Pink Rose Inspiration

"Pink Lady"
B.E. Photography

Need a little beauty in your life today? Here's some inspiration for you and the paint colors from the "Chip It" app. If I'd hand picked the colors, I think I'd have gone a little more on the peachy side with the pinks - like ballet slippers - and not included the red.

I took this picture not too long ago at the assisted living home where my grandmother lives. I was captivated with the subtle shades of pink so much I took about 20 shots! Needless to say, it took a little to weed through and find the best one. Hope it helps you see life through "rose colored glasses" or inspires you to throw a little pink into your life!

Ready, Set... Chip It!

I've just discovered the most fantastic tool! Have you tried Sherwin Williams Chip It program? If not, hold on to your seats. I'm about to drop you some quick and easy inspiration. I've been thinking of taking some of my photographs and making color palettes based on them, kind-of like I do when I actually find time to do an Inspiration Board for a whole room design. Ready? Now this post is a little bit of an experiment to see if I can get the program to work. I may have to post the image then repost with the chips.

 This is one of my newer photos. I know I've said it a million times over, but nothing inspires me like God's artistry with nature. How beautiful is this pasture scene I took a few months ago on our second trip to Biltmore Estate (just in time to see all the flowers!)?

Now, for the Chip It colors. I'm dying to see what it pulls from this. No, let me warn you, most of what I've seen with this program are colors I would use sparingly, because they are intense. An idea would be to take the color recommended, get the color card and find one several shades lighter on the same card for large areas like walls.

O.k. Here it is:

How cool is that? Inspired? Good. Oh, has this just got my mind reeling! I can't wait to share more:)

Old Barn Inspiration

I have driven past this old barn every weekday for the last several years as I take the boys to school. During this time of year, it just glows in the early morning sun! It completely inspires me and I decided to see if I could snap it with a point and shoot as I drove by the other morning to share with you. This was the result!

"Old Barn"
B.E. Photography

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Thanksgiving Blessings

"Fall Leaves 1"
B.E. Photography

"Fall Leaves II"
B.E. Photography

Did you have a great Thanksgiving yesterday? Ours was wonderful although a little bittersweet. We had so much fun just catching up and hanging out with family we've not seen in a while, but were acutely aware of a certain missing couple. All of us had so hoped that hubby's grandfather would be able to join us, but instead he was readmitted to the hospital for a massive blood clot on Tuesday. Hubby's grandmother spent the day with him there having what he called a "Silent Thanksgiving". We really do have so much to thank the good Lord for. I know she was counting her blessings for having another day with him.

So, what did you do? Did all the family get together and cousins all play football/baseball/tag, etc while the grown-ups chatted away? That's what happened here! After a wonderful meal and even better fellowship, we all packed up and made our rounds to the hospital. It was truely a wonderful day that could only have been better if the grandparents could have joined us. Even my nearly 94 year old grandmother joined us! Amazing!

Life events have just not allowed me to blog much over the last month, and I have really missed it. Hubby has taken the three boys hiking for the day and I'm enjoying some much needed time alone. So, I though I would start catching you up by sharing photos of my dining room all ready for guests yesterday. The sun was shining, temperatures were in the 70's and it simply couldn't have been more beautiful! With the sun streaming through, I had a little trouble getting some shots in before everyone arrived.

My "new" dining room!

I wasn't sure about putting the love seat in the foyer, but everyone seems to love it there, so it'll stay. It's a nice extra seating area now. Scottie Dog obviously approves!

I bought these placemats a couple of years ago and have been waiting to use them somehow. I love the form and organic quality of them. They fit perfect in the "new" space.

I found these gorgeous little gold mercury glass votive holders and they made the perfect table "runner".

They just glitter when the tea lights are lit!

Like my last minute brainstorm for a buffet?! The palms had to be moved in from the screened porch as it's finally hitting below 40º at night...thus no pretty urns. I need to get some if they're going to sit in here for the winter.

It's three pine beadboard, tongue -n-groove  planks (samples hubby was just going to toss!)
laid over some storage cubbies.  Linen fabric was stapled around and black/gold Greek key ribbon was adhered with super sticky hemming tape to hide the staples and add a touch of black to tie in with the lamp/accessories.

See?! Just cheap old storage cubbies turned on end underneath! It's actually a good place to hide kids shoes:)

Black ribbon with a gold Greek key pattern was added to the lampshade.

See my new draperies and side chairs? Aren't they just gorgeous? The drapes add the much needed drama in this room.

The back of the side chairs was done in a black fabric with gold & copper embroidered dots. Then a soft gold cording was added to both front and back of all chairs.

The head chairs were done in the reverse... black on fronts and plaid on the back.

I couldn't find a third coordinating fabric until I stumbled upon these 95" curtain panels in a faux silk plaid on clearance for about $12 each. They were perfect, so I just cut them up and used them on the chairs! Wha-la!

I fell in love with these large candelabra sconces and waited until
Hobby Lobby ran their 50% sale. Two for the price of one!

Gotta have some magnolia branches!

I was captivated by the flickering mercury glass!

Loving the way the light plays around in here with the chandelier dimmed and candles all lit:)

There's only a few more things to do and I can call this room a wrap! I'm not sure I'm leaving the ceiling blue, but it'll stay for now and a painting may or may not get done at some point. Regardless a rustic gold frame is being made for the boys current art as soon as I can get to it.

The four slipcovered chairs need to be reupholstered, but the slipcovers will stay on unless we're entertaining. The boys have been informed those are the only chairs they are allowed to TOUCH! I ended up with quite the headache when I realized (AFTER tearing off all the upholstery on the back of a head chair) that the back was not made as I thought. It was all one solid piece with a 3/8" groove for a staple gun to fit into! I don't have a gun with a nose for grooves, couldn't rent one, and couldn't install upholstery tacks in such a tiny space!!!!! UGH! What's a girl to do? Hot glue, baby! I decided if it could hold the piping on for ten years with three boys, it was good enough to hold on more fabric as well. So, I only pulled off the piping and just installed new fabric over the old with hot glue. That way it was glued to old staples that were going nowhere, added cording and called it a day.

To sum up all that has happened in this room over the last three months:

1. ceiling was painted,
2. chandelier was refurbished,
3. chairs were upholstered,
4. buffet was created,
5. rug was bought,
6. draperies were made (2x!),
7. slipcovers were made,
8. walls were painted (3 colors - 2 coats each)!)
9. wainscoting and trim was painted (2 colors - 2 coats each!),
10. lamp shade was trimmed,
11. front door was painted,
12. new wall sconces were purchased and hung, 
13. furniture was repositioned (multiple times!),
14. and several nervous breakdowns/tantrums were had!

Whew! Whoever thinks designers don't earn their pay, just hasn't walked in their shoes:) 

"Fall Leaves III"
B.E. Photography

Happy Belated Thanksgiving, Ya'll!

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I'm so excited...

♩ ♪ ♫ ♬... and I just can't hide it ♪ ♫ ♬! I have been eyeing a fabric at Hancock's on the Red Tag shelf for a while to try for curtains in the dining room. I just haven't been happy with the lack of "umph!" in that room. It needed some drama somehow, but I wasn't quite sure how I could afford to bring it in. I get tons of ideas, but then have to toss most when it comes down to budget or what I realistically have the time to recreate.

Before I delve into that, I first want to share some photos I took two days ago. I got up extra early before the alarm went off and walked into see this out my dining room window!

"Be still...and know that I am God."
B.E. Photography

"Be still...and know that I am God." II
B.E. Photography

"Be still...and know that I am God." III
B.E. Photography

I felt such a sense of peace as I marveled at this gorgeous site. God was reminding me to not fret and worry about the events currently going on in our lives. To rest in his grace and as Psalms 46:10 states:

¹⁰ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; 

   I will be exalted among the nations, 

   I will be exalted in the earth.”

Time has been super limited lately for me to work on projects, but I've been spending many blessed moments at the rehab center with my dying grandfather-in-law. No project or decorating can even hold a candle to that. I've been able to witness God working in our family lives in ways words can't describe. What a blessing!

O.k. So, about that fabric. It's been calling to me quietly every time I've walked in Hancock's lately. Finally I just decided I was going to buy some, try it and if it didn't work, take it back. My curiosity was getting the better of me. Imagine gold taffeta flocked with a large black damask pattern all over! Talk about formal! That would be why I kept hesitating. It's about as formal as you can get and has some serious body to it as well. While I was in, I also decided to get a black crinkle polyester with what I thought were olive and copper embroidered small dots all over it as a second option to try as well as some black and tan silk plaid pre-made curtains panels on the 60% rack (off already reduced prices). I'm sure those girls hate me in there because if something doesn't work, I make sure and take it back. I can't afford not to! And I never buy small amounts, either:) Actually, they know me by name and start laughing when I walk in and head straight for the cutting table! They know I'm there to have something measured to return:)

I knew this drapery fabric would go wonderful with the new foyer rug, but was just really worried about the formality. I'd take pics and pop them on here, but I'm exhausted tonight and will do that tomorrow. Long story short, I felt that wonderful feeling of "Ah Ha!" come over me as I realized I'd found the perfect fabric at a price I could afford!!!!! Not only that, but the second option coordinated so well with the drapery fabric, rug, and slipcovers, that I decided to use it to reupholster the two head chairs and the plaid on the other chairs! WOW! Suddenly, I'm feeling immensely relieved as I realize this room is finally about to be totally done. And not just in a "O.K." kind-of way, but in an "I'm so happy!" kind-of way (even though hubby doesn't much care for the chair fabric - yet!)! I'm now frantically working to finish the four remaining chairs and get final touches done to show you before Thanksgiving.  See, I went and put myself on a deadline by offering to have the huge extended family meal here on Thanksgiving day! NO PRESSURE! Secretly, though, I work best when I've got deadlines to meet. That's why I self-impose them on a regular basis.

This meal will be extra special though. God willing, my grandfather-in-law will be able to join us for one more Thanksgiving. His diagnosis came back about two weeks ago as very aggressive stage 4 lung cancer that has spread to the brain, wrapping around the spinal column and into the lymph nodes. These are hard days right now, but I'm just praying that God will allow us all to get together one more time. There are no guarantees as we're on a day to day basis, but then again, aren't we anyway all the time? Some serious thanks will be given on that day if he's able to join us as well as thanks that everyone else can be there!

I can't wait to show you the finished product! I think you're going to agree with me that it just pulls it all together. Now, to get those chairs finished up...

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Cameras: Expensive versus Cheap

"Rainbow"
B.E. Interiors Photography
Point-n-Shoot shot

Have you ever thought that if you could just get that nice, fancy, expensive camera with all the great lenses that you could take some killer shots? Well, I'm gonna let you in on a secret:

You might could, but you don't need it to take great pictures!

I love photography...particularly nature and architectural shots, but let me set the record straight...I am not a professional photographer. Photography is just something I've always loved and enjoyed doing as a hobby. One thing I get really frustrated with when reading blogs is how many people seem to think and promote the idea that you have to have an expensive camera to take good pictures. The truth is, if you can see the shot in your frame, you can get it with whatever camera you have (provided it works correctly). Seriously! Donna over at Funky Junk Interiors just did a post (click and scroll down past the big star) on this and I could have hugged for it!

You can take fantastic shots with a point and shoot. The trick is to learn to "see" the shot within a frame, learn what ideal lighting is, learn when to use a flash, know the quirks of your particular camera, and know how to correct issues in a basic image editing program. I don't care how good your camera is. If you don't know how to frame a good shot or what makes good picture material, you are not going to take good pictures.

Once you've learned to see a good shot, then you have to learn to capture it. Here's a picture that I took this summer that was just wrong in so many ways. See?! EVERYONE takes bad pictures. The difference is that those of us who know how to get the good ones rarely show the bad shots:) Notice the little graph following the photo. This is called a histogram. If you learn nothing else about either your mid-line camera and photo editing, learn how to read this chart!

Underexposed and wrong light setting (what happens when you get in a hurry!).

The histogram for the above "before" image. Notice how heavy it is on the left/shadow end.

AFTER
OMG! Who knew there was lattice in the background?! This image isn't perfect yet, but it's on it's way. A little warming filter, some highlight and shadow adjustment...all watching the histogram to see when I'm getting my values right. Amazing how you can save a terrible shot with photo editing...isn't it?!

"After" histogram. See how the values are more evenly distributed in the middle ranges.

My Sony Cyber Shot (cheaper mid-line that has a manual mode) that I've used for about six years doesn't have a good light meter. I've learned this over time because when I use it indoors on manual mode, the shots are always too dark, but outside they are great! So, I compensate accordingly with a diffused flash (done with white fabric or tissue over flash) and Photoshop. You won't always see that in my images because it does take more time...something I don't have a lot of:) If I'm short on time, you'll just get the image as is. If it's just aweful, I won't post it:)

via www.cleanimages.com

Seriously, one of the best things you can learn to use on a camera/image editing software is the histogram. It will tell you how good your lighting is and if you need to correct your setting. It's also the least understood feature of cameras, according to some articles I've read.  If your camera is a true point and shoot, then take a bunch of pictures on different settings - recording which setting goes with which photo. Open them up in a photo editing program. Find the histogram and see how the values range. By looking at these, you can find the setting that will give the best results without any manipulation. Not that I'm telling you not to manipulate. It's just that the better the original is, the better it can become with an photo editing program.

When I was in college (back in the Stone Age - according to my kids), one of the projects they had us do in photography was to make a pin-hole camera with....hold on to your seats.... with FILM! Yes, those were pre-digital days. The point was to teach you to see the shot and get it in one try (and teach you some serious patience!).  You got one shot and it took anywhere from seconds to HOURS to get.

via wwwx.cs.unc.edu

Example of a pin-hole photograph.
via www.lowtechmagazine.com

I'm not suggesting you do that with a digital camera, but my reason for mention it is to stress learning to "see" the shot instead of "gettin' lucky" with a gazzillion shots. I still take a ton of shots and encourage you to do so as well. But once you learn to "see" the shot, you'll end up with more than just ONE good picture out of a million.

There are several photo imaging websites out there, like Picassa, that allow you to study your point and shoot images. Try playing with them. I'm serious when I say you can take some fantastic pictures with what you have.

A SLR is great and you can do some amazing things with them, but one of my goals with this blog is to encourage you to maximize what you already have to it's full potential. Get out your manual and study up how to get the best from your current camera. Most people don't know even a quarter of what their little point and shoots are capable of! Want to learn to edit better? Just google "histogram and photography". You'll find all sorts of info and links to more great tips/tricks. It's free and there's an ton of info out there. Don't be intimidated by terms you've never heard. There are sites that make it really simple if you look.

Remember: You don't have to have a lot of money to have a beautiful home, and you don't have to have a fancy camera to get great shots. Just learn to make the most of what you have.

Hang in there!

Oh,  my word! How did this many days go by already since my last post?! Hang in there with me guys, please (yes...I am begging!). Fall sports season does a number on us. We literally had seven games just last week between two kids! Ugh! It's been all I can do to get uniforms clean before the next game. Thank goodness for the "speed wash/dry" setting! I look forward to soccer seasons (fall and spring) as it's one of my favorite sports. But I also look forward to the end of it because I am worn out when the whirlwind ends. My two oldest are finally starting to get to the ages where it's getting more skilled, intense and fun to watch - so I'm also a little hoarse:) It's no longer like they are cats being herded down a field! Wha-hoo! The season is over mid-October, so hang in there while I try to keep my head above water. I'll be back in full gear with my posts soon and in full autumn mode as it's starting to cool off here finally.

"Canadian Goose"
B.E. Interiors Photography

"Canadian Goose Feathers"
B.E. Interiors Photography

Until then, I'm leaving you with a new inspiration picture that I'll add to all week in Pinterest.  I'll give you a hint at what grabs me first off with this picture - all the subtle color variations. I've not had time to do a board yet on it, but you feel free to see where your imagination takes you with it! Keep checking Pinterest to see what I add to my boards as well. You never know where this crazy imagination of mine might go with something as simple as feathers:)

Inspiration Monday #2

I'm embarrassed to say I completely forgot to do my inspiration take off last Monday on Pinterest! As I sit here typing tonight, my eyes are crossing from exhaustion. I had one of those "Ground Hog" days. You know, the one where you keep getting everything wrong or stuff keeps happening until you start to wonder if you should just go back to bed and when you wake up it'll all start fresh?! Ugh! Seriously, it was beyond comical by the time I realized there were TWO soccer games, not one this evening. I finally put on the brakes, packed the two older ones off to games with Daddy and let Little Guy finish his nap as I cooked supper. I never miss a game, but today was about to send me over the edge, so when he suggested I stay home I jumped on it:)

Anyhoo, ready for some inspirational brainstorming from one of my pics? I took this a few years ago at Kiawah Island off Charleston, SC. We had one of those rare beach days where starfish were all over in tidal pools! Running from pool to pool with buckets, the boys and I made memories we'll never forget.

So, here it is:

"Kiawah Starfish 1"
B.E. Interiors Photography
Sorry, guys. I'm still in summer mode and never leave it willingly!

When I look at this picture, calm neutrals, easy but sturdy fabrics and taking it easy come to mind. So, I took that and ran with it...creating a family/living room off these colors and textures. To see the board, go to http://pinterest.com/belgin/inspiration-2/ . I'm not even going to copy and paste tonight. I have to get up and actually get dressed to take the kids to school as I have a conference at 7:25 am. Oh, the horror! Yes, I actually drop the kids off dressed in either my PJs or workout clothes! All the people who know me from the gym don't even recognize me with make-up and my hair done. Sad...no... pathetic! Better get the coffee set to brew!

Hope you enjoy the board. Take it and run with it. Make it your own or let it get your brain wheeling. See where your creativity takes you with this picture as your starting point.

Coming Up...



"Reflection"
B.E. Interiors Photography
I think I'm going to turn this one into a painting. It's so relaxing to me!

I'm gonna make this quick. I've been running the gauntlet the past few days, thus the slow down in posts. There's been some blog maintence, family time, soccer games, decorating, art production and lots of furniture work going on. I'm slowly getting the ol' blog up to par with all you other "most excellent" bloggers out there...bit by bit.

I'm excited to say that I have a new piece about ready to make it's debut on Blogger! Tomorrow will be Part I in a two part series on this new piece. It's not just a reveal but a little insight in the the thought process that goes on behind the scenes with a furniture redo (did I just say "thought process"? Scarey! You sensitive readers might want to avert your eyes. You could be scarred for life once you peek into my head!)

So, I'll leave you with a before picture to get you wondering! Remember this piece? It don't look like dat no more!

Stay tuned....!