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Congrats This is Me!  Please email me with your mailing address and I'll send your decal as soon as I receive it from Decal Monograms!

Inspiration Wednesday

Each of my Inspiration Wednesday features have been different.  Today we will follow in that route!  I recently found Chanty2Chic.  They have done some of the cutest, budget friendly projects.  Some of those include making their own vintage dominoes and dice, and making a picture frame holder out of bulldog clips.  They are great at making things look vintage, so I am taking a page out of their book!

 

They are just the cutest moms! 

They are what I aspire to be for the following reasons:

1.) They are stay at home moms with 2 and 3 kids.  Which I can't wait to be!!
2.) They pick up scary tools and do projects without their husbands.  Even though I know MR.P loves spending time with me, I usually choose baseball and football games to do projects during (to keep myself entertained). So I am sure he would appreciate if I could pick up a scary tool once in a while.
3.)  They are VERY creative.  I could use a few more of those creative bones in my body.
4.)  They think outside the box.

They are actually from a family of 5...4 girls and 1 boy!  I am from a family of 6...5 girls and 1 boy!  They are also Christians and love decorating on a budget.  I love finding things in common with "friends".  These women are definitely ones to model your creativity and life after. 

Contact Me

To contact me with any questions regarding projects or advertisement please email me @ designapeele@gmail.com

First attempt at Chairs

This weekend I planned to redo our kitchen table and chairs.  They are a recent purchase off of craigslist and I have been pretty exciting about them.  My first attempt was not so successful. 

Here's the before:

They were white washed which doesn't really look that great in our kitchen.

Here's the after:

TERRIBLE, I know!!  It was so bad that I didn't even finish it.  I bought the spraypaint that doesn't drip (or so I thought) and it was horrible!  It turned out slightly pink too.  Which is not the color I was going for. 

Here's the next plan:

1.) Unscrew all chair bottoms

2.) Sand all the Chairs down (pretty much just getting myself all ready for the much needed and improved transformation)

3.) Take star from above the tv to Home Depot's paint department and have them match the paint - $16
4.) Prime chairs with grey primer - let dry for a day or so
5.) Paint chairs with new mixed paint
5.) Take sand paper and make chairs look a little distressed (Hopefully this last one will work)  Any tips???  Suggestions???

The table has a much different look coming.  We'll probably sand the whole thing down them refinish with a darker wood.  What do you think?

Sweet Conviction

This past week I have been gently and sweetly convicted that I have not shared more of what my life is about...or what I strive to live for.  I guess I wasn't really sharing because this blog is more about decorating inexpensively than me.  But you know what?  That doesn't matter.  I need to shout from the roof tops that life is about more than just me and my love for pretty things.  It's about taking the gospel into every aspect of my life.  Something that has taken me longer to learn than I like to admit is that being a believer is not about me and what I can do for the Lord.  It's all about him.  Completely and fully.  Now I love decorating inexpensively and feel that I can share my relationship with the Lord through this love.  I believe it is honoring and glorifying to the Lord because I am TRYING to use our money wisely.  Not always successful ;)  But definitely trying.  In my time with the Lord lately that is what he has shown me.  And I am so thankful.  Thank you for breaking me Lord.  Continue to break me daily. 

I read this blog called Haven & Home and she shared this amazing blog called Kisses from Katie. She is living in Uganda serving hundreds of children because she knew the Lord was calling her to this.  What an amazing testimony of living for the Lord and making it completely and fully about him. 

I love putting a face with a a name.  So here's katie with the 13 kids that she fosters.  We should definitely be praying for her! 

You can support her by leaving comments on her blog and she even has a support link on her blog.  Check out her story. 

Living room inspired by Snippet & Ink

After seeing this inspiration board from Snippet & Ink I decided our colors for the living room would be red and green/grey.  I thought it was a risky move but I love how clean it's turned out. 

Our living room walls are painted Silver Sage by Restoration Hardware.  Their paint is priced at $38, but you can buy samples for $3.95 to make sure you like the color.  A way to save some money is go get some color samples of a variety of shades.  Then once you've made your decision take it to Home Depot and they can match the exact color for about $16 depending on the type paint you want.  Our's was free...the previous owners had already painted the living room the exact color we had chosen!  How lucky are we???

I had already been decorating with red accents so the red was easy.  We just did easy things like throw pillows and such.

So here's the entire living room.  I'm not a great photographer so just bare with me.

Not sure if you can get the whole feel of the room.  I'm a simple decorator, so less is more to me.  (greatest purchase in the room are the couches.  2 for $325!)  MR.P would say differently.  He absolutely loves the ottoman. 

Here's the view from the other side of the room.  Having 2 couches in a room really does add so much more seating.  And kind of closes off the living room area. 

                                      

Here is our make shift tv stand.  The "hutch" that the tv is on was grandparent's.  It's by far my favorite piece of furniture in our house.  It's really old, but has soo much character!  I actually sledge hammered one of the doors off so that it would be a little more open.  I think it turned out great!  We got the book cases from Target for $100 each.  Most tv stands are around $500, so I say this one was a great deal. 

I recently learned how to organize my book shelves.  I used to just shove our books in but it always frustrated me how unorganized it looked.  So I finally figured out what accessories we could use to accent the book shelves.  These are my favs.

I am always surprised at the pieces that are my favorite.  It makes MR.P's day that we have this up, so i love it as well.

This plane I bought for MR.P at an antique market.  He'd been wanting one for a while, so I finally bought it for him.  I think it adds a fun  element to the bookshelf.

I actually painted the plate on top.  MR.P and I were about to move into our new house so I wanted to paint a fun plate with the colors we were using.  Lame, I know, but I love polka dots.  I really can't help it!  Even our wedding had a few subtle hints of them;) Then I bought the large frame from Hobby Lobby for only $7.  It's one of those things that gives the room what I was looking for:)

Another favorite element are the ticking stripe drapes in the living room and breakfast knook.  I found them at the Pottery Barn outlet for 75% off!!  They definitely make the room complete.  (Please note:  This table is a recent purchase off of craigslist and is in the middle of a renovation.  The 4th chair is recovering from my first attempt.  Check back later to see what we do!)

Ok, so this is in the kitchen, but I had to add it.  These red phones are usually $100, but I found it for 75% off as well on ebay!  Huge find.  I think it goes well with the beadboard in the kitchen.

The kitchen view.  Just a little red in the stars.  They help bring the living room over and make all the rooms blend together.  They kind of have to since it's an open plan. 

This last one is just for fun.  Our green kitchen aid is quite old!  I think it's about 50 years old, but it still works great...when I use it.  I look at as more of a decoration:)

So there you have it.  The way I used Snippet & Ink's inspiration board.  If you see any ideas I could use please let me know.  I am open to suggestions. 

Also, if you need any help with some decorating let me know.  I am no expert, but I really enjoy it. 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!  I sure am.  MR. P and I are enjoying a little football. 

Michael Kors Belt

MR.P and I were at T.J. Maxx the other day with his sister just shopping around.  Well, I've been looking for a thick, brown belt for a while.  Each one I find is either more than I want to spend or not heavy enough.  Now, trust me, I'm no label girl, but I do like quality.  So when I found a Michael Kors belt on SALE for $14.99 i grabbed that sucker up!!  Ann Taylor and J.Crew were around $40 to $50.  I just couldn't justify spending that much money on a belt I wasn't sure if I would wear all that often (since it's definitely a fad/trend that could go out of style at any moment).  So needless to say, I am pretty excited about this belt.  I have actually worn it a lot more than I thought.  Here's a shot I took with my iphone.  It's tough to take pictures of yourself with that thing;)

I paired it with a light pink tank, jeans, and of course my FAV cowgirl boots:)  I got them last winter and have worn them SOO much!  I definitely think its worth the investment. 

Anyway, happy Fall.

Inspiration Wednesday

So I read this blog called Snippet & Ink. It has all sorts of inspiration boards for people's weddings. Even though I am already married I still enjoy reading it.  The pictures are just beautiful!  A few months ago I saw this inspiration board and it clicked. This is exactly what I want my living room colors to be! Definitely muted down a bit. But, anyway, this is where my ideas came from:)  She is definitely a great person to get some decorating inspiration from.  She shows you how to make each wedding (or room in your house) special and individual to you as a couple.  Tomorrow I'll follow up with some pictures of how these colors played out in our house!

More Fall Decorations

About a year ago MR.P and I needed some art in our little apartment.  Well we weren't sure what to do so MR.P took some pictures while we visited Burt's Pumkin Farm.  It also happens to be one of our favorite places to go with friends Gift-Ink.  We go every year with them.  Anyway, back to my point...we took the pictures and had them blown up for $5 each.  Then framed them in large Ribba frames (not available online, only in stores) from Ikea.  We liked these frames because they are similar to a shadow box.  The frames were only $19.99 each, which is a great deal for frames that large.  To "matte" them I actually used the gray paper that was already with the frame, turned it around so the writing wouldn't show and just put the picture in the center (we couldn't find mattes that were the right size). 

(now in our new house.  they frame a blank wall nicely)

(pumkins can be used year round, right?)

(this ones my fav!)

So yes, I know, this is a simple project, but sometimes we need a little direction and encouragement to frame up some of your own artwork...even if you don't feel like an artist!   So in all I spent a total of $25 on each frame including the blown up picture and fake matte.  Not too shabby!

Fall Decorating Ideas

I absolutely LOVE Fall!  I love that it has been raining for 2 weeks straight in Atlanta because it makes me feel like Fall.  It hasn't gotten my spirits down one bit...even though it's making me slightly tired:) 

I am always in need of some inexpensive Fall decorating Ideas.  This one is by far my favorite.  I mean how cute are those polka dots?  Super cheap as well.  I can't wait to try this!

This idea is also really cute. You could use your free monogram if you win the giveaway:)  I think both of these projects are under $10.  So send me your pictures if you try these!

Both photos are from here.

MR.P (Actually his real initials) and I went on a date on Friday night and just happened to stroll through Pottery Barn.  Well I wasn't expecting to be scared while in there, but when I saw this I about jumped out of my skin!

Definitely shouldn't have been scared, but I was:(  I don't suggest buying these this since it might scare guests...that's why I didn't list the price:)

I also saw this tea light holder while at Target.  Only $17.99.  Not too bad for a cute center piece. 

I also suggest browsing through the dollar section at your local Target.  They had some of the cutest tin baskets for decorating!  And you just can't find a better deal than $1!

Oh and don't forget to buy your pumpkin spice candle for the new fall!  I bought mine @ Target for $5:) 

Anyway, Happy Fall!  MR.P and I have lots planned for the fall.  We are helping my little sister get ready for her Jr. Homecoming this coming Saturday.  Then vising my sister in Macon as well as visiting old friends in Nasheville, TN.  We are trying to plan a fun weekend getaway.  We haven't had a trip with just the 2 of us since our honeymoon.  So we definitely need some time away.  I think as Christians, it's important that we have alone time with our spouses away from home (every once in a while).  That way we aren't tempted to clean the house, do yard work, or anything other than just spend time with each other.  We are still young, so we can't do these lavish trips, but renting a cabin for a few nights is definitely possible.  And definitely worth it:) 

Happy Weekend!

Hope everyone has a wonderful, safe, and happy weekend!

Rockaholic Dry Shampoo

Ok, so everyone this is my favorite hair product.  It's a must as a blonde, but definitely helpful if you have darker hair.  Rockaholic Dry Shampoo.  I use this every time I go to the lake or the beach because, let's face it, no one likes to fix their hair before they go play on the beach!  I have done my research on this product.  It's $18.99 for 6.03 oz.  Yes, that's definitely more than I like to spend on my hair products, but trust me, this is a good deal.  I bought bumble and bumble's dry shampoo @ $32, but it is much smaller.  I used that bottle up very quickly.  I have tried several other brands that were more expensive and definitely not up to par.  They didn't hold their clean look near as long as Rockaholic's.  I have actually had my bottle since July!  So this is definitely worth the $18.99 investment.  You can find it on Amazon or in your local specialized hair stores. 

Decal Monogram Giveaway!!

Welcome to Design A-Peele's first Giveaway!  As I have mentioned before Decal Monograms is my favorite decal vendor.  Well drum roll please...she's giving away a FREE 4 inch initial decal through Design A-Peele!  All you have to do to enter is:

1.) Become a follower of Design A-Peele
2.) Leave a comment with the initial you want as well as the color and font found here. 
3.) Add my button to your blog. 



Don't miss out!  You only have until September 30th...2 weeks from today!

Here are some pictures of what you can do with the decal.

(Please note: the free decal will be the single initial in the below photo.   All photos are just ideas of what you can do with the initial.  All photos from here.)

You can put the initial on a vase to add a little life to it!

This candle makes a great, simple, easy, personalized, and affordable gift.

Putting your initial on your mailbox adds a little personal touch!  Not something everyone in the neighborhood has.  Plus, your neighbors will ask where you got it and you'll have to tell them all about Design A-Peele &  Decal Monograms!

You can also personalize a wall.  Definitely gives it a special touch.

This one is my fav idea of all!  Trashcans are never pretty, so dress it up with a new decal!

Last but not least, you can order the silver initial if you want to do my necklace hanger from a previous post!

Designs for Blogs!

I am a major fan of anything that has to do with designs for blogs and such.  So when I found this girl I was pretty excited.  She is doing a give away for a FREE BLOG DESIGN!!!  Go become a follower and make a comment to win!  I definitely just did!

Inspiration Wednesday!

Welcome to Inspiration Wednesday! 

I decided that I know a lot of great people and wanted to "show them off!"  So even though this blog is all about decorating my house and fashion I wanted you to meet Sharon - a girl on a mission!  So meet Sharon!  She just started on a journey about 2 months ago to lose 60 lbs.  You know what??  She's already lost 25!!  Can you believe that? 

This is her before:

And this is her After:

Can you believe how great she looks!!  25 lbs lost certainly made a difference.  It has been so encouraging to read through her journey over @ The Incredible Shrinking Sharon.  You can even read about her journey over @ Former Fat girl.  She's had her good days and her bad days, but I have seen an incredible change in her countenance and her spirit.  She even sounds different on her blog from the first to the most recent!  She has learned to eat healthy things for her body and it has certainly made a difference most importantly in her heart but also her body.  She is an inspiration to us all to stick with something that's hard because the result is definitely worth it! 

As women we naturally are critical of our bodies.  I am definitely not except from that party.  It sadens my heart to think that we grope and complain about the way we look when we were created in the image of God!  (Genesis 1:27)  Yet, most of the time we are complaining and unhappy with our bodies, but aren't taking any action to make a change.  Sharon is making change:)  I pray for Sharon daily that she would see the Lord in this journey.

Stars!

I just love stars.  I love how it pulls my living room together with my drapes!  I found the star above our tv at my fav store...Hobby Lobby (no surprise there) for $10 during one of the half off sales.  It has been the best $10 I ever spent.  It makes my room feel the exact way I want.  Casual, homey, and open to ALL!!

I also found these great vintage stars at the antique market for only $4 each.  They definitely pull my breakfast knook and living room together.  If I was a better photographer I would be able to take better pics of my home so you could get the whole feel.  For now this will have to do:)

New look for a mudroom

I am participating in this!





So on my trip to Scott's Antique Market I didn't find the bench I was looking for.  I actually didn't realize it was like REAL antiques.  So, the prices were quite high.  The only antique markets I have ever been to were very affordable.  My favorite is Queen of Hearts Antiques located in Alpharetta and Buford.  So joke was on me.  But that's ok.  My mom and I had a great time and saw some beautiful pieces.  I did find a few fun things from their outside tent vendors.  So I know this isn't a normal mudroom look, but what do you think? 

Because I couldn't find a bench I started looking at baskets.  So I found these 2 iron baskets for $9 each and decided to hang them below our jackets and such.  I am looking for some cool door knobs to hang them from.  We saw some at the antique market but whoohoo were they pricey!  I think I'll try Hobby Lobby.  I love the clear glass knob look like this one from Anthropologie.  Hobby Lobby, or HobLob as my friend Katie calls it, will definitely have more affordable prices.  But I just can't help looking at Athropologie:)

Scott's Antique Market

Tomorrow morning, bright and early, my mom and I are heading to Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta.  I am pretty darn excited about it.  It's $5 for entry, but if you print out this coupon then you get $1 off your admission.  I'll do anything to save a dollar.  I am taking my trusty camera (I should think of a name for her) and plan on taking pictures of different ideas and such that pop into my head.  My 3 goals for this trip include the following:
1.) Have fun with MOM!
2.) Find bench to redo as stated in my former post
3.) Find old vintage chandalier for office

So there ya go!  Happy Friday!!

Remember September 11, 2001

What were you doing on September 11th 8 years ago?  

I was sitting in my Calculus classroom at Buford High School.  We heard that a plane hit one of the World Trade center towers.  To be honest, it didn't really hit home.  I just thought it was an accident.  But once my teacher (Mrs. Maltbie) turned on the tv we watched the second plane hit the other tower.  It was scary but exciting at the same time.  Not exciting happy, but exciting that I was a part of history!  Throughout our day we just watched the news in each class.  I specifically remember science class because we all huddled around the computer trying to watch the live feed.  We were told that the Buford Dam was a possible target.  Very scary since it was around the corner from our school.  Once I got home things really became real.  My dad is in the National Guard and that meant he would probably be called up.  I felt so silly for not even thinking about that all day.  And eventually (not sure how soon after) my dad was called into Active Duty at Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA.  We only saw him on the weekends.  I can't imagine how hard that was for my mom.  Two of my sisters were already out of college and about to get married.  My older sister and I were at home as well as my two younger siblings.   My mom was such a trooper.  But my dad was a TOTAL trooper.  He drove back and forth that year to be at almost every single basketball game that I had.  He was especially there for my "career ending knee injury".  I say that in quotes because I wasn't that good ;)  But he was there.  While my dad was called up he wrote wills for a lot of the men that were called over seas.  It was heartbreaking to hear.  We all had to work extra hard to help each other out.  Especially since my mom was planning 2 weddings for 1 summer. 
My dad actually got colon cancer right as he was being called up to Kuwait.  What an amazing blessing that he had cancer and didn't have to go!  We were very thankful. 
But, all of that to say that September 11th was a really scary time.  But it definitely brought us all together as a country and we were definitely stronger for it.

Share what you were doing on September 11, 2001.