Pay-it-Forward Winner!

I was the lucky winner of a Pay-it-Forward post over at the blog Bella Inspired. I was thrilled when a little package arrived in the mail with my custom letter "T" (which stands for Thigpen, my last name). I decided to hang it in my newly re-vamped home office...doesn't it look fabulous?!

Jessica (aka Jessa) Stadtler is the owner of Bella Inspired Boutique, where she sells "One-of-a-Kind Creations for One-of-a-Kind Children." Jessa hand paints beautiful wooden letters and each and every one of them are completely custom. Her goal is to create a keepsake for every customer that will be treasured forever. I emailed Jessa a quick description of a few designers I love (Betsey Johnson, Kelly Wearstler, Jonathan Adler...) and some of my favorite colors and voila! this is the design she came up with! I absolutely love it :) Check out her website to see more of her wonderful designs. Click here to shop her Holiday Sale!

"Giving Back" Tuesdays

Today's "giving back" post is simple: it's just about being thankful. I'm thankful for so many things - my wonderful husband and best friend Ryan, my health , my kitties, my amazing family, my blog and all of you who support and encourage me everyday...

BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

- Author Unknown

*What are you thankful for?*

PHOTO CREDITS: ART.COM

Quote of the Week

"Texture and color are like salt and pepper -
they add spice."
- Kelly Wearstler, Modern Glamour

PHOTO CREDITS: KELLY WEARSTLER

DIY Headboards

I've been on a budget lately (these are some tough times we're living in) and have been searching for some creative DIY projects, particularly for my bedroom, which is in serious need of some help. I'd really love a cool headboard or art wall above my bed - right now it's just a sad, blank wall. Here's a gallery of some fantastic DIY ideas for headboard alternatives...

This headboard was painted on the wall using a stencil and contrasting garden-fresh green paint colors.

This headboard was created by stacking three hollowcore doors horizontally, which were coated with a matte black paint. Notice the chandelier hanging in place of a table lamp.

Bright fabric stretched on a frame is an easy and inexpensive to make a statement! You could also paint a large canvas a bold color.

This headboard was fashioned by cutting out animal prints from a book and framing them.

Hang a salvaged mantel for a rustic or shabby chic inspired room.

Frame wallpaper with chair rail or picture molding for a very customized and unique headboard.

Learn how to make an entire headboard yourself in just three hours...click here for step-by-step instructions.

For this DIY headboard, they mounted vintage hankies onto square artist's canvases.

Okay, so this tufted headboard may not be an easy DIY project...but what I like about this room is the way they arranged the framed photos around the bed. Very chic and glamorous.

Do you have any DIY tricks? If so, please share! Oh, and have a fantastic weekend! Soooo glad it's Friday :)

PHOTO CREDITS: DOMINO & BETTER HOMES & GARDENS

Thomas Paul for Duralee

I love the beautiful, bold, vibrant patterns that define the style and name of Thomas Paul. I'm kind of obsessed with his line of pillows. And recently, Thomas Paul partnered with Duralee Fabrics to give customers the opportunity to purchase the fabrics we've been seeing on his pillows for so many years! There are over 40 patterns and colors in the collection, printed on cotton and cotton/linen fabrics. Click here to view the entire line.

P.S. - See a fabric you like? Email me for a price quote - designer fabrics are now available through belle home studio at 30% below retail pricing!

"Giving Back" Tuesdays

~10 Ways to Give Back on Thanksgiving~

I found a fantastic list of ways to help others this week, especially with Thanksgiving right around the corner. "This year, take the time to give thanks for all that’s good in your own life—and to give to others who may not share the same luxuries. Here are 10 ways to help the less fortunate this Thanksgiving..."

1. Donate to a nonprofit that helps the hungry
2. Donate a Thanksgiving basket
3. Hold a food drive
4. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
5. Send a phone card or care package to a soldier
6. Hold a Thanksgiving charity bake sale
7. Donate to a charity that helps the homeless
8. Deliver Thanksgiving dinners to housebound people
9. Visit hospital patients
10.Take part in a charity Turkey Trot or 5K run

Click here to read the details on each of the 10 ways to give back on Thanksgiving. Photo from AllPosters.com.

Quote of the Week

"... our objects, bibelots, whatnots, and knickknacks - say the most about who we are. They are as honest as a diary. "

- Charlotte Moss

QUOTE FROM HERE / PHOTOS VIA ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST

Happy Friday

These are just some fabulous images I discovered via MadebyGirl from OWI (Office for World and Image). Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Ciao!

Hanging Art "Outside the Box"

One of my favorite parts of design is selecting the perfect artwork to complete a space. While I'm pretty confident in my art choices, I'm pretty boring when it comes to arranging & hanging the artwork in a creative way. When I see a big blank wall, my brain tends to only think in a very linear, symmetrical way...like stacking (4) square prints or lining up (3) pieces - always the same size, in the same frame. I'm planning on painting the wall in our entry an accent color and really want to think outside the box with the art arrangement! Here are some fantastic art walls that have inspired some new ideas...

What creative way(s) do you hang or arrange artwork? What are you most drawn to when it comes to an art wall?

PHOTO CREDITS: DOMINO MAGAZINE & POINTCLICKHOME.COM

"Giving Back" Tuesdays

I wanted to dedicate today's post to all of the brave men and women who are overseas fighting the war. We must never forget all of those who have dedicated their lives to protect and serve our country. Our military needs our support! Give 2 The Troops is an organization who's "goal is to show our troops that communities in every state support and appreciate them. Since December 2002, we've supported approximately ONE MILLION deployed U.S. troops with loving care packages and letters from all over the nation. This was made possible only with the help of tens of thousands of generous and patriotic friends in the U.S. and abroad. To date, we've sent more than 70,000 enormous boxes and more than 16 million letters and cards from caring citizens. This is the least we can do to show our troops how much we care about them. Our troops need to know that we support and appreciate the sacrifices they make for us, our families, and our future. This is about giving back to those who give all."™

Give back by donating a care package to a soldier in need...they need everything from toothpaste, batteries, snack foods, socks, pre-paid phone cards, etc... to hand written cards and letters to brighten their day. With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, our troops need our thoughts, prayers and support while they spend the holidays away from their families and friends. Click here for more information on how you can help!

PHOTO CREDITS: GIVE TO THE TROOPS GALLERY & ART.COM

Quote of the Week

"I strongly believe that people may not want, or may not be able, to start again from scratch, so giving old furniture a new lease of life is at the heart of my philosophy."

- Nina Campbell

P.S. - If you have a moment, please check out my interview about my woman owned business over at Pink Heels! I'm being featured "In the Spotlight." A big thank you to Jennifer for giving me this opportunity!

PHOTOS VIA SHOOTFACTORY / QUOTE FROM HERE