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LET'S MEET UP TOMORROW!


Looking to stretch your design dollar like never before?? Well mark your calendars for I LOVE THRIFTING, a nationwide shopping event organized by none other than Rashon Carraway aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting. Tomorrow, Saturday July 9th at 10AM, Dayka and I are leading a group through 4 of Atlanta's best thrifting hot spots. Here's a look at our itinerary for the day:

#1 : Goodwill (Tucker)
3983 Lavista Road
Tucker, GA 30084

#2: My Favorite Place
5596 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Chamblee, GA 30034

#3: Goodwill (Sandy Springs)
237 Johnson Ferry RD NE
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Lunch: Le Madeline (networking & noshing!)
1165 Perimeter Center West #330
Atlanta, GA 30038

#4: Goodwill (next door to Le Madeline)
1165 Perimeter Center West
Sandy Springs, GA 30338

If you're reading this and thinking, "Gee, they have all the fun in Atlanta", there's good news--the I LOVE THRIFTING event is happening in various cities throughout the country! Be sure to check the website [www.ilovethrifting.com] to learn how you can join in on the fun.

Will you be joining us? Please leave a comment so we know who's coming!

SMART IDEAS FOR UPGRADING YOUR KID'S ROOM


While on twitter, OnlyLaila requested the names of a few good decor blogs to read. GlossyMimi [my sister from another mister] naturally suggested that she visit my site. I picked up the conversation and continued to tweet with Laila as she requested help in redesigning her son's bedroom. She didn't want to make a huge investment in the room. She simply wanted to freshen things up a bit for under $250.

Laila's son's room is on the left. They currently own the Ikea Expedit shelves which currently lies on the other side of the room. I suggest that she gives it dual purpose as toy storage and a nightstand as seen in the inspiration image on the right.

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Laila's son also loves superheros and has a few awesome posters on the wall. Let's get those babies framed to make them look like art while adding visual weight to the the wall. Ikea's Ribba Frames are very economical as well as the poster frames found at Target. Frames hung gallery-style above a newly-refinished dresser sourced from her local Craigslists list will help to stretch her decorating dollars.

If the room has generous closet space, I recommend shifting the clothes to one side and on the other side, add a few shelves and cubbies to house small toys that tend to add clutter to a room.













Here's the inspiration board...and yes, everything amounts to $250!

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Often times when completing a budget decorating project a little elbow grease is necessary. Laila isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves and get the job done. Her big boy will probably be eager to assist as well!


Lastly, Laila told me her son also enjoys painting and other crafts but tends to make a mess in the process. If possible, I suggested that she set up a little workspace for him in the kitchen where clean up is a breeze. Hang a bulletin board where he can proudly display his masterpieces. Boards like these are always plentiful a your local Goodwill and thrift stores.

Kids want to be just like you. At this mini workstation, "their home office," they can draw, read, and practice their ABCs just like you do.

To further assist Laila and others who have kids making the big transition, my latest article for houzz provides more inspiration and tips on creating a space that both you and your child can enjoy.

Have a design dilemma? Contact me. I'd love to help you!

JUST DREAM.


Last week, I promised myself to turn the phone and computer off during the holiday weekend. I did make one run to a client's house on Sunday [I'm a recovering workaholic], but spent the majority of my time with my husband and these guys.

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As I watched them play, I thought about how fast they have grown and wondered where did the time go?

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I remember during our engagement, my husband and I named each child, declared their birth order and knew we would have a set of boy/girl twins. We have the email correspondence to prove it.

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We also announced to our family and friends that we planned to have a total of six children. Yeah, I know...what were we thinking? This guy alone is three kids in one.

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We also said that our children would see us enjoying our work and would know that they too could live their dreams. They are the living proof of our dreams coming to pass...

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How wonderful is it that we can tell our children that we wanted them and dreamed about them before they were conceived. It reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures. What an honor it is to be a co-creator with God.
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." - Jeremiah 1:5

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Raising three children under 5 is no easy feat and I'm the first to admit to have been on the verge of losing my mind. I had to trust God even when I couldn't trace him. I often wondered what was happening to me. Recently I had a very personal conversation with another blogger about this very thing. As a single person, you only have yourself to worry about. When you get married and have children everything changes. No one tells you that you will experience a mourning period. It feels like you have lost yourself or the old you died.

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I believe that something did die. My selfishness. What I regained was a new zest for life and yet another reason to live! Just because my dream demanded more work from me than I initially thought doesn't mean I dreamed the wrong dream. It's just a reminder to me that good things don't always come easy.

These guys have made me stronger than I ever was before. I'm truly blessed for their presence in my life.

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Sorry it took such deep introspection to simply say that I had a wonderful 4th of July holiday. How was yours?

TAG SALE: MGBW ATLANTA


When there is a sale like this at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, the word gets around FAST. Here's the email I received yesterday from Jonathan, the store's manager.

"Hello, I hope everyone is doing well. I wanted to send notice that tomorrow @ 9am [THAT'S TODAY FOLKS!] we will be opening for SUMMER TAG SALE. We will have floor samples, scratch/dent, and other savings ranging from 20% – 70% off. We have photos available to email designers or anyone else who may be interested in seeing a snapshot. We will have more pieces for the sale than ever before!"

MGBW Atlanta
3081 Peachtree Road NE,
Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 869-1770
www.mgbwatlanta.com


Happy Shopping Friends!

#DESIGNWRITE TWITTER CHAT


Good News! I'll be co-hosting my first twitter chat on this Thursday from 10AM-11AM. Writer Pamela Mason has invited me to give decorating advice to people who desire a beautiful and function home office. That's everyone, right? She took the time last week to poll readers of their interest and it looks like this chat will be well attended.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
@ERIKAATBLULABEL @WRITERMASON #DESIGNWRITE


Jump into the conversation using the #designwrite hashtag at the end of your comment. I'll be taking your questions, sharing images, and pushing you steps further in getting the well-appointed office space you deserve.

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Work from home, but don't have a dedicated office space? No problem! Your dining room makes for a great pop-up home office. See...

Home Office eclectic home office
designed by Amanda L. Reid

Let's get warmed up to the idea of repurposing the dining room by removing the table setting and all but one chair. Now you have the home office you've been wanting. Use a couple of drawers in the adjacent buffet for file storage. Return chairs to table when company arrives. Easy. Done.

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"Success comes when preparation meets opportunity?" It's one of my favorite quotes because it is profoundly simple, yet true. If given the opportunity, is your home office ready to handle the success coming your way? If you answer no to this question, I look forward to tweeting with you on Thursday!

Need more personalized assistance in whipping your home office into shape? Contact me. I can help.
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