The Living Room Reveal and My New Job as a Stripper?

I had a great 30th Birthday thanks to my family, friends and a WHOLE lot of shopping. I'm not typically excited to shlep through a million retail stores in search of the perfect throw pillow, but after deciding I wanted to give my living room a much needed make-over, I quickly got into the spirit.

With my mother's generous birthday budget in-hand she, Nolan, and I ran through Home Goods, Target, Lowes, and Bed, Bath, & Beyond like we were on Supermarket Sweep. I was taking pictures of rugs, comparing prices online, and vacillating between paint colors. I clearly watch WAY too much HGTV.

After a day of birthday shopping, The Olive Garden (YUM), and ice cream cake I was ready for this transformation to begin. The next day I was quite surprised that I got most of the painting done before the hubby got home from work--even with an 11 month old daring to fall head first into the paint tray.

Bryson is shocked that it took so long to get bread sticks

I have to admit, picking paint colors is not my strong suit. I actually had to return the color I originally bought when I realized it was the exact same one we painted our family room last year.What can I say I like, what I like.

Side Note:  While on line at Lowes to pick up the paint, I pulled out a wad of cash, including an excessive amount of singles (which the previous store had given to me when I returned a rug). A very sweet older man, who was makes googly faces at Nolan, saw the money and said "All that cash, I would think you were a dancer." My response, "I wish". I know, I know, terrible right? After just turning 30 and having a baby nearly a year ago, I guess I was flattered that this guy thought I was a stripper. Don't judge.

Anyway... Here is what I came up with:

Shark Blue Paint From Lowes

5x 7 Rug From Lowes

2 Lamps from Ollie's

Curtains From Target

Accent Pillows From Home Goods

 This is what our living room used to look like:

Before- drab and dreary

Before- oddly placed fish tank

And here it is now!!!!!

The window treatments are my fav.

The loveseat and sofa got slipcovers

No more giant Aztec lamps

The fish tank is now properly displayed

Isn't she pretty?

I flippin LOVE it! It's so bright, yet cozy. Even my hubby was impressed (and he can be a picky bastard...I mean that in the most loving way). Tyler wants to spend time in there now, but both boys have been warned, if they even think about eating or drinking in mommy's grown-up living room they will be restricted to maintain a 10 ft radius.

Well, Nolan just fell asleep. I think that's my cue to break in my new room with a mid-morning nap.
Sure beats cleaning up pee. 

How do you think I did?

Relaxing in Boyland,