{Entrance Hall} The Reveal

Hello, hello!! How was your weekend? We had a belated celebration for our son's 13th birthday Saturday night. Since he's a Summer birthday, it's difficult to find a time when his friends are all in town, so for the last few years, he's hosted his party the weekend before school starts. It was great for them to celebrate one last time before the obligations of middle school kick in. I stayed mostly out of sight, so there aren't enough pictures for a post, but you can see past parties <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/04/pancake-pajama-party.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/04/rainbow-art-party-again.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/09/summer-party-with-ice-cream-bar.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/07/stars-stripes-pool-party.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />But today, my teasing and taunting of the past two weeks ends...finally the full reveal of our Entrance Hall!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | 5 Steps to a Fab Foyer" height="815" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3878/14666120780_1dcd898058_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />The fifth and final step<i> </i>is to inject personality into the space with color and fun accessories.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall (style & color)" height="157" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3837/14818140786_0d930c86ff_z.jpg" width="546" /></div><br />Now the Foyer finally reflects who we are, and offers a welcoming first impression for our guests.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall" height="774" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3839/14660227510_cd0b19beee_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall" height="782" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5551/14843841991_203a4436ac_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall" height="825" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/14843841941_6a26b24141_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall" height="825" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3850/14823942956_3acf5b998f_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall" height="778" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3922/14660384557_225d33e449_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />I have been hunting for one of these planter-heads for ages, and literally gasped when I finally spotted this one at Home Goods. Mr. SP thought I was punking him when I placed it in the cart. But the joke's on him, because I brought him home and promptly stuck a fern in his head. I think I'm in love.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall" height="643" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3843/14866892293_7de1b95d01_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />A small bowl provides a chic spot to drop keys and sunglasses and the mirror is perfect for last-minute checks before dashing out the door.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall" height="729" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3871/14866794063_c7e1dd5900_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />The small table provides some function, but isn't so large that it will become a dumping zone.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall" height="762" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3905/14843840701_8eec4bed6b_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall" height="775" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/14823941296_948118b4c9_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall" height="791" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3891/14866792913_8f8b666eab_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall (style & color)" height="732" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5594/14838023021_70630dd742_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />And to see what a big difference the 5 Steps made, let's compare a Before and After.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Evolution of an Entrance Hall (before)" height="800" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2898/14776959665_7eb1466aaf_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall" height="786" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3877/14843839251_c678e2a760_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I'm so thrilled with the results, and to have the space reflect the true aesthetic of our home. A Fab Foyer should restore you after a long day away, and invite you to leave the troubles of the world behind. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall" height="825" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3876/14823942286_f69894ac24_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />So who's coming over so I can show it off in person?! And let the record show, I started <i>and completed</i> a room makeover in less than a year! Well, not completely. I still need to repaint the walls and doors. But close enough.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{5 Steps to a Fabulous Foyer}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/entrance-hall-before.html" target="_blank">Starting Over: The Befores</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Step 1: <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/entrance-hall-jute-rug.html" target="_blank">The Rug</a> (and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/entrance-hall-rug.html" target="_blank">The Rug 2.0</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/diy-ombre-basket.html" target="_blank">Step 2: Life</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/entrance-hall-lighting.html" target="_blank">Step 3: Lighting</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/entrance-hall-function.html" target="_blank">Step 4: Function</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/5-steps-to-fabulous-foyer.html" target="_blank">Step 5: Style & Personality</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Design Source List}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tassel on Mirror - <a href="http://bit.ly/1q2BoEp" target="_blank">Furbish</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Planter Head - Home Goods</div><div style="text-align: center;">Black Dot Bowl - Ikea </div><div style="text-align: center;">Paperweight - <a href="http://bit.ly/1d8T0q9" target="_blank">West Elm</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cognac Bag - <a href="http://bit.ly/1qM931N" target="_blank">Nordstrom BP</a> <a href="http://bit.ly/1AESkV8" target="_blank">(similar)</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Jute Rug - <a href="http://shrsl.com/?~653o" target="_blank">Natural Area Rug</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Persian-Style Rug - <a href="http://esalerugs.com/" target="_blank">ESale Rugs</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pendant - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L4UEMH2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00L4UEMH2&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20&linkId=PZNOA3SV7MEDXFIU" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fiddle Leaf Tree - Local Nursery</div><div style="text-align: center;">Basket - <a href="http://bit.ly/1snnRX5" target="_blank">World Market</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Project Source List}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/11/another-mirror-makeover-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Large Wall Mirror</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/07/diy-gold-leaf-sunburst-mirror.html" target="_blank">Gold Starburst Mirror</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/diy-ombre-basket.html" target="_blank">Ombre Basket</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/05/dark-side.html" target="_blank">Black Doors</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/spruced-up-porch.html" target="_blank">Refreshed Door Hardware</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/spruced-up-porch.html" target="_blank">Monogram Doormat </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

{Entrance Hall} The Reveal

Hello, hello!! How was your weekend? We had a belated celebration for our son's 13th birthday Saturday night. Since he's a Summer bi...

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Refreshed Patio Space Revealed!

Whether or not to participate in <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/04/home-depot-challenge-patio-reveal.html" target="_blank">last year's Patio Challenge</a> was a no-brainer, especially since we started with a barren, blank slate of a back patio <i>(see the before shots <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/02/home-depot-challenge-patio-progress.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</i>. Granted, we have a pool, so it wasn't completely awful, but we had no ambiance or place to actually enjoy it! Thanks to Home Depot and some manual labor, we were able to transform the space, and have enjoyed it ever since.<br /><br />But after living with it for a year, we realized a few simple changes and additions would make it a true outdoor living room, in essence, giving our home more usable square-footage, and fully utilizing the pool area. So of course I jumped at the chance to refresh our space!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Color Patio Makeover" height="690" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2921/14574631896_7b9d58deb1_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Color Patio Makeover" height="825" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3870/14574630906_9676dd2928_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Color Patio Makeover" height="755" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3918/14574630756_8870597d61_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Color Patio Makeover" height="800" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/14594377021_8b166deabb_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Color Patio Makeover" height="812" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3881/14411060228_4fa75eacf2_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Color Patio Makeover" height="764" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5513/14597665745_e793c8c1a5_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Color Patio Makeover" height="776" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2936/14597015812_eb1bfbac08_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />The patio set and cushions held up well over the Winter, so I simply added a black-and-white lumbar pillow to tie in with the new striped umbrella.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Color Patio Makeover" height="765" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/14617743253_27834ca1e1_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />The <a href="http://goo.gl/LOMXJU" target="_blank">{DIY} Starburst Mirror</a> is from several years ago, and we hung an old birdcage filled with battery-operated candles for additional lighting and decor.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Color Patio Makeover" height="737" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3887/14574631076_4737f2a5fa_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />I think my <a href="http://goo.gl/7NND1Z" target="_blank">{DIY} Otomi Table</a> just looks better with wear!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Color Patio Makeover" height="775" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/14574631726_dfd85caa82_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Color Patio Makeover" height="739" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/14617743463_b293f5830e_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />The bar cart takes up very little space, but adds so much storage and entertaining possibilities...not to mention ups the glam-factor!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Color Patio Makeover" height="774" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5313/14617742973_38f2249fe8_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Color Patio Makeover" height="825" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5509/14411088189_98a856f8bc_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />Some of the problems we addressed with this new space include:<br /><ul><li>No shade to hide from the sun and heat</li><li>Seating arrangement blocked view of the pool</li><li>Rug too small to protect all the loungers from the hot tiles</li><li>Not enough serving area for entertaining</li><li>No lighting </li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Hop over to the <a href="http://goo.gl/S0qRGy" target="_blank">Home Depot blog</a> to see the breakdown of solutions, sources for our new accessories like the umbrella, along with tons more pictures! I'll be back in the coming weeks with tutorials for the bar cart, tassel pillow and side table. So who's coming over to enjoy the new space with us?!

Refreshed Patio Space Revealed!

Whether or not to participate in last year's Patio Challenge was a no-brainer, especially since we started with a barren, blank slate o...

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{Living Room} Finally a New Rug!

Wowza, that was a fast weekend! We had a baseball game, and an afternoon at the lake...then BAM, weekend over! I meant to work on a few projects, but ended up baking for hours. Not sure where that urge came from, but it was very comforting. I am excited about today, because I'm finally showing you the new rug in our Living Room!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="825" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/14284240736_461149f9dc_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember when we had the <a href="http://goo.gl/h1aiEE" target="_blank">big conversation about keeping things in our home that aren't our style</a>, either out of obligation or because they had sentimental value? That's where I was with <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/01/cowhide-or-drop-cloth.html" target="_blank">the large floral rug that used to live in our Living Room</a>. I inherited it from my grandparents, and since I love(d) them, I had a hard time admitting I didn't love their rug. But I kept it...because who tosses a perfectly good, free rug that comes with sentimental value?! And worse, who replaces a really expensive rug with a much cheaper rug?</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Well, turns out...this girl. You guys encouraged me to embrace their memories, not their stuff...so I finally rolled that baby up and replaced it with something much more my style. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I wouldn't be me if I didn't hem and haw, and then hem some more, about the kind of rug I wanted to put in it's place. In the end, though, I went with the one I've been drawn to for years. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="825" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5037/14120714639_a1fe6d5a0b_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="825" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2935/14306810764_a64aab6cf7_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />I think I looked at every Moroccan rug available online, but since this room requires a whooping 9'x12', I waited for a Rugs USA mega-sale, then ordered the <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-moroccan-shag/ivory/200MTVS28A-26010.html" target="_blank">Tuscan Moroccan Shag in ivory</a>. Free shipping and no tax is always a selling point for me, too!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="709" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/14305488762_91deb3591f_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />We've had the rug well over a month, and could not be happier with it. Not only did it completely transform the room by brightening the space and neutralizing the floor, but it is beyond soft and cozy to walk and lounge on. This rug is so thick, you could seriously lose small children in the pile. It's definitely more of a shag carpet than a flat-woven rug.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="814" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/14120733368_f0fdf91fbd_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1nEaiVb" target="_blank">Monogrammed Bag</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1wJfiJO" target="_blank">Tassel</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1kuWDYu" target="_blank">Sandals</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1kuXOXF" target="_blank">Pillow</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>There were a fair amount of fuzz balls floating around the first few weeks, but after several vacuums, the shedding has almost stopped.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="739" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/14120763940_95332c31b7_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Read how I hide my lamp cords <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/03/lamp-looza-winners-hiding-those-pesky.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/evolution-of-desk-nook-how-i-hide-power.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The rug adds just a touch of texture and pattern, but is no longer the focus of the room. It makes the perfect neutral backdrop for our colorful decor.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="777" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/14284240936_68616cff57_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="688" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5311/14327574063_a8806c3234_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="786" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5271/14120734068_9d0a3e456a_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="787" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/14304041431_cd40238cf4_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="825" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3683/14307384655_9702d9459c_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Read how I style coffee tables <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-style-coffee-tables-1-table-6.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><br />How about some Before & After action?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/12076119044_e2253c1198_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/12076119044_e2253c1198_b.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="786" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5238/14307799475_57640beec6_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/12076358766_8f86f2880c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/12076358766_8f86f2880c_b.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="804" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5559/14305489592_e31749a314_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Before storing away the floral rug, we tried it out in our <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/dining-room-pink-there-it-is.html" target="_blank">Pink Dining Room</a><i> (Mr. Sugarplum was </i>thrilled<i> with that exercise #sarcasmfont)</i>, but it was too big. I'm going to hang on to it for now though, because it really is a lovely rug. But without it, the room finally feels like us, and we're so much happier with the space.<br /><br />I can't believe it took me four years to let go of the unnecessary pressure I was putting on myself to make the rug work. Now if I could just have the same clarity about my grandfather's 5-foot ship currently perched on top of the piano. What are you needlessly hanging on to? Are you a fan of the Moroccan rug?<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Click the links to catch-up on the room's makeover:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>LIVING ROOM TO-DO LIST</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Paint room</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/06/moroccan-shag-rug.html" target="_blank">Replace the Rug</a></strike> </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/08/living-room-blue-beauty.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint Armoire</strike></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/09/living-room-painting-brick-fireplace.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint Brick</strike></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/living-room-mirror-mirror.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">New Mirror & Mantel Styling</strike></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/07/living-room-bookcase-makeover.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint/Fabric Bookcases</strike></a><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/08/living-room-finished-bookcases.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Re-Style Bookcases</strike></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/09/living-room-console-table-tiles.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint (Replace) Table Tiles</strike></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/01/chalk-this-up-as-done.html#more" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Paint Hall Chest</span></span></span></a></strike></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/11/its-her-time-to-shine.html" target="_blank"><strike>Paint/Wallpaper Nook Walls</strike></a><strike> </strike></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/11/shine-baby-shine.html" target="_blank">Style Nook Area</a> </strike></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/01/chalk-this-up-as-done.html" target="_blank"><span><strike>Paint Nook Chest </strike></span></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span></span></span></span><span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint Backdoor</span>? </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Add Nailhead to Wingchair</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/living-room-new-chair-cushions.html" target="_blank"><strike>New Covers for Barrel Chair Cushions</strike></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/08/living-room-chosen-lamps.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Change Out Lamps</a></strike></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/diy-metallic-lined-lampshades.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Customize Lamps</strike></a> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/03/lamp-looza-winners-hiding-those-pesky.html" target="_blank">These are the Real and Final Lamps</a></strike></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Sand & Stain Secretary</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Gold Leaf Back of Secretary</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/01/living-room-pillow-talk.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sofa Pillows Round 1</strike></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/02/bullseye.html">Sofa Pillows Round 2</a></strike></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/living-room-adding-some-accessories.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Add Some Coordinated Accessories</a></strike></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/09/living-room-gold-goddess.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Determine Fate of Side Table</a></strike></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/11/look-ma-no-hole.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Close the Hole, Baby!</strike></a></span></span></span></div>

{Living Room} Finally a New Rug!

Wowza, that was a fast weekend! We had a baseball game, and an afternoon at the lake...then BAM, weekend over! I meant to work on a few proj...

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Chalk This Up as Done!

<div style="text-align: left;">Hey, hey, hey!! I hope you guys had a fabulous weekend. I spent a lot of time in my pajamas since my real clothes are still a little snug from a gluttonous holiday.<i> (I blame <a href="http://goo.gl/TGB37f" target="_blank">these</a>!)</i> Oh yay, back to the Lean Cuisines. That was sarcasm...fortunately I didn't eat that.<br /><br />How about we get back to projects and original posts?! As nice as breaks are, I start to get a little twitchy after too much down time. So when Home Depot contacted me about participating in another Style Challenge...this time involving their new line of Chalky Paint...I jumped at the chance. I've never used the medium before, but was excited to see if it really sticks like 'they' say it does. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My victim? This banged-up, no-character, laminate-coated, too-orange, old nightstand. How's that for an introduction?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/10997555743_3d20e0d388_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If it looks familiar, that's because virtually every bedroom set in the '90s came with one. We've been using it as a little hall storage chest....but really, it was just a space-filler until I could find something better. Hence why I'd never taken the time to sand, prime, paint and seal it. Why bother when I knew it was destined for the curb?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="681" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/10997501134_35c66b7a90_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But with chalk paint...there's no need to sand or prime...even on laminate surfaces like this sweet baby. And since the paint is latex with virtually no smell, I was able to paint it in the Living Room with no prepping. Which is a bonus considering the frigid temps outside<i>.</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="754" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/10997500654_33a3632d9d_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Switching out the hardware is always a simple way to upgrade a piece, so I added <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001Q1DZDG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001Q1DZDG&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20">these inexpensive ring pulls</a>, then got busy styling <i>(my favorite part)</i>.<br /><a name="more"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="740" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/10997499774_7bd3aec081_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So much for curbside-destiny....this pretty little chest has found a forever home with us now!</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="825" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/10997552513_e21b3b97f5_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">To create the vignette on top, I followed <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-style-coffee-tables-1-table-6.html" target="_blank">my formula for styling coffee tables</a>.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="783" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5472/10997500014_9caffac9d4_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="679" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3790/10997341245_7c5f0c8e14_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="732" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/10997340735_13ffa287c1_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/11/shine-baby-shine.html" target="_blank">DIY Gold Vase</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And now the nook makeover is complete <i>(see the transformation <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/11/its-her-time-to-shine.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/11/shine-baby-shine.html" target="_blank">here</a>)!</i> How's that for starting the new year off right?!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="825" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/10997553723_1dabd0bca6_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Let's bask in the Before & Afters...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="778" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/10713344184_eaf40e7a98_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My <a href="http://goo.gl/s3rJhD" target="_blank">Gift Wrap Station</a> lives on the back of that door.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="821" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5495/10997553583_dfa43c4cb1_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="697" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/10713362506_ab4954c806_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="749" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5495/10997424156_4fcf364471_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm especially fond of the view from our bedroom.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="816" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/10997497294_28f4999ea6_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="811" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/10997497684_d8f9d03343_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="825" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/10997338325_08efa4dbe3_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Yep, the power of paint <i>(and paper, and a little bit of styling) </i>strikes again!</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Hall Nook Makeover" height="581" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/10997337775_66d11f5bca_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For my tutorial and more details on the paint, check out <a href="http://goo.gl/b7NpVq" target="_blank">my post</a> on the Home Depot's blog, <a href="http://goo.gl/b7NpVq" target="_blank">The Apron</a>. Did you even know they had a blog?? It's a great source for inspiration and tips.<br /><br />And just like that, another one bites the dust!!</div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">LIVING ROOM TO-DO LIST</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paint room</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/08/living-room-blue-beauty.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint Armoire</strike></a></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/09/living-room-painting-brick-fireplace.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint Brick</strike></a></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/living-room-mirror-mirror.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">New Mirror & Mantel Styling</strike></a></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/07/living-room-bookcase-makeover.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint/Fabric Bookcases</strike></a><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/08/living-room-finished-bookcases.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Re-Style Bookcases</strike></a></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/09/living-room-console-table-tiles.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint (Replace) Table Tiles</strike></a></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paint Hall Chest</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/11/its-her-time-to-shine.html" target="_blank"><strike>Paint/Wallpaper Nook Walls</strike></a><strike> </strike></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/11/shine-baby-shine.html" target="_blank">Style Nook Area</a> </strike></span></span><br /><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/01/chalk-this-up-as-done.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strike>Paint Nook Chest </strike></span></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint Backdoor</span>? </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add Nailhead to Wingchair</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/living-room-new-chair-cushions.html" target="_blank"><strike>New Covers for Barrel Chair Cushions</strike></a></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/08/living-room-chosen-lamps.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Change Out Lamps</a></strike></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/diy-metallic-lined-lampshades.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Customize Lamps</strike></a> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/03/lamp-looza-winners-hiding-those-pesky.html" target="_blank">These are the Real and Final Lamps</a></strike></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sand & Stain Secretary</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gold Leaf Back of Secretary</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/01/living-room-pillow-talk.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sofa Pillows Round 1</strike></a></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/02/bullseye.html">Sofa Pillows Round 2</a></strike></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/living-room-adding-some-accessories.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Add Some Coordinated Accessories</a></strike></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/09/living-room-gold-goddess.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Determine Fate of Side Table</a></strike></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/11/look-ma-no-hole.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Close the Hole, Baby!</strike></a></span></span></div>

Chalk This Up as Done!

Hey, hey, hey!! I hope you guys had a fabulous weekend. I spent a lot of time in my pajamas since my real clothes are still a little snug fr...

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