.LifeOnLyford.

Valentines decor

2012-02-12T23:17:00.000-06:00

In my usual DIY fashion I added another polymesh wreath to my collection this year.

Found some hot pink almost fuchsia mesh at hobby lobby and made the same style wreath I made like when the baby came home from the hospital.

I had the love sign left over from last year. ( was a kohls clearance piece for 1.00) added just the right pop I was needing!!

Inside, we have our pinterest valentine mailboxes.

And on my scallop chalkboard I added some 99 cent chipboard letters I found at target.

Now time to prepare the menu and add some bows to my loves little happies!

Early onset Spring Fever

2012-02-11T08:38:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you but it seems we have hardly had a winter at all. Since sweet boy has arrived we have had more weather in the mid 50's than we typically even have in march!!

With all these warm days I am getting quite antsy for spring!

Typically (in selfish fashion) I look for things for myself I have been wanting to "freshen up" with for spring.

Well now that there will be two little ones in my life I can not help but drool over decadent things for them.
If you can't tell I am currently obsessed with anything personalized

Source: etsy.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

Source: blablakids.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

And just for fun.
I have GOT to find a space in my home to make a "mantel" How cute is this easter mantel?

Source: hgtv.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

valentines breakfast

2012-02-10T07:39:00.000-06:00

For Valentine's Day I grew up having a big breakfast. Daddy would always buy something special for the girls and Mommy would always buy something special for my brother. That night my parents usually went out.

I would LOVE to carry this tradition on in our house so in similar fashion we began our own version of this tradition.

Here is what we did:

The milk was given a serving of pink food coloring :)

We made Red Velvet Pancakes and sprinkled them with yummy powdered sugar

Last year was a very simple breakfast!

We then exchanged our valentines and lovies we had purchased for each other.

I hope to take more pictures this year and share some new things we are planning on.

Back to life

2012-02-09T12:00:00.001-06:00

Recently Casey and I were driving around neighborhood in our part of town. We found this house with weeds 5 ft tall. It was a grand house, very southern and very classic.

It had been abandoned and just so happened to be open when we went to peek in the windows.

Here is what we saw when we walked through.

Why am I showing you all of this? Well long story short we thought we wanted to purchase this house and rehab it. The home was already under contract when we called to inquire about it;(

Either way, I want to show you what I had in mind. So dream with me for a few minutes.

The den

how great would a dark fireplace be in this room?

Source: emilyaclark.blogspot.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

Downstairs Halfbath

The bathroom tile has come back in style.

And how cool would this look in this space?

Source: sadieandstella.blogspot.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

If you look closely in this picture you can see the ceiling in the kitchen is caving in. (there was bad roof damage in the back of the home)

we went far enough in this home to go back and measure to see what we could do a complete kitchen overhaul on this space. We had two main layouts in mind.

Source: screencast.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

This one is my absolute all time most favorite.

Just breaks my heart someone would leave this home like this.

Source: decorpad.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

This layout would have required us to rearrange some plumbing but would have been just as lovely.

This is the living room. Complete with lovely green carpeting!

It would make an awesome playroom.

Source: ohdeedoh.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

otherside of the living room

Source: dwellerswithoutdecorators.blogspot.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

I mean seriously?? How fun?

The entry with hunter green marble flooring.

on the left side this is what I would like to see when walking in the front door.

Source: loftandcottage.blogspot.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

We think someone ripped the carpet off the stairs

And a small bench and picture to welcome you into the home

Source: thelennoxx.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

Cute gate leading to the courtyard

wish I could find the pic to the courtyard but it seems to be missing. it has the same layout as the one in the pinterest picture. soo amazing

Source: houseandhome.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

And the back door area.

oh how precious would it be dressed up with outdoor cabana curtains?

Source: thedecorista.tumblr.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

how cute would this be at christmas time?

Source: google.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

And here is the dining room.

Assuming there was more damage to this room. This is the foundation for the flooring.

(thank you pinterest for making it sooo easy to pull inspiration pics together)

Source: tobifairley.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

I would even plant some boxwoods and hosta along the front walkway.

Source: m.bhg.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

Thanks for dreaming with me.

Valentines Ideas

2012-02-09T07:40:00.000-06:00

Last year I SUPER slacked and I don't think I even blogged our valentine's day. So I wanted to share this year to give you some fun ideas of stuff to do!!

Here is everything clustered together before I was able to figure out what I wanted to do with it all!

First thing we did was buy a few fun accessories
We found the cupcakes at Pier 1.

Guess what ?? they brought them back this year!

click on image to go to their site!

Then I collected a few of the Round Top Collection hearts to put our valentines in.

I wanted to do something original for treats for our MDO friends.

Instead of paper that would be trashed and too sweet candy mommies may not let their little ones eat we did heart shaped marshmallows!!
All of the children enjoyed getting something different!

A banner of love

2012-02-06T12:54:00.000-06:00

Okay so...have a confession... I like to make things really really difficult on myself.

ie.. handmake a banner without a die cutting machine! TRUTH!!

Anyway, it turned out to be quite fun so here are the steps if you so choose to join me in making one.

Here is what I started with.

note: what you think you are starting with and what you acually may end up using tends to change!

Step one:

Use the circle tracer and make your circles for the background, the cut out circles.

Step two:

Find a needle, thread and crepe paper. Use a weaving method to thread the paper and slowly gather. this will create a ruffled affect in the paper.

*glue the backsides of the ruffle medallion together with craft glue

Step three:

Glue the center of the medallion together and let sit for a few minutes, then glue the outside edges of the medallion and dip in glitter along the outside edge.

Step four:

hot glue on chip letters, hot glue medallion onto "backer" paper

(I used the remainder of the letters of a box from a christmas banner I made)

Step five:

this was the point where I realized I needed a second background so I dug in my stash of scrapbook paper and found this stripe. I used the outer edge of my tracer to scallop this paper and cut it out.

then hotglue the background to the other pieces.

Step six:

punch holes into the corners of the backer paper and string letters together with either ribbon or twine.

Step seven:

Hang and enjoy!

Lovies

2012-02-05T15:59:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Day is one of my most favorite holidays... but not for the suspect reason.

I feel this is a completely uncalled for holiday to shower everyone I love and let them know why I love them.

Like today, I made something for my mom I know she will really really like. Why? Because I love her and I am so thankful for all the little things she did for me when I was growing up.

This coming week I am going to share so fun things to do to get ready for Valentine's day.

Some pertain to our special breakfast we do and others are fun crafts!!

Source: suziebeezie.tumblr.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

And can I just say Thankya Jesus for spring weather in February!!

This sunlight is just what I needed to put some spring in my step.

Despite the whole crazy heart issue/ undiagnosed by doctor-but diagnosed by me and my friends postpartum preeclampsia I am feeling great and ready to tackle whatever may come my way this spring.

And just because...

TGIF

2012-02-03T12:06:00.001-06:00

Today I am switching all my maternity clothes back out for my regular wardrobe.

I can only hope to organize mine and Connor's closet this well!
( yes we are sharing and I can't wait to show y'all what I have come up with)
And.... I am bringing the sewing machine out again today!!

Have a short amount of time before I pick lil bit up from school!!

Just thankful it is Friday and we will have "daddy" home for a few days!!

3 year-isms

2012-02-02T17:25:00.000-06:00

Pretty much since halloween Anna Caroline's speech has taken off!

Being the only grandchild on both sides she has had complete and undivided attention from everyone. And with all that adult interaction.. she well... kinda talks like one! haha

In no particular order:

Recently went with my parents to cracker barrell, lil bit said:

"oh mommy, I loved that cracker beagle!"

The other night we had bad weather and we had to get in the closet. I didn't want to alarm her so I told her we were having a party in daddy's closet. We get in the closet and she says

"oh no... momma we cant have a party without cake and presents!"

Any given day comments:
come here one quick minute.
Will you do me a favor.
Ugh,(usually when she is having a hard time with something) dis is weally fustewating me.

BTW: I am finally starting to feel like my life is coming back together. Keeping everything picked up has been the hardest part with 2 so far. but dishes, laundry, and beds made all at once make me one happy momma today!!

Pictures and a Prayer Request

2012-01-26T10:43:00.000-06:00

Found a few more sweet pictures I thought I would share.

loading up in the car on the way home from the hospital!

this crazy hair just kills me haha

sleeping away at our first dr. appointment.

In our almost 2 weeks with this little guy the one thing we have found is he REALLY likes to sleep. And fine by me:) At night we are going close to 5 hours at a time!! I find myself waking up to make sure he is okay!

In other news some of you may or may not know I have had a unique post-delivery experience to say the least.

The Story:

Labor was relatively quick, delivery even quicker and overall I was really hoping to be able to do a VBAC. Halfway through labor we did not think it would be possible because I was not progressing. I purposely waited to get an epidural as to not slow down labor any more than it was already. Once I got the epidural I went from 3 to 10 in an hour and a half!! Guess I just needed the medicine to relax a little. haha.

So, day after baby is born we had lots of visitors. I knew I was swelling a little bit but didn't think much of it at first.

We came home monday afternoon and by tuesday afternoon my feet were so swollen I could only wear my house shoes. I was also having a hard time breathing (felt as if my back between by shoulders and at my sternum were bruised.) On friday my face had begun to swell and I was not feeling like myself at all. Friday night around 9:30 we packed up and headed back to labor and delivery to see if they could determine what was wrong.

Originally all symptoms pointed to Eclampsia. They tested my blood pressure (usually low, 110/60) and it was 159/88. This typically isn't too high but high for me it was. My pulse was a different story; it was dangerously low, staying at a solid 38-40.(normally between 70-80) My Dr. was not on call and lab work all that came back elevated was my liver enzyme levels. They sent me home without any answers and said you are too close to borderline for us to administer the Magnesium. I literally laid on the couch all day sat and all day sunday.

Monday I went to drop AC off at MDO I told a friend of mine there about my crazy weekend and she insisted after school I go by her house and have her husband (a paramedic) check my BP and HR. Again we got very similar ratings to what we found on friday night. My friend called a close friend of hers who happens to be a L&D nurse. She gave her the run down and the two of them decided I needed to head back to the hospital. On my way home I called my Dr.'s office, just so happened she was out of office that day and the nurse agreed with the friends I needed to go back to the hospital.

I met casey at home and was NOT wanting to go. We ate our dinner and got AC headed over to a friends house. We spent the better part of the night going back and forth.

At first my nurse told me they would admit me for testing, then she said L&D was so full that people all around me were having to labor without epidurals in Triage because they didn't have room on the floor for these women. (broke my heart!) Then around 9:30 my Dr. came up to the hospital. My heart rate was staying around 39 and at some times dropping as low as 35. BP was still elevated. She ordered more labs, a CT Scan, and an EKG. After the EKG the Dr. seemed concerned and told me she would be consulting a cardiologist to read the test as well. Labs all came back normal and CT Scan came back normal. They did find a little big of fluid on my lungs and said that should be relieving as the swelling goes down.

Tuesday I met with the cardiologist (who I LOVE) she ordered another EKG and an Echo cardiogram. Both of those came out seemingly fine. Once I am released for physical activity I will do the stress test and she will put me on a heart monitor.

Requests:

So... all of this to say everything I have been feeling and they have tested is one big mystery!!

If I could ask for specific requests they would be for the Dr. to find something in all the tests we have already run and see if something was missed or over looked.

Also, in the coming weeks for the cardiologist to be able to explain the sudden drop in my heart rate and determine if medicine is necessary to help my levels return to normal.

Thank you for everyone who has already been praying and been so concerned. Such an incredible feeling to know you are being blanketed in prayer.

I am also happy to report most of my swelling has decreased to a manageable level so I can continue to rest and take care of my babies.

Hope each of you are having a wonderful week.

Quick ?

2012-01-25T22:34:00.000-06:00

I am slowly beginning to resurface after an interesting post-delivery (more on that later)

Wanted to stop in really quick and ask to see if anyone has seen this pin on pinterest??

Source: andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

I am wanting to make these for us to send "love letters" either at home or in my classroom at school. Apparently you can buy these little mailboxes at Michael's.

Everytime I am there they are sold out.

Anyone know where else I might be able to find them??

They are so stinkin' cute!!

Introducing

2012-01-18T22:59:00.000-06:00

So... truth be told my water broke photographing the bassinet on Saturday.

We waited on Casey to get home, packed our bags and headed to the hospital.

In the wee hours of Sunday morning we welcomed our sweet baby boy into this world.

At 2:51 am Joseph "Connor" Rodden entered this world.

He weighed 7 pounds and 11 ounces and was 20 3/4" long.

In the words of Mary Poppins "Practically perfect in every way!"

Big sister loves him, but pray for her, the whole sharing attention thing is weighing down on her the past few days!

Nursery Diaries: Our Bassinet

2012-01-14T19:18:00.000-06:00

Right after our daughter was born I found out about this incredibly over the top/lavish catalog company called Posh Tots.

I requested one of their catalogs to "window show"

Well right there in the first pages was the most beautiful bassinet I had ever seen!

I just knew with enough searching I could recreate this lovely bassinet for way way less than $900.00.

We made mine for around $65.00!!

Here is how:

I found my bassinet at a local consignment sale for $35.00.

(It was natural wood and we spraypainted it a high gloss white)

We bought 4.5 yards of 110" wide Kona cotton at Joann's for the skirt.

The 2 yards of Champagne colored silk dupioni was left over from my wedding.

(if you are adding that into your cost you can find it on ebay, fabric.com or even etsy for about 18.99 a yard)

My mom made the bumpers out of the silk dupioni.

The left over silk was used for the 2" band around the bassinet and the big bow!

I am so glad to have such a precious place to lay my baby boy! Mom did such a great job!

Image Inspiration

2012-01-13T18:11:00.000-06:00

So... I have this 30x40 painting... it has sat blank in my home for over 3 months now...

I am super inspired by Michelle Armas.

Attempting to use her work as inspiration for this blank canvas in my living room.

Wish me luck!!

I mean this is just.... divine... only hope mine can have this much depth and movement as her work does.

Happy Weekend!

Nursery Diaries: My Must Have Baby List

2012-01-11T21:38:00.000-06:00

To be completely honest all you REALLY need is that sweet baby in your arms.

But, the items I am sharing with each of you are my personal opinions of what helped me with my daughter and I know are sure to help me with our son.

You know... the things that make life a lot easier and help you sleep better at night!

1.I lived with my baby sling and my Moby wrap with my daughter. I can only hope and pray our little man is going to enjoy being close to mommy like lil bit did.

2.Bla Bla Dolls, or Zubels even. These knit dolls make me weak at the knee's and even though I love them our daughter loved snuggling with them more!!

3. This is an official "lovie" snuggler. Angel Dear makes this one and it wasn't until about 6 months ago lil bit became super attached. Now it is a bedtime "must-have"

4. Blankets!! Both of my babies will have been born in the winter, I think swaddling and an extra layering blanket are a must with this crazy southern weather we experience. It is like layering your clothing, you can always add and take away!!

5. Hooded towels- What did the world do without these things before they existed??? I have created quite a collection of these things and for me they are a bathtime must from birth through... well as long as I can continue to get them to use them!!

6.The Boon grass drying rack- I did not have this with our daughter but several friends say it is way less cumbersome than the Dr. Brown's one I have. You just stick everything right in and tada... it holds the item. Genius in my book!!

7.The Boon feeding spoon- I got a LOT of unusual looks when I fed our daughter with this 3 years ago. Boon had just released this product and I LOVED IT!! I recently found some at TJ Maxx so we will have 3 for our little guy. The food goes inside the silicone spoon and the stopper on the spoon part holds the food in. No contamination between when you pour it in and they finally finish it. Not done?? pop it in the fridge and feed more at the next meal. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!!

8. Adiri Bottles- I only have two of these but they SAVED our lives when I was nursing my daughter. I had to suppliment her one feeding a day due to underproduction. This bottle (although will cause quite a few ppl to ask what it is) has had studies performed to reduce nipple confusion. We had a rough go last time nursing and usually the feedings ended in both me and the baby crying so hoping for a "not so lazy nurser" this go around and a break for at least one feeding so I can create a "supply"

9. The 4Moms Momaroo- Oh this swing is just divine. Its a bouncer, and a swing in one!! We live in a small home and floorspace is key! This guy takes up little to no room and has tons of features. This will be a first time using this swing but we have "tried it out" on several friends babies and everyone seems to love it!!! Sooooo glad I chose to get this piece of gear!!

10.The Summer Video Monitor- The lady I babysat for in high school got this exact monitor when her twins were born. I HEAVILY relied on this thing when watching her 4 babies. The night vision feature is great and when we found out we were expecting last time I knew this was a must. It is so comforting to be able to peer into their room while they sleep and see them on the screen, nice and warm!! We are still using this for lil bit and going to get a second camera to have in the nursery.

11. The Chicco Carseat- I because a consumer reports FREAK last go around. {I mean come on... I was driving a volvo at the time, we LOVE safety!!} Anywho this seemed to be a really great buy and performed impeccably in all the various crash test ratings! Already have this sucker loaded up in the van waiting on the baby's arrival!!

12.Boogie Wipes- I know i know, you are thinking.. really wipes just for boogs?? Ever had to wrestle a 2 year old kicking and screaming and not wanting the crusties wiped away?? Well not any longer, these wipes are saline based and makes those battles way WAY less severe!!

13. Dreft detergent- I am STILL making my own detergent, but who doesn't love the smell of Dreft?? It is probably one of my most favorite scents to date!!! Yes this is a splurge we won't continue for long but ohhh so worth it when you have a new bundle in your home.

14.Frog Humidifier- My husband and I both have horrible allergies and sinus issues. Almost from the minute lil bit was born she was sniffly. Keeping the dry winter air moist really seemed to help her not be so rattly. I am considering buying one for my room, using lil bit's in her room and buying one for the nursery!!

15.NUK orthodontic pacifiers- Okay this is my "guilt-transfer" if you will item I deem a MUST. I had an obsession with my paci as a child. Heck I even cracked my skull open as a baby diving after a falling paci. These days the paci is designed to keep the roof of the mouth flat and not do as much damage as the paci's I used to use. They "pacify" the child, keep things nice and quiet for mommy, and they aren't harming their dental future!! Sounds like a win, win win in my book.

And for those of you curious about this "space-age" swing {as my dad so endearingly calls it} Here is the official video.

Thanks for letting me share my Top items....

Now to photograph the nursery for yall!!

Playing Around

2012-01-09T08:51:00.000-06:00

We are savoring these last few days as a family of three!

I am trying to squeeze in doing some of lil bit's most favorite things.

So middle of last week we headed to her favorite park!

Can someone tell me what it is about 3 year olds having their picture made and sticking their chin in the air. Makes me laugh.

Then her inner dare devil came out. She was squealing with delight!

I have deemed this week full blown baby week.

I will be sharing the finished bassinet, finished nursery, some diy projects along the way and my Must Have Baby items!

See you back later!!

Premier Fabrics

2012-01-06T08:52:00.000-06:00

Wanted to share a tid bit of information with you guys today!!

You may or may not realize it but some of the most popular fabrics (i.e. chevron fabric) seen in projects ALL over blogland are manufactured here in the south, specifically in Sherman, Mississippi.

The company I am referencing is Premier Fabrics.

You know who they are...

This chair transformation was shared over at design sponge

Ten June has some pillows in her den out of their fabric.

(click on image to go to site)

Dixie Delights used their gorg prints in her UNbelievable basement makeover!

(again click on images to go directly to the site)

(the striped fabric is premier)

And so is the drapery fabric.

Found this image on my pinterest.

Someone used their cane fabric as a backdrop for a Barbie box photo op.

Source: swanky-chic-fete.blogspot.com via Jenny Beth on Pinterest

too cute!!

I have used their fabrics in my home as well as clients homes.

Anywho, upon a recent visit in one of their retail locations I discovered some of our most favorite styles they produce are being discontinued.

BUT....

That means they are making way for 125 new fabrics!!!

Here is a sampling from there site as to what we have to look forward to.

ugh hmmm... (hitting the stores today might I add)

I have purposely been holding off on some projects in my own home just so I can use one or two of their new prints!!

Aren't you excited???

Floor Lamp- Copy Cat Chic

2012-01-04T20:01:00.000-06:00

Okay so the saga to find just the right pieces for our den continues. I think I find something then nah, doesn't work. Other than a rug we have been torn as to adding a floor lamp or a small table and lamp on the non-chaise side of the couch.

Ever since our trip to Atlanta this summer I have been in LOVE with things at Z Gallierie.

Everything is so chic and seems to be so well made so I start there as my launching point when I move on to the next items to complete this room.

That brings me here.

She would look Great in the spot in ? if you will.

But she costs $269.00

Which isn't horrible but I mean why not look for a little bit more reasonable right?

Yesterday I stopped in Kirkland's to peruse.

Usually I find very little in there that wows me.

But this guy....

Had such similar lines to the Mariposa lamp from Z Gallerie I thought about it....

Then I saw the price tag of $49.97!!!!

Heck yes I will.

Thinking of spray painting this beauty a gloss white!!

Have you found any copy cat deals lately??

Poly Mesh Tutorial

2012-01-04T07:49:00.002-06:00

Do y'all remember me posting the picture of the polymesh wreath with the skates?

Here she is...

click on the image to go to that post.

I promised I would be back to make another wreath with a step-by-step for you.

Now that pinterest exists I understand there are a million tutorials out there.

This one uses stuff you have around your home and literally can be completely finished in 15 minutes.

Take your roll of mesh and let it unroll itself. I draped mine over the back of a chair so it would not get tangled.

Then I grabbed a white wire hanger, a pair of scissors and some zip ties.

Honestly white would have worked for the zip ties but it just so happened I had the perfect matching blue!!

Just like in the video below I began working the mesh around my rounded out hanger.

Yes, they have a fancy schmancy ring with small pieces of garland to attach; but honestly the zip ties work to permanently keep the mesh on the "formed" hanger.

I am calling this method the "pinch-attach-zip-then cinch"

See here how you can cinch the mesh together to make it really full?

After your first layer is complete, (just like in the video) you will start a second layer.

My second layer only has about 4 loops because I knew I would be attaching another element to my wreath.

Here is the completed project.

(i think it is time to upgrade the planters by the front door; that will have to wait until this spring though)

And with the little bit of mesh I had left over I made a bow as well.

You know I Lurve a good bow!!

And while I was out there I decided to show y'all the monogrammed medallion I made for the hospital door.

This was super easy to make. However, the glitter letters were kinda messy. haha

btw... the mesh is now sold at Hobby Lobby. If you purchase the rolls from the gift wrap aisle it is $6.99 (as opposed to the holiday aisle for $7.99) so half off I made a poly-mesh wreath for $4.00.

Free hanger and zip ties and 20 minutes... Super cute way to welcome home our baby boy!!

I am linking up over at Amanda's for Weekend Bloggy Reading

Christmas 2011

2012-01-02T07:06:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to do a "mental" highlight of our last christmas as a family of "3"

You know the usual items made their appearance... fashion, games and princess items.

She was quite a happy little girl!!!

Hope all of you enjoyed your christmas!

Here is to 2012

2012-01-01T11:18:00.000-06:00

Last night I typed a nice long post about all I hope to accomplish and what all I hope the year can hold....

Source: matchbookmag.tumblr.com via Whitney on Pinterest

Went to publish and blogger told me I was out of storage... rut row... so for those of you who have had to purchase more memory for your site how much should I buy?

This only appeared from my ipad. Ever had that happen to you?

2011 Recap

2011-12-29T09:01:00.007-06:00

I had a blast joining in over at Rhoda's last year. This post really helps you see what all you have been able to accomplish in one short year!

We started out the year by adding a gallery wall up our stairway.
(and it didn't get blogged until August... oopsies)

In February we printed out our first set of Ana White plans and built a book shelf for lil bit's big girl room.

Then I decided to copy-cat and add a stencil wall to the main wall in our master bedroom.

In April I decided to try my hand at upholstery and I recovered this chair.

(as you can tell I got to excited to add the tacks, conceal the bottom, or finish painting the chair before I shared the post!) haha

Then in the end of May and early June I took on my side of the road beauty!

This was a true Labor of Love!

At the end of July we left town for our first ever week long family vacation!

To Disney World we Went. And we had a BLAST!

(as you can see a pint-sized someone started taking on the "I am almost 3 attitude, Lord help me)

Then in August I striped my rug I found at Ikea for our dining room.

At the end of August a friend and I made this.

Tufting was super easy!!

In October we rented one of these machine's and blew insulation into our attic.

We also decided we were over the stenciled wall in our master bedroom and took the plunge with BM Popcorn Kernel. ALL 4 gallons it took!!

Annddd... I lurve it... like big time!!

In late October I tried my hand at a Burlee!

And this whole time we have been working our way through designing our bundle of joy's nursery!

**hope to reveal the room by new years eve... only a few finishing touches....

Head on over to Rhoda's and see what everyone else has accomplished this year!

Kids Bathroom Update

2011-12-29T08:21:00.000-06:00

Once we found out we were having a boy we knew a shabby chic pink bathroom would not foot the

bill. I mean, the bathroom is in his room. So we packed away all our cute shabby chic-ness (for another house) and decided to make this a boy/girl bathroom they can both enjoy.

This is a very narrow bathroom so using less really was more here.

(Luckily, behind the door is a nice deep linen closet so a lot can be stored there.)

btw the yellow lighting and lime green walls made this small space really difficult to photograph. :\

We found the shower curtain online; Garnet Hill.

And we had someone make the bottom frame and the top distressed frame is from a local crafts fair we attended back in the fall.

I just stuck a picture I had in the top frame.

In the bottom one is the card of the company who made the frame, waiting on little fella to arrive so I can fill it with pictures of both the kids.

and yes, we still need to replace the caulking around the tub.. adding that to daddy's"to-do" list.

An "All- Boy" Nursery-Client

2011-12-27T08:48:00.001-06:00

Recently, a friend from college contacted me about helping her gather some ideas for her nursery.

Her husband has kept all his transformers and what not from his childhood and she wanted to find a way to get the bedding she picked out to go together with some of his "vintage" toys.

Here is what I was able to come up with.

Also wanted to tell yall I am going to be doing some "maintenance" to the blog this week so I apologize in advance for "re-posting" things. Need to go back and re-tag/organize everything from the beginning.

Christmas Home Tour

2011-12-20T18:56:00.001-06:00

So in a scurry to finish a million and a half seeing projects I had almost completely forgotten about doing a quick walk through of our Christmas decor. Please prepare yourselves. It was slim pickin' this year. We have hit the 3 week countdown till baby and I just knew putting up as little as possible was ideal!

We don't have a mantle, so we improvise ;)

And a pop of color above the tv in the den.

Some fun little knick knacks I have collected over our past 4 years together.

And our tree!!

I think the top of this tree is my most favorite!!

Our willow house manger in the dining room. Hope to start adding to it soon and once we have the "stable" I may leave it out year round!

Our beautiful collection of Christmas cards from dear family and friends.

And my pinkaliscious holly platter! It sure does put a smile on my face ;)

Thursday we are hoping to make salt dough ornaments for the grandparents, and decorate the gingerbread house as a family!! I can't wait for that!!!