HAYDEN'S BEDROOM TRANSITION

Hayden got a bigger bed for his growing body. Now that he’s FIVE, I wanted to transition to more of a little boy’s room. My sister Jordyn and her husband Cody came out to help and boy did they!

Here were the things I needed to consider: 1) We are still renting, so I didn’t want to invest in anything we couldn’t take with us. 2) He still loves his animals (“stuffies”). Since there will come a day soon where he won’t want all of them, I’m holding on to this sweet time for now. 3) I needed to make use of a small space and somehow reduce clutter. READ ON for details on everything, as well as our solutions!

The first thing to consider was where to put the bigger bed from Evolur. We debated against the wall to give more floor space but ultimately, this placement looked best. The bed is a full WITH A TRUNDLE (see photo below). Eventually, I’ll use the trundle to hold a mattress for guest, but for now (GENIUS IDEA FROM JORDYN), it’s much needed storage. The nightstand next to it is a universal model from Evolur. FYI: Evolur’s furniture is very well made, easy to assemble and incredibly durable.

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I had the idea to take some of his nocturnal animals and put them in the tree. It adds interest and character! This is a 6 foot faux fiddle leaf tree under $180! It’s easy to maneuver and place limbs and leaves where you want them. I love this tree!

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The large giraffe is staying with us for now. We still love this guy! Such a big impact and well made for a great price.

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One of the best ideas my sister had was this AFFORDABLE white storage unit. It streamlined his toys and looks so neat and clean. Plus, these large, white bins are the perfect size for him to come grab himself and bring to another room if he wants.

The acrylic collector’s lamp over Hayden’s book shelf is one of my favorite things. We change the theme often (from cars, to dinosaurs to holiday items). It would also look fun in a little girl’s room full of sea shells or something. Right now, there’s free shipping!

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Things are always a work in progress, but this feels good for Hayden for right now. I know I didn’t link everything, so if you have a specific question, please let me know and I’ll hopefully get it answered. xoxo AAJ

Christmas Card Fail?

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It’s almost Christmas card season. How does time creep up on us! I never sent out photo Christmas cards (except for one of Scottie, my sweet doggie that passed a few years back) until I was married with my own kids. So far, we’ve had a few years to do this and EVERY YEAR December 1st hits and we haven’t started a thing. I’m also dealing with a little extra issue here: we don’t have Huck all the time or every weekend. Part of blended family life. So, we need to try and schedule the family shot around his schedule.

Needless to say, I thought it’d be great to try and set the timer on the camera, all jump on our unmade bed (cause we got a new headboard from World Market, so I thought it might make a decent, clean back drop!) and get some quick shots last weekend. But, best laid plans of mice and men… well, you know.

Hard to get all the kids to cooperate at once. So, we have some memories of the day, but not sure it makes for a pleasant card. Funny, maybe. At least I’m thinking ahead and starting early!!

Have you thought about your cards yet? Do you plan on sending any? Do you use candids throughout the year, or try to take an actual family group photo? Or have a theme? Sorry for the barrage of questions! lol

For those of you asking on my stories, I’m adding info on my dress and some other info below.

  1. Fall floral dress with see-through overlay 2. booties 3. Looney Tunes sweatshirt (similar to Huck’s) 4. RL polo (similar to Hayden’s) 4. Exact Headboard (loving it)

Also like the idea of the white booties with buckles showed in the picture. You just may see me wearing these very soon;) Love how the booties makes a vintage-type look feel so modern.

Off to finish some work. I’m viewing the Lifetime movie we just completed tonight. Eeeep!

Also, thanks to everyone that commented about my auditions last week. I will take ALL the good vibes. Hope all of you are having a great week….

it is feeling like fall here!

ps- adding a few other funnies below.

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I need your HELP... a work in progress

Ok, just wanting some advice. Honestly, I also think if I share some ideas with you all, it’ll force to me to make decisions and COMPLETE these projects. Finally.

I’m showing you the bare bones of the bedroom (absolutely not done- bedding isn’t finished- wrinkled, wires showing, desperately need the bedskirt, etc) as a work in progress. I’m excited because my mom was here recently and gave me a great idea. Wall paper just one wall (behind the bed), finish bedding, add chair or bench, photos and a mirror. So… stay tuned on that. I do love the simple additions that add a ton of flare so far: the headboard and the chandelier from LAMPS PLUS. I absolutely love the change lighting makes, especially when it’s like statement jewelry for the room! We painted the walls a shade of white and added crown moulding. You may remember my post about our new mattress and adjustable frame, which is why it’s easier to just have a headboard for now instead of a whole bed.

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I searched online and decided on these new pieces for many reasons, but affordability and quality were big ones. Plus, Lamps Plus is a family owned business and we also share a birthday!! No joke. They started in 1976;)

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Now… please check my instagram stories for video regarding my bigger question. I need to decide if I’m going to hang this chandelier I got and where. I like the idea of putting it in the stairwell, BUT is it not the kind of chandelier that you look at from above?? It’ll hang in a way that we will see it from above on the second floor. From the first floor, it’ll look great, I think.

Here are my options:

1) I don’t worry about this aspect and just go with it knowing it will look fabulous from all angels.

2) I get a different chandelier.

3) I hang it higher than I originally anticipated. It won’t look as dramatic from the first floor, but, it solves a potential problem.


It’s bronze as shown to the right if you’re looking on a computer screen, and the overall look that’s pictured on the website is shown below.

Ok. I have so many more things to share about house decor, but this is enough for now. If you have an eye for decor (or just an opinion), please share. It’s not cheap to hang chandeliers, so if I’m gonna go to the trouble and spend the money (because it’s so high, it’s not easy), I want to LOVE the way it looks.

SIDENOTE- I’m looking for a high quality 16in drop bedskirt. If anyone knows companies that makes them, please let me know!

Also, when I find cool things, I am showing up on my liketoknow.it app page HERE. So, if you have the app or go to that site, look me up! I have the same handle I do on instagram. @ashleyaubra.

If you haven’t used this free device, I recommend it. Mainly because if you see something you love on someone that has the app, you can easily shop it and have it at your doorstep. I love discovering new things from people I follow. Even I don’t buy them, I get fun tips and ideas like I do when I’m playing on pinterest.


xoxo

thank you for your ideas and advice! Sorry if it’s a super confusing post today!!

AAJ