Room To Talk BlogYour Home. Your Way.

p Hallelujiah. nbsp It s Friday p p nbsp p p What a blessed and glorious day. nbsp Along with knowing the work week is hours away from being over and a relaxing weekend is on the horizon one of my favorite parts about Friday is when the J Crew Factory Online deals of the weekend email arrives in my inbox. nbsp Come to mama. p p nbsp p p Who doesn t like a good deal man nbsp If you re one of those people that refuses to shop sales you really haven t started living yet. nbsp There is an element of wonder beauty and savings only the sales rack can provide. nbsp p p nbsp p p Since I just squealed with giddiness as I opened up my J Crew email I thought today I d put together some of my favorite deals of the weekend here on rcwilley.com. nbsp Hopefully some of you readers will squeal with giddiness too or maybe I m just weird . p p nbsp p p Here is the lineup..... you have to buy quick because supplies won t last long p p nbsp p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center a class headertext href Furniture Bedroom Adult Chests 961-120DOORCHEST 2428202 Fine-Furniture-Design-Door-Chest-View.jsp Fine Furniture Design Door Chest a p div class bodytext style text-align center Regular Price 2 199.99 div div id detailClearanceprice class bodytext style text-align center strong Clearance Price 1 599.99 strong div p nbsp p p style text-align center a href Furniture Bedroom Adult Chests 961-120DOORCHEST 2428202 Fine-Furniture-Design-Door-Chest-View.jsp img style border 0pt none src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 2739 961-120DOORCHEST Fine Furniture Design Door Chest.jpg alt width 420 height 420 a p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center a class headertext href Furniture Living-Room Love-Seats Leather 2092-2STS-374DLV 2243814 67-Toffee-Leather-Loveseat-View.jsp 67 Toffee Leather Loveseat a p p style text-align center Regular Price 869.99 p p style text-align center strong Clearance Price 599.99 strong p p style text-align center a href Furniture Living-Room Love-Seats Leather 2092-2STS-374DLV 2243814 67-Toffee-Leather-Loveseat-View.jsp img style border 0pt none src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 2739 toffee-leather-loveseat.jpg alt width 420 height 293 a p p nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p p a href Furniture Dining-Room Groups 5PCRDT-585RCH-476 2612968 Ligo-5-Piece-Dining-Set-View.jsp br a p p style text-align center a class headertext href Furniture Dining-Room Groups 5PCRDT-585RCH-476 2612968 Ligo-5-Piece-Dining-Set-View.jsp Ligo 5-Piece Dining Set a p p style text-align center Regular Price 649.99 p p style text-align center strong Clearance Price 299.99 strong p p style text-align center a href Furniture Dining-Room Groups 5PCRDT-585RCH-476 2612968 Ligo-5-Piece-Dining-Set-View.jsp img style border 0pt none src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 2739 dining-set-76302.jpg alt width 420 height 308 a p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center nbsp p p class headertext style text-align center a href Furniture Bedroom Adult Nightstands 11069-202-3000NSTND 2324113 Kinwai-Nightstand-View.jsp Kinwai Nightstand a p p style text-align center Regular Price 499.99 p p style text-align center strong Clearance Price 399.99 strong p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center a href Furniture Bedroom Adult Nightstands 11069-202-3000NSTND 2324113 Kinwai-Nightstand-View.jsp img style border 0pt none src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 2739 11069-202-3000NSTND Kinwai Nightstand.jpg alt width 280 height 280 a p p nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center a class headertext href Furniture Dining-Room Chairs CA700SG-GREEN-CHAIR 2423219 Steve-Silver-Side-Chair-View.jsp Steve Silver Side Chair a p p style text-align center Regular Price 149.99 p p style text-align center strong Clearance Price 99.99 strong p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center a href Furniture Dining-Room Chairs CA700SG-GREEN-CHAIR 2423219 Steve-Silver-Side-Chair-View.jsp img style border 0pt none src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 2739 CA700SG-GREEN-CHAIR Steve Silver Side Chair-80120.jpg alt width 280 height 280 a p p nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p p style text-align center a class headertext href Furniture Living-Room Love-Seats Fabric CHATEAUTOMATOLV 1547800 69-Red-Microfiber-Loveseat-View.jsp 69 Red Microfiber Loveseat a p p style text-align center Regular Price 469.99 p p style text-align center strong Clearance Price 199.99 strong p p style text-align center a href Furniture Living-Room Love-Seats Fabric CHATEAUTOMATOLV 1547800 69-Red-Microfiber-Loveseat-View.jsp img style border 0pt none src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 2739 tomato-loveseat.jpg alt width 420 height 311 a p p nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p p style text-align center a class headertext href Furniture Bedroom Adult Beds 1011BED50 2020203 Hooker-Queen-Slat-Bed-View.jsp Hooker Furniture Queen Slat Bed a p p style text-align center Regular Price 999.99 p p style text-align center strong Clearance Price 449.99 strong p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center a href Furniture Bedroom Adult Beds 1011BED50 2020203 Hooker-Queen-Slat-Bed-View.jsp img style border 0pt none src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 2739 hooker-bed.jpg alt width 420 height 302 a p p nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p p style text-align center a class headertext href Furniture Bedroom Adult Accents 210808DWRCREDENZA 2484579 Coast-to-Coast-Credenza-View.jsp Coast to Coast Credenza a p p style text-align center Regular Price 499.99 p p style text-align center strong Clearance Price 249.99 strong p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center a href Furniture Bedroom Adult Accents 210808DWRCREDENZA 2484579 Coast-to-Coast-Credenza-View.jsp img style border 0pt none src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 2739 credenza.jpg alt width 420 height 335 a p p nbsp p p nbsp p p a href Furniture Bedroom Adult Nightstands 6414-402 7822390 Davis-Nightstand--View.jsp br a p p style text-align center a class headertext href Furniture Bedroom Adult Nightstands 6414-402 7822390 Davis-Nightstand--View.jsp Davis Nightstand a p p style text-align center Regular Price 249.99 p p style text-align center strong Clearance Price 99.99 strong p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center a href Furniture Bedroom Adult Nightstands 6414-402 7822390 Davis-Nightstand--View.jsp img style border 0pt none src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 2739 6414-402 Davis Nightstand -62828.jpg alt width 280 height 280 a p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center nbsp p p style text-align center Happy a href Outlet.jsp Clearance Sale a Shopping p p nbsp p p nbsp p

I've caught a nasty bug.

 

And it's not going away anytime soon.

 

Instead of cough medicine, advil, serious sleep and chicken noodle soup, it seems the only thing that will cure this ailment is a healthy dose of sun and a cool, refreshing pina colada on a warm beach.  Oh, and swimming with dolphins would probably help too.

 

Do you think my Health Savings Account would cover something like that???  Note to self: Speak with Human Resources STAT.

 

Bottom line.  My body and soul are hungering for a nice little tropical vacay.  You with me, folks?

 

 

 

 

Let's all take a moment to contemplate this beautiful scene.  Close your eyes....  You are here....  This is your reality...... 

 

SERENITY NOW!!!  SERENITY NOW!!!!  SERENITY NOW!!!!

 

.......................................................

 

 

Somehow, I'm still not satisfied.  How did that work for Frank Costanza?

 

Anyway....

 

If you are one of those lucky people with a vacation actually planned for the near future I've got a deal just for you!  From Feb 24th- 28th, you can buy a 3 piece luggage set for only $30.00 when you spend $199.99 or more at any RC Willey location!  In addition to the luggage set (which is a $129.99 value), you'll also get a FREE $25.00 RC Willey Gift Card!

 

 

Heck!  This deal is so good, it's worth planning a vacation just to get the luggage!

 

Which is what I'm planning on doing.....

 

Aloha!

I decided to make a home-made gift for my husband for Valentine's Day this year.  I really wanted it to be meaningful and to evoke lots of memories.  After searching the internet for ideas, I ended up re-creating a Valentine's project I found on the Smith's blog, a Heart Art Travel Display.  One of our favorite things to do together is travel, and so this was the perfect way to document the places we've been able to visit together since we started dating.

 

Here's the final product.  I absolutely love it.......

 

 

 

 

Here's what you'll need to make this SUPER EASY project:

 

Picture frame (I used an 11 X 14 but you can use whatever size tickles your fancy)

Mat to put in the frame

1 large piece of cardstock paper

Map of the U.S./World that you can cut up

A heart template

scissors

double sided foam adhesive stickers

rubber cement

 

 

 

 

Instructions:

 

1. Get your heart template, and trace hearts over places you've been on your map.

2. Cut out the hearts (you can use as many or as little as you want... I decided on 9).

3. Paint the front of the hearts (the map side) with rubber cement (this will make them more glossy and shiny).

4. After the hearts dry, back them with the foam stickers (this will give the hearts a 3-D effect).

5. Stick the hearts to the piece of card stock paper (I like the way the patterned paper I chose looked in the background).

You're Done!!

6. Insert into the picture frame and hang it on your wall to be admired!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to the Smith's for the great idea!  I think my husband loves it almost as much as I do!

After several rounds of allergy tests with different doctors, I recently found out that I'm allergic to dust.  Convenient, right?  I mean, it's not like dust and microscopic dust mites are EVERYWHERE or anything... Anyone out there with me?  Whether you have a dust allergy and desperately wish to breathe normally again, or you simply want a sparkling clean home, here are nine effective ways to keep the dust at bay....

 

 

 

 

1. Start at the top, and move to the bottom in order to actually get rid of the dust in a room!  Instead of backtracking or missing dust ridden areas, you'll be able to pick up all of the dust that settles into the lower areas of the room as you clean. 

 

2. Spray furniture cleaner on your wood furniture and rub in circular motions with a clean, slightly damp microfiber cloth.  Wipe down afterwards with a dry cloth.  Remember: all cloths are not created equally!  Make sure you use microfiber electrostatic cloths because they pick up dust particles and actually remove them from most surfaces instead of simply spreading the dust around.

 

3. For hard to reach places, use an ostrich feather duster.  They develop a static charge and hold onto dust rather than spreading it around like traditional feather dusters.

 

4. Take the time to wipe down walls, paintings, blinds, light fixtures and other frequently used items.

 

5. Use a vacuum attachment on your vacuum cleaner to get rid of cobwebs on the ceiling and dust on your mattresses, drapes, baseboards and lampshades.  Vacuum the carpet or mop the floors very last to make sure you get everything!

 

6. Wash your bedding and pillow cases WEEKLY in HOT water (this will kill dust mites) with good detergent.

 

7. Clean your air ducts every year or two.  You'd be amazed at how much dust and debris collect in a home's air system, only to be blown back into your house when you turn on the air conditioning or the heat.

 

8. Change your furnace and air filters regularly (I do this every few months).  Resist the urge to buy the cheapest kind; pick one that has a high MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating.

 

9. Keep a tidy house- the more junk you have lying around, the more places there are for dust to collect!

 

 

What have I missed?  I would love to hear your own dust tackling secrets......

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

Today is one of my favorite holidays.  Don't you think the world can always use a little more love!? Whether you are married, single, or in a relationship, what a great day to tell your family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors that you love and appreciate them!

 

And what better way to show your love than by giving the gift of food....

 

 

image via Martha Stewart

 

 

 

image via Martha Stewart

 

 

 

image via Martha Stewart

 

 

Martha has done it again!  Check out her 53 Valentine's Dessert Recipe Ideas if you have a little extra time in the kitchen today!  Everything looks so devastatingly delicious- your Valentine won't be able to refuse!

 

Hope you have a great Valentine's day, and thanks for reading!

 

xoxo,

Andie

 

 

P.S. Stay tuned- I can't wait to tell you guys what I made for my husband this V-day

Congratulations to the RC Willey flooring department!  They were recently presented a Lammy Award by the NALFA (North American Laminate Flooring Association) recognizing them as...

 

"2010 Dealer of the Year"

 

In honor of this prestigious award, I think it's only appropriate to discuss laminate today. Stay with me, folks!  This is not going to be a boring tutorial.....

 

Let's be honest for a moment.  When I hear "laminate" the first word that pops into my head is "CHEAP!", followed by "FAKE!", followed by "PLASTIC!".  Anyone with me?  I'm sorry to say it, but for those of us who think along those lines, apparently we are stuck in the 1990's. Let's just pray and hope that our clothing choices and hair styles don't reflect that.

 

Anyway. I digress.

 

After doing a little research, I was surprised to learn that laminate has come a LONG way since it's debut in the 90's.  Back then, tongue and grooves had to be glued together during a floating installation, and laminate floors looked more like plastic roller skating rinks than anything. Well, thankfully we've not only seen the fashion world blaze forward since then, but technology has also made huge advancements in the production, installation, look, and feel of laminate.  Thank goodness!

 

 

 

 

Today, glueless click lock technologies are standard on laminate hardwood and rigorous etching, bleaching, staining, and leaching processes make it look more realistic than ever before.  In addition to looking great it's also durable, long lasting, and significantly less expensive than other hard floor surfaces!

 

 

 

 

Here are just a few of the reasons laminate is a beautiful, wise investment for your home:

 

- Stain, fade, and moisture resistant

- Looks like real wood

- Easy to clean and maintain

- Easy to install

- Environmentally friendly

- Affordable

- Extremely durable

- Available in a variety of styles

 

So.... next time you are re-doing floors in your home, go ahead and consider laminate!   For more info, visit our Flooring page!

 

 

images via NALFA

Have you ever wondered where your ideal place to live would be?

 

Recently I was introduced to this fun website, Find Your Spot.  It helps you discover your own perfect hometown through a series of personal preference questions including weather, culture, education, airports, crime, taxes, hobbies & interests, religion, population, politics, rent & house payments, museums, hospitals, and more.

 

I decided to take the quiz today.

 

Turns out, the #1 city for me to live in is Chesapeake-Virginia Beach, VA....

 

 

 

Coming in at #2 was Charlotte, North Carolina......

 

 

 

Ironically, #3 was another city in Virginia.  According to the quiz, my top 24 places to live mostly consisted of cities in Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

 

Maybe I'm living on the wrong side of the United States....??

 

Take a few minutes and go to www.findyourspot.com to figure out where YOUR ideal spot is!

 

 

 

To all men out there,

 

If you are like 99% of the men that I know, you feel stress and acute stomach/neck/back pain when you even think about February 14th.  In addition to Cupid shooting arrows, Valentine's day also brings pressure to express your love in a new creative way, top the gift you gave last year, or plan something your significant other will go gaga over.  Knowing that your woman might just facebook/tweet/blog about what you gave her for all the social media world to know doesn't exactly leave you feeling comforted either.

 

Indeed, these can be stressful times for the male species.

 

But here's the thing: MOST women out there are pretty easy to please.  While Hollywood and the media have conjured up images of demanding, materialistic women, the great majority of ladies out there really don't care about the gifts you give, the activities you plan, or whether you spend a fortune.  No, it's simply about effort.  It really is the thought that counts.  Cliche?  Yes.  True?  Absolutely. 

 

So, write a love letter, clean the house, plan a night out, or buy a gift!  With Valentine's day right around the corner, there are plenty of little things you can do to impress your lady and show her she's loved.  And if it just so happens that gift giving is your thing, here are some cool gift ideas........

 

Good Luck!!

 

Andie

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE:  Congratulations to our Super Bowl TV Winner!!!  Heather Hamilton of West Valley, UT!! She's going to be watching the big game in style with her new 40" HDTV on Sunday!!

 

Thanks for voting for your teams everyone! May the best team win!!

One of the most common spaces to get overlooked when decorating is the hallway.  Sure, it's necessary to focus on the different design elements of each room, but neglecting the hallway is a huge mistake!  After all, just like thread holds different fabrics together to create a beautiful quilt, it's the hallways in your home that link all of the other rooms together visually and physically. Here are some pretty hallways to help you get inspired....

 

 

I am Loving the sunburst mirror, Chinese pots and Orchid combination here....

 

image via Caitlin Wilson Design

 

 

 

 

The intricate details on the table and the symmetric accessorizing are so classy....

 

image via Traditional Home

 

 

 

 

This wallpaper is fresh & friendly.  Feeling intrigued by the orange....

 

image via Phillip Jeffries

 

 

 

 

A perfect example of beautiful simplicity...

 

image via Caitlin Wilson Design

 

 

 

 

Adoring the sleek chairs on either side of the table and the beautiful light fixtures....

 

image via House Beautiful

 

 

 

 

Two words: DARLING MIRROR.  So feminine and flirty....

 

image via House Beautiful

 

 

 

 

Isn't this table fabulous?  Personally, I wouldn't pick the lamp, but I think it's creative....

 

image via House Beautiful

 

 

 

 

Gallery walls are so easy, but they have such a stunning affect....

 

image via House Beautiful

 

 

 

 

Aren't those mirrors on the wall interesting?  I'm curious....

 

image via Apartment Therapy

 

 

Here's to glamming up our hallways!