Best of February 2012

Happy Leap Year!  Are you celebrating today?  <br /><br />No??  <br /><br />Me neither!!<br /><br />But I am going to share some highlights of what happened around here during February just in case you missed it.  That's worth celebrating, right?? ;) <br /><br />First, I showed you how Mr. Chic surprised me by<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3439316272064745899#editor/target=post;postID=9157957891972664039" target="_blank"><strong> organizing our baking cabinet</strong></a> while I was out.  <br /><br />Stay away ladies, he's all mine! ;)  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca-gvanC3Yo/Te71lP7C_LI/AAAAAAAAA70/lI9EETifXdU/s1600/baking+cabinet2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca-gvanC3Yo/Te71lP7C_LI/AAAAAAAAA70/lI9EETifXdU/s640/baking+cabinet2.JPG" t8="true" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>I also showed off my simple <strong><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/02/little-valentines-day-decor.html" target="_blank">Valentine's Day decor</a></strong>...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha1fbwwx2pQ/Tzp-40lXBDI/AAAAAAAABYk/J3dnlRvMAdI/s1600/Valentine's+Day+2012+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_b36yo5="2" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha1fbwwx2pQ/Tzp-40lXBDI/AAAAAAAABYk/J3dnlRvMAdI/s640/Valentine's+Day+2012+12.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I was super excited for my <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-organize-paper-clutter.html" target="_blank"><strong>paper clutter-buster kitchen file</strong></a> organizer to be featured at  one of my favorite organizing blogs, <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/02/reader-space-conquering-counter-clutter.html" target="_blank"><strong>I Heart Organizing</strong></a><strong>.</strong></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-0MyyvJ03Gw/TVKexbDjxcI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/Wthz8OgzPME/s1600/File+storage+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_jffqb8="5" closure_uid_rrtwmz="5" h5="true" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-0MyyvJ03Gw/TVKexbDjxcI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/Wthz8OgzPME/s640/File+storage+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I also gave a<a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-boys-nursery-tour.html" target="_blank"> <strong>tour of my baby boy's nursery</strong></a> that will be turning into a "big boy" this summer... sniff, sniff.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msGCtEWmJ_s/T0KndYx3ZCI/AAAAAAAABZA/c_2TEgY0vBw/s1600/Valspar-Ty+Room+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_xhiori="2" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msGCtEWmJ_s/T0KndYx3ZCI/AAAAAAAABZA/c_2TEgY0vBw/s640/Valspar-Ty+Room+15.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I finally got some <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/02/picking-out-annie-sloan-chalk-paint.html" target="_blank"><strong>Annie Sloan Chalk paint</strong></a> samples that I had been coveting for months!  Now, what color do I use??  Decisions, decisions...</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiWCusqjXZs/T0pTIwxYNiI/AAAAAAAABbg/blajh6znAII/s1600/annie+paint+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_2zmxnb="3" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiWCusqjXZs/T0pTIwxYNiI/AAAAAAAABbg/blajh6znAII/s640/annie+paint+2.JPG" width="480" /></a> </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In February we had several giveaways and of course, my fun link party <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3439316272064745899#editor/target=post;postID=7146767194755706824" target="_blank"><strong>Flaunt it Friday every Friday.</strong></a>  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We celebrated my 2nd blogoversary with a giveaway from Sneakpeeq that is still happening!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please go<a href="http://www.blogger.com/http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3439316272064745899#editor/target=post;postID=7146767194755706824" target="_blank"> <strong>HERE and sign-up</strong></a>, you have 2 chances to win!  Ending soon!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="201" src="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/?saduie=AG9B_P_ctx9pmObfs8z8sxKxgdUA&attid=0.2&disp=emb&view=att&th=135787f8bf88a6d0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, I think I'm going to be busting out my Easter stuff tomorrow, too early??  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(if you say yes don't be disappointed when I don't listen to you... ;)  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Best of February 2012

Happy Leap Year!  Are you celebrating today?  No??  Me neither!! But I am going to share some highlights of what happened around here during...

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Picking out Annie Sloan Chalk Paint...

I was so excited to get 2 big boxes of paint supplies in the mail today!  My cool aunt who happens to be an artist sent me some goodies.  The stuff I was most excited to get was some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint samples and wax!  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpAe_rbttFA/T0pNmzMElDI/AAAAAAAABbY/I4KPFbDprqs/s1600/annie+paint+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpAe_rbttFA/T0pNmzMElDI/AAAAAAAABbY/I4KPFbDprqs/s640/annie+paint+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I don't know about you but I've been drooling over that stuff ever since it started popping up all over blogland and pinterest.  I have a dining room set that is in dire need of a makeover and the chalk paint is going to be just the thing.  <br />I mean really, any paint would work but I want to paint it right where it is, in my dining room... sitting on carpet.  I don't want to move it because it is SO heavy, not to mention the fact that it is about 25 degrees in my garage right now.  Brrrr!<br /><br />Since the chalk paint requires no sanding or priming I can just lay a drop cloth down under the table and start painting, no advance prepping.  It also doesn't smell bad so indoor painting won't stink up my house and kill my brain cells.  Perfect for a <strike>lazy</strike> painter like me who wants to do it inside.  <br /><br />You may be wondering why I didn't just go buy some samples instead of making my poor aunt send me some... well, we have no Annie Sloan dealers around here <em>(lame</em>), the closest dealer is about an hour and a half away.  And, you know you can't trust your computer monitor to choose a paint color, I learned that HERE when I ended up with a free sample of green paint that looked like Kermit the frog instead of a green apple.  <br /><br />I went ahead and slapped some paint on one of my chairs right in the middle of my dining room <em>(and didn't even use a drop cloth... living on the edge I tell ya!)  </em><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiWCusqjXZs/T0pTIwxYNiI/AAAAAAAABbg/blajh6znAII/s1600/annie+paint+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiWCusqjXZs/T0pTIwxYNiI/AAAAAAAABbg/blajh6znAII/s640/annie+paint+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I put on 2 coats except the old white because I don't think I want white.  The duck egg color is way cool but not a good choice for my living room color scheme which is open to my dining room.  I'm leaning towards Country Grey but it has a green undertone so not sure if that will be what I want.  </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are just the paint colors with no wax, I will be using the dark wax over the top to give it an antiqued look and highlight the designs in the wood which will change the color a bit. </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also need to choose some fabric to recover the seats.  I'm thinking I maybe should choose the fabric before the paint color.  We have Joann's, Hancock and Hobby Lobby for fabric here but haven't found anything I really love.  </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, have you had any experience with chalk paint?  Any tips for a first timer?  Also, Where do you find inexpensive fabric online?</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">PS:  Don't forget to sign up<a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/02/flaunt-it-friday-92-happy-2nd.html" target="_blank"><strong> HERE</strong></a> for my 2nd blogoversary giveaway!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking: <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2012/02/sunday-showcase-party-no-90.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20UnderTheTableAndDreaming%20(Under%20The%20Table%20and%20Dreaming)" target="_blank">Sunday Showcase</a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Picking out Annie Sloan Chalk Paint...

I was so excited to get 2 big boxes of paint supplies in the mail today!  My cool aunt who happens to be an artist sent me some goodies.  Th...

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Flaunt it Friday 92, Happy 2nd Blogoversary and a Giveaway by Sneakpeeq!

<br />Hey there friends! Chic on a Shoestring Decorating is turning 2! To celebrate I have partnered with Sneakpeeq to do an exciting giveaway!! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Elaines Toffee Company Truly Tremendous Toffee Trio" class="product small preload" src="http://dbj5iadmj0fg6.cloudfront.net/elainestoffee/elaines-food-37103-tremendous-300.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Elaines Toffee Company Truly Tremendous Toffee Trio" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truly Tremendous Toffee Trio <span class="actions" data-comp="Actions.Love" data-id="37103"><span class="button love small "></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Sneakpeeq is the largest and fastest growing social shopping company on Facebook. <em>What does that even mean? </em>Well, let me explain...<br /><br />Sneakpeeq says this: <br /><br />"<em>From exciting new products by brands you already love, to awesome products by brands that we know you'll love (once you meet them), sneakpeeq is your destination for discovery! Shop with us and share something amazing! Our mission is to bring you the undiscovered at scandalously low prices."</em><br /><br />Did you catch that? "Scandalously low prices" on items like home products, accessories and apparel and gourmet foods! I LOVE scandalously low prices and I know you do too! :) <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Koko Wispy Willow Pillow" class="product small preload" height="400" src="http://dbj5iadmj0fg6.cloudfront.net/koko/koko-homo-37717-willow-300.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Koko Wispy Willow Pillow" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koko Willow Wispy Pillow</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Giveaway time!<br /><br />First of all, just for entering Sneakpeeq is giving you 20% off your next purchase!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/?saduie=AG9B_P_ctx9pmObfs8z8sxKxgdUA&attid=0.1&disp=emb&view=att&th=135787f8bf88a6d0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>Plus, you'll get a shot at a $20 gift card. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="201" src="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/?saduie=AG9B_P_ctx9pmObfs8z8sxKxgdUA&attid=0.2&disp=emb&view=att&th=135787f8bf88a6d0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br />One runner-up will receive a $10 gift card, that goes a long way in Sneakpeeq's amazingly low-priced boutiques!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="201" src="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/?saduie=AG9B_P_ctx9pmObfs8z8sxKxgdUA&attid=0.3&disp=emb&view=att&th=135787f8bf88a6d0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Leave a comment for each entry, here's how to enter:<br /><br /><ul><li>To enter the giveaway click <a href="http://bit.ly/xH2aPo" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> and join Sneakpeeq! Joining is as easy as logging into Facebook (no long annoying forms to fill out) 2 winners will be announced on March 1st! (Mandatory)</li><li>Be a follower of Chic on a Shoestring Decorating </li><li>Subscribe by email to Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Chic-on-a-Shoestring-Decorating/283364714064" target="_blank"><strong>"Like"</strong></a> Chic on a Shoestring Decorating on Facebook</li></ul>       <br />Winners will be announced on Thursday, Feb. 29! <br /><br />Speaking of winners, the winner of the Willow House Welcome basket giveaway from Nanci of Willow House chosen by Random.org is #41, Tracy! Congrats, Tracy! I sent you an email on how to claim your super cute prize. :)<br /><br />Now it's time for Flaunt it Friday!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=129948&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script>

Flaunt it Friday 92, Happy 2nd Blogoversary and a Giveaway by Sneakpeeq!

Hey there friends! Chic on a Shoestring Decorating is turning 2! To celebrate I have partnered with Sneakpeeq to do an exciting giveaway!!...

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My Boy's Nursery Tour

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, hello! What's shakin'?  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This summer I will be turning my baby boy's nursery into a "Big Boy" room.  S<em>niff, Sniff ...</em> I can't believe he's old enough!  As all you mommys out there know, they grow too fast!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I designed his nursery I wanted to keep the colors soft and light.  I originally thought we'd put up beadboard but then decided the white furniture against the white beadboard wouldn't stand out.  Also, I absolutely fell in love with the paint color and wanted to see all of it.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msGCtEWmJ_s/T0KndYx3ZCI/AAAAAAAABZA/c_2TEgY0vBw/s1600/Valspar-Ty+Room+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msGCtEWmJ_s/T0KndYx3ZCI/AAAAAAAABZA/c_2TEgY0vBw/s640/Valspar-Ty+Room+15.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I added some floating shelves over the rocking chair (where little hands wouldn't be able to reach them from the crib) to display some of my favorite pics.  The rocking chair was in my nursery when I was a baby.  Mr. Chic painted it for me and we added a quilt, throw pillow and seat cushion for comfort.  </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYRB7gz19a8/T0KneDa4whI/AAAAAAAABZI/o5n8uJbhpSg/s1600/Valspar-Ty+Room+20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYRB7gz19a8/T0KneDa4whI/AAAAAAAABZI/o5n8uJbhpSg/s640/Valspar-Ty+Room+20.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The picture frames are from TJ Maxx (of course!) and the cross with the most perfect bible verse to describe my babies (and yours!) is from Hobby Lobby. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tk7CNhtSG74/T0OidiPzNsI/AAAAAAAABaA/WS5lyGOBGU4/s1600/nursery+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tk7CNhtSG74/T0OidiPzNsI/AAAAAAAABaA/WS5lyGOBGU4/s640/nursery+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span id="goog_38518621"></span><span id="goog_38518622">The Chic boys have a thing for airplanes and the colors in this "Brady" bedding from Pottery Barn Kids (discontinued) just happened to be perfect.  The toddler quilt and small pillow sham are on the rocking chair.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LC6KUZucjRU/T0KnbVWWkBI/AAAAAAAABYw/j78XcBx281Y/s1600/Valspar-Ty+Room+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LC6KUZucjRU/T0KnbVWWkBI/AAAAAAAABYw/j78XcBx281Y/s640/Valspar-Ty+Room+11.JPG" width="502" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm not normally a fan of vinyl lettering on the walls but I do like it for kids' rooms.  It's both whimsical and practical.  This vinyl decal is from Etsy but I can no longer find the seller.  <br /><br />After hanging picture frames behind my oldest's crib I soon realized that they had to be taken down when he could stand up in his crib and reach them.  (<em>this seemed to happen really fast!)</em>  I like that vinyl can't fall on my baby's head... safety first! :)  <br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ha7KwbOHdVM/T0Knfk3eXlI/AAAAAAAABZQ/xRcc0GAYN9I/s1600/Valspar-Ty+Room+22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ha7KwbOHdVM/T0Knfk3eXlI/AAAAAAAABZQ/xRcc0GAYN9I/s640/Valspar-Ty+Room+22.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">This large mobile was from Pottery Barn Kids and is discontinued, sorry!  He loves it!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQmU4UMkPfA/T0KncMGLOrI/AAAAAAAABY4/ydgq4EpjOCE/s1600/Valspar-Ty+Room+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQmU4UMkPfA/T0KncMGLOrI/AAAAAAAABY4/ydgq4EpjOCE/s640/Valspar-Ty+Room+14.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I wish I had a picture of the "before" of this dresser!  It was in my room as a little girl.  It had been painted white for me but the paint had started chipping and it had those dated brass hangy handles on it.  Mr. Chic painted it when our first was born (before blogging) and we replaced the hardware with more modern brushed silver.  </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d7ljBOKkv70/T0Lddl2lZ4I/AAAAAAAABZo/3_bQw0-S_w4/s1600/nursery+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d7ljBOKkv70/T0Lddl2lZ4I/AAAAAAAABZo/3_bQw0-S_w4/s640/nursery+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />This little airplane shelf was primary colors <em>(and SUPER ugly</em>) when I got it at a garage sale.  I spray painted it (<em>with about 50 coats to get over the bright colors</em>) to make a nice little white airplane shelf.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLhLYESQhjc/T0Kox4N-9fI/AAAAAAAABZg/V9zjL-G1Etk/s1600/Valspar-Ty+Room+18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLhLYESQhjc/T0Kox4N-9fI/AAAAAAAABZg/V9zjL-G1Etk/s400/Valspar-Ty+Room+18.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">This cute sweater bear sits on one of the floating shelves, it matches a darling outfit</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">he wore for his 6 month picture, seen in the picture frame below. :)  </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_vLUo51Z2M/T0PDJJoLn8I/AAAAAAAABao/Ja-oo-xBPJU/s1600/nursery+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_vLUo51Z2M/T0PDJJoLn8I/AAAAAAAABao/Ja-oo-xBPJU/s640/nursery+8.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><br />                   The airplane bank was a gift we received in the hospital (from their gift shop).  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hyDyaSg64Fg/T0Okoe-znSI/AAAAAAAABaQ/WRGBjlToQG8/s1600/nursery+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hyDyaSg64Fg/T0Okoe-znSI/AAAAAAAABaQ/WRGBjlToQG8/s640/nursery+3.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This nightlight lamp is also from Pottery Barn Kids.  My nursery has more Pottery Barn in it than my entire house!  I got a lot of gift cards for PBK at a few of my baby showers so was able to splurge on some things like this lamp.  A few years later I found the same one at a garage sale for $5 and I swiped it up!  Now both boys have a cool night light, only wish I could've paid $5 for each!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrYRzpW7DDY/T0OlcyLCP2I/AAAAAAAABag/uL1_o1Q2NHM/s1600/nursery+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrYRzpW7DDY/T0OlcyLCP2I/AAAAAAAABag/uL1_o1Q2NHM/s640/nursery+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The changing table was a hand-me-down and light oak colored originally.  Mr. Chic painted it white and I got these baskets at Wal-Mart which  ended up fitting perfectly!  I added my own ribbon.  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pR39tazgG8/T0OlId9dkHI/AAAAAAAABaY/GatPa5gRhmI/s1600/nursery+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pR39tazgG8/T0OlId9dkHI/AAAAAAAABaY/GatPa5gRhmI/s640/nursery+6.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>A whimsical Pottery Barn Kids airplane lampshade makes cute airplane shadows on the wall.  The white base is from Kmart.<br /><br />The final touch in the room were the inexpensive curtains I picked up at Ikea, the light colored strip is almost exactly the same as the wall color.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbmOfT_u0Ys/T0PJ9vPxsuI/AAAAAAAABaw/Cbpj4s-ziPY/s1600/liz+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbmOfT_u0Ys/T0PJ9vPxsuI/AAAAAAAABaw/Cbpj4s-ziPY/s400/liz+022.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />I feel like the curtains really pulled the room together (although hard to see in the below pic).  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5UafJ6_PciE/T0KngqCMceI/AAAAAAAABZY/tKVadLfZSEY/s1600/Valspar-Ty+Room+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5UafJ6_PciE/T0KngqCMceI/AAAAAAAABZY/tKVadLfZSEY/s640/Valspar-Ty+Room+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;">By mixing discount store finds with a few Pottery Barn Kids items and re-using furniture (the only new furniture was the crib and it was a gift!) we were able to create a nice little nursery on a tight budget.  I'm excited to design the big boy room but will always have a special place in my heart for this little nursry.  </span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;">Did you get nostalgic when you changed your nursery to a big boy/girl room?  I'm finding myself kind of attached to this stuff... maybe it's a weird interior decorator thing?? :)  </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Linking:  <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2012/02/show-and-tell-21.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20BlueCricketDesign%20(Blue%20Cricket%20Design)" target="_blank">Blue Cricket Design</a>, <a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/02/wow-us-wednesdays-54.html" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a>, <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/02/22/hookin-up-with-hoh-88/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20HouseOfHepworths%20(House%20of%20Hepworths)" target="_blank">House of Hepworths</a>, <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2012/02/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-75-target-gift-card-from-gigis-petals.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20blogspot/OivM%20(Tatertots%20and%20Jello)" target="_blank">Tatertots & Jello</a>, <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2012/02/sunday-showcase-party-no-90.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20UnderTheTableAndDreaming%20(Under%20The%20Table%20and%20Dreaming)" target="_blank">Sunday Showcase</a>, <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/05/show-us-your-kids-rooms.html" target="_blank">Thrifty Decor Chick</a></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div>

My Boy's Nursery Tour

Well, hello! What's shakin'?  This summer I will be turning my baby boy's nursery into a "Big Boy" room.  S niff, Sni...

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Flaunt it Friday 91, last day for Willow House giveaway!

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Friday folks!  Tonight is the last night to register for the Willow House Welcome basket giveaway from my lovely sponsor </span><a href="http://mystore.willowhouse.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nanci of Willow House</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/02/flaunt-it-friday-90-and-willow-house.html" target="_blank"><strong>HERE.</strong></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, when shoppping with </span><a href="http://mystore.willowhouse.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nanci of Willow House</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> mention Chic on a Shoestring Decorating on the payment screen notes of your online purchase and you'll get a 10% rebate back from </span><a href="http://mystore.willowhouse.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nanci!</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">  </span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh82u2bUC10/TzSTYJs8iuI/AAAAAAAABXs/qb9vfSyGxos/s1600/Willow+Welcome+Basket+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_rp52ne="2" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh82u2bUC10/TzSTYJs8iuI/AAAAAAAABXs/qb9vfSyGxos/s640/Willow+Welcome+Basket+(2).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before the partying begins I have a request... I hate to call it a new party rule but it is kind of a new party rule...</span><span style="font-size: small;">  please don't link directly to items you are trying to sell.  I know not many of you do this but it's a total bummer when you click on a link hoping to see before and after pictures or a tutorial and instead it's a price tag.  Also, please don't forget to link back to my blog with my button or a text link.  Muchas gracias, amigos!  :)</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok, on to the fiesta <em>(I think we've been watching a little too much Dora around here)</em></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=127881&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script>

Flaunt it Friday 91, last day for Willow House giveaway!

Happy Friday folks!  Tonight is the last night to register for the Willow House Welcome basket giveaway from my lovely sponsor  Nanci of Wil...

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I'm being featured at I Heart Organizing!

<span style="font-size: large;">Hey friends!   I am SO super-duper excited to have my solution to paper clutter being featured at</span><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/02/reader-space-conquering-counter-clutter.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> I Heart Organizing</span></strong></a><span style="font-size: large;"> today!  </span><br /><br /><strong><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/02/reader-space-conquering-counter-clutter.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">I Heart Organizing</span></a></strong><span style="font-size: large;"> is one of my favorite organizing blogs... Jen has a solution for everything!  </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I would love for you to swing by her blog and check out my feature </span><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/02/reader-space-conquering-counter-clutter.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></strong></a><span style="font-size: large;">!</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IHeart Organizing" height="144" id="Header1_headerimg" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F99Oiw04pJk/TwgzKQoe6MI/AAAAAAAAP2U/qKoNPyp4Zy4/s640/newheader985.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>

I'm being featured at I Heart Organizing!

Hey friends!   I am SO super-duper excited to have my solution to paper clutter being featured at I Heart Organizing today!  I Heart Organ...

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A little Valentine's Day Decor

Hey there and Happy Valentine's Day!  <br />I can't believe February is half over but that's a good thing because I am <em>super</em> ready for spring!  <br /><br />We've had a mild winter but apparently it hasn't been cold enough to kill all of those nasty germs floating around out there.  My house has been infested with germs and sick bugs for weeks!  Sick kiddos (mostly), sick me, sick Mr. Chic... it's really cramping my style!  <br /><br />I'm behind on <em>everything</em> and I am SO not down with that!<br /><br />I'm hoping all of these annoying bugs will be coming to an end so we can get back to normal around here.  <br /><br />Anywho... in honor of Valentine's Day I thought I should share my Valentine's Day decor.<br /><br />I do just a little bit of decorating for Valentine's Day.   How many hearts can you really string around your house without it starting to look a little cheezy??  Not too many imho...  :)<br /><br />I set up a little V-day vignette in my kitchen and decorated my fireplace mantel <em>(barely)</em>despite the cold medicine haze I was in at the time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha1fbwwx2pQ/Tzp-40lXBDI/AAAAAAAABYk/J3dnlRvMAdI/s1600/Valentine's+Day+2012+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha1fbwwx2pQ/Tzp-40lXBDI/AAAAAAAABYk/J3dnlRvMAdI/s640/Valentine's+Day+2012+12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I totally could've made this no sew "love" banner but got it on Groopdealz instead.  If I can buy it cheaper than I can make it I'll buy it every time.  I had none of the supplies for this <em>(besides some jute string maybe)</em> so the cheap price I paid was worth it!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrMwGBQmMb0/Tzp-jU71ofI/AAAAAAAABYc/aRV23GVljf0/s1600/Valentine%2527s+Day+2012+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrMwGBQmMb0/Tzp-jU71ofI/AAAAAAAABYc/aRV23GVljf0/s640/Valentine%2527s+Day+2012+15.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />My friend Angela of <a href="http://www.la-dee-da-designs.com/" target="_blank"><strong>La-Dee-Da Designs</strong></a> made the cute heart on my mirror.  <em>(I didn't make it either, am I crafty or what?!)</em><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ss4jJJcglV4/TzntDgPWbdI/AAAAAAAABX0/-gOIwtax4yw/s1600/Valentine's+Day+decor+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ss4jJJcglV4/TzntDgPWbdI/AAAAAAAABX0/-gOIwtax4yw/s640/Valentine's+Day+decor+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I know you're wishing that I'm now going to do a tutorial on how to make this cute little "Amore" sign but.... ummm no, I'm not. :(  I picked it up this summer at Hob Lob for $2.50.  Yes, I could've made it myself but I couldn't have made it for that cheap!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HKchMjyGLZE/TznvOV1MmOI/AAAAAAAABX8/UDpc_G5B9eE/s1600/Valentine's+Day+Decor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HKchMjyGLZE/TznvOV1MmOI/AAAAAAAABX8/UDpc_G5B9eE/s640/Valentine's+Day+Decor.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />I bought this "Love" picture at TJ Maxx<em> (where else)</em> for super cheap on clearance a few years back thinking that I would take the heart picture out and re-use it for something else.  I then realized it was perfect for Valentine's Day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lly2z4eFoHk/TznxgftiKTI/AAAAAAAABYE/KaB0z0S_kCI/s1600/Valentine's+Day+Decor5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lly2z4eFoHk/TznxgftiKTI/AAAAAAAABYE/KaB0z0S_kCI/s640/Valentine's+Day+Decor5.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Didn't make the banner either... cheaper to buy it!  Few years back at TJ's <em>(when will they start paying me for all the free advertising!)</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj7DAQwbRnU/Tznx8qzORBI/AAAAAAAABYM/5L1-QrGMiWA/s1600/Valentine's+Day+Decor+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj7DAQwbRnU/Tznx8qzORBI/AAAAAAAABYM/5L1-QrGMiWA/s640/Valentine's+Day+Decor+4.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, (not for Valentine's Day)I got these lamps with a Christmas gift certificate, they were on clearance for less than $20 for both the base and shade!  I heart them... :) <em> (I didn't make them or their cute script shades either!)</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fqyoDfcPic/Tzny77o9RuI/AAAAAAAABYU/h7hpGrZoPxw/s1600/Valentine's+Day+Decor+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fqyoDfcPic/Tzny77o9RuI/AAAAAAAABYU/h7hpGrZoPxw/s640/Valentine's+Day+Decor+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the whole Valentine's vignette, made by me but nothing was made by me <em>(insert cheezy grin here).</em>   Sorry for the crummy picture, I was losing my natural light too quickly!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't forget to sign up for my super cute Willow House Welcome basket giveaway from Nanci of Willow House <a href="http://mystore.willowhouse.com/" target="_blank"><strong>HERE!</strong></a>  She is also offering 10% rebate on your purchase if you mention Chic on a Shoestring Decorating in your order.  Ends Friday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh82u2bUC10/TzSTYJs8iuI/AAAAAAAABXs/qb9vfSyGxos/s1600/Willow+Welcome+Basket+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_yrii3z="2" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh82u2bUC10/TzSTYJs8iuI/AAAAAAAABXs/qb9vfSyGxos/s320/Willow+Welcome+Basket+(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wishing you and yours a fabulous Valentine's Day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking: <a href="http://dearlillieblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/valentines-link-party.html" target="_blank">Dear Lillie Valentine's Day Party</a></div><div align="left"></div>

A little Valentine's Day Decor

Hey there and Happy Valentine's Day!  I can't believe February is half over but that's a good thing because I am super ready fo...

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Cherry Creek Designs Winner!

Hey everyone!  It's time to announce the lucky winner of the Tiny Heart Ring from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cherrycreek?ref=seller_info" target="_blank"><strong>Cherry Creek Designs!</strong></a><br /><br />Lucky #43:  <br /><br /><div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_42M" kind="m" style="text-align: left;"><cite class="user"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13943895252835669237" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #5a7f5c;">Biz</span></a> </cite><span class="icon user"></span><span class="datetime secondary-text"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/02/flaunt-it-friday-90-and-giveaway.html?showComment=1328317979527#c4175868533844424870" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #5a7f5c;">Feb 3, 2012 05:12 PM</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love the Heart Felt - Personalized Necklace/Charm!<br />Biz</div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Original Tiny Heart Ring - 1 ring" height="292" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.194601898.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny Heart Ring</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Don't forget to sign up for this weeks giveaway from<a href="http://mystore.willowhouse.com/" target="_blank"> Nanci of Willow House</a>...  for a super cute Willow House Welcome Basket.<br /><br />We have been fighing all kinds of flu bugs in my house for the past couple weeks... I'm waaaaay behind on blogging but will hopefully have some fun stuff for you this week.  <br /><br />Stay healthy!! :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div>

Cherry Creek Designs Winner!

Hey everyone!  It's time to announce the lucky winner of the Tiny Heart Ring from Cherry Creek Designs! Lucky #43:  Biz   Feb 3, 2012 05...

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Flaunt it Friday 90 and a Willow House Giveaway!

Hey there party animals!  It's already that time of the week again!!<br /><br />But first, I have an exciting giveaway from my lovely sponsor <a href="http://mystore.willowhouse.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Nanci of Willow House.</strong></a>   She is giving away a <a href="http://mystore.store.willowhouse.com/Quickwatch.aspx?zpid=6707" target="_blank">Willow Welcome Basket</a> to one lucky reader!<br /><br />She is also giving a 10% rebate on your order. Just note "Chic on a Shoestring" in the notation section when placing your order and Nanci will send you rebate check.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh82u2bUC10/TzSTYJs8iuI/AAAAAAAABXs/qb9vfSyGxos/s1600/Willow+Welcome+Basket+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh82u2bUC10/TzSTYJs8iuI/AAAAAAAABXs/qb9vfSyGxos/s640/Willow+Welcome+Basket+(2).jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />I am loving this basket... especially the super cute chalkboard plaque!  Nanci even gives a tutorial on her <a href="http://www.thewillowhouseblog.net/2012/01/played-little-in-rain.html" target="_blank"><strong>blog</strong> </a>of how she made this pretty flower arrangement, doesn't it just look like spring!  I think all of us could use a little bit of spring right now. :)  <br /><br />There are several ways to enter to win, make sure to do the first one, the rest are additional.  Leave a separate comment for each entry.<br /><br /><ul><li>Visit <a href="http://mystore.willowhouse.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Nanci's store</strong></a> and choose your favorite product (mandatory)</li><li>Visit Nanci's <a href="http://www.thewillowhouseblog.net/2012/01/played-little-in-rain.html" target="_blank"><strong>blog</strong></a> and become a follower</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/mystore.willowhouse" target="_blank">Like </a></strong>Nanci's Facebook page</li><li>Follow Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</li></ul>This giveaway will end Thursday, February 16 at midnight, cst.<br /><br /><div></div><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=125699&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script>

Flaunt it Friday 90 and a Willow House Giveaway!

Hey there party animals!  It's already that time of the week again!! But first, I have an exciting giveaway from my lovely sponsor Nanci...

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Last Day for Tiny Heart Ring Giveaway! plus 25% off at Sherwin Williams!

<span style="font-size: large;">Hey there,  just wanted to remind everyone that today is the last day to enter the Tiny Heart Ring from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cherrycreek?ref=seller_info" target="_blank"><strong>Cherry Creek Designs</strong></a> giveaway!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Original Tiny Heart Ring - 1 ring" height="292" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.194601898.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Sign up <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/02/flaunt-it-friday-90-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><strong>HERE!</strong></a>  Ends at midnight tonight.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And, I just got this coupon for 25% off at <a href="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_c?offer_id=118&aff_id=5779&url_id=57&aff_sub5=16902142&affsrc=1" target="_blank"><strong>Sherwin Williams</strong></a> coupon to share with everyone!  Sometimes a nice discount is all it takes to get me motivated to do a project...</span><br /><br /><a href="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_c?offer_id=118&aff_id=5779&url_id=57&aff_sub5=16902142&affsrc=1" target="_blank" title="25% OFF PAINTS & STAINS Sherwin Williams"><img alt="25% OFF PAINTS & STAINS Sherwin Williams" border="0" src="http://cdn.escalatenetwork.com/widget2/coupon_MjUlIE9GRiBQQUlOVFMgJiBTVEFJTlMgU2hlcndpbiBXaWxsaWFtcwpTaGVyd2luLVdpbGxpYW1zCmh0dHA6Ly9jZG4uY291cG9ucy5jb20vaW5zaWdodC5jb3Vwb25zLmNvbS9DT1MyMC9fQ2FjaGUvX0ltYWdlQ2FjaGUvMTQyLzE2OTAyMTQyLmdpZgoxNjkwMjE0Mg==.png" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;">  </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Come back late tonight for Flaunt it Friday and another exciting giveaway announcement!</span><br /><br /><br /><br />Disclosure:  I am an affiliate of Sherwin Williams but all opinions are 100% mine!  I use Sherwin Williams products and wouldn't recommend them if I didn't.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Last Day for Tiny Heart Ring Giveaway! plus 25% off at Sherwin Williams!

Hey there,  just wanted to remind everyone that today is the last day to enter the Tiny Heart Ring from Cherry Creek Designs giveaway! Sign...

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Kitchen Cabinet Organization, make use of what you've got!

Hello there!  It's time for more no-nonsense organizing and decluttering.   I know it's February now so there's not as big as a push for organization going on but let's face it, if you're of the unorganized and cluttery personality type you didn't get all of your organizing and decluttering done in January.  If you did, hooray for you!  But you're probably not a truly unorganized and cluttery personality type.  :)<br /><br />I ran this post last year but thought it was worth sharing again because not everyone has a pretty walk-in pantry....<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCYjZxeF21s/TwHu9hwsoRI/AAAAAAAABN0/aRvb-z2KOKs/s1600/organizing+button+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_56sqmk="2" closure_uid_chx2ox="2" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCYjZxeF21s/TwHu9hwsoRI/AAAAAAAABN0/aRvb-z2KOKs/s1600/organizing+button+a.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Are any of you out there like me with a home lacking a pretty walk-in pantry?<br /><br />I would love a walk-in pantry but instead have a built-into-the-cabinets type pantry, I'm not complaining, it's better than nothin'. <br /><br />Someday, in another house, I will have one of those neat walk-in pantries painted with a pretty stencil and organized with big glass containers with cute chalkboard labels cut by a vinyl cutting machine <em>(which I don't even have by the way). </em><br /><br />But, I've got plenty of cabinet space so no complaints. <br /><br />I have a cabinet where I keep lots of baking stuff which was terribly unorganized. The problem: large round canisters stuffed into a square space. <br /><br />The last time I did a shape sorter with my 2 year old I realized that the round pieces did not fit into the square holes, why was I trying to do that in my cabinet?<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUngJO5wt18/Te7CLV5sPgI/AAAAAAAAA7s/RezBrWKBey8/s1600/Cabinet+organization%252C+potato+skins%252C+chicken+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUngJO5wt18/Te7CLV5sPgI/AAAAAAAAA7s/RezBrWKBey8/s640/Cabinet+organization%252C+potato+skins%252C+chicken+001.JPG" t8="true" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Messy, Messy, Messy. Can you tell we like popcorn? None of that microwave stuff either! </td></tr></tbody></table>There was all kinds of wasted space behind those round canisters. <br /><br />I came across one of these tall square Oggi storage bins months ago at TJ Maxx on clearance for $5. I bought it thinking they'd get more in soon. They didn't.<br /><br />After searching around and finding them for $29 a piece, I decided to wait on TJ's to get some more.<br /><br />And wait.<br /><br />And wait.<br /><br />And wait.<br /><br />They finally got some in in all different sizes... Woo Hoo!!!<br /><br />I brought them home and realized my 2 smaller ones had cracks in them, thanks TJ Maxx. <br /><br />So, I got 2 more big ones (which you need for a whole package of flour and sugar anyway) and a medium one. <br /><br />I then started to fret as I realized that the tall ones were too tall for my cabinet! Then I left. <br /><br />I came home to this.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzuFaESL0Y8/Te7wm1yZJcI/AAAAAAAAA7w/0GOKkXsAxvM/s1600/baking+cabinet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzuFaESL0Y8/Te7wm1yZJcI/AAAAAAAAA7w/0GOKkXsAxvM/s640/baking+cabinet.JPG" t8="true" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organizational Bliss!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Mr. Chic did it! He even labeled the new canisters! Using a no-nonsense label maker knowing I will never get around to buying chalkboard labels that will only be hidden in a cabinet. He did good, huh?! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca-gvanC3Yo/Te71lP7C_LI/AAAAAAAAA70/lI9EETifXdU/s1600/baking+cabinet2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca-gvanC3Yo/Te71lP7C_LI/AAAAAAAAA70/lI9EETifXdU/s640/baking+cabinet2.JPG" t8="true" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes all it takes to find more space is to look differently at the space you've got. After getting rid of those big round canisters and a few expired food boxes I've got all kinds of empty space in this cabinet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mr. Chic would say just because there is empty space that doesn't mean you have to fill it <em>Yes dear, I know. </em>But, I will likely move some things in here (chocolate chips, sprinkles, food coloring) and make it more of a baking supply cabinet and freeing up some space in my "cooking" cabinet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So take a second look at that cramped cabinet, I bet there might be some expired long grain rice and some recipe you cut out 3 years ago that you still haven't made, or even some round pieces in a square hole. Pitch em'... it feels really good! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3439316272064745899#editor/target=post;postID=5154003375336245223" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a><strong>.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Kitchen Cabinet Organization, make use of what you've got!

Hello there!  It's time for more no-nonsense organizing and decluttering.   I know it's February now so there's not as big as a ...

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Best of January 2012

<span style="font-size: large;">Hello, hello!  What's shakin'??</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Me?  I have a fever and a runny nose, awesome!  This will make for a fun-filled weekend for me for sure. ;)  </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Anywho, to cheer myself up I thought I'd write a little post about all the fun stuff I accomplished this month <em>(since I'm not going to accomplish anything today in my cold medicine induced haze).</em>  But really,  I  thought it'd be a good way for my friends (you) to see what you missed if you haven't stopped by in a while. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">At the beginning of the month I introduced you to my new series:</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCYjZxeF21s/TwHu9hwsoRI/AAAAAAAABN0/aRvb-z2KOKs/s1600/organizing+button+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_56sqmk="2" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCYjZxeF21s/TwHu9hwsoRI/AAAAAAAABN0/aRvb-z2KOKs/s1600/organizing+button+a.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/01/organizing-and-decluttering-for.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to read about it</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I then shared how I organized our walk-in closet.  A no-frills and budget friendly makeover.</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tbv_o8k5H5M/TwSAczJ4JuI/AAAAAAAABPE/uOo55CChwJo/s1600/master+closet+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_w74d85="9" height="400" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tbv_o8k5H5M/TwSAczJ4JuI/AAAAAAAABPE/uOo55CChwJo/s400/master+closet+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-organize-your-closet.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Read about it here.</span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;">I then shared how I started organizing paper clutter... and believe me, we have a ton!!</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-0MyyvJ03Gw/TVKexbDjxcI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/Wthz8OgzPME/s1600/File+storage+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_ebjlzu="5" closure_uid_jffqb8="5" h5="true" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-0MyyvJ03Gw/TVKexbDjxcI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/Wthz8OgzPME/s640/File+storage+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-organize-paper-clutter.html" target="_blank">Click here to read about it.</a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I also shared my 2012 Home Goals list and confessed that my 2011 Home Goals list was an epic fail.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-0MyyvJ03Gw/TSssSOm4y0I/AAAAAAAAAsE/70Br_reY6hA/s1600/Blog+2011+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_6axccl="9" height="640" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-0MyyvJ03Gw/TSssSOm4y0I/AAAAAAAAAsE/70Br_reY6hA/s640/Blog+2011+027.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/01/home-goals-2012.html" target="_blank">Click here to see my list, I can already cross this one off!!  </a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Next, I shared how to organize a command station using Dollar Store baskets.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sc8pY5cYAC8/TxGn9Wyd4yI/AAAAAAAABQw/jewM6kGM0qI/s1600/organizing+name+tags+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_25jxoq="4" height="640" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sc8pY5cYAC8/TxGn9Wyd4yI/AAAAAAAABQw/jewM6kGM0qI/s640/organizing+name+tags+3.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-organize-command-station-junk.html" target="_blank">Click here to read about it!</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I then shared how I organized my medicine cabinet using Dollar Store baskets (again!).</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-0MyyvJ03Gw/S5XSkBzwz9I/AAAAAAAAANM/NCReoRfY9ic/s1600-h/med+cabinet+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_1qgxy0="5" closure_uid_mvwez="4" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-0MyyvJ03Gw/S5XSkBzwz9I/AAAAAAAAANM/NCReoRfY9ic/s640/med+cabinet+004.JPG" vt="true" width="427" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/01/home-goals-2012.html" target="_blank">Click here and read about.</a></span><br /><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Next, I shared how being organized can save you money... couponing for regular people, not extreme couponers.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXF5RW6gFMs/Tx2h-2vN4AI/AAAAAAAABRY/u5Ln3cpNNpg/s1600/Coupon+pocket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_aebovr="4" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXF5RW6gFMs/Tx2h-2vN4AI/AAAAAAAABRY/u5Ln3cpNNpg/s640/Coupon+pocket.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/01/being-organized-can-save-you-money-no.html" target="_blank">Click here to read about it.</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I shared how I've been avoiding costly accountant fees for tax filing for the past several years.  <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/01/death-and-taxes.html" target="_blank"><strong>Click here to find out.</strong></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And finally,  my hubby, Mr. Chic, shares with you how he stained our oak stair railing and banisters. (I can cross it off my Home Goals 2012 list, YaHoo!!)</span><br /><br /><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPKvo9IgkFI/TyjE3iFPwRI/AAAAAAAABS8/h5Fw9Cvyc3Q/s640/before-after+stained+stair+rails.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-stain-stair-railings-and.html" target="_blank">Click here to read the tutorial.</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I'm so glad you stopped by so we could catch up!  Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway, a sterling silver tiny heart ring by Cherry Creek Designs.  Enter <a href="http://here.http//chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/02/flaunt-it-friday-90-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">HERE.</a></span><br /><br /><img alt="Original Tiny Heart Ring - 1 ring" height="292" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.194601898.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr></tbody></table>

Best of January 2012

Hello, hello!  What's shakin'?? Me?  I have a fever and a runny nose, awesome!  This will make for a fun-filled weekend for me for s...

Read more »