As I have been thinking a lot about updating several rooms in our home, I realized that I am in desperate need of some new lighting. Top of my list: this handmade glass lamp in duplicate for our bedside tables. But if I’m being really honest, I am really dying for this stunning driftwood lamp. I don’t have a place to put it, but I’d be willing to a buy it its own table. It’s by Royal & Oak, a new Dallas-based furniture and lighting company started by some of our friends. Perhaps, they’ll give me a discount.

simple // Crate & Barrel
STATEMENT //  Royal & Oak

The housewares brand known for adding happy and humor to your home has opened a new Dallas boutique on McKinney Avenue . I’ve been a longtime fan of Jonathan Adler‘s cheeky pottery and I am thrilled to visit the new store tonight for the Grand Opening. Anyone that believes in irrelevant luxury is speaking my language. I may not be able to afford a designer couch, but you won’t find me carrying a boring black umbrella. Jonathan Alder also believes in being underdressed or overdressed always, which is a philosophy I fully support.

1. Squirrel Needlepoint Pillow // 2. Peacock Coasters // 3. Mongolian Lamb Bench // 4. Alexandra Vase // 5. Elephant Butter Dish // 6. Scales Umbrella

Forever21 // Shoshanna // Ella Moss // Rebecca Minkoff // 7 for all Mankind // Gap // Tibi // H&M // Club Monaco // BCBGeneration // Current/Elliott // J.Crew

Y’all may have heard of this mini movement. It all started with Jess’s Things I’m Afraid To Tell You posts (#2 and #3), which inspired Ez to start a challenge to herself and others, causing Meg to gather some more for a second round of Things I’m Afraid To Tell You, where bloggers are bearing their soul and getting real honest with each other and our readers.

I have always tried to be super transparent and honest on this blog. But the truth is Modern Eve is a highly edited version of my life. You see the photographs that I think make me look the best, the instagrams where I have styled things just right, the tweets that talk about how fabulous and fun my weekend is. It’s not that I don’t have ugly, sad or even boring days, it’s just that I don’t talk about them. So this post is truly quite huge. I am letting y’all into some aspects of my world that I typically don’t talk about. Yes, that means religion and politics, too. Here it goes…

I don’t clean my house. And I only have a maid come once a month. I know, it’s gross. To be fair, I actually do a very fairly decent job of keeping things put away and straightened. I hate clutter and like to have an organized home. But, I never run the vacuum, clean a toilet or dust. Husband doesn’t really either, so there you go. The day the maids come is a good day. The week before they come is kind of grimy.

I don’t work out. My close friends know this and I am not (too) ashamed of it, but for some reason admitting it to people I don’t know is hard. I definitely wouldn’t say I am lazy. I am always running around somewhere, working on some project, but I just hate the gym, I don’t see the point in running unless it’s to chase after a ball in a competitive team sport (which I am too out of shape to play), and I am too cheap to join a yoga gym. I’ve never really had to worry about my weight, but I am fearful it’s going to catch up with me once I have children. I recently was approached by a well-known fitness company to collaborate. I am embarrassed to tell them that it’s probably not a good fit.

I am very conservative in my political views. And I really hope Obama does not get re-elected. This one is actually probably the most terrifying for me to share. I know many of my friends and readers feel very differently about these issues. And while I am completely okay with that (the world would be a very boring place if we were all the same), I fear that y’all will not only judge, but actually hate me for my opinion.

I graduated from Seminary. That’s right. I have a Masters in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. It’s something I never mention because honestly, I fear that it will stereotype me in a way I don’t want to be stereotyped. I’ve occasionally mentioned my faith in Jesus Christ before when it seems appropriate and not preachy, but for some reason acknowledging that I went to Seminary puts me in some whole other category. In fact, I actually hate the stereotype of Christian all together. Everyone, whether you’re a believer or a non-believer, has their own assumptions in their mind when someone announces that they’re a Christian, sometimes it’s positive and many times it’s negative. I am a follower of Jesus Christ, my faith is a the most important thing to me, and I would gladly have a conversation with anyone that wants to about that topic. But, I don’t have any plans for that to be an outright agenda for Modern Eve.

And yes, I am not using my masters degree that I am still paying student loans for. And I might be the only fashion/ style blogger ever to go to DTS. I am actually worried that I am going to come up on some google search now for the school and people will see my blog and think I have been led astray.

I would like to have children soon. This one is complicated. Originally Husband and I were planning on having children after three years of marriage. It’s been five years and we still don’t have children, by choice. I have been thinking more and more about starting a family, but I know Husband would like to be more financial secure. Most of our friends have children, but then there are others that are having a difficult time getting pregnant. I don’t know if I’m more afraid of having a hard time getting pregnant myself or feeling guilty for having an easy time.

I would love to be a full-time blogger. My insecurity is totally hearing laughter right now. I announced earlier today that I quit my job, but that does not mean that I am making enough (not even close!) to have Modern Eve, the blog, be my full-time job. I will be offering my freelance social media and online marketing services for other lifestyle brands, as well as collaborating with some friends on some really fun projects. But I really wish I could find more lucrative ways to make money through blogging alone.

Well, there you go. I don’t know if I feel a sigh of relief or want to go run and hide. Regardless, thank you so much for reading and hopefully not judging (too harshly). If you have written a Things I’m Afraid To Tell You Post, please leave a link to it in the comments and make sure to check out and support the other bloggers who are being vulnerable today.

Bloggers Who Participated in Wave No. 2:

Cassie: Coco + Kelley / Christine: Court & Hudson / Caitlin: Sacramento Street / Roxy: My Cup of Te / Crystal: Blog / Meg: MIMI+MEG / Ashlina: The Decorista / Katie: Modern Eve / Erin: Apartment 34 / Erica: Design Blahg / Victoria: Vmac & Cheese / Christine: Miles to Style / Franki: Life in a Venti Cup / Sue: The Zhush / Erika: Radiant Republic / Gabrielle: Savvy Home / Monika: The Doctor’s Closet / Naomi: Design Manifest/Tobe: Because It’s Awesome / Becca: {extra}ordinary wonders / Lynzy: Sparkling Footsteps / Hitha: Hitha On The Go / Sarah: Note To Self / Liz: So Much To Smile About / Sarah: Blogstar / Alissa: The Goods Design / Jessie: Style & Pepper / Erika: Small Shop Studio / AV: Long Distance Loving / Maggie: Maggie Rose Blog / Nicole: The City Girl In Me / Priscilla: The Best Laid Plans / Jen: Concrete Jungle DC / Janelle: Food Fashion Fitness / Natalie: East Coast Chic

Thanks again to Jess for her initial post, and to Ez for starting the movement.

Here are the bloggers that participated in Ez’s Wave No. 1 of Things I’m Afraid To Tell You:

Design for Mankind | Little Brown Pen | Beautiful Hello | Curating Style | Sweet Fine Day | The Jealous Curator | Happy Days | Sage & Berries | Really Handmade | Peck Life | Satsuma Press | Rena Tom | For the Easily Distracted | The Hemborg Wife | Vitamini Handmade | Courtney Khail Stationery and Design | Meg in Progress | Dando Photography Blog | Widdershins22 | Alison Citron | Pink Moon Daily | Just Pretty Things | From China Village | Tea with Me | The Darling Ewe | Not Your Average Ordinary | The Electric Typewriter | Elleby Design | Parsimonia {Secondhand With Style} | Life as an Artistpreneur | Hello Cupcake | Dellie | The A & B Stories | Pretty Little Things | Feistyelle | Nib & Zed | Well and Cheaply | I Ripple. I Dance. | Whitfield Awesome Blog | Foxtrot Press | Dry As Toast | The List of Now | Apple Blue | For the Love of | Four Flights of Fancy | Miss Modish | Snapshots & Secrets | Dirty Laundry | Bubby & Bean | Penelope’s Press | Little Nostalgia | Vale Design | Pikaland | Fleurishing | Print Pretty | Vespa Tales | Hazel & Agnes | Amanda’s Musings | Mo’ Funk Designs | Ordinary Mommy | Camp 1899 | In Honor of Design | Liberty’s Yarn | Love, Life & Pictures | Stacey Winters | Owl in the Rain | Living Life Creatively | Emma Elizabeth Clease | I Live in Vacouver Now | British Cream Tea

// Image via Ez

First of all, welcome to phase one of the new and improved Modern-Eve.com. It’s been quite a busy weekend and a (very) long night getting this thing ready. I’ve been wanting to clean up and simplify Modern Eve for some time now and my big announcement gave me the perfect excuse. I am still making some tweaks and have some larger plans for phase two, but hopefully you’ll be able to find everything you need until then.

The real motivation behind the redesign is the same reason for this post today, my BIG news… I quit my job! After several months of planning, prayer and deep consideration, I have decided to offer my freelance social media and online marketing services full-time. (Squeal!) I am so thrilled and can’t wait to start working with other talented business owners and call them my clients.

My last day at my former job was actually on Friday, so I am officially on my own payroll. I’m not going to lie, it’s a little terrifying, especially since Husband is also self-employed. But the opportunity to grow something of my own matched with the flexible lifestyle that comes with being your own boss makes it all worth it.

I truly have so much more I want to share and I’m excited to be back later this afternoon to share my Things I’m Afraid to Tell You, as part of a second wave of bloggers getting real transparent and honest, but right now I need to go catch a couple of hours of sleep. It’s 6 am and no, I have  not been to bed yet. Good thing I don’t have to be at an office in the morning.

I was recently introduced to Sorrelli, a lovely company that offers antique inspired heirloom jewelry. Most of their jewelry features crystallized SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS®, along with semi-precious cabochons like desert jasper, reconstructed turquoise, freshwater pearls, and tiger’s eye. I first saw one of their designs on a friend during fashion week. I loved it so much that I knew I had to get some of my own.

I am very excited that Sorrelli is also sharing my new baubles with one lucky Modern Eve reader. You can win the same Riveting Romance Earring, Divinely Diamond Necklace and Luxurious Emerald Cut Cocktail Ring, all from the 2012 Spring Aegean Sea Collection, that I am wearing here.

Modern Eve for Sorrelli :: T-shirt: StyleMint. Sweater: Urban Outfitters (similar from Free People). Shorts: Adam via the new Bloomingdale’s – The Outlet at The Shops at Park Lane (similar from ASOS on sale). Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs. Wedges: Cole Haan (last year). Jewelry: c/o Sorrelli.

To enter:  Visit Modern Eve’s Facebook page for a chance to win $250 worth of Sorrelli jewelry. Go here to enter! Entries must be posted by Friday, May 18, 2012 at 11:59 pm CST, and one winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday, May 21st.  Good luck, friends!

[No purchase necessary to enter, open to US readers only. Winner of the giveaway will be contacted via Facebook or email.]

// Photography by Jaclyn Welch.

// Barrie Benson

I’ve developed a serious crush on white wash wood slat walls. They’re the perfect combination of natural and modern, reminding me of the beach in a non-sea shell, non-sailboat decor kind of way. That’s a good thing. I also think it’s a fresh alternative to the white subway tile that everyone seems to be using.

// Canadian House & Home // Photography by Ashley Capp

That black wall in this bathroom is the perfect amount of drama. I love it as a backdrop for that amazing modern soaking tub. That’s not a look I think we’ll replicate in our master bathroom, but I do love the walk-in shower. I wish I could see the tile in greater detail. And that window. I’d love the large window. Unfortunately I don’t think we’ll be able to make that work.

// Lori Pepe-Lunché // via Design*Sponge

This is another great walk-in shower. Carrara marble is already on my product list. It feel so clean and spa-like. I also like how the tile directly under the shower head is cut smaller. It defines the space and makes it a little more interesting. Oh, how I wish we could put in a large window. Clearly seeing a trend here.

// Redo Contracting

I think I’m sold on a solid white bathroom, but this gray really is lovely. Dual sinks are a must in a master bathroom. An under-mount sink might be easier to clean and therefore more practical, but I love these modern square sinks. What do y’al think? I’m also a fan of those light fixtures, but was leaning toward these from Restoration Hardware on the side of double mirrors.

// O Interior Design// Photography by Emily Minton Redfield

I am in love this built-in wood cabinet. There a place for one in our bathroom and I think I may copy this one exactly. It looks so great with those white towels.

// David Jimenez // via House Beautiful

An all white (or mostly white) bathroom is what it’s going to have to be. I can’t seem to shake it. Here the counters and floors are Calacatta Gold marble. It’s very similar to Carrara, and they’re both from Italy. Here’s a great ideabook from Houzz about the difference. I wonder is there’s a price difference. I also love the window in between the mirrors. Natural light is always best when getting ready.

// Better Homes and Gardens

I think this backsplash and shelf is quite clever. It’s beautiful and practical. Not sure if it’s something we’ll do, but worth considering. I also love all the drawers. I could store so many fun beauty products in those!

I can’t wait to see how this all comes together! Pretty soon I’ll be creating an inspiration board with my product selections and having Husband bid it out. Hopefully my taste is not too expensive. Although, it always is.

I am excited about May for a lot of reasons. I have been working on some very fun projects, including a website re-design for myself and a couple of friends! Here are a couple of other things I’m looking forward to this May. These things and flowers or course. May flowers…can’t forget those.

Make that pedicure appointment, because sandal season is officially here. I’m storing away my booties, ballet flats and pumps for my favorite summer shoe — the wedge. Don’t worry I’ll give the flipflop it’s fair play, too. Here are some that are catching my eye and tempting my pocketbook. By the way, what is a pocketbook? Does anyone even carry those anymore?

Splendid // Ivanka Trump // Matiko // Rebecca Minkoff

May plays host to a lot of celebrations — Mother’s Day, Graduation and of course, Memorial Day! It’s also the kick-off to a heavy wedding season.   I am stocking up on stationery so that I have the perfect cards for each occasion. I’m trying to get better at planning ahead instead of having to reluctantly send an a last minute (and ugly) convenience store card. Does anyone else still send actual cards anymore?

Love vs. Design // Etsy seller rawartletterpress // Etsy seller AshleyPahl // Tiny Prints

I’ve got the nesting bug and am dying to redo my entire living room. Unfortunately it’s not in the budget right now and I really should be focused on our master bedroom / bathroom remodel. To make a big impact on a low budget, I’ve been searching for fun tabletop accessories and sculptures to help me style my bookcases and credenzas. I’d love any and all of these to magically appear in my home.

South of Market // Dwell Studio // High Street Market // Perch!

What about you? What are you looking forward to this May?

Tomorrow Dave and I are celebrating our five year wedding anniversary. Wow, I feel that makes our marriage kinda legit, huh? Seriously in today’s society someone should be giving us a medal. I say that tongue in cheek, but the truth is there have been some hard seasons in our marriage. And I have no doubt that there are difficult times yet to come. I mean how tough could it really have been with no kids, good health and a fairly steady income over the last five years?

Well, it is. Turning two Me’s into a We can prove quite challenging, and at times very lonely. There have been tears due to disagreements over living room art. Harsh words spoken for forgetting to take out the trash. Fear-induced disrespect and complete lack of support following a job loss. Bitterness (and what some might call rage) at the mention of pushing back our starting-a-family-timeline. And these are only my contributions. Each of these examples represents a real story intimately shared by Dave and I over the last five years. They were painful and now as I type them out, I’m embarrassed.

But, I’m grateful. So very grateful. As hard as it has been at times, marriage has been an amazing catalyst toward life change, slowly molding me into the woman I deeply desire to be. And the absolute best part is that I have my very best friend right beside me in the process. I am truly such a better Me as a part of a We.

Thankfully, Dave and I are genuinely in a really good place right now. Good as in, we’re having regular and healthy communication, we feel spiritually connected to each other and the Lord, and we can rest in our commitment to one another instead of getting derailed during minor conflicts. On top of that, I can’t imagine anyone else I’d rather spend my time with. As angry as he can make me at times, no one has the ability to make me gasp for breath in laughter or overwhelm my heart with affection like he can.

Happy five years, sweetheart! Here’s to 50 more…

// Advertisement from StrongerMarriage.org

But, boring is not an option. Simple can still be luxurious. Simple clears the way to make room for statement pieces. By removing excess and other distractions, you give beauty to not only items that might otherwise be overlooked, but provide a clean stage to showcase one-of-a-kind, conversational pieces.

All that being said, I’m excited to start this new column: simple/STATEMENT. I’ll be sharing some of my favorite fashion and design finds. One simple. One statement.

I’m the market for a new right hand ring. Husband and I’s five-year wedding anniversary is this upcoming weekend and we’re going shopping to find a new bauble. I’m really wanting something unique, but also timeless. I’d love it to be a piece that I’d hold onto forever, perhaps even pass down to my children. For that reason, I am leaning towards the simple.