Deck the Halls... and Bedrooms.... and Kitchen.... {GIVEAWAY}

The second I found out I was pregnant, I immediately started planning our nursery, and when we learned we were having two girls, there was one thing I just had to have in the room - a big ornate mirror.  So I tracked down an old picture frame, painted it in purple lacquer and hung it over the changing table.

Isn't it purdy?  Too bad what my blissfully ignorant novice mom self didn't know back then was that as soon as Gabrielle and Alaina were able to sit up, they would start grabbing and pulling at that coveted piece.  As you can probably guess, it was soon taken down, leaving a big, ugly empty space that's been taunting me for, oh, more than a year now.  I couldn't even bear to take a picture of that barren area to share with you because it shamed me so.  And then Mary from A Great Impression e-mailed me about her vinyl wall decals.  After browsing her site, I found the perfect replacement for my beloved mirror.

This scroll monogram design had the same ornate quality to it that I liked about the mirror but I wasn't sure it could fit two initials.  But after e-mailing with Mary, she created one with G&A just for me, and when it arrived, I couldn't wait to put it up!

I had never applied a vinyl decal like the one from A Great Impression before (all of the others in the girls' room are reusable so I didn't worry about screwing them application up) but I have to say, it was a pretty simple process.  Mary sends along very detailed instructions to follow that really help you out.  I'll admit, I'm, one of those people who scans the instructions and tries to skip ahead five steps to save time, but you really do have to do these in order.  All in all, it took me about 15 minutes - mostly by myself, hence the lack of photos - from unrolling the decal to having in place.  Not too shabby!  And look at how fabulous it looked once it was up!

I really love the detail in the decal. 

There are so many little pieces and scrolls and now that it's up, I don't miss the old mirror at all.

A Great Impression has an amazing variety of vinyl wall art to choose from.  There are designs for children:

Decorative elements for living or bedrooms:

And inspirational and other fun sayings to spread throughout the house.

And if you want to deck the halls in a different way this year, why not add some holiday vinyl to your walls?  You know I'm partial to this one:

But these two are festive as well.

A Great Impression can make their vinyl in 24 different colors and you an even use the Custom Wall Art Preview tool to create your own!  And you can always e-mail Mary to design something for you like she did for me at no additional fee.  Can't go wrong with that!

And best of all, the price is right.  The scroll monogram decal that Mary sent for Gabrielle and Alaina can be purchased for just $18.  Such a great deal for something that packs a big punch!  That's why the vinyl from A Great Impression is one of our HOLIDAY GIFT PICKS!

I'm sure you'll be able to find the perfect vinyl design for everyone on your list but be sure to get your orders in by December 15th to guarantee delivery by Christmas.  Hmmmm.... that makes me think.  Maybe Mary can design a cute fireplace decal for me since we don't have one.  How cute would stockings look hung from that?  Too bad I can't enter to win this.....

Mary has generously offered to give away a $30 store credit to one lucky AFOMFT reader!  To enter, visit A Great Impression and post a comment here telling me what design you'll put it toward if you win (this is mandatory).  For additional entries:

• Subscribe to A Great Impression's newsletter
• Subscribe to AFOMFT or let us know you are a subscriber.
• Publicly follow A Great Impression's blog
• "Like" A Great Impression on Facebook and leave a comment that A Few of My Favorite Things sent you.
• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook 
• Ask your friends to "like" AFOMFT on Facebook by sending them this link - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN - and post a comment here with the names of each one who does.  You'll earn one entry per new friend who "likes" our page and names will be cross-checked.  
• Follow AFOMFT on Twitter (@AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway:  It's the Holiday Happening on @AFOMFT w/ a giveaway-a-day all month! #Win a $30 credit toward fab vinyl wall art - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Click here to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did - .  You can vote once per day per computer so if you vote every day or on different computers, be sure to post one comment for each one.
• Grab our button and put it on your blog or website and post a link here showing us.
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post.  Comments on Facebook will not count as entries.  This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada and ends December 8th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on December 9th. If the winner doesn't contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

Images: AFOMFT & A Great Impression

GET ACQUAINTED WITH: High-Heeled Foot in the Door

I mentioned last week that I would be featuring some of the fantastic bloggers I had the pleasure of meeting at the Martha Stewart Bloggers' Night Out party and during the BlogHer Conference and I'm going to kick things off today.

I've been reading High-Heeled Foot in the Door for a while now so I was overjoyed when I met Camila, the lovely lady behind the blog, at Martha's bash.  She's starting her own interior design business and her site is filled with a mix of terrific posts all topped off with a big dose of Camila's humor and charm.  Some of my favorite features are Decorator's Handbook, which provides great tips on topics like how to determine how long your window treatments should be and how to pick paint, Open House, which takes you inside readers' homes (I adore this one on Julie W.), In Her Shoes, where you get to live a day-in-the-life of other bloggers, Blog Crush, which introduces you to amazing blogs you'll want to add to your reading list (I now have a huge crush on Mrs. Lilien, thanks to Camila!), and Before and Afters which as you can probably guess shows you how Camila and her handy hubby transform things from stale to stylish.  Check out this tired dining set before they got their hands on it:

And after:

Impressive, right?

When I introduced myself to Camila, I gushed about a post I'd just read on High-Heeled Foot in the Door and I'm so excited that she's letting me share it with all of you.

With Gabrielle and Alaina turning two in a little more than a month, their days of sleeping in cribs are probably numbered.  While I'm scared silly at the thought of the dynamic duo being able to roam freely around their room, I am looking forward to getting them beds along with adorable upholstered headboards.  I *love* upholstered headboards and have about 1,000 of them bookmarked as inspiration for the day we put together their "big girl" room.  So when I saw Camila's Tufted Headboard tutorial, it was right up my alley.  How fabulous is this?

Take a closer look - the combination of the pattern on the yellow fabric with the polka dots on the buttons is perfection.

And you'll never ever guess what this headboard was before Camila converted it!  Here's a little hint:

Look familiar?  That's right - it's a crib rail!  Camila and her husband picked it up off the curb in NYC and planned to use it as a trellis in their garden but when they needed something to re-purpose for the headboard, they grabbed it.  It's such a great idea and one I never would have thought of on my own.

And that's not the only great tip you'll get from this tutorial - instead of using foam batting as the "filling" for the headboard (it can be pricey and hard to work with), Camila used egg crate mattress pads.  Easy and inexpensive - so genius! 

You only need six things to complete this entire project and if you don't tuft the headboard, you'll just need four.  It doesn't get much simpler than that.

Now I know what I'll be doing with Gabrielle & Alaina's cribs when they outgrow them!

Get the full Baby Crib = Tufted Headboard How To HERE and be sure to check out the other fun features on High-Heeled Foot in the Door.  I can assure you that Camila is just as delightful in person as she seems on her blog!     

Images: High-Heeled Foot in the Door

Little House Monograms {GIVEAWAY}

I have a thing for monograms.  There's just something about them - the perfect mix of vintage and modern - that I love, so the fabulous canvases from Little House Monograms are right up my alley.

Beautiful, right?  Each design is made from an artist's canvas and high-quality card stock, with every piece hand-cut for a one-of-a-kind product.  From traditional:

And funky:

To sweet:

And sassy:

Little House Monograms has the perfect piece for any room in your house.  And if you don't see something that fits your decor, you can get one customized just for you.

Monograms not your thing?  Go for a name canvas.

Or you can choose an initial instead.

A personalized canvas from Little House Monograms would make a great gift for newlyweds, a housewarming, a new baby or as a treat for yourself.  You know you want one!

And guess what?  One lucky AFOMFT reader is going to get one because Little House Monograms has graciously offered to give away one canvas!  To enter, visit Little House Monograms and post a comment here telling me which one you'll choose if you in (this is mandatory).  For additional entries:

• Subscribe to AFOMFT or let us know you are a subscriber
• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook -- http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN
• Ask your friends to "like" AFOMFT on Facebook by sending them this link - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN - and post a comment here with the names of each one who does.  You'll earn one entry per new friend who "likes" our page and names will be cross-checked. 
• Visit Little House Monograms and add the store to your favorites. 
• Enter one other MIDSUMMER BLOG PARTY giveaway and leave a comment here that you did 
• Follow AFOMFT on Twitter (@AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway:  #Win a wonderful personalized monogram canvas from Little House Monograms @AFOMFT - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Click here to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did - .  You can vote once per day per computer so if you vote every day or on different computers, be sure to post one comment for each one.
• Grab our button and put it on your blog or website and post a link here showing us.
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post.  Comments on Facebook will not count as entries.  This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada and ends July 30th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on August 3rd. If the winner doesn't contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

Want to enter the more of the MIDSUMMER BLOG PARTY giveaways or enter one of your own?  Link up here!
  

Images: Little House Monograms

CeramicaBotanica {GIVEAWAY}

Do you ever have those days when you just need a pick me up?  Something to cheer you up, make you smile or just brighten your day?  Yeah, me too.  Well, I've got good news for both of us  - I've found the perfect solution.

Sigh.  Doesn't that just make you a little bit happier?  Sure, the flowers are pretty but how long will they last?  A week, tops.  But the gorgeous Anemone Vase from CeramicaBotanica will be around for the long haul.  I adore it.  In fact, I'm head over heels for all of these handmade vessels.  Who needs flowers, anyway?

And feast your eyes on this fabulous cake plate.  No one may notice a confection on a colorful platter like this!

And then there are CeramicaBotainca's bowls.  The mix-and-match graphic patterns are so fun!

But the Verdant Blossom is my absolute favorite.  It's a great green on the inside.

And a beautiful blue on the outside.

The combination is just stunning!

Almost all of the pieces from CeramicaBotanica are one-of-a-kind and the plates and bowls are food safe.  With one - or more! - of these creations, not only will your space be more colorful but you're sure to have a smile on your face every time you see them.

CeramicaBotanica is going to bring some joy to a very lucky AFOMFT reader by giving away a $30 credit to the shop!  To enter, visit CeramicaBotanica and post a comment here telling me which item you'll put the credit toward if you win (this is mandatory).  For additional entries:

• Subscribe to AFOMFT or let us know you are a subscriber
• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook -- http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN
• Ask your friends to "like" AFOMFT on Facebook by sending them this link - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN - and post a comment here with the names of each one who does.  You'll earn one entry per new friend who "likes" our page and names will be cross-checked. 
• Visit CeramicaBotanica and add the store to your favorites. 
• Enter one other MIDSUMMER BLOG PARTY giveaway and leave a comment here that you did 
• Follow AFOMFT on Twitter (@AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway:  #Win a $30 GC to CeramicaBotanica, home to beautiful one-of-a-kind handmade pieces @AFOMFT - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Click here to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did - .  You can vote once per day per computer so if you vote every day or on different computers, be sure to post one comment for each one.
• Grab our button and put it on your blog or website and post a link here showing us.
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post.  Comments on Facebook will not count as entries.  This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada and ends July 30th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on August 3rd. If the winner doesn't contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

Want to enter the more of the MIDSUMMER BLOG PARTY giveaways or enter one of your own?  Link up here!
  

Images: CeramicaBotanica

Fave Finds Round Up #1

If you're a fan of AFOMFT on Facebook, you know I share lots of fun finds, ideas, parties and deals there throughout the week.  But if your news feed is as clogged as mine (or gasp! you're not a fan of AFOMFT on Facebook!), you may be missing out on some really cool stuff.  So to make sure everyone gets a dose of the fabulousness I find online, I decided to do a round up every Sunday of links I shared on Facebook, along with a few more bonus treats from the blogosphere.  Enjoy!

1.  Rainbows & Race Cars Birthday Party from Glorious Treats

2.  How to Make a Cupcake Centerpiece from How Does She?

3.  Strawberry Shortcake Party from Cherie Was Here

4.  Emerson's Ice Cream Cake from Abigail's Bake Shop

1.  How To Transform Your Child's Artwork into a Softie from Mother Lode

2.  Pinwheel Garland How To from Hoosier Handmade

3.  Hydrangea Cupcakes from Glorious Treats

4.  S'Mores Candy Bars from Not So Humble Pie

5.  Amelia's Fairy Party from Tuffet

6.  Top 50 iPhone Apps for Moms from Babble

7.  Faux Leather Headband Tutorial from Ruffles and Stuff

8.  Blanket Forts via The Sweetest Occasion

1.  Upholster Your Dresser in Vintage Sheets from Under Construction

2.  Girls' Room on a Budget from Full House

3.  How To Make Felt Birdhouses from Paint Me Plaid

4.  Glow in the Dark Mural from Family Fun

So that's my round up.  What were some of your favorite finds this week?  Post a comment with the link(s) you love too!

FABULOUS FOR MOM FRIDAY: The Home Centric {DISCOUNT}

I love reading blogs.  Baby blogs, gossip blogs, fashion blogs.... I have so many subscriptions in Google reader that I can barely keep up.  But my latest obsession is home decorating blogs.  There are tons of wonderful ones out there - my current must reads are Centsational Girl, Decor 8, Eddie Ross, Hooked on Houses, House of Turquoise, Isabella & Max Rooms, Mudroom Boston, The Shabby Chic Cottage, The Shabby Nest & Thrifty Decor Chick - that it's easy to get bitten by the re-decorating bug.  Too bad we're not planning on renovating or redoing anything right now.  For someone like me who needs instant gratification, bookmarking all of the amazing ideas and inspiration photos for sometime the future just doesn't cut it.  I want to spice up my space and I want to do it now!

Luckily, I stumbled upon an easy and inexpensive answer to my design dilemma - decorative pillow covers from The Home Centric.  For less than $30 (and often less than $20!), you can transform any room in your home from blah to beautiful in no time at all.  Want to make a statement with some sparkle?  No problem!

Is your taste a bit more traditional?  The Home Centric has you covered, too.

Want to add some whimsy to your home?  Easy peasy with one of these fun designs.

I could go on and on posting gorgeous photos but take my word for it - whatever your design aesthetic is, The Home Centric has the perfect pillow cover for you.  If by some chance, you don't find what you're looking for, you can place a custom order, too.  With so many choices and such reasonable prices, you can use pillow covers from The Home Centric to change your decor to suit your every mood.  Consider my re-decorating itch scratched!

The Home Centric wants to help readers of AFOMFT get their home decorator on by offering a 10% discount on all purchases!  Just enter code AFOMFT10 in the message to seller box at checkout and the discounted amount will be refunded to you via Paypal.  Please note, the discount does not apply to shipping costs and the code is good through August 15, 2010.  Enjoy!

Images: The Home Centric