DIY Project:Framed Chalkboards

I am drawn to amazing frames and when they are united with a chalkboard, well, it is love at first sight...

{Offbeat Bride}

{b*spoke chalkboard frame}

{It's So Very Cheri}

{We are THAT family}

My Makeover....

You’ve probably noticed that Extreme Personal Measures recently had a facelift. I wanted a classy, polished, more professional look.

I had admired design work done by The Girl Creative and contacted Diana for a blog makeover.

           

She was extremely patient. I knew what I wanted (and I thought I was being a pain) but she nailed it! 

It only took her a few days of diligent work to translate my vision to my new blog. 

Here is some of Diana's work:

Etsy Banners

If you like my new look and are looking for a new design, contact her for a consultation.

So, do how do you like Extreme Personal Measures new look? 

What I Will Be Reading....

After seeing 9 by Design and loving their philosophy, I just had to order their book:

I just received it in the mail last night.

I opened the book and read it cover to cover!

The book follows along as they start on the road of rehabbing their Chelsea home and end up designing homes from start to finish, leading to a lucrative career in design. They describe what they look for in a property and location and how to discover art and decor. They were also kind enough to include a list of resources they use to discover their "finds".

Downtown Chic was well-written and left me wanting to know more about their family, their philosophies and how they make discoveries.  I cannot wait until the next book.

Fabulous Couches....

Have you heard of Custom Sofa Design? They have some fabulous couches at low prices.

{Brussels sofa}

{Cameron Sofa}

{Glamour Sofa}
This is my favorite!

If you have heard anything, let me know. I would love to buy one yet am unsure of the quality.

csn Rachael Ray Bakeware Winner Announcement!

WINNER!

If your name appears below, I will be emailing you shortly. Please respond within 72 hours to claim your prize!

CSN Rachael Ray Bakeware Giveaway: barb

Thanks to everyone who entered and to CSN, a great sponsor! You will be emailed shortly. Please respond within 72 hours to claim your prize!

Upcoming Review/Giveaway!

Our next review/giveaway will be posted soon. We will be working with Eco-Friendly Peter Rabbit™ Products !

Keep checking in and I will keep you posted!

Toshiba Satellite A505 Laptop Review

I was recently given the opportunity to test and review the Toshiba Satellite A505 laptop computer. It is a Core 2 Duo 2.13 GHz,with 4 GB RAM, 500 GB hard drive, 16.0 in. TruBrite HD+ TFT, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, and weighs only 6.48 lb. It is relatively lightweight.

The Quad-core Processor provides unflinching performance when playing intense 3D games, creating and editing digital video, music and photos, and more.

It's Resolution+™, upconverts your standard-def DVD content into sharper and more vibrant pictures that look and feel more like HD.

The built-in webcams and microphones let you chat face-to-face, collaborate, videoconference, and improve the way you interact with the computer world.

The only drawback I have seen is that the glossy design is a fingertip magnet. It is very sleek & stylish with a pin stripe, swirl pattern.

The battery shape lifts the back of the keyboard off your lap or work surface. This provides better airflow under the notebook as well as an improved typing angle, but will make it a tighter squeeze into some laptop bags.

I have had several laptops, of all sizes and brands and this is by far the best in this price range. Again, the only drawback is the fingerprints and I certainly can get past that for quality. I may just be a Toshiba convert.

GRADE A-

Inspired by diy Rugs

{Moroccan Print Rug}

{Chevron Print Rug}

{Faux Zebra Hide Rug }

{ Martha - Canvas Rugs}

Award Time!

My blog, Extreme Personal Measures, just won another blog award! Katie at Time To Eat Y’all gave me this award and had some wonderful things to say! Thank you Katie for thinking I am worthy! If you have never been, run over to meet Katie at Time To Eat Y’all.

The rules are simple to pass the award on. First I list 10 things about myself and then pass the award on to 10 bloggers of my choice! I am skipping the 10 things about me. I have to set priorities. I have a full time job with 3 children.

While I have many, many favorites, I have chosen these to pass along to:


504 Main

a little of this, a little of that

Cheap Chic Home

Cookin' Lean Like Paula Deen

Drab to Fab

Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy...

Running With Scissors

Sisters' Stuff

Sneaker Teacher

 Nikki's Nifty Knacks

Decorative Roller Shades

I thought roller shades were something my Grandma used. Other than a Grandparents house, I haven't seen them in years! While looking at Southern Living.com for crockpot recipes, I came across this online article by Anne Carroll Turner and Jennifer Kopf on Stenciled Window Shades.

I set off to see who else was making stenciled roller shades amd came across Martha Stewart's Stenciled Roller Shades. She also has tips on applying your own banding to a roller shade or adding ribbon to a roller shade.

All of these sites give instruction, however I also came across Buckingham Stencils who also give further, more in-depth instruction to add more colors, etc.They also have a great selection of stencils.

Here in Florida, the older homes have odd shaped windows so I will need to do some research to see if they make shades in my sizes.

Reminder:

I have a great giveaway going on from CSN stores for a set of Rachael Ray bakeware!

Go here to see how to enter!

Target

You would think I would know by now that Target has some fabulous items on the cheap. But, everytime I look, I am still amazed! I found the following items that I L.O.V.E.D:

{Fretwork Tray}

{Rectangular Mirror}

{Swoop Arm Chair}

{Pedestal Table}

Reminder:

I have a great giveaway going on from CSN stores for a set of Rachael Ray bakeware!

Go here to see how to enter!

Fabulous diy Headboards

I have always been drawn to creative people and love to see creative blogs. Right now, my facination is DIY headboards. Headboards are a great way to add swoon worthy appeal to your bedrooms. It is often the first thing you see upon entering the room and can add tremendous impact. Whatever look you strive for, it can be achieved. My bedroom is more traditional. Dark cherry wood and blue and beige damask bedding.

What's your style?

Take a peek at these creative people and their exceptional headboards...So pretty and eye-catching.

{Gina -Here Comes Gina}

{ All Things Thrifty}

{A Little Great}

{Pink Wallpaper}

{Ohdeedoh-Wallpapered Headboard}

Reminder:


I have a great giveaway going on from CSN stores for a set of Rachael Ray bakeware!
Go here to see how to enter!
 

9 by Design

If you have not already caught the new show, 9 by Design, it is a must see for anyone inspired by design and what goes on behind the scenes. It also includes much of their family life. Which is also a great point, how to run a successful business with 7 children and one on the way. It stars Robert and Cortney Novogratz, who own Sixx Design, as well as their 7 children. The first episode alone is beyond inspiring. They discuss how the business came about and the designing of each of their homes and where to find great pieces. This is a very fast-paced program. They have a lot on their plates.


Their Philosophies:

You can bring charm to any four walls.

Good taste does not equate with money.

It’s finding the unique pieces, unique touches.

Reminder:


I have a great giveaway going on from CSN stores for a set of Rachael Ray bakeware!
Go here to see how to enter!
 

***{closed}*** csn Giveaway!

Do you know about the family of CSN stores? If you are shopping online for something, this is a must to check out! They sell absolutely everything: bar stools, shoes, baby items, fireplaces, sleigh beds, cookware, AND MUCH MORE! There are over 200 stores.


CSN has offered me the chance to give a great prize to one of you! US mailing addresses only, please. It's a beautiful 2 piece, Rachael Ray stoneware bake set, which sells for $34.95 at http://www.cookware.com/, one of the many CSN stores. I want one!

Mandatory entry (must be done for extra entries to count & must complete both steps):




Visit CSN Stores and let me know what product you like best from all the things they have to offer!
AND
Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect




Extra entries (please leave a separate comment in the comment section for each entry):


1. Put my button up on your blog- let me know where to find it! - Worth 2 entries


2. Blog about my giveaway and leave me the link in the comment section. - Worth 4 entries


3. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet "enter to win Rachael Ray bakeware from @extreme_measures
http://tinyurl.com/y25lffk" You can tweet this once per day.


4. Join the Extreme Personal Measures Blog Frog Community.


Leave a separate comment for every entry and please let me know what your twitter name is.


Disclaimer: I received no product to review and was not compensated for this post. I was offered the opportunity to give a set of bakeware to one of you in thanks for this post. All opinions posted here are mine and mine alone.

Giveaway ends on April 27, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be selected by random.org and notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected. Please leave your email if it is not on your profile so I can contact you if you win. Good luck!