Last year when we listed our house for sale, I was looking through some old pictures of our previous houses.  Instead of feeling nostalgia for my old homes, I felt disconnected.  It was like looking at someone else's house.  It took me awhile to realize why, and the answer was the same thing that has always bugged me about decorating shows.  The rooms didn't reflect me at all.  I had picked paint colors and accessories that looked great, worked together, and had mass appeal, but they said nothing about me.  It could have been anyone's house.   I read a decorating book once that suggested you step outside and then come into your house as if you were a stranger.  Walk from room to room and make assumptions about the family who lives there.  What do they like to do, what are they like?  I'm not sure I'd like what a stranger would assume about me if they came to my home.  I vowed that this time around would be different.  I would decorate with only our family's favorite things.  I would pick colors we love, not necessarily the latest trend.  I would personalize with my photos, my kids' art, and momentos of our family's life together.  Everything would have a purpose or a meaning.  It's been a long journey getting to that point.  Most of my walls are still blank because I'm finding it a bit overwhelming. However, I'm taking baby steps, and I thought I'd share a few ways that I've incorporated my personality with some very inexpensive artwork. 

Our family loves the beach.  We're landlocked here in Indiana, so a beach themed room may be out of place, but it fits our personality.  I decided to use some shells from our trip to Myrtle Beach last fall to decorate our downstairs bathroom.  My first step was a trip to Goodwill from some cheap frames.  I knew I wanted to distress them, so size and shape was important, not color.  Here's what I brought home.

I'll show you why I bought the mirrors later (they're part of a birthday surprise for Bug).  The frames cost $1.99 each.  The white frame was a bit plain, and the back was more detailed than the front.  I didn't need the glass anyway, so I flipped it around.  I then sanded it to distress it and put a quick coat of polyurethane on it.  That's it.  I adhered some scrap mat I had laying around, used some foam tape squares to stick my shells on, and printed out the latin name for the shells on scrapbooking paper that had a linen look.  Simple!

I bought the second frame for a starfish that Bug picked out at a souvenier shop.  I sanded the frame and painted it and one of the mats brown.  I painted another mat blue and dry brushed some blue paint onto the frame.  I backed the frame with some scrapbooking paper that looked like sand and stuck the starfish inside.  Here's the final display with the addition of an old souvenier from The Man's childhood, some store bought starfish that I already owned, and some photos from a 2008 trip to Florida.

Not crafty?  That's OK.  Coming up I'll have some free printables you can download and print to dress up your walls.  Thanks for stopping by!

When I decided to do a blog as part of my website, I envisioned blogging on much more than just photography.  For me, blogging was originally just a way to keep in touch with family and friends I didn't see very often.  I never read the blogs of strangers.  But over the past year, I've accumulated a list of blogs that I follow.  There are some amazingly talented ladies out there blogging about parenting, cooking, decorating, organizing, crafting, etc.  Many of them are stay-at-home moms just like me.  You see, when you have a career outside of the home, you get regular positive reinforcement.  People tell you "thanks" and "good job" from time to time.  Kids don't, so it's easy to doubt yourself when you don't hear those words.  I'm not saying I'm some narcissist who needs constant praise, but sometimes I want to show off my "work", whether it's a recent photography project, a newly tiled floor, or a refinished piece of furniture.  I'm a home improvement junkie with a lot of advice I can offer on projects around the home, budget decorating, organizing, etc.  At the very least, I can share some of the things I've learned from some of the talented blogging ladies I've been introduced to.  But first, some background...

I've just completed a short "about me" page.  If you don't already know me, check it out here.  I've also added a photo album of our home.  The photos are all "before" pictures at this point because I can't find any of my "during" pictures, and there aren't really any "afters" yet.  Over the next couple of posts I'll fill you in on my take on decorating and organization.  I'll also share some ideas for cheap (or free) art, kitchen organization, and dressing up ugly furniture. 

I'm not Irish, and I'm not a big drinker.  Yet I can't resist the pull of St. Patrick's Day.  I never forget it.  I always wear green.  Maybe it's because green is my favorite color.  Or maybe it's because I can't resist dressing my kids up in funny hats. 

Whatever your reason for celebrating, enjoy the day!

I have finally decided to publish my website.  It's still very much under construction, but I've been missing blogging ever since I quit my personal blog last fall.  I feel like I have a lot to say.  My galleries are all online, so you can see samples of my work.  If you're interested in booking a photo session, please feel free to contact me for more information.  I promise I'll have the rest of my information on line shortly.

I've been racking my brain trying to decide what to do for my very first blog post.  Then it hit me...what better way to launch my website and blog than a give away!  I'm going to make it really easy.  The first five people who comment on my blog will receive $50 off a photo session.  Be sure to leave your e-mail so I can contact you (you may also contact me using my contact form if you don't feel comfortable posting your e-mail).  Even if you don't need any photos right now, feel free to comment anyway.  Your coupon will never expire, and you can give it away to anyone you want.  Thanks for visiting, and I hope you come back often!