By AMY FREESE
For Brentwood Home Page

It's sad, but true, my little “pretty in not-so-much pink anymore” girl is all grown up, or at least, she thinks her room should be!  

Turning age 11 was the perfect time, in her creative mind, to redesign her place of slumber. Olivia actually thought age 10 would have been more perfect but this Mamacita who has a penchant for girly girl sweetness was not ready to stash the sticky stuff away just yet.

For the past 10 years, I have thrown myself into creating heavenly rooms of rest for my one-and-only, tutu-wearing bundle of joy.  She has let me sprinkle star dust and hang fabric with “people on it” till my heart’s content.  But turning 11 has called for a whole new set of rules and sadly, they aren't mine.  

This time my soft spoken Olivia authoritatively declared she was designing her living quarters this go-around. I was officially fired!

First to go ... twin beds, the princess fabric with the “people on it,” and the fine china tea sets.

So, goodbye to custom canopy toile and hello to catchy creative.  The ‘tween is on the scene and she's bringing in the bling!

As quickly as she went from tutu's to booty shorts, her room went from sugar and spice to mod and marvelous.  And guess what?   We love it!  I mean she loves it as I didn't have a thing to do with it.  

It has taken on such a fun and perky vibe that I'm wondering what I was thinking letting those people hang around for so long.    

As in anything, the anticipation of change is usually harder than the actual change itself.  Once we surrender and accept the natural design process only then can the true gift of passing chapters of well lived years be embraced.  Needless to say, this Mamacita is excitedly anticipating the unfolding of new chapters as she cuddles up in the splendor of Mod and Marvelous.

There is also a new chapter unfolding at DesignHer Living.  Next week I’ll fill you in on all the details.

Visit Amy’s website at amyfreese.com to see the chapters of ‘Sugar and Spice’ grow to ‘Mod and Marvelous.  Amy  is a professional life coach, motivational speaker and Brentwood mom. Contact her at amy@freeser.net or visit her website at www.amyfreese.com.