It's October!!!

If you know anything about me, know this. I LOVE to decorate for the holidays. LOVE IT!!! I'm pretty sure, I have my Auntie Chuchie to thank for that. I remember decorating, when I was little. We'd start in September, to decorate for Halloween. Days after Halloween, those decorations came down. And immediately, the Christmas decorations went up.

When I moved into my own home, well I became a "Decorating Diva." As my neighbors would call me. :) I immediately started a "Wreath Collection." And well, everyone knew what time of year it was, just by looking at my home.

These days, I still decorate. But I try to make it a little more "Homemade with Love." I take more care, with what I buy. And put up. I like to go with "color palettes." And I try to put up "Fall Decorations," in September. And then sprinkle in Halloween things in October. Then "edit" just a bit, and add in Thanksgiving items, in November.

With that being said, I'm always looking for a new idea. Something interesting. And a little sweet. I've already put up some orange lights. Not pumpkins, but orange twinkle lights. There might even be some purple ones in our kitchen. :) But I wanted to try a few new things. So like any blogger, I headed to Pinterest for some inspiration.

I found this adorable wreath. Something that I probably should have found a month ago! I like the use of burlap. And those flowers. Oh, those flowers!!! I think this would be one of those pieces, that can take you from September, to the end of November.

This wreath looks fairly easy to make. I'd start with making lots of orange flowers. Maybe in September have more red and orange. Then change the red to black, in October. And as we get into November, change the black to mustard. The simple sign inside, is another piece that can easily be exchanged. I've seen similar pieces at Hobby Lobby. :)

Now this wreath screams "Halloween" to me! I adore this wreath. The entire look of it. Traditional, in terms of a wreath. A bit trendy, with the zebra print bow. And just fun, with the folds. This my friends, is going to be my project for the week. :)

Now this, is a mantel! This is what I'm talking about, when I say, I work with a "color palette." Last year, we went with a black and white "themed" mantel. In our den. Honestly, it was my favorite.

I went out, and bought a bunch of decorations at a thrift store. You know, the old, ceramic type. And I painted them black and white. Some were just owls. Others were traditional pumpkins. It was definitely fun!

Decorating can be so easy, and fun. Even holiday decorating, can be elegant. And can reflect, on the decor of your home. It's October 1st. And I've already got pumpkins, on our dining room table. And a few "spooky decorations" on our entry table. This is just the beginning. Especially after searching through Pinterest for 2 hours! ♥

Kindergarten Graduations :)

Little K, is getting ready for her Kindergarten Graduation. As is Sarita and Marissa. Congrats to 3 sweet girls!!! The other day Little K came to me. She wants to make some gifts for her friends. Something school related. Since we'd already made them some crayon pouches, we needed a new idea.

We searched for 2 hours. With no luck! But Little K, was so positive about it. She told me, that she'd keep searching with her grandma. And when they found an idea, they'd e-mail me. Well, I got 3 e-mails. And I got to work. :)



First up, were these cute pencils. I don't know where they are from. But I liked the idea. The sayings about different pairs. I took to a company that this guy uses for his business. Come on! Uncle had to help with something. :) We ordered a bunch of pencils, in all sorts of colors. With a variety of different sayings. We also ordered some stickers, and little notepads.



These erasers are adorable! Another thing that we ordered. And when they came in, I wrapped them up, in wax paper. Super easy! And oh so cute!!!



Then I took to this cute wreath. I have 2 started. One for the teacher, and one for the assistant. They're really are easy. I just need to set some time aside, to work. But I've got the flowers made. The rest, is all about gluing down some crayons. One wreath will have red flowers, the other blue.

I think it's so cute, that Little K wanted to give her classmates a little present. And I had a lot of fun, putting these things together. All we have left to do, is put everything in a little bag, and add the little tag. Little K is coming over to help me with that. I also plan on baking some cookies, and adding them in. I can't wait to see Little K on her graduation day! ♥

Making a Home...

I don't remember how I found this blog. And it just happened a few days ago. But I'm in love with Kammy's Korner! This blog, makes me think, I can do anything!

It should be no secret, to any of my readers, that in the last 6 months, this man has bought 2 new homes. That I need to decorate. From across the country! I also don't want to spend a lot of money. Being that we won't spend a whole lot of time, in any of these homes.

I've been getting inspired by Jamielyn. And I want to jump into the world of rescuing, and refinishing furniture. Don't get me wrong, there are certain things, that even I have to say, we need to buy new. Soft furniture, like couches, certain chairs, and of course mattresses.

But for tables, bed frames, wooden chairs, shelves, things like that...I'm ready to try my adventures in refinishing. For months and months, I've been researching. I hadn't had much of a plan. But even I have to say this, at least one of our homes needs to be finished. Complete. Something that is inviting, to our friends and family.

We've only lived in our primary home, for a few months. I don't think I've shared every move we've had to make. Let's just say, we haven't had the best luck in houses. And at times, we've shared a small studio type of place, with 2 dogs, and 2 cats. Above this man's car collection. Talk about nuts!!! The first home this man lived in, when I met him, got seriously damaged. Due to hurricane winds. And became structurally unstable. We certainly couldn't live there. That was just the beginning...

But this home, we took a lot of careful planning, when it came to this home. We had contractors, architects, and builders come from 10 different states. This home is built to withstand so much! No safety measure or expense, was overlooked. This, is hopefully, our "Forever Home." Because I can't handle another move!!! I just don't have it in me...

With that said, our current home, lacks space for others to spend the night. Our spaces are complete. Our bedroom, bathroom, closets, the kitchen, dining room, living room, and this guy's computer room. But honestly, the other half of the house is pretty boring. No furniture. A few things, in each room. In the closets!!!

Because with this home, my motto has been, "If we don't love it, it doesn't come in." Simple. But then, it leads to a half empty home. And a very unmotivated woman. And a man, that doesn't mind. Because he travels most of the week.

Me, I mind! I mind that there isn't room, for Little Sister to stay the night. And some nights, she leaves our home at 2AM. To drive an hour home. It bothers me, that my friends are coming out, in just a few days, and we have no room for them. It bothers me, that my best friend, doesn't have a place to spend the night.

So this blog, has totally motivated me! Almost every day, I make an hour drive to work. An another hour home. If I hit the happy "Traffic Hour," it's a lot more time. Say 3 hours one way!!! But on this long drive that I make, from the large city, to the BFE where we live, I pass tons of homes. And all those people, are always throwing out furniture. Perfectly fine furniture.

I told this guy, I need to start driving his truck to work. That way, I can stop and pick up some of these gorgeous pieces. You know, before the trash truck does! And I'd love to redo them. In fact, I find myself, dreaming up ideas, for the random furniture, that I see on the side of the road.

To be 100% honest, I was jealous when Jamielyn found this bed. And thought to myself, "Now why I can't I find something like that?" Then about a week later, I did. Too bad I was already running late to work. And in a small sports car. That king sized bed, would have never fit! But now that Kammy posted about her Master Bedroom Makeover...I hope I find another bed! And soon!!!



You have to see the "Before and After." It's A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! The perfect bed, for 1 of our guest rooms. :) The one that opens up to the garden. I'm sure Little Sister would love to stay the night, in this room. Or even Grandma!!! I just adore the bedding. Where in the world did Kammy get that duvet? Now I need someone, to throw out a bed... ♥

I Want to Make These

If there was just more time. Between now and Easter. If we weren't traveling. Or actually knew, where we'd be spending Easter. If only. I feel like lately, that's my little motto. If only...

Well, if I had a few more hours in my day, I'd make a few things. To make our home happy. To give as gifts. To calm myself, just a bit. Recently, a friend, sent me a few pictures. Here's my inspiration.



How about a pretty wreath? Something fun, and unexpected. A little whimsical. I'd love to whip something like this, up for our front door.



How about these simple decorations? Not too Easter-y. That means, we could get away with having them up, just a little longer! I like the simplicity. :)



Or how about some cute, little sheep pillows. I'm really LOVING these pillows! They could go well with our new, buttercup yellow blanket. Sheep and chicks!!! It doesn't get more Spring like than that!!! :)



A fun pillowcase. I want to make a few of these. For some very special little girls. With some minor adjustments. I NEED to make some time, to make these precious pillowcases!



Maybe even this bunny. It's so unusual. But fun! I like the long eyelashes. That the body shape is a little quirky. This could be another fun gift!

These are a few things, that I'd LOVE to make right now! To add a little fun, Spring, and color into our home. What are some projects, that you're wanting to make? Or what are some things, that are inspiring you, this Spring. It could be clothing, pictures, flowers, food, or anything else. I'd LOVE to know!!! ♥

Gives Me An Idea

My cousin is due, with her first baby, in just a few weeks. In fact, her Baby Shower is in 2 days. Today, we found out, that the place where the Baby Shower was supposed to be, well, it can't be. Remember, 2 days!!!

There are really not any other places, to have the shower. Everything is booked. And well, we just can't find another place. So my cousin (her mom) is going to have the shower at her house. I'm praying for warm weather. As my cousin's house is quite cozy! And not the place to host this shower. Something like 90 invitations were sent out!!!

I've been flying back and forth. Since we're in the Sunshine State...for just about 2 weeks. And well, I offered to help with the Baby Shower. Kind of crazy right now. Flying that far. For just a day or so. But sometimes, you have to do what you have to do. It's family after all. :) And these 2 cousins of mine, have a very special place in my heart. :)

So I've been making tons of stuff for my cousin. Decorations. Baby gifts. Lots of stuff. Painting, crocheting, and sewing. So has my Mom! Let's just say this much, this little girl, is going to be well dressed! But I came across this picture, late last night. And it got the wheels turning. I want to make this set!



Isn't it just adorable? I LOVE the color combination too! There's just something about this hat and booties. It makes me smile. I didn't find the source for the picture. Which means, there is no pattern. But I'm positive, that I can figure something out. And I think, I might even have these colors in my stash! Let's just hope, that the Baby Shower, goes off without too many more problems. ♥

A Big Surprise!

I woke up to a Big Surprise this morning. HUGE actually! My Guy, bought us a house! In my hometown!!! I just about, killed over. I woke up, to this smiling man. Holding a breakfast tray. With flowers. And an envelope. Inside, all the paperwork to our new home. :O)

You see, before Christmas, we went to go look at houses. We've been dating for nearly 3 years now! And the last year, has been a challenge for my family. My Dad got sick in December 2010. Which has meant, that I'm spending a lot more time, in my hometown. Helping my family.

Every single time that I go home, I either stay in a hotel, or at this guy's house. Since he lives in Boston, he rarely is in our hometown. So my oldest friend, let's me stay at his house. Recently, I've spent more and more time in my hometown. My Guy has also spent a lot more time there. With me. And well, we've pretty much, lived in a hotel suite.

But with most things in life, you want to feel at home. Like you belong somewhere. Not in a place, where things feel borrowed. My Guy and I started looking for a small home. A place that is ours. A place where we can come back to. Be together. Enjoy my hometown. My family. My friends. A place were we can start to plant some roots.

We found a place. Accidentally. While taking a drive up to the nearby mountains. We were trying to avoid traffic from an accident. Turned down a side street. Got a little lost. And found a beautiful home. But it was a large home. A place for a family. A place for a full time family. Gorgeous. Spacious. Something that feels like home. That reminds me of this beautiful place, that I'm from. The place, where I became me. Where I grew into this person. A place to come back to. And to feel connected to again.

But I was using logic. We have a home. A beautiful home. In the South. I also have a home. In the small town, where I started college. I love that home. It was the first home, that I ever bought. The place, where I grew up. This man, also owns properties, sprinkled around the country. Places where we spend the most time, while we're on the road. Nothing too big. Or too extravagant. Mostly small places. Perfect for a few days. While he is working.

So my brain, said, "We don't need another home. No more property. We don't need it." Heck, I'm considering selling my home. But my heart, it really fell in LOVE with this home. Because it connected me back, to my hometown. And my roots.

I know that this man, really thought it out. I honestly, had forgotten all about it. I've been more consumed with my family, school, and my internship. He considered everything. Including the costs, with every visit we make. To my hometown. The same things, that he considered, when purchasing other properties. In the end, he knew it was the right thing to do. The responsible thing. And you know what he told me? "It's an investment in our future. One day, we'll split our time equally, between our home, and your hometown." It's important to him, that any future children that we have, are a part of both of our families!

I'm so excited! This is something completely out of the blue for me. COMPLETELY!!! But I'm super excited. Excited about this next chapter. To have this home, on all this property, overlooking those mountains. And that mesa. Near that river. Oh, I'm so excited!

Now, we have to start buying furniture. Painting walls. Moving in. Decorating. Making it our home. It's so exciting! To know that I'm putting down roots, in my hometown, with the man that I LOVE!!!

Here are a few ideas that we came across. And hope to incorporate into our new home. We have lots of windows...which means lots of great light. So we want to take advantage of it!



We have a small room, off of the kitchen. The realtor told us, that it was for a "Tea Room." Have you ever heard of one? I hadn't! But it's a gorgeous room. With dark floors, something like this. They were made from an old barn! So cool. And I have a chandelier, that we never used in our home. Perfect for this house!

I'd also LOVE to find furniture like this. It's just gorgeous! I could see this room, as a place where my girlfriends and I can just hangout. A place where we can chat, share tapas, and have a lot of laughs. I want to keep the paint color light, and some flowy curtains. With lots of candles. Of course! I think it could be magical.



The pantry in this home, is amazing! And I 100% think, that this could work perfectly! I have a nice collection of Fiestaware. The old stuff. And lots of colored glass. It's one of those things, that I've been collecting for such a long time!

There are also some nice bench seats in the pantry. It's an amazing space! I have to say this, a chef of some sort, had to have designed this space. Yes, it's just a dream come true! With a HUGE place for my Cookbook Collection.



There is also a nice breakfast nook. Off of the kitchen. And this my friends, would be amazing! It actually looks very similar to this space. Without the table and booths. I think this could be an amazingly simple project to do!

As you can see, we have a new and fun project on our hands. A HUGE project actually! The only problem is, both My Guy and I's schedules are really picking up. He's heading back to work. And I'm 100% preoccupied with school and my internship. This little project just might take a while. But it's definitely going to be a "Labor of Love." Thank you My Love! It means so much to me! ♥

Cute Idea!

Did you know, that Valentine's Day, is less than 3 weeks away?!?!?! Yes, I know! So I've been looking for some fun projects to work on. You know me! I'm all about decorating for the holidays. And for the first time, in a few years, My Guy has the day off. On Valentine's Day!!!

We did decide to head down to Florida, a little early though. To go before My Guy has to work. And just enjoy the holiday. Celebrate. That means, my projects need to be small and portable. To fold up, and pack in my suitcase. That makes this cute project, an absolute "Must" for me!



What do you think? I'm thinking of painting My Guy and I's names. Along with our fur babies' names. I think it will be really cute! I don't like to eat Conversation Hearts. But I sure enjoy making crafts, that are inspired by them. :) I better get painting. Before I know it, Valentine's Day will be here! ♥

Valentine's Day Garland

Did you know that Valentine's Day, is less than a month away? Where has time gone? I swear, we were just putting up our Christmas trees. I promise, we were! Anyway, I LOVE to decorate for Valentine's Day. LOVE IT!!!

Just over 2 weeks ago, I spotted these cute Valentine's Day lights. In the shape of hearts! At Walgreen's. I was there to pick up some prescriptions. Ended up having to wait. And left with a basket full of Valentine's Day goodies! They got me. But I was over the moon! And I bought a couple of those hearts. Perfect! I got to work, and I decorated. I swear, I was over the moon!

Just one thing. One Valentine's Day, we're going to be on the road. That disappoints me so much! I should be used to it. This will be the 4th Valentine's Day, on the road! So I need some decorations, that can easily travel. You know, pack up in a suitcase. That's when I took to Google. And found this picture!



I never found the source. Which disappoints me. I sorta was hoping it was from Etsy. So I could buy it. You know, already made. :O) But that's OK, I'm going to make this cute garland. Because I'm "IN LOVE" with it! It can be hung, or placed on a table. So cute! And versatile!

I'm still looking for some more ideas. If you have any, or know of any, please leave me a comment. I would really appreciate it! It doesn't matter what the craft is. It can even be a picture. I just need some ideas. ♥

Writing

I need to get back to writing. I just realized this. Over the last week. I did a lot of writing for me. And only me. Do you know what I mean? I write a post every single day for this blog. And I write in my journal. Oh, and there is my "job" of writing too! But this past week, I just wrote what I was feeling. Whatever happened to come to me.

I had forgotten how much I really just like to write, "to write." To just sit and let my imagination run wild. To let the words flow from my head, straight to my paper and pen. It was such a relaxing time. Something that I've really missed.



And you know what I'm thinking? I need to carve out more time to just write. To just be me. To see where this goes. I'm thinking that I need to create a beautiful space like this. A cozy place that just invites creativity. Just to write some beautiful stories. I'm just dreaming of all the possibilities. Happy Friday! ♥