February 15, 2012 · 10:44 am

V-day Highlights

Yesterday was amazing! Clay & I had such a good time making dinner together and relaxing.. it was so romantic.

He had these beauties delivered to the house along with chocolates.. he is the best!

We made short ribs + veggies (slow cooked for 8 hours), shallot mashed potatoes, asparagus, crescent rolls (my fav) and pink champagne! For dessert: homemade carmel heath bar crunch gelato + red velvet cupcakes.

Quite possibly the best short ribs we have ever had!

Our cute place settings 🙂

❤ Cutest husband ❤

We ended the night relaxing by a fire, drinking wine & watching The Bachelor – Best night ever!! And yes my man likes The Bachelor. Lucky me!

What did you do for Valentine’s Day? Did you go out to dinner or keep it low key like us?

Xo, Melissa

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February 13, 2012 · 12:55 pm

DIY: A True Love Story Never Ends Print {PERFECT Valentine’s Gift}

 Since doing the Love Wall in our living room I kept feeling like there was something missing.

I had seen this on Pinterest awhile ago & loved it

So I started browsing Etsy for this print. I found one I wanted for $60 + $20 shipping eekks

then I thought why don’t I just make my own print?! I did a goggle image search for “fuchsia” (since that’s the color I wanted the background to be) then I busted out Picnik, decided on a font I liked – I chose FF Oxide Stencil font

And there you have it! I spray painted the antique love story frame that was used in our wedding + the large frame in the middle. I used Glossy White Rust-oleum spray paint. I was so over the dark color wood. What do you think? Better right?

This would make THE cutest Valentine’s Day gift, not to mention it’s quick & easy and costs practically no money to make!

 I really think the white brightens up the wall + I’m loving the fuchsia love print!

To remind you, here’s what the wall looked like Pre – Benjamin Moore Bird’s Egg paint:

Do you have any cute Valentine’s gift ideas? Do share!

Hope you all have a Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Xo, Melissa & Virginia

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February 10, 2012 · 11:52 am

Pinterest Favorites {Wall colors + design}

I’m going to warn you, I have been really into hot pink lately. Like REALLY into it. I am now counting the days until we can buy our own house (which should be happening in about a year). The main thing that blows about renting = you have to run everything by your landlord. Our landlord is amazing, but I really doubt he would let me paint his hardwood floors white or paint/wallpaper every room in this house! Anyway bottom line, I can’t wait to own again! Until then, I will just dream.

{Here are some of my all time favorite paint colors/wall coverings/ideas}

Ok although this space is overall very industrial, I love the fact that they brought their own style to it! Perfect mix of rustic, glam, urban, industrial. One of my favorite things in decorating is to mix styles. It brings something unexpected & unique to the table.

Imperial Trellis stenciled ceiling – One word. GORG. Quite possibly the cutest ceiling in the world.

I would love to do something like this in the nursery or bathroom.

Next up is this vintage glamorous bathroom – Loving the pink walls with white accents. Don’t be afraid to go bold with your paint. With the right accessorizing, it could look amazing beyond words.

Bold pink walls & neutrals. The mirrored bed – to die for.

Wallpapered pink kitchen & ghost chairs. Again super unexpected, yet amazing if done right.

Gorgeous chic trellis stencil.. I have been dying to try this on something. I have been thinking about buying a second hand bookcase for my storage challenged home office. As soon as that happens, I’ll be all over this.

Gross cloth walls, stunning chandelier + white deer head hmmm.. you can’t really go wrong with these items!

Color coordinated bookshelf = A-mazzzz. It’s like where do you get all those pink books though??!

Love this funky geometric wallpaper + the hot pink tissue box doesn’t hurt either. A bright pop of color, is sometimes all you need to give a room that wow factor.

What do you think? Do you have any fun & unique plans for your walls?? Feel free to follow me on Pinterest for more ideas.

Happy Friday!! Xo, Melissa

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February 8, 2012 · 11:41 am

EASY DIY – spray painted media cabinet + trellis design

Since everything else in the living room has been updated, our good ol’ Ikea media cabinet  was really starting to bug me. It was in need of some serious style infusing.

Soooo for fun, I started googling “trellis design/pattern” and came up with this

I decided to print it out and glue the paper together, making it large enough to fit in my 11×18 inch windows of the media cabinet.

It looked a-ma-zing, so I got all excited and informed my husband that I would be painting & covering the windows to the media cabinet. He always thinks I am nuts, but agreed and requested I paint it an antique white color rather than pure white.

I really didn’t feel like getting out my paint brushes, sander & primer and doing the whole messy ordeal, so I grabbed a couple of cans of Heirloom White Rust-oleum spray paint from Home Depot. (I ended up needing 4 cans) + some spray adhesive to apply the trellis paper to the windows.

Tapped off and hardware removed.. First coat!

Almost done…. Oh and I bought two aqua knobs from Anthropology to replace the old brassy gold ones + it matches the aqua wall.

So here is the living room before..

Before again..

After!!

Yayyy now people don’t have to see my extensive collection of workout dvds!!

I sprayed a light coat of spray adhesive directly on the paper before sticking it to the windows – worked very well!

What do you think?? Just for the record, I definitely don’t recommend skipping the sanding and priming steps even if you are going to spray paint. I am just lazy.

{Some other options/ideas}

A stencil would be amazing on any piece of furniture you are re-painting like this one – Cutting Edge Stencils have a good variety

{source unknown}

O’verlays would be amazing too

{via pinterest}

Xo, Melissa

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February 7, 2012 · 5:25 pm

785 Lakehaven Drive Sunnyvale 94089 – $439,950 Great value!!

Just listed!! 785 Lakehaven Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089

This is a great property for first time home buyers or young family. The home is located in walking distance to Lakewood Elementary School, Lakewood Park, swimming, tennis, dog park, walking trails & more!

{Property Features}

  • 3 bedrooms
  • 2 full bathrooms
  • 1,108 Square feet of living space
  • 5,720 Lot size
  • Cherry wood laminate flooring throughout + carpeting in bedrooms

  • Enclosed front yard makes for a private setting

  • Kitchen overlooks backyard patio area
  • New stove & refrigerator stay!

  • Kitchen/dining area offer skylights for added natural light

  • Backyard features patio area, newer fencing + large storage shed

  • Wood burning brick fireplace in living room

  • Master suite offers, dual closets, attached bathroom & sliding glass door to backyard patio
  • Ample storage in hallway

  • Master bath has pretty blue tile counter tops & stall shower

  • Hall bath offers bathtub/shower combo &  laminate flooring

Listed for $439,950

{Schools}

K-5 Lakewood Elementary

6-8 Columbia Middle

9-12 Fremont High

View MLS listing here

For property disclosures & reports please contact Melissa – RemaxAdler@gmail.com

Are you looking to buy or sell? Give us a call 408-921-3601

Client Testimonials – click here

Still wondering why you should choose us to represent you? Click here

Mother-daughter Virginia & Melissa have been proudly

serving the community for two generations!

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February 1, 2012 · 12:13 pm

$4 Wine cabinet easy update

You all know how I love me some spray paint. This is probably the easiest & cheapest DIY project of all time. This should inspire you to break out your own can of spray paint and do a little re-vamping on your outdated furniture. I actually sprayed my little wine cabinet a couple of months ago.. I was holding off on this post, in hopes of  finding some super adorable new knobs to really transform the piece, but i couldn’t find anything small enough. Oh well it’s still cute!

This wine cabinet is from Pier 1 and was purchased approx. 5 years ago! I remember it being something like $200 ?! I would never pay that now. Jesus Pier One  is so overpriced (compared to what you can find out there nowadays)

I was SO sick of the barf green color – OMG

After two thin coats of Rust-oleum Satin Lagoon, we have a whole new look. I was too lazy to sand or prime, but I think it came out perfect.

I think Rust-oleum satin finish spray paints give just the right amount of shine.

I love that the shabby chic cabinet goes so perfectly with the wine cabinet

To see how I easily created the below shabby chic burlap & paper lined cabinet  – click here

I’m really loving the nice burst of color it brings to the dining room

What do you think?

XO, Melissa & Virginia

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January 31, 2012 · 11:10 am

Photograph Wall Collage

When I created the gallery frame wall in our living room {shown below} it was exactly what I had in mind to showcase our wedding/engagement photos.

{Gallery wall tutorial click here}

We adore our “love wall” BUT I still have so many photos!!

I was browsing Pinterest & came across this really cute idea of doing a collage wall full of pictures – I know that may sound really tacky but if done right, it looks amazing!

{via Pinterest}

My favorite is the one below. I really like the look of having the entire wall covered from top to bottom. It’s almost like personalized wallpaper.

Heart shaped collage – does it get any cuter!?

{via Pinterest}

Now the question is where do I create this photo collage in our house?!

 Artistic photos, vintage, black & white photos etc can create whatever look you are going for.

{via MadeByGirl}

{via Pinterest}

{via Pinterest}

Using a large frame like the one below is gorgeous to!

So far here are my wall options:

I’m leaning toward this skinny wall that is the threshold between the dining room and living room. I would make the collage go above the doorway & down the left side, filling the entire wall.

What do you think? It could look really bad, but I think it’s worth a shot!

Or we could do it on this wall near my closet. This wall is a lot wider and will fit more photos.

{The gorgeous chandelier painting was made by the talented Katie Arambula – click here to see more of her awesome work}

Or option #3 –  this door that covers the furnace, in our hallway.

Not the cutest door, but a photo collage could definitely bring some pretty to this dingy closet.

Plus I would replace the knob with a jeweled one – I don’t know, could be cute. What’s your favorite spot for the photo collage? Leave me a comment with your vote. I can’t decide!

We hope you are all having a fantastic week so far!

**UPDATE**

I decided on the dingy door. See more photos here

Xo, Melissa & Virginia

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January 27, 2012 · 2:55 pm

January 2012 Real Estate Market Statistics

We begin the New Year with lots of homes hitting the market – The Real Estate market is beginning to stabilize. If you are looking to move-up, downsize, purchase an investment or purchase your first home call us today! 408-921-3601 RemaxAdler@gmail.com

Click below to view Real Estate statistics in Santa Clara County – To look up a specific property copy & paste it’s MLS number here

FOR SALE NOW

PENDING SALES

SOLD & CLOSED ESCROW

We have been busy busy busy!

{Here is what we have been up to this past month}

{Homes Sold}

  • 1553 Tobias Drive San Jose  – 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1158 SF completely remodeled- Complete details here

Listed for $539,950 Sold for $525,000

  • 1230 Manzano Way Sunnyvale – 3 bedrooms, 2bathrooms, 1,388 SF – remodeled kitchen & bathrooms + family room addition {Short Sale} – Complete details here

Listed $445,000 Sold for $455,000

{Pending Sales}

  • 1194 Driftwood Court Sunnyvale – 3 bedrooms, 2bathrooms 1,108 SF Remodeled kitchen & newly landscaped backyard – Complete details here

Listed for $459,950


  •  1127 Palamos Avenue Sunnyvale – 5 bedrooms 3 bathrooms – remodeled kitchen & bathrooms w/master suite addition – Full details/photos here

Listed for $495,000

{Currently for sale}

  • 383 Greenlake Drive Sunnyvale – 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,108 SF. Wood floors throughout & remodeled kitchen

Listed for $459,950 Click here for more photos & complete details

{Coming soon}

785 Lakehaven Drive Sunnyvale – 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,108 SF – Updated kitchen & baths, wood flooring throughout. Very private setting w/enclosed front yard

Photos coming soon!

For more information on any of these homes call or email us RemaxAdler@gmail.com 408-921-3601

Happy Friday & enjoy your weekend!

Xo, Virginia & Melissa

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January 25, 2012 · 11:20 am

How to decorate the fireplace mantel

I find that the fireplace mantel is one of the most annoying things to decorate! What do you put up there without making it seem cluttered?? First you have to decide what style you like. Do you like symmetry and balance with matching accessories? Or do you have more of an eclectic eye (like me)..  The mantel below has two tall vases on either side + two matching floral arrangements, creating that cohesive look & bringing symmetry to the space. The sunburst mirror above the mantel emphasizes the focal point that is the fireplace.

{via LonnyMag}

You could also use a color throughout the design of the space. Like black & gold shown below. Even though the accessories don’t match perfectly, the mantel still looks pulled together because you are sticking to one or two colors.

{via pinterest}

Again this mantel looks pulled together because of the color theme  – browns, gold and cream. Using colors to create a cohesive look is my favorite, since I don’t like accessories to be matching and perfect looking.

Some modern fireplaces don’t have mantels

{via LonnyMag}

You can still add interest with framed art & antlers/faux deer head – here’s a deer head I found at Zgallerie – Pretty cute!

This photo collage above the fireplace mantel is so awesome!! Seriously cutest idea. I have my own little DIY project coming up that involves a photo collage. I’ll keep you posted!

{via pinterest}

What fireplace mantel decor ideas do you like? My fireplace mantel is in need of some TLC, so I’m open to any ideas/suggestions you have!

{via LonnyMag}

You could always go super simple with a bold sunburst mirror

I think that if you do decide to go minimal on the decor, you should have a color on the wall or wallpaper/stencil. That way your mantel doesn’t look unfinished or plain

{Source unknown}

Cute shabby chic vintage feel

{via pinterest}

Hope this helps give you some direction in your mantel decorating adventures! 🙂

Xoxo, Melissa & Virginia

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January 17, 2012 · 12:42 pm

My weekend + Our living room before & after pics!!

I had such an amazing weekend! I spent Saturday with a couple of friends up in Sonoma. One of my bffs Allison & wedding vendor friends Erin & Yasmin were putting on a wedding event/fair called the Lab Event at Cline Cellars Winery – which just so happened to be right across the street from where we got married! This event was unlike any wedding fair I’d ever been to. It was honestly more like a party than anything else. Great food. great wine. dancing. fashion show + all the pretty wedding details made by local wedding vendors. The girls did an incredible job! Honestly it kind of made me want to re-plan my wedding. Well……… not really. Ha!

Click here to see more of the incredible Lab Event

{via Pinterest}

Now on to our living room update  – as promised I took some much better pictures of our living room!!

Well let me first remind you what the living room used to look like

{BEFORE}
Notice the horrific ceiling fan in the mirror.

{AFTER}

Ta-dah!! The sofa is from Zgallerie – Oscar Sofa, vintage chandelier is from the Alameda Point Antique Faire – $70

Bronze nailhead trim & turned legs

If you are considering the Oscar Sofa for your home, I definitely recommend it. It’s timeless, chic and oh so glamorous! The soft cushy pillows make it ridiculously comfortable. This is the perfect couch if you are looking for pretty & practical (well besides the white fabric.)

We painted the aqua accent wall with Benjamin Moore’s Bird’s Egg. For the sunburst mirror DIY click here + my picture frame gallery wall DIY here.

Modern Linen beige tufted lounge chairs are from Overstock – Super comfortable, in case you were wondering!

Waterfall glass coffee table by Viva Modern is from Ebay

Lattice grey rug is from Pottery Barn Teen. Who would have thought?!

I spray painted this metal table from Pier One with Rust-oleum Metallic Gold Spray Paint

This is what it looked like before

This gorgeous shabby chic Pottery Barn inspired mantel was made by my bff Lizzie & her incredibly talented husband

I purchased this mirrored silver side table from TJ Maxx 4 years ago! It’s crazy how a gorgeous sofa can make everything in the living room suddenly look 100 times better.

I spray painted the vintage milk bottle my mom gave me (she was about to throw them out!) The wood flowers are from my wedding bouquet

So now I’m thinking about getting a mirrored chest of drawers for the corner by the gallery wall. It’s so bare over there.. plus it would be nice to have some extra storage (opps, sorry for the crooked pic!)

I’m thinking something like this

{Via Pinterest}

Thoughts? I could always go the less expensive route – Find something on Craigslist, paint & update the hardware. I just can’t stop thinking about the mirrored chest of drawers! So damn gorg. We’ll see.

Xo, Melissa

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