Luxury Laundry Room

Some people think that decorating a laundry room is a waste of time and money, especially if it is in the basement, or some unseen corner of their house.  I, on the other hand, have to disagree.  I think that the laundry room should be considered as any other room in your house...and should be fixed up when possible!  Of course, its not going to be the first room on your list to decorate, but I don't think it should be completely ignored.  Check out this amazing laundry room...

Gorgeous, no?  Love the wallpaper and the beautiful sink faucet!  Plus, the tinted glass cabinets offer the perfect storage space, without exposing everything to the world.  I love their use of tin containers to hold towels, and other important laundry needs.  So perfect :)

Image via Elle Decor

Frito Lay Taste of Home Giveaway Reminder!

Don't forget to enter my Frito Lay Taste of Home giveaway...it ends tonight at midnight!

Winner will be announced tomorrow morning!!

Good luck everyone :)

Breath-taking View

I mean seriously...is that view real? 

Obviously I know it is, but it is breathtaking.  If that was my bathroom, I would stake out that tub and never leave.  Heck...I'd sit in there without water and get my work done.

Maybe thats a bit of an exaggeration...but still.  How gorgeous!

Image via HGTV

Candice Olsen-Kitchen Extraordinare!

If you've been following my blog for any length of time, then you probably know that I just love Candice Olsen.  She is undoubtedly my favorite TV designer...and probably one of my favorites overall.  I just love her sense of style, and her mix of glam with totally usable space.  

And her kitchens just make me drool.  I was going through some saved emails today, and one with a whole collection of her kitchens caught my eye.  And of course, so did these stunning kitchens.

Great use of space in an oddly shaped kitchen.  And I LOVE the double farmhouse sink.

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Aren't those table settings fabulous?  I've been needing to get some square place settings.  Good think I have a Crate and Barrel gift certificate burning a hole sitting in my wallet.

I like the setup of this space.  Its obviously not huge, yet I like how it is divided into a separate eating space.  Sometimes, I think that an actual dining table is on its way out these days, which is sad.  Islands are becoming widely popular, and while they are great...it is not great to replace those family meals around a table.

Open concept beauty.  I really do love the theory of an open concept design, but I don't know if I could handle it forever.  Hmm...

I love the cute little decorations that make this kitchen so homey.  Like that cute silverware holder.  And I love the detailed island leg.

I love white.  And I really love how it opens straight into the dining room.  

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This beauty is pretty darn close to my dream kitchen.  Except mine would have a farmhouse sink.

Again, pretty close to perfection.  The only thing I would change is the floors.  Other tan that, I LOVE! Check out that range stove :)

I remember this episode, and I believe it is this one where I really was drooling over the place settings.  But they never show a good, up-close view of them.

Now that is a great island.  People can eat on 2 sides-so it almost imitates eating around an actual table!

Another open concept.  In white.  With a dark island.  Tres beautiful.

Tell me...what is one thing you want in your dream kitchen?

All images via HGTV

Back to the Daily Grind

Howdy friends! I've been a bit absent around here lately...but I have a good explanation as to why.  I started back at school again this week!  Like many people, this was my first week of school, but unlike many people...it was my first week in graduate school! Yikes! Its been four days, and let me tell you, I am already completely overwhelmed.  I had to drop a class yesterday because I could tell that it was going to be more than I could handle.  Basically all of my classes are online, and are focused on independent learning.  I am not used to this, so it is going to be a big adjustment.

And since I will be spending so much time at home sitting at my desk behind my computer or with my nose buried in a book, of course I started looking at images of beautiful office spaces (yet again...I know!). I came across one of the most perfect offices I think I have ever seen:

Seriously...HELLO BEAUTIFUL! I love the huge desk, and all of the storage this space offers! I would be able to have a storage spot for all my books, notebooks, folders, pens, papers, highlighters, etc. and would still be surrounded by beauty! I would die for an office space like this.

For now, I am left studying in my bedroom.  But I actually love my bedroom, and I do have a great study area set up.  I think pictures should be coming soon :)

Good luck to anyone else starting school this week!  For anyone who has suffered through online classes...any tips or words of advice?  They would be greatly appreciated!

Image via DecorPad

EdenFantasys Review

So...you all know of EdenFantasys right now, correct?  If not, you really really are missing out.  For those of you who don't know, EdenFantasys is an adult online store that carries basically anything for your adult needs.  :)  All shipping is completely discrete, there is free shipping on orders over $59, and there is a free gift with every purchase.  I mean seriously, does it get any better than that?  

I love exploring EdenFantasys' website, and I could seriously spend hours and hours looking at all the different products and trying to decide what I want to order.  One of my favorite things from EdenFantasys is their lingerie collection.  There are so many different kinds, colors, textures, etc. that you can basically find anything you could think of!  Most of the lingerie is reasonably priced, because lets face it, who likes to spend tons of money on something you are probably only going to wear once or twice?  Not me...thats for sure!

Another great thing about EdenFantasys is that they are constantly adding new products, so you never get bored with what they have! Here is some new lingerie that I am drooling over:

I really love the top one...that may have to be added to my shopping cart very soon!

If you haven't already, go check out EdenFantasys.  I don't know what you are waiting for!

HGTV Dream Home Bathrooms

Now, if you are an HGTV fanatic like I am, you know all about the HGTV Dream Home.  I was just browsing through some of the best bathrooms from past Dream Homes, and if these don't make you want to draw up a bubble bath and spend the afternoon soaking in a tub, I don't know what will!

I love the open glass shower next to the soaking tub.  Plus, the light wooden floors contribute to a very relaxed, peaceful atmosphere.

These cabinets are so intricate that for a second, I thought they belonged in a kitchen.  This bathroom looks HUGE, and I love the tub perched in front of the big window.  

Open concept bathroom?  Only for the most luxurious, spa-like atmosphere.

All the cabinet space would allow for the ultimately organized bathroom.  And you all know organization makes me smile.

Such a pretty soaking tub.  And check out that gorgeous view outside!

All images via HGTV

Colorful Bathrooms

Apparently I have bathrooms on my mind lately, eh?  Sometimes, I tend to shy away from color because I'm afraid that it will be too bold, too overwhelming, or simply not the right shade.  Neutrals are easier to work with, but can leave a room feeling boring and almost neglected.  Check out these beautiful bathrooms, that really work with color to make the space unique and unforgettable!

You know that I love pink.  And I think this bathroom is tasteful, without being overwhelming.  The wall color is light enough so make the space gorgeous instead of obnoxious.  Plus, the wainscoting prevents floor to ceiling pink, which probably would put people into sensory overload. I love.

Mostly neutral, but very bold colors.  I love the chandelier over the tub! And the simple pops of color brighten the space up so that it is elegant, not dark and dreary!

So fun! The bright green and the white subway tiles make the room bright and cheerful.  And I love that apothecary jar above the toilet!

I love the turquoise blue contrasting with the dark wood and the white sinks.  BTW, those sinks are awesome!!

At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about this bathroom.  But I have decided that I love it.  The elegant features, such as the chandelier, the bathtub faucet, and the intricate cabinet really make this room beautiful.

Hello yellow! I like it against the grey tiles.  

Here is a tasteful orange room.  I love the long orange rugs.  Plus, the grey and white striped towels against the orange provide some neutral balance.

More green! I love it against the black and white.  My aunt recently painted her master bathroom lime green, and has the rest white and black like this room.  Its pretty and bright, helpful for those difficult mornings when you don't want to get up.

Here, I love the neutrals with the pop of red.  It is understated yet bold.  And I love that shower curtain very, very much.

WOW! Bold and bright.  I love love love the mirrored cabinet, love the sink and the crystal candle holders. This is the perfect bathroom for a rock star :)

Images via HGTV

HGTV: Best of Designers' Portfolios-Kitchen Style

Whenever I get an email related to design, I save it in my inbox until I have time to read through it more thoroughly.  And that often involves blogging about it, because there is usually some mega eye-candy.  Check out some of HGTV's best designer's kitchen portfolios.  They've got me drooling, how about you?

I love this eating area! Its huge, making it the perfect space for a dinner party or family get together.  And the color combination is really making me smile today.

Although the marble backsplash is a little overload for me, I love the general feel and layout of this kitchen.  The gorgeous island offers a great space for people to gather during meal prep.

Again, the green walls are too much for my taste, but this kitchen is stunning! The shape and architecture of the ceiling make it totally unique.  And I love the wine rack in the island.

Such a long kitchen! I love how bright and open it feels.

Dark and modern, but very elegant.  I like the rounded island/breakfast bar.

Which is your favorite kitchen?

Images via HGTV

Living in Pink and Brown

Gorgeous, eh?  I feel like this is a simple, feminine chic room.  I of course love the pops of pink.  But what I mostly love is that beautiful coffee table.  It looks HUGE, and is perfect for a comfortable family room.  I find that big coffee tables are nice to add balance to the room, ad well as for usable space within the room.

I've been absent around here lately, but for good reason.  Today I actually had a job interview for what seems to be the perfect job, so I'm seriously crossing my fingers that I get a call back! I move into my new place for good Sunday, have my last day of work tomorrow, and start school again Monday.  I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get prepared, but I'm excited about the future and everything it has to offer!

Image via DecorPad

Frito Lay Taste of Home Giveaway!! *CLOSED*

I'm sure that you all have a favorite recipe that reminds you of home.  For me, there are several, and every time I eat them, or merely smell them, I find myself taking a trip down memory lane.  Food is such a memory with so many occasions, and can trigger so many powerful emotions.  Today, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite recipes that will always remind me of my home, my wonderful family, and my ever so generous neighbors.

Creamy Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)

1 package cream cheese

1 package Good Seasons powdered Italian dressing mix

1/2 cup white wine

2 Tbs. butter or margarine

Spagetti noodles

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Grease the bottom of a 9 x 13 glass baking dish.

2. In a medium size pot, melt the soup, cream cheese, wine, and margarine.  When all melted together, ad the Italian dressing mix.  Stir well.

3. Place the defrosted chicken breasts in the bottom of the dish.  Cover with the melted sauce from above.

4. Bake covered with tinfoil for 45-50 minutes, or until chicken is cooked.  

Serve over pasta.

I swear, this recipe is so easy to make, and it tastes absolutely wonderful!  This is a recipe that was actually first cooked for us by one of my neighbors.  When I was in 7th grade, we had just moved into a new house.  During the middle of the night, my mom got up to go to the bathroom, but got the doors confused.  She ended up stepping into the "bathroom," which was actually the stairs into the basement, and proceeded to fall down a flight of unfinished stairs.  She had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance, suffered a terrible concussion (thankfully nothing worse), and had a long recovery ahead of her.  When my neighbors heard what happened, they cooked a huge meal of this Creamy Chicken for my family, and it has been a hit since then.  To me, it screams comfort food, and is the perfect dish for a cool fall and winter night.

Now on a happier note...I'm not sure who is aware, but Frito Lay has recently come out with a new line of Regional Flavors Potato chips.  These chips were inspired by popular American regional cuisine and include:

1. Northeastern U.S.- Lay's Honey Mustard

Midwestern U.S.-Lay's Creamy Garden Ranch

3. Northwestern U.S.-Lay's Balsamic Sweet Onion

4. Southwestern U.S.-Lay's Chipotle Ranch

5. Southeastern U.S.-Lay's Cajun Herb & Spice

 All of the Lay's Regional Flavored potato chips are made with all natural ingredients and cooked in healthier oils, like corn and sunflower oils, which contain 80% or more of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat - the "good fats." They also contain 0 grams of trans fats per serving!  There’s also less sodium in them than you might think – a 1-oz serving of our Lay’s Regional Flavored potato chips contains less salt than a plain bagel!

I don't know about you, but I am a huge potato chip lover, and these sound fantastic! Being from Chicago, the Midwestern Creamy Garden Ranch sound so delicious! I would also love to try the Lay's Balsamic Sweet Onion, and the Lay's Chipotle Ranch.  My mouth is drooling at the thought of them.

And now onto the giveaway...one of my lucky readers will win a variety pack of the Lay's Regional Flavors potato chips! Yumm!

Mandatory Entry

1. Follow me publicly via GFC

2. Tell me which flavor of Lay's Regional Flavors potato chips you would most like to try!

Optional Entries: 
1. Like Life As It Is on Facebook 
2. Follow Life As It Is (@bradywadie14) on Twitter
3. Subscribe to my blog RSS feed (2 entries)
4. Add my button to your blog! (5 entries)
5. Post about the giveaway on FB (Can be done 1x per day)-please leave link!
6. Tweet this giveaway (can be done 3x per day, at least 1 hour apart)-please leave link!

#Win a variety pack of the Lay's Regional Flavors potato chips from @bradywadie14! Giveaway ends 8/31 #FritoFlavors http://bit.ly/ovhfxq


Please leave an email address with each comment! Giveaway ends 8/31 at 11:59 pm (CST).  Winner will be chosen via Random.org.  Winner will be announced on the blog page and emailed, and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.


Note: I was compensated for this post from Frito Lay.  However, all opinions are my own.  This post also stands as my entry into the Frito Lay Taste of Home contest.