• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

February 28, 2012

Buh-bye Boob Light and Empire Patio Cover Winner!

Before I get to my farewell to “boob” lights, I need to announce the winner of the
$100 Empire Patio Cover Giveaway!
And the winner is…
Gail 
from My Repurposed Life
Congratulations Gail!
We’ll be putting you in contact with the wonderful folks from Empire Patio Covers and we can’t wait to hear what you pick from their amazing site.

So, I LOVE blogging! 

I mean, seriously love it!
Now, I know what you’re thinking…
“Ummm…OK Vanessa. We kinda could have guessed that!”
But, I can guarantee you that a good 75% (probably more but I’m going easy on myself) of the things I end up doing in my home I NEVER would have thought of if it weren’t for all of you talented bloggers.

DSC_0974-2

Case in point.

As soon as our friend Ange did her Boob Light Reduction I knew I would be doing it too!
I seem to remember a time when I wanted to be like the girls who were
 more…ahem…enhanced than me, you know?

But now, I’m joining the reduction bandwagon!

We had this one last brassy gal left in our house and it was time for her to be covered up.
And as I am in the midst of changing things up in the playroom, there was no time
like the present to finally get ‘er done.
(Well technically this should have been done when we moved in 4 years ago but I’ve been busy ok?!)

001

When we got our son a Foosball table for his last birthday, I realized that the kiddos playroom was going to start “growing up” a bit…sniff…sniff..
So, I’m attempting to move things around and make this a more dual purpose space.
My little pj wearing, bead-headed helper there in this next photo, is in the half of the room that still needs to house all of her 4 year old stuff.
I’ll show you what I’m working on for the rest of the room in just a bit!
DSC_0982-1
When I saw this drum shade on sale at Lowes, I knew it would be perfect! 
That is a skylight to the left of it in case you are wondering.
LOVE skylights!
Ange goes into more detail about how to actually hang this so I encourage you to go over to her place if you need instructions. It is super easy!

DSC_0965-1

Now, I knew that the shade wouldn’t completely hide the brass. And, I suppose I could have taken the entire fixture down and spray painted the brass parts and then assembled it all again. But that would defeat the whole point of this being a super easy and quick solution, right?
So, I dragged a ladder up the stairs and then sanded the brass a bit before painting it with an oiled bronze colored acrylic paint. It really created an almost seamless transition between the fixture and the shade.

DSC_0959-1

Tons better, don’t you think?
It still has a playful feel but definitely gives this room more panache!

And, here is what we just added to the “big kid” side of the room. 

An adorable new rug from Ikea and this fantastic sleeper chair!
Perfect for out of town guests or for when we enter the “sleepover” stage.

DSC_0987-1

My plans are to take down the Alphabet cards and add crown molding.
Then, as you can see below, I intend to paint this dresser white and have it serve as a TV console. 
I also hope to put up a chair rail and some bead board which I think will really brighten up the room.
Hopefully by the time that is all done the green carpet will have gone buh-bye too!

DSC_0988-1

When will this be completed?
I have NO idea! 
My hubby is currently working full-time and in an MBA program and I’m determined to not ask him to help me on home projects until he has his next break.
So, I will work on as much as I can by myself and hopefully it will be done before my kids are in high school!
I’m thinking those alphabet cards might start getting a bit embarrassing right?
Thanks so much for joining me at the Fence today,

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

This post is partying here:
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
DIY By Design: Winter Blues Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
Ruby Jean: Sew Crafty Tuesday
Ivy and Elephants: What’s It Wednesday
Chatty Chics: Wild Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday’s Unfolded
Too Much Time on my Hands: Get Schooled Saturday

Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest

32 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « When Your Call Feels Too Small
Next Post: Stick a fork in it…the dining room is done! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anna says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    Awesome! What a great idea! I have two boob lights in my kitchen, looks like I’ll be looking for some shades. 🙂

    Anna
    http://www.askannamoseley.com

    Reply
  2. Tales of a Trophy WIfe says

    February 27, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    Great idea! I have never figured out the whole boob light appeal myself.

    Reply
  3. Heather says

    February 27, 2012 at 4:47 PM

    This is a great room for the kids! The new light fixture looks fantastic, although those “boob” lights always make me giggle! Great job!

    Reply
  4. Ange says

    February 27, 2012 at 5:33 PM

    Looks awesome Vanessa! Thanks for the shoutout on the reduction post! Nothing like boobs to bond us girls. 😉 Hopefully you can get some stuff done in there and share the new look in the next year or two! I love that shade!

    Reply
  5. NanaDiana says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:18 PM

    There just aren’t enough hours in the day, are there? I like the upside down shade. It’s fun-I still have a couple of those boob lights, too. (and…they are still popular in this part of the Midwest-as are OAK cabinets!;>) I hope you have a great, productive week- xo Diana

    Reply
  6. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:19 PM

    Great room..!..great light…ya mean you don’t like those boob lights?..hey like everything else, there may be a resurgence of them in the future…naaa…don’t think so..Great job on the light fixture!..love it….

    Reply
  7. Val says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    Sweet, Sweet Vanessa. Boob lights have never looked so good. Great job, my friend.

    Reply
  8. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:52 PM

    Looks great Vanessa! I want to try and do something like this with a ceiling fan light.

    Reply
  9. Melissa says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    Looks great! I need to fix up our “playroom” too! My Hubs is also working and working on his MBA….There is just not enough hours in the day!

    Reply
  10. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:28 PM

    OH, thank you so much for sharing this! I love this idea and will head over and see how Ange did it. We have two boob lights in our house, one in our closet/master bath area that I will probably leave for a while and then one in the basement that drives me insane…we put them in when we moved in because they were a quick and inexpensive solution to our lighting needs…and well, I was kind of tired of making another decision about one more thing…

    You did a great job!

    Reply
  11. Debbie says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:41 PM

    I’m just laughing that you called it a boob light…

    Reply
  12. Kelly says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:32 PM

    That was a very unique idea to use a lampshade that way. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that done before. It looks so cute in their playroom!

    Reply
  13. Stacy Curran says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    Boob lights should be banned. LOVE how you transformed it — genius!
    Stayc

    Reply
  14. Debbiedoo's says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:59 PM

    Bye bye boobie! Gosh I hate boob lights…I actually use the other term, but you know we are a home and garden blog LOL! Looks awesome!

    Reply
  15. Anne Lorys - Fiona and Twig says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:30 AM

    Boob light, you crack me up!!! They DO look like boobs!!!

    Reply
  16. Shelia says

    February 28, 2012 at 1:37 AM

    LOL! Boob lights! That’s exactly what my daughter calls this style! I’d never thought of it before but they do look like boogs. I see Anne said the same thing! I love your drum light and the colors. What a great space for the kiddies to play!
    Thanks for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  17. Honey at 2805 says

    February 28, 2012 at 1:52 AM

    Too funny, boob lights. Willing to make a bet they were designed by a man?

    Reply
  18. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:01 AM

    Cute idea. I have a boob light that needs to be replaced, too.

    Reply
  19. thistlewoodfarm says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:52 AM

    LOL! I don’t really think the alphabet cards will go over well in highschool! Brilliant job on the light!

    Have an awesome day,

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  20. thistlewoodfarm says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:53 AM

    PS I am going to Haven, too!

    Reply
  21. Peggy~PJH Designs says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:06 AM

    OMGosh I’m still l’m still laughing! I’ve never heard those lights called that but now that you mention it…lol Very cute light redo. Haha

    Reply
  22. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    Very cute Vanessa! It seems like the projects are never all wrapped up before there are 50 more on the list! 🙂

    Reply
  23. reFresh reStyle says

    February 28, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    Too funny! Love your boob~light makeover! What a great space for the kids, your makeovers sound great!
    Debbie

    Reply
  24. Karen says

    February 28, 2012 at 4:53 PM

    So funny, we’ve always referred to them as boob lights too. I wasn’t smart enough to transform mine, I always just waiting until I could afford to replace them. I have a few left, guess I’ll go for the reduction (I buy drum shades whenever I see them for cheap). Thanks for the great idea and inspiration!
    Karen @ ItsAllGoodHome.com

    Reply
  25. NanaDiana says

    February 29, 2012 at 2:16 AM

    Heather, I think it turned out beautifully. What a LOT of work you put into that room, girl. You did a great job. You know I love the small things too and that light fixture is marvelous…as is the floor….and the molding….and the wainscoting…should I go on?;>) Have a great week-xo Diana

    Reply
  26. Jen Lossing says

    February 29, 2012 at 3:33 PM

    This is so cute. I had to laugh. I wasn’t quite sure what a boob light was. Then I saw the before, yep that was a boob light. Well now it is just perfect. Great job!

    Reply
  27. Martha says

    February 29, 2012 at 4:03 PM

    I love the light cover. Stripes, color, innovative idea… what else do ya need to make you smile. I sure did.

    Reply
  28. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    March 1, 2012 at 1:56 AM

    Hey Vanessa…you are right above me at No Minimalist so I had to come and visit. I have a few of these dreaded boob lights. I can’t believe I’m actually admitting it! This is a great solution. The first time I heard these referred to as boob lights I cracked up. Such a great description. I’m linking up to your party this week so I’ll see you there!

    Reply
  29. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    March 1, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    Okay, this whole boob light thingy is new to me … but I guess I’m not surprised. You see, I’ve been eyeing a new ceiling fan for my living room. One with a light. But haven’t pulled the trigger on the purchase. Because something just seemed wrong … you know, a bit off.

    And after reading your post I know what it is … the light on that ceiling fan I’ve been eyeing is a boob!

    I’m so glad I didn’t foolishly throw money at a fixture that would taunt me and haunt me day in and day out .. especially now that I’ve been enlightened about the boob light thingy …

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  30. Chatty Chics says

    March 4, 2012 at 8:13 PM

    It’s so cute! Great job! Your poor hubby. I worked full time while getting my MBA too. Not an easy thing! But he’ll be “yours” again before you know it! 🙂
    xoxo!
    Melody

    Reply
  31. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    March 4, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    Vanessa, The new light fixture is so cute and perfect for a playroom. I am glad to see you got rid of the boob light! Hugs, Sherry

    Reply
  32. CAS says

    March 5, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    That is a perfect choice for your playroom and so very clever! In case I haven’t mentioned it before, I am now following via LF, just in case Google does something weird again….lol!
    CAS

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

Must Reads

a tale of two Christmas trees

Recent Posts

  • Why We’ve Chosen Vacations Over Projects April 26, 2022
  • A New Look for the Family Room March 1, 2022
  • Christmas Kitchen and Family Room December 19, 2021
  • Christmas Home Tour Part One December 10, 2021
  • Easy Hot Cocoa Station November 21, 2021

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

What’s the weather like where you are?
“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…HE’S RISEN!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 At The Picket Fence