rate my [their] space!

My parents celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary on an Alaskan Cruise. first of all, how would it be to be able to travel wherever you want whenever you want?? someday, hopefully! so while they were out i decided to redo their dining room and bedroom. of course the two and a half weeks weren't quite long enough and i was very sad when some things weren't done yet, i was happy to help them out. james pretty much got trapped into helping since i'm not much of an electrician, handyman, heavy liftin type of gal!

here's the before of the dining room (don't laugh at them, just because they had outdated decor doesn't make them bad people!) :

i took this picture after starting to take down the wallpaper, so just imagine it going all the way around!

and after countless hours of painting, shopping for all new furniture and decor, new light sockets, new outlets and covers, switching several chandaliers, returning many items that wouldn't work, and going OVER budget but not getting all the things i wanted.....

the after:

which i should mention, looks better in person!

the bedroom was also a big challenge. i should tell you that previous to this, their bedroom was purely practical with no design elements whatsoever, so what did get done (the drapes didn't come in time and niether did the new closet and bathroom doors) still made a big difference and a whole new feeling in the room.

the before:

now, let me explain the lamps. these lamps are part of my earlist memories of childhood. in other words they are OLD. however, my parents (bless their souls) insisted of touch lamps ever since these nightmares were invented. now days the touch lamp selection is the same...flat out ugly! and this became a great delima. i KNEW that throwing out their blessed touch lamps for new, improved, stylish and yet switch lamps would only lead them to pulling back out the touch lamps the second i walked out the door. i searched and searched, internet and all for GOOD LOOKING touch lamps. and came across a very very nice product, thanks to the Home Depot. you can now turn ANY lamp to a touch lamp for only ten dollars. thanks Home Depot! saved my life!

and thus, the after: (remember curtains failed to show up in time:( )

well, all things considered i think it turned out all right! and even though bowen, james and i were all delayed bedtimes till midnight for two weeks. it was all worth it to see their faces when they walked in! i love them so much. they are such an example of a good marriage. they definately had their fair share of trials, but they made it through them, and that to me is what marriage is all about!

Happy Anniversay you two LoVe BiRdS!