Sunday, January 17, 2010

Stepping out into blog land!

Thank you Lori, ( http://frugalfarmhousedesign.blogspot.com/), for introducing me to the blogging world. I am ever so grateful. You are a true inspiration and the nicest person! You are the reason for starting this blog. Thank you!


I am a mother of five children and am married to a REAL cowboy. We live on a horse ranch.  We live in a new home, and we feel blessed to be able to live in the home we live in. (My husband has a very generous boss, and his boss let us go pick out a new beautiful modular home to live in ) I feel like the luckiest girl in the world... I love to decorate and love trying to be creative. I believe decorating with white is so refreshing, and yes with all those kids it still stays white. (with a little help from oxi clean of course) Here are a few pictures of my living room.
My husband added the 100 year old ceiling tin to the ceiling. My sister found that in New Hampshire for me. I got a great deal on it. My husband also added the trim to the windows and doors.




I love old doors. They make the best props. What I love most about them is they are very easy to move, and can be used to change the look of another room (and no holes in the wall).



The Mantle, well I love these. I think they make a great statement regardless of if you have a fireplace or not. Always a great conversation piece as well. My husband's friends don't understand why I would have a mantle up, without the fireplace.


The walls I painted gray pearl in a satin finish (Martha Stewart Paint from Lowes). I think that white furnishings stand out more with the gray walls. I had first painted this room a cream color, and it seemed like everything blended together too much. I then Painted it gray, that made a big difference. The trim is all Decorator's White (Benjamin Moore, semi-gloss). The mantle had a lot of flaking paint (not pretty) so I knocked a lot of that off, and then painted over it with wedding veil (Benjamin Moore, pearl finish)


90 comments:

vosgesparis said...

Hey there I wish you very welcome in blogland, your blog looks all fresh and crispy white, I really enjoyed your pictures and your kind email and will be happy to follow you.

Lots and lots of fun with your blog
all the best, Desiree

momstheword said...

Welcome to the blogging world! I love all the white, it looks so crisp and clean. I hope you told Lori about your new blog!

~ Nan

Amy Kinser said...

I am so happy that you decided to make this journey of blogging. I can't wait to follow all of your beautiful ideas.

Low Tide High Style said...

So glad to see you join us here in blogland! Your house is just beautiful and I know you will have a great following with all of your talent!

Thank you for the sweet email, I wish you great success on your new venture!

Kat :)

white flower farmhouse said...

yeah! congratulations Maria. It is a beautiful blog - love the name and your header. I am so excited for you. I will make an announcement post this week. All the best, Lori

paige said...

i'm so tickled that you started a blog!
i love the beautiful world you have created in your home!
thanks for letting me know!
xo

Dana said...

I'm so glad you decided to start a blog! I hope you have fun with it and I know I will have fun reading it and looking at the yummy pictures!

Petie said...

I am so excited that you started a blog. I love your inspiration and all the white. Looking forward to all your great ideas. Oh Happy Day!!!
Rachel

Anonymous said...

Absolutely GORGEOUS! Can't wait to lots more!
Sarah
I too, also just started a blog - it's a lot fun, get great ideas and meet some very nice new people along the way.

Ticking and Toile said...

Hi Maria,
I am so in love w/ your home & how you've decorated....love the name dreamy whites too! I'm sure you will have a blast blogging! I sure have! Can't wait to see what you post on next!
Shellagh

Merdena said...

I am honored to be one of your first followers. I am a full-time attorney and mom to twin 12-year old boys and hooked on design and photography. 3 years ago built an "old world" home with white stone on the outside (which I love), waaaayyyy too much brown inside (what was I thinking - I'm so tired of "old world"). Oops. Trying to start all over gradually without hubby noticing. :) Do you think I can do it?

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy you started a blog. I must've looked at your home on Lori's blog and then Tracy's at least a dozen times! You have exquisite taste and I'm so excited to see what you post!!!

Simply Me Art said...

Gorgeous Blog, Home and Family. Can't wait to visit again, Jamie

Lisa said...

BEAUTIFUL! Photography is so outstanding, as is your composition and of course your subject matter! I love whites - so restful, simple. Welcome to the blog world - I'm pretty new to it, too!

Blessings,
Lisa

Kristin said...

Maria,
Welcome to the world of blogging! I just joined recently and am also married to a *real* cowboy! You have given me so much inspiration; I will definitely be checking in often!

Shannon said...

Excited to see your future posts, your home is simply beautiful!!

Melissa said...

Welcome to the blogosphere! I love Lori's blog and I know I am going to enjoy yours just as much!
-Melissa

Fruitful Fusion said...

What a beautiful blog! I'm looking forward to more! I'd love to go all white in atleast one room but the thought of 4 pairs of grubby hands has stopped me! So I'd love to know how you maintain it all too with your family.

Three Birds Inspired said...

Your home is lovely! Welcome to the world of blogging. I am going to "follow" you so I can see what you are up to next!

The Tattered Cottage said...

Hi -
I found you via Lori @ Paint, Decorate, Design on the Cheap. Welcome to blogging :) Your home is Beautiful! I love the white, it is so crisp, clean and gorgeous! I'm a follower, I can't wait to see what you will be up to next :)
Toni

Michelle Hughes said...

So happy that you started a blog! Your home is fabulous, simply breathtaking!

can't wait to see more!
Michelle

Nice and Easy Antiques said...

Happy blogging, Maria! Stop by some day and introduce yourself...we'd love to have you over!

maryboys said...

your home is beautiful and serene...i'm so looking forward to more of your photos and thoughts, ideas:) welcome!

mary

cindy said...

Well I can see I'll be spending time over here :) Welcome to blogging! It's a great means for inspiration and friendship....and a wee bit addicting.

Looking forward to getting to 'know' you better.
(I have 6 kids, though 2 are married)

fleurcottage said...

creams & white are so uplifting! & i love to see into other folk's homes...enjoy this journey!

Cheryl said...

Welcome to Blogland. You will love it. Your blog is such an inspiration. I love your colors and with FIVE kids!! Keep up the blog.

Ginger@cottageonrosewood said...

Welcome to the blog world. I too recently started my own blog. It is an exicting new adventure. Your home is beautiful. Very inspiring. There is something so calming about so much white and you're so right. For me, it is so much easier to clean. I can bleach it and know it's clean. Can't wait to read future posts.

Robyn said...

Welcome to the blog world! Would love to see more photos of your home!
mysoutherncottage.com

Tammy said...

Welcome and you had me at the name of your blog. Glad to see a mom who can keep it white. I will try to aspire to be as good as you..
tammmy

Kim said...

Great blog! And from reading your profile, I can tell we have alot in common!! Glad I found you!
Kim

Megandvd@Beauty in the Attempt said...

I can not wait to share in this journey with you. Your email was truly endearing and made my day a little brighter.

Thank you for your inspiration and look forward to your friendship.

Cheers~
e

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Welcome and I have to tell ya my heart skipped a beat when I saw that you started a blog, I'm so excited!! Your home is sooooo beautiful and thanks for sharing your paint colors cause I was wondering what they were (;
Hugs~Kelly

Unknown said...

Welcome to blogland! I'm recently here myself, so I look forward to following you. Great job with your home! I LOVE it!

Loui♥ said...

Welcome to Bloggerville!!
Your style and creativity is so refreshing..
timeless and yet so exciting..
I look forward to following you!
warm hugs, laughing smiles..
Loui♥

Ryan said...

Your house is beautiful! Great inspiration!

the old white house said...

I fell in love with your house as soon as I saw it! Just beautiful! I'm fairly new to blogging as well but am truly enjoying the journey. Welcome Aboard I'm sure it will be fun to follow you on yours. ~ Theresa

The Flying Bee said...

Hi!

I just found your blog...and I LOVE it! Your home is beautiful! I love to decorate with white, too! Welcome to blogland!

~Adrienne

Janice said...

I'm so happy you started a blog! I loved your pictures on Lori's website, and I was thinking you needed to have a blog! I love everything you have done, it looks beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration, and I can't wait to see more of your home. Could you tell us about your Swedish clock?

Martha said...

Your home is just GORGEOUS! I love it!

Whatever Is Lovely said...

Hi Maria! Your Home & Blog are Beautiful!! & What a Gorgeous Family you have! I just purchased White Furniture & Love it! It really brightens up my whole house! I've been searching for a really soft gray to paint my living room & the one you used is really pretty!

I'm signing up as a follower.. So I'll be back to visit often! Thanks for all the inspiration!

Blessings ~ Teresa

Rust: Vintage Inspired Design said...

Welcome to blogland.....have to become a follower as I just love white. That clock is absolutely to die for!
Happy day.
xojanis

jamaica byles said...

Blown away, Marie. You epitomize exactly what I believe and have seen so many times ie.having unlimited resources does not guarantee a tasteful and gorgeous home. It takes creativity and smarts.I am very impressed with what you've done. Do you mind if I do a post on your home on my blog?

Hood Canal Gal said...

Beautiful home! Can't wait to follow your blog.......

Ange said...

Hi Maria, it is so lovely to meet you! I am so looking forward to following your blog. Your house is too gorgeous! I remember when I first started blogging and each comment and follower I got gave me a thrill and they still do, 6 months later. It can be a bit overwhelming at first but you'll get the hang of it I'm sure. Just one thing...on some blogs, when you click "Post Comment" you then need to scroll down to the comment box on the new screen as sometimes the comment cannot be processed. Just click "Post Comment" again.
Angex

Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~ said...

"aaaaahhhh!!" That is the sound of the heavens opening up and shining the heavenly spotlight on your blog! I couldn't be more thrilled that you're in blogland.

I found your beautiful home from Lori's blog and have been so inspired by your talent and eye. I did a post on your home last week and received so many rave reviews, I'm so excited to have a place to now pass them along to YOU!!

Hope you are staying dry - I'm in Pasadena, and just getting S.O.A.K.E.D. Can't wait to see more of your blog!

Hugs ~

Mrs. Chapman's 2nd Grade Class said...

Welcome to the world of blogging. I love the pictures of your house. It is beautiful!

Stephanie said...

Welcome! Hope your first day in blogworld was AWESOME! One post and I already love your blog - great style and great writing =)

Renee' said...

I love your blog, I love the whites,,, I love the mantels also i have one in every room.

Ness Lockyer said...

Welcome to Blogland!! You are going to be a huge hit and I think your career in Interiors is going to start way earlier than you think =0) Your home is stunning and if I lived near you and Lori, I think we would be great friends.
Ness xx

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Maria
I think we are all in for a treat with your blog... every image is delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed Lori's post on your cleverly created beauty... Have fun in blogland. Julie

Lettered Cottage said...

Welcome!

Don't ya just love Lori!?

She was kind enough to help us deck out our mantle this past Christmas. LOVE THAT LADY!

Layla :-)

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Hello and welcome to blogland. What an absolutely beautiful home you have. Already love your style and can't wait to see more of your posts. Hope you stop over for a visit, Theresa

Sa-Sea said...

sooo happy you started a blog! love your style, your home, AND YOUR COUCH!!! where did you find that?! Is it Rachel Ashwell?!

Jeanne Oliver said...

So excited that you started a blog!!! Your home is stunning!!!

Anna said...

LOVE IT! So excited that you started a blog and that Petie told me about it! Cannot wait to watch what you do!

Patina Soul said...

WOW!
What a gorgeous home you have made for your darling family!! You have an eye for design.
What do you mean you "TRY to be creative"?
You ARE creative and very talented!!
I look forward to following you! :)
Blessings!!

Love It Naturals said...

Hello Maria,
WELCOME!!! Your home is SO stunning! My sweetie & I just purchased a wonderful 3 acre farm. I too wiil be decorating with dreamy white! I am SO excited! I have to ask you where ever did you find your wall clock! It is a must have for our farm! All the best with your new blog!

Anonymous said...

Welcome to blogland, your home is just gorgeous, I love that you decorate with what you love even with kiddos...! blessings, Tara

Punctuation Mark said...

welcome and looks like you'll have some pretty good things here! good luck!;)

Unknown said...

I came over from Tracy at Loving Pretty Things, and boy did she steer me in the right direction!!! Your look is amazing! Simply beautiful!!! Right up my alley...I can tell I'm gonna love it here :) Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging!!!

:) T

Cottage Dreamers said...

Your home is beautiful! I'm so glad you stepped into blogging to share with us!

Anne Marie said...

we have a few things in common I can already see..........5 kids.......decorating.....photography......and love of hubby.......

i followed right away.....

Lisa said...

Welcome to the world of blogging! I too like white even though my family doesn't understand that desire but that's okay. I also have doors leaning against the walls and two fireplace mantles that go nowhere so you and I must be kindred spirits. Looking forward to future posts.

Lisa

Susie~From My Home To Yours said...

Welcome to Blogville....love your whites...my favorite decorating color!

Looking forward to future posts...

Susie

Janean said...

amazing. as you can tell, the idea of making a modular home look great is popular. is that the same thing as a double wide type home? whatever it is .... it's gorgeous!!

FARMHOUSEFANCY said...

Welcome...What a great home can't wait to see more.....Toni

Rumour has it said...

Why did the world not meet you and your fantastic home earlier?? :D
Great pictures! I´ll be happy to follow you and discover all beauty.
Many greetings,
Marjolijn (Belgium)

Dixie said...

you know... I think we're going to bombard you! happy wishes from south Texas! Dixie

mary pernula said...

YOU GO GIRL, NICE FAMILY AND HOME. XO MARY

Lea said...

Great Blog! I am totally enthralled and will keep following. Great ideas, can't wait to try them out.

Lea said...

Love the mantle, clock and gray paint

Booklinks said...

I'm also new in blog land and very happy I find your beautiful blog!

The Green Pea said...

I am so glad you are blogging. Your home is beautiful. You are so blessed to have five children. I look forward to keep dropping in on your blog. Have a nice weekend. sandi

FEDERICA said...

Welcome!
I just found your beautiful blog and I'm glad I did! Your house is stunning!!! I love your style!
Greetings from Italy,
Federica
xoxo

http://sweet-as-a-candy.blogspot.com/

Kristi said...

your home is beautiful!
have a very blessed day,

kristi
justsimplysouthern.blogspot.com

AngelaWalkerJewelry said...

I just found your blog and love it! Your house is beautiful. I love your table and chairs especially........
Angela
Angelawalkerjewelry

Jamie said...

I just went to check out the rest of your blog & realized that you're brand new to the blog world. Welcome! You're off to a great start! I look forward to seeing more from you!

Sew a Fine Seam said...

I love grey. And my decor is slowly evolving into this white stuff!!! You have inspired me to cover my furniture. I'm going to make slip covers out of vintage white linens. I don't have sheets, and I can't afford to buy some at this time, even though they would be much cheaper than new furniture:) I have a bunch of table linens in white and can pick up more of them cheap. So i'm gonna give this a try. So glad I found you through 'French Larkspur' I'm excited about finally getting away from my floral furniture. I still like it... just isn't the look I want anymore!
Jill

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Stunning, thank you for sharing! I'm in love with those doors! Welcome to blogland :)

Kristin

Maria | Vintage Simple said...

Your house is beautiful, Maria. You've done such a wonderful job..! Welcome to this crazy, wonderful world of blogs, dear.

warmly,
-maria

(ps: great name, no?) ;)

Little Miss Norway said...

I'm with everyone else here Maria, your home is simply magnificent!

You most definitely have a talent that should not be wasted - when the time is right for you!

Looking forward to dropping by to see what other delights you post!

Happy blogging!

Mxx

Sharon@Sharon at Home said...

Welcome to blogland! ... your home is beautiful. Love the lamp hatstand.

I'll be back to see more ...

Teri said...

Because of you, I am now looking for a mantel for my fireplace-less house.

Is the color of your walls called grey pearl?

Anonymous said...

I love your blog!!! You inspire me! Your attitude about family is awesome and refreshing! God Bless you and your family!!Stop by and check out my blog when time permits: www.happilyeverafterhome.blogspot.com, I will sign up to be a follower of your blog, you have inspiration that I admire.

Donatella said...

My sister from dustylu told me to come ck your blog out you have a great style and a nice touch and you have 5 kid my goodness I have lots of respect for you

Tabitha said...

Beautiful home! I really love your clock over the mantle. Can you tell me where you got it or if you did it yourself? I would love to copy that in my house!

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog and wanted to welcome you to this wonderful blogging community. I just read your posts ~ your photos and home are absolutely gorgeous.

Enjoy the journey!

Kathy

Wendi said...

Seriously! Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are like what I have in my head, but you actually got it right!! haha...I recently painted my walls grey last spring with white trim. I was obviously hungry for some color, so I went a little crazy with my accents and am trying to dial it down! ha! Where did you get your couch???

Mrs.YesiR said...

I just blogged about your blog, I truly love all the white. I began with the bedroom sheets, then the bedroom and now its crepping all over the place. I love the pearl-grey walls it has been an inspiration.

This Little Nest said...

The photos of your home are georgous. I'm always afraid of using white in our home because of the puppies, but you've inspired me to take the plunge! I just ordered white slipcovers for my new dining room makeover! Hopefully you can check it out at my blog!