Beautiful Inspiration

I've been "On the Fence" about my home. There is a Realtor, that is very interested in my home. So much so, I'd make a good deal of money, with the sale. As in, more than double what paid for it...11 years ago.

But it's my home. Although, I spend little to no time there. It's my "security blanket." And I'm not totally sure about parting ways. Not just yet. Instead, I'm looking at putting a lot of TLC into my home. Since I decided to spend more time in the Southwest this Summer, I've also decided to tackle some "Home Projects."

First up, is some not so fun stuff. Back in May, I worked for 2 weeks. In music stuff. And added to my "nest egg." Because I've known for a while now, that I NEED a new roof. And let me tell you, they are NOT CHEAP!!! A family friend, owns a roofing business in the area. Their estimate, is between $40,000-50,000. Way too high for me! So I'm still on the search. I also have a pretty urgent plumbing issue to fix. Another $500 project. :( Oh, and a new hot water heater...

Those are 3 HUGE projects. Very costly! But there are also many smaller things, that I can tackle. Can I be honest here? I bought paint almost 18 months ago. And that's one project that I'm ready to tackle. Lots of painting! A little sewing. I NEED some curtains. Oh, and a little yard work. :)

But I'm not disappointed. These are things that NEED to get done. But I'm also looking for some inspiration. Not only is this my first home. But it's definitely a "Girl Home." I've got tons of candles, throw pillows, and fun colors.

With a limited decorating budget, due to the important work that needs to be done, I've gone to Pinterest for a little inspiration. Oh, and let me tell you, I'm not disappointed! Just wondering, how much I can get done in 2 months. Just look at this dining room!!!



I'm in LOVE!!! Those flowers, are AMAZING! I'm thinking, they'd be fun in my office. Which is already a fun space. That inspires me every single day. And the crisp white room, WOW! I want a similar looking room. Not for a dining room. Maybe a laundry room. Or guest room.

If you have any ideas, or inspiration, please let me know! Although I'm working on a few different projects, working on my home, is ALWAYS my favorite. Because it's my space. I don't have to think about what someone else likes. Just what I enjoy. Not in a spoiled brat, sort of way. But in the sense, that I won't always have this space. That is just mine. And I want to enjoy it. I want to enjoy my dark purple bedroom, my chandeliers, and all the "girly" touches. ♥

We NEED This Space...

I've mentioned it many times before, that we travel a lot. As in 40+ weeks a year! We usually leave on Thursday evening, and return Sunday night. And 99% of the time, we have our motor home, that we stay in. A rather "fancy" little home on wheels.

Before meeting this guy, I thought motor homes/coaches were used for camping. You know, you take it out to the lake. Make a few hook ups, and you're good to go. I never realized, that you can customize these sweet homes on wheels! That they could provide more, than just a comfort for camping.

Heck, our motor home has a better kitchen, than my home has. Comfy couches, internet access, 2 HUGE TVs, wood floors, and anything you could need, while on the road. It's hilarious! But according to this guy, when you spend this much time on the road, it's essential. Our views vary on this. But it can also be, because we have very different careers. And we're in very different financial situations.

Very recently, My Love came home with a brochure. Apparently, it's time for a new "Home on Wheels." Hundreds of thousands of miles later, our home will retire this winter. I'm sad. When we met, it was a shiny new home. And over the last few years, I've made it our home. Not just a place where we eat and sleep, while on the road. But a real, comfortable home!

What made me laugh this week, was this little picture. That My Guy sent me. Because he wants me to be oh so comfy in there. And after our recent trip to Michigan, it's become oh so real, that I'm going to have a HUGE say in our new "Home on Wheels!"



I'd adore a place like this. But I just don't think it would match this guy's style. I really don't. But I might use this picture, as inspiration. I'd adore a "Reading Nook" like that. And comfy furniture. Maybe a place to store a sewing machine. And a "hideaway" desk, for me to use when studying. Oh, and that ceiling, is just screaming my name! My Love, might just regret sending me this picture. :)

But I am at a loss. I don't know the first thing, about designing a motor home. I know what we need. And what we like. But that's it! I've NEVER done this before. To be honest, I don't think this guy has either. I think he had other people do it for him, the last time. And where do you research these things? Can you tell, I'm a fish out of water?!?!?! ♥

Finally!!!

Let me tell you a little secret. I have the most annoying hair, known to man! It's not curly, not straight, not pretty. Just frizzy. And puffy. It has a mind of it's own. And honestly, I call my hair..."The Chia Pet."

I'm not blessed. You see, I have 3 older sisters. 2 are my Dad's daughters, 1 is my Mom's daughter. They all have this glorious curly hair! The kind that is insanely kinky, curly, and gorgeous. Mine...looks like I've stuck my finger in the socket. Oh ya, I did that once. When I was a baby! Did that mess with my hair? I don't know. But it is so annoying!

In high school, almost every girl that I cheered with, wanted to "straighten" my hair. Well, I avoided them at all cost! My best friend, became the clip barrette. And the scrunchy...when I cheered. Sponge rollers, and eventually the hot rollers, were my best friends.

But right before I started college, I found the good 'ol hair straighteners. I bought a cheap-o pair at Target. I don't even remember the brand. But I spent $15. They worked OK. But with my thick and frizzy hair, I was far from perfectly straight hair.

Months later, I found CHI. Oh my goodness! My life changed. My hair, for the first time ever, could be stick straight. It introduced me, to new hairstyles. Easy, breezy days. Simple life. If I just had those bad boys with me. :)

Heck if I remember the brand of the 3rd pair I got. I can't remember. But these 2 pair, have been life changing. I know, that sounds crazy. Being that it's just hair. But honestly, it's the truth. That pair of CHI, are worth every penny! Dry hair, from beginning to end, could be straight in under 5 minutes. No lie! Pin straight, in 5 minutes.

Then, last summer they died. OK, I'd had them for almost 10 years. But my babies were no more! I took to that other pair. The ones I can't remember the brand name. And well, they got me through 3 and a half more hairstyles. Yes, I said a half! In the middle of doing my hair, there was no more heat...

Well, I didn't feel like investing another $100 or $300 at the time. So I tried to embrace my crazy hair! I bought all sorts of hair products. Researched them. Asked around. For almost a year now, I've embraced the texture of my hair. A little curly, a little nutty, a little frizzy. Seriously, my hair has a mind of it's own! All it's own!!!

We'd been going good. I took to braids. Various "up dos." A range of products. Silently, I welcomed the days when Manders was in charge of my hair and makeup. When I had to perform. When for a few brief days, my hair could be tamed.

I also did research. And had my little list, narrowed down to 2. The GHD. And Sultra. Pretty decent investments. I'd recently purchased a Sultra hair dryer. And well, I just couldn't make a decision on hair straighteners. No matter how many reviews I read. How many YouTube videos I watched. Or how many people I asked. But it was down to 2...

I never talk about these things. Especially with this guy. What would he think? Until about 2 weeks ago. My Guy finally asked why I've been wearing my hair up so much. I never wear it down anymore. See ladies, guys do notice these things! I told him what had happened. And he gave me that look. Like why in the heck, haven't you bought whatever you need to buy? See, I told you, I rarely shop. And I almost never, use this guy's money, for myself.

On the second day that my friends were here, I got a little surprise. I'm almost 100% positive that Mrs. Manders helped out here. :) I got this precious little package!!!



Life changing I tell you! Life changing. :) I get to now straighten my hair. Whenever in the heck I feel like it! Since I got my set of GHD straighteners, that's been every single day! I know. But really, even I had missed those super straight locks.

If you're on the fence about hair straighteners, I'd say..."Bite the Bullet!" If you have fairly fine hair, not too textured, a pair from Target will do fine. But those of us, with more complicated hair, well save your pennies. These are worth every single one!

Had I not been so stubborn, I would have bought these months ago! Perfectly straight hair, in just minutes. I've also curled my hair with this set. Super quick! And curls that last all day. Believe me, in the heat and humidity that we've been dealing with lately, this is pretty incredible! I just can't believe, that I lasted 11 months, without my "hair best friends!" ♥

Personal Touches...

Do you remember me telling you about my decorating dilemma? Well, I'm still there. I haven't been shopping in forever! If you want to count me, running into Target and Home Depot, for some last minute Mother's Day presents. And that quick trip to Wal-Mart, for this guy's deodorant and shampoo, I haven't been shopping in almost 2 months. Yes, this man is begging me to go grocery shopping. It's at the top of my list for today. :)

Back to my decorating. We call home, the "South." One, because that's where this guy's business is based out of. Two, I currently work, at a local Children's Hospital. Three, we enjoy it. But I'm from the Southwest. My entire family lives there! And a few times a year, we still travel out west. For this guy's work. I also have a home. I purchased on my own, when I was 18. It's where I went to college. 3 hours from my family. Which I still have. Sometimes, we run out there, to "get away."

I also work near there. Part time. But my home, isn't in the best of shape. Personally, I'm just trying to pay for Medical School. I don't want anyone else to pay for it. So it can be tough. My home, has suffered because of this. Partly because, my home was built in the 1940s. It needs a lot of TLC. Say a working heater, water heater, and AC. Perhaps, I could finally fix that pesky little leak. And the plumbing, needs to be completely redone.

Because of my health, I can't really stay there either. That's why My Guy, decided to invest in some property there. It's a lot. A lot on our plate. But after dating for 4 years, we know that our future holds lots of traveling for us. Because of this guy's job. The reality is, if and when we decide to marry, I won't work. We'll continue to travel for his job. And we'll try to equally share our time, between my family and his. Never mind the 2000+ miles.

Each home is very different. But needs personal touches. Needs to feel like home. A place that one day, we can raise a family in. A place to have friends over. A home to enjoy. I've been sorta picky about things. Because I don't want to spend too much money. And I need to remember, we don't have much down time.

But I keep finding these great ideas! And things that I love. Things that I want to fill our homes with. That won't break the bank. I want to do that much, for the man I love. I don't want him to be investing tons of money into these homes. If I can, I want to save us some money.



This project, is something I'm dying to make!!! I cook a lot. And I want to add something, to our kitchen, that makes it a little fun. This could be it. Between, Classy Clutter is a new favorite of mine!

In fact, I've already purchased the materials for this project. I've measured out spaces. And we're well on our way. Project #2. Because Project #1, got started the night before last. In the middle of the night. After our good friend rescued, and delivered a bed to us. :) Thanks again Buddy! ♥

If Only...

Wouldn't it be wonderful to win the lottery? There are so many things, I'd do with that money. First off, I'd donate half of it, to a Children's Hospital. Then I'd finish school. Buy my brother and his wife, a new home. Help my parents with their business. Fix my home. Things like that. Maybe just maybe, I'd also like a new car. :)



I suppose, it doesn't hurt to dream. Someone has to win the jackpot! I've gotten my share of the tickets. And have my fingers crossed. You just never know, what might happen. And well, maybe something good will come out of the money I just spent! ♥

I LOVE Milo...So Does He

We've been looking, at a lot of furniture, as of late. We have 2 new houses to furnish. And one house, that is still in need, of a few key pieces. It sorta has me stressed out! To the max.

Mostly because, we're ALWAYS on the road. Have little time, to go shopping. And have some pretty different styles. But we do agree on 2 things. One, this man is going to pay for it all. Two, it has to be comfortable!

I've been looking for some more "affordable" pieces. Something local. This man, is just looking for furniture. Insisted that our homes, need to be furnished. ASAP! So we both came to the table. With our plans in hand. And you know what? I LOVE this sofa, that he found!



I'm not sure what it is. But this sofa, just calls my name. It's a little manly. And a little feminine. My favorite part of this sofa, is definitely the legs! This man, LOVES that it's made out of leather.

Purchases like this, make me extra nervous! My current sofa and loveseat, cost a combined $400. New. And on clearance. That's how I roll! While this man, just knows what he wants. And is more than OK, with investing the money. This time, I just might have to side with him. Because I want Milo to come live with us! ♥

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! ♥

Money, My Guy, and Me

I get lots and lots of money questions. Everyone wants to know. Does My Guy pay for everything? Do I really work? What do I spend my money on? How does it all work?

Well, I work. All the performing that I do, it's to pay for things like my college tuition, books, internships fees, insurance for working at the hospital, my home, all the costs associated with my home, and anything personal like that. Why? It's my decision.

My Guy from the very beginning, wanted to be able to pay for it all. Honestly, he can afford it. But I wasn't having any of that. I've never been the type of woman, to just let someone be completely financially responsible for me. Call me crazy but that's how I feel.

When I was 18 years old, I moved out of my parents' house. I actually moved a few hundred miles away, to go to college. From the beginning, I was pretty lucky. My parents convinced me to buy a house. It would be an investment into my future. And I had a really good job in music at the time. So I bought a house.

It hasn't always been easy. But I've done it on my own. No matter if I was dating someone or not. In a serious relationship. Or just by myself. It didn't matter to me that I was only 18. Or single, in a family sized home. Seriously, my house is bigger than any other on my street. I didn't plan it that way. But I got a good deal on the house. So I bought it.

That's my way of having independence. I'm financially independent. I have always paid for my education. I have a few small scholarships. With the issues in the economy, you've definitely seen scholarships dry up. And I get help from the various doctors that I work with. But I pay for 99% of it. I've also paid off my home. I did that in just over 7 years. Yes, it's possible to pay a 40 year mortgage in 7 years. Is it easy? No way! But again, I was single at the time.

I didn't have kids to worry about. Or anything like that. I could just take an entire paycheck and send it to the mortgage company. Living like that is tough. Because you sacrifice other things to pay off your home. Like furniture, decor, and sometimes even the basics in life. I never had cable. I watched the thermostate like my life depended on it. And I lived in the desert with no AC. I didn't go out with friends. Shopping was almost nonexistent. I rarely if ever, had a decent meal. Times were lean. But if there is a will, there is a way.

I'm not saying that I do it all on my own now. Yes, My Guy does pay for a lot of things. Like travel. Because we travel mostly for his work. So that cost, is purely up to him. He also pays for me to be able to go home to visit my family and friends. Because he knows that I moved to be closer to him.

As far as our day to day costs, again My Guy pays for most of those things. Groceries, bills, utilities...those sorts of things, he pays for. He makes sure we have what we need. Or in his case, what he enjoys. So ya, he pays for movies, dates, anything like that. And for anything for his house. I know what he'd say there..."Our House."

Like now for Christmas, he pays for the decorations. He also pays for the cleaning lady. Although, we really don't need one. But he's had her working for him for over 10 years. And well, he never had a girlfriend who did housework and cooked before. So he kept our cleaning lady. And now, we just kind of hangout and talk when she comes over. :)

My Guy also owns a large lot of land where we live. Our friends say we live in the BFE. And with that much property, well you need people. People to help you keep up with it all. So My Guy obviously pays for that.

But I'm still pretty stubborn. I don't spend My Guy's money on myself. As an example, if I go shopping for me, I pay for it. Regardless if it's clothes, makeup, craft supplies, a movie, a haircut. Those things, I still pay for. And that is the point were we don't agree...

You see, My Guy has more than enough to take care of me. And a small country to be honest. But I still feel like I don't want to "burden" him with the responsibility. Or make him solely accountable for everything. I think it's because I was raised to be so independent. Now one day, you know when we are legally wed, I won't have a problem with that. But right now, I feel like I need to support myself.

So there you go. I still pay for most of the things in my life. My home, my car, my bills, my health care, my shopping. But My Guy provides us with all the other stuff. The stuff that I probably wouldn't have encountered otherwise. We fight about money. But not like most couples. More because I don't spend enough of My Guy's money. Isn't that hilarious? But we've finally agreed on a little set of rules. And it's made life a lot easier. Even for this insanely independent woman. ♥