This weekend we ventured to the beach for a few days.  We met my husband’s family there and it was a wonderful time!

We mostly ate and walked along the boardwalk and beach, but we also did some shopping for keepsakes.

Being the bargain shopper that I am, I purchased these lovely postcards for $1!  Yep, 4 for $1! 

I’ve got plans to matte and frame each postcard…I love cheap art that doesn’t look cheap!

While at a museum along the coast, I spotted a beautiful handpainted tile.  But I’m a cheapie conservative buyer, so I didn’t want to pay $12 for one tile.

Thankfully my husband could tell how much I wanted it..So he snuck back to the museum and bought it for me!

**Aren’t the lovebirds cute?!! And I love that it has coastal colors without looking too beachy.**

Thanks baby!

I love the beach…

It really is that simple.

We only live a couple of hours away from a beach and we try to go as often as possible.

It’s a great day trip.

But sometimes I wish we lived at the beach…like “right outside my door.”

And that’s why I often read this…

just to dream.

And the recent design of their Idea House in Seabrook, WA. has me smiling at the thought of our one day “beach house styled, but not really a beach house’ home!

These were my favorite pictures from the IdeaHouse…

I love the openness of this family room. And so much sunlight!

I love a good pantry!

I love this room for two boys!

I love those bone inlaid mirrors!  and the bamboo detail on the cabinets is pretty fabulous too!

And I’m a sucker for a tufted ottoman!

It’s a great house…and it will definitely be filed in my decor inspiration folder!

A few months ago I posted my mood board for our living room.  But I think I want to go in a slightly different direction.  Ok…I’ve already gone in a slightly different direction.  It’s still inspired by coastal design.  But I’m going for a lighter feel.  What attracts me to coastal design is the comfortable and airy feel.  Here’s my new mood board. 

Source List/ Wishlist:

We already have:

1.Cream TV console

2.Aqua desk- Craigslist find, painted pale aqua

3.Gold framed artwork

4. Gold/Ivory floor lamp- we have a similar lamp!

5. Driftwood Candle holders-purchased at JoAnn’s for $2

6. Grouping of Blue and Green vases- similar color vases purchased at TJMaxx and Marshalls

7. Tan & Cream Rug- similar color rug purchased from Lowe’s for $20!

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We plan to purchase (more like, I hope!):

1. Khaki Twill Sofa and Loveseat- Williams & Sonoma (a girl can wish!)

2. White and Gold quatrefoil wall sconce- CSN stores

3. Fabrics for pillows- Fabrics.com

4. Coral Pillow- Target

I’ll post pics as we transform this room!