Back to School Ideas 2011

(Polkadotchair.com)
It's that time of year already! The school bell is about to ring. Some of my kids friends have already started back to school!  This week we are doing all the school supply shopping and of course new clothes.  It seems like they just got out for the summer doesn't it?  I'm feeling a little bummed out!
I thought I'd share a few ideas I've found for "Back to School" parties/gifts, etc. to get us all in the right school mood.
(Pinterest)
My daughter is going to be a Freshman this year (I'm about to have a heart attack).  I thought this would so much fun for her to hand out to her friends at "Fish Camp".  "You're o-FISH-ally a Freshman." Cool don't you think? You never know with teenagers but I asked her and she thought it was fun.    Adding a few M&M's would add to the excitement too.
(Polyvore.com)
These nails are my favorite back to school idea yet!  My teenage girls will totally do this!  Fun for a teacher to do too!  All teachers out there..... get your "groove" on with these!  You will be the talk of the school I promise!
(Pinterest)
Great idea to pass out to a teacher in elementary school or maybe you could even give this to your child on their first day.
Fun eraser giveaway for a "Back to school" party! 
(beeinourbonnet.blogspot.com)
 
Best little surprise boxes. 
(beeinourbonnet.blogspot.com)
My girls would love this!  Great craft for girls to make at a party or to give to a friend or teacher.
(ballardbunch.blogspot.com)
What teacher wouldn't enjoy this for their door or classroom.
(pinterest)
Fun to make these cupcakes for friends or create at a party.
This is made out of chocolate Rolos and Kisses.
(saraspartyperfect.com)
If you are on the PTA and need a luncheon floral arrangement or something fresh for the office staff, this is so colorful and sweet.  Could be done with colored pencils or sharpies too.
Nobody wants to go back to school after having the summer off but we can cheer our kids up with a smashing party or something creative to make for their friends.
Goodie bags and a water bottle with their name on it.  Who doesn't want a goodie bag?
(Flickr.com)
I remember having a leather backpack like the above. 
 In elementary school I carried a little suitcase like the one above.  Anyone else remember these?
We would have to cover all our books in brown paper too.
Hope this inspired you to do something fun with or for your kids!
Visit my website DecRenew Interiors for before and after pictures of my work.
Book your design consultation today!



The colors of Colorado

Great reading and fishing spot at Castle Lakes Lodge.
  We just returned from a 10 day family trip to Colorado.   We visited Lake City and Creed with lots of stops here and there and in between.

(Photo by Gunnar Staalsen)
Castle Lakes
I often get asked what inspires me.  Being out in nature is at the top of my list.  There is something about "cool" air and mountains that clears your mind and makes you evaluate the simple things in life.
We loaded our families and our RV's and  took a break from cell phones, Internet, Facebook, TV, chores, and all the other distractions that life brings.  We just enjoyed being together and took in all our beautiful surroundings.
Our first stop was The Sand Dunes - Photo taken from our campsite.
Your eyes can't take in the immense beauty!
  Those dots you see are our crew climbing to the top!
It goes on and on for miles and miles!
The kids of all ages had a blast running and rolling down the sand.

We rented jeeps one day and the three families climbed up Cinnamon Pass.
Crazy fun!
The kids LOVED it.
The views were breathtaking. 
Just look at those colors!
Almost at the top!
The colors changed around every corner!  Drastic differences in landscape everywhere we looked.
The last of the snow!  We carved our names in the snow.
Kids can't resist snow on a mountain top.
The wildflowers were my favorite and we got out and explored.
Such vibrant colors.
The love of my life!

Perfectly imperfect.

Colorado State Flower - Rocky Mountain Columbine
The sound of this river I'll never forget!
It was pretty intense!
We finally got to the top and I almost lost my stomach a few times!
We enjoyed a picnic lunch once we arrived!  Elevation 12,640 ft. 
 Totally worth the 5 hour trip!
My family
We were surrounded by beautiful colors and fresh cool air!  So refreshing after being in 105 degree weather in Texas.
Animals were grazing in the fields.
Even saw the black sheep of the family!
Read about these Guard dogs that live with the livestock in the mountains and protect them from predators (including humans).  The kids didn't realize it was a guard dog until they came up to it and tried to hug it, like all kids do!  The dog was very protective and growled at them.  Someone informed us that these dogs live with the sheep and guard them night and day.
Loved this house tucked away in the woods.
Look at this one with it's own bridge over the river.
More to come on this house on next blog post.
Beautiful but I'd feel awfully lonely way up there.
My youngest daughter had fun with my camera on these next few photos.

Lots of Aspen trees.

Fresh raindrops.
Our last stop on our vacation was Creed.  We stayed at 30 mile Campground in the National Forest and it was the most relaxing place ever!  We will definitely be going back there! 
You can see our RV in the distance. 
This river ran along all the campsites and we loved sitting by it at night while making smores by the campfire.
We cooked huge breakfasts in the morning.
Nothing better than bacon and pancakes cooking out in the wilderness.
We also enjoyed our wine and cheese at night.  Tablecloth and real glasses included.
We decorator's camp with style!
The men kicked their boots off and sat with the ladies! We had amazing conversations, solved the worlds problems, laughed with the kids.....
and even fed a few chipmunks!
In the end, I've once again been reminded why we love to camp.  It makes you get away from the buziness of life and STOPS everything that makes you crazy busy and rushed every single day. Sometimes we get so caught up in what has to be done or what needs to be done that we forget about the best gems in life and that is the people and relationships that we have in our lives.  Taking time away from it all is what I call a vacation. 
It was good to get away and come back refreshed and feeling blessed.
Remember.......LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Here is a link to a video my daughter made of our trip.

Visit my website DecRenew Interiors and set your Design Consultation Appointment today.

Unique headboards that add personality!

The headboard is the focal point in most bedrooms.  They add personality to the space.
 There are so many amazing ways to create a headboard rather than buying a typical "matching" set.   There is no need for your bedroom to be "boring."   Wouldn't you prefer something unique and eclectic vs. a typical headboard for your master suite, guest room or kids bedrooms? 
 Here are a few that you can "dream" about. 
(simplystoked.blogspot.com)
An imported screen adds such drama and class to this master suite.

3 lovely mirrors has such a feminine flair.
(DecRenew Interiors, Ruthie Staalsen)
You may remember this headboard I created from an old mirror frame for a Rancher here in Ft. Worth. 
These shutters are so playful and the colors work beautifully with the quilt.
(BHG.com)
Gates always make a unique headboard.  This room looks so restful.
Don't throw away your old doors.
I LOVE this one....a fireplace surround/mantel!
(Pottery Barn)
An old paneled door painted a crisp red.
Another fireplace mantel.
(Apartment Therapy)
Brilliant with such a masculine flair.
This architectural headboard has always been one of my favorite.
(Houzz.com)
Stain glass windows!
(littlegreennotebook.com)
An interesting screen.
(Tchochkes.com)
A large rustic shelf.
(youngbrokenanddecorating)
Two old rustic doors.
  The combination of elements in this room is what makes it so stunning.  The gorgeous crystal chandelier that is so feminine combined with the rustic headboard is so charming.
The ultimate in my opinion!!!
Old railing.....this one is so much fun!
So awesome for a kids room! 
It's not JUST about the headboard in the bedroom, it's about how you decorate around it.
  I'd love to assist you with your bedrooms!
Visit my website  DecRenew Interiors for before and after pictures you won't want to miss.

Stairway to Heaven (I mean a gameroom)

BEFORE
I just left a clients home and got to see the finished iron work that they installed a few weeks ago on their stair banister. 
 Isn't it gorgeous? 

AFTER
Excuse all the dust (the room is still a work in progress)
Thank you to Master Iron Company, Grapevine for an amazing job!
We also changed out the carpet with a wonderful pattern that my client says is the icing on the cake!  The carpet leads all the way upstairs into the game room!  The wood floors will go in soon and they will match the stained wood on the stairs.
The house looks SO different already!  My vision is becoming a reality!  I'll post more pictures once all is finished!

Call me if you are stuck and need ideas.  I offer hourly consultations too!