Woodbank Lane

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

PROGRESS IN THE GUESTROOM: A FEW UPDATES

After too much time has passed to say out loud, the guest room is finally coming together. I've been making decisions, ordering online, and picking up things here and there for the room for almost two years. Working full-time and decorating a home don't always go hand-in-hand. However, our latest addition, our first grandchild, spurred me along and lit a fire under my decorating feet because one little corner of the room is devoted to her. We are affectionately calling it Kate's Corner (until the next one comes along, anyway).

Here are eight updates in no particular order.

1. PAINT! The room went from Shaker Beige to Swiss Coffee. Both colors are Benjamin Moore. Paint, in case you didn't know, is a miracle worker!

2. STORAGE. Sometime after Christmas, we found this small table at Home Goods. It's the perfect size for a few basics for Kate, and I had gift cards-always a plus!

3. NIGHT STANDS. Last summer I ordered two small chest from Wayfair to use as night stands. They are actually children's dressers, so the size is perfect if you like a bigger night stand.

4. PILLOW COVERS. I'm not sure when I decided to use red, white, and blue, but I'm loving it. I found these on Amazon. I was able to use inserts from other pillows I had.

5. CURTAINS. I absolutely love these navy velvet panels from Amazon. Can't wait to get them up! Two panels for less than 50$.

6. BASKET. Picked this basket up for blankets or toys for the grandbaby side of the room.

7. ROCKING CHAIR. It took me FOREVER to bite the bullet on this smallish rocking chair. But luckily, it is the perfect size for this space.

8. BENCH. Well over a year ago, I came across the perfect bench for the end of the bed while thrifting. It's headed to be reupholstered this week! I'll be using some fabric I've been holding on to forever that fits nicely into the color scheme.

Links to a few of the products:

(affiliate links)

LEOPARD PILLOW COVER // RED FLORAL PILLOW COVER

CURTAINS // ROCKING CHAIR // SIMILIAR TULIPS

CHESTS USED AS NIGHTSTANDS

(Looks like the white is sold out, but they have many other options.)

Still so much to do, but we're getting there!

Tuesday, May 02, 2023

NEW COOKWARE REVIEW

There's nothing like having two children getting married roughly three months apart to remind you how old all of your kitchen materials are.

In the summer of 2021, both my oldest son and my daughter were married. It was hectic and wonderful all at the same time! It was a beautiful few months of parties, showers, teas, and lots of family time. I would do it all again if I had the opportunity. However, as their wedding gifts started coming in, I started making some comparisons (which is always a bad idea!) between all the shiny new kitchen gadgets they were receiving, and all the old, worn out, even some hand-me-downs I was using. So, after the money stopped dashing out the door for the weddings, I decided it was time to replace a few things in my kitchen.

One thing I ordered and have loved is this new set of cookware.

Rachel Ray 13-pc Non-stick Cookware

I did a good bit of reading and researching before I made my decision. I do cook, but I don't cook all the time. So, I was trying to find something that was a good value that would also last me a while without breaking the bank. This set had great reviews, and I also liked the color. (I mean that's important, too, right?)

It may be reading a bit green in this picture, but it's the perfect light gray with some blue undertones. Another great thing about this set is all the lids it comes with. That has been a problem for me in the past: not enough lids to go around when I'm using multiple pots or skillets. I have been really pleased so far. I've had my set for almost a year now, and it still looks brand new. It cooks evenly and everything washes up well. So far, not a single complaint.

If you could also use an upgrade in the cookware department, I think this set is a great option. Let me know below in the comment section if you have any questions.

Happy cooking!