July round-up and highlights

What a month this has been. First up, let's take a look at all the things we did on the blog, then I will get to some other highlights of the month after that.

1. Flamingo art made with Psykopaint - a free resource
2. Thai curry cashew chicken casserole - paleo
3. Fried cauliflower rice - and how to open a cauliflower in less than 2 seconds
4. Entry hall - the reveal
5. Behind the design: mood board, fireplace wall and sources
6. Master closet progress - paint and hardware installation
7. Ana's living room make-over - before and after
8. Great Finds: Stitch fix - a personal stylist sends you clothes
9. Haven blog conference in Atlanta 2014 - Haven = Heaven?

Then over at Apartment Therapy, I got my third feature. Woot! AT feels my son's Mario themed room was unexpectedly chic. I guess that was to be expected.



Oh, oh, oh.... money came my way when I won 100 dollars from Decor and the Dog's Home Depot give away. I have already spent this money in my head a couple of times over... Decisions, decisions. Thanks Michelle and Home Depot!



In other money news, only the other way, we bought flooring for the master. Hchhrriiittzzzz (sound of money being torn from wallet). Here it is:



5 inch wide plank stained Acacia. It's the same kind of flooring as we have downstairs, only downstairs does not have any stain. This one is stained and I think it will look good with the upstairs landing and staircase.

I am saving the best for last. The absolute, super duper, favorite, top highlight of the month, possibly of the year, goes to my trip to the Haven conference in Atlanta. Hands down.

I have some great friends online and when I met them, not even one of them was a serial killer, it turned out (Mom). Super lucky. So not only am I still alive, I am also an awesome new experience richer. Read all about it here.


Middle picture via.

Some of my friends let me photograph them while we were there.

Maybe you remember this:


Middle picture via

Here are my faves:



Left to right, top to bottom
Wills Casa, The Gathered Home, Primitive & Proper, Go Haus Go, Boxy Colonial, Newly Woodwards, Cuckoo 4 Design and Decor and The Dog. That was so much fun. I wish I could have gotten to everybody.

To see more photos from these mini shoots go here.

Now, August! Seems like you have some big shoes to fill!

I am ready.