Faux fo sho!!!

My fab fid for today is one that I sincerely love and use all over my house. 

 It is...dun duh nuh nuh

A sheep skin rug, of the faux variety, hailing from the land of Ikea.

It is called TEJN and I give it a perfect "tejn" for it's awesomeness and versatility.

What's more, it can be yours for a mere $9.99.  

I mentioned the versatility of these little rugs.  They are perfect for any decor style...traditional, eclectic, farmhouse, bohemian, beachy...  Whatever your preference, these rugs will work.

Not only that, they can used in a variety of ways and in a variety of places.

They can warm up a floor in a bathroom {or bedroom or kitchen...or any room}

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They add texture and comfort to chairs, benches and an array of seating.

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They make the world's fluffiest pillows ever.

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And because they aren't actual leather...they make recovering seats and stools simple and easy.

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They even make pretty stylish looking chaps.

But the one use I'm most excited about, mainly because Christmas is right around the corner, is that they make awesome and stylish and just plain rad Christmas tree skirts.

I picked up a couple of these TEJN sheepskin rugs last year and threw them under my tree for a simple, chic Christmas tree skirt.  And I claim the idea all my own.  But, guess what I saw in Pottery Barn this year...

Copycats!!!

But seriously, aren't these little rugs the coolest?  If you don't own one already, I highly recommend running out and grabbing one at your soonest convenience.  And just be prepared to run out and buy more...they are that addicting.  I'm telling you, with these babies you can do no wrong...that's "faux" sho!!!

This n That

I meant to get a post up last week but just didn't end up having the time.

The fam and I headed south to *VEGAS BABY*  last Friday to go watch my gorgeous niece participate in the Miss USA pageant. {Ya, this woman and I share DNA...cah-ray-zee!!! I know}.

Regardless of the outcome, she is still {and will always be} the winner in our eyes.  We love you Ken!!!  You da bomb!

In other news, when I finally got home last night, I was greeted by yet more gorgeousness...my new outdoor rug.

 

Remember her.  She's beautiful and "green"- made 100% out of recyled water bottles.

I can't wait to see how she looks out on the deck in her new home.

And finally, the kiddos will be out of school tomorrow.  I am really hoping to be able to finish up some projects I've started.  I'll be sure to post all about them.

Phew, it's finally starting to feel like summer.  Let the {diy}games begin.

Living Room: Update...and my latest fave.

I'm not totally ready for a full reveal of my living room just yet. I only have one shelf painted, which I finally finished yesterday. Those things are beasts...so many nooks and crannies. BLECH! I'm hoping to start on the second one today, or at least some time this weekend...once the muscle's in my forearm and shoulder quit spasming. Anyway, here's where I'm at as of today.

In the meantime, I started working on another little project...you know, just to break the monotony of bookshelf painting. You should have caught a little glimpse of it in the pictures. I'll give you a hint: it's brown and white and walked all over. That's right, my faux cowhide rug.

I've been wanting to try this project for awhile, but just haven't gotten around to it.

I understand that they are a bit of an acquired taste...these cowhide rugs. I didn't always love them either, but recently I have had a change of heart. I'm slightly obssesed with them now. I find myself daydreaming about going to the textile department of IKEA just so I can sit and stroke their velvety softness. I'd love to bring one home with me, but I'm having a hard time stomaching the $200 price tag for something that my kiddies would probably destroy within 24 hours. So, I did what any thrifty gal would...I came up with both a BUDGET and KID friendly version. You animal lovers will like this option too.

I'm not going to post a full tutorial just yet, but don't worry. It's coming. Here are some pics of two different versions I made. One from canvas, and one from some vinyl-ey/pleathery stuff.

canvas dropcloth version

faux leather/pleather/vinyl version

I wasn't sure if the paint would adhere to the vinyl, but it's actually held up quite well so far. We walk on it daily, and the kids have even played Just Dance on it. None of the paint has rubbed off yet. {The paint, however, did stay tacky for several days afterwards, but whatevs.}

If haven't succeeded in convincing you of the awesomeness that is {animal hide rugs}, take a look at some of these inspiration pics and "chew" on em for a while {Get it? "Chew" on em, like a cow "chewing" on it's cud. Nevermind!}

I love how these otherwise ordinary-ish rooms become extraordinarily fabulous just by adding a bit of animal print. These rugs are miracle workers I tell ya. Are you convinced now? I knew you would be. All righty then, get out there and get yourself one of these beauties. Happy hunting! {and by hunting I mean, go to the store and buy one or make one of your own...don't literally go out and "hunt" your own rug, please!!!}.