target="_blank">fashion posts</a><span style="font-size: small;">. <span style="font-size: small;">It's full-blown Gap ads going on over there...L<span style="font-size: small;">OVE <strike>him</strike> them!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="CLake Top Army" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6219" height="728" src="http://courtneyoutloud.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/dsc_0108aaa.jpg?w=500&h=728" width="500" /> </span></span></span></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">My bloggie friend,</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Emily of A Well Dressed Home<span style="font-size: small;">, just <i><span style="font-size: small;">completed</span></i><span style="font-size: small;"> this</span></span> <a href="http://awelldressedhome.com/before-after-a-little-girls-big-girl-room-reveal/" target="_blank">gorgeous little girls room</a> <span style="font-size: small;">Those beds....that ceiling...the dark doors!!!!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="AWDH K Gressle Big Girl Room 1" class="alignleft  wp-image-3019" height="412" src="http://awelldressedhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/AWDH-K-Gressle-Big-Girl-Room-1.jpg" style="opacity: 1;" width="618" /> </span></span></span></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wow <span style="font-size: small;">~ totally amazing, right?! <span style="font-size: small;">I'm pulling my military jacket out of <span style="font-size: small;">the</span> closet and painting every door dark, how about you?!<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">But first, just a bit of Blog Housekeeping....</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">* * * * * </span></span> </span></span></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last chance to enter the </span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/giveaway-heartgram-by-love-feast-shop.html" target="_blank">HeartGr<span style="font-size: small;">am by Love Feast Shop Giveaway!</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>I'm choosing the winner <strike>when I remember to</strike> Sunday.</span> </span></span></span></span></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="HeartGram Giveaway" height="548" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8468/8385173384_6c7ed2b27e_z.jpg" width="550" /> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">And a big, phat<span style="font-size: small;"> WELCOME to <strike>crazy<span style="font-size: small;">town</span></strike><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> my newest sponsor,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wild-About-Jewelry/212312952206635?ref=ts&fref=ts/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wild About Jewelry</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">!! I am thrilled to have this fabulous and affordable <i>(nothing over $40!)</i> shop. I have a date with my computer Monday night! Until then, happy weekend, lovebugs!! </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="wild-about-jewelry-web-ad" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8380045797_0276a7ba68_o.jpg" width="320" /> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div>

Melt My Butter X

Hey , hey, happy Friday, friends! It's time for another round-up of This Really Melts My Butter (I'm Southern, it's a requirem...

5:00 AM

Fight the Germ Battle & Win $1000!

<div style="text-align: center;">A few months after Babygirl was born, I was a typical run-down, sleep-deprived, deliriously-in-love new mom. Oh, and I had mastitis, so the fever and chills of that didn't help with my overall exhaustion. So when my head started to hurt, I assumed it was just another piece of the postpartem <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">joy</span> puzzle. But the headache grew, until two weeks later my doctor sent me straight to the hospital suspecting stroke.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank God that wasn't the case, but a spinal tap confirmed I had meningitis. That good news landed me in the hospital for four days, totally sedated, until they were able to determine it was Viral <i>(the kind you can get over)</i>, not Spinal <i>(the kind that can kill you). </i>A representative with the Center for Disease Control checked on me daily, but wasn't able to tell us how in the world, or where in the world, I contracted it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My run-down state likely made my body more susceptible, but the fact remains the initial germ was picked up through something I touched. All of a sudden, I was uber-aware of just how many objects we touch, all handled by others before us. <b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*shudder*</span></b> Which has turned me in to a <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">flaming</span> bit of a germaphobe...but can you blame me?!?</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8389298937/" title="Avoiding Germs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Avoiding Germs" height="574" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8389298937_cacf2b488e_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8390384004/" title="Avoiding Germs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Avoiding Germs" height="579" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8390384004_ac2cd60e06_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8390383858/" title="Avoiding Germs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Avoiding Germs" height="572" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8375/8390383858_8fcae6fd7a_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We now have strict rules in our house to help fight germs....especially right now with the flu running rampant!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* Always cough and sneeze into your elbow, instead of your hand.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />* Everyone washes their hands with soap and warm water, for a minimum of 20 seconds as soon as they get home, and before eating. That's about the length of time it takes to sing the ABCs.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8390384216/" title="Avoiding Germs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Avoiding Germs" height="585" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8390384216_74514778c2_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">* No one is allowed in their beds without first showering, and putting on clean pajamas. I've heard my kids freak if a friend gets on their bed in street clothes....music to this <strike>neurotic</strike> mama's ears!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* Adhere to bedtimes that keep them well-rested and their immune systems strong.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* And the biggest preventative measure we take, is using Clorox Disinfecting Wipes and Clorox Clean-up Cleaner with Bleach on most every surface...especially doorknobs, light switches, security alarm panel, faucets, remotes and game controllers. When used properly, they kill 99.9% of the germs that cause colds and flu.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Granted we still get an occasional illness, but these measures bring me some peace of mind that I'm helping to protect myself, and my family. But enough of the icky sickness and germ talk, let's get to the good stuff!! <i>(You didn't think I'd tell that awful story for nothing, did you?!)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">Win a $1,000 Visa Gift Card!!!</span></span></i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Visit <a href="http://goo.gl/fk3JA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clorox.com</a> to learn more about the <a href="http://goo.gl/JsWjg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">importance of disinfecting</a>, and other tips for keeping you and your family happy and healthy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">*Use as directed<br /><br /><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Which are your favorite Clorox cleaning products that help keep you and your family healthy? Tell me in a comment, and you will garner an automatic entry into a sweepstakes where one participant has a chance to <b>win a $1,000 Visa Gift Card</b>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Good luck, little ducks!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Fight the Germ Battle & Win $1000!

A few months after Babygirl was born, I was a typical run-down, sleep-deprived, deliriously-in-love new mom. Oh, and I had mastitis, so the ...

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{Smitten} PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows

While the big purchases can be <strike>nauseating</strike> exciting, it's the small things that make my heart race. Little touches, like a new <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/01/its-little-things.html" target="_blank">tea towel</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/08/smitten-west-elm-basket-planter.html" target="_blank">basket planter</a>, or <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/10/smitten-gold-magazine-rack.html" target="_blank">magazine rack</a>, can make all the difference in a room. And not having to save for months makes the purchase that much sweeter. My latest objects of affection are throw pillows from a very unexpected source...PB Teen!<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8406727172/" title="PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows" height="490" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8367/8406727172_3da09d77da_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></span></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And you'd think because it's part of the Pottery Barn family, they'd be pricey</span>...but <a href="http://bit.ly/13BHCP8" target="_blank">this cotton <span style="font-size: small;">cover</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> was less than $30....and that includes the embroidered monogram and shipping! There are <span style="font-size: small;">11 patterns <span style="font-size: small;">and 23 <span style="font-size: small;">monogram styles to choose from<span style="font-size: small;">....definitely hard to not go crazy on the credit card!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8405633805/" title="PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows" height="461" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8329/8405633805_11ed4ce50f_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </span></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I<span style="font-size: small;"> also snatched up</span></span> <a href="http://bit.ly/13BHLC0" target="_blank">this cheerful needlepoint pillow</a><span style="font-size: small;"> for just $30...it reminds me of <a href="http://bit.ly/UiBoRf" target="_blank">Jonathan Adler pillows</a> that retail for $100 and up.</span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8406727208/" title="PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows" height="509" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8406727208_bfe1f5444e_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></span></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The colors make me so happy, not <span style="font-size: small;">to mention, they <span style="font-size: small;">coordinate with virtually every room in my ho<span style="font-size: small;">use! <span style="font-size: small;">Which I guess m<span style="font-size: small;">eans my house looks like a bag of tropical Skittles. <strike>Taste the rainbow. </strike></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8406727088/" title="PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows" height="503" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8406727088_273a867056_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </span></span></div><br />I've been playing musical pillows and trying them out in every chair of my Living Room...I haven't settled on a favorite spot yet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8405633713/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows" height="788" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8054/8405633713_1494928e5d_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8406726958/" title="PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows" height="646" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8406726958_91d3963cc7_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Given that the store is geared towards teens, some of the colors and patterns are a tad juvenile...but I found a huge <span style="font-size: small;">selection that would look great in any room of the house. These are a few of my favorites.</span></span></span> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8406800286/" title="PB Teen Throw Pillows by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="PB Teen Throw Pillows" height="519" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8082/8406800286_e45c40e1ce_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></span></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You see why I'm <span style="font-size: small;">smitten?! Have you shopped at P<span style="font-size: small;">B Teen? Think you might now?!</span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Posts to some of the other items shown here<span style="font-size: small;">: <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/living-room-new-chair-cushions.html" target="_blank">Re</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/living-room-new-chair-cushions.html" target="_blank">covered Barrel </a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/living-room-new-chair-cushions.html" target="_blank">Chair</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/02/bullseye.html" target="_blank">Red Ikat Pillows</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/01/living-room-pillow-talk.html" target="_blank">Green Ikat Pillows</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/living-room-adding-some-accessories.html" target="_blank">Geometric Lumbar Pillow</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/living-room-adding-some-accessories.html" target="_blank">Black & White Striped Throw</a><span style="font-size: small;"> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-perfectly-chopped-pillow.html" target="_blank">How To Get Perfectly Chopped Pillows</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>

{Smitten} PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows

While the big purchases can be nauseating exciting, it's the small things that make my heart race. Little touches, like a new tea towel...

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Fight the Germ Battle & Win $1000!

{Smitten} PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows

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