The Hansen Family

Have you ever scoured the endless world wide web for window treatments not even knowing what direction you are headed in? You know you need something for your windows for privacy and just settle. Settle for blinds because it's easy and you know the functionality of the blinds are perfect, but the room is still missing something. Fabric adds so much to a room, it softens hard lines, it can bring in elements of your personality, and it can be colorful. But, there are so, so, so many fabrics to choose from and so, so, so many different styles of window treatments, where do you even start? Well, if you are looking for the answer, sorry I don't have it. I don't have a clue either and I'm still learning from Potterybarn and Pinterest. DO:  - Mount your drapery rod 6" above the window or 3" form the ceiling.  - Measure 3" - 6" to the right and left of the window to mount the drapery rod.  - High and wide is the theme.  - Measure twice (times four...

I am a visual person, so much so, that I use Photoshop to decorate my house before I make purchases. I feel like I have to see it before I drive anywhere, purchase online, have something shipped...you get the drift. Our living room has been a difficult room for us to decorate.  It's a large room with a 20' ceiling, large windows and a fireplace (which you've seen in a previous post ). It is also a walk way to our den, master bedroom and guest bathroom. We recently gave the walls of our living room a fresh coat of paint. (we hired that out, it was too difficult to get 20' in the air with a ladder and a roller without hurting something) We went a little darker to help the room be more cozy. As mentioned in previous posts, I always have an idea of what I want to do.  But is it always the right decision? Enter Photoshop...my personal interior decorator. Renee: Dear Photoshop, Should I put a table, mirror and accessories on the wall under the stairs? Photosh...

We've been adding little charming touches to our house lately.  It surprises me how little you can do to make your house feel homey.  What surprises me more is how much decorations cost. Wowzer! I recently went to Hob Lob to pick up some fall decorations for our mantel the total came to $109. What?! All I bought were two candles, two hurricane vases, a faux pumpkin and a fall swag.  All of these items were on sale and it still added up to an outrageous price. Ri-donk-ulous, huh, I never say that word out loud, funny. I'm returning the swag mainly because it was originally $99. (Don't worry, it was 50% off) Even with the discount, that is a lot of money for a fall swagger thingy.  I'm also returning it because the darned thing would not stay up on the mantel. Talk about getting my fire burning (pun intended). The fall decorating continued with these cute faux pumpkins.  I had the PB candle holders for a while and got tired of them, they were stored away wit...

It is officially fall in the Midwest and the leaves are turning their beautiful colors of golden yellow, bright reds and oranges. I love Fall for so many reasons like football, crisp mornings, bon-fires and s'mores and of course an annual Harley ride. Fall seems to be a very busy season for the Hansen household. The kids are active in sports and Josh and I have many social events including tailgating for our favorite team...GO CYCLONES! Most recently I participated in the Great Urban Race in Minneapolis with some great friends.  If you haven't experienced this race or any other races by Red Frog Events LLC you have to check this one out. Teams dress up and compete in a race similar to the TV show Amazing Race. Our team theme: Biker Babes. Oh yea!   Team Biker Babes and CafeTeria Choppers ready to start the race.   Our costumes were complete with vinyl vests. We all know you can't be a biker babe without the "faux" leather.   Marcy...