Shipwrecked on Fabulous Island

Life Update - Divorce.

2024-07-06T08:59:00.008-04:00

In my last post, I mentioned it's been 6 years since I last blogged and this particular life update is one of the reasons I buried my head in the sand.

The shame. The pain. The weight. A blog announcement?

The isolation. The loneliness. The sadness. A blog announcement?

I can't count how many times I sat behind the computer to draft this post and, before I could type anything, tears would blur my vision. To clarify, I did not cry for the marriage I chose to end but rather, for the weight of failure I felt I had to carry.

The {neat} freaks come out at night.

I couldn't sleep; thoughts deeply rooted in my anxiety kept me awake. To combat my insomnia, I incorporated a nightly cleaning of my little condo. I used this time to focus and to pray. I remember talking out loud to God. I remember praying for peace within those walls. I remember playing out scenarios in my head while I hand-scrubbed my floors. Not only was my condo spotless and organized, but I would receive answers and peace before going to sleep. Sometimes, busying the body is the key to quieting the mind.

Distance made our hearts grow fonder.

Munch and I processed the loss of the 'life we thought we'd always have' nearly 1,000 miles from our family. We navigated a new normal without our usual support system. The distance between us and our family made us look inward and to one another; we formed a new unbreakable bond. We became living proof that what was sent to destroy us made us stronger. Sometimes, everything you need to heal is right at home.

Lessons learned.

I learned I am not what happened to me. My divorce served as another reminder of how hard life can be; plans are never set in stone... like, ever. No matter how crazy things seemed, only I choose who I am; I refuse to let what happened to me define me. I am more than the storms I've survived.

I learned it's important to accept help. People helped me in ways I didn't even think to ask. One friend paid for the moving company when Munch and I relocated. I had friends fly in to help me move and to help make my tiny condo feel like home. I'm so grateful God sent people into my life to reflect His love on us in more ways than I can count. Oh, and speaking of count...

I learned to count my wins. Every day, and even in the smallest ways, I counted the things that went well in my life. Showered? Win. Combed my hair? Win. Fell asleep without crying? Win. Survived a holiday in my new normal? Win. The act of counting my wins opened my eyes and my heart to practicing gratitude. It reminded me that life is never all bad and that helped me feel better - like, almost normal (even if only for a moment).

I learned to invest in myself. The residual rewards of pouring into myself - with time, with money, and with self-care - were felt long after the immediate moment or act. In that season, few things felt as good as making myself a priority.

Better because of it.

My divorce, as bone-crushing and earth-shattering as it was, made me better.

I'm a better Christian. I'm a better mom. I'm a better daughter, sister, and friend. I'm a better Tabitha.

Islanders, isn't that the testimony we all want at the end of the hard stuff? What's the point of it all if it doesn't make us any better?

So, I think I'm finally ready to type the words. For real. Ok. Here we go.

I'm divorced.

... and I fought hard... and I probably won't talk about it much... and I grieved the loss of a piece of my [in-law] family who I loved dearly... and I don't know what I'm going to do with all the content on this e-diary from years when I was married... and I have experienced new beautiful love... and I am still learning to navigate life in this chapter...

It wasn't in my plan, but I thank God it happened because things have shaped up to be better than I ever could've imagined.

Stay tuned,

Hey. Howdy. Hello. Hi.

2024-07-05T13:01:00.007-04:00

Islanders,

I can't believe it's been 6 years since we last spoke. Would you believe I've spent the last year trying to recover access to my beloved island (blog). I don't know what to say.

I'll start with hi. I'm sorry. I feel like I failed you and, in turn, I failed myself. I've needed you. I've missed you. I won't pretend things are the same but I'm willing to re-introduce myself (... and my life, as it is today) with the hopes that you'll still accept me.

To be transparent, I only see remnants of the 'me' you once knew. So much has happened. So much hard has hardened me. Shoot, so much hard has softened me. There's been so much growth. So much change.

I have SO much to share. As we prepare to send Munch off to college. Yes, college. I know! This awkward pre-teen you once knew:

... yes. Her. Well, she is all grown up and heading off to college in a few weeks.

No time for tears. I was just popping in to let you know we are going to play catch-up on EVERYTHING - marriage, divorce, mom-ing, moving, moving again, and finally finding our GLOW. I'm transitioning into a new season and I really want my beloved Islanders to be part of the journey.

Who knows, maybe you've had some hard in your life too and maybe -JUST maybe - you could use a good catch-up with an old friend.

So, if you're still my e-bestie, grab a pillow (to cuddle and/or to cry into), grab a drink of your choice (and maybe even a snack). This could take a minute.

Talk soon,

Children's Cancer Research Gala

2018-10-29T08:00:00.002-04:00

*taps mic*

Does this thing even work anymore? Can you hear me in the back?

So, the last we spoke, I was sharing a random find. If I told you how many things I found since then, you'd fall out. I'll get to them... all of them. I promise. For now, I'd like to just catch you up on some of the summer happenings.

Don't give me a hard time. Yes, we're going to play catch-up! The summer heat is fading, our days are shorter. Our time under the sunshine decreases by the day. What better time to relive some of the best moments? Exactly. Put on your bikinis and grab a fruity drink!

First up? The First Annual Gala for Children's Cancer Research.

I got a trim and blowout.

I got a pretty dress.

We linked up with friends for an Uber ride to the party. No need to drive home? It's going to be a fun night!

Open bar and 50 drink tickets for the four of us?!

We had a good time for a great cause! The theme was masquerade ball and the décor was so nice.

Oh, and the food. How could I forget the yummy food?

Oh, and let's consider this photo to be a before.

Yep, there have been some major changes that we will talk about tomorrow! This event was about more than getting dolled up and dancing the night away. It was an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for a good cause!

Goodwill Finds: The Magnolia Wreath

2018-06-15T08:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday, Islanders.

I wanted to share a thrifty find from a while back. Ugh, I love my local Goodwill Outlet. Oh, and yes, you saw correctly. I typed Goodwill Outlet... as in, the thrift store has an outlet store with items going for crazy discount prices. I know! Mind boggling, right? I pinky-promise to share deets soon but, for now, I want to share one of my outlet finds.

The magnolia wreath. Some of you may recognize this update from my Instagram story:

While digging through a bin of household items, I saw the large blooms and fell in love. Guess what. Because it was in the outlet, the wreath was only 79 cents! Sold!!

Once home, I dusted the wreath and used a damp cloth to wipe off leaves. Then, I added a small sign (purchased on clearance from Michael's months ago) and some scrap ribbon I had on hand.

I hung it on the door and it looked amazing!

Now, y'all know I love a good deal. On a trip to Michael's, would you believe that I saw a similar wreath?!

Can you see that price? $79! Now, the Michael's version has more blooms but they're a little smaller. Then, while strolling through Pier1 Imports, I found the exact wreath:

It had the same wreath form and the high-quality large blooms/leaves.

Can you believe it?

Source

No matter how you look at it. I paid less than $1 for a wreath that was priced at more than $50 at two different retailers. I have said it before but I'll say it again. Your thrift stores are great for the environment, for the community, and for the budget!

Go. NOW! Find something fabulous for a fraction of the cost!

Fun Bags: Fave Finds and Go-To Spots!

2018-06-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Y'all know me. I've professed my love of granny things. I love lace and wicker and vintage and ruffles and eyelets and floral prints. I love all things old lady. I've recently indulged in my obsession with funky bags and many of them have an old lady appeal. I guess you could say I cleaned out my closet before the move. I parted with a lot of my bags because I wasn't carrying them. In the new area, I've found several thrift and antique shops; I've even explored neighboring towns.

While in an antique shop, I spotted a cigar purse. It was cute but it was pricey. I left it and proceeded on my thrift shopping journey. Then, on the same day but in a different spot, I found one with a price I couldn't pass up!

$3.98?! Goodwill for the win! I was smitten. It was pretty. It was unique.

Wait. Is that a cat?? With a hat... and a tie? With rhinestones? Yep, it was also old lady.

BUT that bamboo handle with that fabulous coloring on the box... the original price tag from the artist.. I had to have it. Before I purchased, I convinced myself and my shopping buddy that I would wear it.

Islanders, I wore it and I wore it well.

I wore it first with big hair and big earrings; I wore it in a denim-on-denim outfit with cute heels the first day.

The next day I carried the purse with strappy heels, distressed denim and a floral wrap shirt. I was hooked. I officially had a thing for funky purses.

On a later visit to an antique shop, I picked up a fabulous straw purse with wood and leather accents. I carried it to the state fair.

I wore it with a lemon shirt, distressed denim and blush mules.

I was rockin' my purses. Geez, I was on a roll! Speaking of rock and roll, my next purchase was the rock and roll bag.

I found a Mary Frances bag at a local consignment shop. I debated over whether to pay the $50 price so, I put it on hold and I left to sleep on it. I just couldn't stop thinking about it so, I returned the next day and got it!

Sometimes, you have to commit to treatin' yo'self. $50 was pricey in comparison to some other finds but it is nothing compared to many of my other bags. I wear this bag often; the crossbody is my new favorite purse style. It keeps my hands free while keeping my valuables close.

Did I mention it is beaded all over? Did I mention how dramatic it is? Oh, and did I mention I always Google my finds?

Look at that price on eBay! I got a deal! I've picked up a few other purses but my most recent find is my new favorite! Check out this beauty:

I was in Goodwill and there was a large bin of purses. I found that gem at the bottom of the bin. It is metal with beautiful turquoise colored beads in varying sizes all over.

I LOVE AMAZING FINDS!

You can find unique purses and accessories in your area too. They are hidden in the thrift stores, antique shops, consignment shops, and even online shops like Etsy, eBay, and Poshmark.

I buy what I love. I buy what makes me smile. I like to pair whimsical accessories with classic silhouettes and I love to find fabulous pieces for a fraction of the price. My best tip? Remember, price doesn't dictate value! Oh, one more tip:

Enjoy the hunt!

Fighting Irish: A quick a Easy Favor Idea!

2018-06-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Howdy, Islanders! It's been *what feels like* forever since we last spoke. I'm working on a few blog posts to get back into the swing of things so, it looks like I'm coming out of hiding! This time, I've been missing NOT because I haven't been doing things but because my resolution to be productive and to make some serious progress on personal goals meant that I needed to spend less time sharing and more time doing. As I've mentioned a few times, my Instagram story (here) has behind-the-scenes updates everyday; follow me for the latest!

Today, I'm sharing some goodie bags I made for a neighborhood mom. Her son had finished a successful football season and she wanted to give team members something cute to commemorate making it to the little league playoffs. She asked for something sweet and she gave me free reign to create. I used the team mascot to create some super cute tags:

I've shared the free printable below. Save the image and print as a 4X6 photo at your local drug store. 6 tags for every photo print.

I like printing at CVS because photos are usually 29 cents each. I was so pleased with the final product!

For the sweets, I used my cookie mold to make chocolate-covered Oreos. I drizzled with team colors and topped with a football-shaped cake sprinkle (sprinkle? Is that what these are called? IDK. They're big sprinkles if that's the case but.. eh?).

The green-dipped Oreos were my fave because the tiny gold stars looked so cute. Don't they resemble mini football fields?

Once the chocolate set, I placed the cookies and graham crackers in Dollar Tree clear favor bags and added the Dollar Tree grosgrain ribbon and tag.

If you follow me, you may recognize some of these photos. If you don't follow me, here's a sample of the info I share on my Instagram story:

Yep, the Instagram story is full of tips like that one up there. Paper shred is my go-to for the perfect full party bag! It saves on the budget because you don't need as many items in the bag, it provides a backdrop for the goodies in the bag, and it gives the bag a nice shape! I prefer to buy my paper shred from Dollar Tree because I can't justify spending more than $1 for something I KNOW will go in the trash!

Neighborhood mom was very pleased when she received these items in a cute basket delivered to her doorstep. Oh, and you know the basket was a Goodwill find! It was just a few hours after she asked so, she wasn't expecting coordinating tags, the great quality ribbon, the fancy treats. She also didn't think it was all possible same-day. Guess she just didn't know how we roll, Islanders!

Don't you love when it doesn't take a lot of effort to make an impact?

Strawberry Festival 2018

2018-03-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

Howdy, Islanders!

I visited Plant City, FL for an afternoon a few weeks back. I found an awesome boutique called A PEACE of Plant City.

It was super cute and so full of cute decor, yummy teas, and accessories.

I loved the light fixtures and posted several highlights on my Instagram story.

I even shared a pic with Strawbuddy who was also located in the shop!

We stopped in a few of the awesome antique shops and I got some Wakanda collectibles and decor inspiration.

How awesome would these planters look with cool plants inside the hats?

... on a book shelf??!! OMG! I have an idea for some shelving solutions in the new place and I can't wait to execute and share it! Anyhoo, we had a great time in the cute town. I remember saying I couldn't wait to visit again.

I didn't realize that my photo with Strawbuddy would be chosen as the 2018 Strawberry Festival Selfie Challenge winner! OMG!

I won tickets! It was announced on Instagram and I was super excited. We arrived on the final day to pick up my concert tickets! Munch and the man weren't as excited as I was; they assumed the festival would be boring. They were pleasantly surprised.

There was great food.

There were fun rides. There were performances.

There were strawberry treats.

... AMAZING strawberry treats at that!

We had a great time. I knew it was a successful day when, on the way home, the man and Munch were talking about what we're going to do next year at the Strawberry Festival.

To top it off, the sunset warmed our faces and the time warmed our hearts; Strawberry Festival 2018 was an awesome time!

Planter Redo: 2 Minutes, $2 and Too Cute!

2018-03-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Islanders, I have an update and, if you know me, you know it's major.

I have a plant. A live plant. It's alive.

Come on. Is that not major news for me? Ok, wait. I have had a plant that I've kept alive for over a month. It's actually growing. Are you impressed yet? NO?! Well, you should be.

I killed a cactus garden. I killed a durable house plant. Heck, I've killed an air plant.

Sometimes, I go to stores later in the evening because I enjoy browsing the aisles solo. I take my time strolling while everyone else is trying to get in and get out. A little over a month ago, I went to Walmart and picked up a succulent. They were on sale and I figured I'd give it a try.

For weeks, I left it in the ugly little store bought pot... ya know the black ones with the holes in the bottom. Yes, that little ugly pot. I left it in there. I just knew it wouldn't last long so, I didn't get my hopes up. I sat it on the coffee table next to the artificial plant. Well, after about 4 weeks. I noticed something.

My little baby plant had new green coming in. Could it be? Did I not kill it?! Did it actually grow? OMG!

I became increasingly more excited as the days progressed... don't worry, it wasn't the same excitement that watered a cactus every other day... I've learned that lesson. It definitely was not THAT kind of excitement. It was more of the excitement to buy a new little pot for my plant. I still wasn't sure of the level of commitment. I wanted something cute but cheap that would also fit my family room decor.

The kid and I found a cute little pot in the Target garden section. It was plastic and cream and, the best part, it only cost $1. I decided to get it. It was a buck. What did I have to lose? From Target, the kid and I headed to Dollar Tree and I was shocked to see DT had potting soil! I hurried home and transferred my little plant into her new home. Yep, it's a 'her.' She's one tough cookie. Peliona. That's her name. Peliona is Spanish slang for a girl who likes to argue or fight. I had an idea. I grabbed a few permanent markers. I drew lips. I drew lashes. I drew Peliona.

I took a pencil for an idea of the lash line and used it as a guide to draw lashes.

I love how the plant became her hair. Munch pointed out that it resembled pig tails.

I tend to agree! Ok, so here's the best part:

I found a similar vase online for $28! Doesn't that make it even better?!

2 MINUTES. 2 DOLLARS. TOO CUTE!

I was able to spend $2 and use markers I had on hand to create a super cute vase! Target had a black vase too. How cute would it be to use a chalk marker for seasonal or party decor with cute messages... a row of them with individual letters on each (SPRING or CREATE)... photo adhered with ModPodge... the possibilities are endless!

Something Memphis Blues - The Food.

2018-03-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

We've spoken about the decor and graphic designs for the Something Memphis Blues bridal shower. Today, we're talking food. Can we just pause to appreciate the food? I love food and it can make or break any event. In the case of this bridal shower, Erica created a fabulous menu to fit the theme. It was eclectic and cultured. Guests could tell the dishes were prepared with love; it was the kind of meal that fed the soul.

Sure, there were gourmet favorites but, keep it real, what would a Memphis-themed event be without a BBQ?!

Pulled pork, pulled chicken, and beef brisket with an assortment of BBQ sauces were available for sandwiches or wraps. There was something for everyone.

With multiple rice and pasta options as sides, it was nice to also have an assortment of healthier salad options like the Balsamic Salad with strawberries and glazed walnuts and the Mediterranean Salad.

Y'all know how I feel about chicken salad. I love to make it and I could probably eat it everyday. It is always a crowd favorite and I loved that she added almonds and grapes.

I watched her make the next dish and I could eat it by the fistful.

Erica's Italian Shrimp was so easy to prepare and SO delicious! I shared the how-to video on my Instagram story while covering the event. Did you miss it?! OMG! You must follow me on Instagram for all the behind-the-scenes goodies! I post something everyday so, if ever you need an Island fix, stop by! Anyhoo, back to the bridal shower...

I love when there is equal attention paid to the decor, food and fun. It really helps to ensure guests have a good time. With everything ready to go, guests began to arrive and they were ready for a good time. The smile on the bride's face says it all:

It was a great day to celebrate love but, then again, isn't it always a good day to celebrate love?

Cheers to good music, good food and good laughs. Islanders, may you find an excuse everyday to feed yourself!

Something Memphis Blues - Designs and Decor

2018-03-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Unique events come with requirements. It feels great to come up with something original but it also means everything has to be created... original.

In the case of the Something Memphis Blues bridal shower, I created a series of printables (I'll share them at the bottom of this post) and theme-specific decor ideas.

I also worked with Melina to create a large sign to mimic the Beale Street sign.

The sign read, "Welcome to Debbie's Bridal Shower celebrating LOVE!"

I found the circles and letters across the top of the sign at Dollar Tree on shower day. Munch put them together in the backseat on the way to the venue.

The favor tags turned out perfectly!

In pretty little boxes tied up with ribbon, I placed a small Yankee Candle votive.

They looked so cute! Other graphic designs included the custom menu printable for the buffet table:

If you're hosting an Elvis-inspired event, print any of the following images as 4x6 or 5x7 photos.

Tomorrow, I'm sharing the best part of this event, the FOOD! Erica is a cook and the food was amazing!

Something Memphis Blues - Centerpieces

2018-03-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

I shared images from a unique bridal shower I planned for a client. I was originally contacted on Facebook when Erica reached out for decor support. She wanted to incorporate the following into one event:

- The bride's love of Elvis
- The bride's wedding location and soon-to-be home town, Memphis
- The colors red, black and white

She wasn't sure how to tie it together but had one bigger issue; she wanted to recreate this centerpiece:

That's how it arrived in my inbox - blurry and really small. Could I recreate it? THAT's all Erica wanted to know... My answer? Sure. I had a plan and Islanders, it came together flawlessly.

I needed a street sign/light. I needed the figurine(s). I needed gold instruments. I needed a platform to give it the height.

My client needed me to create three centerpieces. It was ON! First, I had to find the figurines. Guess what. I found them on AMAZON!

Product linked here.

Next up? The platform. I didn't care for the inspiration and how it was square with a round top so, I came up with an easy design to fit my vision.

Dollar Tree for the win! I purchased 4 picture frames and glued them together to create the base. I topped it with a square plastic plate. I used a sparkle ribbon (from Dollar Tree) around the top to cover where the base and top met.

I printed a photo of the Beale Street (a Memphis staple) on photo paper, cut it out and glued it to a Popsicle stick.

For the bottom half, I used the party favor instruments like these:

I spray painted them gold, added twinkle lights and BOOM!

It was coming together!

I contacted Erica with an update and referred to the shower as the 'Something Memphis Blues' event and she fell in LOVE with the theme name. It tied everything together and she asked if I could be of additional assistance. With the centerpiece plan out of the way, I was more than willing to help!

I couldn't wait to surprise her with the centerpieces; they looked amazing!

WW: Something Memphis Blues Sneak Peek

2018-01-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

TBT: A Rustic Wedding in the Garden

2018-01-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share some beautiful details from a wedding a few months back. It was simple but full of great ideas. Like the place cards:

I loved how string, clothespins, and pieces of paper created a beautiful-yet-functional display. The outdoor venue is beautiful.

It had a beautiful open atrium using rustic wooden beams. It is such a beautiful outdoor space.

Think outside of the box for photobooth props; a galvanized letter will be perfect in photos.

The groom made wood pieces for the centerpieces. He made round ones and he also made this long wooden one:

Gorgeous, right?! I am a fan of the eclectic jars and single blooms.

The table numbers were designed to match the place cards and there were Throwback photos of the couple at each table. Each number symbolized something for the couple and there was a write-up explaining what. For example, table number could coincide with age or grade, or table 4 would have a photo of the bride with 4 teeth missing in the second grade - haha.

I was able to provide the floral designs for the cake. I love how the flowers are classic and whimsy.

I created a halo of greenery around the perimeter of the cake plate before putting the cake on

The key to rustic floral arrangements is to focus less on blooms and more on greenery and filler. The goal is to have a 'picked from a field' appearance.

It was fun styling the cake and I love the mix of the lace tablecloth with the greenery and dahlias.

This casual and elegant wedding was sure to be a beautiful and fun day for the bride and groom! Happy Throwback Thursday! Who doesn't love a good #tbt?!

Choos Choos and Tutus: A Co-ed Party

2018-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

I remember one year, when my parents were moving from Japan back to the states, they decided to combine my birthday party (January) with my brothers' (both in October). It was so awesome to have a big party and to enjoy a sleepover with my friends and to get a lot of awesome gifts and to have triple the number of friends at the party... Islanders, I still remember a lot of my gifts (the life-sized Barbie, a cool hot pink giant lock-shaped safe with a secret combination). It was an awesome birthday... the birthday song with *like* 50 kids was so awesome! If I recall correctly, it was hosted late summer before we relocated in late September. The combined party itself was epic but, when my actual birthday came around several months later, it was a major letdown... I think I may have gotten a cake but it certainly wasn't what I had become accustomed to. No presents, no party, no friends... just a reminder of the epic party hosted months prior.

It was at that moment, my disdain for combined birthdays was born. I prefer not to combine December babies with Christmas or sibling birthdays (unless they're within two weeks) or really anything; I like the idea of giving each birthday honoree his/her due.

Despite my personal experience, I gained a new appreciation for combined birthdays during the planning and execution of a recent co-ed birthday party.

Avery was born on the same day as Mason's first birthday party. Their birthdays are days apart. Their parents share families and friends so, it was natural to combine their birthday parties.

In conversation with Amalia, Avery's mom, she mentioned there were a number of typical themes on the list but the parents decided on a final theme that was unique and different. I got the colors and I offered to make the tags for the favors. I decided to create two separate designs for the favor bags, one for each guest of honor.

The tags read as follows: "It was TUTU sweet of you to come to celebrate Avery turning one!" and "Chugga Chugga Thank you for celebrating Mason turning two!"

I came up with the original wording and design based on a few inspiration images from Ryan, my sis-in-love and Mason's mommy.

It was a great time working with both moms. It was fun to see the theme come together via text but it was super cool to see so many cute ideas on party day. After walking through the front door, guests had the awesome view of a small entry shelf and the dining room.

Both areas were decked out with simple yet adorable party elements.

Something about pennants and over-sized number balloons makes my heart smile :)

The cake table was anchored with both high chairs.

I picked up the cake from Misty, of Girl Meets Cake. She came up with a split design for the cake and it was super cute!

With the candles lit:

The sweets table was super cute too!

In addition to the cute tracks down the center, they incorporated fun candies, cracker jack boxes and more.

I love the kids' names in blocks.

I added the water bottles and the table was complete.

The food was simple and delicious. A few dishes were equally as yummy as they were CUTE!

We had a great time!

There were lots of cute kids, awesome family, and great friends.

You could feel the love for these two beautiful babies.

Everyone gathered for the birthday song.

Then, we cut that amazing cake. Rather than smash cakes, we cut slices and I think I prefer the slices to the now-normal smash cakes.

Mason went to WORK on his slice. No hands, no fork -- just face to cake.

Every guest left with a cute favor bag topped with one of the tags I designed!

When it's possible, it's great to share the expense with others for events like this. In the case of Mason and Avery, they share family, friends, birthday weekends, and more; it made perfect sense to combine their birthday parties.

I hope you enjoyed the pretty babies and the fun ideas for this cute party theme.

TBT: Avery and Mason

2018-01-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Throwback Thursday, Islanders! In celebration, I'm sharing pictures of two littles who combined their birthday parties this year. Don't worry. Mason and Avery are super cute and I can't wait to share their super cute party. Oh, you can check my Instagram story for more cool pictures and ideas for hospital gifts and activities, baby showers and nursery decor! For now, let's just throwback to some cute baby cheeks!

Here's a sneak peek of their adorable birthday photos.

See you tomorrow with a cute party theme!

Well and Pretty: An Update.

2018-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Howdy, Islanders!

Yesterday's Wordless Wednesday post was a pictorial update on some of my favorite things to keep myself well and pretty.

Life Water

Have you heard of the many benefits found in alkaline water. I love water. I tried Life Water and I LOVE it. I can FEEL the difference from the inside out.

I drink a bottle of alkaline water everyday. Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to:

- digestion support

- urinary health

- flushing bodily systems

- balancing and countering an acidic diet

So, drink water... LOTS of water. If you can, try to incorporate alkaline water into your water intake routine.

Bare Minerals Makeup

I found a makeup routine that works for me. Its fail-proof technology and consultations at the time of purchase have helped to give me a polished and dewy complexion when I want to get all dolled up or add a little somethin' extra on any given day.

Check out the website(here) for the latest updates, discounts and product information!

100-calorie Candies

OMG! At the checkout lines in Walmart, they've introduced the perfectly sized candies for my sweet tooth. They're these nifty 100-calorie bars that are made for a small variety of candies including Snickers, Twix, Starburst, and Skittles.

They larger than the fun-sized bars and offer a guilt-free opportunity to indulge. They've quickly become my go-to treat once a week.

Fruit

While I've always kept a fruit bowl, I've cut back on the unhealthy snacks in our home. Oh, and by cut back, I mean practically cut off all unhealthy snacks. I mean, we used to have all kinds of snacks but not anymore.

Every week, I stock the fruit basket. I love to have my daily dose of 3-5 fresh fruits a day.

I have specific updates to share. I found an amazing eyebrow pencil, I found a great soap to keep our skin moisturized, I have a facial regimen that keeps my skin clear (for the most part), I have been sleeping better, I have decreased my carb intake... things (physically, mentally, emotionally) are on the up and up.

What are you doing to improve yourself? Share some ideas in the comments! I'm always looking for ways to improve.

WW: Well and Pretty, The Sneak Peek

2018-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

DIY Brush Tree Frame Tutorial

2018-01-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Howdy and happy 2018!

I am still on a holiday high. Our Christmas was awesome. We enjoyed time with family, time with our friends and some time together as a family. We set up a beautiful impromptu tree at the parents' home.

It was last-minute and totally unplanned but it was also really nice. We returned home after the new year to a home that was frozen in Christmas time. It smelled so good. The tree looked so perfect and so perfectly frozen in time. The stockings were still hung... stuffed and ready for us to enjoy the contents.

Then, it hit me.

I wasn't ready for Christmas to end.

I just -- I wasn't ready.

I took photos at our family Christmas Eve celebration. I can't wait to look back and smile... to print my fave and to place it in a frame for prominent display next year. My goal is to keep the cheer of this season all year long. I am starting to take down the Christmas decor and I removed a piece from the wall that I loved. It reminded me of a tutorial I wanted to share. I can't believe I almost forgot to share a fabulous and EASY frame idea PERFECT for the entire winter season!

DIY Brush Tree Frame Tutorial

Supplies

- 3 small brush trees

- Rustic photo frame

- Hot glue

Step-by-steps

1. Remove the glass and backing from the frame.

2. Wipe the ledge of the frame.

3. Glue the brush trees into place. I like the look the three varied sizes in the center of the frame.

4. Replace the frame and hang!

I purchased this beautiful rustic frame from my local Goodwill Outlet. It was around $.48 for the frame. I loved the price but, with all of its character, I knew it was of good quality. I was surprised when I flipped it over and saw the original price from Hobby Lobby.

$34.99?! That's crazy! On the same trip, I visited the Goodwill Retail store where I got a great deal on a bag of brush trees ($1.18). Do you remember the trees I used on the ledge with our stockings?

Well, I used three of those trees to add texture and character to the frame; they helped create the perfect rustic look.

How awesome would this frame look with a photo for all of the cooler months. Hello?! A bright white mat and a photo for Thanksgiving, a different one from Christmas and/or New Year's Eve, Valentine's day, etc.

This frame is the perfect addition to my decor and the perfect way to enjoy the holiday season even AFTER Christmas.

Stay tuned for how I'll jazz it up in the near future...

Merry Christmas 2017

2017-12-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas, beloved Islanders!

Dollar Tree Finds for the Holiday Season!

2017-12-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Islanders,

I try to visit Dollar Tree once a week. I love to see the new shipments but I've also been pulled there to purchase supplies for the kid's projects. I post my findings on the Instagram story but I found so many goodies on my last trip, I had to blog about it! I found several Elf on the Shelf goodies. These are perfect for stocking stuffers or Elf gifts on some days.

I love the nail stencils and stickers too! They're great as an addition to a spa gift set, stockings or as gift toppers for nail supplies.

OMG! For a limited time, you can find these cups Aladdin insulated cups at your local Dollar Tree!

I bought them to fill with goodies for the kid's teachers! These leather tassel keychains are on trend!

These boxes were perfect for the neighbor goodies we made.

I've seen these Rite Aid closeouts at a few Dollar Tree stores. They're great for dry skin!

This cookie is the perfect stocking stuffer!

I also loved the animal themed goodies.

There were owl lotions and lip balm, and animal-themed lotions for on-the-go. One of my other favorite seasonal goodies is the mug. These mugs are really nice and they are large so it's perfect for coffee lovers like myself!

I found several but these items were my favorite!

Be sure to visit your local Dollar Tree for amazing finds and cheap prices!

Christmas Tour 2017: Merry Thriftmas!

2017-12-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Howdy, Islanders!

Thanks for all of your kind words! I reallly love how our decor came together this year and it feels good to know others can appreciate a good deal! I hope you're inspired to save some money and check your local thrift store for great deals and amazing finds.

Our new place doesn't have a fireplace or a mantle or anywhere to really hang stockings as a focal point. There is a large angled island that has a raised ledge. The ledge isn't wide enough for a stool to sit underneath so it's really a privacy ledge to keep the island's workspace/counter separate from the main living area. I debated among three spaces for the stockings - hanging from the spiral staircase, hanging from the television credenza, or hanging from the ledge.

I pulled out the Target Dollar Spot candle houses from last year. I bought several for the ledge in the kitchen. Other than the houses, I kept two of my trees. You may recall the trees from years prior:

They were on the table last year. For years before, they were displayed in the grandfather clock:

I loved my trees and I collected a few after Christmas each year. With the move I decided to keep two trees. The others were given away when I opened my home for the neighbors to come and clear me out.

All that to say, I picked up a bag of brush trees (photographed above) for $1.18. There were three sizes. These trees are used in crafts, collectible town villages, and decorative displays like our garland. I added a few to the sides of the Dollar Spot houses. I also used one of the lighted garlands from the Goodwill Outlet haul where I picked up the wreath and pink tree. Each piece of greenery cost $.60 and this garland only needed a little fluffing, some thrifted bulbs, Walmart poinsettia clips and some ribbon to turn out beautifully. When looking for a place to hang stockings where there's no fireplace, I checked for the following:

- Minimal people traffic (NO DISRUPTIONS)

- Focal point

- Greenery can span the length of the area

I love how the quick, easy and affordable garland turned out.

The only other kitchen decor is the Goodwill finds, including the vintage set of tin canisters (they have the 12 Days of Christmas wrapping around them), the glittery wood-frame snowman, and the glitter reindeer over the fridge.

The coffee table got a season update with a reindeer, an electric mini tree (with lights), and my vintage Merry Christmas sign.

The dining room table got an update when I cut strips of wired ribbon to wrap placemats and placed the adorable Christmas tree napkin rings.

For the centerpiece, I used a wreath I decorated on the table and placed a lantern in the middle. It all came together perfectly!

The front door also got a thrifty update. For less than $20, I was able to create a beautiful display using things I had on hand and those that I purchased from Goodwill Outlet. I thought it turned out beautifully but I was really excited when someone knocked on my door to buy my wreath! I made it for about $9 and they paid $45!

Islanders, how cool is that?! I didn't mind selling it because it gave me an excuse to make another. I found a larger wreath at Goodwill Outlet and it filled the door nicely as well.

I am very pleased with the simple yet fabulous decor. I stuck to that which we have become accustomed. It didn't matter that we would be packing up and heading to visit family for the holidays. Half of the holiday joy is building excitement for Christmas and the new year. Thanks for your patience as I shared our home's decor. I had so many DIY and thrift shopping tips I couldn't fit in blog posts so, those were exclusive only to the Instagram story.

I can't wait to share the Dollar Tree finds of the season! There are so many awesome items perfect for decor and for last-minute gifts. Stay tuned!

A Minnie Mouse Tree - Pink and Pretty!

2017-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

I know I mentioned I'd talk about our faux mantle but I figured I'd wrap up the Christmas trees first.

Yesterday, I shared how I snagged a cute little pink tree for $.60 and how I got another tree for the kid's room so, plans changed with the cute little pink tree. In that same Goodwill Outlet haul, I got a wooden Minnie Mouse plaque. You can see it, along with the pink tree, in the haul photo below:

According to its weight, Minnie Mouse cost less than $.29. She was one of many handmade Disney wooden pieces at the outlet. Of all of the items, Munchface and I agreed that we got the best one. I started to pull out my Christmas decor and I found a few ornaments from last year's pink tree - there were bow-shaped ornaments, white snowballs, pink bulbs of all sizes... wait, bows?!

I had an idea:

I decided to create a Minnie Mouse tree, using the cute wooden Minnie Mouse face on the top:

I filled the tree with bows and bulbs.

The bulbs served as an interpretation of the polka dots that Minnie wears. It turned out very nicely... honestly, it was nicer than I expected. In a sense that I, an adult, want this tree for myself.

Isn't it adorable?

I finished the tree in the evening and it made me miss Godbaby. Remember her first birthday party?

Remember her sweet face?

I Facetimed her. OMG! When she saw it, she gasped and started to blow me kisses.

She warmed my heart because she loved the tree. Munchface loved the tree too. She carried it upstairs and had both trees plugged up - haha. I was half upset until I saw the warm glow from the Minnie tree and I realized that I love the pink tree lights at night too; the glow is best part! I let her keep both in her room for a few days.

I will share the full Christmas decor update tomorrow. See you there!

Tropical Christmas Tree - Bright and Fun!

2017-12-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Howdy, Islanders!

I mentioned one of our Christmas decor staples is Munchface's tree in her room. What started as a mini tree in her room turned to a mini pink tree from Target. Last year, we hit the jackpot when we were able to get the fiber optic tree from Goodwill for a few bucks. It was the first time the kid ever had a full-sized tree in her room and she loved it! With the move, the kid's tree was left behind. I have the base (odd) but not the actual tree. Weird, I know. Anyhoo, the move has been major for us. The kid has made some serious adjustments. Things are okay but I've been trying to create a sense of normalcy. In other words, I wanted the kid to have her tree.

I went to Goodwill Outlet and found a major deal! Goodwill Outlet sells items by the pound. I was able to get 2 garlands, a large wreath and a pink tree for only $2.40! That means each item was $.60! I thought I hit the jackpot with the tree and I started to make plans for incorporating the tree into the kid's Christmas room decor. Before I could finalize the design, my friend found a tree at Goodwill that was perfect for the kid's room. I loved the tree but I refused to buy it because I already had one... and I got an amazing deal on the tree... hello, sixty cents?! It was a tough decision because-- well, did I mention...

IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PALM TREE!

The lights down the trunk of the tree didn't work so we got a discount on the price.

The manager reduced the price to $9.98. For less than $10, we left with an amazing tree that fit the kid's room decor perfectly. I revamped some of the kid's decor we used last year and I am so pleased with the results!

Around this time last year, the kid's flamingo lights stopped working. Rather than trash them, I removed the flamingos and used them as ornaments last year. This year, I added party hats.

I used some scrapbook paper and poms I got from Dollar Tree to create the party hats. They turned out so fun!

I used the poms and some scrap twine to create a pretty garland. It is so fun and bright! It ties everything together. Here's how I created it:

1. Dab hot glue in the center of a pom.

2. Place the string on the dab of glue.

3. Press the pom around the string to seal the pom to the string.

Super easy, right? I just eyeballed the space between them to create the pom. I used the poms on the flamingo ornament party hats, the pom garland and as filler in the clear ornaments from Dollar Tree.

I glued table scatter I had on hand (mini pineapples and flamingos) on the outside of the ornaments and used glitter and poms as filler.

I love the ornaments and I didn't need a lot for the tree so, it was perfect. Wouldn't they be a great DIY project at a party or as a family on Christmas eve/day?

Glitter. Stickers. DONE!

With the addition of the DIY ornaments, pom garland, flamingos, a few ornaments we had on hand and some new tropical items (I love that mini Adirondackchair and the metal flower in the above photo), the tree was done.

It fits her room so perfectly. I think we'll keep it up all year as a nifty night light.

There are a few other Christmas elements in her room and they all turned out so perfectly. Even the fairy garden received a winter and tropical update!

I have some more decor updates to share. Tomorrow, I'm talking about our garland and stockings... and how sometimes, you have to MAKE a mantle when you don't have one.

Christmas Tree Decor On A Budget

2017-12-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

I love Dollar Tree. Islanders, you know how I love Dollar Tree. Oh, and speaking of trees (because... well, get it?)...

I shared details of our fabulous Christmas tree yesterday. I mentioned that it came with clear LED bulbs on it and, while they are beautiful, it had an electrical issue:

Considering the value, it was an easy fix and actually, the person who donated it already had white lights strung on the middle portion so, SCORE! I know I've already said it but -- like, for real y'all -- we had nothing for the tree besides our 14 family ornaments. Well, almost nothing. While shopping at Goodwill, I stumbled upon a section for Christmas villages. There were several tiny homes on display and my inner granny got the best of me. I bought five of the tiny buildings and I decided this was the year to finally have a beautiful village under my tree. I shared how I've always wanted a village on my Instagram story (@tmkeese). OMG! Are you following me? Seriously, it's behind-the-scenes access to all things Fabulous Island. Check daily for some really cool things like deals, tips, crafts, and sneak peeks. It's different from the blog because it's an in-depth look at thrift findings with price comparisons and more. I digress. Anyhoo, with the naked tree standing and plugged in, I pulled out the village and placed it under the tree.

That was all I had and the budget (have you moved? It's so expensive!) was next to nothing. I didn't have hundreds of dollars to spend on an over-the-top tree. I don't think I would even if I had it to spare. I just wanted something beautiful.

I headed to Michael's. I found gold tree picks and a few ornaments. The tree picks were priced at $5.99 with an additional 40% off, making them only $3.60/each. Large rolls of the wired ribbon for trees and wreaths were on sale and would cost about $7 after the discount. I was excited to leave with 4 picks and 4 rolls of ribbon... that is, until I saw the checkout line. It was frikkin' ridiculously long! I left with nothing. I walked across the parking lot to Dollar Tree. It was a GREAT day!

I found ornaments of all sizes but I really loved the extra large ones. There were a variety of finishes in gold, red and silver. I decided I was going for a metallic (primarily gold) tree.

The reindeer photographed above was tabletop decor but I bought two for our tree.

The Merry Christmas sign was large enough to make a statement and looks great in the front center of our tree. The best deal of that day was the tree picks. Ones very similar to the ones I almost purchased from Michael's were sold at Dollar Tree for 2/$1! I got two kinds, the glitter fruit pick and the gold bird tree pick

Also, while on a trip to my local Goodwill Outlet, I found several goodies and, because they're sold by the pound, I got a large bag of stuff for $1.30.

Included in that price was the roll of pearls and trim. I believe it is made for clothing but I saw it and thought it would work perfectly on our tree!

You can see both in the following photo. They just add a touch of whimsy and class.

They also compliment these ornaments on the tree perfectly (from that same Goodwill Outlet bag):

With the ornaments on the tree, the last piece was the star. I know for a fact the Pier1 Imports star that I had was packed and supposed to arrive to the new place. I know I wouldn't give it away because I paid a pretty penny for it. It was beautiful. It was, however, gone... nowhere to be found. I headed to TJMaxx, I'd hoped to find the perfect star but to no avail.

I found a star in my box from the rustic mom tree of 2013.

I spray painted it gold and added glitter.

Every year, the man has one job. I buy the decor. I determine the look. I allow the kid to place the family ornaments on the tree. He has one job: to put the star on top.

Every year. 1 job.

Every year. Crooked star.

Every year, we have a main tree and Munch has a tree in her room. It is always a lot of fun pulling her tree together and this year, her tree is pretty amazing. See you tomorrow with the deets and a tutorial.

An Almost-Real Christmas for CHEAP!

2017-12-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Howdy,

I've been waiting to share all things Christmas. Don't ask me why. I just have an unhealthy love of Christmas. I didn't want to start talking about it too soon... I know I love Christmas and I know it can be a bit overwhelming in OCTOBER - haha. I love the holiday at its core - celebrating the birth of Christ. I also, however, love the time with family and partaking in our family traditions. UGH, and the decorating. I love decorating for the holiday. Something about Christmas brings a fresh perspective to our space every year. I start to see things differently and I look ways to usher the holiday season and new year into our lives with casual, comfortable and chic Christmas decor.

The big move of #summer17 came with a lot of requirements. I had to shed dead skin of previous years and to prepare for a new covering in a new area. In addition to shedding the old, I shed a lot of our belongings to make the move a little easier. When I say a lot, I mean a lot... like 70% of everything we own. We downsized from a large (nearly 5,000 sf) single family home to a townhouse to an apartment unit until we learn the area for a move into a house. As it relates to Christmas decor, I kept our family ornaments, and 1 box of small decor (our stocking holders, the stockings, our holiday candle houses, etc.). I didn't keep any of my Christmas trees. I did not keep the fiber optics tree from the kid's room last year:

I didn't keep my beloved pink tree from my craft room last year:

I didn't keep the beautiful flocked tree from our family room:

I gave away everything... almost like I didn't plan for Christmas to come again, at least not so soon.

Man, I was mistaken. Sadly mistaken. Time ticked on and, before I knew it, Christmas was upon us. Before I could process, it was Black Friday and I was determined to find a good deal.

Did you know thrift stores have holiday-themed decor around the holidays? I knew the Christmas goodies would be on overload and I needed to check the thrift store before I shopped retail. I got dressed and I left. Just before I pulled off, I got a call from Hubbs. He wanted to accompany me on the trip and asked if I'd wait for him and the kid to come down; it was officially a family affair. No, I don't usually like to have them come with me. They're just naysayers and haters on my love for all things granny. ** eye roll**

Yet, here we were headed to Goodwill. We arrived and I walked to the tree section. You heard it. SECTION. There were more than a dozen trees and that's not including the drug store trees sold as a retail closeout (there were about 4 dozen of those brand new trees). We found a HUGE tree. 9 feet. $35. It was made of the typical fluff-n-go tree stuff except it was about 5' in diameter at the base. Hubbs was excited. He knew it was a nice tree... I investigated and I wasn't as sold. It was nice and it was large but, eh. It was okay. I kept looking. In a huge bin, I found a box. There was a piece of greenery hanging out and it looked real. I enlisted help from Hubbs to open it and there it was... a beautiful, plush, high-quality tree! I had to have it. We asked for the price and, because of the quality, the manager priced it at $34. We bought it, brought it home, plugged it up and *gasp* she was beautiful!

I looked up the information on the box. It has LED clear lights (although, the center portion flickers due to a shortage), life-like branches and you can see that it is a high-quality tree. I had to google the name on the box.

There it is... the tree of my dreams! I checked the price for the height we bought and OMG!

It is on sale for $370! Islanders, I paid 10% of the SALE price! If you're looking to upgrade your Christmas Tree, check out the thrift store and remember to follow these tips:

- Plug it in to check if lights work.
- Notify staff of defects for a price break.
- Google for a comparable tree to see if you're getting a great deal
- If you don't find the prefect tree on your first visit, don't be afraid to leave and return on another day.

The inventory is ever-changing and the hunt is always an adventure. I love the tree and I can't wait to share how I decorated it affordably tomorrow!