Browsing King Headboards at moreheadboards.com...

I watch a lot of HGTV on the weekends and one of the shows I watch on Sunday night is HGTV Design Stars.  I loved the episode last week because they made over a bed in breakfast at the Jersey Shore.  For the most part, the finished rooms were an improvement (all except for the white washed floor and the Slimer (a la Ghostbusters) green painting).  However, one other design no-no was the blank white headboard that one designer left.  It was like a blank canvas and it didn't fit well into the room's design, let alone function well in the room.  It got me to thinking that after years of watching design shows, the  headboard can make or break a room.

Shopping online for a headboard can be as easy as visiting moreheadboards.com.  There, they have a variety of headboards for beds that are double and above.  It can be a challenge to find just the right headboard for your space and browsing can really help you narrow down your focus when you're not quite sure what you want to do design wise.

There are many headboards for full size beds on their site.  I was browsing their selection and it struck me that if I were to get my daughter's bed a headboard that I should choose one with bookshelves.  She reads a lot and has tons of books that she loves and re-reads.  She would appreciate the bookshelves more than the style!  It would provide needed storage space for books, as well as providing a focal point for her room.  She actually has a 3/4 size bed (an antique), so we have to buy sheets for a full size bed for her.  You would not believe how hard it is to find "cutesy" sheets for a full size bed!

Our bed is a king and we have a really nice, sturdy oak set.  But in reality, we are short on storage too.  We also read a lot and a bookshelf headboard would be my choice if I got the chance to choose among the many styles of king headboards.  I wouldn't want to have to try to keep an upholstered headboard clean (I have kids!) and I would want something that I could easily dust because I have allergies.  The low profile design (see photo) would also mean I could actually see the painting I have hanging on my wall behind my current headboard. 

A painting would make the perfect focal point for our room since the room is set up to have our bed on one wall only - the wall opposite the bedroom door - so our bed is the first thing anyone sees.  With all of the TV wiring and window placement, we are stuck with the wall that we've got.  Switching out the headboard could give our room a refreshed look that's modern and not chunky.

What's your style?  Are you into bookshelves for form and functionality or are you more into the whimsical and would choose something with a classic fairy-tale type design?  Maybe you're into the upholstered look for a cushy place to lean back in bed?  Let me know your thoughts!  Please leave a comment letting me know what your headboard looks like now and what you wish it looked like!

No counter space? Consider a kitchen cart or kitchen work table.

I'm cursed with a small kitchen. I must confess, I long for many kitchens that I see on TV, particularly those shown on programs such as House Hunters or Bang for your Buck.  I wish I had $50,000 to drop on a kitchen remodel!  I know I'd be including extra storage space anywhere I could and I'd definitely want an island in the middle with plenty of work space.  That, and a to-die-for luxury faucet, a skylight, and all stainless steel appliances. 

Catskill Rolling Butcher Block (in natural)

Pipe dream aside, the reality is that I just don't have a lot of room for something that's going to take up space without providing a good amount of storage space or function.  Perhaps kitchen carts might be something to look into.  I would need one that could be rolled hither and yon as needed, but not look out of place with the rest of the decor.

A butcher block might work well in our space too.  This is definitely something we'd use since our counter space is limited and chopping food is sometimes hard to do with other prep work going on.  Sometimes, you just need to feel like you have elbow room to cook.  

John Roos Country Work Table

I like the one above, but I'd want it to match my existing cabinets.  I love that it rolls, which would give me flexibility with placement.  I could definitely use an extra kitchen work table, particularly when I host family get togethers or holidays.  My husband and I haven't perfected the turkey and trimmings dance in our kitchen, meaning when we are making a big meal, we're bumping into each other and invading each other's space.  Extra work space is really what is most needed (that and perhaps another set of burners!)

If I did purchase an extra work table or butcher block table for use in my current home, I'd need it to have some style.  Since there's no room in the middle of my kitchen for a piece of furniture, I'd need it to look stylish enough to fit in with my dining room and living room decor since we have a very open layout.  You can see all the way into the kitchen/dining room from the front door, so style would need to be a huge consideration.

Do you wish you could remodel your kitchen too?  Would you add a work table or cart to add function to your space?  Please share your comments below and let me know what you wish you could do with your kitchen space.

Are you a charcoal griller or do you use gas?

This week, I cooked my 15 year anniversary dinner out on our gas grill.  During our entire marriage, we've only had one charcoal grill.  That was a few years ago when we decided to try something different when our old gas grill gave up its ghost.  So, we went to Walmart and found a $50 charcoal grill and brought it home.  We had family over, so hubby stoked it up and singed his eyebrows and the front of his hair.  Well, that was the end of that experiment!  After that, we were both a bit too fire shy to try it again.  So, we went back to having a more easily controlled and (for us) reliable gas grill.

Brinkmann Gourmet Charcoal Smoker & Grill

We really like the look of stainless steel.  Our grill now is a stainless steel gas model.  Stainless lasts a long time and in our climate, we definitely needed to buy something that would stand up to the humidity and not rust out.  Did you know you can buy a stainless steel charcoal grill?  I thought that you could only get a charcoal grill in a square box like shape that just looks so drab.  Some even look a lot like gas grills, so if aesthetics are something you're looking for in a grill, a stainless steel charcoal grill is definitely something to consider if you're a master of charcoal grilling.

Brinkmann grills come in many options, including a gourmet smoker and grill model.  Though I'm not a fan of smoked meat, I know people who are.  A model such as the one pictured to the left might make a good gift since it is under $100.  This model converts to a charcoal grill, giving the user a dual use, something that appeals to the frugal side of me.  If I can buy one machine to do many different tasks, then I do.  I don't have the shelf space for redundant machines.  

Though I'm no grill master, I do know that it's important to have good grilling accessories.  Funny story:  When we first moved to Virginia, the rental house we secured had some issues with its gas line (as in we could have been blown sky high!)  Our landlord at the time wasn't as speedy as she should have been to remedy the situation.  The sad fact is that I had to learn how to cook on the grill outside, since that was our only other choice other than the microwave.  I felt like a pioneer woman trying to figure out how to cook eggs and other non-typical grilling foods out there (she graciously provided a propane tank; that was something that our moving company would not ship as part of our move.)  Hamburger helper is something I distinctly remember cooking over our grill.  There was also chicken stir fry once (I used microwave rice).  With all that cooking I did over the grill,  I could totally have used this grill accessory, since it would have saved some wear and tear on my copper frying pan.

Camp Chef 24 Inch Reversible Cast Iron Grill and Griddle

A rotisserie to add to my grill would be awesome and I'd love one of those hotdog rollers if I could find one.  There's more to grill accessories than just a meat thermometer or burger spatula!  

For now, we plan to stay a gas grill family.  Thankfully, I haven't had to prepare anything other than the traditional grilling fare out on our grill since that time when we rented, but I suppose it is a good thing to learn how to actually cook a meal on a grill that doesn't involve just sticking hamburgers and hot dogs on to cook.

Just for fun:  What's the weirdest item you've ever grilled?   

Please leave a comment letting me know what it was and how it turned out.  

Take a look at these 37 weird things other people have grilled for inspiration.

Beat the heat: Exercise inside on a rowing machine?

Like most of the country this week, we're suffering a heat wave here!  With temps close to 100 and a heat index in the 115-120+ range, suffice to say that exercising outside is not an option today.  It is definitely time to hit the gym (or home gym if you have one) to burn off those extra calories.  I don't currently belong to a gym or Y, but I'd consider trying out a rowing machine if I did have a membership.

Why?  Because I think it would help work out some of the tension in my shoulders.  I get tension headaches and usually my shoulders are pretty tense when that happens.  A nice, rolling - er rowing - action might relieve some stress and tension. Plus, I've always marveled at the boating events at the Olympics.  They make it look so easy!  I'm looking forward to 2012 Olympics in London next summer.  Only 370 days to go!

Stamina Folding Recumbent Steel Frame Exercise Bike

I don't like to ride bikes, mainly because they hurt my back.  I get tired of leaning forward too.  I like the looks of this recumbent exercise bike though.  I'd be laying back (and to be honest, I could see myself watching TV and riding this kind of bike!)  My husband does like to ride his bike, though I have a feeling if the kids beg for a bike ride this weekend, the answer will be no! 

I suppose part of bike riding is communing with nature.  The last time I rode a bike, a deer jumped out in front of me on our street.  Talk about communing with nature!  I was afraid the kids would startle the doe right into me, but she took off back into the overgrown lot from whence she came. 

Elliptical

For a better workout, I could try an elliptical, which would give my arms a workout too.  I've never skied in my life, so it might take a bit of time for me to get the skiing motion coordinated.  I do like the idea of using more of your body in an exercise, since anything less is probably inefficient.  Why not get the most of your exercise time? 

One big feature I would need in exercise equipment would be that they fold up and take up less space.  Space is at a premium in our home, so I'd need to know that I wouldn't have to store a bike or other machine out in my entertaining area (a/k/a the living room).  I want to look good by exercising, but I also want my house to look like a house and not a gym. 

What's your favorite piece of exercise equipment?  Let me know by leaving me a comment.

Baby cribs, convertible cribs and saving money

As a new aunt (make that great aunt), I have both baby and baby cribs on the brain.  My nephew welcomed the sweetest baby boy into his family over the July 4th holiday weekend.  He was a little small, under 7 pounds, so he should be able to stay in the bassinet I sent north with my sister for him a few months ago.  However, in time, my grand nephew will need new digs, namely some sort of crib. 

The safety regulations relating to baby cribs changed, something that new parents such as my nephew need to be aware of when they buy a crib.  If I found myself expecting again, I would feel compelled to buy a new crib.  One that I knew met or exceeded the new regulations.  One that would make me feel safe putting my child inside it.  I admit it, I was quite shaken by reading serial recalls of cribs from several different and well-known crib manufacturers, even after we'd decided that we feel that our family is complete and that we don't have plans to add any more to our family. 

 Above:  AFG Athena Nadia 3-in-1 Convertible Crib in Espresso

Though drop side cribs have been banned, parents can still consider convertible cribs for when their baby turns into a toddler (seemingly overnight!)  Convertible cribs that turn into toddler beds can be a money saver over time since you won't have to spring for a twin bed once baby starts to succeed at attempts of crib escape and need to transition to a "Big Boy" or "Big Girl" bed.  Purchasing a convertible crib from the get-go that can grow with your child makes a larger investment more worthwhile since you'll get years of use versus just using a crib until your child is a toddler and needs to transition to a different bed.

DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib Nursery Set w/ Toddler Rail in Cherry

Of course, you'd want the furniture to all match when you can.  We were quite lucky in finding a chest of drawers that did match our daughter's crib ten years ago, but it can be very hard to find matching sets if you need to shop for each piece separately.  Davinci Kalani sells a matching 4-in-1 convertible nursery set in one of my favorite woods, cherry, which is pictured above.  I love dark colors and the sleigh appearance of the rails.  

My nephew has a few months to go before his son outgrows the bassinet, but it's good to know that there's still a lot of choices out there that are safe for baby under the new regulations.

Sun Deck Furniture - Perfect for a Holiday Weekend!

The July 4th holiday is looming - are you getting excited? Independence Day was always one of my favorite holidays, mainly because my dad's side of the family was big on family picnics. I really miss those now that both of my grandparents have passed on. 

Home Styles Biscayne 5PC 48" Round Outdoor Dining Set

If you're the one entertaining this weekend, then you are probably stressing a bit about seating.  Hosting a barbecue or picnic means that you'll need need more seating than you'd normally have to have with just your own family enjoying the great outdoors.  Perhaps you're considering some sun deck furniture for your patio or back deck? 

I'm not sure what I'd like to get someday.  I liked the Biscayne 5 PC 48" Round Table and Chairs, mainly because of the ability to add an umbrella.  I could easily picture that on a raised deck with me sipping soda and thumbing through my All You magazine.

Adirondack chair

But living near a river, most folks around here prefer Adirondack chairs or an Adirondack glider.  It's kind of interesting to drive around town to see all of the colors of the rainbow painted on Adirondack chairs!  Most homes, especially those of out of towners (that is, not us Townies) feature a few of these chairs on their porches.  Our local stores carry them beginning in the spring.

I admit, I was tempted to grab some lilac colored ones once, but I resisted the urge.  To be truly comfortable though, you'd need cushions.  I liked this pink chair, which was used to display a cushion designed to fit an Adirondack.

Creekvine Designs 10' Vinyl Gazebo

Really, ideally, I'd love to own a large plot of land where I could have a gazebo.  Gazebos are just so elegant!  Maybe I watch too much HGTV, but I think it would be really romantic to hang some drapes and eat a romantic dinner by starlight.  Or have a brunch and invite some friends and family over for a bite to eat. 

I must dream a lot!  For us, we've only ever had 5 year plans for our homes.  15 years into our marriage, we are hoping to be able to consider moving to a final dream home in the next year or so.  Hopefully, it will have everything that every other home we had lacked, plus some awesome upgrades to make us feel like we've traded up into something nice too.  If I ever won the lottery, though, I'd try to make an offer on the HGTV Dream Home 2003.  My husband and I still talk about this house!  We loved the outdoor kitchen concept (office above) and the overall decor.  It even had a guest suite, something that's become important to us now that our parents are reaching retirement age.  It was so us and truth be told, none of their other dream homes have even come close to our liking since then.  I was mighty sad to not win that year!

A TV Stand For Your Bedroom?

Mission Oak TV Stand

I've been giving some thought to some clutter solutions for my bedroom.  We have a larger TV and right now, it sits atop our armoire.  It's a huge space hog in my mind and takes away from places for me to display things like jewelry boxes or even an accessory lamp.

My husband has been playing his video games in our bedroom lately too and now I'm wondering if we should start looking seriously at TV stands.   Since our bedroom furniture is oak, we'd have to match it to the existing bedroom furniture by looking specifically at an oak TV stand to suit our tastes, needs, and space requirements.  With our bedroom furniture being a King sized bed and other bulky furniture, we would definitely need to look only at items that aren't bulky or wide since we already are running a bit short on space in there already.

Corner Entertainment Center

Since space is at a premium, that means we'd need to consider a corner entertainment center.   Storage is a huge concern for us, so we'd have to have something that would allow us to discreetly hide videos, games, and other game related things. 

I like the style of this one to the left, though I'd need it in a lighter shade of oak.  There is room enough on the bottom for game systems, storage on either side for games and such, plus some room on top for knick-knacks.

Do you have an entertainment center or TV stand in your bedroom?  I typically wouldn't think about buying Living Room/Family Room furniture for a bedroom, but sometimes it is good to think outside of the box for creative solutions.

Nesting tables for outdoor accents

As I complete my front porch overhaul (see previous post: Painting the Porch: Also Known As "Stimulating the Local Economy"), I am attempting to picture just how I want the finished product to look.  Sure, I've got some more scraping and a bit of painting left to do, but then I can put some thought into staging the porch to maximize seating and create a homey feel that will make me want to brave the heat to sit outside instead of inside where it is nice and cool.  One thing I've been considering is nesting tables. 

Slate nesting tables

I found these awesome looking ones and thought that something like that could be handy since I don't have room for a big table, yet sometimes need the extra space that one affords.  What do you think?  Slate is a material that looks good in or out, but especially would hold up to being outside on my front porch.  I also think it would be easy to clean, something that would also need to be a must for me since our front porch gets a lot of pollen and dust.

I like the rustic look and I would love to keep some plants on my porch too.  I don't have anywhere convenient to keep them in the house that would provide adequate sunshine.  I also don't want to keep plants in the house that aren't cat friendly.  We had a fig tree inside last year and I found out later the leaves would have been toxic to my cats.  Fortunately, one of our cats must have sensed this since he began using the potted plant as his personal litter box, which, ironically, was toxic to the tree.   We were very sad to lose the fig tree, but grateful that the tree is more easily replaced than a beloved pet.

We actually don't own a coffee table right now.  We used to have a large coffee table with matching end tables, but they were wood and tempered glass.  I could never keep the glass clean with sticky fingered kids and I was concerned for their safety.  I listed them for sale in the swap sheet and sold them right away.  I really didn't miss them until I didn't have anywhere to put my soda!  I also didn't want to buy just anything.  My tastes have changed as I've gotten older and I have a particular affinity for darker wood.  The ones we sold were a very light oak color.

Jofran 280 Series Wood Lift-Top Coffee Table in Merlot

Last year, we did finally buy end tables, some triangle wedges that nest, but roll out.  They still have some glass, but to a lesser extent.   I really meant to buy some matching lamps to place on top of them, but I haven't gotten any yet.  I guess you could say I'm uber picky when it comes to furnishings.

One unfortunate aspect of their open design is that they get cluttered up with things quickly... and it shows.  Right now, the one next to me has a bunch of magazines, some romance novels, and coupons cluttering up the top and second shelf.   I really think if we buy another coffee table, we should get something like this one that pops up and gives you storage space for your clutter, like this Jofran coffee table. 

Still, it has an open design at the bottom, but yet the top pops up to give storage space for magazines, books, and perhaps even my coupon clutter!  I wonder if it would pop high enough for me to use it as a laptop stand?

This blog post is brought to you by your friends at Cymax.   


The images used in this blog post are courtesy of coffeetables&endtables, a division of Cymax. 

We've outgrown our TV's entertainment center... and a few other things (Bush Furniture dreaming....)

You know you have outgrown your TV entertainment center when.... your TV is on top of it because it is too big to fit in the space designed for TVs.  We've known for a while that we needed to make a decision about what we wanted to do with our TV, DVDs, and gaming consoles since really, the center looks crammed to the rafters and doesn't suit our storage needs.  One of the main reasons for our hesitation is that we are afraid if we don't have our TV high up, we're going to be very angry at one of our kids for smashing the big screen.  It was perfect for our needs (pre-kids) 11 years ago.  Now?  Not so much. But as the kids get older (and hopefully more careful), we feel the need to upgrade to something more suitable.  One of the brands we would consider for any furnishing is Bush Furniture.

Bush lateral cabinet in Cherry

In fact, we've outgrown a good many things in our house.  One of them is a beat up old filing cabinet.  I *might* have bent the top in when I was using it as a foot stool and now the top drawer doesn't quite close.  We want to replace it, but have been putting that off too since we want to move within the next year or so.  Our next house must have a separate office.  Due to a shortage of space, we have a printer, a desk, a filing cabinet, and an assortment of other office type items in our bedroom.  If HGTV came to do a make over, I think they would cringe!  I think Bush lateral cabinets would be a good fit for us eventually.  I want something classy and nice looking; not something black and made of metal that can't hold up to a few pounds on top. 

Of course, I'd match the cabinet to any desk that we'd purchase.  The desk we have now is too small and we don't even use it.  How sad is that?  It's just not functional.  It's a glorified printer stand at present.

Bush desk to match the Bush lateral cabinet!

Bush Furniture offers a lot of desks including a Bush Saratoga desk that is in line with our style. I need something with a lot of drawers and also something that gives plenty of surface area, even with mouse pads and other computer peripherals in the way.  I also don't want something that is too large or too heavy, but I want something sturdy that will last for decades. 

In short, when we are able to move to a larger house, I anticipate spending on quality furniture that will last.  Meanwhile, if you have any tips on wall mounting of flat screen TVs, please let me know.  Is there an optimal height that is great for viewing, and safe from the kids?  Please share by commenting below.

This post is brought to you by your friends at Cymax Stores.  With over 100 specialty online stores, including Bush Furniture, you'll find Cymax has one of the largest selections of products to choose from on the web.