Friday, September 21, 2012

our living room updates


We've lived in our house for a little over two years now and the last area to really get any attention paid to it was the living room/ dining room. I recently got the urge to just get some basic things done in there though. The big one by far was painting the ceiling. That was the worst, messiest, most time consuming project I think I've ever tackled but by far the most rewarding. The ceiling was riddled with water stains from a bath tub overflowing upstairs when the previous owners lived here. It also how do I put this... "sparkled." Honestly I'd never seen anything like it but apparently somebody thought it would look really sweet to pepper the ceiling with glitter {thats's the 70's for ya!} So needless to say it was time for a fresh coat. The result left us feeling like the ceilings were about a foot taller and so much lighter and brighter. 

I also wanted to make a sofa change but since it's not in the budget right now to buy the one I really love I shopped our home and brought up one from our sunroom. It replaced a gigantic sectional and also as a result made things feel more open. Above it hangs my favorite thing that I've brought home  lately- a driftwood sunburst. It was handcrafted by a local artisan from driftwood found on the beaches in my hometown of South Haven, Michigan. I love it for it's size, texture and personal meaning. My trusty blue bench made a trip down from the foot of our bed to in front of the picture window for extra seating. 

In the dining room I added a cream dresser which we are using as a buffet. I love having a place to stash all of the extra table linens etc.. as well a place to serve off of while entertaining. It was from a batch of furniture orginally delagated to Elizabeth Gray but I couldn't help but keep it for us. {I have a feeling furniture shuffles like this are going to become more and more common lol} 










Sarah

Monday, September 17, 2012

busy bees

You know your blog is slacking when your husband sends you this text "gurl you need to update that blog of yours...." The busier I am the less time I have to feel guilty about my lack of posts. That said though I really do enjoy it, it's just been such a crazy fun time around here.

Lucy headed off to her first day at MDO last Friday. I know it's only one morning a week but I still miss her. I was so proud of her though- she took to it like a duck to water and fit right in.


Gray turned 6 months. He's thriving and doing so well with hitting all his milestones. He's the happiest baby. Actually both our kids were such happy, good babies- I'm sure they'll get us back in their teen years lol! 


I've been running up to Elizabeth Gray at least once or twice a week to restock. These are a couple lovelies I'm taking there this Wednesday.





It's been so worth all the craziness just hearing all of the sweet and positive feedback I've been getting from complete strangers. The simplest act of a few kind words can really go a long way in the morale department. 








Nick's been so supportive too, hanging out with the kiddos most of Sunday so I could crank out a ton of work.


If you're local come and visit us at Elizabeth Gray {here}. The city of Carmel, IN where our shop is, is hosting a huge arts festival this weekend- it should be a great time! Also look for out interview coming out tomorrow in the Current in Carmel paper under the "Now Open" section. Thanks to Derek at  Current for giving Elizabeth Gray a shout out!

If the weather gets sunny I'd like to photograph and share some updates to our home. It can't be all work and no play around here!

Have a happy Monday and a fabulous week!
Sarah

Sunday, September 2, 2012

new beginings


Psstttt..... I may have just maybe made a big leap yesterday. It's been a dream of mine for a while I've been trying hard to come up with a solid plan for maintaining my stay at home mom status all while still contributing to our family's yearly income. I popped into my favorite antique mall Friday and fell in love with a beautiful second floor space with a gorgeous huge window overlooking Main St. I couldn't pass it up. After calling the husband and getting a supportive "go for it honey!" I signed on the dotted line and before I knew it I had myself a lot of work to do. After the market I had planned on doing was rained out I knew it was a sign and I  spent yesterday instead moving Elizabeth Gray into it's first home.  I went back once more and finished up today. I feel so blessed and excited to begin this new chapter in my life. I know I'm right where I need to be.















Elizabeth Gray is located inside the Carmel Old Town Antique Mall on the second floor in the heart of the Carmel Arts and Design District. 


Like Elizabeth Gray on Facebook and be the first to see our new things before they land in the shop!
http://www.facebook.com/shopelizabethgray 



38 W Main St
Carmel, IN 46032
(317)566-1908
Business Hours
Monday-Sunday, 10:00am-7:00pm
Closed Only Thanksgiving and Christmas



Sarah