Friday, December 31, 2010

my theme for 2011

Here is to a new year with new ideas and new beautiful attempts in living life. I want to thank my top 5 referring sites. I am so grateful that you find inspiration in my little world.

{freckles chick}



{Megan}



{Gail}
Photobucket

{Kelly}

{Julie}


Here is to 2011 my sweets!

Cheers~
e

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

my beautiful attempts in 2010

I started this blog on the 1st day of 2010 after wanting to do a blog since 2005 {I am still not sure why I waited so very long}. I guess I missed my little world called "The Nest" in which I explored home decorating/ design on a whole new level and I will be honest, I wanted to explore blogs as a writer and not just a follower.

It is hard to believe that a year has past. I can only hope the journey continues to be as wonderful as it has been for you as it has been for me...and our friendship. In no particular order, here are my favorite posts/projects of 2010:
I won the battle in my curtains mocking me as they refused to gracefully touch my floors.


I am such a sucker for a Pottery Barn knock off.....and these pillows still have a home on my sofa.

In a $5 Dollar Store challenge, I created something sweet for my Lola's rehab room.

After a fun filled day with other bloggers, I continued my love for cream, black, and numbers.


Oh so lovely...I did one of these for the "real deal" in our master bedroom, but I thought it made the room too busy. Mr. B thought if I used bigger lettering it would reduce the "noise." Hmmm...he may be right.

No, my name is not Megan...but I use an alias. Hehehe...I sound so chic and sneaky all at once.


Another spin on one of my goodwill finds.


Ahhh...my master bedroom. It is ALMOST there. I have a corner that needs "something" -- don't really know what but something and my Layla chair needs to be completed. Slow home decor is my specialty...especially when time and budgets are very limited.


I was kinda scared when I pressed publish for this one, but in the end it speaks most true to who I am, and I believe THAT is what you always want...the real spirit, the real heart.

My 10th one??? Hmmm...I still have a few more hours left in this year for me to make a new favorite.

Cheers~
e

Monday, December 27, 2010

love & joy come to you..

and a Merry Christmas too. God bless you and send you a happy New Year.,,, {love this song}

 
Hope you had a delightful Christmas with friends and family. It has been a crazy few days.

We will soon be back to our regularly scheduled program. I am just sitting here listening to the the swishing swirls of the dishwasher and washing machine......I am also getting my home/lazy vibes on.
I can not wait to see what the new year brings us.
Cheers~
e

Thursday, December 23, 2010

while you are sleeping ***UPDATE***

So...I have wrapping to do as I am sure all of you do, but I also have some unwrapping to do.
What's in the box? This...but in natural. We shall see how this goes. Look at it snickering at me. Time to get to work.

What an interesting way to spend Christmas Eve Eve. :)
Cheers~
e

It only took me 1 DVD of Fraiser and a semi meltdown as I took down the crib, but I had this darling done before 8:45 pm tonight. WOOT! WOOT! This is just the beginning of the big boy room {I have big plans for the bed and room}, but I wanted Thurgood to have his big boy bed ready for Christmas Eve night.


What do you think? {I think Santa needs to bring my a wide angle lens for Christmas. :)}

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

cookies & crackers for breakfast

For the month of December, I love a filled cookie jar {and so does my little family} of homemade goodies. Who knew scrambled eggs and a sugar cookie could be so yum togeher..hehe. Yet as I am working several days at the hospital, the cookie jar often gets overlooked and runs rather low.

I can't do it all..all the time, and I am ok with that. But what I can do.....when I can do it...I do pretty well.

And I can stop at a local bakery like a pro.
And in the end...the look says it all
Remember the moment is who you share it with....enjoy the moment this holiday season.

Cheers~
e

Monday, December 20, 2010

santa baby..

My indulgent home decor wish list for Christmas:


A Laundry Room like this please

A mud room entry like this please


A kitchen like this please {I must have those pendant lights from PB}

And a mommy cave/closet like this please

I have been soooo good this year. Please Santa?

Cheers~
e

Sunday, December 19, 2010

green with envy

I came across this picture and was instantly smitten with this collection.


The pottery is called Floraline.

Floraline Pottery was first produced by McCoy in the 1940's and then again in the 1960's as Roseville Floraline. It was sold exclusively to retail florists in the 60's. The green varies with each piece from white to forest green to olive.You can find several pieces on ebay and at antique stores. I just LOVED the muted color and the lovely lines.

So while browsing at my favorite Salvation Army during my lunch break..I came across..


Hello little one.

Oh hello $1.99! What Miss Clerk? Anything ending in 99 is 1/2 off? Even better.

So the next question is what to do with my budding new collection. I am playing with a few ideas. I think this green oozes with Spring charm for a darling display. Maybe adding a few more pieces will help me find the right home for them. Afterall that 1st picture with all of those Floraline pieces...heavenly.

I have been thinking of our little bar area. Maybe I will try something new. Unlike a lot of bloggers, once I find a home for something...it stays for a while. It is rare you find me mixing it up. But hey...that is how I roll.


Our little bar shelves home our liquor. We find that the ones we rarely use end up top. The second shelf is my water shelf. I have no idea, but these bottles of water make me happy {and remind me of my honeymoon in Rome}. Plus you can see the left side is Mr. B's man station. And the far right...my chapstick always seems to end up there {away from the little boy and kitty}.

Here is what the area looks like from the side.

Beneath the shelves, we have PB look-a-like cabinets that house our wines...both bottled and empty.
{I am saving them for you Gail.}

Hmm...where to put my little collection of one. I guess I will wait till I have three and go from there. I am open to thoughts.

Cheers~
e

Saturday, December 18, 2010

happy 6th anniversary to us

Happy Anniversary!
I can not believe it has been 6 years.
To the man who makes all my dreams come true..
I love you Mr.B!

 Here is a tiny glimpse into our lovely day and how wonderful it was.{Plus I think an anniversary is a perfect time to look back on the special day.}

The Groom
 The Bride {who did all her own REAL flowers..with some help from Steph, Christine, & Mom}
Our fairytale moment..oh how I love this picture.
My mom's favorite picture
 I love the colors of this picture..so vibrant and artsy {like the couple}
Our family...but one important person is missing. Oh wait..he is just a twinkle in our eye at this point in time.

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Can we look at the cake again? I LOVED our cake.
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Here is to many more years and many more dances.
{my favorite pic}
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I love you.
Cheers~
e

PS Thank you my lovelies for indulging in all my pics.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

house hunters: 203 Maplewood Dr & the Oaks

IF....IF...we did not go the multi-generational house, I have my eye on a few homes and I saw this one not too long ago. It is located in "fairytale subdivision." No joke...all the homes have that appearance they belong in a storybook.


It is a double lot too....oh the ideas I have with this home are lovely.
------
Dad and I have another subdivision to check out.The homes are located in Lanesville, which is about a 20 minute drive from my house right now. I am not sure if the whole family would love that but, these homes are  have been on the market for quite some time. Plus they are neighbors...love a negotiation situation.

Tell me your thoughts...and keep in mind any kitchen of mine WILL be white or cream...or maybe even a shade of grey.

I LOVE the dark floors. I am going to have to do something with that kitchen...especially the stove hood.

and


I wonder if I could do beadboard instead of the random vinyl or whatever it is on the ceiling. And any thoughts on the MASSIVE chandelier? Wow...would have to figure out something there too. 

So do tell me what you think...I am always curious and be honest....you LOVE snooping into people's homes just as much as I do.

Cheers~
e

trade secrets: managing pain the otc way

How often do you find yourself at the pharmacy staring at an overwhelming number of pain relievers? As you look down the aisle, you realize there are so many different brands. How will you find the one that works best for you? With so many over-the-counter (OTC) (ie, drugs that do not require a prescription) choices, it is not that easy to find the one that will take care of your aches and pains.


Lots of people turn to oral OTC pain relievers to help relieve pain. Pain is often associated with inflammation, which is an irritation of tissues that can also cause redness, swelling, and heat in the affected area. Conditions that can be treated using OTC pain relievers include:

• Minor arthritis pain and other joint pain. Approximately 46 million adults in the United States have been told they have some form of arthritis. People with arthritis may complain of pain, stiffness, and swelling in their joints—typically in the hands, knees, and hips. Although a doctor should manage arthritis treatment, OTC pain relievers can help with minor arthritis pain and other joint pain.
• Pain from injury. In 2006, nearly 15% of visits to the emergency department or doctors’ offices in the United States were related to musculoskeletal injuries (ie, injuries related to muscles, bones, and joints). Common types include strains, sprains, or muscle bruises, and they can be caused by falling down, playing sports, or from making repetitive movements. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, redness, warmth, and/or swelling near a joint or muscle group.
• Other causes. Pain due to headache, muscular aches, backache, toothache, menstrual cramps, and the common cold or flu.

What OTC Pain Relievers Are Available?

Although there are many different brands available, there are only 2 different types of OTC pain relievers— nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. For all of these products, it is important to read the label and use as directed.

NSAIDs

NSAIDs are medications that can reduce pain and fever. NSAIDs work by limiting the production of certain substances in your body called prostaglandins, which are released when your tissues are injured, resulting in inflammation and pain. There are several NSAIDs available by prescription, but only 3 are available OTC: ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin. While prescription NSAIDs are used to treat more severe conditions, OTC NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are used to relieve minor pain due to headache, toothache, backache, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, and the common cold, and pain associated with minor arthritis and other joint pain. They are also used to temporarily reduce fever.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen (the active ingredient in several products including Advil) is an NSAID that was first approved by the FDA for prescription use in 1974. It gained OTC status in 1984 with the launch of Advil. OTC doses of ibuprofen are both safe and effective for the treatment of pain and fever when used as directed. OTC ibuprofen is recommended for the temporary reduction of fever and relief of minor aches and pains associated with arthritis, headache, muscular aches, toothache, backache, the common cold, and menstrual cramps.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol and other products) is another pain reliever that can be obtained OTC; it has been available since 1950. Acetaminophen is recommended for the temporary reduction of fever and relief of minor aches and pains associated with arthritis, headache, muscular aches, toothache, backache, the common cold, and menstrual cramps.

Comparing Ibuprofen With Acetaminophen

Clinical studies have demonstrated that quickly absorbed forms of ibuprofen, such as Advil Liqui-Gels, relieve pain faster than acetaminophen tablets. In addition, ibuprofen lasts longer (ie, fewer doses may be needed per day) and is more effective (ie, stronger) than acetaminophen for relieving many types of acute pain. Clinical studies support that OTC doses of ibuprofen are better than acetaminophen in relieving postsurgical dental pain, tension-type headache, sore throat pain, and muscle soreness.

Summary/Recommendations

OTC products containing ibuprofen, such as Advil, are a reasonable choice when considering options for self-care of acute pain. When choosing a pain reliever, keep in mind the symptoms you want to treat, other drugs you may be taking, and your general health. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions, and always be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist what OTC medications, vitamins, or dietary supplements you are taking.

Feel free to share away with friends and family or not. Either way, it will be our little secret.

Cheers~
e

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

what do you crave & a sleepover party

I am so curious....what do you look for in a blog?

Is it for the inspiration?

Is it for the connection?

Is it for something you have yet to define?

I look for all and then some. What I seem to have noticed though is the lack of connection....the funny thing is it is not with you. Those of you that peek into my world day to day, I hope you feel connected to me because I feel so very connected to you.


Side note: This reminds me of parent-teacher conferences. The parents you want to talk to never show, and the parents that do show....you don't really need to talk to.


Lately I find myself curious as to why people "follow" blogs when the connection is missing.

I can't help but think I am back in high school. I am the awkward freshman that wants that popular senior girl to notice me. You know the feeling...you see the senior girl and tell her how cute her shoes are or how you like her bracelet just in hopes of being noticed.

Even though I am just a freshman, I do have some lovely friendships with some freshmen like me as well as upperclassmen. :)

So I was thinking of having a sleepover party with all my friends.

Link up your blog to my little sleepover party and meet my friends...and make a connection. I am sure you will be more than inspired by these fabulous people.

If you don't have a blog...feel free to link up a favorite of yours that is still a freshman when it comes to blogging. Oh..and get the word out! Every party is more fun when lots of people come. :)

Cheers~
e

{PS....there will be a follow-up sleepover so feel free to comment & I will make sure you know about the next sleepover}

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