October 17, 2011 · 9:44 am

DIY Picture Frame “Love Wall”

****UPDATE****

This is what the current gallery wall looks like now. Read more about that here.

After the wedding, Clayton & I had so many wedding & engagement photos we wanted to frame. My biggest dilemma was I didn’t want to fill my shelves and fireplace mantle with a plethora of random frames! I hate cutter. So I decided a picture frame wall with our top favorite photos would be the way to go. And might I add that we used a lot of the same frames that were used in our wedding (double sentimental!) The frames in the wedding were used as our table numbers. I love that we are incorporating a part of our wedding into our home.

{Here is exactly how I created the gallery frame wall}

I gathered up 17 of my favorite frames. I traced the frames in newspaper and junk mail so I could use these cut outs as a guide for what the frames would look like on the wall.

I tapped the junk mail cut outs on the wall and moved the cut outs around until the spacing of the frames looked good

(Trust me, it’s going to start looking better soon!)

one by one I nailed & hung each frame in the place of the cut outs..

In keeping with Operation Glam Chic I went to Lowe’s and grabbed some high gloss yellow and turquoise spray paint by Valspar

I decided to paint two frames yellow and two turquoise

What a difference these bright colors make!

After that we chose and printed our “love photos” to complete our love wall… So what do you think?

We love the bright pops of color! It is truly amazing what a couple of $4 cans of spray paint can do.

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October 5, 2011 · 9:41 am

Top 5 Creative Uses For Vintage Wood Crates

Wood crates are one of those things you can do just about anything with. They are pretty inexpensive and can be purchased at antique shops and fairs. You can also find them on Etsy.

{Top 5 favorite uses for vintage soda crates}

#1 Shelves

The top right photo is 12 crates that make up one awesome storage shelf ! I will definitely be doing this in my home office or kitchen – both need extra storage space at the moment. This is such a brilliant way to bring functional and pretty storage to any room. The bottom right photo could work in a children’s bedroom or an entryway.

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#2 Herb or flower planter

It’s amazing how old beat up crates can look so pretty when you add gorgeous flowers to them. Having your herbs planted in a crate would be so convenient. Just leave them on the kitchen counter and use them as needed while cooking!

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Love these adorable herb markers – Find similar ones here or make them yourself!

#3 Wedding Decor

I am absolutely obsessed with crates being used in weddings. We used them in our wedding at the cocktail hour. Crates can be used to hold your wedding favors, they can be used as reception table centerpieces, accessories at your dessert bar, or just for added decor.. the possibilities are endless.

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#4 Original use – soda crate!

Perfect for BBQs, kid’s birthdays & parties – weddings too! LOVE the bright colors against the rustic wood crates

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#5 Entertaining

Adding this to your buffet spread is a simple way to add style and a little shabby chic elegance.

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What is your favorite?! Have you done something similar to my top 5 fav uses? We would love to hear how you made use out of an old wood crate.

Oh and BTW, Melissa & Clayton’s wedding was featured on Style Unveiled!! Check out the amazing spread they did and the Q&A here!

Xoxo,

Melissa & Virginia

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October 3, 2011 · 2:16 pm

$50,000 Price Reduction On Our Sunnyvale Listing!

Just reduced today! What are you waiting for? Can’t beat $445,000 for a remodeled 3 bedroom 2 bath house in the heart of Silicon Valley. This is the perfect home for you and your family. Close to schools, parks & major freeways. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity. Click here for all property details. Located in Lakewood Village – 1230 Manzano Way Sunnyvale, CA 94089

Call, email or text us with any questions or if you would like to tour the inside of the home. remaxadler@gmail.com – We look forward to hearing from you. MLS # 81122861

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September 30, 2011 · 11:53 am

Paint Stick Sunburst Mirror DIY

For the longest time I have wanted a huge sunburst mirror to hang over our fireplace mantel. But with all of our money going toward our skyrocketing wedding budget last year, I knew  there was no chance of me purchasing one of these stunning mirrors.

What can I say.. I went a little overboard with the wedding.

A couple of months ago I came across this amazing and super EASY DIY over on Centsational Girl. So finally last Friday night I went to Home Depot and Michaels to pick up all my materials.

{My Shopping List}

Home Depot

  • 16 1- gallon paint sticks –  FREE
  • 16 5- gallon paint sticks – FREE

The guy at the paint counter literally thought I was insane wanting that many paint sticks! I told him it was for a do-it-yourself mirror I was making.. and he thought I was even more crazy.

Michaels

Picture frame 3 pk kit – 3.99

  • 7″ embroidery hoop – 2.49
  • 7″ round mirror – 2.99
  •  Metallic Sahara Gold craft paint by Folk Art – 1.99
  • Metallic Pure Gold craft paint by Folk Art  – 1.99
  • 3 piece paint brush kit – 3.99
  • 11″ square piece of wood – free

Total cost = $18.00

****Update****

I finally got around to sawing the super long paint sticks down, making it much cuter! Here is what the sunburst mirror looks like now:

Read more how I updated the living room here & here

I followed Centsational Girl’s tutorial here. I have to say I am pretty happy with my sunburst mirror and very impressed with myself! I thought I did pretty good for my first DIY home project. It makes such a statement in our living room. Plus how can you beat $18?! It’s a lot less than what you would spend on a store bought Sunburst.

Below is our living room before we updated it eekks!

I love the metallic colors!

So there you have it. What do you think? You can really do any colors you like, to match with your home. Hope you try this too!

Some upcoming projects I am working on include painting and re-covering our dining room chairs & a picture frame gallery wall. Here’s a little sneak peak of what I have been slaving over this week.. sanding and painting. Stay tuned!

Happy Friday & enjoy your weekend

Xoxo,

Melissa & Virginia

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September 23, 2011 · 10:32 am

Chippendale lovin’

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As you know, I plan to glam up my living room using yellow, aqua and gold. So when I came across these Chinese Chippendale chairs I knew they would work perfectly in our new living room. Unfortunately they are ridiculously expensive!  So it looks like I will have to find them on eBay or Craigslist for a steal. I refuse to pay full price I’m sorry!

Oh how I drool over these Jonathan Adler Chinese Chippendale’s!!! Here’s a good version of them on Ballard Designs.

If I purchase them second hand, I will definitely be painting them and re-covering.

Hmmm.. would you paint them yellow or aqua? Either would be perfect in the living room space.

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Such a hard decision! I love both colors so much.. Kind of leaning more on yellow though. Thoughts??

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Can’t wait to find me a pair of these gorgies!

 Here are a couple of photos of our overkill neutral living room

and…

Can’t wait for it to look something like this!

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Today I order the couch and the transformation begins.  Stay tuned for the final look!!

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September 21, 2011 · 11:41 am

Gorgeous Bay Area Home For Sale! Priced To Sell!

Are you looking to live right in the heart of Silicon Valley? Are you looking for a good deal on a house? Well my friend, you are in luck today. This single family Sunnyvale home is perfect for the first time buyer or family. Situated on a quite street this home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, extra-large family room addition, 2 car garage and so much more.

Located only 1 block from Mission College makes it ideal for young adults looking for an affordable place to live. Walk to AMC Mercado Movie Theaters, or grab a bite to eat at one of Mercado’s fine restaurants. You are only a couple of blocks from Great America! Just around the corner you will find tennis courts, swimming trails and gorgeous Fairwood park

Minutes from Hwy 101, 237 & central expressway makes this location unbeatable.

..and priced at $445,000? Talk about more bang for your buck!

{Full Details}

  • 3 bedrooms
  • 2 completely remodeled bathrooms
  • Master bath offers new stand up stall shower with glass enclosure + separate new jetted bathtub and double sinks.
  • Remodeled kitchen features granite counter tops, kitchen island for extra storage and newer appliances
  • 2 car attached garage w/opener
  • 1,388 SF living space
  • Large family room addition w/permits
  • 7,100 sf lot size
  • New Interior and exterior doors
  • Dual pane windows throughout home
  • Large landscaped backyard with storage shed. Patio area perfect for BBQs
  • Automatic sprinklers in front and backyards
  • Wood burning fireplace in living room
  • X-Large driveway – Could be used to park RV or boat
  • Property Address – 1230 Manzano Way Sunnyvale, CA 94089

{ Elementary School} { Columbia Middle School} { Fremont High School}

Asking Price $445,000 (Just Reduced $50k!)

So what are you waiting for? For more details (408) 529-4299 OR remaxadler@gmail.com

This home will not last! Call us today to set up an appointment to view the inside.

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September 20, 2011 · 10:17 am

Couch Crush And Dilemma – Help!

I seemed to have found the perfect sofa to go perfectly with  Operation Glam Chic. The only problem is that I want it to be fancied up a bit… (yes I know that is not a word)

Meet The Chloe.. my current couch crush (thanks to BFF Lizzie)

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So there you have it. The Chloe in ivory with a build in tufted backing, sloped arms and exposed wood legs. Chic beyond words… As much as I would love to be done scouring the internet in search of my perfect sofa, I just don’t know if I’m there yet.

Things I am not trilled about:

1) I prefer the look of two seat cushions, rather than three. Two cushions gives the sofa more of an updated modern look:

{Zgallerie}

2) Chloe measures out to a tiny 76 inches wide.. considering our current couch is 98″ wide, I don’t know if the husband would go for it.

3) The tufted backing is gorgeous but its built in the back, not really providing much of a cushion plush feel which is kind of a big deal since, hello I want it to be comfy!

4) the fabric is a velvet/suede. I don’t really know how I really feel about that. But I guess I would live.

Finally 5) There is no gorgeous bronze nail head trim!

On the other hand it IS ONLY $899 at Macy’s

What would you do? For a little bit more I can have a custom couch made through Home Plate Furnishings (Again recommended by the amazing BFF

Loving the wood trim all across the bottom of this William Sonoma Sofa

I love the bronze nail head trim of this one below

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Upclose of the nail head

If I did decide to get the sofa custom, I could have tufted cushions made for the sofa like these shown below

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I definitely like the built in cushion look a lot better. Definitely gives a chic look. My only concern is comfort.

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What do you think? Would you sacrifice comfort for looks? Have you owned a tufted couch like the one above? If so, was is comfortable? Would you recommend? Normally I always choose aesthetics over practicality,  but in this situation i don’t know. I really don’t want to be stuck with an uncomfortable couch! Please tell me your thoughts and opinions! I would love some help on my couch dilemma!

 

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September 15, 2011 · 6:08 pm

Operation Glam Chic

Aqua, gold, yellow oh my! For the past couple of weeks I have been completely infatuated with this color combo. Gold has always been an all time favorite for me. Aqua looks phenomenal with gold so it’s the perfect marriage. Add yellow to that  mix – you have perfection. I seriously can’t get enough.

I mean look at this gorgeousness!!!

Paint is one of the most inexpensive and easy ways to pretty up a room. I soon plan to start our living room re-vamp. I just need to find the time to go out hunting for the accessories and oh ya, a new couch! We have a lot to do. I want the room to feel romantic and feminine .. with some glamor of course. For the couch I’m thinking ivory linen fabric, tufted backing or bronze nail head trim. Something along these lines:

I’m pretty sure we will end up getting the couch custom made. I can’t find exactly what I want, for the price we want anywhere.

Okay enough with the couches and back to operation glam chic! I created this inspiration board to give me some direction. I’m extremely visual when it comes to styling things together, so this was very helpful.

What do you think? Yes I know, I like lots of color. Sorry I should have warned you! Are you planning on fixing up a room in your house? What is your favorite color combination?

I have to say I don’t recommend using bright colors like these if you are planning to sell your house anytime soon. Stick to neutrals. For more tips on selling your house click here. Looking to buy? Here’s a Buyer’s Checklist.

Happy Friday!

Melissa & Virginia

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September 15, 2011 · 11:34 am

Save $1,000 on Your Closing Costs! Don’t miss this Opportunity!

In celebration of 26 years of serving your real estate needs .. We have decided to give back to the community in a major way! Earn a $1,000 toward your closing costs EVERY time you refer someone to us. Your referral will also receive a $1,000.

{DETAILS}

Refer friend, family member or co-worker and upon the successful closing of the sale, they will receive a credit for $1,000. You will also receive a $1,000 voucher toward the next transaction we represent you on.  There is no limit to how many people you can refer and receive credits for. (It could really add up!) You may also give the referred party your $1,000 credit. If you find you have no use for the certificate, give it to someone who can use it and help their family save!

What are closing costs? Essentially they are all costs associated with completing a real estate transaction. These costs are paid by the buyer and the seller. Examples of these costs: property inspections, home warranties, appraisal fee, pre-paid property insurance, lender points, title and escrow fees and  recording fee.

So… do you know of anyone in need of real estate services? Why not send em our way? Save money yourself and help a friend or family member out at the same time! Read client testimonials here.

Not sure how to get approved for a home loan? Here you go.

We leave you with this brand new listing. Price just reduced to $379,999!

This Cambrian newer construction home has 3 bedroom 2.5 baths. It is a bright detached home on a quiet street. Large kitchen/dining room, all new appliances, w/lots of storage space. 1,533 square feet,vaulted ceilings, new central A/C and fireplace. Full details & more photos here. Would you like to set up a time to see this home? 408.921.3601.

Have a great day!

Virginia & Melissa

DRE License #’s 00888876 & 01893879

Contact us 408-921-3601  RemaxAdler@gmail.com

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September 9, 2011 · 3:55 pm

Lauren Conrad’s Hollywood Home Up For Sale! Would You Pay $2.25 Mill For This Stunning Spanish Villa?

Reality star Lauren Conrad of the hit TV show The Hills has put her Hollywood Hills home on the market for $2,250,000. Lauren’s home is a gated 1920’s Spanish-style estate with a traditional courtyard entry and orange stucco walls. The sprawling 3,000 square foot home boasts 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms with  an additional detached guesthouse complete with it’s own bathroom. Not to mention the stunning backyard featuring a rectangle in ground pool and outdoor firepit, perfect for summer pool parties and bbqs.

She purchased the home in 2008 for $2.36 million. Obviously at the peak of the real estate bubble. The home was completely remodeled to her standards. Which I must say I LOVE what she did with the Spanish beauty. What do you think? What’s your opinion on the list price? Would you throw down $2.25 mill for this place?

Other upgrades include refinished hardwood floors throughout and a custom kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, and original moldings and traditional Spanish floor tiles. Yum! There is something so charming yet sophisticated about a really nicely done Spanish style home.

Click for full property details and specifics here.

Seeing as the house has only been on the market 6 days, I’ll keep you updated as information develops. I wonder who will move in!

Are you looking to buy a property in the bay area? Give us a call 408-921-3601. RemaxAdler@gmail.com We have plenty of homes for sale and are always looking for buyers.

Happy Friday and enjoy your fabulous weekend everyone!

Melissa & Virginia

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