::multipurpose

I wanted something different to put on my kitchen sink window sill. Previously I just had an assortment of indoor plants. Well, thanks to the sun they all got far too large to stay there and these full grown babies have moved on. I mentioned earlier that we decided to grow our own herbs. So, that was an obvious replacement. However, we're starting with just 3 small pots to see how they do and there was still plenty window sill left (not too mention those planter pots aren't exactly the most decorative). I found some drinking glasses at Anthropologie that I had planned to use as part of a table arrangement...but they somehow ended up on the window sill. It looks so cute with all the color now.

As you can see, the basil has shot up like a weed. I've had a little more trial and error with the chives and cilantro. Aaron kept telling me they needed to be soaked with water constantly since they were new seeds. Yah, they don't. They need to dry All the way out in between waterings. I've restarted and they're doing much better now!

Oh and I had a problem with these tiny, little flies swarming all over them. I kept killing as many as I could but you know how flies are. So, I read online somewhere that you can spray the plants with a mixture of tepid water and soap. It won't hurt the plants and it will kill the flies. I was up for anything as flies around my food grosses me out. Man, it worked like a charm. The cilantro didn't like the unexpected shower but was totally fine once it dried out. Just a little advice for those indoor herb growers out there!

Hope you have a great weekend. :)

::For You

4 years is such a short time in the grand scheme of things, but what a 4 years it's been ;) It's just such a humbling and awesome experience to be given this kind of joy. To many more years!

::the office, redux

Well...the office has gotten a little overhaul. I've changed out the end table, the futon cover, the pillows, and the curtains. All in all I'm really excited about the progress I'm making with this space. I'm trying everything I can to get it up to the Andrea standard without dragging in the paint cans. It's not looking too good ;) (don't tell Aaron). Just thought I'd share the progress with you:
1st thing yet to happen: New artwork over the futon. The $30 picture from Target has served it's purpose. It's time to move on to bigger and brighter things. Hopefully that will be a post in itself. I'll be making the artwork thanks to my friend Kim, who bought me a very interesting/awesome gift for my birthday. So, I'll let you guys see how all that turns out! It'll be an event!

2nd thing yet to happen: Way more pillows. At least 2 more, but I'm thinking 4. I've found a bunch I like, but it all comes down to the $$. They'll come around in good time. I'm thinking some great citrusy colors.

3rd thing yet to happen: I need to change out the fabric covering my bulletin board. I just have beige on there, which went better with the browns and greens that were in this room before...but now it just looks sad. Not a hard change, but I've got to get myself down to the fabric store.

Any suggestions for this space? Any favorite shops you like to go to for pillows? Maybe I should throw a fur rug in here....hmm...I don't know. What do you think about rugs on top of carpet? A little unnecessary and weird?

::a little token

So Aaron's gift to me for my birthday was the Star shade from Pottery Barn. Once it arrived in the mail, I was giddy! Those horrible $9.99 fixtures from the 80's have Got to Go! So....yah, we started getting this thing put up and boy was it not working. Ain't it always the case! About 15 minutes later, some serious jerry-rigging (done by me no less, not Aaron. I had to use my little woman hands to get in between the light and the ceiling), we ended up with this:

Definitely more inconspicuous than most of the other options I looked at, but I'm really pleased with it. It's such a nice little touch. Thanks honey!

::decisions made

I *finally* picked out a rug for my entryway. After realizing that I was judging the floorspace quite poorly, I had to pick out a Much larger rug than anticipated. I saw this online and was a bit skeptical at first. It wasn't really the look I was going for and I thought it would end up being too light (*shock I know...but it's for the entryway...lots of traffic. This is one space where white wasn't an option) Any way, we went to pick it up and once I got it home, I loved it! I really thought I wanted some color on the floor, but this looks fantastic.


Hah, you can also see kitty was a big fan. He's slept on that rug day and night since we brought it home. :) Check this one off my list.

::another DIY

So this project was something I took on simply by accident. I stopped by an estate sale a while back and picked up a metal, antique frame for about $0.10. It was just sitting out in the yard looking a little something like this (and by this I mean dirt and cobweb covered-this is after I took the hose to it...eww):
I thought to myself, well now there's got to be something you can do with this. So, a little spray paint, leftover fabric and some serious packing tape (oh yes...I'm classy) I ended up with this little cutie:

I'm going to put it in my kitchen to hold mail and receipts. I actually already had this ribbon too on hand. I thought it went really well with the fabric. Now I really want to get cracking on the floor mirror in my bedroom!

::a little something different

So I've got a couple of exciting posts coming up. I finally found some batteries for my camera...so you guys are going to get caught up! I'll start today with my birthday party. For those of you who watch(ed) Arrested Development...try and guess the characters!!








There was a Great turn out and Everyone dressed up! It ended up being so much fun! Yay for birthdays!

::Go Vote!

If you're a Memphian, get out there and early vote! I know you can early vote at the Agricenter and at Bellevue Baptist Church (at least there was a big sign out front). My friend, Paul Boyd, is running for Probate Court Clerk. You should vote for him!

::i want. i love. i have.

I want: This flush mount light for above my kitchen table.

I love: Garland. It doesn't matter what form, shape or material....I'm just a sucker for it.

I have: (Well Aaron has) put up the star shade light in our hallway. It looks so cute! I'll take a picture once I get some batteries for the camera and let you see! I've also finished another little project which I'll be sharing soon.

::yay

Thanks to the oil spill we're having to expand our horizons. So come this fall, we'll be trekking off to Hilton Head! A vacation sounds SO good right now. AND it's not a cruise! Whoo hoo!

::and on that note

I'll leave you these parting words of wisdom from my horoscope compliments of this month's Glamour Magazine-

Why You're Wonderful: You're the first to back cupcakes, listen to problems and comfort a pal. It's no surprise you're the "mom" among your friends.

Why You're Impossible: Must you be so moody, running hot and cold like a kitchen faucet?

Well, thank you Glamour...you've given me some much needed perspective.

::craigslist

I don't know about you, but I'm constantly scouring through craigslist for bargain furniture. Here are a couple of my current favorites:

Mosaic table and 6 chairs - I would Love a yellow mosaic tile table for my back patio. I would feel better about the purchase though if it were a covered patio.

Coffee table/End table set - Not quite my taste, but something about this pottery barn-esque table jumped out at me. I think I just like how simple it is. I'm a sucker for some baskets too...The end tables match.

Antique dresser - I'm seriously thinking about buying this piece for my dining room to use as a buffet instead of the white/butcher block piece I have now. Yes, you guessed it- I would probably paint it grey and wallpaper those doors and change out the hardware. So cute!

Ikea dining room set - Totally overpriced at $900. Definitely would not pay that much for Ikea furniture (esp secondhand) but it looks great. Very cute and easy to fit into various types of decor.

Buffet - I know, I know...this is not something I'd go pick out in a store...and I'd definitely talk them down in price...but this is a great looking Mid century modern looking piece. The wood color just adds to the "vintage" look about it, so that would stay. I would definitely put some fabric up the back of that top piece so it would show. I think I'd add/switch out the hardware too and call it a day.

Pottery barn bench - I thought about where I could put this in my house for a couple minutes last night. I just can't think of anywhere...ooh, maybe upstairs... : ) I love the custom yellow cushion with the black. Soo pretty.

Ikea dining table - Now this is about what I would expect to pay for an Ikea dinette set. I love a good pub table and the stools that come with this are darling! Not what I would need for my space, but it's really cute!

Well, hope you've enjoyed! Keep searching out there. You never know what you'll find on the cheap!

::life as of late

Thank you all for the birthday wishes! I had a great party. I'll post pictures as soon as I buy batteries for my camera. ;) I've been watching house hunters lately (much to Aaron's chagrin) and it's inspired me to get around to updating the lighting in our kitchen. I'm starting with the lighting above the kitchen sink. It's a Very small ceiling space so anything larger than maybe 8-10 inches will be too large. What do you think of these?

::and now the turn of a century

Well, at least a quarter of a century. It's true ladies and gentlemen...I can now rent a car. Let the celebrating begin!

::what do you know...

Looks like Urban Outfitters is starting to sell a new table.




Reminds me of another table...

You can't tell from the picture (and the fact that I painted over it) but the door to this table also has the same material as the UO table. I think they're stealing from me! ;)

::sneak peak

Not too much has been going on....thus the lack of postings. The 4th was alot of fun because I got to go shopping with birthday money! Woot! I ended up getting a new set of dishes (finally!) and a white futon cover (looks SO much better) and a few clothing items. All in all, it was a very successful outing. Yesterday was death. I got so little sleep that I felt sick all day.

This weekend brings my birthday! Yay! And for a little snip it of party fun for you...I give:

I'll be good and take pictures ;)

::freedom rings

I hope everyone has a wonderful independence weekend. Tip your hat to those who's lives were shed to give us this land, this freedom, this country. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else! Enjoy the long weekend.

::happy birthday

Happy birthday to Olivia! 22 is a grand year. Enjoy it!