'Nancy' is Organized

I don't think I ever posted this, but before we left for GA, Will and Amy got a fun surprise in the mail. A ball! And a pencil box! Our friends, Josh and Gladys (well, it was really Gladys) sent them to the kids. How fun! Who knew you could mail a ball??

As most of you know- Nancy Drew is my woman. I LOVE those books and devoured them as a child. I think I was in High School when Mom loving told me I needed to start reading something in a higher reading level. Of course, I love to read, but Nancy Drew wins my heart.

Over the years, it was my goal to collect all the original books. Mom and I searched high and low at all types of antique stores. We both had a list of the titles that we kept with us and would mark off each one as we found it. There were 56. Around the time that ebay first started (MANY years ago), I was able to get the remainder of my collection. I still remember getting money orders and mailing them out (I didn't have a credit card at this point and I don't think paypal was really around yet.) FINALLY I got them all.

But life changed, we moved several times and for many years, all my wonderful books were stored away in a box. I brought them back with me (from Mom's house) in February, but never knew how to display them. Mom and I talked about several ideas but none of them ever carried through. Then we moved again. This time, I was determined to display them. And in the new house, we had the perfect wall.

So boring and drab. I hate a bare wall

When Mom and I went to Ikea, we picked up the perfect shelves. They are actually similar to the ones I had made in the kids rooms, but these look much nicer. And it was way easier to buy them than build some more.

Ta-Da!  I wanted to display them face out so you could see all the cool covers.

Since only 21 of my 56 fit on the shelves, I added some to the top of the piano and my other bookcase. I plan on rotating them out as I see fit.  

Speaking of bookshelves, I finally finished my large one. I play around with it all the time. But so far, I like this arrangement best. Sorry the picture is so fuzzy. I think my camera is getting old.

So now here is what the living room looks like with everything in place. Eventually I'll replace the brown chair with a new chair- something with a fun print. But for now, the lazy boy is perfect with the baby. I also want to replace the lamp next to the chair.

I've also been working on my photo wall. I have several more pictures to add, I just have to get the frames. I'm definitely one that likes to make lots of holes in the wall! I think this drives Lee crazy, but he doesn't say anything. Hey, that's what putty is for! :)  I love the W's. Now that Nancy is done, I'm going to start collecting W's. So if you see a cool one at a yard sale or thrift shop- grab it for me.

I don't think I ever showed this project..... I took all of our names and wove them together with Scrabble letters. I love it.

It feels good to finally have the living room done. (well, except for making some pillows) I LOVE how it all turned out! It feels so homey in here now!