You Lose it if You Don't Use it....How True Those Words Are

A snapshot of a snapshot & a glimpse of my happy little corner of the world 

Let's just be completely honest. Blogging is work. And here is the kicker -- {for me at least} -- I already have a lot going on and even fun work is still work that requires more energy than I am sometimes willing to give. I wanted with every fiber in me to love blogging. But -- I hated it. I hated it because instead of inspiring me it was breaking me. In fact, I felt such a freedom when I stopped concerning myself with my blog and the pictures and the content and the dreaded ordeal of having to document EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT.

After all, life is raw. There are no filters or editing. There is no commentary. There is no feedback. There is just a lot of living and that is what I want to capture. It took me a long time to finally see what I want from this blog.

I want to document my life.

I want to document my experience.

I want to capture the moments that will keep me warm when the nights are cold and my memory fails me.

I want this for me and I will do this for me. Is it possible for me to fail again? Absolutely. Do I care? Not at all. So, if you are curious to see what makes me happy in my little corner of the world...you will witness first hand my attempt at living a beautiful life.

The key thing for me at this point is remembering how I actually got here to post something.

Cheers~
e

no pictures..just ramblings

I find it amusing that EVERY blog that does a post on how to blog says to post often and with oodles of pics. Sadly I am not up to the snuff in that aspect but here I am all the same. But then again -- this is the real me on my blog and I just need to ramble.

HOME

I am in the slow process of creating our home. Like everyone I know, it must come in stages and in steps -- both from a logistics point and a budget point. Yes, we have been in our house a year come August 1st and yes, lots of our home is the same as it was from that day in August, but such is living life. I will say this though. The things I have done are big -- maybe not from a decor perspective, but definitely from a design perspective. I got rid of the dinky so-called fireplace with pitiful built-ins and moved it 2 feet to the left with carrera marble surround and a REAL mantel. Pulled up the carpet and laid hardwoods. Got rid of every column (ick) there was and painted all my walls on the main floor. The purple taupe HAD to go.

I still have much to do. I will take a few pics and share -- just don't expect me to photoshop. I giggle at the thought of me having the time to do so. It is truly though a slow process but I find joy in documenting it. The overall goal that I want in my home is to for it to be fluid in color, texture, and feeling -- inviting, but fun...cozy but stylish. As I did with my first home...I do it the way I want envision it from the beginning. I am not the one who does it one way and then in 3 years changes. I am definitely not a changer. I am very committed to perfection & my vision from the beginning.

MOTHERHOOD

I am constantly in awe of my children. I never knew I could love so much. Being a mom, is a dream come true. My little ones have taught me about selflessness and forgiveness and my unending need for grace. Thank you, Thurgood and Harper, for wanting me & needing me & accepting me. I look forward to watching you two become the man and woman your daddy and I know you will be. I love you like blueberry pancakes and strawberry milkshakes.

INTRINSIC

This is why I need to blog. I need a place in which I can be me. I need a place to remind me that I am more than just a wife, a mom, a pharmacist. I need a friendly reminder that I am still me. I still have a lot of dreams that rumble inside -- my top 3 have been checked off - 1. wife 2. mommy. 3. earn a doctorate. But there are more. I want to do this or that. So many things. Maybe it is time to add to the list. Here are 3 more to throw out there: 

1. I want my home to be like a page in a magazine. (yes, I am a bit self-absorbed...oh well. I LOVE pretty homes and I want my home to be that for my family and friends.)

2. I want to run for office. (that is out of left field, but seriously I am all that and a bag of chips. So maybe school board, city council, senator, etc -- let my blog be my grassroots)

3. I want to own my own business **not in healthcare please. I want to exercise the other hemisphere**. (this is a big one. I am dabbling with a company right now learning the basics of who I am as an entrepreneur. I am just so smitten with so many ideas...how do I choose just one?)

Off to complete my day...I think a trip to TJ Maxx and Homegoods is in store for me.

Hope you are still here friend as I continue to ramble...

Cheers~

e

a brave new blog

After a rather long sabbatical from the world of multi-media, I have decided to once again venture into the world of blogging.

Harper less than 5 days old with her Big Brother

My last entry was in March of 2012. It amazes me how much has changed since that last sentence was typed. Within the scope of 2 months from that last post my real-life took over and took me away from the computer. Having a baby, then moving, then starting a small side venture, then moving again, then going back to work – it all left me with such little precious time to my little family.

the new home -- FINALLY

And so, blogging had to be put on the back burner. And then it went from the back burner to the kitchen sink. And then my little blog went into the cupboard. You know the one…the one way at the top and to the right. And there it sat and waited patiently for me to come back – when I was ready.

the 1st project I HAD to tackle when we moved in: new mantle & surround, new flooring, new paint --stay tuned for the lovely AFTER



Among the whirlwind of 2012-2013, I kept stalking here and there on all the blogs close to my heart. It amazed me how I still relied on these blogs to inspire as well as entertain me. Whether I was pumping in the wee hours of the night or coming home from a long day of work, I still found myself logging on. Always there and ever present..my friends from afar were still close and still sharing their lives with me. It made me realize I missed my little blog.

Baby Girl in her Downton Abbey hat

After baby girl’s first birthday, I decided that if ANYTHING my blog could be used as a candid journal/reflection. I believe if I commit to this aspect, I will remove the pressures that consumed the enjoyment I found in blogging. This endeavor will hopefully allow me to focus on my trials & triumphs, cute pictures of my children (see above), a home update here and there (stay tuned), and ultimately change the dynamic of "wanting" to post rather than "having" to post. I hope this is a game changer for me.

So with that being said…I welcome you, dear reader to a brave new blog.

Cheers~
e

move in & love me

Our house went on the market less than 2 weeks ago, so I thought I would dive right in and inquire with no shame {maybe a dash of fear} in regards to ---- how do the pics look? Before you ask..yes, these are the realtor pictures. Yes, they are the general pics that may lack a tad bit of sparkle and character, but it is what we currently have online and what the public see.

I am playing with the idea of taking a few myself and see what emotions I can bring to the online page. Afterall being online is not the only key to a successful sale, but having another family truly fall in love with our home.

The front view: I am thinking of adding some black urns and flowers underneath the garage lanterns. Thoughts?

A view of our great room

another view

and yet another view

a view of the dining room & kitchen

another kitchen picture

and yet another.

our hall bathroom

our master bedroom

our little boy's room

another view

I am thinking of exploring giving my home its own website and fill it will light filled photos that take advantage of as many different perspectives as I can.

I just need people to walk thru the door. I think my home will take care of the rest.

I need your thoughts and feedback...I need your help to sell my home.

Cheers~

e

32 weeks...and counting

Here we are...baby and mommy with less than 8 weeks to go. Since our little home is now on the market, I am not planning on creating a nursery in this house. I plan to save that sweet little endeavor for the new home. (I am obviously optimistic that we will be gone sooner than later.)

As for where baby will rest her little head, I have found the perfect solution for our situation.

Isn't it divine? There are so many elements of the bassinet that I adore. I love how sturdy it is and that it has wheels that lock. Perfect for moving baby around to the "quiet" corner of the house. I also heart the peek-a-boo shelf hidden beneath the skirt.

This shelf will be ideal for holding the necessities without running from room to room. I can already see diapers, burp cloths, and a few onesies calling that shelf home.

Cheers~

e

how to get the bathroom countertops clean of clutter

Sorry for being a stranger. Just been working as well as being a mommy to one outside the womb and inside the womb.

Anywho, remember one of my oldest design dilemmas? Visit here and here to refresh your memory. Well I have the perfect solution to achieving a blissful, spa-like nirvana in your master bathroom.

Put your house on the market.

As of March 2nd, our little home is now for sale.

Look how clean that countertop is now! Oh....and yes, the base has been painted. I will update you on all the home decor updates I did in February {I guess you can see if I chose my "selling" elements wisely). Let's just say I have been very busy in preparing for March.

I am excited and terrified all at once.

Cheers~
e

welcome little leo

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~

e

thank you pinterest

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}

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

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

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 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~

e

happy...

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

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

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

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~

e

the twinkle of Christmas

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

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~

e

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

no socks left behind

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

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~

e

the next chapter

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