Our view of the world

My grandmother is moving out of her home soon and we were lucky to inherit three huge wall maps from the early 1980's. They're totally old school with the Soviet Union boundaries.

I'm planning on putting the US one and one of the world maps on the long walls of our downstairs family room and center that decor around our travels complete with travel photos and some of our favorite treasures.

The other world map will be perfect in my two big boys' bedroom with some of these pillows from PB Teen.

One of the maps is an ocean floor map of the world. This one would be cool with that map on the wall.

As for this one, I think I just need it somewhere in my home.
(found on DesignMom)

Refinished Hardwoods

When we moved in a year ago, the hardwoods were in horrible condition. They were covered in a wax that just looked dirty. It wouldn't come off and we didn't even eat in the dining room because the room didn't feel clean. I felt like I had to explain to guests that our floors weren't dirty, just stained. :)

They just needed to be refinished and now they are fabulous. We are so thrilled. And, we eat in the dining room every day.

Before... hideous hardwoods.

After... the same angle as above. Don't they look brand new?!

The living room.

The dining room with the refinished chandelier.