This Side of Paradise

::let's throw a party

2012-01-24T12:07:00.003-06:00

::house crush

2012-01-20T09:19:00.002-06:00

::i want. i love. i have.

2012-01-17T14:59:00.002-06:00

I want: To take a vacation. Can I get an amen? Anywhere sunny - I'm not picky :)

I love: It goes without saying - but Mr. B. Neediness + insane cuteness = perfect cat.

I have: To find bedding like this. I found some the year after we got married at Macy's and passed it up. Now I can't find it anywhere. :(

::bold

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

Have a happy (for some of you, long!) weekend. :D

::laying it down

2012-01-11T09:00:00.005-06:00

As promised, details on the weekend project. Let me start by saying my dad and Aaron are Mr. Fantastics. What we had anticipating taking 1 day took 3- and even then it didn't come to completion. Let's back up a bit shall we.

Anytime we have to go to Lowes now, Aaron just gets that sad 'this is going to take a while' face while I light up and demand to walk through every single section of the store. Remember the days of going to HQ with your dad. You just couldn't wait to leave because "How interesting can wood be anyway?". Suffice it to say, the last Several trips to Lowes involved a stop in the flooring department. We generally stop by the tile as the bathroom floors desperately need to be redone - but this time...we stopped by the wood floors.

Fastforward to New Years weekend. We decide to run by Lumber Liquidators just to see how their prices compare. Turns out, they were having a sale. That ended that day. Done. :) We loaded up the car and headed home.

Let's remember what the floor used to look like:

Onto the installation process:

1 - Let the floors acclimate to your home's humidity. They say to leave the wood in your home for at least 72 hours before putting down the floor. We waited a week.

2 - Prepare your subfloor. We chose a floating wood floor to go right over the tile. However, the tiles were uneven so we got self leveling grout from Lowes to even out the bumps.

Step 3 - Once the grout had completely set (24 hours) - we put down a plastic barrier so to keep moisture away from the flooring. We purchased this at lumber liquidators as well ($20 for 300 sq. ft.).

Step 4 - Lay down the floors. Easier said than done :) Getting the cuts correct took a bit of time, but once you got going...everything went down very quickly. Make sure to start your next run of flooring with the leftover piece of scrap from the previous row. It will help stagger the joints and ensure your floor's solidity. Also - leave a quarter of an inch space between your walls and the floor as wood expands and contracts and you want to give it room for this.

Step 5 - Add molding (we choose quarter round instead of shoe molding because it was a bit bigger and we wanted to make sure to cover up all the seams. Add transitional pieces (piece between your wood and whatever other type flooring you have - in our case, carpet). We actually glued down the piece by the front door and will prob add some to the piece between the carpet as well. This was recommended by the man at Lowes. (That's what the books are for)

And here we have the final product. I have yet to paint the trim or caulk around the door casings. But I just couldn't wait to see what it looked like. I find myself just sitting in my den staring into the room. I realize far too much time has passed and then walk away awkwardly still casting side long glances. :D

Budget breakdown:
Flooring/plastic barrier/transition pieces $250
Grout $20
Quarter round $10
Labor (free -way to go team!)
Total Cost $280 Woot!

Yay for finished projects! Now I'm taking a break.

::a clear view

2012-01-10T11:01:00.002-06:00

Lovely glass cabinets. You could showcase all your pretty little dishes. Swoon.

Stay tuned. Tomorrow, I'll be posting on the 2nd big weekend project :)

::a new loo

2012-01-09T14:54:00.005-06:00

We tackled a couple of home projects this weekend and are completely exhausted. I get to show you the first one as I'm completely impatient and am dying for you to see. I found a picture on pinterest (shock) of a bathroom mirror that had been framed. I had thought about doing this already but I'd always thought the same crown molding all the way around looked a little plain (though cute...don't get me wrong). Well, I found this picture and I was sold.

This is how our trips to Lowes went down:

Trip #1 - Convince Aaron I know what I need and after looking around for 20 minutes, realize I have no idea what they used or even what the picture looked like. Me: "Oh well...I just wanted to price compare."

Trip #2 - Convince Aaron I know what I need and buy all the supplies. Get home and realize none of them will work.

Trip #3 - Return all molding from trip #2 with an exact list of what I need this time. Success! We make it home with all the proper molding and building can commence.

The before:

The after:

**As requested - a budget breakdown (though not entirely specific...can't hunt down the receipt): The wood for both mirrors totaled around $90. The light fixture was stolen from the master bath and spray painted which we also already had. We purchased a new light fixture for the master bath that I believe was around $70. We already had trim paint. Total cost ended up being around $160. Not too bad :)

Next up - finding fillers for the jars and switching out the faucet :D

Stay tuned for a much bigger change coming up. We're not quite finished with that project yet!

::time out?

2012-01-04T11:22:00.003-06:00

Sometimes you just have to wonder...

::auld lang syne

2011-12-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

Cheers for the new year. Happy 2012 everyone!

::a little houspiration

2011-12-28T09:10:00.004-06:00

Yes, I'm coining a new word. I'm getting to work on the bathrooms this weekend (and should we manage floors out of the budget, the entryway as well). A little motivation for myself and a little eye candy for you.

Want those rugs (second pic) for my house!

::merry christmas

2011-12-23T08:00:00.001-06:00

May you have a blessed holiday!

::it's a hard knock life

2011-12-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

Especially when your sole purpose in life is to try and stay awake.

Nah - not worth it.

::neutrals

2011-12-16T13:57:00.002-06:00

1. Dark Star popover2.photo 3.Landy 4.Boat Neck Blouse 5. Ella 6. Cashmere Double Blend Sweater 7. Blouse with Gold Thread 8. Feathered Crystal Necklace 9. Fur Vest 10. Dress

::dream home

2011-12-15T10:09:00.003-06:00

HGTV had a special on for Christmas and this was the finished house:

Sorry for the "glowy" pictures. I had to pull them off the actual video...but isn't this lovely? This is the kind of thing (to me) that sets apart a house from looking pretty to a house that looks well designed. The accents she uses, the materials, the color choices all add up to something so rich and yet understated.

After seeing this episode I immediately started thinking of how I could make over my den. :/ Suffice it to say, I should not watch HGTV.

Episode: Genevieve's Holiday Home

::weeble wobble

2011-12-07T09:12:00.005-06:00

In an effort to be productive, I took my kitchen chairs out to the garage to sand them. I had the paint bought, everything ready to go and couldn't find the sander. Wah waah. Aaron ended up finding it later that day, but my determination to actually get a project done flew out the window once I got asked to go shopping :) Oh the life of a girl. Yes, the chairs are still sitting there after 4 days, but tonight I actually have some free time and my laziness isn't all bad... At least kitty had new places to discover.

And just a sidenote so you don't think I'm digusting, we don't let the cat jump up on the dining tables. But sometimes, it's just too funny when they disobey and you have to take a picture before the discipline. :D

::in the brief

2011-12-01T11:00:00.000-06:00

Things have yet to slow down here....which is apparent by the non-posts. (I also started writing this 2 days ago and here I am again. *sigh) A quick catch up:

1- Things on the home project list have come to a screeching halt. I did do one thing, which I'll try and post for you soon...but nothing of substance.
2- We of course shopped Black Friday (don't tell me you don't miss it!!) and just about finished up the shopping list. Woot!
3- Tonight = Christmas date. Everybody now...aww. Dinner/movie/buying and putting up our Christmas tree

It just seems like everything is perpetually being put off. I put my vacuum cleaner out in my den and was going to clean after I finished up my Christmas decorations. Well, it sat in my den for 3 days and is now back in it's closet. *_* The Christmas decor is wildly unfinished. At least we're not tripping over the vacuum anymore.

::like it? disklike it?

2011-11-29T12:25:00.003-06:00

What is your favorite thing about this room? Least favorite?

My favorite - the color palette. Very unusual and fresh.
Least favorite - I would've gone for a more bold ceiling light fixture.

::happy thanksgiving

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

::maybe

2011-11-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

I had still been thinking a blueish/greenish/gray for the front door and then I saw this:

I think my wavering decisiveness might've landed on a new front runner. This is why I can't get things done around here. What do you think? Too plain? Would color be more fun? Or does this look more sophisticated? Would I get less tired of a neutral?

::life cycles

2011-11-21T12:57:00.007-06:00

A typical day in the life of Mr. B.

Here we find kitty in his usual manner. He is in this state most often as any non-sedentary activity would result in weight loss.

Kitty once awoken. This is best to be avoided unless dinner soon follows.

Kitty once awoken and refused dinner.

::for the week's end

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

I'll leave you with this poem I found on pinterest. May it usher you into a lovely little weekend.

Happy Veteran's Day everyone!

::celebrate

2011-11-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday to the best husband a girl could ask for. :)

::choices, choices

2011-11-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

I got a great frame a while back that's been sitting in my garage ever since. Now I'm trying to decide what to do with it. I originally though chalkbaord....but now I'm not sure. Thoughts?

I might be leaning towards the jewelry holder only because I'm running out of room in the jewelry box. What can I say....I like big earrings :)

::oh yeah

2011-11-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Stuff white people like #97

I may have an addiction. But I don't care. This is just Awesome!!

::use what you've got

2011-11-02T12:43:00.004-05:00

This is a great idea. If you don't have the money to spend on a coat this season and you're getting a little tired of what you've got....Just add buttons! How great. Quick, easy change that's not permanent. Now I just need to head over to Hobby Lobby to find some buttons! :D

::are you there?

2011-10-24T15:38:00.003-05:00

Work decided to take me out and then mother nature had her turn kicking me while I was down. So, not much to report other than to whine about being too busy and sick.

photos

Happy news: I started painting the trim in my house (This was a while ago...before the pandemonium). Got the guest bathroom done and it looks SO nice. :)

::such is life

2011-10-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

Sometimes you just need to be a little dramatic to get your point across...

::yah...

2011-10-11T11:45:00.000-05:00

::worth the effort?

2011-10-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

I'm considering stencilling the back wall in my laundry room. (The wall that faces the cabinetry, not my kitchen...so you would only see the stencil if you were standing in the laundry room.) I've found a couple stencils I like, and am having a hard time deciding. Thoughts?

::reminds me of

2011-10-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Mom

::an exerpt

2011-10-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

This post is really not about football. It's about recognizing myself—and likely you too—in the quarterback's responses to the great play and the bad play. When I am glad or relieved or achieving, it's chest bumps and fist pumps, head back and hands raised. These are gestures. When I am dismayed or upset or missing my targets, it's shoulder slumps and head droops. These are postures.

The difference is slight. A gesture is chosen, a posture emerges. A gesture is conditioned, a posture is ingrained. In other words, my postures come more natural to me. And this is why, in John Piper's way of putting it, I have to fight for joy; why I need and want to thank God profusely for every positive yard gained at church, home, life.

The bottom may fall out the next play. How does the Bible put it? Sin crouches, pestilence stalks at midday, the flesh is weak. God is not arbitrary. Life is. But when it is the gestures of praise and gratitude coach my posture back upright in order to return to the line of scrimmage. Not reluctantly but eagerly.

source

::it's not you

2011-09-30T13:53:00.003-05:00

There might be a bit of a slowdown in postings over the next week. Life has gotten a tad hectic (am I listening to a broken record?). I'll try my best to keep you informed on the goings on over here. Go outside, enjoy this weather, eat a caramel apple and as soon as you know it, I'll be back in full force!

::it's time

2011-09-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

I'm ready for fall. (Yes, I do know it officially started already.) However, with the weather remaining in the 80s, it still feels like summer to me. Here's to a moodier palette, sweaters in the evening, house booties in the morning, and bonfires in the backyard!

And for a mid-week, mini-kitty post (though there's nothing mini about Mr. B) here he is in all his tubcat glory:

Why sit on the actual couch, when you could smush all the back pillows down into a crevice of your own. And yes...paw on the leg means he owns you.

::fill in the blanks

2011-09-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

I stole this from Rachel's blog. What a cute little thing if you've got some writer's block and/or you just can't seem to get your projects finished. Anywho - here we go:

1. Somewhere someone is sitting on a beach. Oh vacation...how you are missed.

2. Currently, pinterest is my muse. Very inspiring. It is eerie though how similiar your taste can be with someone else's. Like "we must have shared the womb" creepy.

3. It would stink if crock pots were no more because, I'd have to learn how to use my oven.

4. Zumba and the fact that there is a container of gumbo waiting for me in my fridge are my favorite things about today.

5. Life is kind of like wow, really want to say a box of chocolates here...but I guess I'll go with "a comedy of errors". At some point you just have to laugh about the stuff that happens.

6. If I could have anything I wanted I would want patience.

7. A funny thing happened the other day... A Jehovah's witness came up to my house and when I answered the door she asked if my mom was home. *_* Here's to good aging! Thanks mom and dad!

**And a Happy Birthday to Lee!! Hope you have a great day today :)**

::logic

2011-09-26T09:13:00.004-05:00

Waking up early on Saturday + waking up early on Sunday + waking up for work on Monday while it's still dark as night outside =

Started work on a new project this weekend. I was planning on being awesome and having pictures up by today but things have not gone as planned and the paint I bought did not do the trick. So, what should've been a 30 minute project has now turned into a couple days worth of waiting. Ahh well - I'll get pictures up here soon enough!
And in other news - Happy birthday to Josh!! You're awesome and I hope you have a great birthday :)

::for sale

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm selling my barstools. If you (or anyone you know) is interested, send me a message!

::yep, I'm sure

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

This only solidifies my decision to paint the laundry room blue. Ok, must buckle down and do it. Must buckle down....after I finish the chairs. :P

::Andrea 1, Jim's Place 1

2011-09-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Took off last Friday to head over to the Jim's Place sale. I was going to pick up a pair of Chippendale arm chairs to put on the ends of my awesome new table! Alas, fate was not on my side and my $100 per chair max could not cover the $200 per chair they were asking. Oh well, I tried. At least it was fun walking around the building one last time before they're closed up for good.

Not all was lost, however, as an impromtu trip out to Arlington found us at another "estate" sale. This is where I scored a Pottery barn pendant light for $20!! I had seen this online and knew how much they were going for. Yah, I had to get it. 2 drawbacks?

1- the glass is a bit chipped at the bottom and a bit dirty

2- some of the mounting hardware was no where to be found

Both problems were nothing I couldn't live with. $20 later and a trip to the hardware store I have this:

She is either going to live over my kitchen sink or in the guest bathroom over the shower. I have a few more cleaning products to try on the glass and it's still a bit dingey, but for $20...I'm sold!

::time well spent

2011-09-19T10:17:00.004-05:00

I mentioned a little while back that I had commissioned a new table. Well, that's what I spent a good portion of my free time on last week and I'm now here to share the work with you.

Let's take a jog back down memory lane.

Past the clutter was your basic butcher block top, 'scrolly' wood legged table.

The is the ultimate look I'm going for:

So I asked to have this table made. Simple, clean lines and with the right finishing I could achieve a bit of a weathered look:

In a matter of a day, this was born...

I had the measurements customized for my space as the original plan called for a longer table. The wood selected for this was Excellent! So much grain as you can tell here. With a little stain, a little paint, and a lot of love it turned out to this:

Which now leads to the "After". Behold!

And one last close up for good measure!

Every time I walk into my kitchen I do a little happy dance. It just looks incredible. Once I get the kitchen completely the way I want, it'll look a little more appropriate in the space. Up next, gotta do something about those light chairs now. Cute before...a bit of a sore point now. But I've got just the fix and now it's just a matter of time and a little elbow grease...

::reminds me of

2011-09-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Maria

::so much for good intentions

2011-09-13T08:51:00.003-05:00

The schedule has already been thrown off ladies (and possibly gentlemen). Oh well, we roll with the punches. Last night to give myself some time I forewent (is that a word?) zumba and decided to run instead. Here's to 45 more minutes! 45 minutes that in turn were dedicated to deciding to do an extra something to the table before I put on the topcoat. And of course this involves another trip to Lowes. Wah waahh. And you can't go to Lowes without looking at the shrubbery. Well, at least I can't. Stupid flower bed will be the death of me!

Ahh, well. I must say, it looks SO much better now and much closer to what I was ultimately going for. You should've seen me though, I'm sitting in the garage with the little attic light in one hand (cause it's relatively dark and I really shouldn't have been doing anything to the table without some sunlight) and paintbrush in the other. My dad would drop dead if he knew what I was doing to his lovely table, hah! Well, here's to hoping efforts pay off. I'll get to see it in the daylight when I get home today.

I'm trying the second of those freezer meals I mentioned a few posts back (the chicken curry recipe) tonight as well. I'll let you know how it turns out. And since we're talking about kitchen tables, I'll leave you with a picture of a splendid kitchen.

::umm...

2011-09-12T09:24:00.005-05:00

Well, this just about sums up my week:

Don't know how this has all run together...but somehow the stars have aligned and decided to strike down upon me.

Granted, this isn't even everything that I need to get done...but I'm hoping with the day off on Friday I'll catch up with myself.

::reminds me of

2011-09-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Carolyn

::tubcat is tubbeh

2011-09-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

I realized I hadn't posted a picture of kitty in a while. The other morning while I was getting ready for work, he decided to protest my leaving. I would've obliged, but I didn't know if "my cat won't let me leave" would work as a legitimate excuse for skipping out. Hmm...maybe if he tries it again, we'll see ;)

PS. He's not really that fat. It's just an unflattering picture. Poor thing will get a complex.

::a day in the life

2011-09-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

Looks to be a promising weekend! Will be accompanying a group of people whose job it is to say "Oh...it looks soo beautiful" while trying on bridesmaid dresses! You'd think it would get old....but it doesn't! :D

Other weekly recap -

- Made these meals in preparation for the upcoming fall schedule. Chop everything up, freeze it, throw it in the crockpot and you've got dinner. We've tried the BBQ dish and it's Awesome!! My kind of meals!

- Bought some boots. I might try and see if we can become legally wed. Sorry Aaron!

- Commissioned a kichen table. It's great when you have people in your life who are incredibly talented. It never ceases to amaze me. I will definitely be doing a post on this in the future.

- Decided on a color for the cabinets in the bathrooms. Now, when I'll actually get around to this is anyone's guess. I'll add it to the list behind painting the laundry room, the front door and trim. 0_o Yikes.

Phew! Enjoy the long weekend everyone!

::repeat

2011-09-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yes. You get 2 cartoons in one week. Mostly because this is how I've spent the majority of my free time (Side note: the content isn't always PG...just a heads up). And mostly because this has been my life this week. Insomnia has completely set in and all sanity is quickly deteriorating.

It'll only take one day to crash and burn and I'll be back to normal. Dear day, make haste!

::reminds me of

2011-08-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

Lee

::your turn

2011-08-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Opinion time...what's your favorite thing about this room? Least favorite?

::here's to another Monday

2011-08-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

How many times has this happened...

::plan it out

2011-08-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hope you guys have a great weekend! Estate sales + haircut + new sushi place = good weekend. I'm looking forward to it! :D

::stairs

2011-08-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

For whenever we get around to updating the stairs, here are a few of my ideas:

I'm leaning towards redoing the stairs like picture 5 and the railings like picture 1 or 4. And apologies for the unloading of the mass pictures this week :) Just had alot to share.

::reminds me of

2011-08-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Brittany

::lovely neutrals

2011-08-22T09:00:00.003-05:00

Here's to a calm entrance into the week...

::well wishes

2011-08-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hope you have a great weekend. I hope to get a couple projects started on! We shall see...

::reminds me of

2011-08-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Meagan (Happy Birthday!!)

::love

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

cool and cozy by heather-harristx featuring boho jewelry

black & yellow by heather-harristx featuring a yellow bag

yellow & gray by heather-harristx featuring a silk shawl

end of summer by heather-harristx featuring lightweight jeans

::i want. i love. i have.

2011-08-16T09:14:00.003-05:00

I want: This pantry. Hmm...might be busting out the paintbrush...

I love: This ring. Rose gold + champagne sapphire = perfection.

I have: No sense of time or date. Totally thought this was Wednesday when I woke up this morning. Can I get a wah waaaahhh?

::gather round the table

2011-08-15T11:29:00.004-05:00

This is ultimately what I'm going for:

Kitchen table (but with a darker stain and distressing):

Chairs: (For the time being...I already have 4 wooden chairs and 2 "captain" chairs. I would put this finish on the 4 wooden chairs until I can afford the wire chairs):

Those wire chairs are pricey!! One day, my dear....one day.... :)

::until later

2011-08-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

::reminds me of

2011-08-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Olivia

::I love the 80s

2011-08-09T08:00:00.003-05:00

This weekend I stopped by the Habitat for Humantiy Restore just to see what was up. Honestly, I was looking more for a kitchen table than anything, but instead I found an office chair. We'll call this chair the Norman Bates office chair.

reh reh

Reh Reh

REH REH

I figured I could either make it work or I would just be out the money and have fun trying.

First thing was to clean that thing within an inch of it's life. Wire brush to get the rust off, soapy rag cause it was nasty and I might have lysoled the thing to death. Once that was done...to pieces it goes!

First up, 2 coats of Rustoleum Metallic Spray Paint...so much better already at this point...

Gave those a while to dry and in the meantime I started what turned out to be the most involved and time consuming upholstery project EVER. Midway through it, Aaron asked if he could change the fabric selection. I just gave him the stink eye as I poked myself with the needle for the 30th time. :) But....I'm thrilled with the results...

Kitty tested and approved :)

So, before at the desk we had this beauty. And yes, the back is now permanently like this after a somewhat humorous and ill-fated accident.

To this:

She's so pretty and catches your eye as soon as you open the door. This was so much fun to work on but for now...I'm taking a break.

::the stars aligned

2011-08-08T08:15:00.003-05:00

A yard sale, one phone call and a cupcake later...this ended up in my house. :D

I've already played it twice after a 6-7 year break. I was surprised how easy it was to pick back up. Oh, Clair de Lune...how I've missed you.

Stayed tuned...tomorrow I'll be sharing my most involved DIY project to date!

::mother knows best

2011-08-04T12:21:00.003-05:00

Well, I tried. I really did. But every time I walked into the kitchen, I would just cringe a little bit. My mother told me the color was too different and wouldn't go. I knew this, but thought that's what I wanted anyway. I liked the chairs. I just didn't like them where they were. Oh well, back to the drawing board. This is a nicer alternative while I'm looking though. At least I had a whole bunch of leftover fabric.

Much better.

::life, as of late

2011-08-03T10:45:00.005-05:00

Had a lovely weekend...how about you?

A little glimpse of Hot Springs for you. Boy, was it hot outside!

And take a look at what we're growing!

I'll get back into the grind soon enough. For now, I have a friend in town and she just had her first baby. :) So ciao until then!

:: a tale of two rooms

2011-08-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Herein lies the conflict in my small little world of redecorating. We have two rooms. Two very different little rooms. One showcases my need for peace and tranquility. The other showcases my need for bold color. Ahh...I try to make you mesh. I try to make you live together harmoniously. But, after a time...I begin to wish one or the other would start to make a lead in this race of my affections.

Neck and neck you steady on.

::looks like

2011-08-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Melinda

::5 years later

2011-07-29T08:00:00.003-05:00

"sexiness wears thin after a while and beauty fades, but to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, now that's a real treat."~joanne woodward

That's exactly how I would describe it....just an absolute treat. <3

::oh, change

2011-07-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

Thou art an interesting friend. How I would do things differently now as opposed to many years ago. Tommorrow marks a very special time for me...and should tomorrow be my present, I believe this is what I might do.

::topshop love

2011-07-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

::opinion time

2011-07-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've been hoarding away some shutters for a while now and just haven't seemed to find a good use for them. However, I got an idea this last weekend.

I like...but I'm not sure that I love. I think it's the cream color against all the white. I'm wondering if I would like them better painted. This then begs the question - if I'm going to spend the time painting something and potentially still not loving it, would it not be better to just buy something else? Hmm...

::an update

2011-07-25T09:26:00.002-05:00

Decided to try and find some fabric locally before busting out the big guns and ordering online. So I stopped by JoAnn's this weekend as I've never been before to see what was available. I was not dissapointed! If you've never been, I recommend it. Came home with some fabric and now these:

Look like this:

::into the weekend

2011-07-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

::reminds me of...

2011-07-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

I've decided every now and then to do a post on "reminds me of". I find pictures alot of times that will look like someone I know and instead of hoarding them away never to be seen again, I figure I might as well post them in case anyone would like to use them for inspiration.

First up...Kim:

::i want. i love. i have.

2011-07-20T08:55:00.005-05:00

I want: These shoes. Lord knows I love a good ballet shoe and my current gold ones are looking kinda nasty.

I love: This recipe. We had this at a family function at one time or another and I've wanted to make it ever since. Would you like to come over for dinner and try it?

I have: This song. It was just released as the 4th single off the album. Seeing this performed live though...no comparison. Would highly recommend the album.

::a revisit

2011-07-19T08:00:00.003-05:00

You remember those chairs I bought? At this point, I'm thinking I'm going to restain them in a blonde, oak finish.Well I'm trying to decide on a fabric for the cushion. Cast your vote now.

::birthday week, the finale

2011-07-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

My weekend consists of the following:

More to come...

::frenemies

2011-07-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Time for another update in the adventures of kitty. Old pink doggy is pretty ratty and I won't even begin to describe what he smells like. However, a good ole trusy plaything he has been. Recently though, a new pink doggy has come to live with us. She's shiny and new and covered in flowers. Oh, a plaything she is...but kitty has a softer spot for her.

::it's good to have friends

2011-07-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Especially ones who let you know when stuff goes for sale on craigslist they think you'll like.

And boy, was she right. Can't wait to redo these!!

::a recap

2011-07-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Much birthday fun was had this weekend...and it just keeps on rolling :) I love it when you get to extend the party for a week or so. The day started off with breakfast at Chick-fil-a (a luxury only experienced when leaving for a vacation or a bday!), shopping and lunch with a friend at Chinese Sub Shop (yum!), a surprise visit accompanied with gifts, dinner out at Seito, and then back to the house for present fun and some disturbing Netflixing :) Thanks to everyone who had a part in the day!

I'll share one highlight.

Our friends brought their CUTE puppy over and kitty just had a ball. Poor puppy wanted to play and kitty was unfortunately not having any of that. :) Ahh, only child complex.

::an exerpt

2011-07-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

This is a good read. Just to give you a taste:

“We set criteria for Christian living that we like because it’s easy to meet, and then we go out and judge everyone by our criteria.” Hannah said this while telling us of a godly friend of his who, on his deathbed, said he didn’t consider himself a very good Christian because he couldn’t memorize Scripture. “But he could pray!” Hannah taught me to take special care in pouring the mold for what makes a great Christian—is this after my shape or God’s? Sometimes our “essentials,” even as we cite biblical chapter and verse, make our people anxious, discouraged, or even distracted. As I heard John Ortberg put it recently, “A young mom with small children listens in church to a middle-age man extol the virtues of getting up early in the morning to meet with God. But she needs the sleep! Why are we killing our people these ways?”

“Our goal in life is not to explain God but to fall down and worship Him.” I couldn’t have said that better myself. When I think of John Hannah in particular, I’m drawn to want more of God; the best thing that can be said of any teacher.

Very thought provoking.

::let them eat cake

2011-07-08T08:00:00.002-05:00

What am I doing this weekend? All kinds of things! Breakfast with my honey, house shopping (don't judge), dinner out, more shopping (ok, judge a little), and all sorts of little frivolities. Hope you all have as fabulous a time as I will :D

And for a sneak peak :D

::time for replacements

2011-07-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

We've now been at the house long enough to where I'm starting to redo some of the original items I've made for the house. Enter: the picture hanging above our bedroom.

I decided to try my hand at something before spending however much on actual art. Less than $10 later, we've got this:

Around 280 brads, way too much time, and a flesh wound later...I'll give myself an E for effort. Can't say I love it enough to stay...but it's staying for a while ;)

::thrice as nice

2011-07-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Got to go on a lovely little shopping spree this weekend and during that time, I picked up this little gem for $69.99 thanks to a clearance (I also had a gift card which took an additional $25 off):
Went online later that same night wandering around and I come across this!

Sold at Wisteria for a whopping $219.

Anyway - here it is in action. Before (sorry forgot to turn off the "vintage" setting):

And after:

The buffet table is next to be replaced. The mirror looks a little awkward in the picture, but it looks good in context of the whole room.

::are you ever really too old?

2011-07-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

::happy 4th

2011-07-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Enjoy your weekend everyone. Here's a cute little idea for a food item to bring in case you've got a party to attend and no ideas.

Photo credit

::kitty adventures, cont

2011-06-30T09:09:00.003-05:00

And now for the weekly update into Mr. B's house adventures.

Remember how I said everything around us was breaking? Well we've begun the process of repair. That process includes multiple items getting shipped to our house. Kitty just wanted to get involved with the improvements:

Well, he wanted to get involved....then the drowsiness kicked in and he was worthless. Ah well.

::turn it back

2011-06-28T12:06:00.002-05:00

There are very few things in my life that I genuinely regret. So as not to make this an extra serious post, I'll share with you my two larger regrets within the context of home decor.

1- Not buying this table off craigslist. I don't even remember how much it was. I'm going to say $1000. That way I won't feel so bad. And yes, I still have the picture from however long ago I saved it. Talk about pining.

2- Not buying a faux-leather yellow pouf like the one below. I found it at an estate sale about a year ago for $25. *cringes. Yes, I said only $25. And WHO KNEW they would get so famous. So much for trying to be responsible and not buying things I don't need. Pouf, I miss you daily and I cannot be consoled.

What about you? Any regrets?

::day dreaming

2011-06-27T11:13:00.002-05:00

So...now, it looks like this (except for a new mat):

And I'm thinking about making it look like this:

I love the thought of a colorful front door.

::crushing

2011-06-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

So, I'm completely in love with this bedding. Yes, I know. It's an addiction. The intervention has been scheduled. Rehab is in my future. I cannot stop looking at bedding. It's just sad. I think I might just have to steal away the shams if nothing else. I'll find a place for them to live. :)
Oh, and I was browsing the other day and found this as well. To be completely honest I can't remember where...my guess is West Elm. I kinda like it. Can't decide if I'd get tired of it and if it looks "cheap"? I guess I'm starting to turn Aaron here and worry that if I actually bought a headboard...would I freak out by not going wood?

Thoughts?

::kitty adventures

2011-06-23T10:08:00.003-05:00

And now for your weekly installment of the adventures of Mr. B.

What happens when you turn on the shower and leave the door open?

I think someone needs to break the news to him that he's a cat. It's just starting to get creepy.

::time for a lift

2011-06-21T08:41:00.004-05:00

I've been thinking about changing around a few art pieces in our house now for some time. I think I may have found a few good contenders.

For the wall above the bed in the master bedroom I'm liking:

And for above the buffet in the dining room the choices are:

Thoughts?

::well I'll be...

2011-06-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Someone turns 3 this weekend! Happy Birthday C! May your day be filled with balloons, trucks, trains and anything else your little 3 yr. old self loves :) We love you!

::one step forward

2011-06-16T13:07:00.001-05:00

Two days back. Feels like I'll never get caught up on sleep. Woke up around 5 this morning and couldn't go back to sleep. At least the multi-vitamin seems to help :)

::little of this

2011-06-15T12:55:00.004-05:00

Just got back in town from Nashville. Went to see Owl City in the ATBAB tour and let me tell you.....AMAZING. I don't know where else he'll be playing, but if it's close to you...go. :) I only have sad little cameras so the following are only a miserable representation of the awesomeness that was Adam Young.

The glowing figure in the second picture is Adam. The top shows the set. So cute. It looks just like the cover of his new album.

Also did my sister's hair for a wedding on Saturday before the move...

Got my friend all moved in followed by a wedding, followed by dinner, followed by crash and burn. Sunday was equally busy with errands and last minute "To-Dos" before the trip. Now I'm back and finishing up my last week in between new jobs. While all this has been good fun, I'm ready for it to slow down a little.

::no rest for the weary

2011-06-10T12:58:00.003-05:00

This weekend (aka: month) holds some non-stop craziness. A friend is getting married and we were invited to join in much of the festivities. Another friend is moving and the last needs an updo. :) Should be good fun though, and I'm looking forward to it.

Who needs sleep when you're still young right? Have a lovely weekend.

::a little action

2011-06-08T13:55:00.003-05:00

Went and tried Zumba last night for the first time. I had such a great time. Half the time I didn't know what was going on...but it sure was fun jumping around and letting go of the stresses of the day! If you've never tried a class before, I highly recommend it.

Speaking of stresses...as soon as we got home from vacation, our garage door broke. Fail. Later that week, so did our lawn mower. Double fail. Hah....I guess the score so far is:

Life = 10 Andrea = 0

I'll beat it! It's not like we just fixed the fence, air conditioner, or hot water heater or anything. :) Note to self: Don't buy a 15 yr old house. Either buy a new house, or a 20 yr old house. That way every thing's new.

As far as home projects go, we're hitting the home stretch and unfortunately that means the only things left are Major projects. I did "rub n buff" the light above our kitchen sink to nickel to match the rest of the hardware. So, I'm not completely lazy. I think the next order of business is to paint the laundry room and then start on the trim. Anybody want to come over and do it for me? I've got taffy!

::house candy

2011-06-07T14:59:00.001-05:00

Please let this be my dining room. :)

::into reality

2011-06-06T13:24:00.003-05:00

First off, can I reiterate my apologies for my absence? Things are starting to slow down here just a tad so I think I'll have more time to get back on. So, speaking of my new job I was promoted to be supervisor in my old department. Yay! I'm really excited for the opportunity (not only for the job itself) and the ability to continue working with the people I LOVE! The timing on everything has just been crazy lately, but everything continues to work out so I'm just along for the ride. :)

Sidenote: Dad - just wanted to show you that your fine craftsmanship is enjoyed by all in the family. :)

:: it's a mad world

2011-05-31T20:28:00.002-05:00

As soon as you start feeling comfortable, the rug gets pulled out from under you. You know how I said I just got a new job? Well, I did. Again. While I was on vacation.

Oh the madness.

Speaking of which, we just got back from vacation. It was SO wonderful. The temperature of the air and water was absolutely perfect. The water was almost as clear as the Caribbean. We saw a school of stingray swim by the beach almost every day and the outlet mall has added an Ann Taylor Loft outlet. <3 I was in heaven.

Waking up early this morning reminded me that there actually is a 6 in the morning time too. Yikes!

It might be a while before I can post again. I know this whole "every 6 weeks" thing is pretty awesome. I'll try and be more lame when I get back.

::Now that's what I'm talking about!

2011-05-23T08:00:00.000-05:00