Decorating For How We Live :: Giveaway

Between wanting to have less "stuff" and watching a now one year old {he is one! grows up so fast!}, I have realized that our home was pretty but not functioning for the way we live.  It started with moving the couches so that I had a more open area for my nephew to play when I was in the kitchen.  I got rid of my slipcovered couch and replaced it with a recent side of the road find.  I moved my book shelves into my craft room and need to purge some of those books still.  I also had to clean up my hutch a bit.  Long story short, this room looks super clean because I got rid of a ton of stuff.  Feels good to let go.

Hung up some recent vintage thrift pieces, letters from Hobby Lobby, plates from my plate collection, and some fancy pants {inspired by this amazing woman} chalkboard art...

Hung up my lace canvas art, added some fabric covered embroidery hoops, and more plates...I am finding I never really had many circle shaped things up before.  Loving the change!

An old ladder my mom picked up from me from her neighbor's garbage pick up day {like mother like daughter?} fills my favorite books I actually read {since you all know how I feel about reading!}.

This room is so much cozier and welcoming than before.  I am enjoying all the hanging out on the couches when we have guests over.  Having everything open allows people to linger longer and a baby to crawl around to his little heart's content.  I love that this space feels lived in and not just looked at.

During this journey of finding contentment in my home and choosing to live a life fitting to us, I have been reading Melisa Michael's {from The Inspired Room} ebook, Not a DIY Diva, and have been finding great comfort in knowing I am not alone in this.  Melissa reminds me to be authentic to who I am and to reflect that in my home.

If you are like me, and need some refreshment from the constant comparisons of feeling like your home is not perfect, you will find great encouragement from Melissa's words. 

I’m still a dreamer in search of a fairy tale, but now I’m on the road to creating

the kind of dream life that was meant just for me. In learning what it means to
live an authentic life, I am finding greater purpose, fulfillment, and contentment.
Instead of chasing a life meant for someone else, I’m endeavoring to embrace the
life I have without excuses or unrealistic expectations.

-Not a DIY Diva

Today one lucky reader is going to get a free copy of Melissa's ebook!  In order to enter, comment sharing how you try to create an authentically inspired home.  

For more information and to purchase the ebook, visit Not a DIY Diva.