tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46518155887450444422024-03-05T23:32:46.957-06:00By God's Southern GraceUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger466125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-13343243021150708552017-04-06T18:14:00.001-05:002017-04-06T18:14:18.432-05:00101 Things to do in 1,001 Days<p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Can it be done? Completing 101 goals in 1,001 days? </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Maybe not. I’ve always had good success at completing a great majority of the goals I set for myself though. Some of them are just simple and silly goals. Some are more serious and complex…not many though. I’m not that complicated of a person. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">I look forward to setting new goals. It’s funny to see how some goals become obsolete as you change in almost a three year period. Your priorities change, or you make new plans. It’s all a part of life. Being a Type A person though, I enjoy making lists, and I love crossing items off even more. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">I’ve had this list made since the beginning of the year, so I’m just going to say that January 1, 2016 is the start date, which means my goal to have everything completed by is October 8, 2018. That’s why some things are already marked off.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2E9EkeWQnXI/VxKGBNJ7RcI/AAAAAAAAImo/mrJLAuDqTPA/s1600-h/101%252520Things%252520to%252520Do%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="101 Things to Do" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="101 Things to Do" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WWb4SH0qK4Q/VxKGB2HO6CI/AAAAAAAAIms/VFj6MxMCEXI/101%252520Things%252520to%252520Do_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="652" height="489"></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">So, here it goes….the brainstorm of goals for the next 1,001 days.</font></p> <ol> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Have our second {and last} child.</strike> </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Enroll Landry in preschool.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Take a trip to the mountains. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Take Landry to the beach. </strike></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Go to the beach as a family of four to the beach.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Remove wallpaper from guest bathroom. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Replace all fans in bedrooms. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Plant a tree in the backyard. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Complete the Samaritan’s purse project. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Paint kitchen cabinets and replace hardware. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">See the Biltmore Estate. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get porch swings for the front porch. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Get a new breakfast table.</strike></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Add tall planters to the front porch. </strike></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Replace doorbell. </strike></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Take Landry to fly a kite.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Replace doorknobs in the house. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Fill a hummingbird feeder.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Hang string lights in the backyard.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Make a video of a trip we go on. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Make a video compilation of the new baby’s birth. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Add three movies to the Christmas movie collection. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Shop at the Copper Possum. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Get a new mailbox and post {or paint the current one for the time being}</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Get a decal for the mailbox.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Plant around the mailbox. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have a picnic. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Make homemade chocolate chip cookies. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Add finishing touches to courtyard.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Purchase rug for the breakfast room.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have a piece of artwork framed and hung. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Make changes to the nursery for the new baby.</strike> </font> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Get new bedding for the master bedroom.</strike> </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get new light fixture for front entry. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Change hall lights to recessed lighting. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Change chandelier in dining room to larger chandelier. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Add Christmas accent plates to china collection. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Clean out laundry room.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Clean out garage for either Colby’s workshop or to park my car in. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Blog at least 48 times in a year {four times a month}. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Pay $25,000 worth of debt from house mortgage. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Continue to stay debt free aside from the house. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Get rid of toys as the kids outgrow them.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Consign, donate, or sell baby items as they are outgrown.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Make a holiday gift for neighboring families.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Make a Christmas ornament with Landry and/or new baby. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get a basket to hold Chatbooks. </font> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Repaint coffee table and put it back in living room.</strike> </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Add succulents to some room in the house. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Plant herbs. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Replace spotlight by garage with a lantern. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get throw pillows for the couch. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get two new chairs for living room. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Stay at the cabin. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get new sheets for cabin beds. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get new towels for cabin bathroom. </font> <li><strike><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have a family photo made as a family of four. </font></strike> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Have newborn photos made.</strike> </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Change classroom theme. </font> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Have business cards made for rental business.</strike> </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Have a date night {locally} with Colby. </strike></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Have a date with Colby {out of town}.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Play Phase 10 or Uno with the family or friends</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get curtains for dining room. </font> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Pick out a baby name.</strike> </font></font> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Order a big brother and newborn gown.</strike> </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Help host a baby shower.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Have a first birthday party for the new baby.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Have the new baby christened.</strike> </font> <li><strike><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Make or buy a door hanger for the hospital room door. </font></strike> <li><strike><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Repaint rocking chairs on the front porch. </font></strike> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get prescription sunglasses. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Get new glasses.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Send birth announcements.</strike> </font> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Make a dessert for Colby’s birthday</strike>. </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Go to the shooting range with Colby</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Get a massage</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Get rid of all maternity clothes.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Clean out closet after new baby. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Get new summer wardrobe.</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get a pedicure. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Read a book for enjoyment. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Take another class offered by The Nester </font> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Order the book “Simply Tuesday”</strike> </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Paint radio speakers in bedrooms white </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Find some accessories for the house at Dirt Cheap</strike> </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Go to Old Time Pottery in Pensacola </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have backyard landscaped</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have front yard landscaped</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Read a book about hospitality and try practicing some of the suggestions</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have friends over for no particular reason</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Take a personal day to do whatever I want!</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Cook a new recipe</strike></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Send a note to someone {just because}</strike></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Try a new {to me} restaurant with Colby</strike></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Go berry picking with the kids</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have playhouse built for the kids in the backyard</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Throw a backyard party</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Surprise a friend in some way</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><strike>Have the family over for dinner/lunch</strike></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Attend a festival/event that I’ve never been to before</font></li></ol> <p><font color="#0000a0" size="5" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">46 of 101 Completed!</font></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-12846356126970762562016-05-16T12:51:00.001-05:002016-05-16T14:24:01.894-05:00Backyard BBQ {Girl Edition}<p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Every time one of our girls from our high school group growing up gets pregnant, we have a shower. For the first baby, we go all out. For all kids after the first, we just get together at a local restaurant and shower each other with diapers and wipes. Let’s just say that I haven’t had to buy diapers yet for Drake. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Erin was the last of the girls to have her first baby, so we had our last big shower for her this past weekend. It was a backyard BBQ with a whole lot of girl thrown in. When we all pool our resources together, we end up with a pretty nice backdrop to shower the mom-to-be with lots of gift while getting to enjoy each other’s company and watch all of kids play together. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Erin designed her own invitation since she does that on the side for people. We just told her the direction we wanted to go and some of the designs we liked, and this is what she came up with. Since mason jars are a staple at all of our parties, it seemed only fitting. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YH33rtWGPVU/VzoIg5Dy0FI/AAAAAAAAIoI/Umcp8EaGy7k/s1600-h/Invitation%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="Invitation" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Invitation" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9wEOStGxANE/VzoIhUdQr3I/AAAAAAAAIoM/D90nTYimju4/Invitation_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="666"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">As for the details, I think the pictures speak for themselves…</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qj4qgD7uQ44/VzoIh2rz-YI/AAAAAAAAIoQ/FCQ0X7xu84U/s1600-h/03-IMG_7985%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="03-IMG_7985" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="03-IMG_7985" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g5u7uUAnmY8/VzoIifS7igI/AAAAAAAAIoU/eWByRkH6FXU/03-IMG_7985_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="680" height="473"></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r2NH7Iw-Jck/VzoIivSw3mI/AAAAAAAAIoY/A1IsWJ6VP1k/s1600-h/Erin%252527s%252520Baby%252520Shower%2525202016%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="Erin's Baby Shower 2016" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Erin's Baby Shower 2016" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w_fmEDF3Iog/VzoIiwsDNCI/AAAAAAAAIoc/zypbE4nXLDU/Erin%252527s%252520Baby%252520Shower%2525202016_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="689" height="511"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NoHqaLv2ITo/VzoIjeLNWFI/AAAAAAAAIog/aMGuINkPSi4/s1600-h/Erin%252527s%252520Baby%252520Shower%25252020161%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="Erin's Baby Shower 20161" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Erin's Baby Shower 20161" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PTSL0JQNHXc/VzoIjxbSppI/AAAAAAAAIok/2sqhXWEaz6A/Erin%252527s%252520Baby%252520Shower%25252020161_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="680" height="1249"></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P7-EzoBzKrw/VzoIkAi-XeI/AAAAAAAAIoo/Y5P0-j44A94/s1600-h/10-IMG_8001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="10-IMG_8001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="10-IMG_8001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AYN7SowRpJY/VzoIkj91vMI/AAAAAAAAIos/8zd94jdAQ-Q/10-IMG_8001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="679" height="467"></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T60u8G6VJ84/VzoIk5PhT9I/AAAAAAAAIow/kE6YQJsvzIM/s1600-h/13-IMG_8007%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="13-IMG_8007" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="13-IMG_8007" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7UxDJA6wTJk/VzoIlY1vj_I/AAAAAAAAIo0/Ju3-gxfM-u0/13-IMG_8007_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" height="465"></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cy5v6N7retM/VzoIlhDQJYI/AAAAAAAAIo4/r8teQdCrYxc/s1600-h/Erin%252527s%252520Baby%252520Shower%25252020162%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="Erin's Baby Shower 20162" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Erin's Baby Shower 20162" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TrBoD_PReYE/VzoImAQ8pBI/AAAAAAAAIo8/MN-I6tk7Bq8/Erin%252527s%252520Baby%252520Shower%25252020162_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="681" height="397"></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6KLhZ5qBq5Q/VzoImYaORxI/AAAAAAAAIpA/6mJZI7CKwZM/s1600-h/17-IMG_8017%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="17-IMG_8017" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="17-IMG_8017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DUHP938ro_g/VzoIm2CwkVI/AAAAAAAAIpE/TYgFHHFFLXk/17-IMG_8017_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="671" height="461"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">The kids had a great time. It was nice to have it on Kate and Spencer’s farm where they could just run and roam without having to be too worried. A place to run, a game of baseball {kind of}, and farm animals equals loads of fun and great memories!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ONR46GZEJvE/VzoInckw6wI/AAAAAAAAIpI/sZyoREE04lA/s1600-h/Erin%252527s%252520Baby%252520Shower%25252020163%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="Erin's Baby Shower 20163" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Erin's Baby Shower 20163" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jY_N-jn2Gjc/VzoInqpiXJI/AAAAAAAAIpM/up-r-W2cLwY/Erin%252527s%252520Baby%252520Shower%25252020163_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" height="1225"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">And, of course, the mama and daddy-to-be got plenty of little lovelies to make sure Baby E is set for her arrival. They are keeping the name a secret, and I can’t say I blame them. We’ve done both….kept it a secret and told people. My advice is to keep it a secret. It’s much more fun, and no one can give you their opinion about the name and what they would rather you name it. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8jlGB0tP9DI/VzoIoGq69UI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/Ecn3ThKOoz4/s1600-h/Erin%252527s%252520Baby%252520Shower%25252020164%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="Erin's Baby Shower 20164" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Erin's Baby Shower 20164" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aq7i841dUyk/VzoIoZi8bgI/AAAAAAAAIpU/E443R4rZs-0/Erin%252527s%252520Baby%252520Shower%25252020164_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="665" height="388"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Now, we wait until June! Erin, we all wish you the best of luck. We know you are looking forward to welcoming your baby girl, and we can’t wait to see her and hold her ourselves. It’s the best feeling in the world to be a mama, even if you <em>are </em>too exhausted to even remember your name sometimes. That love is like no other!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Love, All of your Hostesses</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_cGtncTpD70/VzoIotoChAI/AAAAAAAAIpY/OJertCCw1dM/s1600-h/35-IMG_8108%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="35-IMG_8108" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="35-IMG_8108" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w4L6Ts1lVDk/VzoIoz3rVOI/AAAAAAAAIpc/xwaUNYI95Xw/35-IMG_8108_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="665" height="457"></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-21699724170040978862016-04-16T13:23:00.001-05:002016-04-16T13:35:53.050-05:00101 Things to do in 1,001 Days<p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Can it be done? Completing 101 goals in 1,001 days? </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Maybe not. I’ve always had good success at completing a great majority of the goals I set for myself though. Some of them are just simple and silly goals. Some are more serious and complex…not many though. I’m not that complicated of a person. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">I look forward to setting new goals. It’s funny to see how some goals become obsolete as you change in almost a three year period. Your priorities change, or you make new plans. It’s all a part of life. Being a Type A person though, I enjoy making lists, and I love crossing items off even more. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">I’ve had this list made since the beginning of the year, so I’m just going to say that January 1, 2016 is the start date, which means my goal to have everything completed by is October 8, 2018. That’s why some things are already marked off.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2E9EkeWQnXI/VxKGBNJ7RcI/AAAAAAAAImo/mrJLAuDqTPA/s1600-h/101%252520Things%252520to%252520Do%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="101 Things to Do" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="101 Things to Do" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WWb4SH0qK4Q/VxKGB2HO6CI/AAAAAAAAIms/VFj6MxMCEXI/101%252520Things%252520to%252520Do_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="652" height="489"></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">So, here it goes….the brainstorm of goals for the next 1,001 days.</font></p> <ol> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Have our second {and last} child.</strike> </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Enroll Landry in preschool. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Take a trip to the mountains. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Take Landry to the beach. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Go to the beach as a family of four to the beach. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Remove wallpaper from guest bathroom. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Replace all fans in bedrooms. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Plant a tree in the backyard. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Complete the Samaritan’s purse project. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Paint kitchen cabinets and replace hardware. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">See the Biltmore Estate. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get porch swings for the front porch. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have a new breakfast table and benches made. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Add tall planters to the front porch. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Replace doorbell. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Take Landry to fly a kite. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Replace doorknobs in the house. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Fill a hummingbird feeder. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Hang string lights in the backyard. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Make a video of a trip we go on. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Make a video compilation of the new baby’s birth. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Add three movies to the Christmas movie collection. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Shop at the Copper Possum. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get a new mailbox and post {or paint the current one for the time being} </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get a decal for the mailbox. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Plant around the mailbox. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have a picnic. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Make homemade chocolate chip cookies. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Add finishing touches to courtyard. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Purchase rug for the breakfast room. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have a piece of artwork framed and hung. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Make changes to the nursery for the new baby. </font> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Get new bedding for the master bedroom.</strike> </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get new light fixture for front entry. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Change hall lights to recessed lighting. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Change chandelier in dining room to larger chandelier. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Add Christmas accent plates to china collection. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Clean out laundry room. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Clean out garage for either Colby’s workshop or to park my car in. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Blog at least 48 times in a year {four times a month}. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Pay $25,000 worth of debt from house mortgage. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Continue to stay debt free aside from the house. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get rid of toys as the kids outgrow them. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Consign, donate, or sell baby items as they are outgrown. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Make a holiday gift for neighboring families. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Make a Christmas ornament with Landry and/or new baby. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get a basket to hold Chatbooks. </font> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Repaint coffee table and put it back in living room.</strike> </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Add succulents to some room in the house. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Plant herbs. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Replace spotlight by garage with a lantern. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get throw pillows for the couch. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get two new chairs for living room. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Stay at the cabin. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get new sheets for cabin beds. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get new towels for cabin bathroom. </font> <li><strike><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have a family photo made as a family of four. </font></strike> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Have newborn photos made.</strike> </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Change classroom theme. </font> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Have business cards made for rental business.</strike> </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have a date night {locally} with Colby. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have a date with Colby {out of town}. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Play Phase 10 or Uno with the family or friends</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get curtains for dining room. </font> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Pick out a baby name.</strike> </font></font> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Order a big brother and newborn gown.</strike> </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Help host a baby shower. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have a first birthday party for the new baby. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have the new baby christened. </font> <li><strike><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Make or buy a door hanger for the hospital room door. </font></strike> <li><strike><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Repaint rocking chairs on the front porch. </font></strike> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get prescription sunglasses. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get new glasses. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Send birth announcements. </font> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Make a dessert for Colby’s birthday</strike>. </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Go to the shooting range with Colby </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get a massage </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get rid of all maternity clothes. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Clean out closet after new baby. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get new summer wardrobe. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get a pedicure. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Read a book for enjoyment. </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Take another class offered by The Nester </font> <li><font face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><font size="4"><strike>Order the book “Simply Tuesday”</strike> </font></font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Paint radio speakers in bedrooms white </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Find some accessories for the house at Dirt Cheap </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Go to Old Time Pottery in Pensacola </font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have backyard landscaped</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have front yard landscaped</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Read a book about hospitality and try practicing some of the suggestions</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have friends over for no particular reason</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Take a personal day to do whatever I want!</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Cook a new recipe</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Send a note to someone {just because}</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Try a new {to me} restaurant with Colby</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Go berry picking with the kids</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have playhouse built for the kids in the backyard</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Throw a backyard party</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Surprise a friend in some way</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have the family over for dinner/lunch</font> <li><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Attend a festival/event that I’ve never been to before</font></li></ol>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-40812183316782170642016-04-15T20:39:00.001-05:002016-04-15T20:39:10.082-05:00Rocked My World<p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">It’s amazing how a person can go from complete joy to a near state of depression in a matter of minutes. You see, everything went great with Drake’s delivery. Everything was quick and pretty easy. I was totally fine…way better than I was right after Landry, which wasn’t actually that bad. I was simply elated that I could finally hold that sweet, precious boy in my arms and see his little face. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">After the family had seen him though and left to go get some lunch {finally}, it was just Colby and I with Drake in the room. Then, the nurse came in and said she was going to take him to the nursery. She wasn’t panicked in any way that set off my mommy alarm, so I didn’t really think anything about it. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Later, our pastor and youth minister came by to see everyone and check on everybody and pray with us. I, still thinking nothing was wrong or abnormal, told them that they had just missed the baby, as he was in the nursery, but Colby could take them down there to see him. After prayer, they all left to go to the nursery, and I had to stay behind because of the lack of feeling in my legs due to the epidural. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">They were gone….for a while. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">So, I texted to make sure everything was ok. No reply. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Worry immediately sets in. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">And then they return. Just Colby and the pastor…with solemn looks on their faces. Heat swept over my body.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">I would be lying if I said that I didn’t immediately think the worst. I thought my baby was gone. To all of you mamas who have lost children in some way, I experienced that pain for a split second, and I hope I never have to experience that ever again. I cannot even imagine the hole in your heart that losing a child leaves. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Luckily though, Drake was a fighter but was having difficulty breathing. He had nurses and doctors standing around him. His O2 levels were not where they should have been, and his breathing was very rapid as he struggled. Within an hour of his life, he looked more like an astronaut with his oxygen hood on and wires hooked up to him in every way needed to monitor all of his levels. Thank you, Jesus, for amazing technology! </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WbuBieXxP-Q/VxGXsIycdgI/AAAAAAAAIls/XvToZSQ53-4/s1600-h/108APPLE1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="108APPLE1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="108APPLE1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bGeaKpPJCZA/VxGXsrkFTJI/AAAAAAAAIlw/41a81XK8x7s/108APPLE1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" height="530"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">I was still back in the delivery room trying my best to move my legs in hopes that it would make the epidural wear off quicker, so I could walk good enough to get to the bathroom {that’s the deal with getting to move to the recovery room} and into a wheelchair, so I could at least see him through the window.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">In what seemed like forever, I cried the hardest cry and prayed the longest prayer one could in that moment. Pleas for my baby boy to be okay and to not be affected by this in any negative way. And as I prayed…so did countless others, and I cannot be more grateful to all of you who did. God heard our prayers.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Eventually, I was able to go see him on my way to the recovery room. I had the best nurse who knew I was dying to see him. All I had been relying on up until that point was pictures and what my family was telling me. And of course, I was thinking that they were all only telling me half of the truth to try to keep me from being more upset. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">While in the nursery, I was terrified as I sat there. I continuously watched the monitors and his little chest going up and down. Every time he would hesitate in breathing for a split second, I would panic inside….afraid that the monitors were going to go off and something else be wrong. I watched my grandmother take some of her last breaths, and it was just like that. That’s an image you can never erase from your brain, and I did not want to have to watch that with my son. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">After staying for a few minutes, I had all I could bear and went back to the room. Colby would go back and forth to see what progress was being made with him. That night, I went back to check on him after we had spoken with the pediatrician who said that they had consulted Sacred Heart and would be shipping him there if he did not make progress within the next few hours. As we waited for him to come back late that night, we both fell asleep. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">I woke up in the middle of the night and contemplated making my own way to the nursery to see if they had actually had to send him {the nurses assured me the next day that they would have gotten me up for that}, but decided it would be best for me to rest and not venture out alone since I was still getting feeling back in my legs {even then} and had only really gotten around by wheelchair. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">The next morning though…</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Surprise, surprise!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Colby went to check on him and came back with him in his bassinet. Praise the Lord! Just like that, the Lord had healed him within a few hours, and he was safe to be back with us in the room full time. So once again, family and friends filed in to see our boy. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-df20wo21Aa4/VxGXsxnbftI/AAAAAAAAIl0/sDXRXOUe3Bw/s1600-h/108APPLE2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="108APPLE2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="108APPLE2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SbZafNSNZ1M/VxGXtAgQ1ZI/AAAAAAAAIl4/vYgoqzlZXho/108APPLE2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="681" height="539"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">We are so thankful that Drake has been totally fine minus a trip to the ER at Sacred Heart when he was making wheezing type noises when he fed. Luckily, they cleaned out his sinuses with what looked like a Roto-Rooter, and he has been good to go since aside from just doing a saline spray and suctioning him out every day.It’s a small hiccup, but we are just thankful that he is totally healthy according to all of his doctors and will not be affected by this in any way. Praise the Lord!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">And today….Drake is One Month Old!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eUyTVNaSg6k/VxGXtuH_9ZI/AAAAAAAAIl8/CqH1kdgKaag/s1600-h/IMG_7784%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_7784" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7784" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1tJnOzEaui8/VxGXt185bZI/AAAAAAAAImA/1kt3mWVlpHc/IMG_7784_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="671" height="461"></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nt7pgeYPOTg/VxGXufbgkrI/AAAAAAAAImE/3AhWCQkzenk/s1600-h/IMG_7885%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_7885" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7885" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MDDNDZ4tdJ8/VxGXupvqfuI/AAAAAAAAImI/DyVcctVaPI0/IMG_7885_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" height="459"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">And because Landry wanted to get in on the action…</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-igJy1_ohN2Q/VxGXuzYBF_I/AAAAAAAAImM/dQTwlVsZAJ4/s1600-h/IMG_7896%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_7896" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7896" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RLs13YhhfUs/VxGXvCty7GI/AAAAAAAAImQ/dMKZ7MCoFI4/IMG_7896_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="671" height="461"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Happy Weekend, Everyone! Enjoy the sunshine!</font></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-76027328140680190932016-04-14T18:11:00.001-05:002016-04-14T18:11:37.644-05:00Welcome to the World!<p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Somehow, I had planned on blogging about the arrival of Drake into the world shortly after his birth. Yet, here I am…just one day away from him being one month old. It’s amazing how quickly time flies when you’ve got two kiddos that are constantly keeping you busy literally all hours of the day. I seriously have no idea how this is going to work when it’s time for me to go back to work, but for now I have two-ish weeks of maternity leave left, and I’m going to soak up every minute. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">It’s SO NICE being at home during my favorite season of the year. We’ve been planting and watering flowers, playing outside, and soaking up the sunshine. It’s so much nicer to be off during this time of the year versus summer because you can actually go outside and enjoy it without sweating to death or coating yourself {really the kiddos} in sunscreen. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">That’s not the point though. The point of this whole blog post is to recap the birth of Drake. Let’s just say those first few days were NOT AT ALL like I imagined or planned them to be, but we have made up for it. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">So, here it goes…</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">I chose to be induced, and I went in at midnight. We had to be there around 10:30 to get the paperwork and all started. There I was {amongst some rather scary individuals} in the ER, and in comes a girl who is quite pregnant and in A LOT of pain. Exactly why I chose to be induced! There I sat though…big, fat, pregnant, and just waiting for my name to be called. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Once we got paperwork taken care of, I was taken to my labor and delivery room…not the comfiest of beds since it breaks apart for the delivery part. I had a sweet nurse that got me all situated and hooked up to a million cords and started the process. Colby got situated on his make-shift bed and was out like a light in a matter of minutes it seemed. If only! I was up the entire night, which made for a good time to catch up on soap operas and Candy Crush. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u6aYpGcryd0/VxAjlyNAy6I/AAAAAAAAIkI/VNQ9Ihg2Vys/s1600-h/108APPLE%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="108APPLE" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="108APPLE" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q4H5JeTIUHw/VxAjmE1LzbI/AAAAAAAAIkQ/nkdcMUh9Q9k/108APPLE_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="681" height="397"></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">The doctor came in around 6 a.m. to break my water, and those contractions were off to the races. While I can’t remember exactly, I think it was around 8:30 or 9 that they came in and told me I was ready for an epidural if I wanted it. Boy, did I want it!!! Bravo to you ladies who birth those babies without any pain meds! This chick is not one of them. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">They gave me a shot of something in my IV to help the pain until the epidural was ready, and that really threw me for a loop. The nurses were ready for me to drink something out of a cup used for the epidural, and let’s just say I wasn’t sure which way the cup was. Everything was running together, but I sure felt better! Once the epidural was in, I couldn’t feel a thing! It was smooth sailing from that point on. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Right around lunch time, I was trying to convince all the family to go eat some lunch and to not be in a hurry. Just as they were about to head out the door though, the nurses came in to check me, and surprise, surprise…it was go time!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Before I knew it, Dr. Lee {the best doctor ever} was in the delivery room ready to catch a baby. Things went quickly, and Drake was here at 12:25 p.m. Nearly the exact same birth story as Landry but an hour quicker! </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LFN6v5mX_fE/VxAjmfqBRHI/AAAAAAAAIkY/6r2uJTELsa8/s1600-h/IMG_73046.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_7304" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7304" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LsG3W_2rVg4/VxAjm6bzJ5I/AAAAAAAAIkc/YMzgGPL0ljo/IMG_7304_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="550"></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rh5ph9WRaTU/VxAjnC0zE7I/AAAAAAAAIkk/LGubPfHX-_Q/s1600-h/IMG_73185.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_7318" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7318" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iDdAr3cCNkQ/VxAjnn63YZI/AAAAAAAAIks/0WR9LdJg5vg/IMG_7318_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" height="451"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Tears filled my eyes as I got to see my baby boy for the first time! All the pains of carrying him for 9 months and labor were suddenly erased as I saw that sweet little face and heard that tiny cry…the most precious sound a mother could hear! I was in love immediately.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DFVrtju5bcI/VxAjnwJ_0NI/AAAAAAAAIk0/wBnQO3ey4_w/s1600-h/IMG_73215.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_7321" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7321" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TFxcg_4aI0w/VxAjoQ017xI/AAAAAAAAIk8/M9-YQCxYyAc/IMG_7321_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="655" height="450"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Shortly after, the family came in to meet our new little boy. Landry wasn’t too sure about what this baby brother thing was, but he hesitantly crawled up beside me to see him. Everyone got to meet him, and then left to {finally} go eat and give me some time to rest and recover….</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hISbW9xtWiU/VxAjorTa6vI/AAAAAAAAIlE/vAaoy3KgLPk/s1600-h/IMG_73435.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_7343" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNiRyPpv6pmRfjsTZPk3QWdrlMDGfgzF8paZD2L-deZe4oQFOWODjG8FTPCFQ-OY_6RO6gjHWtRArnvJ1JlJTxCE2bNC8ak1OCVu17MKLGw_msRmh6uz0M6FmK4i7uzR2qEquCGfcssbb/?imgmax=800" width="633" height="538"></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T3BP_QFyG7Y/VxAjpYG0NoI/AAAAAAAAIlU/jUOFCj7DOjw/s1600-h/IMG_73625.jpg"><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_7362" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7362" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5X5HGKHWtTU/VxAjpq5RxmI/AAAAAAAAIlc/hXK5SejciMY/IMG_7362_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="616" height="557"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">…right before the scariest moment I think I’ve ever experienced in my life.</font></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-50514809537543922452016-04-09T22:38:00.001-05:002016-04-09T22:38:13.541-05:00Prepping Big Brother<p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Going from being an only child to the big brother has to be a big deal for such a little boy! Landry has been my heart and soul for the past two years, and I was having a pretty difficult time coming to terms with our days ending with him being the only one. A few days before I was supposed to go into the hospital, we were going through our daily bedtime routine of prayers and such. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">I fell apart.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Like sobbing falling apart. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Apparently, I just needed to get it out of my system because I was fine from that point on. However, I thought it would be fun to have him a little gift waiting for him since he was becoming the big brother and all. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dS93mZm5_N4/VwnKlC203bI/AAAAAAAAIjQ/2f-Ml8ASRqk/s1600-h/IMG_7276%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7276" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusVHXPVN9To-51t1vYxhfp6DOMmlmlKCmVIDMVEYaxHFPeJtStDY-MGrK6uASfx8aUM7tyv9GKRjXcXK35bUthXYdZPsgWqvDPzGoctnrAA2nQ6A1dWV4dZ-8Y-19iNitZaRmf3maK-yJ/?imgmax=800" width="508" height="587"></a><br><br>I bought everything {except the shirt} from the Dollar Tree, and it is all stuff I thought he might would have fun with and could keep busy with while visiting the hospital or do while staying away at his Mimi and Paw’s. The labels are from <a href="tatertotsandjello.com/2013/04/big-bro-big-sis-free-printable-tags-and-pins.html" target="_blank">here</a>. There are tons of options on Pinterest though. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rZi_y1kJ9Rw/VwnKmLW4SyI/AAAAAAAAIjY/OL7-shzwZxE/s1600-h/Big%252520Brother%252520Gift%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Big Brother Gift" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Big Brother Gift" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4AJ1U06OBJo/VwnKmg3O4eI/AAAAAAAAIjc/B3qSGxZAXXk/Big%252520Brother%252520Gift_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="695" height="405"></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">In the bags, you will find…</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Fruit snacks</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Cookies </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">M&Ms </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Big Brother shirt</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Coloring book and crayons</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Play dough and Play dough cut-outs</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Toy car</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Sticker scene creations</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Looking back, I probably put WAY too much in there, but we put it all to good use in the days we were back home from the hospital and trying to adjust into a life as a family of four. Overall though, I think having something there for him made him feel special and a little less uneasy to seeing his mommy in a hospital bed hooked up to a million wires. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d9rFrskjm8s/VwnKnFvGwLI/AAAAAAAAIjg/bFB_bV0zpRQ/s1600-h/IMG_7292%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7292" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7292" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FAt-hVqcRxY/VwnKntMuxwI/AAAAAAAAIjk/TCtlcCvpMow/IMG_7292_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="665" height="527"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YEDBayjhXRU/VwnKoLCdytI/AAAAAAAAIjo/CBCcZBkno9Q/s1600-h/IMG_7299%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7299" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7299" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oY09vXegEXM/VwnKoytMqcI/AAAAAAAAIjs/QBYOoBwBydE/IMG_7299_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="659" height="453"></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-26897861152246224102016-03-27T15:34:00.001-05:002016-03-27T15:34:20.773-05:00Welcoming Drake Dossy<p>This past month has been a whirlwind, and now it is coming to an end. During this month, I have been big, fat, and pregnant. I’ve had two baby showers. We’ve welcomed Drake into the world, and we’ve thrown in a little excitement and some Easter celebrations. Hopefully, over the next week, I can recap March and all of the happenings. </p> <p>For starters, I had two amazing showers hosted by some of my favorite people!</p> <p>The first shower took place at school, and it was absolutely beautiful, and we were blessed with so many gifts to welcome Drake into the world. For a second child, this little guy had plenty of personalized gifts and some necessessities {in my opinion} that needed to be replaced after lots of use from Landry. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u-Dvp6BkTWQ/VvhDmkKiyDI/AAAAAAAAIhs/UEUIksa57rw/s1600-h/IMG_7099%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7099" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7099" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5gqDT0YnUYU/VvhDniH4ECI/AAAAAAAAIhw/iBEqJJQbzZs/IMG_7099_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="641" height="446"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7nCrJbDSZlY/VvhDoEnTkBI/AAAAAAAAIh0/ch2Ml0KSH-k/s1600-h/IMG_7104%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7104" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7104" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ebv3gUvad0g/VvhDoVkjqjI/AAAAAAAAIh4/2BvQkNlKXIw/IMG_7104_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="633" height="440"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4hpl-UApGKbxJxhL83_WurRbPQsq8xMyZXyvU58hQsRw0pgGuqdx5R5j4c8MV2ezXOhP-zx-lKPofJ2D0_9qw8H8PrjCZVeTDHvHBXYeA7QJCEIVANXlWdN_lE-6kYNRvcoGvmtEVdWy/s1600-h/Drake%252520Dossy%252520School%252520Baby%252520Shower%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Drake Dossy School Baby Shower" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Drake Dossy School Baby Shower" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BLxpge5ysuc/VvhDpY2a-mI/AAAAAAAAIiA/Lxde1c-BuEg/Drake%252520Dossy%252520School%252520Baby%252520Shower_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="634" height="370"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y3tCT5SX5og/VvhDpj2lP7I/AAAAAAAAIiE/EAqlQ74HopQ/s1600-h/IMG_7126%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7126" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7126" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bxbL5Vumphk/VvhDqS_Yk8I/AAAAAAAAIiI/BcQp1gKdXGQ/IMG_7126_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="627" height="436"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x9x4ozs68JA/VvhDqhOB0GI/AAAAAAAAIiM/qIUyYoid0dI/s1600-h/Drake%252520Dossy%252520School%252520Baby%252520Shower1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Drake Dossy School Baby Shower1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Drake Dossy School Baby Shower1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Tsq5FfHAeo/VvhDuE-WmgI/AAAAAAAAIiQ/yb31RMKAPWM/Drake%252520Dossy%252520School%252520Baby%252520Shower1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="625" height="500"></a></p> <p>I am so thankful to work with such wonderful people, especially my second grade gals! Thank you all for everything you did to make this happen. I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends as you all! </p> <p>***************************************************************************************************</p> <p>And what puts a great end to the week rather than another baby shower hosted by my sister and aunt?!?! They were so kind to host a “sprinkle” for baby Drake. My poor sister hand cut every one of those rain drops because her Silhouette machine wasn’t working right. That is dedication!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Od7umYkeo-I/VvhDuoyZfvI/AAAAAAAAIiU/ODYbn_UjG9w/s1600-h/IMG_7168%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7168" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7168" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zJizz4HYrQg/VvhDvHCv7TI/AAAAAAAAIiY/kuHGV0Tl5Qc/IMG_7168_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="635" height="444"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oFpzyMY0iSs/VvhDvoQzknI/AAAAAAAAIic/293ksjyxBwE/s1600-h/IMG_7177%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7177" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7177" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oaU1okhSEJ4/VvhDwMEcXKI/AAAAAAAAIig/aF1rtmsetj4/IMG_7177_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="541"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vjNpJZcx2X4/VvhDwTSeQHI/AAAAAAAAIik/8TBAfBx4qVU/s1600-h/Family%252520and%252520Friends%252520Baby%252520Shower%252520for%252520Drake%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Family and Friends Baby Shower for Drake" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Family and Friends Baby Shower for Drake" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6qaybUkBwno/VvhDwxkNwGI/AAAAAAAAIio/WTsTQJSEJpI/Family%252520and%252520Friends%252520Baby%252520Shower%252520for%252520Drake_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="371"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jVon5DpvaGs/VvhDxPmV-MI/AAAAAAAAIis/b0CWnHodJQQ/s1600-h/Family%252520and%252520Friends%252520Baby%252520Shower%252520for%252520Drake1%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="Family and Friends Baby Shower for Drake1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Family and Friends Baby Shower for Drake1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-48HU4ea1Au8/VvhDx8KWgEI/AAAAAAAAIiw/5vbSTe2iWXc/Family%252520and%252520Friends%252520Baby%252520Shower%252520for%252520Drake1_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="543" height="1007"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YlM9uNF_NpE/VvhDyRzdBTI/AAAAAAAAIi0/xX5X3pFoEVs/s1600-h/IMG_7263%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7263" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7263" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CmnnxfPeTjE/VvhDy0Zb3VI/AAAAAAAAIi4/WLWXPp5Cj-I/IMG_7263_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="421"></a></p> <p>So thankful for my family that came to sprinkle us with some more needs that were met! </p> <p>Thanks to all of my hostesses for caring so much about Drake and I and for going through all the trouble to make both of these events happen! We are truly grateful for all you did!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-58002290023892371372016-02-06T14:48:00.001-06:002016-02-06T14:48:02.219-06:00And he shall be called…<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DSGtkWDk9pw/VrZb_hC0bxI/AAAAAAAAIgc/Gex899FPJGs/s1600-h/IMG_70776.jpg"><img title="IMG_7077" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7077" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2LnaN1ZJnhk/VrZcAKMHLUI/AAAAAAAAIgg/XflOYS3sZ7o/IMG_7077_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="615" height="443"></a> <p>While I haven’t done a very good job at blogging lately, I felt this deserved its own special post. </p> <p>This pregnancy has taken a toll on this body, especially trying to keep up with a very strong-willed, two year old. Naming this sweet little one that I’ve been carrying around has not been easy either. We have gone from one extreme to the other. We have made lists until we had finally narrowed it down to two. </p> <p>After polling Landry time and time again, we both felt like that was for sure the one. I mean, after all, he did say it was a baby brother long before we knew for sure. </p> <p>Just like Landry’s name, the first name is simply one we love…no special meaning or anything. The second name, however, is a family name- of sorts. </p> <p>My great-grandfather’s name was Dorsey, but he went by Doss. It’s even on his headstone as Dorsey “Doss” Ball. In an effort to keep the flow with Drake, we put the two together for Dossy. </p> <p>Landry thinks his name is Drake Bossy though. My, my, my!</p> <p>We are very excited to finally name this little one. I even ordered a newborn gown with his name on it this morning to make it more official-and to keep me from changing my mind.</p> <p>He’s due to be here March 28th, but my doctor is working with me to get me in the hospital a little before, so I can be home for Easter. This mama doesn’t want to miss the Easter bunny. </p> <p>Until next time….</p> <p>Plenty to blog about but no energy to do so. Hang in there! I’ll be back to share eventually!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-23156974369414177862015-12-30T13:32:00.001-06:002015-12-30T13:32:35.423-06:00House Goals of 2016<p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Keeping up with life is hard. Keeping up with house projects is even harder. Despite my lack of blogging in the past few months, I still enjoy making house goals every year to help guide what I want to accomplish in working to make our house more of a home and more cozy. </font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Since we have a baby on the way, I’m not going to get crazy with my goals this year. I’m trying to stay reasonable and keep these goals within reach. I must say that having these goals really gets me motivated to cross some things off my list, and I usually do quite well at achieving them because I actually do take the time to make the list and keep it close by. </font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">{One}</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Complete Landry’s closet</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">{Two}</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Replace mailbox and mailbox post</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">{Three}</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Add finishing touches to courtyard</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">{Four}</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Purchase rug for breakfast room</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">{Five}</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have artwork framed and hung</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">{Six}</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Make some changes to the nursery</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">{Seven}</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get new bedding for the master bedroom</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">{Eight}</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Change at least one main light fixture</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">{Nine}</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Get planters for the front door</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">{Ten}</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Have a new breakfast table made</font> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Most of my house goals this year include very few DIY projects and more purchases. I consider it an accomplishment to complete at least half of my goals each year. Last year, I completed a total of six goals thanks in major part to my husband. Crossing my fingers to a successful year! And if I don’t, at least I’ll have another sweet little baby to divert my attention.</font></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-49524351972055706792015-10-21T17:41:00.001-05:002015-10-21T17:41:38.534-05:00Finally Fall and Finally Back<p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Since school has started, I have been on a little hiatus. Of course, what I was too sick and exhausted to tell you all at the time was that there was another reason aside from the regular beginning of school exhaustion. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YSimRlzl02M/VigUdRtX7CI/AAAAAAAAIa0/n9i42li5_3U/s1600-h/IMG_15904.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_1590" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1590" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wZd3UOWnhAQ/VigUd3ro3eI/AAAAAAAAIa4/DCqZGIMU1N4/IMG_1590_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="522" height="761"></font></a><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"> </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Luckily, things are on the up and up, and I’m feeling much better and gaining some of my energy back. Because of this new found energy, I decided to pursue some of my fall decor dreams since I haven’t done that in a couple of years.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Thanks to some very generous people I have pulled this together with a limited budget and made a decent fall scene that can be used until Thanksgiving. Is it bad that I’m already planning for Christmas though? </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Don’t worry! I don’t break out the Christmas decor until after Thanksgiving even though it’s getting harder and harder to adhere to that. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">Starting at the front door…a small touch with pumpkins and dried limelight hydrangeas. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vAZtNyaExW8/VigUeZJX8FI/AAAAAAAAIbA/ZaEikIR1enM/s1600-h/IMG_17103.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_1710" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1710" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-05NqMF6d3bs/VigUewXSC5I/AAAAAAAAIbM/CXGl5NMi9Gw/IMG_1710_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="694" height="472"></font></a><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uPRuFrQPg5w/VigUfWH7vPI/AAAAAAAAIbQ/dJg5167iKwo/s1600-h/IMG_17163.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_1716" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1716" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ajEWMur7Vl0/VigUfkc6xcI/AAAAAAAAIbY/ASJUMbdMi4w/IMG_1716_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="710" height="483"></font></a><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"> </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">And then it moves straight to the front porch….pumpkins, cotton, hay bales, ferns, planters, and a lantern to top it off.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DjsaMVRPCZ8/VigUgQq7xaI/AAAAAAAAIbg/CmQJoq3kSMM/s1600-h/IMG_17204.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_1720" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1720" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cZwkFesZB8M/VigUg8Bp42I/AAAAAAAAIbo/YT7UOtusrVE/IMG_1720_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="707" height="484"></font></a><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-atr-STaWMd4/VigUhO9CvuI/AAAAAAAAIbw/mFLId2jJmXM/s1600-h/IMG_17174.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_1717" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1717" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Eh9CpfXnp8s/VigUhk8iIaI/AAAAAAAAIb4/922D1F68RyM/IMG_1717_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="640"></font></a><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JDiGnxFmHcI/VigUiKGda9I/AAAAAAAAIcA/cQTKS-OzNnQ/s1600-h/IMG_17274.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_1727" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1727" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ejzZOqpZx7Y/VigUiexb1VI/AAAAAAAAIcI/MSh0I1hVKWI/IMG_1727_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="627"></font></a><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h48Hj0l6IJE/VigUihzx62I/AAAAAAAAIcQ/1PsXedPYssI/s1600-h/IMG_17323.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_1732" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1732" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UImjs96Mh9Y/VigUjD_73xI/AAAAAAAAIcU/7li_cK3Sj7g/IMG_1732_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="667" height="454"></font></a><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LKdSOL9tvU4/VigUjQhWrnI/AAAAAAAAIcg/CSbmNlv755s/s1600-h/IMG_17403.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_1740" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1740" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-piszuIzkIlE/VigUjnaPbLI/AAAAAAAAIck/50PbUrfeQRw/IMG_1740_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" height="460"></font></a><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zBlvo26op-A/VigUkIjBBaI/AAAAAAAAIcs/XYrn4AbVEok/s1600-h/IMG_17823.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_1782" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1782" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5DgS1eN1yQk/VigUku6i_HI/AAAAAAAAIc4/bXf0-DnKrrY/IMG_1782_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="682" height="464"></font></a><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bj5eRWoSTM0/VigUk6aLv_I/AAAAAAAAIdA/0Wbynm9K5kg/s1600-h/IMG_17953.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_1795" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1795" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PX88cA0hvHc/VigUlM5hjUI/AAAAAAAAIdI/oOkrZCx9bsA/IMG_1795_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="695" height="473"></font></a><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yKCr7QsIuKc/VigUlsMUTJI/AAAAAAAAIdQ/GDtopdanWlk/s1600-h/IMG_18043.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_1804" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1804" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-itkj_jLeIdk/VigUl4izUpI/AAAAAAAAIdY/kGA4KliI-Og/IMG_1804_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="710" height="483"></font></a><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"> </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">As for the planters, I used a combination of marigolds, creeping fig, celosia, and scaevola.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sFFs08T_Nns/VigUmXv7JlI/AAAAAAAAIdg/Doy9Yj3lZ3c/s1600-h/IMG_17563.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_1756" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1756" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wtYSb-adisA/VigUmjpF96I/AAAAAAAAIdo/pdIhDmtzB-Y/IMG_1756_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="630"></font></a><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e537O7vVFy8/VigUneLSOnI/AAAAAAAAId0/xJIz54iE5ow/s1600-h/IMG_17604.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_1760" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1760" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-krrRnzxuldE/VigUnueaOsI/AAAAAAAAId4/bvx8RdJOtBE/IMG_1760_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="456"></font></a><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"> </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08zdT__Nz3JAk-_ZhA6kPoJ6u1gfBRna5-oJ0I9vQ8bvHMsIaIDj9Ke-PT4MblHHlVN3QUQQJ8jzt6p-_NmNMr4p6CvaTPjm0sZrAblxWovjr8SUvwUnDOTzBYWcCM0VP_CSUkHwdPDdE/s1600-h/IMG_17713.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"><img title="IMG_1771" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1771" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YRQU1S6-0qI/VigUocDG-jI/AAAAAAAAIeI/3NBzzDqP2tA/IMG_1771_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="675" height="459"></font></a><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB"> </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">I’ve got plans for a fall mantel, but it’s just a matter of following through with them. Hang tight…I may surprise you. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="PMingLiU-ExtB">On to the doctor tomorrow for our second ultrasound of baby brother. Hopefully will have a video to share soon! We’re taking Landry, so that should be interesting. As always, keep us in your prayers for a healthy baby boy. I’m always nervous until everything is confirmed. So thankful for all God has given us!</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-19630547876510622992015-07-01T12:44:00.001-05:002015-07-01T12:44:26.653-05:00Oh, Say Can You See<p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Since Independence Day is right around the corner, I wanted to add a few touches around the house to show our patriotism for our country. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">This year I kept our decor contained to our fireplace in the dining room and the front porch. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">For the mantel, I only used things I already had here at the house- minus the miniature flags that were like $2.50 a pack of four.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-drmzxXmKXxk/VZQm0Lx6BkI/AAAAAAAAIXE/_Hbtlznzojo/s1600-h/IMG_07804.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0780" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0780" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2zpwjz2vz50/VZQm01AiTnI/AAAAAAAAIXM/jfB5gR5T1ks/IMG_0780_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="719"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">My SIL and I made the wreath a few years ago, and surprisingly it has held on. I do believe I’m going to have to get another one though since the leaves are falling off slowly, but surely. For the purpose of this mantel though, it served the purpose. All it is is a boxwood wreath from NDI, some thick white ribbon, and a metal star that I’m sure you can find at nearly any thrift/antique type store right now. It’s simply wired together, and I added a hanger on the back of it with some thread. Use what you have!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">For the rest of the mantel, I brought in my lanterns from the porch {that I scored at Dirt Cheap}, some candles, a frame that I painted red a few years ago {with a free printable}, and a galvanized bucket I used at a shower previously. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Y4bd8wW53U/VZQm1KzB2SI/AAAAAAAAIXQ/LtiFF77U4Ew/s1600-h/IMG_07943.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0794" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0794" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tJ9iXw-l5-o/VZQm1h_9wEI/AAAAAAAAIXY/4qEeA2x2WGc/IMG_0794_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="661" height="449"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fBJ9wvPK57c/VZQm1x7iMvI/AAAAAAAAIXg/XjOjA9SrEO4/s1600-h/IMG_08094.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0809" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0809" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h8jj0x_m7LY/VZQm40JTelI/AAAAAAAAIXs/i0jDQWedvvA/IMG_0809_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="654" height="957"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-diTdw2AxCYg/VZQm5WOJgbI/AAAAAAAAIX0/9GQFiCZCYwQ/s1600-h/IMG_08143.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0814" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0814" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VykNSh2RUdg/VZQm6MC_u0I/AAAAAAAAIX8/GMfVGAdM5dA/IMG_0814_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" height="455"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">The banner was made for Landry’s 1st birthday party last year {and will likely by used this year as well}. All you need for it is some gingham fabric, some hem tape, and grosgrain ribbon. I bought a yard of each color. You will have plenty left over, and mine is pretty long. It spanned across the back porch as a banner for the party, so that can give you an idea of the length. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TguDbp-vz2E/VZQm6aEYCWI/AAAAAAAAIYA/Vsx7lxrn31I/s1600-h/IMG_08273.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0827" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0827" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fnK0nlJTfTc/VZQm6gh3uhI/AAAAAAAAIYI/XK03C5qC_54/IMG_0827_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="673" height="458"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MnhufZDnlZ0/VZQm7Fv9gAI/AAAAAAAAIYQ/NEFIVgY4TOE/s1600-h/IMG_08324.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0832" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0832" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uI8u8HiZJYA/VZQm7f0mYDI/AAAAAAAAIYc/KQ1c4E2W8xM/IMG_0832_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="525" height="765"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">For it, I simply traced a triangle pattern that I made onto the fabric. I cut it with cutting shears, and I didn’t worry about perfection. I then used the iron and a wet cloth to connect the fabric and ribbon with the hem tape. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">As for the porch, I simply stuck some more of the miniature flags into my planters I blogged about here. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5llU6MOGFIY/VZQm7-ykxrI/AAAAAAAAIYg/mIVP2auZWn0/s1600-h/IMG_08433.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0843" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0843" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r4yQCrjXd4o/VZQm8D2BwpI/AAAAAAAAIYo/OmJy7joMIsQ/IMG_0843_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="637"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LdJhdtZDhTI/VZQm9DRmYII/AAAAAAAAIY0/82yGXsKj5fc/s1600-h/IMG_08403.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0840" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0840" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qpLsEW0Xcwk/VZQm9kMwUnI/AAAAAAAAIY4/kCYJJimEHSo/IMG_0840_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="647" height="494"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And of course, we are flying Old Glory just as we do year around.</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pM0D27v0L88/VZQm91wSvWI/AAAAAAAAIZE/I6KHp_BVCwg/s1600-h/IMG_84204.jpg"><img title="IMG_8420" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8420" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s_-A6hh-xKs/VZQm-YId4JI/AAAAAAAAIZM/ixWaEPcIbto/IMG_8420_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="662"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-27296647739445985192015-06-22T13:15:00.001-05:002015-06-22T13:15:06.464-05:00Thrift Shop Dresser Makeover<p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I was so disappointed the other day when I rode through town to see the little thrift shop I scored this cute little dresser from had closed! I had such high hopes of checking in with them this summer to maybe find some other little odds and ends and maybe some more furniture. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I’m a sucker for furniture, especially tables and dressers and buffets. I’d probably buy every single one I liked if it was at the right price and was my style. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">This dresser started out black and with no knobs. I was fine with that since I knew I wanted to paint it and probably would have changed the knobs anyway. There was no way I was going to pass up a solid wood dresser with dove-tailed drawers for $20. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mv4Oi3VZ5w8/VYhQlvnZlfI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/xv17uAFha7o/s1600-h/IMG_0445%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0445" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0445" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-39_SJDxCZ64/VYhQl791fVI/AAAAAAAAIVU/MFAuNbW5cx4/IMG_0445_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="408"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I painted it with some paint I had left over from painting our cabinets, Benjamin Moore Advance Paint in White Diamond.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DFqvHlAnFas/VYhQmSkyt9I/AAAAAAAAIVg/1pB4dr2MHsA/s1600-h/IMG_0616%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0616" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0616" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tK5YYiOkPrg/VYhQm9sDVCI/AAAAAAAAIVo/UkjFcDT4aS4/IMG_0616_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="631"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I ordered some knobs from knobdeals.com….very cheap, too! $5.94 for six of them! You do pay a good bit for shipping, but you still come out on the good end of the deal. In the end, it was $19.19 shipping and all. You can’t beat that! It can in just a few days though, so that was a plus as well. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RrwXMGq9JwY/VYhQnGBnILI/AAAAAAAAIVw/LTQhAEeJL-g/s1600-h/IMG_0636%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0636" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0636" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XZX7d3DkenM/VYhQnt6bk1I/AAAAAAAAIV0/d-mtmmztRs4/IMG_0636_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="511"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I thought the knobs tied in nicely with the lamp I bought later on from T.J. Maxx. If there is something you don’t know about me, it’s that I believe in the power of lamps. The bigger the better in my book! I hate squatty lamps in a room. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pgrp1dfVY1Q/VYhQoFHbqDI/AAAAAAAAIV8/S_guuEDA7eQ/s1600-h/IMG_0593%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0593" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0593" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EExh5pGyzVs/VYhQobynSeI/AAAAAAAAIWE/RyqvL5IT5KY/IMG_0593_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="740"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qeah05yYV2k/VYhQonIcSmI/AAAAAAAAIWM/crN03RFoOx8/s1600-h/IMG_0609%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0609" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0609" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sHf1bfwyRbY/VYhQpEcN8aI/AAAAAAAAIWY/w3CTuJd-E-I/IMG_0609_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="607" height="413"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KTjeg-LC07I/VYhQph5fIPI/AAAAAAAAIWc/BluDk65QQbI/s1600-h/IMG_0600%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0600" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0600" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9nI9ciRReqw/VYhQqWk-PeI/AAAAAAAAIWo/0zQhcO4rLbA/IMG_0600_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="638" height="434"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">So, there’s my new addition to the entry way. It makes me smile every time I pass by it, and that’s what making a home is all about. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Remember to see past the paint and the knobs. See past what it is and see what it could be, especially if it’s a steal!</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-51423588106288610282015-06-18T14:02:00.001-05:002015-06-18T14:02:05.010-05:00Now what?<p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">You’ve removed everything possible from your room. You’ve rearranged the furniture. You’ve deep cleaned behind the couches {and under them}. You’ve found those missing toy pieces. You’ve gotten all of the stuff put in another area, so you can shop what you already have later.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KmkveU4WpqI/VYMVjlr_ZdI/AAAAAAAAITY/NgWQozN1cH4/s1600-h/IMG_0455%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0455" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0455" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gQGzMHLCPFQ/VYMVkVY-mDI/AAAAAAAAITg/SQcKh5zW3uw/IMG_0455_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="681" height="463"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QgkEeLLHsTg/VYMVltBOEpI/AAAAAAAAITo/VfCcNP17arQ/s1600-h/IMG_0452%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0452" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0452" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MNzRsfsITss/VYMVmJBoSEI/AAAAAAAAITw/-fbSfRMThsM/IMG_0452_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="679"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">The room is quieted.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Now what?</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Well, you start piecing things back together and only putting the things back that truly give your room the feel you are going for. You’re not feeling guilty about not putting it all back in the room. Half the stuff I had on my bookshelves were not even things I liked. I just didn’t have a spot for them, and I had an unfilled space. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">All that created was a space of misplaced stuff that stressed me out. That’s not how you should feel in you’re own home {at least because of furniture and decor anyway}. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">So, I worked specifically on my bookshelves and mantel, while changing the accessories on my end tables a little bit. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And, I painted the coffee table…again.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And the end result…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D1T5e2JaztM/VYMVm1_x8GI/AAAAAAAAIT4/Uk_sH0TX9c4/s1600-h/IMG_0649%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0649" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0649" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k_ixTjeQKhc/VYMVnaL0C0I/AAAAAAAAIT8/__ElFx6YYyA/IMG_0649_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="628" height="427"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sHRrHIprlpw/VYMVn6Ir0tI/AAAAAAAAIUI/kqVZZILIwYk/s1600-h/IMG_0681%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0681" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0681" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JXGi56IidFU/VYMVolv8a5I/AAAAAAAAIUM/ZdcA1lejf2Q/IMG_0681_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="632" height="430"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">A “summer-ized” home! It feels less like fall and winter. I don’t know why I didn’t try this sooner. It made the biggest difference in how I felt in this room. I’m no longer overwhelmed by the tchotchkes, but instead I feel pleased every time I look in either direction in this room. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">While I can’t do anything about the deer head over the mantel or the ugly side chair, I try to distract away from it. The big windows help with that. Have some things you don’t like in your house but can’t afford to change it? Get those eyes looking at something else instead. These are just some of the tips from the Cozy Minimalist Class by the Nester. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Here’s a side by side…of course, without toys.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ql7qL3mv1I/VYMVpDYWMNI/AAAAAAAAIUU/uX_R-NPHiyA/s1600-h/June%2525202015%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="June 2015" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="June 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d_0QojS0t88/VYMVpl5jI8I/AAAAAAAAIUg/mfbc01gUyag/June%2525202015_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="689" height="400"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And….with the toys, just to keep things real {straightened up, of course}</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLKHuSs9HFQtfwgRqbFJ8z10cagGl-X9_d42bj14k1sUDldlOQwEjSoAKtsnCc4zotDLPMEXhdSHa5Jj2Syl033wJOzAXtXgPZMCjE_qBKinthRLv9CZ8xdu22ICpevnEJcm_DjeoHd3w/s1600-h/IMG_0683%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0683" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0683" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MEFY161iexY/VYMVqvh-_wI/AAAAAAAAIUs/bUYFTD0Ay6I/IMG_0683_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="679" height="462"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-11689169184312725142015-06-10T13:48:00.001-05:002015-06-10T13:49:27.815-05:00Quieting the Room<p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Have you ever just looked around a room and decided that you need a change? There’s just that something that just.doesn’t.fit. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">In my living room, I had two spaces that bothered me to death. Say hello to my built-in bookcases and my mantel.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JUsDhdfcqKI/VXiGZXBoinI/AAAAAAAAISE/10TDraxXqOA/s1600-h/IMG_0431%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0431" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0431" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2FO4CN_9g24/VXiGZggnbyI/AAAAAAAAISM/NdPitZ2cmpw/IMG_0431_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="625" height="430"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GzcTKnbQ_G0/VXiGaAlWMiI/AAAAAAAAISU/FrmAMbrRniw/s1600-h/IMG_0438%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0438" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0438" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zghZ7Y6qNdk/VXiGaiJAweI/AAAAAAAAISY/EtNVk2NyarI/IMG_0438_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="432"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Yep….that’s how our house looks on any given day. On the bright side, I usually do a quick clean-up before bed. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Not the point though.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">These two walls flank either side of this room, and both places were filled with <em>stuff</em>. Not meaningful stuff. Not stuff with a purpose. Just <em>stuff</em> that didn’t have a place anywhere else in my house. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">In an effort to get some control of the room and make some changes, I decided to follow the advice of The Nester and quiet the room aka take everything but the big stuff out. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--VSFGnHQRcw/VXiGaxjB3II/AAAAAAAAISk/UtBt8Dx57qM/s1600-h/IMG_0457%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0457" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0457" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yAH777S8B50/VXiGbSIVBoI/AAAAAAAAISs/aToPUwXFef8/IMG_0457_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="651" height="443"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Cleaning things out makes you want to clean every nook and cranny. I pulled out the couches and wiped, vacuumed, and mopped. I stripped the couches and washed every slipcover on it. That left us with this {minus a few things you still see in the room}. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NhfJwtqQVoA/VXiGbsLxneI/AAAAAAAAISw/C70NN87rLqI/s1600-h/IMG_0460%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0460" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0460" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mC15xv6Y3nA/VXiGcHjLZQI/AAAAAAAAIS4/oaRYmXdX1RY/IMG_0460_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="659" height="448"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I moved the kid table over to see if it would work there {and to vacuum and mop}, but it didn’t. Then, it was time to reconfigure the bookshelves and mantel. Stand by…</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I’ll share my progress later. For now, I encourage you to do the same. Quiet the room. Start over. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And for goodness sake, if you need more tips, </font><a href="http://www.bygodssoutherngrace.com/2015/06/class-is-in-session.html" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">take the class or read the book like I’ve said a million times</font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">.</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-85681373711821921902015-06-06T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-06T06:00:05.354-05:00Class is in Session<p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I took a class. A decorate your house class. An it’s ok to not have a perfect house class. An embrace the imperfections class. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5BglOVu2tDk/VXDIEqwj7lI/AAAAAAAAIQ8/BVnnzZMnOxE/s1600-h/cozy%252520minimalist%25255B3%25255D.png"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="cozy minimalist" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="cozy minimalist" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aJmsqJF613Q/VXDIFYIBXRI/AAAAAAAAIRE/PeCTs5M13kE/cozy%252520minimalist_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="645" height="235"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">You get the idea. As you all know, my favorite blogger of any blogger is The Nester. I rave about her book on a regular basis. I read the book over and over. I read every.single.blog post. And then she offered this class that was four weeks long and was interactive. Seeing as how it was a little out of my price range and was not really at a convenient time for me, I opted out. I kicked myself for doing it, but I did what was best for the bank account. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MfE-IvA3R2Y/VXDIFwFSlnI/AAAAAAAAIRM/jHxl3oej5Ms/s1600-h/nester%25255B3%25255D.png"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="nester" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="nester" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vZNJwY9UJgM/VXDIG-PvpJI/AAAAAAAAIRU/M82-kVXFWNU/nester_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="622" height="438"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And then I received an email…the one where The Nester announced that she was launching the class in video format where you could do it at your own speed, which was much better for me. AND the price was right! </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">If you’re looking for a class to help lead you in the right direction to making a home you love, I really encourage you to take this class. If you’re not even sure where to start, sign up. She offers tips on how to quiet your room and make big base decisions that ultimately make a room. Then, she helps you think about meaningful accessories. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">If you’ve already got a good handle on those things, maybe this isn’t for you, but if you need a little encouragement and guidance, I can honestly tell you that this class will help you get started and build your confidence. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">If you want to take it to, </font><a href="http://dixon.ontraport.com/c/s/Uf2/8OA/6/6T/8w/68X0oM/6MApYIqqdq" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">follow this link</font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> and say that I referred you. It will save you $10. That makes the course only $29. And when you get done taking the class, </font><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nesting-Place-Doesnt-Perfect-Beautiful/dp/0310337909/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433454425&sr=8-1&keywords=The+nesting+place" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">GO BUY THE BOOK</font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sKkJ7_mTB40/VXDIHTxqyII/AAAAAAAAIRY/Q-7bgNUir3M/s1600-h/IMG_7621%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7621" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_7621" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0iHrljR786c/VXDIHgGaflI/AAAAAAAAIRg/Bl021unykfg/IMG_7621_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="591"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">P.S. If you sign up for the class now, she is doing a live webinar on Tuesday morning that you will get to participate in as well!</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-45380243467945362532015-06-05T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-05T06:00:08.926-05:00Give it a Little Life<p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">When it come to accessorizing rooms, I’m the worst. I can pick out paint colors and curtains and furniture and rugs all day long. If you want me to accessorize it though, I’m pretty much worthless.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">It takes me a while to piece things together. Of course, the many books and blogs I’ve read lately make me feel better. Now I feel less compelled to accessorize the room all at one time. Instead, I’ve chosen to do as they suggest and accessorize throughout time for a more collected feel. Then, I can change things out, especially since I get bored with things rather quickly. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">During spring break, I worked on a table I found in a dumpster. It’s been my catch-all table when school was in session. Most days it just looked like this…</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rBT-CORMs9ylWuhXJbi2o1FKjKJc06YCrEcAmqEd2Ubp6fTAeav8O7qyvUViRgysE_D8uFR0r9YN2p6Lnm7UwxXcH1ThkHZIASZN0wbPlQytx4LuYLly6cqo3ZQrzyclo4ZCdkW8WGjW/s1600-h/IMG_0382%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0382" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0382" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7_ZVIhIxkKo/VXDB7WZwpFI/AAAAAAAAIPY/ArSYWDIt3RY/IMG_0382_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="467"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">if not worse!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">You can see from the picture that I bought those stools from Overstock that I had talked about in the original post about this table project. Loving them!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Anyhow…a sweet little girl in my class gave me a beautiful plant on the last day of school! Totally made my day! I was so excited because plants have been on my list of things to add to the rooms in my house. It’s amazing how much a plant can add to a room. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9jl-2Ku0Pmc/VXDB70lMKNI/AAAAAAAAIPk/vi_lbJ1Ob28/s1600-h/IMG_0514%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0514" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0514" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lfk8k94MJt8/VXDB8Q0bCrI/AAAAAAAAIPs/4jDqVu9zFkA/IMG_0514_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="716" height="491"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nClv_wzKkWA/VXDB9bx2WUI/AAAAAAAAIP0/n3RMcYTRBuU/s1600-h/IMG_0520%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0520" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0520" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DuUCf01FKCc/VXDB-HKlZrI/AAAAAAAAIP8/eYNCOMbQuqI/IMG_0520_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="451" height="671"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QGMokOQxOoc/VXDB-lj-ZyI/AAAAAAAAIQE/e2j55nTxu2g/s1600-h/IMG_0531%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0531" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0531" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yRyQS2ALJT0/VXDB_dl1XyI/AAAAAAAAIQM/c3GY9FSDDRs/IMG_0531_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="422"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O9VN5WE-tbQ/VXDCC5InrSI/AAAAAAAAIQU/1qc1Vla5nrM/s1600-h/IMG_0533%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0533" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0533" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3hSheh9krtA/VXDCDvGbKLI/AAAAAAAAIQc/g3DPrUlIkLU/IMG_0533_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="543"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And for a before and after….</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ILivn5HYkB0/VXDCEMK0aNI/AAAAAAAAIQk/qSIqQFyF4qI/s1600-h/Table%252520Collage2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="Table Collage2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Table Collage2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7N6ZSWs-ZI0/VXDCElODs7I/AAAAAAAAIQo/dLA6DJZD6VA/Table%252520Collage2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="488"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">It’s amazing what a few little additions can do to a space!</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-45836435094352171172015-06-04T12:50:00.001-05:002015-06-04T12:50:56.516-05:00“Mint” to Be<p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Once upon a time, I posted a picture of my dining room in my house because I was so thankful to {finally} have all of my surfaced cleaned off. Then, a sweet lady commented how she wished her house looked like that. She didn’t have hardly anything on the wall. What she didn’t know was that I really don’t have anything on the wall either! </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I’m pretty picky about what I want to hang on my walls. I’m not sure why. It’s so easy to change things out. The Nester suggests moving stuff around until you find the right place for it and accepting the imperfection. I’m still a work in progress though. That’s probably why I’ve read the book twice…and probably will again. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Anyhow…I was recently introduced to this cool website called <a href="http://www.minted.com" target="_blank">Minted.com</a>. I’ve heard of Minted before because of their amazing invitations for parties and weddings. They have everything from thank you cards, to save the dates, to the invitations themselves. What I didn’t know was that they had art that looks amazing, and they will even frame it for you. Can it get better than that?!?!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I was shopping around to see what would look best in my house. I would love to have an affordable piece of art already framed and delivered to my house. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">The first thing that popped out to me was this cool foil print of my wonderful state of Alabama. I thought the frame {that I got to pick out} was unique and went with my obsession with distressed white pieces. </font></p> <p><a href="http://www.minted.com/product/foil-stamped-wall-art/MIN-HBI-GFA/alabama-map?ccId=374798&org=title" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iL-A7DknOAQ/VXCP99GMtGI/AAAAAAAAIOk/MkohKF4wCG4/image%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="511" height="602"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I’m a sucker for typography. It’s always nice to have some inspirational quotes or phrases that have sentimental meaning to you. This one would be perfect for my office. You can even customize it to match your color scheme in your house. </font></p> <p><a href="http://www.minted.com/product/wall-art-prints/MIN-KHO-GNA/nice-work?ccId=97670&org=title" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_5olz0zRpwY/VXCP-YmuNSI/AAAAAAAAIOo/gHAut-gQJCw/image%25255B14%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="531" height="651"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And then there was the more traditional art that I’m really drawn to! I can’t pick just one place I could use these pieces in my house. I would love to add some art to my walls or tucked into my built-in bookcases. </font></p> <p><a href="http://www.minted.com/product/wall-art-prints/MIN-7HT-GNA/mid-summertime?ccId=245775&org=title" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k3t9N0RhIZo/VXCP-4DZ8uI/AAAAAAAAIOw/C8HrcgD5MFU/image%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="482" height="588"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://www.minted.com/product/wall-art-prints/MIN-VOV-GNA/mornings-away?ccId=474548&org=title" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g0rNY8X7Hjk/VXCP_avJteI/AAAAAAAAIO4/SF15r7ZeTqE/image%25255B26%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="667" height="536"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://www.minted.com/product/wall-art-prints/MIN-Y29-GNA/flutter-watercolor?ccId=476632&org=title" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ebpdr3Qs3E/VXCP_wWep2I/AAAAAAAAIPA/QIpmmIerdTI/image%25255B32%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="475" height="591"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">There are so many styles on the </font><a href="http://www.minted.com" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Minted.com</font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> website. It’s definitely worth checking out! I hope to getting at least on of these pieces soon! If I do, I’ll be sure to share it with you! If you’re looking to make a small investment to add a little more home to your house, this looks like a great place to start.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">***Click on the pictures to be linked to those same pieces of art. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Click below to see what the offer in:</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><a href="http://www.minted.com/art?it_category=n_artb&it_id=top1" target="_blank">Art</a></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><a href="http://www.minted.com/save-the-date" target="_blank">Save the Dates</a></font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-65315470692698531822015-05-04T05:00:00.000-05:002015-05-04T05:00:10.029-05:00Thank Your Teach!<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vH1h2hEbg8A/VUbQ7NOnFBI/AAAAAAAAILk/Kw-E1oC3Wm4/s1600-h/teacher%252520quote%2525204%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="teacher quote 4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="teacher quote 4" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xg-bVIpOXp8/VUbQ7x1IaNI/AAAAAAAAILs/zDNIgaIy07k/teacher%252520quote%2525204_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="459"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Teaching is a very demanding job no matter what day of the year you pick. At the beginning of the year, teachers are busy preparing the last minute details that have to be taken care of before students arrive. Of course, they are doing that all between professional development opportunities that have to be taken amidst the chaos. Putting names on everything to give kids a more personalized environment, sorting the millions of papers that have to go home at open house, and adding the final touches to those bulletin boards to make the classroom more inviting. Many times all of those “extras” come out of a teacher’s pocket to show the kids how much they look forward to them being in their classroom and to show parents how much they care about their kid that will be in their hands for the next 180 days. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Move to the middle of the year, and you will find a teacher grading papers, meeting with other grade level teachers to get recommendations on how to improve teaching techniques, having conferences with parents, and monitoring progress constantly to make sure your child will be reaching their year end goals. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And at the end of the year….the work is still not done. That same teacher is trying to keep your students engaged even though summer is so close, and they are ready to be outside playing than in the classroom. He or she is administering those year-end tests to see what a huge leap your child has made since the beginning of the year. She is preparing awards for the upcoming awards day and sorting the piles of paperwork that seem to accumulate at the end of the year. And you know what else? She’s preparing for next year. She’s going over in her mind what worked, didn’t work, and what she can’t wait to try next year. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jWGYnNywcVk/VUbQ8a923KI/AAAAAAAAILw/aJvUA40gFvw/s1600-h/teacher%252520quote%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="teacher quote 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="teacher quote 2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BR4JZUVbCQQ/VUbQ8ye1StI/AAAAAAAAIL8/Tqv8vvgfNGI/teacher%252520quote%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="558"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And those summers off? They don’t truly happen. Go to the school almost any day in the summer, and you will mostly likely find several teachers working on their classrooms, running copies, labeling books, etc. And when they’re at home….they’re still working. Preparing folders, buying resources from Teachers Pay Teachers {from their own pockets}, creating lessons, laminating , and that’s just scratching the surface. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HqiTLSG40Zg/VUbQ9i9xBjI/AAAAAAAAIMA/TxwMI9LyxEk/s1600-h/Teacher%252520quote%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="Teacher quote 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Teacher quote 1" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fv6sP4aaNCM/VUbQ-AOTIMI/AAAAAAAAIMI/rCSXyDnnhfw/Teacher%252520quote%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="571"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">As a teacher, I cannot tell you how much time we spend to prepare to try to teach your kids to the best of our ability. I cannot tell you how much money we spend out of our own pockets to give your child the best learning experience and environment. It’s endless work. Even when we get home, we think about your kids. They become ours, too. We love them like our own and take lots of pride in our jobs. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CCmkoYAeCDY/VUbQ-hcOPxI/AAAAAAAAIMU/2waJGfCTAHs/s1600-h/teacher%252520quote%2525203%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="teacher quote 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="teacher quote 3" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Bvhk9BIMkc/VUbQ-z5bDjI/AAAAAAAAIMY/yb1IszCK3Gw/teacher%252520quote%2525203_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="494"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I say all this to remind you that this week is Teacher Appreciation Week. I’m not writing this to solicit gifts. I just want to remind the world that all it takes is a small thank you note. It sometimes makes the biggest difference in a teacher’s day. Teaching is a very stressful job, and kind words go a long way. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">However, if you’re looking for some great gifts to show a small token of your appreciation for those guys and gals out there shaping your kids into successful citizens, here’s some that I found on Pinterest that I’m sure any teacher would enjoy. {Click on the pictures to find the original links}</font></p> <p><a href="http://thecraftingchicks.com/2015/04/redbox-teacher-appreciation-printable.html#_a5y_p=3621995"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="gift 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="gift 1" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ERmy7ojKhx4/VUbQ_W1wxaI/AAAAAAAAIMk/EIZ_UQxZp5Y/gift%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="513"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://crazylittleprojects.com/2014/04/teacher-appreciation-gifts-cute-cups-printable-tags.html"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="gift 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="gift 2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BxvRghxpvsI/VUbRA3nJ7oI/AAAAAAAAIMs/qAtam5FI1K0/gift%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="588"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://www.beneathmyheart.net/2014/04/easy-teacher-gift-idea/"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="gift 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="gift 3" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WcCKkEv8BlY/VUbRBJoVtEI/AAAAAAAAIM0/_OqWVTmUmdI/gift%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="637" height="482"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://pizzazzerie.com/how-tos/tickled-pink-last-minute-teacher-gift-idea/#_a5y_p=2304084"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="gift 4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="gift 4" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S9ycIbstoP4/VUbRBrYtXBI/AAAAAAAAIM4/TmJgp1zqKUQ/gift%2525204%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="638"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://makebakecelebrate.com/yellow-cake-donuts-donut-printable/"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="gift 5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="gift 5" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NIxIx6ttKKA/VUbRCF5GgmI/AAAAAAAAINA/BFYnkUYKpjk/gift%2525205%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="634"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://thriftyfrugalmom.com/15-fun-inexpensive-teacher-gifts/#sthash.tCdRhTQa.YWxq30bU.dpbs"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="gift 6" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="gift 6" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C-TrlbL0HJE/VUbRCZuP2ZI/AAAAAAAAINM/Ew5OLr08B1g/gift%2525206%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" height="628"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And if you need anymore ideas, just click on over to Pinterest and search “teacher appreciation gifts”. Tons of ideas come up {in all price ranges}!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Hope all of you teachers have a fantastic week and feel super appreciated!</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-69821383060698635282015-05-03T16:03:00.001-05:002015-05-03T16:04:20.369-05:00Thrift Store Treasures<p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Every now and again I will spot something sitting outside of a thrift shop or see it in the window. If I didn’t have my partner in crime with me 95% of the time, I would stop by more often than not. Without being able to keep him contained in a shopping cart though, I just opt to not fight that battle with him. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5sqYaEFMUMK_fJ31Zj99Zm7DyybtR0BmWvy99TJxzMDBuQrpU0bY__wau0Q6fLkHTfiHK9qaNIMWoxVa7tfOFkOtc60w8Z3l14Npp_QkheFRu1YbvXEpEfX6lXbjMqbzFVpmw_d50NZp/s1600-h/IMG_0380%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0380" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0380" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-li5klpjKsvs/VUaNHbKx_WI/AAAAAAAAIJ0/tHE7eHHFmrw/IMG_0380_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="618" height="569"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Probably a month ago I spotted some side tables that were in need of some TLC outside a thrift store in town. I loved them immediately because I knew I could revive them. I talked about calling them, finally tried calling them with no answer, and eventually just gave up. I didn’t see them for a while outside until the week after spring break. I was on my way home and saw them again. After soliciting for their number on dear old Facebook, I gave them a call.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I asked how much he wanted for them. The reply? $25. I was thinking $25 each, but NO! He wanted $25 for both. I asked if he could hold them until I got across town, and he told me that if I came and got them right now he would take $20. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">$10 a table, folks! I’m on my way! </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I get there to buy them {and make my own donations}, and I spotted another beauty. A wooden dresser with no knobs! It came with a mirror for $30 total. I didn’t want the mirror, so we bargained. I walked out with two side tables and a dress for $40. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I felt like I won the lottery! All everything needed was a little love, some paint, and knobs. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Jackpot!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Two trips to load it all up, and this is what I scored!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zLI48IkPlQM/VUaNH0HlH4I/AAAAAAAAIJ4/zHTLbbrpJLY/s1600-h/IMG_4158%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_4158" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5oF_IhCLwPJ8WcJPcQBXpP4oMpfymb0X8Kq6cD4pePdPQlCHgcSugUo1AaI5HS771Zc33oPe3mc70sGxe_5LPYBNR8bRPxoFWNyxh5l1828ORXprhhgqRsI7GtUI_EsUbAL73doI52Yx/?imgmax=800" width="510" height="388"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kAV4oY8XKRo/VUaNI7ZTuOI/AAAAAAAAIKI/k84GQ2uv_eE/s1600-h/IMG_4159%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_4159" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4159" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Otry5X4Prjs/VUaNJeoBAAI/AAAAAAAAIKU/9kq71KgK3SI/IMG_4159_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="618"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">When I bought the tables, I had some inspiration before I took the plunge. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uf-Hrcfv3IU/VUaNJ3BuFYI/AAAAAAAAIKY/t7-yxOmqsS4/s1600-h/IMG_4160%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_4160" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4160" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ulKBSbmAsKI/VUaNKDhwT0I/AAAAAAAAIKk/2hcf8QsVRIk/IMG_4160_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="507" height="739"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Over the weekend, I decided to tackle the side tables to clear out some room in the garage. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">This is what I started with…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SOYnIyFNumo/VUaNLK_3uaI/AAAAAAAAIKs/503c18xgqpg/s1600-h/IMG_0364%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0364" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0364" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l-CHbE5EfMg/VUaNLgUu4MI/AAAAAAAAIKw/FUWeYjTmwvg/IMG_0364_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="682" height="464"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">This is four spray paint cans later {for both tables}…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PlMOV2YhtDQ/VUaNMMyIgMI/AAAAAAAAIK4/GIGDCg1TQPw/s1600-h/IMG_0371%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0371" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0371" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KAaihwRm04U/VUaNMcZFe7I/AAAAAAAAILA/eVnN7KtWJDM/IMG_0371_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="686" height="466"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And a side by side…</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJUTbmMeyLrqVNLyQcGpA_p0suCzQsGZ0CFoqp_KTIPLNhgX1JAWGWVFhhzWaLLp9bIIy2jI8U8jyUJpmaU1YlhylB7bL6KLQq4FGXEO4dOaTDATpXOXnp5ga_vMs-iq0Mb10b7J5kb2l/s1600-h/IMG_0367%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0367" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0367" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o1YNtbeYLXY/VUaNNJwFuGI/AAAAAAAAILU/h4Lhc0FI5os/IMG_0367_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="688" height="385"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Now they are on my front porch waiting to be accessorized!</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-15845210916904892322015-04-29T19:27:00.001-05:002015-04-29T20:27:58.856-05:00Property Vision<p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">So, I have this little obsession with checking the realty websites every.single. day. to see if anything new has came on the market. I’m not even in the market for a new house. I love our house dearly, but I still check it every single day. Sometimes I wish I had become a realtor. I think it’s a passion of mine that I probably missed out on. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Anyhow….I track houses and their price changes like it was my job. Recently, a house that has been on the market since before Colby and I bought our house was taken off the market, but returned shortly after. I really had loved this house when we were house hunting, but it was a good $50K over our budget. Now, it’s listed for $185K. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">It’s a steal if you ask me. I haven’t actually been in the house, but I’ve driven by it a million times and browsed the pictures relentlessly. It’s absolutely gorgeous in my opinion. The lot is even better. The true perk? It’s like a perfect clean slate. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ak7S6dy8d0g/VUF2vtCMglI/AAAAAAAAIHM/6GQi0CE45ZM/s1600-h/Front%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="Front" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Front" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BxH5RFF_Taw/VUF2v8oz6mI/AAAAAAAAIHU/VUyvoy71_Ng/Front_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="678" height="461"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Perfectly manicured yard. Lovely front door with transom. Accessible balcony. Brick walkway. Classic.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHc8kCFkB648c3xDY7Wbs7SlyCxb_-3LS2VnrvdmJxtrelC_cC-bKIqCobIj91e9lAAX3_08EwG9QpNhwXXI96cep8yR_6AkHQnwIFpzUa3F6AGsWcEgmGYHpLyg4Ti_hvA51y6C5vYzR/s1600-h/Stairs%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="Stairs" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Stairs" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dQKpjN_Vy7s/VUF2w3o2ThI/AAAAAAAAIHk/u5NvQGKvFa8/Stairs_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="535"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Hello grand staircase! Those hardwoods take my breath away. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2rNNWCeSh_A/VUF2xZIsM6I/AAAAAAAAIHo/nEMOLsrDUhg/s1600-h/Living%252520Room%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="Living Room 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Living Room 2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fnDb9vUfqCM/VUF2xrUBEVI/AAAAAAAAIHw/kQ08luAcTsk/Living%252520Room%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="594" height="404"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I don’t really know what this room is, but I’m assuming it’s a living room or something to that effect since it’s right off the entry. White walls. Untouched perfection. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y-sWmb5L5T4/VUF2ySlvGTI/AAAAAAAAIH8/53ROA06psO4/s1600-h/Living%252520Room%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="Living Room" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Living Room" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bmfb5ybNX74/VUF2ykqiUvI/AAAAAAAAIIE/TFmFADT02fc/Living%252520Room_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="592" height="403"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Wood burning fireplace. Plantation shutters. Gorgeous hardwoods. Sconces flanking the fireplace. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AAb1YPFz5Pc/VUF2zcG0qzI/AAAAAAAAIIM/7QsH26n3f-k/s1600-h/Room%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="Room 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Room 2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mZXElETUx4o/VUF2z9mXx-I/AAAAAAAAIIU/IqnKxC61vg8/Room%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="610" height="415"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I don’t know what this room is, but I’m pretty much sold on the white built-in bookcases. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MQueQbG5cME/VUF20bbColI/AAAAAAAAIIY/UqukbD5OkJk/s1600-h/Bathroom%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="Bathroom" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Bathroom" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uHJlwz1sBYs/VUF201HjxUI/AAAAAAAAIIk/3D9GyMQG6II/Bathroom_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="564"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">It has at least one semi-updated bathroom. It’s not necessarily my taste in bathrooms, but it’s updated. It’s doable. The best could definitely be made out of the situation until a great reno could be done. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0ijIvfMs0TQ/VUF21hpR84I/AAAAAAAAIIs/KOtzP8I03zQ/s1600-h/Backyard%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="Backyard" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Backyard" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WOFzOH1JeAI/VUF22ZzjpEI/AAAAAAAAIIw/3KU4vonnKEA/Backyard_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="647" height="440"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And y’all….this picture does not even do the backyard justice. There are tall trees on the whole back lot, and I believe there is even a small stream that runs along the very back. It’s breathtaking in the fall. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iOW6TH8OAbw/VUF227DJHyI/AAAAAAAAII0/g-zmi1rNtng/s1600-h/Sun%252520porch%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="Sun porch" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Sun porch" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iHVRD1AuBCw/VUF23d2ZIRI/AAAAAAAAIJA/q5up8Tds9tU/Sun%252520porch_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="677"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And why not enjoy that gorgeous view while sitting on a glassed in porch? That pretty much seals the deal for me, but wait….there’s more.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4bdYWVFU_6Q/VUF237WPRbI/AAAAAAAAIJE/KKGSJEejjdQ/s1600-h/Basement%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="Basement" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Basement" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HhJImMKiMuY/VUF24L8GQWI/AAAAAAAAIJU/zffNtzNX7rw/Basement_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="678"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">When I see that basement, I think of all of the house stuff I could store down there and do projects in. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">So, who wants to buy this house for me? Or, you can just buy the house and let me choose the paint colors and decorate it for you {wink, wink} My day would be made. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">A girl can dream….</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I might just have to do a post of what it could be like for some inspiration.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Oh, and if you really want to check it out, call Ms. Sandy at English Realty in Brewton. You can also check out the <a href="http://www.usamls.net/englishrealtybrewton//default.asp?content=expanded&search_content=office_listings&this_format=1&mls_number=224980&page=2&sortby=2&listing_off_id=816" target="_blank">listing here</a>.</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-71610435461178250112015-04-27T18:04:00.001-05:002015-04-27T18:04:28.510-05:00One Person’s Trash<p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Is another person’s treasure!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">In a dumpster diving adventure, Colby and I found a pretty great table. We brought it home with us even though I had no idea what I was going to do with it. It has sat in the garage for several months, and I finally had the time to think about how I could use it within our home. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TghD4nIybSs/VT7AVGBfsGI/AAAAAAAAIEM/CAjpMeFDe-k/s1600-h/IMG_99203.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_9920" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9920" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VSWKhtBoP58/VT7AVhdLxtI/AAAAAAAAIEU/YzNqc3FXWTw/IMG_9920_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="630" height="471"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">It was a decent table. It had some stickers stuck on it, so I sanded them off and gave the rest of the table a good sanding over, so the finish would be roughed up and easier to paint. It probably took about ten minutes to do all of that. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Then came the fun part! I chose to paint the top of the table with chalkboard paint. The top of the table is not wood and has lots of indentions in it. I figured this would make a great homework table one day. I can just see the kids {yes, we will have more one day} doing math homework and using the table to write on and solve problems. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">At this point it was looking more like a science lab table than anything.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-veP1TeUK5_4/VT7AWI5OXnI/AAAAAAAAIEY/Nw6IFYcp6fQ/s1600-h/IMG_99223.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_9922" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9922" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y4gOWH3EJqE/VT7AWdSVIJI/AAAAAAAAIEk/3nLpwlssH94/IMG_9922_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="637" height="672"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pVrLhtw1z9A/VT7AWxcoa4I/AAAAAAAAIEo/WeUvb9iWSSU/s1600-h/IMG_99243.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_9924" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9924" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EEKQum8Wbgc/VT7AXeh-zwI/AAAAAAAAIEw/kHyQejxUv28/IMG_9924_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="661" height="449"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Just a tip….I did several coats of the chalkboard paint on the top just to make sure it would be usable one day. While I haven’t done it yet, you are supposed to turn a chalk stick sideways and go over the entire surface to break it in so to speak. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">For the bottom half, I just used some left over white paint that is a paint and primer combo. It’s not perfect, but it’s good enough! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lz9FmVK-q2M/VT7AXrsAWcI/AAAAAAAAIE4/4FDURiLEhH0/s1600-h/IMG_99413.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_9941" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9941" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dWMJZr6Xmno/VT7AYGMAWCI/AAAAAAAAIFE/YUfGvCw0NkM/IMG_9941_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="653"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I’m thinking of adding some stools like these {below} from Overstock to put beneath it since the table is too tall for regular chairs. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xk8Zonzr700/VT7AYiZCBdI/AAAAAAAAIFM/Wi7wOnrkMo0/s1600-h/stools5.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="stools" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="stools" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Epqt9itKSNM/VT7AZJENbUI/AAAAAAAAIFU/BOGVAOy4zvI/stools_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="519"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I brought it on inside and made it a nice addition to our {my} office space. Obviously, I am always cramped for time and can never accessorize properly. Sorry folks! If I waited on things like that, there would never be any blog posts. You’ll always see the work in progress version. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i6r-ZV1b-kU/VT7AZUSU5iI/AAAAAAAAIFY/1b-Peg7B7tI/s1600-h/IMG_0316%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0316" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0316" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3JMIcr6cC2Q/VT7AZx3RZMI/AAAAAAAAIFg/JYfzQtkHvZk/IMG_0316_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="523"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-87EXtHSF38g/VT7Aaive_CI/AAAAAAAAIFs/4aLzstWQp5Y/s1600-h/IMG_0314%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0314" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0314" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ynyMalSsRLs/VT7Aa8XdiEI/AAAAAAAAIF0/CAgk254UC-4/IMG_0314_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="696"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ayww-08xa9c/VT7AbculjxI/AAAAAAAAIF4/8ooBrc6jZMk/s1600-h/IMG_0323%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0323" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0323" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C7GFd6Z6-Ig/VT7Ab8xB7gI/AAAAAAAAIGA/buJJU6_H1YU/IMG_0323_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" height="370"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">The man of the house {so he thinks} was a bit cranky and demanding it seems. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jvyv1zKX154/VT7AcMUjoCI/AAAAAAAAIGI/2vIA-qH0WYg/s1600-h/IMG_0338%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0338" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0338" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hul97K87yMw/VT7AcuwJQII/AAAAAAAAIGQ/lk7aswSLlv4/IMG_0338_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="686" height="466"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And just for those who might think my house is always clean….</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Here’s the proof it is not! This is the dropping ground!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bl49uV9PckY/VT7Ac4eHiaI/AAAAAAAAIGY/colLZYcplhA/s1600-h/IMG_0301%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0301" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0301" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UapumALn65M/VT7AdiV_NTI/AAAAAAAAIGk/iVoB1ajxB4o/IMG_0301_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="661" height="449"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--__6g9XtJWY/VT7Adzs3oPI/AAAAAAAAIGs/L4XL7K1Deus/s1600-h/IMG_0350%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0350" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0350" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yCO0i4M-5xg/VT7AepMrLsI/AAAAAAAAIG0/2VruuMM_TZc/IMG_0350_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="688" height="468"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">There you go, folks! Trash to treasure! I can’t wait to share with you what else I’ve found lately!</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-7530439349562823212015-04-19T13:30:00.001-05:002015-04-19T13:30:43.758-05:00Like a Good Neighbor…<p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">But it isn’t State Farm at the door. It’s the unofficial welcoming committee {aka The Langham Family}. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">It seems that our neighborhood has been welcoming in families around every corner lately. As of now, there are three {possibly four} houses for sale in our little area, which I claim to be Briarcliff Road, Douglas Lane, and Terry Drive. I love that new families are moving in with little children running around. That means there are that many more children for Landry to grow up playing with. We have been so blessed that all of the families moving in are wonderful people with the same values we uphold and want our children to grow up around and be influenced by. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Most recently, a sweet family bought the house that I cheated on my house with that one time. They have two boys, and I couldn’t wait to get over there to introduce ourselves and welcome them to the neighborhood. <br><br>It made us feel great when our neighbors across the street brought us brownies when we first moved in. Since then, we have developed a terrific relationship with them and are so grateful for their kindness. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">In an effort to extend the graciousness that was once extended to us, I created this little welcoming gift and brought it over to them yesterday. It turned out so cute that I couldn’t wait to share it!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WMJ26SvcztE/VTP0TVtxGtI/AAAAAAAAIDc/6qOKD0-K7FA/s1600-h/IMG_0306%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0306" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0306" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MiMigp0DPoQ/VTP0T8ooDDI/AAAAAAAAIDg/MCYQc5Tl7sc/IMG_0306_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="637"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">In the cute lemonade dispenser, I included some lemonade mix along with a few lemons and some flour sack dishtowels. It’s not much, but it’s enough to make a person feel welcome. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Hanging from the dispenser handle, I added a <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2011/07/newneighboridea/" target="_blank">printable gift tag</a> from <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2011/07/newneighboridea/" target="_blank">ThirtyHandmadeDays</a>. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wY3937GC9Uk/VTP0UCDKJlI/AAAAAAAAIDo/OdHfZ5NGiWI/s1600-h/IMG_0310%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0310" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0310" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z3E0m6PUSqw/VTP0Ui00pFI/AAAAAAAAIDw/xlcJdZo2b2c/IMG_0310_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="804"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">On the back of the tag, I added our names {including Landry’s} as well as our phone numbers in case they ever need to contact us for anything. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Let’s hope they enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it for them! Three cheers to being the welcome wagon!</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-17524396446802483742015-04-15T17:42:00.001-05:002015-04-15T17:48:59.644-05:00The Perks of White<p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lmjhiuJqXFY/VS7pZO0nFlI/AAAAAAAAIC8/I2CeSzMOEHg/s1600-h/white%252520sheet%252520blog%252520header%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="white sheet blog header" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="white sheet blog header" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M0J5dAFX9aw/VS7pZq2A_qI/AAAAAAAAIDE/Kq5Uqh9Ad_I/white%252520sheet%252520blog%252520header_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="528" height="515"></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Many people see white couches and walls and anything else as trouble. If you come in my house though, you will see lots of white in various places. Some might call me crazy to have so many white things and surfaces. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I will tell you though that it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. The best thing about white is that you can just about do anything to it to keep it clean. Maybe white is not for you if you don’t like to keep things clean, but I can tell you that white is my best friend.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><strong>{One}</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Got fingerprints on the white wall? Magic eraser! It doesn’t even mess the paint up {usually} like it would a colored wall. I personally don’t have white walls, but I do have white trim and wainscoting. It’s so easy to just take that magic eraser and wipe it write off. Plus, nothing looks fresher than the brightest, whitest white you can put on some trim. {Mine is White Diamond by Benjamin Moore.}</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"><strong>{Two}</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Do you think white sheets are for crazy people? Why do you think hotels use them instead of colored sheets? They are WAY easier to keep clean. Throw them in the washer with some bleach, and you have yourself the cleanest, freshest smelling sheets you could ever ask for. I just traded in Landry’s cute crib sheets for some plain white ones. Want to guess which ones have been less of a headache?</font></p> <p><strong><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">{Three}</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Did you see I got a white comforter for the big boy room? I got it for the same reason I use white sheets. I can almost get everything clean with some bleach, a bleach pen, etc. Can you honestly say it’s that easy to get stains out of colored or printed fabrics? </font></p> <p><strong><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">{Four}</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And my goodness….people will really give you the look like you need to be institutionalized if you were to buy a white couch. Your guests will hardly sit on the couch because they are afraid of getting it dirty. What people don’t realize is that you can get stains out of your white couch just like you can your sheets. No worries about little toddler fingers putting chocolate fingerprints on your couch. All washable!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> Now, I would recommend buying a slipcovered couch, so you can wash your covers. I wish every day that I had bought a white couch instead of what we have. Don’t get me wrong. I love our couch, but it can be such a pain to make sure I wash it and not discolor it. Throwing it in the wash with some bleach would be so much easier. </font></p> <p><strong><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">{Five}</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Plus, let’s think about how much use a couch gets. If your couch can’t be washed, imagine how nasty it might be. I find such relief in knowing that my couch is clean {at least cleaner than most people’s}. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">It took me a while to realize these facts, but my life is much easier since I learned to embrace and love the color white. There is nothing cleaner and lovelier than the freshness that all things white make me feel. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Now I can clean it all with a Magic Eraser or some bleach….my two new best friends.</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-59988070693256556992015-04-14T05:00:00.000-05:002015-04-14T07:52:27.459-05:00Transformation Tuesday<p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Remember that big boy room that I blogged about a good bit in January? Well….we finally put the plans into place and have made good progress in that room. It’s still a good way from complete, but it is definitely getting to that point.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Right now it is to the point where I can walk by the room and not cringe when I get a glimpse of it. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">This is where the room started. It’s really quite embarrassing. It was the room that caught all the junk that didn’t have a place or needed to be hid from the public when there wasn’t enough time to figure out a proper place for it. It had no style. It was simply the room that had parts of other rooms pieced together to get it out of the way. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">A sad sight to see…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u6Vgh6qRAR0/VSqlrPPGXYI/AAAAAAAAIAc/FShrY5EtQxE/s1600-h/guestroombefore23.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="guest room before 2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="guest room before 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vFTuhBVjK2U/VSqlr0pm1sI/AAAAAAAAIAk/3wAHBbbiIp8/guestroombefore2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" height="390"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And this is a long cry from where we began when we first bought the house…Hello blue carpet!!!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MYhEy79SwUE/VSqlsvctaPI/AAAAAAAAIAs/sLAo7VZCrMQ/s1600-h/guestroombefore17.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="guest room before 1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="guest room before 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wbIzlsWHpPA/VSqls6GO1GI/AAAAAAAAIA0/h3GS6Nv13XI/guestroombefore1_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" height="745"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I had put together this inspiration board to piece together some ideas of the direction I wanted the room to go in. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UM2G7QyoDqs/VSqltuDyXtI/AAAAAAAAIA8/o0MWIsiVeuk/s1600-h/OBLandrysBedroom3.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="OB-Landry's Bedroom" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="OB-Landry's Bedroom" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-94FH52mECio/VSqlt4ex98I/AAAAAAAAIBE/LA4HyJnAwIQ/OBLandrysBedroom_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="322"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">So far, I have gotten everything in the inspiration board except for the headboard. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">My original inspiration came from the blog Dixie Delights and her little boy’s big boy room. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-diCdfQvM7aU/VSqluSumahI/AAAAAAAAIBI/6xm4eVjzEMI/s1600-h/Buffalocheckbedroom3.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="Buffalo check bedroom" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Buffalo check bedroom" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ht8nWD8d178/VSqlvVb1fcI/AAAAAAAAIBU/W5w-7dF7IwU/Buffalocheckbedroom_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="535" height="364"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">And for the reveal as it is now…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sA1S1lCokhM/VSqlv4qWMlI/AAAAAAAAIBc/HPd2wvoDq5w/s1600-h/IMG_0261%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0261" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0261" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MBh5_XmE6ns/VSqlweRxvjI/AAAAAAAAIBg/eCV-MAIPmZw/IMG_0261_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="666" height="453"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2Wf3wNboU7Q/VSqlwsO4HcI/AAAAAAAAIBo/_YVI1I547-w/s1600-h/IMG_0265%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0265" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0265" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y76dJP2rw0I/VSqlxIQfuqI/AAAAAAAAIBw/kuOnuO4_tzQ/IMG_0265_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="691"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g6Ak0D99hNk/VSqlxcQGJ8I/AAAAAAAAIB4/EssRXkudL3A/s1600-h/IMG_0272%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0272" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0272" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KASRVSIpHuw/VSqlymUGefI/AAAAAAAAICE/957wBPLyCDk/IMG_0272_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="688" height="468"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sc1WYnoavxw/VSqly-fLwaI/AAAAAAAAICI/V99-pusGacI/s1600-h/IMG_0291%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0291" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0291" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E1hxqbIzzXo/VSqlzEkJnNI/AAAAAAAAICQ/epEuCBXRC8E/IMG_0291_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="666" height="453"></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjew81nRrg7pHAH04BDgZkdvwVpw7rGKM9PuxVwu8qid4bsfxvbLaYkZnTi86A3g9YIt5tXw4uJJFebk1BJQTAwARWKjWz-F99-ZTPi315Vpu0au_I8G81-nlSpawGEXb12S7gu8ynF2O/s1600-h/IMG_0282%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0282" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0282" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vojEiBfGLa0/VSqlz4FnJbI/AAAAAAAAICg/b_BZ_ofx9sI/IMG_0282_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" height="463"></a> </p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">The to-do list always continues, but here are the major things that definitely need to be done:</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Get headboard </font> <li><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">New light fixture</font> <li><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Have Euro pillows made</font> <li><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Move dresser to the room or get a different one</font> <li><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!!!</font></li></ul> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I think once Landry moves into this room the little signs of life will make this room look much more complete. Until then, I’m just looking for little treasures to accessorize it and for a few more things to hang on the wall. At least it is an improvement from where it first began. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Sources:</font></p> <p><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60219977/" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Duvet cover and shams</font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">- IKEA {I had the shams reduced to standard size instead of king size}</font></p> <p><a href="http://www.overstock.com/Bedding-Bath/Madison-Park-Jaxson-3-piece-Coverlet-Set/8581318/product.html" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">White quilt</font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">- Overstock</font></p> <p><a href="http://www.overstock.com/Bedding-Bath/Fresh-Ideas-14-inch-Drop-Poplin-Bedskirt/3418195/product.html" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Bedskirt</font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">- Overstock</font></p> <p><a href="http://www.overstock.com/Bedding-Bath/All-Season-Supreme-Cotton-Down-Alternative-Comforter/1483149/product.html" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Down Comforter</font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">- Overstock</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Baskets- World Market</font></p> <p><a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-carson-2-shelf-bookcase/-/A-11110052#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=threshold+bookcase" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Bookcases</font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">- Target</font></p> <p><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30217121/" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Curtains</font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">- Fabric from IKEA</font></p> <p><a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-square-curtain-rod-oil-rubbed-bronze/-/A-14101500" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Curtain rods</font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> and </font><a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-curtain-clip-rings-set-oil-rubbed-bronze/-/A-14101350" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">rings</font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">- Target</font></p> <p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/199839046/the-crabby-couple-my-beautiful-crabs?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=the+crabby+couple&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Crab art</font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">- Etsy by SheilaSmithDesigns</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Lamps- T.J. Maxx</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Throw pillows- Dirt Cheap {originally from Target}</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4651815588745044442.post-77081949853726531452015-04-08T05:00:00.000-05:002015-04-08T05:00:08.069-05:00Plant Therapy<p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I probably am the worst person to love flowers because I tend to forget that they need this little thing called water. Unfortunately for the flowers, I still buy them and fill my planters every year. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YtLrBDNHy_0/VSLyaoeWtNI/AAAAAAAAH_U/6osX5lODuFc/s1600-h/IMG_0200%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0200" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0200" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jt-VS5k-lio/VSLybfdxbPI/AAAAAAAAH_Y/5XkPRXLEhmI/IMG_0200_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="642" height="437"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">I had been wanting some tall urns to put by the front door, but that just wasn’t in the budget this month. Instead, I decided to reuse the planters I already had and spruce them up with some new flowers. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UYiFggskvr8/VSLybxdu54I/AAAAAAAAH_g/RizMVCiih48/s1600-h/IMG_0191%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0191" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0191" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BwxnyhfXfDQ/VSLyc102xjI/AAAAAAAAH_s/W68V-5NZ7D0/IMG_0191_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="432"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">This year I decided to go simple and stick with some bright red geraniums with asparagus fern tucked in around all sides. If you’re wanting to get the same look, Lowe’s had the big pots of geraniums for $12 {I think} and the asparagus fern was 5 for $5. You can’t beat that. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gyLoL5nic3k/VSLydbqLBUI/AAAAAAAAH_w/tShEFjLK1mY/s1600-h/IMG_0196%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#535353" size="3" face="LD Elementary"><img title="IMG_0196" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0196" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-242QA4XZL1Q/VSLyd9knXVI/AAAAAAAAH_8/NjceidBY02A/IMG_0196_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" height="449"></font></a><font size="3" face="LD Elementary"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Basically, each pot cost me roughly $16 each plus tax. Not too shabby for pots that will hopefully bring me joy all summer long….if I don’t forget to water them. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="LD Elementary">Fingers crossed!</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2