shop closing - bedding clearance

Well guys, I'm closing up shop on Baby Nest.

With the upcoming move out of state and the arrival of Sam, I just don't have time to devote to it anymore.  Izzy is already upset she doesn't get the same amount of snuggle time with me she once had.  Gotta keep the little ones happy!

Good news for you guys because I'm selling my sample 3 piece sets that were originally $300, for $150!

There is only one of each available so if you are interested, please email me at shelley.westerman(at)gmail(dot)com



{with or without monogram, $150}

{with or without monogram, $150}

{set sold with pleated bed skirt as shown in larger image, $150} Update: SOLD

{set sold with ruffled bed skirt as shown in larger image, $150}

my big announcement

Ok, so I have a rather big announcement to make.

Looks like I found a way out of finishing my to-do list on this house after all.  And this time it doesn't involve me getting pregnant ;)

We're moving to Houston!

 

Our move is going to look a little less glamorous than that photo.  I'm picturing this...

Ha!

My husband accepted a new job last week and we'll be heading out in a month.  Yeah.  I'm freaking out a bit.  I knew we'd end up moving out of state again some day, I just really didn't expect it to happen this soon.  People, I've never even been to Houston before.  All I know is it's going to be hot, hot, and even more hot.  And Momma don't like to be hot.

I'm excited about starting a new adventure, but devastated about leaving family and our amazing friends.  The part that makes my heart hurt the most is that Izzy won't be near my mom anymore.  Those two are tight.  Two peas in a pod.  The way the light up when they are together is the most amazing thing ever.  Then of course there's Sam.  Only two months old.  I feel like my parents won't get to really bond with him.  Doesn't make it any easier that my mom won't talk to me about the move.

We're planning on renting at first so we can get to know the area before buying/building.  Things are already getting sporty with my husband and I as we're looking online to find a rental.  This should be a fun couple of months :/

If any of you are currently living in Houston, or are familiar with the area, what can you tell me about it? What do you love? What do you hate?

birthdays

Today is my birthday!

My 32nd birthday to be exact.

My mom said she was going to be bringing me over a cupcake today, and I can't wait to get my grubby little hands on it.  I'm having some major sugar cravings lately.

Gotta tell you, there's something about your 30's that is so freeing.  You feel better in your skin, even if it is holding a few more pounds than it did in your twenties.  You're more confident in your decision making, which is probably because you're no longer are worried about impressing others.  It's about impressing yourself.

Even though the past 10 years have blown past me like an idiot on a sports bike that almost rips off your side mirror while leaving a mass of confused drivers in his wake, I'm so happy with this time in my life.

Another "birthday" I've got to mention is my little man turning 2 months old this week!

Little stinker.

He's such a ham.  Sam The Ham.  Sam Sam.  Sammers.  Good grief I love this guy.

He has been quite the champ the past few weeks.  RSV has visited.  Lord, help me.  We've been going in to get his lungs suctioned out, trying to keep his oxygen levels up.  I hate watching them push those tubes in, but I know he's doing and feeling so much better afterwards.  I'm hoping we're finally at the tail end of this thing.

Well you guys, I'm off to not so patiently wait on my cupcake.  I hope you all have a great weekend!  I'll be back with my announcement on Monday!

quick powder room makeover

This weekend I wasn't planning on fluffing up the powder room, but I did.  It was one of those things where I just got so sick and tired of looking at it that I couldn't not do anything anymore.

A coat of leftover paint (BM Revere Pewter), and some floating shelves from Target made for a quick little makeover.

Ok, can I just say how tough it is to get any good pictures of a tiny powder room.  Practically impossible to not get my reflection in the mirror, and I couldn't get the other walls in the photo.  

I originally planned on switching out the mirror and light fixture, but I'm not going to bother with that anymore.  I'll tell you why later.  Big news is coming people.  Big.

Here's a little before and after action for you.

Ahhhhh.... better.

Paint and shelves.  Shoulda done it sooner!

extra wide, extra long, extra cheap curtains

I've been plucking away at my bedroom lately, and have been eager to show you guys my crazy cheap solution for new curtains.

Queen size sheets.

The group of windows in our bedroom are wide and on the taller side.  The last curtains I had up were 54 inches wide and didn't come close to completely shutting when I wanted extra privacy.  Curtains can be freaking expensive, and when I was looking for drapes this time around I couldn't stomach having to buy double just to get the width I needed.

(This kid can't stay away if a camera is around.  Like a moth to a flame, people!)

I came across using a sheet by accident.  We just had new windows put in and had to toss a sheet over the rod for privacy until we could put the shades back up.  It actually looked good!  So, I picked up two queen sized flat sheets from Target for around $12 each.  All I had to do was hem the bottom and attach them to clip rings.  

Bada-bing bada-boom.  It was so easy and I love how nice and full they are.  And for cheap sheets, they really aren't thin.  They have just the right amount of light filtration.  I wouldn't recommend using them without shades though.  You might end up giving the neighbors a good show ;D

One more thing checked off the list!

I'm waiting on my art pieces for either side of the bed to be framed right now.  They were a gift from my very talented aunt, and I think you'll likey!

So, next time you need some drapes on the cheap, don't pass up the bed linen department.  Especially with all the pretty sheets out lately.

Is this something you'd go for?

I bought a bed

I bought a bed.

That's right folks, I finally convinced my husband to say syonara to his bachelor bed!!!  This is huge people.  Even though he's not ready to let go of the rest of the bedroom set, this will make a pretty big dent in getting rid of the the matchy, matchy look.

Here's what I went with:

{via}

I've been eyeing it every time I see it pop up on Joss & Main.  When it appeared again I was on it like a pack of dogs on a three legged cat.

It has similar lines to this headboard in one of my inspiration photos, and has the tufted detail I like.

{via}

And at a little over $400 I was sold.

I cannot WAIT for it to come in and get it put together.  Fingers crossed I made the right choice.

Have any of you purchased a piece of furniture online without seeing it in person?  How did it turn out for you?  I'll admit, I'm a little skeerd.

***

If you need an invite to check out Joss & Main, click here to get hooked up!

adding a drum shade to a ceiling fan

I am happy to report - I no longer have an ugly fan light!!!

Isn't she pretty!

And, she's a cheap date too.  I only spent $20.  Boom.

Want to pretty up yours?  Here's what you'll need:

• drum shade (with spider fitting)
• connector
• nipple fitting

How to do it:

STEP ONE:  Remove bulb shades

STEP TWO & THREE:  Locate and remove end piece.  I don't really know what it's called so that's what I'll be calling it.

STEP FOUR:  Slide pull chain through connector and screw into place where the end piece used to be.

STEP FIVE:  Screw nipple into connector.

STEP SIX:  Place drum shade over the nipple.  This would be a little easier if my shade would have had only 3 spokes instead of four, but it still fit fine.

STEP SEVEN:  Screw end piece into place to secure the shade.

DONE!

Super easy, and really changed my fan's look.

I also added a new chain pull I found at Lowes for about $3.

You can see some of the changes I've been making in my bedroom in the after photo.  I can't wait to tell you guys about those white drapes.  May not sounds like much, but trust me, you'll love it.

So, whose gonna be upgrading their fan this week???  You???

I'll be linking up to these fab parties!

The DIY Project Parade at The DIY Showoff

CraftOManiac Monday at CraftOManiac

Before and After Party at Thrifty Decor Chick

Tutorials and Tips at Home Stories A2Z

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

DIY by Design

Tip Me Tuesday at Tip Junkie

Show Me What Ya Got at Not Just a Housewife
Show and Share at Southern Lovely
Tuesday Link Party at Todays Creative Blog

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
Wow Me Wednesday at Ginger Snaps
Primp Your Stuff at {Primp}
Whatever Goes Wednesdays at Someday Crafts
Look What I Made! at Creations by Kara

Creative Juice Thursday at Momnivore's Dilemma

Everything but the Kitchen Sink at A Little Knick Knack

Delightfully Inspiring Thursday at Delightful Order

Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous

Remodelaholics Anonymous at Remodelaholic

Frugal Friday at Shabby Nest

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Weekend Wrap Up at Tatertots and Jello

Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring

Simply Link Party at Simply Designing

Simply Creations Friday at Simple Home Life

Pity Party at 30 Handmade Days

Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence
Feature Friday at Five Days... 5 Ways

The Saturday Seven at Positively Splendid

Nifty Thrifty Sunday at Nifty Thrifty Things

Creative Bloggers' Party and Hop at Homemaker on a Dime

Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming
Just Something I Whipped Up at Project Inspire

addressing the ceiling fan light

In my home resolutions post I mentioned doing something about the ceiling fan light in our master bedroom.

Here's what it currently looks like.

It's not hideous, but it's not pretty.  And the positioning of the lights have blinded me on several occasions while sitting in bed.

I found this GORGEOUS fan at Lowes the other day. 

{via}

It's not horribly priced, but if I can save a few bucks and make ours work then awesome.  This next image has me thinking I can.

{via}

I just picked up a $15 drum shade from TJ Maxx and am going to see how it looks.

What are your thoughts?  Do you even like the look of a drum shade on a fan?

home resolutions - 2013

I've been putting together my list of things I hope to get accomplished around the house this year.  As of today (because if you're anything like me you'll end up adding to the list not because you have time to do it all but because you easily get distracted by pretty things and have a bad case of Wantitis) this is it.

MASTER BEDROOM

Poor thing was on last year's list of home resolutions and was neglected.  Neglected like a pair of my husband's socks he left in the garage after mowing that are just so nasty from grass and sweat that they don't ever make it into the wash because they're just too gross to deal with.  You get me?

I thought that I wouldn't do anything with it until I could talk my husband into letting go of his matchy, matchy bachelor furniture.  Here we are a year later, he's still not convinced to let it go.  I'm tired of waiting so I'm going to make the best of what's already here.

• paint (gray tone of some sort)
• update bedding
• new curtains (I'm thinking simple, plain white drapes)
• add art above nightstands
• replace or cover lights on ceiling fan (I'd love a chandy, but this chick needs a fan on at night)
• add settee in front of window (it's already pretty cramped in here, so might not work)
• talk husband into at least switching out the bed (I'm thinking a tufted wingback headboard with nail head trim)

Here's what has me inspired:

{via}

{via}

{via}

LIVING ROOM

If I don't get around to doing anything in here, I'll be ok with it.  If it happens, awesome.

• switch out pillows (I'm not even sure what I want)
• move my secretary desk out of the master to the living room and turn into bar (I blame this one on Jessamie's recent post - I can't stop thinking about it and it's all your fault Jessamie!)
• do something fun above the tv (you've never seen this wall because it's booorrrring)

Inspiration:

{via}

{via}

DINING ROOM

 A lot of progress was made in here last year.  It's just needs to be completed.

• add crown molding
• make white slipcovers for side chair seats (because bleach is a beautiful thing)
• refinish table top (Our dog scratched it to pieces not long after it was first refinished 7 years ago.  Man, time flies!)

KITCHEN

Since this photo was taken the kitchen has been repainted the same Revere Pewter as the living room and dining room.

• switch out island fixture for pendants
• switch out table chandy
• replace iron desk chair for a stool that will tuck away
• switch out island stools
• get rid of the FAMILY sign above the cabinets (I'm actually on that right now.  I forgot it was up there until I saw this photo.)

Inspiration:

{via}

POWDER ROOM

I still like the idea of stripes, but they no longer match the main living area's paint color.  Things need tweaked in here.  You're looking at the potty seat aren't you?

• paint
• new mirror
• new light fixture
• add shelves above toilet

Inspiration:

{via}

{via}

KID'S BATHROOM

Bare bones in here.  But, I wish I had a photo of this bath to show you guys what it looked like when we first moved in.  The walls were a deep yellow gold and had a crazy, what the hell were they thinking texture.  Imagine pointy spikes of spackle junk sticking out 1/4 inch all over the walls.  The floors were a yellowing vinyl, oak vanity, dated faucets, and builder's grade mirror.  Since the major fixes have already been taken care of, I just need to work on making it look finished.

• switch out towel rod for hooks
• add art and accessories

Inspiration:

{via}

{via}

Ok, so there was totally more I planned on adding to my list, but I'm pooped just putting it together so I think that's a pretty good sign I should stop now.

I'm getting started on my bedroom this week.  I'm determined to get somewhere with it this year.  Maybe once I feel better about it I'll actually make the bed everyday.  Yes, I'm that person ;)