Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Birthday Bliss!

Yesterday was my 42nd Birthday.  I celebrated the best way I know how - shopping.  Even better, I spent the afternoon shopping with the sweetest mother in the world.  My mom has the most amazing taste and often shops at Country Curtains - a nearby store that sells not just curtains, but gorgeous accessories as well.  I regret not taking my camera with me to share the endless supply of eye candy, but a return trip is almost a certainty.

My goal was to bring home some needlepoint pillows for my Living Room.  I've given up trying to "fit in" here in blogland and am instead returning to my traditional roots, aka, my happy place.  I love traditional and this store screams traditional at every turn.

You've probably seen their catalog over the years, or visited their website, but they don't even begin to scratch the surface of all the beauty that lurks behind the walls of this blissful place.
Tons of floral arrangements.

Loads of wall decor.


Rugs galore!


Beautiful accent furniture, like these nesting tables that made this Jersey girl drool all over myself.



And an endless supply of lamps.




I wasted no time putting aside my pillows (so glad they had them in stock!) and then found a throw and added it to my pile.  I hardly had time to add it all up in my head, knowing I would have to put something back :( when all of a sudden my mom swooped in and paid for everything!  It was the best Birthday ever!!!  Thanks Mom - I love you so much!!

Here's a look at my Living Room before going back to my roots:



Pretty exciting huh?



NOT!

And the after:


New mirror over the sofa, brought in from the Family Room.


Coffee table, also brought in from the Family Room.


 Needlepoint pillows and throw from Country Curtains.
Grainsack and bird pillows from Tuesday Morning.





Lamp and ottoman from Ross.  All other accessories from my stash.  Secretary from Craig's List.



Another needlepoint pillow from CC.  Throw from my stash.  Thrift store chair - $38!


Stems from Michaels.


Now the only thing left to do is re-paint this! (Insert Denise laughing here)...


Waiting for my can of A.S.C.P. in Chateau Gray to arrive any day!


Oh yes, I can't wait!!!

Thanks for visiting and have a Fabulicious Day!
xoxo,
Kim


38 comments:

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Happy Birthday...and glad you have gone back to the design your heart loves! I think your furniture is gorgeous. Looking beautiful!

Michele Smith said...

Happy Birthday Kim, sounds like you had a wonderful day shopping with your mom!
I'm gonna have to search CC and see if there is a store anywhere near me! You got some great sutff, I love those needlepoint pillows. Your living room looks great! I love it, love the colors too!
I bought chateau grat too and can't wait to try it out on my chest in my entry!!!
Have an awesome day girl!

ps. I think you "fit in" just fine here in blogland!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!! Your living room looks so gorgeous. I love country curtains. It's not to far from where i live.I have to stop in there soon. I love your pillows too.We have to do what makes us happy.Go with your heart.

Kathy

Lee said...

HaPpY BiRtHdAy!
Welcome back to your traditional roots-it's always goodnto know what you like. I try my best to surround myself with things I love. I'm sure many think I go overboard but I love my 'nest'!
So glad your Mom surprised you with things you chose-what a treat!
Thanks for sharing your fun day!

southerninspiration said...

happy birthday....it looks fantastic! I guess i am pretty traditional, too!

Suzanne

Stacey said...

Happy Birthday Girl!

Your room is so pretty. The pillows you picked are perfect. Just perfect.

I am with you...traditional it is.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Happy Birthday to You !! Your living room is very pretty. Very nice gift from your Mother.
I definitely believe a person should decorate the way they would like it the most. You are the one that is going to be living there.

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Everything is looking so beautiful, as always. Happy Birthday!

Unknown said...

Birthday blessings, Kim! What a great way to spend your birthday!

I have loved Country Curtains for years. They have a reputation for quality and service that you just don't get everywhere. Your pillows are awesome and I like how you changed your living room. I really like the big mirror above the couch.

Hugs,
Nancy

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

So glad you returned to your roots. I love your traditional look and it is me to a tee. I say have what you love and your new arrangement and accessories are stunning. Love them all. So much better than the before. Happy Birthday!!!!!! Hugs, Marty

Wendy said...

Happy Birthday! I always think of the advice you gave me when I turned 40! It is a great place to be :)
It looks like a wonderful day with your mom and your room is beautiful!
Hugs to you!
Wendy

At The Picket Fence said...

Happy Birthday friend!!! And YAY for traditional!! It is so nice to know that I'm not alone in my love for this style. We don't need to hide any longer...we need to band together in our love of traditional decor. LOL! Your new pillows and accessories look so fabulous and that really does sound like a great birthday!
Vanessa

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Kim, the room looks great with the added mirror, table and pillows. I love Chateau Gray and I hope you will, too. Yes, keep the room the way you like it for you.

Brenda said...

What a sweet cushion with the bird on it! Wishing you a blissful birthday......B:)

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Everything looks beautiful, Kim! Happy Birthday!!

Melinda said...

Happy Birthday to YOU!
Your changes looks wonderful!
Looks more cozy!
I agree with Michele--you fit in fine here. ALWAYS be true to yourself.

Melinda

Love Of Quilts said...

Lovely Gifts Happy Birthday Girl. Trish

Debra said...

Happy Birthday! Sounds like a fun day shopping. Love your needlepoing pillows. You definitely made the right decision to go back to your roots. Your room is beautiful!

Gloria said...

Happy Birthday! And all of your things look lovely.
Best,
Gloria

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Happily Belated Birthday, Kim! What a beautiful, beautiful room! I love every single detail!

Ricki Treleaven said...

Happy Birthday!!! :D I think our homes should reflect us: our loves, lifestyles, and personalities. Good for you! Your living room is pretty.

Unknown said...

I love your "roots" I too am very traditional and felt like I didn't "fit" but the pull back to what I love was too strong! Thanks for sharing, you inspired a change in my Livingroom Coffetable decor.

Warmly,

Decorating Lady's Humble Abode said...

WHAT IS WRONG WITH TRADITIONAL STYLE? ANSWER...NOTHING AT ALL. This is a test of time style and not a here today and gone tomorrow. Have you ever noticed how it is always in stores, homes, and in style books...because it has a look of elegance. I have a very traditional look with an eclectic mix of accessories. My decor. usually doesn't go out of style but over the years the colors I like to change out. Your taste is elegant in furniture and you do fit in with all of the blog sites. Keep on decorating girl and happy birthday. Decor. Lady

Pamela said...

Happy Birthday Kim! Aren't moms the best!:) Love your changes. They are beautiful and I had to laugh when you mentioned giving up on fitting in. I keep smacking myself around for that too. I am always seeing great inspiration pics from all these talented ladies and I have such a hard time recreating them. I need to just give it up and do what ever comes to mind!:)
Also why are you repainting your piece?? It looks fabulous! Is that not CHateau Grey already??
I would love for you to join us for Treasure HUnt Thursday when ever you have time. I know you are very busy mama!

Ivy and Elephants said...

Happy Birthday Kim!
So sweet that you spent it with your mom, and shopping, ... how perfect!
Everything looks beautiful!
Patti
p.s.
No easy way, you have to link to each party individually. But if you figure out a way to do it all at once, do pass it on! LOL

Jemsmom said...

You can never go wrong with doing what you love! Happy Birthday girl!!!!

Debbiedoos said...

Happy Birthday Kim. Sounds like a wonderful day. Love your LR..that chair in the partial sunlight looks so pretty.

Barbaara A. Vilord said...

I enjoyed reading the comments of your friends. I can see why you love your blog friends so much. They all seem like such lovely ladies-someone you would really like to sit and visit with while having a cup of tea. I also enjoyed viewing the many other blogs. It was like taking a walk through model homes or looking at decorating books. Home is so important and you all have provided a safe, beautiful and comfortably haven for your loved ones. You are great examples to your families. I Love your Kimmy, Mom

Tiff said...

Happy bithday! Good on you for choosing the design you love! That is what every one should do! Your living room looks fantastic! Happy weekend! X

Kimberly said...

Happy Birthday Kim! I love the bird pillow! I haven't been to Tuesday Mornings in a long time but I think I should head there soon! Looks like a fun day!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

What a perfectly elegant home. Just beautiful!

Sunny Simple Life said...

Happy Birthday Girlie!! Lovely changes to your room. You and your mom have a great sense of style.

Calypso In The Country said...

Happy Birthday Kim! The room looks great and the mirror over the sofa really opens up the room. I love Country Curtains - the curtains in my bedroom are from there.
-Shelley

Terry @ La Bella Vie said...

Oh my goodness, this is the most wonderful birthday present...I think I'm your long lost sister...tell my mom my birthday is in March and her room is waiting for her at my house:)

Also love how the living room turned out and love the pillows on the sofa...way better than the "Before" pictures!
Thank you for sharing and thank you for the comment on my "re-purposed" bed into the bench...i just now saw the comment!
Terry

Sue said...

Happy Birthday Kim.

I'd say stick with what you love ~ your house is charming and so cozy. I don't fit in much with the trends either. LOL

Hope you had a great day!

Terri said...

Beautiful room! Well done you!

Babs said...

Happy Birthday!! What a present! You did a fabulous job decorating. Love, LOVE your pillows. By the way, I'm a "traditionalist" when it comes to decor, too. I do like looking at other styles, and find them interesting, but always go back to my love of the traditional look.
I'm going to see if there's a Country Curtains near me. Thanks for the tip.

Chase said...

Hi Kim, Thanks for your visit! I'm sorry I haven't been by for a while...I am getting back into the swing of things after this long HOT summer. I lost interest in everything for a while. I'm glad you liked my post! I sure do miss my little birdie. I had him for a month. He was like a little pet to me. I know he had to go free, but if it wasn't against the law to keep a mockingbird, I sure might have! He had so much personallity! I have to say that I love your room now! I know all of the silver and blue is in and all over blogland, but I am very traditional too. Don't get me wrong, I really do like it, I just feel better when I'm around warm colors and curvy lines. I am loving that aqua color I'm seeing alot. I have thought about adding pops of it in my living room and dining room. It looks really good with the reds, yellows and greens. Hmmmm....My living room and dining room has basically been the same for almost 8 years now. I'm really wanting to change things up just a little with accessories and new pillows. We will see...I hope you have a great day today! I've got orders to fill and cleaning to do! Kristen