Key West Photos

We had a ball in Key West.  Just looking back through these pictures is making me miss it even more!
I have also loved playing with my new camera...it is amazing what a difference it makes!

We stayed at the Gardens Hotel (first picture below).  If you're planning a trip to Key West, I highly recommend it.

Sit back, have a cup of coffee, and pretend you're sunning in 80 degree weather and not bundled up cold like it is here.  Here are some of my favorites from the trip.

Fun in Ft. Lauderdale

We're baaaaaack. Ugh, and it was too short! But a GREAT trip. I had lots of fun using my new camera and I hope you enjoy the photos. We started our trip in Ft. Lauderdale for two days. My aunt and uncle live there and my sweet cousin is not too far away in Boca Raton so she joined us.

 We did some relaxing, eating, Super Bowl watching, and gambling at the races (awesome!). All the pics I took in FTL were from my aunt's backyard. They live on on a little island or "key" off of FTL that backs up to a canal. My husband and I are both ready to move there...can you see why?

More to come...Key West is next!

DIY Pom Pom Trimmed Curtains

I have been loving the look of custom curtains with pom pom trim for some time now. I don't have the funds for custom drapery right now but I am so pleased with how my latest project turned out. It is the look of custom curtains for much, much less.

 I started with a set of Ikea RITVA curtains in gray. They aren't anything special but they are relatively thick and I like how they are not tabbed or grommetted on the top so they look more custom to me. I tossed the tie backs aside. These bad boys were $34 for BOTH panels. I haven't even been able to find a deal that good at TJ Maxx or Home Goods (trust me, I've been trying).

Here's what the curtains looked like out of the package:

Then I ordered some pom pom trim from Etsy.  I got mine from Frog Feathers and they were great.  Affordable and quick and they were able to set up a custom listing for me so that I got the exact amount I needed.  So, about the amount...I ordered 5 yards and literally had JUST ENOUGH for this.  I recommend that you order a little extra so you aren't pushing your limits like I was.  Here's what the trim looked like before.  It's upholstery pom pom trim so that it can be sewn on.

Then, because I cannot sew, I took the curtains and my trim down the street to my dry cleaner.  There was a slight language barrier and I know she thought I was CRAZY when I was asking her to do this.  I drew a picture to make sure we were on the same page...it is important that the trim is (obviously) on the INSIDE of the curtains.

My dry cleaner seamstress may have THOUGHT I was crazy but now she THINKS I am a genius.  Every time I go in she wants to talk about my beautiful curtains...and aren't they??

Here are some close ups so you can see the detail.

Here you can see the inside of the curtain:

FYI - my dry cleaner charged me $94 for the curtains.  This included hemming the curtains so they were the right length for my room (err on the side of longer when you buy the curtains so you don't end up with high waters...) as well as adding the pom pom trim and pressing them.  You'll definitely want to have them pressed so they don't have the creases from the package.

So, there you have it...custom looking pom-pom trimmed curtains for under $140!!!

A Little Vacay.

We're leaving tomorrow morning for a little trip.

First we're going here.

Then here.

And finally, here.

See you in a week.