Best of the Nest July Link Party

Can you even believe it's August 1st!! Where has the summer gone?
We're glad you're here to join the fun and share what you've been up to!

As usual my cute friends and I are sharing what we've had going on in our nests!

Pam @ Simple Details

Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Bloglovin' | Twitter

After accidentally running across a couple of inexpensive items at my local thrift
 store, I was inspired to give our family room a fun burst of color for summer.

Lisa @ Shine your Light 

Blog | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Bloglovin' | Twitter

Every guy will be the envy of 'Mark the Shark' and his custom Deck Cart!
 Lisa took a ho-hum little cart and created this amazing masterpiece for her husband
to use while grilling and entertaining on their deck.

Kris @ Driven by Décor

Blog | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Bloglovin' | Twitter | Google+

 Kris shared a great round-up of tips she learned for 
Creating a Beautiful Bouquet that Lasts. She claims to have a black thumb
but if you've seen her garden you'll want in on her secrets!   

Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles

Blog | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Bloglovin' | Twitter

Jennifer revealed her son's Rustic Traditional Modern Bedroom makeover.
It's a stunner from top to bottom and filled with DIYs including a rustic 
wall treatment made from fence boards!   

Now it's your turn:

Four Blogs - Link up to one and it will show up on all four

Bring your Best of July - Anything from your nest aka home - DIY, craft, room design, recipe, etc.

Anyone can enter - not just bloggers!

Can enter through Instagram by using hashtag #bestofthenestparty and tagging at least one of your hosts.

Can also enter through Pinterest - follow the simple instructions here.

The party ends on Tuesday at midnight.

Party Rules:

Only one link per person to show your best work from July 2014

Spread some comment love - visit and comment on at least two other links in the party.

If you're linking up with a blog, link back with a text link or grab the party button.

We'd love you stop back next Friday when Lisa, Kris, Jennifer and I will feature our favorite links.

 For those linking from blogs only those with a link back will be considered.

Let's get this party started!

the agony of a craigslist find...

Well, here it is, my Craigslist find that I alluded to in my last post,

it left me reeling when it was sold out from under me!

   Isn't it amazing? The thought of it in our living room paired with modern pieces had

 me on cloud nine, SO excited, I was sending my friends pics telling them I was picking

 it up tomorrow!

I was finished obsessing over it until I just saw this photo again. :(  

  It popped up on Saturday night with no information other than $150 for the sofa and

 two antique chairs, I immediately emailed and asked for the dimensions and condition, it

 looked dirty in this photo, I asked if there were any stains, tears, pet stains or smokers. 

She responded no to all, and that it was in excellent condition, they were downsizing. 

And, if I wanted only the sofa it would be $80!!!  

Pam:  "I'll take it, when would be convenient for me to pick it up?" 

Lady: I'm going out for the evening and will be home tomorrow after 4ish,

 please call before coming.

Pam: Great, I'll call at 3:30 and be there at 4:15.  

Lady: See you then, have a nice evening.

Sunday morning after measuring our vehicle I emailed:

Pam: I'm not 100% sure if it will fit in our SUV because of the curve, by chance do

 you have a truck, I'd be happy to pay you to deliver. If not, I'll rent a truck.

No reply all day.

 I arranged for a truck rental, and planned to pick it up after reaching her.

3:30 I called to say I was leaving, no answer so I left a voicemail.

4:30 Called again, no answer, left another voicemail.

4:45 Called again

Lady:  Someone else is taking it now, you said you didn't have a way to pick it up.

Pam: Bad Karma is coming your way! (I couldn't help it)

Some inspiration I was smitten with when I thought it was going to live at my house! 

TIP:

It's risky not knowing who you're dealing with on Craigslist, I don't feel comfortable

handing over the payment for an item with the agreement to pick it up later. There have

 been several occasions where I felt like the item was such a deal that it may get sold out

 from under me before I'm able to make arrangements for pick up but I'd like to do whatever

is possible to secure the sale. This came to me yesterday - I'd feel totally comfortable

paying for an item if I took part of it -  sofa, take the cushions, or a piece of furniture, take

 the drawers, a table, take the glass, etc. I don't know if it would have worked in this situation,

but in the future I won't leave anything to chance, if it's something I truly want.  

The hunt is on!  

a favorite summer dinner...

Hey everyone, hope you had a wonderful weekend! 

Mine went from totally awesome to totally awful! I'll share the details tomorrow,

it would have been my best Craigslist find ever! : (  So sad! 

So I decided to eat, if you follow me on Instagram you saw I made one of

 our favorite summer dinners, Fish Tacos with Chipotle Cream (5 Star Rating) and 

Grilled Corn with Spicy Butter and Lime.   

Sorry for the bad photo, it was getting dark outside by the time we ate.

 

Fish Tacos with Chipotle Cream - recipe here

I found the fish taco recipe years ago on Food Network, but I tweak it a bit because we 

like spicy! The original recipe by Ellie Krieger is here, I like to make these changes:

1 - I use Tilapia loins from Costco and saute them in a non-stick pan. 

2 - Chipotle Cream - I use Light Sour Cream in place of nonfat yogurt and add about 

3T lime juice, and NO mayo.

3 - 4 tablespoons instead of 2 teaspoons chipotle pepper (pureed in food processor).

I buy a 7 oz. can of Cipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce and puree it in my food processor

and freeze it for use as needed.     

4 - I use a package of shredded slaw mix for the cabbage

5 - I don't use any corn kernels since I like to serve it with Grilled corn.

6 - We like avocado slices on ours.

The ideal side dish is this spicy, tangy grilled corn on the cob. You boil it first, so it just

needs a quick few minutes on the grill.  

BBQ Corn with Mexican Spicy Butter and Lime - Recipe here

I found this recipe by Eat Drink Daily on Pinterest and followed it exactly.

 It called for 70 grams of butter I used about 4 tablespoons for 4 ears of corn. If you

 sample the spicy butter on its own the lime is pretty strong, but when brushed on the

 corn it blends perfectly.  Enjoy! 

What's your favorite summer dinner?

happy friday and best of the nest...

Ahhh, Happy Friday everyone!!

Best of the Nest came around so quickly this month and caught us all off guard,

not to worry, we've just decided to postpone it a week. So, July's BOTN will be

next Friday, August 1st! Got it? We can't wait to see what you've been working on! 

Several of you asked where I found my planter head that I used in the kitchen reveal, 

it was Homegoods, and I spied another one last week and couldn't resist. She has a

 sweet feminine profile with her hair pulled back in a bun, unfortunately it's a bit hard to tell

 since I got carried away with her planter head. Don't let her demure look fool you,

 she's got a sassy personality, and knows how to start the weekend off right! :)

Here's to a wonderful weekend, friends!

Don't forget to mark your calendars

Friday, August 1st - Best of the Nest Link Party  

happy national hammock day...

Happy National Hammock Day!

We loved our hammock, and the tradition of getting it out every year was a sure signal

of summer. Sadly, the squirrels had a field day with it, (and two before that) so we gave up

on having one and have found ourselves hammock-less on National Hammock Day! :( 

This photo from a couple years ago has me wishing for another one.

Wishing you a little lounging in honor of the day! 

new client - fireplace update suggestions

I'm working with a new client and know they aren't the only ones with a

 fireplace that gets lost on a two story wall. They were kind enough to let me share

their fireplace and the ideas I'm suggesting. They're avid collectors of art and have

 beautiful pieces that would make a stunning statement against a white wall with

 trim detail. These are my ideas for them to consider.   

Add interest and texture to the wall surrounding the fireplace with molding in a grid

 pattern. A piece of their art would be beautiful hung on this wall treatment.  

desiretoinspire.net

Here is their fireplace, which could benefit from being beefed up by simply adding a larger

 board on top creating a deeper mantle and extending the sides to create the illusion of a

more substantial piece. I always find it helpful to take a photo of anything you're working

 on.  

Simple trim detail around fireplace.

bhg.com

Beef up the existing molding, building out closer to the edge of the wall. 

houzz.com

Decorative detail around the fireplace and cleaner lines above. 

bhg.com

remodelandolacasa.com

A mirror above the fireplace is one of my favorite looks, theirs would reflect pretty

 arched windows and the yard.

Add a deeper mantel, corbels, build out to edge of wall. 

 allthekingshouses.tumblr.com

Oversize mirror, similar to Ikea Songe, again add trim work to increase the size.   

 justinehughjones.com

Build out to edge of wall and add oversize mirror with framing detail

bhg.com

I'm anxious to see what they think, do you have a favorite?

craigslist...one for me, one for you

Ack!! You guys I was beside myself excited when this pair of Chippendale chairs popped

 up on Craigslist, a total bargain, I scored them both for $40! I LOVE them, they're a great

 size, big and wide, and in perfect condition. I've had them for a couple of weeks now and

 decided to paint them, but I'm still not sure of color or where to put them. Minor details.

 Some of the inspiration pics I'm loving are making me want to completely rearrange my living

 room, more details to follow on that.

 Since I have a slew of chairs in our house and my family is beginning to comment about

 them closing in on us I'm on a chair buying freeze. :(

But they keep popping up so I'm sharing my finds with you in hopes someone out there

 will go get these! I've even included some inspiration ideas for you. 

Beautiful pair of Ethan Allen chairs for $150, green velvet cushions here.

A pair of chairs are so versatile arranged in a living room grouping like this. 

housebeautiful.com 

They would work perfectly in a smaller living space in an intimate seating arrangement.

bhg.com

A similar arrangement in a larger room.

kellymcguill.blogspot.com

Tucked in a corner next to a table they'd make a cozy reading nook.

talkofthehouse.com

This pair of wing backs are a steal at $45 each here. I love the oversized bold pattern,

 but changing out the pillows to a modern geometric would give them new life!

I'd choose something like one of the Caitlin Wilson prints below. 

caitlinwilsontextiles.com

They would be beautiful in a guest room with navy accents. 

Centsational Girl

Upholstered wing backs at the head of a dining table are a favorite. 

decorpad.com

Perfect in front of a fireplace with a small x-bench between.

I love the symmetry here, you can barely see the pair of swing arm floor lamps.

House Beautiful

I could easily talk myself into needing all of these!

It's clear I have a problem love for interesting chairs, if you'd like to follow

my Pinterest Board 'Chairs' you'll find lots of fun inspiration.

  

simple solution for styling

If you're like me you tend to get stuck in decorating ruts, going for the same go-to

 items to style your tables and shelves - a tray, books, vase of flowers, sound familiar?

Here's an idea for you that looks unique and sophisticated and is super easy.

 If you think you can't style anything you're in for a surprise, anyone can do it with

 success, I promise!

A collection of solid color vases - while you're checking out the pretty styling

 keep in mind how easily it would be to amass a collection by thrifting.

The Doctor's Closet

Country Living

housebeautiful.com

 gardenandgun.com

celedonathome.com

plumprettysugar.tumblr.com

moroccanmaryam.typepad.com

homebunch.com

e-mag deco

 redonline.co.uk

phoebehoward.net

This is mine from a two years ago with a similar idea. It includes a lot of
Goodwill vases that have been painted.  

The key to thrifting for pieces is to keep an open mind, just look at the
shape and texture. Disregard any weird color and pattern because you
can paint right over it!

Have fun and if you try it let me know, I'd love to see it!  

ikea salong white vase...

Thanks for stopping by to check out my Ikea favorite for the month!
This gem is the perfect little inexpensive pick me up, or simple gift, fitting for
 a hostess, teacher, or friend. Add a single floral stem, or use it alone and the beautiful
 shape works as a piece of art. 

I've had my Ikea Salong White Vase for a few years and love using it when styling my
coffee table, on the bathroom or kitchen counters, or as part of a centerpiece when I'm
entertaining. When I showed my summer spiff up earlier in the week someone asked about
 it, and I knew you'd love one as much as I do. The price is crazy good for the nice quality,
and for such a hard working, versatile accessory!  

Ikea Salong White Vase 12" - $9.99

Ikea Salong White Vase 7 3/4" - $7.99

engagedevents.wordpress.com
(The tallest vase in the center is no longer available)

Ikea Salong White Vase 12" - $9.99

Ikea Salong White Vase 7 3/4" - $7.99

Check out the pretty ways it's been styled...

 Pinterest via Elli Boland

marthastewartweddings.com 

 allaboutyou.com

sarahhearts.com

And, mine...

Have a wonderful weekend friends!!

If you're an Ikea fan you can find more of my favorites here,
and if not, you become one when you see these awesome items:

Ribba Frames
Liatorp Extenable Table
Storsele Rattan Chair

Docksta Table

Sanela Pillow 

Ritva Curtains

Ekby Bjarnum Bracket

Stockholm Rand Rug

Barometer Floor Lamp

The Borby Lantern

Bravur Clock

Songe Mirror

Black & White Pillow Collection

Byholma Rattan Chest

Julmys Twine

Lack Floating Shelf

Tobias Lucite Chair

Ektorp Sofa