A window in the shower... yea or nay?

So we *need* to remodel our bathroom at some point, but we are a little hung up on the floor plan... and maybe the tile selections too. My husband and I work {together!!} at a tile and stone company and we are constantly getting new products... which leads to new ideas.

The best layout for our bathroom would involve moving the shower to the end. I would love to have a fixed glass panel with an opening instead of a shower door.

Here is the current layout with our tiny shower.

disclaimer: I can draw, really I can.
I drew this with a 6" ruler and a random pen from my purse while Peyton had a play date. 

Pinterest and all those fantastic design magazines always feature showers with windows and it looks so chic and modern. I wouldn't mind some clean lines in our 1915 craftsman.

I'm loving this shower. I like a dark floor to anchor the room and crisp, white subway tiles for the walls. 

Isn't this shower amazing?

Okay, my window isn't that big, but this is so beautiful. Better than a painting hanging on the wall.

via Pinterest

So... are you yea or nay on the idea of a window in the shower?  

The year of the garden

We had some friends over dinner the other night and I was talking about how I have *always* wanted a garden. I would love to teach Peyton how to grow vegetables and herbs... and maybe some pumpkins too. So my friend said,"enough of the talk, just do it. The hippies I know would have done it by now." He's a character, but he's right. {He also addresses me as *the vegan* instead of by my name.}

So {hopefully} this will be the year of the garden. Every vegan should have a garden, right?

I've been reluctant to start plans for the garden because that part of our yard is a steep hill, so it won't be easy.

It's more like this... kidding. The hill is steep though.

So our yard is on the small side and there are tons of pavers...

 which is fantastic for hula hooping, lol, but I think we need to green it up a bit with some raised beds.

Like these:

via Pinterest

Let the planning begin. Do you have any tips for a successful garden?

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Have a great weekend.

Pinterest Challenge

I just wrapped up my frame project so that means I can say good-bye to glossy orange spray paint forever... or at least for a while. Today Young House Love and Bower Power are hosting a Pinterest Challenge... to make us stop *pinning* and start *doing*. Love that... check it out.

inspiration:  Pilar Guzman, Martha Stewart Living editor in chief 

I love her entire house especially this reading room... and those orange frames.

I spotted these wood-looking plastic frames at Michael's and they were perfect for a project I had in mind for our office. These frames were only $4-6 each. It took at least 6 cans of glossy orange spray paint to get the laquered look I was hoping for. {I know, crazy.}

before:

sources:

If momma ain't happy print:  Gus and Lula

all patterned paper: Paper Source

fish print:  Sparklepants {Etsy}

Photographs of Peyton:  Laura Couture Photography      

Michigan Print:  Crafterall {Etsy}

Living Room reveal

We had dinner at my sister's house over the weekend so we had a chance to check out our most recently completed project... her Living Room. Here's what it looks like after a few trips to the Pottery Barn/ West Elm outlet and a few other places. You like?

You *must* check out Paper Source when you get a chance. They {finally} opened up a store nearby in Birmingham and I'm hooked. My sister and I couldn't decide which paper to buy...
marbleized, wood grain, maps, retro bikes... all equally amazing.

Peyton was *such* a good helper while we were laying out the frames on the floor.

We enlisted the help of my brother-in-law once we were ready to hang the frames.

Here's a close-up. Frames a la Ikea. We framed a little map of Italy including Monte Cassino, where our family is from.

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Out with the old... not quite yet

My hubby just fixed our leather couch. That would *usually* be a good thing, but I was crossing my fingers for a new one... wah, wah, waaaah, nope!}

But I did pick up this cute new side table at Target... and a few red and white flocked pillows too. 

Have you seen some of the new Dwell Studio furniture at Target? Wowzers, right?