Endings & Beginnings

Hi!

As some of you may have seen if you are local, I did in fact leave the store where I rented space at, Vintage Living Marketplace. Myself, along with many other vendors, really did not feel comfortable participating & contributing to something that didn't really contribute to us. I definitely will say with 110% confidence it was the right decision and I am happy & proud to move forward! I've always been an advocate for community over competition and always said if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. We all have different strengths and weaknesses and we have to speak for those who don't or can't speak for themselves. If something doesn't feel good anymore or if you are not having a good time, take yourself out of it. Whether a single vendor, store or mall... something I've learned time and time again is that with the right attitude, communication and hearts, anything can be accomplished and everyone can win. Usually what is right is not easy and what is easy is not always right.

I've really had this in the back of my head for some time... Home by Ally has been a creative outlet for me for years. I thoroughly enjoy meeting all of you who have taken the time out of your lives to follow along in my journey in blogging, decorating, real estate & any other endeavor that I have take on. I really, really can't say thank you enough to all of y'all for that support, the love, the encouragement and the steady support. It really means more than you will ever know... which is why for now, I'm at peace with HBA not participating in a typical store/booth type setting. Quite frankly, I don't really care for the whole set up anyways (And that's definitely not to say that there are not some great stores/malls/booths) but I've always craved different, more unique & curated...

When I first began writing this blog, before Pinterest & before even the sunshine state... we lived in North Dakota. Something I originally came up with years ago was having vintage type repurpose sales literally out of my driveway for folks on the base to come and get my custom furniture, home decor, etc. It was SO fun, SO overwhelming and really made me look forward to the day that I had those sales! My first ever "repurpose" sale was in our driveway in Minot, ND where I had about 50 people waiting at the end of my driveway. I had to walk inside because I started to cry not knowing how, why or should that many people even be into this type of thing? Yes. They were. And so sweet. And so genuine and many who I still get to speak to, to this day.

So, I had a few more sales. Then came a big move to Florida & a few more sales even here! Pure chaos and inventory literally gone in hours. Prices were great, inventory is unlike any other and home decor creations are custom made by myself! My family & I have always been amazed at the support the community has shown for this type of craft and I definitely want you to know, it won't stop. Throw real estate in there and mind you a very busy but BLESSED first couple of years of real estate which I also am NOT going to stop practicing by the way! But there's just something else...

I definitely will miss the faces from being in the shops. I'll miss the messages & the fun just chit-chatting with everyone of y'all! SO, I have decided to have Home by Ally shows 3-4 times a year! I am projecting that my first show will be in March 2016.  At every show, there will always be old architecture and salvage, one of a kind finds, custom decor & furniture, greenery and unique home decor and accessories I've gathered over time...from all across the country and even world if you can believe it! Dates and locations will be announced on the blog and on social media when the time does come for each show.  If you love fresh, simple, effortless finds unique to only your home, you will definitely NOT want to miss this one of a kind curated event which will feature only a few hand selected friends of HBA who will also help me in selling goods unlike anything you can obtain in the area. Old, new, unusual & trendy...something you won't be able to get at this store or that... is my goal. Please know that it won't be like a garage sale but prices will be affordable because I won't have an overhead of rent, commission, etc which in turn can make things really better for y'all so it's a win-win. These shows also give me a wonderful opportunity to catch up with y'all who are constantly supporting and inspiring me to keep doing what I do.

Which brings me to the new & improved logo you see at the top of the page! Home by Ally is going to have a whole new look soon & this all is directed related to my "new/old" beginning. Sometimes an "old" idea is just the trick instead of the latest "new" thing. For 2016, Home by Ally is now available for interior decorating services,whether that be a consult, personal shopping or whole house jobs. I will also be traveling periodically to North Carolina as well as the surrounding states & back down to Florida so if there is a "custom" piece you are looking for, whether it's a custom size, color or item... I will definitely try to supply that if at all possible! I obviously would LOVE to help you with any real estate services you may need in the local Brevard County area but please don't hesitate to ask if I know someone in your area. The great thing about our business is that we have many folks who have become friends all across the country.

So, new look...new shows to look forward to, unlike anyone else & all original to HBA and I am also excited to definitely document more of my clients & friends home tours! If there is one thing I've always loved, it's touring homes and now you will be able to do the same too! As each presents itself, I would love to feature, photography & document others spaces & how they created their spaces right here on the blog! I really have always enjoyed encouraging each other to remember that our homes are OURS. They are a direct reflection of our hearts, our families and our story, not a magazine or someone else's life. There really are a great deal of things to look forward to and I really, sincerely hope you stick around to see!
Remember you are always welcome here.

New antique cupboard

Hey y'all! Just wanted to pop in today to show you one of the most beautiful pieces of furniture I've ever had a chance to own. I want to take more photos of it on a sunnier day but for this evening, this is what I have for y'all. While out hunting on a Saturday for bargains, my mom and I walked into a little shop in North Carolina we frequent every time I come home. There stood this beautiful piece and as we were eyeing it up and down… the owner walks by and tells us this…

"If you take it today, you can have it for _____ (Insert amazing price here.)" SOLD! We both said it at the same time… my only dilemma was that we both wanted it! So fast forward a few months and I came across a mahogany secretary cabinet that my mom's grandmother used to have in her old house. So, we are swapping. And thankfully, I had a nice mother in law who brought this baby with her when they came to visit us a few weeks back from North Carolina. So here she is in all of her glory.

Have I mentioned how much of a BEAST this cupboard is? You might not be able to tell with the naked eye but this stands 8ft tall. Has all the original hardware, wire doors, moulding and shelving. I just adore it and I swear when you come across pieces like this, there's no need for paint. There's no need for a lot of fuss and a lot of decor. Simplicity at its best. If you haven't been reading my blog for awhile, you may not know that we moved about a year ago from a 2000 sq ft rental down to a 1300 sq ft adorable little bungalow/cottage two blocks from the beach here in Florida. So, a year later and we are STILL getting rid of stuff! But truthfully, I am proud to say about 90% of what we own right now, we love, we use and it has a function. Gone are the days where things are just "pretty." 

Ain't nobody got time for that.

I added my favorite large black and white photos of Mr. HBA and I to the left with an adorable, chippy rocking chair below it. A boxwood wreath adorns the front, although I'm still unsure if that will stay. Something needs to be different to the right to balance the weight of the other side but for now, I just sat an antique little chair that a dear friend purchased for me while I was sick! Miss you Erin!

And while I was snapping photos of this beautiful piece, I was also piling up goodies to take to Vintage Living Marketplace. If you didn't know, I rent a booth there and love it. Thankfully, I am able to constantly re-stock… and this is by far my favorite time of year! My room is slowly getting transformed so I can't what to show y'all the end result! For now, here's a few pillows I picked up.

Love this "BELIEVE" pillow with the red ticking & burlap. Sooooo cute! I bought it for myself but now I'm headed a different direction as usual! And for the one below, it's not any bit Christmas but I loved the saying! And I'm sure people here in Florida would agree as well that they love this too!

I also hit some estate sales this past weekend and came across this older creeper cart. I unscrewed the pad for the head and am actually going to repurpose this somewhere else so I can't wait to show y'all that too! For now, it's just a cute little rustic, old item that most people don't have a use for! 

Dining Room Reveal & Source List

I suck. I want to get better about posting…and I will. I'm in a mindset right now for turning a new leaf for myself. Maybe I should save all of that for another post, a more "personal" post. So, today… I thought I'd clear off the table and show you where we are at with our dining room. Nothing is every truly "complete" in our home but we are loving where we are at. Probably just a few more accessories and this room really won't need anything else. And maybe a pretty dining set too ;-)

We choose to go with a round table for this house. As you remember, this was our old table and it really crowded the space. We have a very open floor plan and it just wasn't working no matter how much I loved the table. It was too many straight lines and needed something to soften up the space…

So, enter a connection through Home by Ally and I found a table for a very fair price that I didn't hate and that could work for the time being. I wanted something with more of an ornate base or something a little more rustic… but ya know, you don't even see the base. So, why would I spend a lot of money on a table for the base when you don't even see it? I do plan on painting this at some point… I've just let it been soaking in the past month so I can get a feel of what I am wanting out of it. 

We also have not had a chandelier really since we moved in because I've went through about 4 of them and haven't been satisfied. So, what do you do when you are frustrated and indecisive? You go back to classic. You go back to things you LOVE and look for that. I LOVE lanterns. Especially lantern chandeliers. I pin them all the time on my Pinterest where you can follow me here. So, I got on Overstock.com and found one that beautiful AND VERY much in our price range! Talk about a breathe of fresh air! You can find my lantern chandelier here. It is a great price and I fully recommend it because it looks amazing! Just make sure if you order one that you are sure the scale & dimensions are right for your space. Ours is a smaller space so this worked for us. Currently, I am obsessed with Overstock.com and am really loving their products thus far. Maybe one day I'll get to work with them!

If you saw in the original photo of our old dining room table, you saw that this antique cupboard was against the wall. This is in my top 3 favorite pieces of furniture to date that I have ever found. I adore it, never tire of it and won't ever sell it. I decided to catty corner in to give the room more presence and again, soften the lines versus having everything straight. It works being in the corner. 

Of course, we had to put our signature mini-boxwoods on the paneled doors and a woven bowl full of hydrangeas. Which reminds me, they are totally fake. I need to dry some out so I can fill them with beautiful, real ones. Beside the hutch to the left there is a mirror I have had for a few years. I've just never found the right "spot" for it until just a few days ago. Perfect scale for that tiny area. It was originally from Tuesday Morning. Here's a better shot of it.

Here's the view walking in from the front living area. Don't mind my obsession back there of boxwoods. Some are going to the store while others are finding new homes. If you noticed the chairs, they are from Ikea. They are the Henriksdal chairs that you can find here. I have four of them and I'm actually very impressed with how comfortable they are. We had to purchase the white floor length slipcovers separately and I am hoping to get another set soon. You can find the slipcover and chair here. I got lucky and searched my local area and on Craigslist. I got the chairs on a yard sale site and just had to buy the slipcovers. But since I had my OLD slipcovers, I sold them on Ebay which off set the price of the new ones. I do a lot of trading in and out and it works and helps with the budget.

Another thing in the picture I haven't spoken about was the rug! It was also from Overstock. You can find it here. Sign up for Overstock's emails because they are ALWAYS running sales so every time I buy something, I make sure that I have a coupon code handy!

 The bowl in the center of the table is a tin bowl that was painted long ago. I'm not sure if I should put anything in it that we will consume so for now, I am just loving the "chippyness" of it. I found it through a local vendor at our antique mall. Perfect for a centerpiece for anything.

I'm really loving our progress in this space and hope you do too. It's always a work in progress and all of us get so caught up in everyday that we don't take the time to appreciate the little things in life. I wanted a space that was cozy, sophisticated and most importantly, comfortable. That is exactly what I feel like this is… The chairs are holding up well and I've washed them a few times… but they have lost some length although I washed them on cold. I guess that is expected. Everything else has been great! Hopefully I'll be back this week with a few furniture makeovers!

Let me know what y'all think and if you love any of these pictures, feel free to hover over the image and pin them on your Pinterest! Have a great Sunday!

How to shop, get a good price and have everything come together

I find that everyone I talk to and meet, I get asked a lot of the same questions. Some of the two most asked questions are probably the following:

"Where do you find all of your treasures?"

"How do you get a good price? How do you haggle or ask for a better price?"

So, I'm going to attempt to break down some of my best advice when it comes to these things. These are strictly my opinions and yours may differ from how I approach certain things such as asking someone for a better price on an item or how I shop. 

This mirror was in our last home, our military housing rental. It was definitely the style I was going for at one time and although I still loved it, I found that it sat in the guest bedroom more than it did hanging on my walls so therefore during the great clean out before we moved, I got rid of it. I actually found this mirror on Craigslist from a lovely woman who lived in Orlando. On a day that I was planning to go to Orlando, I arranged to meet her and got an awesome deal on a very large mirror. 

Here comes the negotiating part of this. This was a very large mirror and from what we both can see, very pretty. I believe in the ad she was asking $75.00. I asked if they could take $50.00 because I didn't want to low ball them but I wanted to pay about $60.00 so I figured she'd meet me in the middle. Friends, there has been VERY few occasions where I have made an offer LESS than half of what someone was asking because I feel like it's almost rude or a slap in the face depending on what the item is that you are negotiating. So here's my #1 for finding a good deal.

1. Be a good, fair, respectful buyer. Just because you want a good deal does not mean that you should low ball someone on something that more than likely they had in their home or loved at one time. Think about someone going to your home and you were selling something your family left to you but no longer had room for it. You posted it for a fair price and expected to come off your price a little bit but someone offered you next to nothing for it. It would probably upset you. This also can pertain to painted furniture, crafts and handmade items. Being a furniture painter myself, I, of course, have gotten people asking me if I will do any better on price or if I will take less. In some cases, I do try to work with people but I will be the first to admit, I have to count to 10 when someone low balls me on a solid wood antique that I know is worth 2-3 times what I am asking but I put fair prices on my furniture and items to keep them always moving. Just please consider someone else's feelings before you try negotiation and ultimately remember what you want to pay and what you think is a fair price.

2. Be a frequent shopper. When I first begin the search for that perfect piece of furniture or item, I go to my usually places; Target, TjMaxx, Ross and Marshalls. I also frequent many thrift stores, Craigslist and online yardsale pages on Facebook. As I am sure some of you are aware, sometimes there are certain thrift stores that don't seem to have much change over time. Check anyways. You never know what you're going to find that is new or just came in for them. It pays to be a frequent customer and you just may develop a great relationship with the employees/owners. Craigslist I usually browse about once a week or more often if I am searching for something in particular. Online yardsales on Facebook are a little more difficult for me because I don't sit on my computer all day to see what everyone is going to post next. Sometimes I get lucky and find something and sometimes I even have friends tag me in things that they think that I would love. Totally appreciative of that by the way! ;-)

3. Go to the clearance first. Every store that I go in, usually chain stores have clearance. That is the first place that I head to. Think outside the box on items and remember that you can repurpose more than just old furniture these days. Sometimes the best things are on clearance for the silliest reasons and something that is easily fixed. I've also learned that it never hurts to ask a manager if an item has a cosmetic flaw such as a well seen scratch etc. if they can give a discount for the item. I've gotten 10% of some many things for tiny scratches and dings so it never hurts to ask! Just remember again, to be respectful and do not just do this for any old item. There clearly has to be a flaw. The photo above of our old chandelier, was on final clearance in Lowes. If I remember correctly, it was only marked for $22.00! AND on top of that, we got an extra 10% because of my hubby serving. Amazing.

This old door I pulled out of the garage behind a grocery store. Amazing. The top I sold as one piece, almost looked like a window. And the bottom panels I cut up and sold each with hooks for the entryway and for baby girls nursery. 

I found this apothecary chest at a local thrift store. I overlooked it the first time walking around. If you know me personally, you know that in every store I usually walk around TWICE because I'm afraid I overlook things the first time. It pays to take a second look. ;-)

This *GORGEOUS* shaker buffet I got off Craigslist before we moved and I was SO sad to see it go. I miss it sometimes ;-) But I sold it to the sweetest woman who was just as excited as I was when I first saw it. I loved it and still do! They do not make furniture like this anymore.

4. Support small businesses. This is easy for me because I myself can relate, obviously ;-) Every year, I frequent the small thrift stores, our local antique mall (WildWood Antique Mall-Melbourne, FL) and shop for gifts for my family and myself and home there FIRST before I go to the large chain stores! You will find more ONE OF A KIND items there than you will at Target. Not that I don't love me some Target... but remember that buying from a small business means that the money from your purchases goes directly back into the business to produce more goodies ;-)

5. Yardsales, estate sales and auctions: Go. Stop. Even if it looks like it may not have much. There could be something hidden that you would otherwise miss out on. Just remember what I said about negotiating and being a respectful buyer. I purchased this table back in North Carolina while I was visiting my folks. I can't even admit how much I got it for because I felt like I stole it! 

So there you have it, just some little tips tonight. I'm off to go redecorate something probably!

-Ally

New eye candy: French chair & ottoman

Let me just first say that I've missing blogging over the past few weeks while we have been doing things to our new home. Just this past weekend alone, we tackled painting the entire exterior of the home, the front door, tore out a whole yard full of overgrown bushes, hung shutters, painted trim, installed a new mailbox and all in all, added a great bit of curb appeal to our little beach side Florida home. I can't wait to reveal it but my mom is coming to Florida to help me landscape it. After that and when I buy my rocking chairs, (signature southern, right there)... I will reveal it! So stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled! 

I've been on Craigslist for awhile now just scooping out new odds and ends, including furniture and specifically here lately, a guest bed and a master bed. Insert late night Craigslist wandering and a search for antique chairs... and I discovered this lovely. 

Enter beautiful french style Broyhill chair. I adore this style of chair and always search for them but with no luck of finding any in my price range. This is a re-production of sorts made to look like the antique, fine by me and more comfortable! What I would really like to do since many of you know my style is more neutral, muted tones is to have it recovered or do it myself. I'm a little nervous to DIY this with all the piping so I may enlist a few great friends to help me sew the cushions. Unless someone on here knows someone great and affordable for reupholstery around here, please pass along their information to my email address!

I adore the legs. In the original Craigslist add, I could not tell how much detail they had. The legs are wood with a red tone of paint blended in... Red really isn't my color so gasp... I might paint it. Or I may strip it and do a white washed wood look or a nice dark walnut stain for contrast. Oh the ideas.

Can I get a whistle already?

I adore the ottoman with it and how the curves of the chair and ottoman fit into each other. Such a classic and timeless look that will never go out of style. I have thought about doing a slipcover as well but one that will strap on so that it won't cover the wood... again, the ideas...

The puppies seem to love it already. The lady I purchased it from was such a sweetheart and had a home FULL of antiques. I just about died. Literally. But since we are downsizing, I only took home the chair. Patting myself on the back now!

Their lives are so hard...

So what do you think of my new chair? I loveeeeeeee it. Can you hear me saying it? Yeah. That much.

Antique Entryway Table Reveal & Before and After

It's all in the details. And there's no exception with this beautiful antique that I scored here in Florida. Have I admitted to y'all that I have a problem with buying these things... for my sale. But then when I finish them... well... I wanna keep them. Oh sigh... why can't we all just live in mansions and have money trees. Lord, the world would be so different, wouldn't it? Actually a scary thought.

So back to this beautiful table. My hubby went and picked this beauty up for me while I was visiting in North Carolina. It was missing the bottom to the drawer and had a lot of scratches. I know I hear a lot that I shouldn't paint this or that because they are pretty "as is" and that is very true. This was a very pretty antique as is but I felt like those beautiful details needed to shine! Heres' the before below. 

Ok... I have to admit. I adore this piece. And I'm going to be really sad to see it go. The color is by Valspar called "Light French Grey." Be still my heart. Everything in the photo I love. The boxwood topiary I adore. And I just picked up the faux bird cage type thingy with the claw foot legs. LOVE.

I've been contemplating painting the mirror. Or just selling it at the sale. What do you think of it?

I tried something different with the top of this entryway table. I used a variation of a couple of different types of stains to get a worn, been through decades look. And I kinda like it. Some people might not and that's ok. Because I do and that's all that matters, right? You can see the sweet scalloped edges in the photo below along with the elegant details along each curved legs. I choose white against the grey which work beautifully together. I just can't stop swooning over this piece!

Here's a better shot of the details. I mean seriously, you WANT to highlight those! Come on! Amazing. I just love it. What do you think of it? Do you love the grey and my signature stained top? I'm really satisfied with this piece and I cannot wait to hear what people think of it at my big sale this weekend. Which, did I mention that I am starting to get nervous? I do every time. It's an Ally thing.

So, let's recap. Here's the before again below.

And let out a sigh of relief because here is the after. For now, I have to go work on the rest of the furniture I have for the sale. But I do have to tell you that this sale will be bigger than the last 2. I have a lot more items along with furniture I feel like anyways. And I think things will go well. At least I hope they do! Are you going to be able to make it? I hope so! I cannot wait to see and meet everyone!

Tootles & XO

Ally

Ornate wood dresser before and after

Today I wanted to reveal to you this dresser. You see, I was in love with this dresser when I got it. Like totally excited, screech a little in love. I have been so torn on whether I want to keep this beauty or not... I even made my hubby carry it all the way up our stairs into our guest bedroom. And I've let it sit a few days to see if I really wanna keep it or not. And I tell you, I STILL don't know! I've had a lot of compliments on it already so I figure if I can get an offer I can't refuse at my sale, I'll probably sell it but if not, it's meant for me to keep her. She is just beautiful right? But wait until you see the after....

And here's the AFTER...

I know a lot of you were saying on Home by Ally Facebook page that I didn't need to paint it. And truth be told, I wasn't going to until I arrived back in Florida and realized she needed a pick me up because she wasn't in the greatest condition, wood wise. 

I adore all the ornate carved wood. I accented the drawers by painting the details white. I still wanna do one more coat of white to really make it pop. I opted for crystal knobs to keep the style simple but elegant. I could see this adorably sweet dresser in a nursery, little girls room or entryway even. I am just loving it. Especially the fat donut style feet and original casters. I also kept the top the original color along with the mirror. I couldn't bare to paint the whole thing and I wanted it to keep some character.

Whom ever gets this beauty is a really lucky person. I just love it and it has got to be one of my favorite pieces to date by far. I won't lie... painting those details took a LONG time and took a toll on my poor little hand but boy was the result worth it! I think the knobs just finish it off so well.

Hi, that's me! I wanted to show you the beautiful blonde wood on the top and around the mirror. The mirror is overall is in good condition but does show some wear. Overall, this is just a beautiful and old piece of furniture! And yes, it will be put out at my sale. I'm excited to see your responses about it!

What have y'all been up to lately?

XOXO,

Ally

Keeping it "real" post.... how I edit a room.

It's evening here in Florida so this won't be a long post because I need to go to Lowes but it will feature a few pictures. I get sick of our rental a lot... because well it's a rental. It's not "ours." I can't added a white beadboard ceiling or beautiful reclaimed wood floors. I can't buy a huge antique hutch and know that it'll stay because we move every couple of years. I would love to have white couches but we insisted on putting money towards a nice set that would last us from LazBoy. Two years in and they are still like brand new so I feel guilty for even wanting new ones! That and my husband refuses to even acknowledge the idea. Yeah, I know. It sucks! But I'm not alone in that right?

So, I decided to night to show y'all and I'm sure you've read before but how I "edit" a room. I take literally everything I can move by myself out of the room and put it in one area. To me, this makes me feel like I have a little clearance area and I get to have anything I want for free. That and because we are not millionaires and this girl had better shop the home rather than the store ;)

So here's what the room has evolved from in the past few months.... 

You get the idea? Lots of beige. Not that I am a fan because I am. But the walls are beige. My sofa is beige. My curtains are beige. The carpet is beige. I'm all beige out. But I refuse to paint this house because of it's high ceilings and I know the minute I paint, we'll get orders to leave or move. Just how it always seems to work! SO... working with what I got! 

I love the look of fresh greens. I also love antique inspired furniture, vintage and kinda beat up colors and textures. I really hate modern lines. I love anything with history or a patina to it. If I had it my way, in my dream house, well we wouldn't have a "Florida style" home first of all. I would live in a historic neighbor with mature trees covering the roads, large yards and wrap around porches... like these below that I took on Instagram (@homebyally)

Notice anything about this picture? This house surely stands out for it's beautiful curb appeal along with the creeper in the window...

And I was swooning over this beauty....

Like, seriously. My stomach is in knots because I would love a home like this... I just love the character, the history, all of it. The big porch, the mature trees, the not so cookie cutter house! But sadly, most of these homes require 100% repair or someone has already flipped it and is selling for a pretty penny...which is great for them! Awesome living, I would LOVE to do that with historic homes like Ms. Rehab Addict herself but this life we lead, moving every couple years.... well, let's just say I doubt that we'll be buying anytime soon! But it'll be worth the wait, right?!

So, on to our borrrrrringgggggg rental. Hah!

Here's a real life photo that happens when I get tired of things. I take EVERYTHING out and put it in my space. The only things that are left are my couch, chair & tv stand. 

Here are my new wire baskets that I scored from Ross a couple of weeks ago. I have been tired of my washed grey wicker set for sometime so I sold them. If you haven't followed on Facebook yet, you missed a huge clean out sell! Be sure to "LIKE" to keep up with all my latest posts. You can find Home by Ally on Facebook by clicking HERE!

I added little cards that I had from tagging my items at my sales and stamped them too with little sayings that I thought feeling comfortable for our home. Oh! And the drum table that the baskets are sitting on was cream last week. And then I painted it.

Here's a before of the drum table. Sometimes I just get bored. After searching for employment for 10 months here in Florida, a gal has to do something, right?! I also painted the mahogany rocker a LONG time ago to a nice warm beige to contrast against the carpet. The grey was too cold for me.

Ok, so here's a peek at how it looks today!

Below you can see a peek of my apothecary dresser which I LOVE. I painted it a nice and neutral light sage green. The knobs are from Hobby Lobby. I am desperately waiting on them to get 3 more in so I can reveal it already :) but I'm not impatient or anything... at all. No, never.

I adore these little boxwood wreaths. I ordered them off of my newly favorite site to visit, Decor Steals where you can order vintage items, boxwood wreaths like this one that were so cute when they arrived at my home! I bought 3 total and for a steal of a deal for boxwoods! Seriously, sign up already. I promise you that you'll love it. Or you're not normal.

They came wrapped so sweet with their little ivory bows. OH! And did I mention it's a pack of 3? Small, medium and large. The best thing ever. I'm waiting for the next event with these because I need one more set! I just adore them! What do you think of them?

I still am on the search for the perfect thing for this big, huge, ginormous wall that we have our couch on. I'm a fan of gallery walls but symmetrical gallery walls that are neat and not just random. Don't ask. But I also don't want to spend $100 on picture frames just for this house. I would LOVE to find a huge chippy mirror that was large enough above the couch. Then I could find some other stuff to put on either side of the mirrors, etc. 

I spotted one at HomeGoods awhile back and I REGRET not getting it. :( Don't you hate when that happens? I really do. If your gut is telling you to get something, darn it... get it! And don't feel bad about it. Just maybe not mention it to the husband ;-)

Here's my large wire basket that I was telling you about earlier... it reminds me of a clam basket from home. But I have it filled with all of my throws. I'm a throw, pillow, lamp, picture frame, wreath, pillow hoarder, didn't you know?

Well there are some new updates around here, I hope that y'all enjoyed them! I am really enjoying all the changes and the re-arrangement of the room. (again). Let me know what y'all think! And if you find an image you love on here, be sure to click "PIN IT" at the top of this post to reference it on Pinterest! Have a great Wednesday night everyone!

XOXO,

Ally