Disappointments...& A GIVEAWAY!

Spring has finally arrived and I am so thankful.  The temps are warming up, the birds are chirping and the grass turns more and more green each day.  This change in season always inspires me to change up our home décor.  I crave new accent colors to warm up the cool blues that dominate our home.

So when I was asked to be a part of a spring décor and giveaway post with 14 super talented bloggers, I jumped at the opportunity.  I thought this collaboration would give me the swift kick I needed to finish spring-ifying {yes, a new word} our home…a process I started here and here.

Well that was my plan, and unfortunately plans do not always go as expected.  My work schedule has been a bit hectic lately, which caused more stress and less time for me.  Booooo!!  Instead of making things even worse on myself out and cranking out something I didn’t love, just for content, I decided it would be best if I didn’t submit a project.  I know it’s a lame, but it’s the truth and I always promised to keep it real with you guys. :)

Buttttt, to show how much I love each and every one of you, I am still sponsoring the amazing $150 Tar-jay gift card giveaway!!  And I’m sharing 14 awesome spring projects below, so you can get your fill of eye candy for the day.  You must check them all out!

Hopefully we’re still friends… ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

The Turquoise Home | Tiny sidekick | The Blissful Bee

Making Home Base | One Krieger Chick | Design, Dining and Diapers

Just a Girl and her Blog | Designer Trapped in Lawyer's Body

The Happy Housie | Place Of My Taste | Create Craft Love

This Is Happiness | Homey Oh My | House by Hoff

Take Two Series at designPOST interiors!

In a super rare second post of the day, I just wanted to let you guys know that Beth of designPOST interiors featured me in her awesome Take Two series today!  Head over for all the deets!! :)

And while you're there, browse around to check out her amazing style.  She even offers some great design services if you're in need! ;)

Radiant Orchid Art.

Lately I've been on a bit of a painting kick.  Something about spring's arrival has compelled me to bust out my paint brushes and some fresh new colors to liven up our home.

I was inspired to create my latest abstract piece when a good blog friend challenged a few of us to tackle a DIY project using Pantone's Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid.  I have seen mixed reviews regarding this color, but I have to admit, I'm a fan.  I think it adds a nice pop when I pair it with my favorite tried and true blue hue.

I did a little research to see which colors were deemed orchid-y enough and came across several awesome options in this post. The winner for me, though, was Behr's Orchid Kiss.  After seeing it in Alex's home tour, I was sold.  

I headed to Home Depot to pick up a sample, and while I was there, I fell in love with a combo of three colors....Behr's Pale Orchid, Behr's Orchid Kiss and Behr's Balmy Seas {the same color as the accent wall in our master bedroom.}

Once I had my colors home, it was time to get to work.  

I found a scrap piece of birch wood laying around in my craft stash and I painted it white for a base. Then I pretended I had painting skills and started adding color to my "canvas".  I kept a separate brush for each color and just added a few lines of the first color, then the second color and then the third.  I repeated that process over and over until the coverage felt right.  After that, it was time for some shine.  Lord knows I can't finish a project without involving gold in some way, shape or form. ;) So I pulled out a fourth paint brush and layered in some metallic on top of a few already painted areas.

Now, clearly I am no artist...but for just a few bucks {seriously....the paint samples were about $3 a piece} and a small amount of time, I was able to hop on board with a major trend of the year.  Plus, it may have inspired a possible room refresh in the near future! ;) 

Now head over to check out the crazy talented ladies who took on the Radiant Orchid challenge with me!

From top left moving clockwise: 

1. Flower Pots from Dimples and Tangles  2. Secretary Desk from Cuckoo4Design  3. Abstract Art from Retro Ranch Renovation  4. Wallpapered Powder Room from The Chronicles of Home  5. Painted Tray from Dwellings by Devore  6. Cross Stitched Jewelry Organizer from Primitive and Proper

How do you guys feel about Radiant Orchid?  Do you give it the thumbs up or thumbs down?!