Beauty in the Attempt

welcome little leo

2012-02-06T20:35:00.000-05:00

Amid the whirlwind of living life, it sometimes takes a simple picture to remind you how miraculous life is.

Christine with her two lovely children, Leo and Olivia

Welcome to the world little Leo. I have no doubt you will change the world and make it a better place..afterall with just a simple snapshot, you made my soul smile.

You have one amazing mom little Leo. She is so strong and beautiful..you are so lucky. Know you are always safe in her arms and will be forever loved. I look forward to meeting you, little Leo.

Feel free to see more of Mr. Leo and Miss Olivia here.

Cheers~

thank you pinterest

2012-01-17T19:00:00.000-05:00

I rarely buy magazines. Not only are they quite pricey, but the internet quite easily fulfills all the eye candy I can feast upon in an evening (maybe too much sometimes).

Anywho, it was the summer of 2010 and I was starting my pharmacy rotations at a local Krogers. Well on my lunch break I would relish the chance to thumb thru all the home decor magazines..less risky than perusing the candy aisle. Well it just so happened that I came upon an image that stopped me in my tracks.

I think I drooled a tad bit too.

Ok, so I know I drooled because within seconds I was forking over the $5 to have the image.
Fast forward a tad bit (less than a year) and I lost the magazine. Sadly I can find pharmacy notes from my 1st semester and yet this artifact is gone...and so was the image. Only 2 images truly capture the vision I have for my next home and this was one of them. {Oh...here is the other.}

Enter pinterest.

Someone I follow pinned it...and it was a joyous reunion.

from Women's Day Specials - Easy Decorating July 2010

I think I am drooling again.

Cheers~
e

P.S. Come follow me on pinterest...you never know what you could be missing.

elements that sell a home {part 1}

2012-01-15T20:35:00.005-05:00

My dad and I have been "house shopping/stalking" for over 3 years now...yes, my dad and me. We came up with this grand idea to find a home that suits my "old" family (mom, dad, & sis) and my "new" family (Mr. B, Thurgood, & Baby #2). We figure you only live once -- why not spend it with those you love. The idea was brilliant and everyone (except for Baby #2) has had their voice/concerns heard. So far..the hunt continues.

Amid the hunt for the next home, I find myself a tad nervous on the sale of this home. Therefore I am dedicating a snippet of my blog to what I need to do to sell my home from what I have seen in homes online and inperson. Better yet, I am hoping that I get a little if not a LOT of feedback and help from you.

Are you willing to help a girl..a PREGNANT girl out? :)

Since dad and I have become gurus of open houses, I have made a list of elements that win me over when I view an open house. Tonight I will focus on 2 specific spaces and tomorrow I will share with you pics of my own home in those given spaces (and my plans for tweeking them if needed).

I want your thoughts, concerns, praises, etc. In the end, I plan to post a walk thru of my home -- a virtual tour for you to see and critique. It is my hope you can help me create a space that will catch a buyer's eye.

Is this a lot to ask? Yes...but I figure you enjoy snooping into homes as much as I do and this is just a way to get that fix. Plus...I also think you will do it because you like me just a tad.

1. Curb Appeal that Stops the Car

from bgh.com

from Home and Harmony

from pinterest

I admit it, I have past many a home based on how they look from the outside. I don't have the time to waste on a house when I am not enticed by what I see from the car. While overhauling the outside exterior can be intense, finessing the front door can be project worth attempting. I think the door and the area leading up to the door needs to be magical and welcoming all rolled into one. The curb appeal should give a sneak peek to what is within the home. The door should open so much more than a home.

2. A Foyer that Promises Great Things Ahead

from Shortycake (via the Nest)

from pinterest

from House Beautiful

from The Old Painted Cottage

from Our Fifth House

There is nothing like the first hello & this is the job of your entryway to any guest (buyer or not). It is the beginning of a beauitful relationship or the beginning of the end. Everything from the color, texture, lighting, and size matter here. Also, the personality of a home can make a cameo here. You have to work with the space and let the space guide you.

So are you ready to help a pregnant, hormonal girl sell her house?

I need to get myself ready...I know I will have some work to do quite soon.

Cheers~
e

happy little shoppe

2012-01-12T20:00:00.001-05:00

Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamed of one day owning my very own little shoppe. {And yes...I prefer this spelling --- it just looks happier with an extra "p" and an "e"}.

There is just something special about having your own little nook in the retail world whether in mortar & stone or online. In fact, I would vividly daydream about it with one of my childhood friends. We envisioned a store that was divided into a flower shoppe on one side and a bakery on the other. We planned {or maybe I had planned} on calling it Flourpetals.

I still yearn for a little shoppe of my own...and one day I think it will happen. I dream big but I also live large.

I have collected tidbits here and there of the atmosphere I would create if given an actual store:

Love this color scheme. Hmmm...neutral. Who would have thoughtI would be attracted to that?

I love cubbies and apothecary bottles. Oh and hello there lovely chanderlier from

Pottery Barn. The interest you bring to the space enrichs the experience even more.

Gorgeous product in perfect aligment. My OCD-ness as a pharmacist is coming out, but

all the same I find this sheer bliss.

This little shoppe actually gave me some inspiration outside the divine design scheme...even with all its loveliness -- it inspired me.

It made me think about products. What draws us to certain products? It is the prospect of the lifestyle it hints at? Does it whisper to the heart -- make me yours? What is it that makes you purchase something? For me...I shop with the heart and only buy what I love.

It made me think about artisans/craftsmen. It made me think about empowerment. It made me think otside the box.

Ok...so where am I going with this?

I think I am in the midst of answering that question.

More important...what is your hidden passion or secret? I think 2012 is all about inching closer to finding serendipity.

Cheers~
e

attempting 2012..for real

2012-01-11T00:00:00.056-05:00

2012 will come and go so I need to make sure that I attempt to finish what I started...even if I started some of these a few years ago. (**pitiful whimper**)

This is a big year to renew and redo the home because Mr. B and I would like to sell our home this year. (yes...for real. Afterall, pharmacy school is now OVER!!)

So here is what I have planned:

Family Room:

repaint the room but I will be keeping the same color (LOVE SW Whole Wheat)
add quarter round...oh yes my dears -- look close and you will see it is missing
add some height to the base trim too

Kitchen/Dining Area:

repaint the cabinets (It has been almost 6 years since I 1st painted these cabinets. Before blogging & pinterest, I used the insight of my "nesties" to help guide me thru the process. This should be cake 2nd time around..now if only I could have a real life nestie come and help.)
new microwave (Ours pooped out during the holidays.)
repaint the dining room table
new chairs (I have a few in mind that I can repaint and use.)

Wanna see the BEFORE when we 1st moved in 6 years ago?

Master Bathroom:

a complete, chic, & CHEAP redo (sadly it is still where it was last year)

Hall Bathroom:

should I or shouldn't I repaint to a more neutral color?? The forever question...thoughts? I need lots of feedback, please.

See the original post

Other notes of interest to add to my goal list:

-post Thurgood's room on the blog

-finesse my closet into a chic nook

I think all of these are doable. I just wonder how doable they are when you are working full-time AND pregnant.

Please keep ~~nagging~~ encouraging me to complete these goals. I have even bigger plans for our new home, but I have to finish what I started on this little home.

Cheers~

happy...

2012-01-08T21:05:00.004-05:00

Thank you for all your wonderful wishes and comments. My little family feels so blessed. I want you to know that I read and appreciate every word you share with me on my humble little blog. I am ever so grateful for you coming to my little corner of the blog world and sharing my little journey with me. I hope I will still entice you to peek more often than not.

from flickr.com

It is my hope that my daughter is able experience true happiness, true love, and exceptional confidence..all the things that make a woman truly beautiful. It is also my hope that my blog family and friends help me accomplish those dreams for her...afterall, you make me feel so happy, so loved, and so confidant.

Cheers~
e

anticipation for 2012

2012-01-02T10:30:00.002-05:00

Our lastest project for 2012:

Baby Girl due in May

I thought it would be fitting to post my 1st post of 2012 on the 2nd day..in honor of Baby #2. Hopefully this gives you another hint as to why my posts starting in August were few and far between. :) This Christmas and New Year brought us much anticipation for 2012 and for Thurgood to now share his throne with a princess. It will be an exciting time for us as our little family of 3 welcomes a new baby.

Now for the naming...a project unto itself. :) We have a few in mind, but I am open to suggestions. Afterall when your big brother is named Thurgood, you need a name that is just as distinguished.

Cheers~
e

just the beginning

2011-12-26T19:35:00.001-05:00

My little blog has kept the calendar of posts light towards the latter half of 2011. My little holiday from blogging started as a focus on my family and career. And then for reasons I have yet to fully disclose {mainly due to an upcoming secret that will soon be announced), my blog has been revived. Simply put..time is for what and who you love.

Love also allows the freedom to not feel guilty.

Not feel guilty if I only post once a week. Not feel guilty if I don't have pictures, let alone perfect pictures. Not feel guilty if I am posting about what I am feeling rather than what I am doing.

Why love? Because love helps us see clearly & live more beautifully.

Hoping your Christmas holiday was just the beginning of what the next year holds for you and yours.

Cheers~
e

save the last dance for me

2011-12-18T20:00:00.002-05:00

7 years ago today I married Mr. B. It was a day just like today here in Louisville, KY. The sun was out shining, it was not too cold at all, and there was a hint of Christmas in the air.

I think we still make the cutest couple.

I carried the most beautiful red roses {that I put together myself}. I walked down the aisle in my Dad's arms in our little country church. We had a big band orchestra at our reception in downtown Louisville that played into the wee hours in the morning. And as a complete suprise...my new husband serenaded me with "Save the Last Dance for Me" while I danced with all his friends and fraternity brothers. Such lovely memories...and even more followed after 7 years.

With our anniversary approaching I find it is so hard to buy gifts for Mr. B, but this year I found something that was perfect. Since the 7th year is copper {at least according to the internet}, I had this stunning cuff from Etsy customized with 7 copper plates. Each plate commemorated something special for each of the years we were married.

And to keep it real..as I re-promised myself to do on this blog...once you pan back, you get the real image of Mr. B in his natural habitat.

No. He had no clue I even took these pictures. After 7 years, I have gotten pretty sneaky.

There is no need to save the last dance for my husband. He has my dance card filled now and forever.

Cheers~

the twinkle of Christmas

2011-12-17T19:08:00.003-05:00

Amid the hour or 2 of waiting for my dough to rise {I am making Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls}, I thought I would tinker with the settings on my camera to take a twinkling picture of Thurgood trimming the tree (that is..after the cat knocked off an ornament).

Thank you to one of my nestie buddies, Beth, for the tips on creating a memorable Christmas tree photo. You brought that extra twinkle to our family tree...thank you!

Raising the bar..Thurgood placed one ornament much higher away from the swat of Atticus.

Admiring one of his favorites...one that Lola gave him.

The twinkle picture from my eye to yours.

Hmmm...I need to take a few more of our Christmas decor and join all the Open Houses while there is still time. I have a few tins of yummy rolls to make.

Cheers~

Are you there blog? It's me, MeganDVD

2011-12-07T20:36:00.003-05:00

taken today in ordinary clothes and in ordinary light

It has been close to 19 weeks since I last posted on my blog. 19 weeks...it has been so long and yet gone by so fast. While I could say I needed a vacation or a break, what I really needed was to refocus myself and my blog. I needed to rediscover my voice because I was not sure who was being the author of this blog anymore.

So...I closed the computer.

And I have had a bit of an awakening.

I guess now the true reason as to why I have been hesitant in coming back is #1 coming to full terms with what I have discovered and #2 it was nice to just relish in living life and not having a "burden" of documenting it.

Life is so much simpler when you do not have to tote a DSLR around. Life is so much more quiet when you do not have to tweet your latest find. And..it is amazing how many minutes are left in the day to focus on the world rather than the virtual one.

Am I leaving my blog? No...I am just realizing where it needs to go and I hope you will come with me.

Cheers~

P.S. I smiled when I realized this was my 200th post...it was meant to be.

no socks left behind

2011-08-28T20:45:00.003-04:00

I love this idea. I find it so adorable....but I have to be honest. It may be only cute with colorful itty bitty socks. I can only imagine what this would look like with my hubby's rather large and sometimes grey hued white socks or his long black socks on a line.

Either way...this is darling for kiddos.

Cheers~
e

a litte nesting to do

2011-08-21T18:30:00.003-04:00

I have about a million projects/crafts started in and about my home.....and none to show you because they are far from being finished. Well, either that or they need a bit more love {aka tweaking} before they make it on here for their debut party. What I have noticed though is that I am completely drawn to DIY necklaces.

And these little necklaces are so sweet and endearing.

for her easy-peasy tutorial

I am head over heels for these little nests. Imagine doing these little nests in the birthstones of your babies. And look! She made a single pearl one for my little man already! I think Miss Sarah has a way of inspiring...all I need is some wire and I can do this.

Yes, I will most likely shamelessly copy this idea. It is just too sweet to not at least try. More importantly maybe I can peer pressure you into trying them too so I won't been alone in being shameless. Who is with me?

Time to take the baked dough (oh..I mean cookies) out of the oven. Thurgood and I have a small addiction to Sunday night baking.

Cheers~

the next chapter

2011-08-17T20:00:00.003-04:00

My world is spinning. SPINNING. I love my job, but I am more busy now than I have been in quite a while. I am finessing the art of balance from a whole new perspective with this new chapter in my life.

With so much going on, it was kismet that one day I came across a wonderful home for my family that has so much possibility.

As of this moment I have tunnel vision on this home:

Oh how I wish you could see it. Oh wait...you can :)

Thought you might enjoy a glimpse with me. Now..comes the hard part...what to do next.

Cheers~
e

the taste of summer

2011-08-08T19:45:00.005-04:00

The days of summer are numbered. Now is the time to savor water balloon fights and lightning bugs...and summer foods.

Abby and Thurgood prepping for a water balloon explosion.

Especially summer fruits...I love fruit and there is something wonderful about in season fruits...it is a small taste of heaven.

One of my best friends, Christine, reminded me of the glousiously unbeatable fruit-sugar-mint combo. She made it for our family get together. Is it possible to have 2 families so close and the best of friends?

Absolutely.

Look at her little girl. She is getting so big. Those big eyes have big ideas just waiting for the world to see.

Christine, I have now made this 4 times this summer and love every bite. Thank you for showing me how to embrace simple sweetness.

Small note if you plan to do this and you should...do this while peaches are still in season, and you’ll hardly need the sugar.

Ingredients:
12 oz Strawberries (throw in a pint of raspberries for an extra burst of goodness)
4 peaches
1/3 cup mint
1 tbsp sugar

Instructions:
Clean and chop strawberries and peaches. Coarsely chop mint. Combine fruit, sugar and mint in a medium bowl and toss to coat. Serve chilled.

There it is...the taste of summer. Now all I need is some sun sweetened iced tea and a water balloon.

Do you have something that tastes of summer?

Cheers~
e

oooh the places you will go

2011-08-05T21:45:00.004-04:00

There is something about maps. I find them fascinating and inspiring. And now..I am all about repurposing them. Just take a glimpse at all the cute things you can do with maps.

You can bet your bottom dollar I will be doing this! You know me and how much I adore "prettifying" {yes...I am creating new words too} lamp shades.

Oh...how this mobile would be lovely in an office or playroom

Who needs GPS when you have this as your clutch?

I love garlands...and this is beyond cute.

And of course the whole repurposing of maps with the 3 hearts of: where we met, married, and honeymooned is simply wonderful. If the nest was still around this would be THE thing to make. I guarantee it. :)

all images from etsy

So I think I am going to see if I can spy a few old maps to repurpose...on to the hunt. Do you have anything you are keeping an eye out for?

Cheers~

awaiting the august moon

2011-08-01T19:00:00.000-04:00

Goodbye July...I am glad you are gone.

In less than the 31 days of this month, I have lost a friend from HS in a tragic car accident, my mother in law had triple bypass surgery, and I had my 1st full code on my unit that ended sadly.

I greet August with much anticipation.

With August comes my boards and all that business with my pharmacy license, but it also brings the last lingering days of summer.

Hello wonderful August....I have been waiting for you.

Cheers~
e

when i have time

2011-07-19T21:00:00.003-04:00

I want to make little ties for my little man.

Cut some glass for a bit of magical glow {ahem...someone out there knows my thoughts on this}.

Create delicate ribbons of frosting on a 3 layer cake.

{all images from pinterest that I found during my lunch break}

What little projects do you have in the back of your mind?

Cheers~

2nd sunday in july

2011-07-10T20:00:00.001-04:00

For me the definition of summer is a good church picnic. Here in Southern Indiana, we have so many, and the season officially starts with my home tri-parish picnic that supports the grade school I went to and the grade school my sister teaches at: the St. Joe Picnic in Corydon, Indiana.

You have not lived till you have been to a church picnic....and mine is extra special. Trust me...after 20+ years of working it and going to other picnics, the St. Joe Picnic is sacred to me. Every sense in your soul comes alive..here is my attempt to capture them for you.

The smells & crackling sounds of the Miller family frying the chicken in one of the 4H barns {no doubt the hottest job EVER}. For generations they have been the "top chefs" of the chicken.

The nostalgic sound of the 80's speakers calling out bingo numbers. The families of the Bierlys and the Babcocks have Bingo down to a science.

The St. Joe Picnic tea is better than any golden arches could ever make. Brewed and then poured into old saurkraut crocks with huge ice chunks floating on top...this tea is pure heaven. To get some, one of the church ladies dips her steel pot into the crocks and pours each pot of liquid goodness into steel pitchers for young children to carry table to table {as I did when I was 9}.

The picnic would not be the picnic without Daddy Don and Rowena (they are my 2nd set of parents and took care of my sister & I growing up.) They made the picnic what it is today. And even though their kids have not been students of St. Joe in over 30+ years..they work every year.

There is something divine about homemade cakes and chicken wire. The two are just meant for each other. Here is my favorite row...the chocolate cakes with white frosting. Yes...they put them in rows by flavors. Each family in the tri-parish makes 2 cakes & 4 pies. I use to make the ones for our family: 2 German Chocolate Cakes & 4 Derby pies.

A craft on the verge of extinction..quilting. My parents have worked in the quilt booth for over 30+ years. My mom is always out and about looking stylish with a hat fit for a Southern belle as she sells quilt chances. Why did I not get a picture? Argh.

This is the reason people come from Missouri, Ohio, and the southern parts of Kentucky: the food. Nothing is better. This is just a sampling of the 7..yes, 7 sides that our offered to our guests. I could eat my weight in the dressing {a recipe from my late Aunt Hannah}. And those noodles...they come from Rowena's family. The Bierly women do the noodles and the Bierly men do the Bingo. :) Haha...don't even get me started on the pies. We have everything you could ever imagine.

Hope you enjoyed a glimpse of what makes summer special to me and my family. I cherish this event and will forever anticipate the 2nd Sunday in July.

What makes your summer sacred?

Cheers~

self-portrait

2011-07-09T20:10:00.009-04:00

Thurgood often asks me if he can play with my phone. He loves the camera function. I have often found multiple self portraits of my child. But today when playing with my phone...he took a picture of me.

When I saw it...it was so pure and raw and so VERY real. I was actually surprised by the shot {afterall..he is 4}.

This is definitely me...hair up and focused.

And what has my attention you ask?

I am studying for my boards.

This is one DIY that I want to perfect....and trust me, I will let you know the pending days of the BIG exams {oh yeah...I have to take 3!}. I need all the positive vibes out there for me. I usually don't have test anxiety, but this is testing that theory.

Cheers~
e

dried hydrangea

2011-07-05T07:00:00.002-04:00

I believe I have found her...my kindred style spirit.

for the love of a house

"I was asked to describe my color palette, and I have long described the colors I use in the house as the colors you would see in a dried hydrangea- aged, muted, worn color." - joan

She had me at neutrals...and I love the way she puts it: dried hydranga. Does that not sound heavenly and chic all at once? I think I need to use that phrasing from here out if someone asks me about my color palette....dried hydrangea.

It all started when I came upon this picture....

Everything about this room speaks to me. From the skirt on the farmhouse sink to the high gloss paint on the beadboard ceiling to the touches of green with the wire baskets to the mix of soapstone with marble....this kitchen is me..heck my floors now look like her floors here.

And did I mention she collects: ironstone, mercury glass, vintage hotel silver, AND floraline pottery? Hmm....how have I just now come across her? Yes, I am smitten...and in love. She has such an eye for texture and composition but marries the two so perfectly to create a comfortable "liveable home."

I believe the inspiration from her is only beginning.

Cheers~
e

happy 4th

2011-07-04T08:55:00.004-04:00

from this happy little etsy shoppe

I hope you have a delightful day with family and friends. We indulged in hot dogs & hamburgers yesterday {oh and some of my yummy loaded potato salad & bleu cheese slaw} with our neighbors. I have made those 2 sides dishes for every neighborhood event. I would be glad to share if you like.

And if you are in need of a yummy yet festive dessert, I make a version of the strawberry pretzel dessert..but with blueberries in the cream cheese/Cool Whip/marshmallow creme goodness...oh and substituting raspberries for strawberries can be a nice change up too.

Have a wonderful 4th! And oh yes...1776 will be playing at our house. I can find a musical for every holiday.

Cheers~

PS Happy Anniversary Miss Christine....you were one of the most lovely brides. And my first ever dabble in wedding flowers.

guess who is coming to dinner?

2011-06-27T20:00:00.000-04:00

I think that as I get closer to the idea of moving {whether into a multi-family home or a slightly larger one for my little family}, I am really starting to embrace the new vision for my home. After my love affair with a more airy, crisp look...I could not help but wonder...is that look me?

I love white kitchens and white bedding...I do love white, but I have always been drawn to black or deep rich colored woods.

I decided to reexamine some of my inspiration pics and see if they still "move" me.

When I think of a dining room, I have always wanted something with flair and style, but infused with a "come sit" at me feeling. I want my dining room to be an extension of my family room.

I have had a crush on this table for about 5 years. It is from Red Tree. It comes in so many finishes.It actually comes in one that is almost identical to PB's Mahogany Stain. I do like the dark wood with the black bottom though. I could easily get 6-8 at this table.

One thing that I have known from the start in the dining room is that I will have 3 small chandys above the table. I found these from Arhaus, but I actually saw one that I heart from Red Tree when we were there for our Jaunt. I only wish I had not forgotten to take a pic....grrr. But this pic give you the idea.

Chairs have been my challenge. I really like the idea of having 2 end chairs slipcovered as so.

I have had my eye on these chairs for quite some time. I think they are lovely. I love the shape. I find them feminine but functional. They look fabulous dressed up or au natural.

I have been eyeing these x-back chairs for quite some time. In fact, when I was 25 (before I was even married) I bought 6 of them. Not at PB, but at Value City for $15 each. They are natural...but a little stain or paint can go a long way.

This image shows you the cabinets I want..and yes, I want 2 of them. I love the idea of having dishes, serveware, glasses all there in the dining room. I have always thought this would be divine for family dinner and for entertaing {and another reason to add to my white serveware collection}.

So...does my vision still have flair? Even more importantly...does it look like me?

Cheers~
e

accessibility

2011-06-23T07:00:00.015-04:00

I know that lots of people have seen THIS home. It is blowing up all over blogworld. How can you forget it? How am I just now talking about it?

For me, this home has so many elements that caused me to stop and completely become inspired on how to create a home that embodies a true personality, infuses color with neutrals, and drips with accessible style.

In fact, one of my new blogger buddies from The Mint Juelp Jaunt said it perfectly:

"There are so many pops of color, but it’s balanced with neutrals like whites and beiges."

-Hollie @ I'm Busy Procrastinating

I am definitely smitten.

I would love to have this be my entrance EVERY day.

I love white kitchens....these would only be more perfect with me in it. :)

So many facets I love: the paneling, the repurposed barn wood flooring, the fabrics, the ceiling, the touch of sparkle...{I will stop b/c I could go on and on}.

This room was made for Thurgood.

I could definitely cuddle with "someday" Baby #2 in this room...look at the doorknobs!

Oh...It is like this homeowner knew my love of barn doors.

And yet...they top it off by using stones in Master Bath. Here Mr. B thought I was a nut. How am I not living here?

So where am I going with this? Well...if my little family didn't merge into a big house with my parents, I have been playing with the idea of buying a smaller home {even staying in my subdivision...I LOVE my neighborhood} and indulging in the inspirations found from this home and merging it into my dream home.

I think you can take all the elements here and recreate them on a scale that is accessible without building custom or buying $$$$. I know I have been dreaming about attempting it....and what a divine dream to fall asleep to.

Cheers~
e

our mint julep jaunt recap

2011-06-20T21:15:00.010-04:00

My favorite hobby in the world is not redecorating...even though Mr. B would care to argue otherwise. Actually my favorite hobby is something I inherited from my father. I love making new friends. I think getting to meet new people and making new friendships makes this world a tad more interesting, fun, and joyous.

So with that being said, I proposed to Gail from My Repurposed Life a while back the idea of doing our own blog get together that would involve shopping at some Southern Indiana thrift stores & some Louisville local boutiques. Being that Gail & I had first met at a blog get together that Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick and Beckie from Infarrantly Creative fabulously put together...I thought we should give it a whirl.

After lots of brainstorming, discussing, and planning...we pulled off The Mint Julep Jaunt this past Saturday. And it was WONDERFUL!! Not even having surgery the Tuesday before could keep me from it. I was a tad exhausted & sore come 4 pm that day...but I was relishing in the delight of all the friends, new and old, that we got a chance to meet.

Here is our little video to start our day off:

Now for all the lovely pics {thank you to Missy from My Cottage Charm for letting me incorporate a few of hers into my post. I never realized how heavy my camera can be}:

First off, I have to personally thank my sister, Jessica, for being there for me. Since I couldn't lift anything..it was wonderful to have her there by my side. Here she is handing out water, juice, and doughnuts to our bloggers as her and Hollie from I'm Busy Procrastinating

The sweet Donna examining her choices of which delight to purchase.

I had to get a picture of my "Blog Momma"/Gail in her element -- thrifting.

Since we spent 2 hours at Peddlers due to its gigantic size, at 10:30am, a group of us took a side jaunt to the new Homegoods. Here Joi from Nuestra Vida Dulce and Miranda from Just Drink a Coke indulge in their weakness...pillows.

At Goodwill it was all deals & giggles for Katrina & Terri from Creative Eyedias

And one of the inspiring ladies whom I am ever grateful for introducing me to Gail,

Miss Beckie from Infarrantly Creative was all smiles

Let's be honest...it is so wonderful to share in a good find

with others who think and shop just like you.

At Salvation Army Elaine from Honeysuckle Hollow and Carmel from Our Fifth House listen

intently as they announce the winner of the $10 gift certificate.

Let's be honest...we all listened intently for our name to be called.

And even if we didn't win...we were still shopping and scooping up
baubles as Miranda & Joi are here. Love that smile Joi.

As I took this picture...all the girls either pushed back or looked away. But look at all the treasures from Gorilla Glue! We had so much free stuff to give away that I saw many of the restuarant patrons eyeing all our goodies. In fact, there was no need for dessert because SWAG was everywhere for each of our guests.

Look how much fun everyone is having...I love Shannon's sweet smile from Quarry Orchard.

Hmmm...I must be talking in this one. Love how bloggers instantly connect.

Here we see the divine Missy from My Cottage Charm and the

delightful Mallie who brought more goodies from Deco Art Paints for our guests.

Here is one pic that I love. I love that my sister is in this one. Once again...she helped me out so much. And...Miss Joi. After 7 years {give or take}..we FINALLY got to meet. Yep, we knew each other back in our knottie and nestie days. Anyone remember that? We go that far back..pre-blog days.

After a yummy lunch, we headed over to Regalo which is the #1 gift shoppe in Louisville. JD {one of the owners} gave a $25 gift card away to one of our lucky girls and gave each shopper a 10% discount.

Both Regalo and Red Tree {the local boutiques} are personal favorites of mine and so I was thrilled that they were just as excited as I was to host our little jaunt. Truth be told, I have had my eye on a dining table & lighting fixtures from Red Tree that I am constantly swooning over. It is just a matter of time Jennie {one of the owners} till I own them!

Anywho it was blissful to have a few of my favorite boutiques treat our little group with such southern hospitality and generosity. You must make a point to visit their shoppes if ever in Louisville.

The lovelies: Donna, Mallie, Peggy from Pig Logs & 'tater berries , Jennifer, Elisha, Missy, Terri, Beckie, Cathy

Hollie, Joi, Carmel

Shannon, Gail, MeganDVD, Miranda, Elaine

{my sister would not join us...argh}

It was a fabulous day! Thank you Peddlers, Salvation Army, & Regalo for the fabulous gift certificates. It made the day even more special. And a thank you to fellow blogger Miss Sarah from Three Boys for her goodie too. You must come next time.

For more details and winners of all the free stuff,
please check out Gail @ My Repurposed Life for her take on our little adventure.

Hopefully I can talk my "Blog Momma" into another soon...and more

importantly, I hope you will be able to come too.

Cheers~

a thank you

2011-06-16T11:40:00.005-04:00

It is so much easier to vlog when you still feel a little sick in the stomach and have some pains in the abdomen. And please...ignore my eyes in the opening still. No that is NOT the oxycodone...that is me. :)

Hmm...I kinda like vlogging. :) Might have to do this more often. Hehehe. Excited to finally meet some of you on Saturday at The Mint Julep Jaunt!

Cheers~
e

surgery

2011-06-14T08:30:00.001-04:00

It happens at 11 today. Just think about me..that is all I ask. After this..I can get back to normal business..afterall, I have graduation pics to share -- and so much more.

Just wanted to tell you all how much I appreciate all your kindness and above all..your friendship. It has taken me so long to find you that I feel so blessed to now have you in my little world.

Cheers~
e

my days of wearing a bikini are numbered

2011-06-06T22:55:00.003-04:00

I had about 8 posts ready to go since my last post...all on lovely things: weddings, birthday parties, home decor thoughts, a new blooming craft of mine, etc...but everything changes.

a pic of me 24 hrs before my attacks with my fabulous hair & fabulous faux lashes

On the night after Thurgood's birthday party I was awoken by an intense pain that radiated through my chest. I thought it was indigestion or gas..a bubble if you will. It reminded me of an intense hunger pain but high up. I thought nothing of it till the next day when I had a second episode while I was home alone with Thurgood and it really scared me.

I saw my doctor the next day and was sent off for labs and an ultrasound. All labs came back great, but I was but I knew it was coming when the call the next day came. As my MD said, if you are going to have something..have something you can fix. I had a few rather large gallstones -- which meant surgery.

Surgery? But I have the mandatory Naplex review at school. But I have my final research presentation.

Surgery? But I am to graduate from pharmacy school on June 11th. But my family will be in Florida from June 4th to June 10th.

Surgery? But I have boards to study for. But I have a new job I plan to start.

Surgery.

I spoke with my doctor and confirmed my wishes..my goal: I wanted to walk at my graduation on Saturday, June 11th.

Am I scared? ABOLUTELY.
Will I get through it? MOST DEFINITELY
Who do I need to hold my hand? EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU

I will keep you posted...just promise you will be there.

Cheers~
e

the mint julep june jaunt

2011-05-16T07:15:00.001-04:00

Ever want to go shopping/thrifting with your bbff {best bloggie friend forever}? Ever want to skip tweeting/facebooking/skyping/posting, and actually talk face to face with that person..you know, like what they did back in the pre-blog days? Ever want to spend a day with a bunch of friends who you physically just met so that they will peer pressure you into buying that tchotchke? Ever want to know my real name? :)

Well...June may be your lucky month. Gail @ My Repurposed Life and I are hosting our 1st ever get together in Louisville, KY & Southern Indiana. We have everything ready for you from swag bags to doorprizes to special discounts to wine & appetizers awaiting you at a boutique.

Here is a glimpse of where we will take you if you decide to come:

Peddlers Mall - Clarksville, IN

{one of the LARGEST flea market booth places with lots of buried treasure}

Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc - Southern Indiana

{um...of course they are on the list}

Old Time Pottery - Clarksville, IN

{huge and cheap...& filled to the brim with home decor}

Homegoods - Clarksville, IN

{we have a BRAND new store as of May...perfect for us to dive right into}

After our jaunt in Indiana, we will then make our way to Louisville, KY for some wine & appetizers while shopping, then a yummy lunch and then more shopping.

Regalo - Louisville, KY

{Voted Best Gift Shoppe in Louisville for 5 years...oh yes, and I am besties with the owners.

They can not wait to host us for some wine and appetizers while we browse.}

Lynn's Paradise Cafe - Louisville, KY

{for a yummy lunch - a quirky independent restaurant with a national reputation built on great food, wacky décor, and wild events...hmmm...sounds perfect for us.}

Red Tree - Louisville, KY
{a lovely store right next door to where Mr. B & I lived when we lived downtown in "NuLu." They have furniture & accessories so unique, you think it is antique.}

So did that little tease inspire you even more to come join us? Oh wait....didn't I mention free stuff? Here is a glimpse of some goodies you will get just for showing up:

Still need more incentive to come to Louisville for a day trip? How about a $25 VISA gift card to help pay for your gas? Yep...one of our lovely guests will win a VISA gift card. Now if you don't use it for gas and buy something during the day at one of the shops....hehe...we won't tell.

Ready to make your way to Louisville? Well, sign up fast my dears. We are limiting the group to 25.

As for details of times, initial meeting place and such, once you have signed up...we will go from there {for safety and organization reasons}. But if you are a planner like me, we will start around 10 o'clock with a scheduled late lunch and then finish up around 5 {but you are free to arrive and leave with what time works for you.}

Finally, check out what Gail has to say about the event too....it might give you even more inspiration to sign up.

To come join the fun, fill out the info below. The form will time stamp your info to guarantee your spot.

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C'mon....join us. And find out what my "e" stands for...and together we will have a fabulous time..even if I have to serve everyone mint juleps. :)

Cheers~
e

PS Yes, this event is free. As for what is not...well you will be responsible for lunch and all the lovely purchases you make. :)

celebrating june

2011-05-14T21:20:00.002-04:00

June is going to be a FABULOUS month. Yes, I graduate from pharmacy school June 11th, but why stop there at making June fabulous? I look at June 12th as my rebirth back into the social world that I once relished in. Hard to believe I am a social butterfly, isn't it?

So putting my head together with my "Blog Mom" Gail at My Repurposed Life, we could not think of a better way to celebrate June but with YOU. Not the blogger you..but YOU the person...YOU, our friends.

We want all of us to meet and to laugh and to shop and to eat and to laugh again....like real friends do in the real world. We share so much together that it is time we take another risk, and the best part is -- we do it together.

Personally, I want my blog to finally live up to the true expectation that I had hoped for from the very beginning -- to indulge in my favorite hobby: making new friends.

So what do you think?

Stay tuned......we are finessing the details of celebrating June -- together.

Cheers~
e

so haute

2011-05-10T19:10:00.001-04:00

This post is brought to you by Floyd Memorial Hospital...:)

Who needs a good hair day when you spend your day in the OR?

Hmm...I need to reshape my brows and man can I work a floral print.

Brr...it was SO cold {more so than normal for the OR} so I had to layer up even if my colors were not regulation, but I do look very Spring like.

On my last rotation, which also happens to be my future place of employment so I am all over the place shadowing and exploring possible areas for pharmacy to make a stake {imagine me as an OR pharmacist} .....and June 11th can not come soon enough.

I am tired of being a "wanna be" pharmacist. I am ready to be MeganDVD, PharmD. :)

Cheers~
e

in my next house

2011-05-03T19:55:00.001-04:00

I am all about documenting what little delights I want to see in my next home. Granted I LOVE LOVE LOVE my home, but being just a slab with no basement...we will surely out grow our little home sooner than later.

As for what dreaminess I have been envisioning lately...I would love marble like this in my master bathroom:

I think with floors like these I could see myself prancing around barefoot more often. You can find more loveliness here at this shoppe.

Ever find yourself swooning over a building material? I think with the right elements, a room can become opulent and individualized all at once.

Cheers~
e

PS Ok....back to studying for boards. :(

my 1st guest post...and it is BRILLIANT & FREE :)

2011-04-27T20:49:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone...I am over at my neighbor's home who has power and more importantly...the internet. This is a tad late, but it was worth coming over here in my rainboots to tell you that I am guest posting my 1st EVER guest post over at my Blog Momma's {Gail} beautiful world.

I think I have the most brilliant idea/project for you to check out...and making them is just about as close to free as you can get.

Just bop over there and say hello...if anything, just to make a girl feel good amid all this CrAzY amount of rain, tornados, and no power...oh, and b/c you love me too. :)

Cheers~

together

2011-04-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

Thurgood loves it when his cousin Brock comes for a visit. When Uncle Chris and Brock come over it is all about celebrating being cousins, and making the most of being less than 3 months apart.

They indulge in ice cream together.

They share turns on a slide together.

They find everything extra funny together.

They make Rice Krispy Treat Nests with M&M's together {while Uncle Chris supervises of course}.

They count together to make sure each nest gets the same amount of eggs.

Make every moment count....and make it extra special.

happy easter

2011-04-24T19:00:00.000-04:00

from this adorable shoppe

From our nest to yours....Happy Easter my lovelies. :)

Cheers~
e

a tale of 2 styles

2011-04-20T08:30:00.000-04:00

I have always been a fan of playing pretend.

I use to spend hours on end pretending to redo my parents living room with my sitter's JCPenney catalog. {If only I still had those notes with page numbers, sketches, and prices}.

In my little files of this, that, and pharmacy....I found these 2 rooms. Both extremely diffrent, but yet both speak to me.

Great Room from Tori Spelling's Westwood Home

I love the pop of red with the black cabinets and then the blue...what is it about a red and blue combo?

Living Room from the movie The Holiday

First off, I could easily nap on every piece of furniture from the ottoman to the window seat. Hello slipcovers and velvet.

It is little snippets of these that make me wonder how my style will play out in my next home....and of course, it is something that helps me drift off to sleep when the stress of the day can be all consuming.

Had to throw this one in....We know the room. We know the movie. Blissdom in a room.

What style do you see me using?

Cheers~

in my next house

2011-04-18T08:30:00.003-04:00

I would love to have a sliding barn door in our next house. They are dreamy. They are full of character. They are perfect. I would love to hang one in our home now, but I am holding out for our next home.

I would love it for our Master Bedroom as it separates the Master Bathroom from the Master Bedroom.

Layla is perfecting one in her Master Bedroom. Hopefully she will still be flattered when I copy her idea and learn from their trials with installing one.

Cheers~

study stacks

2011-04-17T11:30:00.010-04:00

While at Macy's on the weekend {for Clinique bonus time of course}, I found myself going up to the furniture department. Macy's furniture is one of my favorite secret places. You can find Arhaus, Crate & Barrel, Room and Board, and yes...even PB styles there but for far less. Trust me...I am a researcher -- this is what I was do best.

As I was walking about dreaming in delight with all the possibilities, I came across this wall art and fell in love. Maybe I have been studying too much, but something about this wall made me stop and figure out how to take a picture with my phone.

I even found myself becoming a CIA agent as I spied on how the books were installed...and yes, I think I figured it out without being escorted out of Macy's by security.

What do you think? Have I completely lost my mind? I think it is a tres chic & a tres cheap way of adding interest with a collection. I have a wall in mind....we shall see.

Cheers~

avoiding dr. bizer blues

2011-04-14T08:30:00.006-04:00

Over the past 3 weeks I have been coming to terms with the idea that my eyes are getting tired or maybe..just maybe, I need glasses.

I doubt I would need them for anything more than reading and blogging..but still there are those oh so important aspects in pharmacy of making sure the prescription is correct.

So...if I have to get glasses....I plan to make a stylish statement. Afterall, I think style can be defined by 4 distinct pieces: {1} your purse {2) your shoes {3} your coat & {4} your glasses

I have the 1st three down to a tee {now if only I could figure out how to take a snapshot of myself}. As for the 4th aspect....look at these:

I am going for something a little less Bizer and a tad more Fabulous. Come sneak a peek here. This little shoppe makes me want a pair or two...or even my own collection {ohhh now that is a scary thought}.

Cheers~

mr. b meets stabler

2011-04-12T08:30:00.001-04:00

I have been on the hunt for a desk chair for quite some time now to create a study space for myself in the great room. In fact, I came across the above pic from --- wait for it........Pottery Barn, and knew this would be perfect. But at $399 for a chair without even arm rests, I knew I would just have to file the image away for a bit.

Last week my dad came over on Sunday to take me {and Thurgood} out for ice cream, house hunting, and then to drop some clothes of my mother's off at Goodwill. Well as we drove up to the drop off...I spotted him.

He was outside on the lawn with an Edward-like sparkle in the sunshine.

The tag was such a tease that I had to have my dad stop the van so I could get out and see for myself.

The chair was in great condition. Trust me...I gave this chair a test drive. The only flaw I could find was quite fixable and even liveable with...that is until I have the free time to attend to the cosmetic surgery.

I call him Stabler...yes, as in Elliot Stable from Law & Order SVU. The chair reminds me of their office furiture from the show. Plus my sister and I both have a tv crush on Detective Stabler.

Hehe....he is too cute. :)

Which is why it is so funny that Stabler is no longer in my garage or even at my study nook. Stabler is currently at my husband's desk. Apparently Mr. B prefers Stabler in the man cave. Hehe...my tv crush and sweet hubby finally get to meet.

Cheers~

hello mid-April

2011-04-11T21:22:00.000-04:00

I took this picture the 1st of April and planned to blog about my need for help in taking pictures of myself on Monday. Oh how I would love to link up with all those lovely ladies who blog their outfits on Wednesdays...but with a 50 mm prime lens....it is so difficult. And now looking at this picture...my right hand looks terribly witch-like. {Maybe I should pass on the self portraits}

Fast forward to now....and yes..my life has been a whirlwind at U of L hospital. From last minute marathon exams to project after project, I have been far from relaxed..but June 11th will be here soon enough, and maybe then my life can begin again.

Thank you again for all your support and your friendship. Thank you for remembering that I am a PharmD student, a wife, a mom, and a blogger....and I am truly attempting to find beauty in the balance of the 4.

And just wait till you see what I found this weekend! I think I was blessed with an awesome find to redeem my blogger's soul. :) {And if you don't care for it...just fake your excitment for me.}

Cheers~

in need of a makeover

2011-03-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

Lately I have been playing with the idea of exterior remodeling for homes that I have come across that are lovely...but need a little help cosmetically. In fact, their sheer need of a facelift is probably why they have been on the market for as long as they have been.

This home for example is in a fabulous neighborhood with 1.0 acre lots, has a spectacular backyard, has potential everywhere inside, lots of room to grow as a family, and is priced oh so well....but the exterior is *yawn.*

I am thinking of painting the brick, adding some shutters, and giving that front entrance more presence...double doors with a over hang of some sorts.

Something like this:

But with double doors like this:

But...I have no idea how to do this on a computer.

Anyone know who I could turn to? I would love to explore this home and show Mr. B a "vision" rather than me doodling all over a print out. Because I will be honest...I can't draw.

Cheers~

road to the final tchotchke winners

2011-03-29T19:47:00.002-04:00

U of L hospital has me as busy as ever & exhuasted beyond words, but I had to post my winners of my tchotchkes from the little blog party. I LOVED this party and I only hope enough of you loved it to do it again in the future. FYI...Winners were selected using a random number generator. OK...here we go:

Winner: #9 - Kathy Janicki www.sassystamper.blogspot.com said...

I love, love, LOVE these! They would look perfect in my bedroom on the wall that I keep looking at & wondering if I'll ever find the perfect 'something' to put there.

Winner: #2 Susie Q said...

I'm not going to ask either, but I really like that. Been redoing our family room with a beachy theme so this would be perfect!

I look forward to getting emails from you ladies and we can go from there.

Congrats aggin!!! I hope everyone enjoyed this little party...who doesn't enjoy free stuff?

Cheers~
e

farmgirl meets surburbanista

2011-03-28T08:39:00.003-04:00

I feel like I have been blessed to have been raised in the country.

There is something special about Elizabeth, Indiana. I know I grew up in a happy little bubble of swim meets, garden tomatoes, church picnics, barn kittens, and acres upon acres of woods to play in..but it is a blessed bubble that warms me on cold nights in the world of reality.

When 1st choosing a home of our own. Mr. B and I decided on a cute home in the suburbs. We needed something low on the maintenance scale and a safe little place for us to have a family. I had no idea how much I would love surburbia. From yard sales to borrowing sugar....it has been a delightful experience.

I guess you could say I am torn between the country and the burbs. I love the convenience of everything in my home now.

The home I grew up in was 35 minutes from "town." Until you have lived far from "town" that required you to scheduleandd plan everything in reverse, let alone go home ASAP if you have ice cream in the car...you can never fully appreciate the convenience of being close to it all.

And then I came across this home:

I love the look of open shelving and wish my parents would try this in their home.

For the love of beadboard and white....oh so pretty.

It is like this home already knew of my love for checkered floors.

I can see my magnolia plates above this bed. :)

Maybe I could redo a home like this in the historic section of town? I am still trying to figure out my style...but something about this style whispers to me. Lastly, this little home makes me rethink that bigger is not always better.

So much loveliness to inspire.....and of course, it makes me question everything.

Cheers~
e

whole wheat

2011-03-25T21:10:00.002-04:00

Long time ago in the land called the nest, I met a sweet nestie named Shortycake. And oh could she renovate. She was one of my 1st buddies in the world of the nest. She took an older home in Kentucky and turned it into a showplace. I have had this picture in my files because it inspired me to go with a warm color in my home.

As much as I try to explore outside the realm of Whole Wheat by SW...it is still my go to color. I love the color with white and black. It is fabulous in my book. In fact, I still find more rooms to add to my decor files that uses the color in the most dreamy ways.

Here the color is again...but it is famously known as Tobacco Road in this home....I love it against the black armoire. I adore that same depth of contrast with my own entertainment center and Whole Wheat.

picture from a google search that links to YHL

Oh..and now add a touch of striped silk. Look at how divine the the color is with the black and the white.

Am I wrong to love a color that screams 2005? :) Haha...that sounds funny, but with styles going to more of a cooler tone, is there still room for warm & crisp?

Cheers~

i copy more than i create

2011-03-24T08:30:00.002-04:00

Ever think to yourself..why didn't I think of that?

Ever think to yourself...why didn't I do that project last week, now

I look like a copy cat if I post about this week?

I am hoping I am not hearing crickets after I type those questions. I fall into that downward spiral of questioning way too much. And after much thought...I am over it.

It is hard to not find something not brand new in the real or the vitual world. It all gets reused, renewed, and recycled...and everyone does it beautifully. I think the thing to do is embrace it and move on.

Ever wonder who found that 1st can of chalk board paint? Who made the 1st coffee filter wreath? Who wrote the 1st silhouette tutorial?

Well it really doesn't matter {unless you're that person..sorry that we have never met}...what matters is that it was found, made, and written...and that we have blogs to spread their fabulousness.

Cheers~
e

Come by this blog hop for free shopping...FREE...yes, life is this wonderful. :)

a tchotchke in honor of the nester

2011-03-23T18:33:00.001-04:00

Well..amid the chaos of my little one getting sick again...I was completely delighted to see that the nester actually tweeted about our little blog hop/shop/swap. Talk about the BEST advertising and making me beam all at once.

So in honor of that thrilling "shout out," I decided to give one of my tassels away. I started making these about 3 years ago after seeing a lady at my church make them for a local decorator/home stager as her trademark when showing homes for clients.

So this is my little dainty in honor of the nester. It is an oldie but a goodie with cream and green..oh and my trademark/brand...a droplet of twinkle. I will pay for shipping..

Any takers? {please be a follower}

Cheers~
e

road to the last tchotchke

2011-03-21T08:50:00.002-04:00

We all have items we have that we don't need.

In fact, I am sure you can walk into your garage or open any clost and find something that you could live without. Well...wouldn't it be fabulous to give that item to someone who would treasure it in the light of its true nature?

I know lots of people in the blog world are having "yard sales" of sorts, but I thought it would be even more special to have a yard sale of FREE stuff. Yes...free.

Also, I want to include as many people as possible in this little adventure. Sure I have lots of stuff, but I am sure you do too. What if we could have a place to showcase all our baubles and treasures in hopes of finding new homes for them? Hence....

So...what is this and how do you do it?

This little hop is all about bringing bloggers and their love for shopping together in a massive swap of tchotchkes. In my thoughts..I would rather give those candlesticks that don't work in my home to someone who would cherish and love them. Hence the thought of the gift will flourish with its new owner and give us bloggers one more element to bring us closer together.

First thing is first..find your item. Please only pick a home decor item {if this is popular maybe we can have future ones all about shoes, toys, clothing, or accessories}.

Then take a picture of the item you wish to give away for free and create a post all about the item. In your post please indicate any pertinant measurements, colors, or specifics of the item. Your post also needs to address shipping issues {will you cover shipping, will the receiver cover shipping and if so...how much and how will they pay}. Lastly your post might want to address how you will "pick" the receiver if there are more than one interested. {I plan on doing a random generator.}

Once you have your post and all the nitty gritty worked out, link up to the blog hop with the picture of the item you are wanting to give away for free. Please limit one link per item. You can give away more...but for each item, please link & post it separately.

The hop will be open for a week so there is plenty of time to shop your house to give something away and time to shop the hop. Then on Tuesday, March 29th...run your generator or pick your winner. Please wait till that date so anyone and everyone has a chance to link and then shop.

You do not have to link up to shop...just have fun and who knows...your gift might make its way into a new friend's hand. In my opinion...this is a delightful way to get rid of clutter as well as meet/make new friends.

Cheers~

PS Please get the word out...the more we have participate, the more treasures we have to choose from. :)

another tchotchke

2011-03-21T08:46:00.003-04:00

I have had this for 4 years and it is time to say goodbye. These "shell on a stick" has been on my husband's bedside table the entire time and twice...it has almost knocked him out when we rolled out of bed. Don't ask, but anywho...Mr. B would like me to give this away. So consider this a gift from Mr. B to you. Hahaha...

The entire piece is 12" x 5'...and it is heavy. Mr. B says he will pay for shipping if someone gently removes this from my tchotchke collection. {May I suggest I throw in some sake stuff too?} Haha...I kid.

Any takers?

Cheers~
e

my tchotchke

2011-03-21T08:45:00.006-04:00

So here is my tchotchke that I am hoping to find the most perfect home for. The panels come as a pair and are 20" x 8" each. The colors are pretty close to the picture so if you heart the chocolate and blue look...this pair will bring you much delight.

I will pay for shipping as long as I know they will be loved. Please promise me that this will become your treasure. I am wanting to give these panels to someone who will find happiness in their display. I received these as a gift and would love to give it to someone who cherishes them as much as I did.

If you are interested...please comment on this post and if you are not a follower..please follow.

On Tuesday, March 29, I will run a random generator of all those interested {if more than one} and post who the panels go to. Please make sure your email is in the comment {just in case}.

I hope someone out there will give these 2 the perfect home. :)

Cheers~

e

PS For more cute loot...come shop here.

my goldilocks moment

2011-03-21T08:39:00.006-04:00

This is how my little entryway has looked for +5 years. Simple and cute with one of my favorite pictures ever.

As you can see..it is what it is. Well it has come to my attention that my son and husband need a drop zone when they come home. From shoes to gloves to ipods to headphones to plastic snakes...I need something to collect stuff.

To me, this space needed something, but I was too chicken to try anything. It was easier to let it just be what it is rather than expand on any possibilities. But..in the end, I still needed something for the men in my life and their stuff.

And then one day at the Goodwill, and I saw this beauty. Lucky for me, my Goodwill is a cast off for Target goodies.

What is regularly about $72 {it is on sale now for $55}. I got for $25 AND it came assembled. No nicks, dents or scratches. How did I come across such a find? I must have been basking in the luck of my Elvis find.

I didn't even measure it. I was going to make it work. {Well I did kinda use my child as a height marker...you do what you need to do when you are in the midst of the hunt.}

And so I decided I needed to organize the little bookcase before it took over for "organizing my guys." So I added my Target receipt box {I highly recommend this to all loyal Target shoppers...saves your wallet & purse}and a basket to catch all -- but, it was too big.

I tried 3 baskets thinking I could use this drop zone too, but the edges stuck out..and that irked me.

So I tried 3 more baskets, but they were too small. Look how tiny they are. What was I thinking?

Then I snagged 2 baskets I already had...and look...just right. I am thrilled with the results. This little station makes my mornings when Thurgood & I are dashing out the door easy to get all his stuff ready for the day. And thanks to my little Target receipt box, I took all those other baskets back and relished in taking a risk that paid off. Happy take a Risk Day.

Cheers~

PS Interested in a little decluttering? How about a little shopping? How about where everything is free? Come to the blog hop/shop/swap.

Also check out my FREE nester inspired tchotchke. :)

adorable clutter

2011-03-20T10:00:00.004-04:00

Clutter...we all have it and it can suffocate even the most darling rooms. Some of us create it..while some of us inherit it. I inherit my clutter...mainly as gifts.

Have you ever received something sweet and precious and NOT your style? I have and I do all the time. I find myself not wanting to part with the item because not only is it a gift, but also because it comes from someone who thought of me when they made the purchase.

As promised I wanted to share with you a few things that create the "clutter" of my home.

I received these panels from my cousin as a gift for doing her wedding flowers. I think these panels are oh so sweet...but oh so not my style. I have tried every nook and cranny to make them work, but it just doesn't.

I think everyone knows my love for wine. These wine glasses are one of many sets that I have received as gifts. As cute as they are...I am all about plain clear glasses. I have sets of 4 of wine sets all over the place. But, I am constantly breaking them so clear just works better for me..and my clumsiness.

My 1st ever experience with a PB gift that I was not all about. Maybe it is because of the red..or maybe it is the fact the glitter flies all over the place {hence why they are still wrapped}. I always seem to get candles as a gift and it is hit or miss {with smell and color}.

It comes with the territory I guess, but I have so many mortar & pestles...I love my clear glass one. Hmm...shock. But I have quite a collection whether I enjoy them or not.

OK...I LOVE this frame. I love it..no, I adore it. And the message behind it...well it gets me each time. But this frame is huge. It is a 2 ft square which makes it hard to find a place for it. I know the picture I want to use...but I just need a place for it. I think we all gets lots of frames as gifts. I know I do. Ever have a frame you love but it just doesn't work? I love this frame but until I find a home for it....it is clutter.

Do you have clutter that you adore but it just doesn't work with your style? Do you have clutter with meaning and that in itself makes it hard to let go?

What if I have an idea for you for and that adorable clutter?

Join me tomorrow and experience a blogging experience like no other...who knows...you just might find a treasure.

Cheers~
e

when you buy what you love

2011-03-14T19:25:00.010-04:00

The buzz word in blogland this year is all about decluttering. Aside of clothes and toys...the art of decluttering is almost synonymous with accessories. It seems like everyone is getting rid of "stuff." So much stuff...so little of it really needed. People love a good bargain and buy it...hence...lots of stuff or accessories.

Well I think I am the exact opposite and I feel like a complete weirdo for it.

purchased at Tuesday Morning 3 years ago {the blaring red is my IU sweatshirt}

I am the queen of buying from my heart and the princess of walking away. I only buy something if it is a good deal and it is meant to make my house more into my home. Yes..I fall in lust with lots of things and doodads...but those that make the cut and up to the register...well it is "to have and to hold."

purchased at Kohl's 2 years ago on clearance

Now that I am creating a home for my little family, I have no intention on spending money on something "just because"..I have a Sallie Mae student loan that is swallowing any chance of me being debt free. Every purchase I make is made knowing why that dollar is being spent.

purchased at Target oh so recently

Another reason why I have few tchotchkes, I loathe dusting..and I don't have much time for it. With less stuff...you have less dusting which means more time for cocktails and twitter. :)

purchased from my favorite beach shoppe in Pompano....10 years ago

I am also a creature of habit. I don't move things around...it errs on the chance of buying more stuff if something doesn't look right. I prefer to get the space exactly how I envisioned it...and keep it that way. To me...when you are constantly changing...you are constantly spending.

purchased at Kohls on sale 4 years ago {I have 2 of them}

Bloggers right now are all about subtracting from their rooms and finding out how beautiful a room can be with less. Heheh...go me. I am finally ahead of a trend.

Even though I purchased these about a year ago from Arhaus. I have loved them since HS & always wanted them adorning my bedroom walls. They were worth every dollar

All the items photographed in this post you have seen in and around my home. They are accessories. They are all things I love.

Just think...when you buy what you love..it is never clutter. It is just buried treasure {way back in the closet}.

Cheers~
e

P.S. I do have some clutter..but I didn't buy it and neither did Mr. B. Can you guess? Stay tuned...

my gas station master bath

2011-03-13T21:10:00.002-04:00

No...I can not even post a pic of it. It is THAT bad. I am gravely disgusted with my boring master bathroom. Mr. B & I have been in this house for +5 years and it is the same as it was the day we walked in...no, it was cleaner then. :)

After a long day on rotations, I want to come home to something that doesn't repulse me. Yes...my master makes me ickie inside. I feel like I need to attach a key to a hubcap to perfect the ambiance I have going on there.

I think I would like to go for something like this:

The way I look at it...if I spruce up the master bath: #1 I will FINALLY enjoy it and #2 it will show nicely when our little home goes on the market. I really want to just reuse the elements but add a dash of color/character.

I have been going back and forth between white or expresso cabinets. Yet in the end, I think expresso is the way to go because it will blend nicely with my master bedroom. And....I am curious as to using the new "cabinet transformation" product. Oh...and I LOVE the chrome pulls against the expresso.

There are many little aspects that play well in this bathroom..that I believe I could "knock-off."

Please....of course these babies had me at hello. But who needs the "found" prices starting at $69. I know I could make these. Would you buy some if I made some? :)

And I am sure I could Goodwill this darling. Can you not see Mr. B's stuff so nicely in this cabinet? {maybe even a friendly blogger out there would help me make one...ah-hem...you know I am winking at you.}

No...this is not my bath. I was too lazy to take a pic so I googled one as close to mine as possible.

The real question is what does one do with the garden tub wall? I don't even have tile like the above picture..but I think it will need something. Any thoughts? What could I do for super cheap but get super fabulous results?

So there you have it...my thoughts officially written in blog world. Now it is time to tackle it..I need to stop being lazy and do it. Anyone free this week to come help?

Cheers~
e

house hunters: can a house redefine your style?

2011-03-11T15:45:00.001-05:00

As you know I am in love with the aspect of moving into a larger home upon graduation from pharmacy school. In my search..I came upon this one that might be perfect for my little family and my parents. It has 2 kitchens and lots of space...over +5000 sq feet of it and over an acre outside.

3010 Apache Drive

What I have thought about though with this house is that it really would not jive with a PB feel. It is more of a Jeff Lewis feel.

And let us not forget a fabulous Jeff Lewis kitchen

Between you and me....this is right up Mr. B's style. :)

I do think I would be daring in a home like this and go for a master bed like this:

I guess you could say I am a house whisperer....I just listen and see what the home wants. How about you? Is your style ever changed because of your love for the home?

I guess the most exciting aspect is we shall see what we end up with.

Cheers~

a room somewhere

2011-03-08T14:40:00.001-05:00

I am at the end of another rotation. Only 2 more to go...June is fast approaching.

It has been quite a busy rotation with teaching and meetings and more meetings...and has left me thirsty for blog time and daydreaming of rooms like this:

While I slave away in a room like this with my buddy Chad:

Yes, that is my little computer and I figure a small picture gives you an idea of how small the room is.

Luckily Chad and I have been friends since pharmacy school began (we carpooled..and I guess you could say we are in a cliche..hahaha) and THAT made this rotation..cake. :)

I miss my blogs & blog friends. Can you imagine if we were on rotation together? How fun would that be? :)

Cheers~

salvation of the sake kind

2011-03-02T09:00:00.011-05:00

Amid the trials of this past week, I found myself smiling when I came across this picture:

Some of you may remember the little decor arrangment my husband put together. It was his first attempt at decorating. He purchased a saki set and arranged it on our bar just so. :)

We both love sake and sushi....so Mr. B tried his hand at a vignette. I thought of it as a work in progress.

And then....I came across the opening pic in the Spring PB catalog. Maybe PB read my blog and knew I needed a little guidance. Maybe I wanted to make the sake set work and finally "saw" it.

All I know is that it made me laugh and I needed to laugh.

Now all I need is a buddy {ahem Gail} to help me bring those individual sushi plates to life because $50 for 6 is kinda silly.

Cheers~
e

PS I also want to thank each of you for your sweet words and warm thoughts. I am humbled by your compassion and empowered by your friendship.

on eagle's wings

2011-02-28T09:35:00.009-05:00

picture by Vogue

Rough week...sad weekend....somber Monday.

Please forgive my absence...a heavy heart does not provide the most inspiring words.

My grandfather's twin passed away. He and my grandfather were actually born in my parent's home {yes...I grew up in the same home that my grandfather did.} There is something spectacular about having the same bedroom as my Pop did.

You lived a great life Uncle Harold and left a fantastic legacy...you taught me to believe in miracles and indulge in ice cream. I am sure you and Aunt Hannah are dancing the moments away as Pop plays the fiddle.

can i get a tweet tweet?

2011-02-20T19:30:00.002-05:00

Oh me oh my...the internet world has come a long way since billboards and AOL IM...with chat rooms to facebook to blogs we are all learning how to use social media in a whole new light. I think one aspect we can all use and even expand our blogging experience is thru Twitter.

I find it quite addicting and an instant way to chat away with people when I am not blogging but still want to stay connected to the blogging world...but I have to admit that it is only fun when you are not alone doing it. Having people following you and likewise commenting back to your tweets makes the experience what it should be.

I encourage you to just try it and together...we will chat away and feel important. C'mon....they make cupcakes celebrating Twitter....it has to be good.

Because I am lazy, instead of creating a tutorial...I copied from the best. :) Beth from The Stories of A to Z wrote an amazing tutorial that uses Tweetdeck (a platform for Twitter). Try it...and trust me. Oh and tweet me @Megandvd....I promise to tweet right back.

TweetDeck Tutorial

Cheers~
e

PS If you are in the circle....this is the best way to go beyond the blogs and really make a friend from your blog. Would you like me to include your twitter on the link to our circle? I will...just for you {just let me know}.

the calm before the storm

2011-02-17T09:00:00.003-05:00

My current rotation has my head spinning with projects and due dates.

Sadly my head is not spinning around the latest Pottery Barn bauble {and I do have one I love} or which fabric to recover my headboard in {what do you think of a linen?}. No...I am doing more school projects than home projects these days. Oh well...I love the schedule and the fact I have an office.

Unfortunately for me....my husband has had a recent surge of "let's redecorate the family room." Here is the closest pic I could find to give you an idea of what we had going:

With the snap of my phone {from December} you have a peek as to how I make my great room work.

As I complete my 5th rotation, I am usually home by 5 or so, but on this day...I came home at 7. I think with all that extra free time, Mr. B had an itch to change it up. Why did I not come a home a tad sooner?

I snapped a pic with my phone as what I walked into our home that late Tuesday night..the pic below was taken on Wednesday evening. Trust me.... it looked exactly the same way upon my entrance.

We do not have a ghost in the right corner, that is our chandelier.

Yes, I could have gotten out the Canon and edited this photo...but I think the "raw" nature of this picture best showcases the fact the sofa is teetering on being a banquette for our dining room table. And yes...the space between the corner of the sofa and the wall with the wine bar IS that tight. And finally yes...look closer and you will see Mr. B...dead center in front of the tv in our leather wingback playing Xbox. (The Xbox has escaped the man cave...and I am now in hiding in that cave as I type this.)

Ahhh...what to do. How can I be mad at the man who promised me on Valentine's Day to spend more time on focusing on us instead of the survival mode we have been stuck in?

Well my loves...I need to catch up on my divine circle and figure out how to slowly move my family room back to my happy place. And as I sit here in Mr. B's man cave...I will be envisioning myself sitting in this lovely nook:

photo by Sadie Olive

Ahh.....I feel better already...but I think cupcake will also ease the pain.

Cheers~
e

our love story

2011-02-14T09:00:00.003-05:00

Of all the love stories ever written...I am smitten with the fact that ours still has pages to be filled.

Happy Hearts Day to You & Yours

Cheers~

P.S. If you have placed our lovely button on your blog & I have yet to include your blog in the link...please let me know and I will quickly amend the situation.

on the hunt for peace in the potty

2011-02-10T11:40:00.004-05:00

So remember.....my little battle with my husband and the toiletries? Well I received so many lovely suggestions and truly thoughtful feedback from you...it was wonderful.

I even started to scout out some of your ideas. One I really liked was incorporating a unit on the wall. Look at this inspiration I found from my little collection of PB catalogs.

I think the staining would be a wonderful element too {on the vanity and the unity}

But at $129 for each piece....I really need to use this as inspiration and recreate a knockoff or copy.

Ooohhh....and just imagine the mouthwash in a lovely bottle too...as you suggested.

What do you think? I plan to start "working" on it stat {ahh...my pharmacy world lingo slips in once again}. And who knows...I might find what I am looking for along the side of the road again. :)

Cheers~

my new beau that I picked up off the street

2011-02-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever thought to yourself... how do all these people find something fabulous at Goodwill...on Craigslist...at yard sales, but I have yet to find anything? Welcome to my little world. I am so envious of all those giddy finds you read about that I was a little down in the dumps that I could never come across something just as spectacular.

And then Friday came....and for a moment, everything clicked.

What would you do if you came across this?

And when I mean come across..I mean drive by, see it on the curb by trash cans, put the van in reverse, then get out to take pics for your blog, and then shove it in the van to get it in the garage before you wake from the lovely dream.

There he is...waiting for me and yes, he was FREE! {Why a he you ask? Because he is king size}

Fortunately, the brother of the man throwing it away said I could take it home {like that would have stopped me} and graciously helped me figure out the geometric complexities of fitting it into my Dad's van.

I just had to share my fabulous find...any suggestions on what to do with him? I need your help. My mind is spinning. Keep him as is or maybe reupholster him in a ivory velvet? I think the sheer fact of finding hin is still sinking in.

Cheers~

buttons & beaus

2011-02-06T09:00:00.003-05:00

It looks like everyone is quite excited when it comes to forming "Our Own Circle of Bliss." I am tickled pink! I think this could take our community and our blogs to a whole new level of connecting and relating. Our circle will be the best thing that has ever happened to our blogs...I just know it.

So...I invite you to copy and paste my -- no-- OUR button {and please link it too} and place it on your blog. Place it whenever you like..it is yours to showcase. My hope is that the button becomes a symbol as well as a signal to all of us coming and going on so many blogs...that the blog that features this button is wanting more than just followers, but friends.

What I have done is made a link in my navi bar for any and all who want to join our circle. In this link I will have you and your blog so that people can immediately come peek into your world. Also it will provide you a list of everyone in our circle {and may it be a true circle that is neverending}. Go on click on the button! The circle is growing.

I invite you to to the same thing or you can link it to my page..whatever is easiest for you. :) All I ask is that you take the time to get to know each and every person in the circle. We have all of 2011 to reach our goal, Blissdom 2012.

Cheers~

PS...where is my beau?...well he rocked my world yesterday! I will post tomorrow.

and the winner is....

2011-02-04T21:35:00.001-05:00

Congrats Allenaim Photography!

Here is what our lovely winner had to say about the hop and the giveaway:

Congrats on the win my dear! Shoot me a little email and we can go from there. I am giddy with excitment for you. Gail and I are thrilled with how successful this little hop/party has been. We hope we have provided the roots for many blogs {both big and small} to soar.

If I have not graced your little world, I am still working my way to your blog...I now have strep, but trust me...I am getting there. I promise.

Cheers~

my post-party thoughts

2011-02-03T20:40:00.003-05:00

First thing is first...parties are such a nice way to brighten up any winter blues. You get to mingle. You get to make new friends. You get to see some lovely things here and there. You get to be entertained for quite some time.

I am smitten with these bags from DrikaB..wonder if I can make one.

I am still finishing up visiting each blog from our hop, so please know if I haven't gotten to you -- I will be very soon. I am strolling through them...and as I stroll, I really have noticed a community of friendship building.

So, I am going to challenge you to take another itty bitty risk.

It may be oh so hard to do, but I believe it will be worth it. I believe it will give you an even stronger sense of belonging to something special.

Change your blog roll.

Invite some of these new found friends from the party or thru your travels in blog world to the prime real estate capital in your little corner of blog world.

Make it an honor to be on to be on your blog roll.

Everyone knows the blogs to go for this or that, but I assure you there are so many talented ladies out there....so many bloggers just yearning to feel connected.....to feel special. I know that you will make someone's year by inviting them to your blog roll.

Yes, it is tempting to have those blogs with +5000 followers caressing the sides, but I assure you they have everyone sneaking peeks into their world every minute of the day. But that little blog with 50 followers...that one you loved from 1st glance, well maybe your eyes were the only ones to grace their page in a while.

So go ahead..invite them to your blog roll. That little blog will feel so special...so humbled by your invitation, and who knows...they just might return the honor. :)

So...are you up for the challenge?

Cheers~
e

PS The giveaway winner will be announced tomorrow! Best wishes. :)

delight in making a knockoff {Pottery Barn of course}

2011-02-02T09:30:00.005-05:00

In my little world, I find delight in pearls. I wear them almost every day {earrings}...now if only they were real. But do you know what I find even more delight in?

Making a pottery barn knockoff. I find such pleasure in making a cute copy of something that catches my eye.:) The above image had me at hello. It is glass. It has pearls. It is pottery barn. It is $39? Oh, wait...on clearance for $19? {still too pricey for me}

I made mine for $2 {tax not included}

Here are all the supplies you need.

pretty glass plate {Dollar Tree}

glass candlestick {Dollar Tree}

And you have to have some form of glue/adhesive. I had some left over Gorilla Super Glue. :)

Now that you have all your supplies, put a dab of glue around the edge of the candlestick and place your your plate to your candlestick...BUT --- keep it all inverted or upside down while you let the glue set. You will have to let it set for a bit and be patient. If you don't, and allow it to dry upright...the glue will seep down the edge and cloud the glass. Trust me on this.

In the end...you have a PB knockoff for pennies!

Now I just need more pearls to be dripping off my glass pedestal.

Cheers~

e

PS I am still making my way thru all your lovely blogs from the hop. It has been a delight to meet you....speaking of meeting, have you thought about joining my circle?

creating our own circle of bliss {Blissdom 2012}

2011-01-30T18:30:00.007-05:00

Blissdom...

The party I wanted to go to but couldn't..because of money, time,...oh and school obligations.

But I wanted to go....probably more than I could ever explain without sounding pathetic.

But I did not want to go alone.

I had this fear that if I went alone...I would be alone. Ever have that fear? The fear kinda reminded me of a fear at lunch time during school.

Do you remember that 1st day of school and the apprehension that came with lunch time? The fear of not having a seat at a table was a very real and very intense feeling.

Well...I have a solution, but the solution will only work if you join me.

In this world of blogging, and boy oh boy have I been peeking into a lot of uber cute corners since Gail and I's blog hop....I have reaffirmed my belief that people who blog..blog because they want to feel connected.

It is great to be a follower, but I want to take blogging to the next level. I don't want followers...I want friends. I want my blog to be set in a community where we come together, embrace each other, and support each other...not by our stats, not by our numbers, but by our ideas and creative vision...and most importantly -- our friendship.

And so...I am inviting you to create -- "Our Own Circle of Bliss."

This circle, no matter how small or how big, will become a network of friends old and new that commit to supporting each other and getting to be more than followers, but friends.

My ultimate goal?

That all of us go to Blissdom 2012. That we create our own lunch table. :)

Having their clothes & shoes would be a much added bonus

If you want to be a part of this circle, comment or email me...and I will take it from there to create our little family...and together we will create our own bliss.

Cheers~

e {and just think...you would finally get to know my real name}

PS

You don't have to commit to Blissdom right now, but keep it in the back of your mind.

the bold & the beautiful {your blog reviewed}

2011-01-27T21:50:00.005-05:00

Each one of us attempt to create so many beautiful things in our lives. We put so much love into finessing our homes and creating those swoon worthy crafts/projects, and yet how many of us forget to create a space for ourselves {just think how often the master bedroom is the LAST room to decorate}....In a world where we search for the perfect space, we forget our blogs ARE our perfect space.

Who needs a real-life wife/mommy cave when we have the entire virtual playground of our blog?

This blog hop is all about taking the snooping and peeking that we love to do with homes & projects to a whole new level with our blogs. While this year seems to be filled with organization and decluttering, how fitting is it to do the same with our blogs.

Gail and I KNOW this can be scary. Our blog is an extension of us and sometimes more completely defines who we are...so there is such a vulnerable feeling when putting your blog out there. But....we invite you to do it and take the risk.

Be bold.

Be beautiful.

Show us your blog....your virtual home.

When you link to the blog hop, Gail & I will give you our 2 cents on your blog {and we invite you to review all party members too}. Just promise to review each blog with grace and style. Gail & I will be gentle and we want you to be too. We know some people love chocolate ice cream while others are all about vanilla...and that is the same with blogs.

So go ahead and start with me {you can leave your reviews on my blog here}. It is always easier to take a risk when someone is standing beside you. :)

Please link your "The Bold and the Beautiful" post below. By doing so, you are inviting Gail, myself, and other guests to your blog to give you tips and advice about what might or might not be pleasing to the eye (or ear) on your blog.

And who knows....you might just make a new friend in the process.

Important Link Notes:
For the url please copy and paste the url for the post that you have written specifically for this party.
For “name” please enter your blog’s name.
For the thumbnail, please choose your blog’s button or your profile picture when prompted.

Not sure what to write about in your post for your review? See here for a BLURB...and just copy/paste it in a new post. Don't forget to grab the button up top. Also if you want the blog hop code, it is at the bottom of the blog hop and says, "get blog hop code here." :)

Oh and the best part? We are having a GIVEAWAY too! Why review a blog if you can't also get a makeover?

One lucky winner will receive a premade blog design of their very own, that will be customized by one of the great ladies, over at Designer Blogs!

In order to enter you must:
1. Be a follower of both Gail & myself.
2. Comment on this post that you would like to enter the giveaway.
{we know some of you are quite happy with your blog design but want to join in the blog hop...this allows wiggle room for those that want to party but would not use the giveaway.}

Ok, time to party! {And just a tip..for every area of improvement you suggest, tell them something you LOVE about their blog}...*party and giveaway are open for a whole week*

Cheers~
e

my blog review {have to join my own party}

2011-01-27T21:45:00.000-05:00

Please take a look around my blog, check out the layout, pages, buttons, sidebar and gadgets. I would love for you to gently critique my blog. I’m hoping you will leave me some positive feedback about my blog. It would be great if you could give me constructive criticism but be sure to tell me what you like about my blog too! Do you like my pictures? Does my blog load quickly for you? How about the font? All tips and tidbits welcome!
Thank you for reviewing my blog and participating in my party! Come join the party and review other blogs...Be Bold....Be Beautiful!

Cheers~
e

coming to a blog near you

2011-01-26T18:35:00.001-05:00

Coming to TOMORROW ----

A blog party hosted by Gail @ My Repurposed Life & me.

I figure if Gail gets a toon...so do I. :) {Any nesties out there remember these?}

_____________________________________________________________________________

As Gail said in her recent post:

So many bloggers are going to Blissdom, do you feel left out? MeaganDVD and I do! We’ve come up with a plan to keep us busy while the others are living it up in Nashville! Kim @ Today’s Creative Blog recently did a great series over at her Blog Frog Community where bloggers were invited to “critique” others’ blogs. I thought it was a great idea and I told MeganDVD about it and we thought it would make a great blog hop!

Here’s what you do-write a short post (or use our blurb below) explaining to your readers that you are joining in “The Bold and the Beautiful-your blog reviewed” . Invite your readers to lovingly critique your blog. Link up to the blog hop and get a critique from gail@mrl and MeganDVD@beauty in the attempt. If you link up your blog, please visit some of the other participants and gently critique their blog. Sometimes it helps to have a set of “fresh eyes” look at your layout etc.

We would love it if you join in the blog hop and paste the code to your site. The party starts Thursday night at 10 PM EST. That gives you a couple of days to make any last minute changes and tidy up before company arrives!

More info to come tomorrow! This is going to be so exciting. I love a great party!

blurb

(feel free to copy and paste, or write your own blurb)

I am so excited to be part of a very unique blog hop. Gail @My Repurposed Life and MeganDVD @ Beauty in the Attempt are hosting “The Bold and the Beautiful-your blog reviewed”.

Please take a look around my blog, check out the layout, pages, buttons, sidebar and gadgets. I would love for you to gently critique my blog. I’m hoping you will leave me some positive feedback about my blog. It would be great if you could give me constructive criticism but be sure to tell me what you like about my blog too! Do you like my pictures? Does my blog load quickly for you? How about the font? All tips and tidbits welcome!

You are welcome to join the party, it starts Thursday night and is open for a week.
_______________________________________________________________________________

Gail and I are SUPER excited about this little party. We would love for you to invite your followers and join in the fun. It all starts tomorrow at 10 PM EST. :)

Cheers~
e

house hunters: a girl can dream {even on Tuesday}

2011-01-25T21:20:00.002-05:00

I know I usually do this series on Friday, but I have plans ---- and they involve you. Can I tease a bit more? Just you wait...I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Look at this home...go on...look. I would have big plans if this were my home.

203 Mt. Tabor Road

The pool alone...and the home is on a little over an acre...with a lake.

But...in all honesty, I would take it a step further and redo the exterior.

To this...

I definitely think this could be done...definitely. Right?

This may be a dream...but isn't it lovely?

Cheers~
e

green, glass, & something unexpected

2011-01-24T17:45:00.001-05:00

So in the world of decor, the cheapest thrill for me is the Pottery Barn catalog. Not only does it come in the mail to my home, but it is free. How divine is that?

I love getting the catalog in the mail. It is almost a religious ceremony for me when I see it on my counter in the afternoon. Anywho, I have come to define for me the 3 main components of the January 2011 catalog.

The 3 lovely elements that I see interwoven with each page of design is:

1. green

2. glass

3. something unexpected

Just look at these following images. You will find a hint of green, a glimmer of glass, and a dash of the unexpected.

Do you see those green branches in the corner and see how they are in a glass jar? Oh..and the unexpected {imo} is the wood coat hanger with that dainty little mirror and picture framed with cards...oh the fact it is off centered -- even more unexpected.

You can see the green & the glass..and the unexpected -- I think it is the architectural elements with the tealights and the ladder side table.

Your turn...do you see the green, glass, and unexpected?

This room is full of unexpected.

The itty bit of green is still there, and the decanter still gives the sparkle. What element is the unexpected for you?

And once again...this dining room is all about green, glass, and the unexpected.

The best part is a lot of these elements you can do without spending a penny. I plan to use a few myself. So which elements would you use? And what would you do to make something unexpected in the room?

--------------------------------------

And now for my little unexpected for you. Coming soon in honor of Blogs & Blissdom {since we can't go}.......a blog hop party is well in the works. Stay tuned for more details. I think a giveaway is in order too. Tell your friends. A party is ALWAYS more fun with lots of guests.

Ahhh...I love a little unexpected when it means presents. :)

Cheers~

the battle I can not win

2011-01-23T13:15:00.002-05:00

Here it is...the salt in the wound of a my master bathroom blahness. I have yet to even touch my master bathroom. It lacks color. It lacks character. It lacks class. It is completely utilitarian.

This little corner showcases the battle I can never win. I am not sure the war is over quite yet, but I do know that the troops are always there.

I have tried baskets {metal & natural materials}..both on the counter and under the sink. I have tried to organize them and do something with them to make Mr. B's toiletries not become the main decor of my master bathroom...but I am losing.

What would you do? I am so sick of looking at this....and then I thought, maybe you have some ideas of what to do that will not be too drastic to start WW3.

When I think of a master...I don't want much, just something a tad shy of stunning.

both pics are from DecorPad

A mix of the above two would be fabulous...but on a VERY limited budget, I would be happy with just cleared off countertops.

Any thoughts? I have tried everything in hiding them, but Mr. B wants them always accessible. He finds it silly to hide every day necessities...and here I find it a necessity to hide every day things.

I am open to any strategy or game plan.

Cheers~

house hunters: what i see

2011-01-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

My dad and I have been checking out LOTS of home. What I find interesting is what I see when I walk into a space.

When walking into this kitchen..

I picture myself one day walking into THIS kitchen:

When walking into this home..{why do realtors take such bad angle shots?}

I picture myself walking into THIS home:

When we drove up to this house:

I envisioned driving up to this house:

When walking into this other kitchen:

I saw this:

I LOVE seeing the potential in homes. Now I only wish all of you could come along with me. Imagine what more we could envision together. This house below had me at hello....imagine what the home could become with me as the lady of the house.

1243 Main Street Hill Road

What do you see when you look at houses? Do you see potential or do you just see what is there? Please tell me...what do you see and how do you see it.

Cheers~

tell me about you...yes, you.

2011-01-19T19:05:00.000-05:00

pic from Oh Hello Friend {perfect for this post}

I adore my followers/friends. I have to tell the truth though...I am falling in love with many of you. Amid our emails or your comments, I find myself wandering more and more about you. Amid all the wonderful blogs out there with all the fabulous people, we have found each other...so I want to know you even better.

And so with that thought...I am completely stealing this idea from Janell at Isabella & Max Rooms.....what can I say, I am a GREAT copycat.

Question Time {no looking off each other's answer...hehehe}:

1. Who are you? Get as specific as you like! (Where you live, age, career, single, married, kids, no kids, fond of dogs or a fish will do.)

2. What do you love? (Activities, hobbies, projects, interests: if you had a free day what would you do?)

3. If you could give me a week's worth of post topics, what would I be writing about on those days? What do you want to see/read?

4. This question is up for grabs...write your own question and answer it as you like!

I can not wait to hear from you...and thank you again for your friendship. Just the fact that you like to peek into my little corner of blog world means so much to me. Time is so precious. I am delighted that we get to share a moment or 2 together.

Cheers~
e

a month of Sundays

2011-01-17T19:45:00.002-05:00

I have changed my expectations in decorating.

I am now a firm believer in slow decorating. It is so easy in the world of blogs to be consumed with time and instant perfection. Blogging takes place in the virtual world which thrives on editing and scheduled posts {hehe...which I do do}, but in the real world...it is ok if a weekend of redesign becomes a month of Sundays.

Here are a few examples of elements I have been working on each Sunday here and there for my little boy.

This canvas is 1 of 5...and I think it will be darling when finished. Haha...the navy walls alone was a weekend all unto itself.

I waited several Sundays for this lamp to go on clearance.

And this moveable night light? Well, I just thought the picture was uber cute.

Now that I have allowed myself not to have a deadline when working on my home, I am falling in love with the process of selection, the art of deal making {with myself & the Sunday ads}, and not stressing out when a setback is going to throw off my post date.

Thurgood's room is slowly getting there, but the best part is...we are both loving every new element that makes his room his and even more special.

The progress is the process.

So...What have you done with a month of Sundays?

Cheers~

a little ruffle & a little indulgent

2011-01-16T17:30:00.023-05:00

I believe the master bed and room itself should be indulgent. I think I decorate ever so slowly compared to others. Oops! I have been promising myself to "try" and not compare myself or my blog to others. In my grand decor philosophy, I really believe in taking your time and enjoying the process of finding each piece..and most importantly, loving what you bring into your home. There should be no deadlines in decorating. Life is full of deadlines, so why instill them in attempting to make a house a home?

I think I found the another element to add to a fabulous bed.

Meet Miss Velvet Ruffle. Her shade is not white yet it is not ivory...but a marriage of the two. I swear she changes with the sun.

Those little ruffles are swoon worthy. It was obvious we were meant to be besties. She has been texting me ever since we 1st met in a Target aisle. But it wasn't until yesterday I took her seriously. She was on clearance at Target for $23.

I think she adds something to the bedding that was missing. What do you think?

Underneath all those pillows, I have something a little indulgent. Quite some time ago I won a CSN gift card from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia. It was to expire at the end of December. So guess what I was doing on my NYE? :) I decided on some new 600 thread count sateen sheets. I actually spent all of summer and fall debating on what to get...but when I found the sheets, I thought it would be a perfect way to spend my new found prize. I spent all of my gift card and paid only a few dollars for shipping. Thank you Kristin for the giveaway! It was such a delight.

So underneath all that lush bedding you will find these:

And they smell like this:

Both the sheets and the detergent are a little indulgent, but when one is free and the other was bought with a coupon..I think the money was well spent for the perfect sweet slumber.

Cheers~

house hunters: Old Louisville {again}

2011-01-14T20:00:00.003-05:00

During Winter Break, I took advantage of a free afternoon and looked at 3 homes in Old Louisville. These homes would be in case our multi-generational home never came to be. I just wanted to share and get your thoughts....so many possibilities.

1236 South 6th Street

The staircase is breathtaking....I am just not a fan of the Master Suite...kinda odd.

1327 South 2nd Street

The kitchen here is UNBELIEVEABLE.

414 Belgravia Court

I have ALWAYS wanted to live on Belgravia...it is one of the only walking courtyards in Louisville. If only the house were bigger {I need another family or gathering room}..and as crazy as it sounds, I would "put pack" the 2nd story to increase the Master Suite. They took it out to create a 2 story living room.

So we shall see...it depends on so much. It depends on my employment, our family goals, and maybe even a new baby to be one day. We shall see, but I love to dream and have you dream along with me.

Cheers~

trade secrets: beauty is skin deep {moisturizers}

2011-01-13T20:40:00.002-05:00

Whether you're browsing the cosmetics counters in your favorite department store or strolling through the aisles at your local pharmacy, the number of facial soaps, creams and moisturizers can be overwhelming. So many options..so many pretty bottles...so many promises..but let's be honest, it can be difficult to distinguish truth from hype.

But I am not hear to discuss which option is the best. That concept is better off as a one on one consult. What I am here is to tell you a little secret about moisturizing.

First thing {and you already know this}, you should moisturize at least twice a day..especially during these dry winter months. Dermatologists recommend using a daily facial moisturizer as part of a skin care routine.

We all wash our face, and this activity not only removes dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria, but it also strips the skin of needed hydration. Water -- not oil -- in the skin keeps it plump and smooth, whereas dry skin loses elasticity, making it more prone to developing wrinkles. And we all would pay a pretty penny to avoid wrinkles, but why not stop them before they start.

So what is my trade secret?

It doesn't matter how expensive or how cheap the moisturizer is...the real deal is mastering the "how to apply."

Just remember when applying anything to your face, use your ring and middle fingers. We love our pointer finger, but that finger can tend to be rough on delicate skin....especially around the eye. Plus the pads of the other fingers are usually more soft. {so that 1st pic in my post is all wrong, but I liked it....oh well}

Finally, after you have applied your moisturizer....let it "set" before doing anything. Don't do anything with your face. No touching. No makeup...nada.Go make your bed if its in the AM or put on your jammies if it is close to bedtime. Just let that moisturizer "soak" into your skin. This is so key...especially in the morning before putting on makeup. If you don't allow it to "set" more than likely when you apply makeup, you will "push" off your moisturizer. Try it and you will notice a difference, I guarantee it. {as for how long...play with it because it is all based on individual skin chemistry.}

There you have it. Two simple and easy ways to improve the moisture of your skin, but many people don't do it.

Hope you like my little secret..

Cheers~
e

i need mommy decor advice

2011-01-11T19:35:00.002-05:00

So I think most of you know that I have been slowly creating a big boy room for my little man. Well...I am at a standstill, and not just because I am working 10-12 hrs a day at another clinical rotation, but because I am in need of some mommy decor advice.

I found this wall treatment at The Stories of A to Z a while back ago and have fallen in love with it. I love how simple it is but gives texture and whimsy to what would be just another painted wall.

Do you see what I mean? It adds so much character to a wall.

Well I have an idea of how I envision Thurgood's room. It involves some bold color and a hint of ocean life. It may sound theme-y, but it is coming out darling. It is big enough for a little boy, but not too mature. It has a focus, but is not matchy-matchy. This age is so fun for creativity in a bedroom.

Well I want to do 2 walls {the one his bed is on and the opposite} in white..AND I want to do the above fun wall element. Here is where the mommy advice comes in..

It is rope lined on the walls with upholstery tacks.

Am I being too risky with this design for a boy almost of 4? At this point in time he could care less about the walls in our home {we have no chalkboard walls at all} and I do think I could attach them so they can not be removed. There are so many ways to "fix" stuff to the walls. I have learned this lesson many times over. So I {and Mr. B would also like your opinion as he just informed me} want to know if this would be doable.

So I need feedback from any and all mommas. Let me know your thoughts.

And THANK YOU!!!

Cheers~
e

PS I am also playing with the illusion of upholstery tacks...maybe clip off the "tack" and glue the head to the rope? Just thinking out loud...

for the love of thrifting

2011-01-10T15:25:00.005-05:00

Working 10 hours a day is rough at the hospital pharmacy, but it is worth it for that 1 day off...a complete day off that I get to go and browse my favorite stores for thrifting.

My current love is Peddlers Mall. All of these lovelies were less than $200!

I wish I had a place for this darling chair.

Imagine Floraline pottery on this piece.

Oh my...the curving detailing makes me swoon.

I can just imagine this in a high white gloss..can't you?

I might have to go back and spy these chairs out again. Yes...there were 2 (and under $30 total) and they came with a weird table, but the chairs make it all worth it.

Look at the handles!

And this piece was my favorite! I wish I had room for it. It is darling and for $150, it was oh so hard to walk away.

Ok..so which do you love? How I wish I had the extra cash, a little studio to refinish, and a place to put all these lovelies.

i faked it

2011-01-09T19:53:00.000-05:00

So Mr. B knew I was thinking of changing up our little bar area. I was thinking about removing all the EtOH and display some of my ironstone...or my small but growing Floraline collection.

While away at the hospital working, Mr. B changed it up for me during his holiday break.

I should have been delighted but there is an issue.

As I came in...I saw the Sake Set. He bought one as a Christmas present for our best friends {whose dining room is Japanese inspired}, but little did I know that he also bought one for us.

The staging was all him.

From using the calendar as a mat to laying down the chopsticks ever so. Let me tell you..this is his first ever home decor purchase, and he was so excited about it. I know he wanted me to love it..and so I faked it.

I did love the way he displayed the bottles, and I am relieved he kept my waters on display.

I am just not sure I like this sake set where it is {the space was more useful to me when it was bare}, but I adore Mr. B too much to burst his first beautiful attempt at making our home more lovely. And so...the sake set will be at home where it is....it makes Mr. B happy, and that makes me happy.

Have you ever been caught in this situation? Tell me your thoughts...we can chat away over some warm sake.

Cheers~

trade secrets: how safe are popular energy drinks?

2011-01-06T20:58:00.001-05:00

The buzz about alcoholic energy drinks (Four Loko, Joose, etc) is raising questions about whether any of the energy drinks are safe.

Many people don't realize how much caffeine and other stimulants these drinks contain...and it's often not specified on the label. Caffeine amount varies...

about 80 mg for Red Bull

about 100 mg for 5-Hour Energy

and over 300 mg for some kinds of Rockstar.

Most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg/day of caffeine...about three 8 oz cups of coffee.

For children, suggest keeping it under about 45 mg/day for 4 year-olds...sliding up to about 85 mg/day for 12 year-olds. Be careful...caffeine and children are in my opinion a true contraindication.

Other ingredients that sneak in there are that you need to know about:
Guarana often appears on labels, but let me explain that it's just another source of caffeine...like coffee beans, cola nuts, and tea or mate leaves. Unfortunately though guarana is usually not counted as caffeine on labels.

Taurine is often added...supposedly to improve performance. But the amount in energy drinks has no proven benefit.

B vitamins are also added to supposedly increase energy. Your body needs there for cellular energy metabolism...but there's no proof that supplements boost energy.

Just be careful NOT to combine energy drinks with stimulants (methylphenidate, pseudoephedrine, etc)...due to additive effects. Also be careful not to use energy drinks for rehydration...caffeine can be dehydrating if you are use to it.

When in doubt...grab a glass of water if your thirsty and just think twice before opening a can loaded with caffeience. And as always...feel free to share my info away with friends and family or not. Either way, it will be our little secret.

Cheers~
e

the litter box is in my shower

2011-01-04T18:30:00.001-05:00

When you come into my home...you can tell I majored in theatre. I give the best impression of being organized..but it is all an illusion. I just know how to hide, stash, or squirrel away anything and everything.
{Mr. B does tease me for having chipmunk cheeks when I chew..must be in my DNA to stash.}

just open a drawer

or open a cabinet

or if you dare...open the pantry door

Please note not every drawer or cabinet looks like this, but more than I wish did.

I tend to blame pharmacy school for the mass exodus of organization in my home..especially with my crazy hours. I leave my house by 6:30 am and get home around 6 pm. Organization takes time and I find that so precious.

Everyone takes on something in the new year. Mr. B is so cliche by eating healthy & exercising {hehe..but it is fun to watch him work out.} I have opted to clean a drawer or cabinet..once a week..just 1 and only 1 a week.

Yep..I forgot to take a before, but just imagine a hot mess....now check out my drawers {hehe}.

What was a disaster now houses our phone books, my too long kitchen papers {wax, contact, etc}, & my mail to be sorted for the week...I love that I can place it here instead of piling it up on the corner of my counter.

Baby steps...but steps in the right direction no less. And yes, I keep the litter box in the hallway bathroom shower. It makes it so easy to clean any runaway litter glitter {and we don't ever use that shower}. Judge me...but I think it is brilliant for keeping the litter glitter contained, easy to clean, and out of sight.

Ok your turn...who wants to show me their drawers? :)

Cheers~

creating a winter mantel

2011-01-02T19:31:00.007-05:00

so Christmas is down in our little home and just look at my mantel now...it is so sad

i was inspired though when I saw a lovely little mirror at target and i had some Christmas money burning in my pocket. ever come across something that was meant to be in your cart?

sundays and target make me giddy. so i thought i would re-inspire my little mantel.

{roll over the picture for the AFTER}

i changed out 'joy' for 'adore'....i think it is more fitting as we approach february.

and just look at that mirror....so sweet and perfect...and under $20!

i also kept my little pier 1 kissing ball from being packed away with my other Christmas goodies for that perfect pop of color.
it is red...it has kissing in the name..once again, this will be perfect come february.

looks like i have something special for my mantel come this february.

as for now, here is my new winter mantel.
i don't think it looks so bare now, but simple & elegant.

and...i could not help myself. here is a snapshot of me {being goofy}

Cheers~

happy new year & happy birthday to my little blog

2011-01-01T10:00:00.005-05:00

i love the start of a fresh new year…as well as a little birthday celebration too.

i can not believe i started this blog 1 year ago today. i still go back and read that 1st post just to remind me of my intentions, dreams, and hopes of my little blog. i think i am still quite a newbie. i am working on "my place" and "my voice" amid so many amazing blogs, but i think i am discovering it ever so slowly.

finally let me not forget the freshness of 2011. it will herald in so many nice things for my little family – an accomplished feat {graduating from pharmacy school}, a bit of travel, a too fun family photo shoot, and a possible move. i have a pretty good idea that it will be the best year ever. i am planning on working on projects galore..afterall, i have a house to sell & buy.

i just want to thank all my incredible friends who make me smile throughout the day with your sweetest words.

{another favorite of Thurgood & I from a photo shoot long ago}

while i have that great big 'year at a glance' out, i'm jotting down all my ideas for what i plan to attempt this year. promise me that you will be there right with me & that we make 2011 even more special of a year together.....because anticipation of something sweet just happens to be one of my favorite feelings.

happy 2011 to you..and happy birthday little blog of mine.

cheers~
e

PS i am all about Twitter these days...come follow me {i guarantee it can be amusing}.

my theme for 2011

2010-12-31T19:51:00.000-05:00

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}

{Kelly}

{Julie}

Here is to 2011 my sweets!

Cheers~

my beautiful attempts in 2010

2010-12-29T17:58:00.003-05:00

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:

capri pants do not flatter everyone

I won the battle in my curtains mocking me as they refused to gracefully touch my floors.

easy as...

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

blooming branches for Lola

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

the goods behind the will

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

perfecting the PB calligraphy lamp shade

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.

i have been outed

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

lovely science project

Another spin on one of my goodwill finds.

my love affair with glass

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.

what do you crave & a sleepover party

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~

love & joy come to you..

2010-12-27T11:28:00.000-05:00

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

while you are sleeping UPDATE

2010-12-23T18:12:00.001-05:00

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. :)}