Life with the Bees

All things VINTAGE!!

2011-07-08T12:00:00.002-04:00

I have recently become obsessed with ALL things vintage! Very late, I know. I've always been interested in "older" things, but now I'm CONSTANTLY on the lookout for the next piece to add to my collection. I LOVE vintage handbags, jewelry, and kitchen wares like Pyrex and cotton tablecloths.

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As a mentioned in my last post, my mom and I had a recent girls day out with Little Miss. After a fabulous lunch, I introduced Mom to one of my favorite antique stores, Feather Your Nest, located on Leestown Rd in Lexington. It has TONS of cute things, including many booths with vintage wares.

*If you look closely, you can see Ava passed out on Mom's shoulder at this point! <3! *

Loved this adorable table...if I remember correctly it was only priced at $75.00!

I fell in LOVE w/ this light pink wrought iron patio set...It was gorgeous!

This little beauty would be great for showcasing your favorite baubles and charms...alas, it was marked NFS. (Not for sale! :( )

They yellow frame really makes this vintage painting POP! I think this would look adorable in a little girls room!

This booth had tons of great vintage jewelery and odds & ends. I love these kinds of booths!

I saved the best for last! This is my all-time favorite BOOTH! It's Miss Molly Vintage, and she always has the best vintage fashion and accessories! :) I really almost came home with that yellow dress! I could seriously spend HOURS in the two Miss Molly Vintage booths. AH-MAZING!

Miss Molly Vintage is stocked by this lovely gal. She hasn't posted recently, but if you love anything vintage, you will fall in love with her home renovation! Wow! Check it out! Also find Miss Molly Vintage on Facebook!

Well, that's all for now! :) Where are some of your favorite vintage/flea market sources? :) I love making new discoveries!

2011-07-05T16:32:00.005-04:00

So by now, through Facebook/Twitter/etc and word of mouth, I'm sure everyone has seen the verdict heard 'round the world: Casey Anthony was found "not guilty" of killing her two year old daughter Caylee. I was SO upset when watching Headline News live. I just couldn't understand. The only thing that brings me comfort is knowing little Caylee is in a much better place now, and WHOEVER did kill her will one day face the ultimate Judgement, as I and every other person on Earth will. (This is my blog, my faith. If you take offense, maybe you should read elsewhere.) Anyway, just had to get that off my chest.

On a much lighter note, I've been meaning to post about our recent adventures but have been busy and distracted. However, here it is! My mother and I recently went to Lexington for a little girl's day out. We started the day with a fantastic lunch at this place: Flag Fork Herb Farm & Garden. For those of you familiar with, I'm sure you will agree that this place is de-freakin-licious and absolultely adorable at the same time. It's one of my favorite places to eat. They offer farm fresh high quality food, including quiche, chicken salad, sandwhiches, soup, and more.

Here are some highlights:

(I apologize for iPhone quality pics! LOL I really need a point-n-shoot camera!)

Flag Fork is located at 900 N. Broadway. Reservations are recommended (for a good reason!) and they can be made by calling 859-252-6837.

This is the front entrance:

They have gifts scattered through out this 1790's house, including the upstairs rooms. Here are a few things that caught my eye:

Vintage handbags, seen in the upstairs gallery-

Original artwork:

Adorable little girl accessories!

Teasets, stationary, and much more!

Mom & Little Miss exploring the gardens located in the back of the restaurant and gift shop-

She's got her shades on and ready to go to the next stop!

We had a great day...I have an adorable necklace to show for it too...I'll have to remember to get a pic of it to show you lovelies!

Our next stops included two awesome shops...Feather Your Nest and Street Scene. Post and pics from those to come soon! :)

Chi's and Coupons

2011-06-22T18:44:00.008-04:00

So girls, this past weekend I experienced a life-changing moment. Now, I'm not pregnant (although I was recently asked, ugh), we're not moving, and I'm still jobless. Ha. In all of my 26 years here on this wide green Earth, I have never been the proud owner of a Chi flat iron. Until now!

Whoo-hoo! I purchased this beauty on sale at JCPenney, and can't believe I'm just now entering the Chi world. Wow!Their sale flyer even had a coupon, so I got it for way less than the original retail price. I was pumped to say the least. I have the thickest hair known to man, and it used to seriously take me over an hour to straighten my hair to get it looking even halfway decent. This baby slashes the time at least in half! I couldn't be more happy with my latest beauty purchase! :)

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On another note, I recently attended my first COUPONING CLASS! (It was a weekend of firsts for me, ok?) I know surely you have heard of this little show:

Source

I've been trying to dabble in couponing for a while now, and I guess with this little show it's caught my attention just like the rest of America. Major box stores such as a Kroger and Wal-Mart have even changed their store coupon policies as a result of this show. Anywho, this class was hosted by my cousin's sister in law, and they went over the basics and showed some of the deals they had recently gotten and how much they paid vs how much they saved. Who doesn't want to save some money in this day and age!? Huh? Hello, is anyone there? Now, I love a good deal and clipping coupons, but you will NEVER see me clear a store's shelf just because something is cheap or *free.* I can't tell you how many times I've checked a favorite coupon website to see a good deal, gone to said store, and the product mentioned be COMPLETELY OUT OF STOCK. It's so aggravating! This was a Christian-based couponing class, and they stressed thinking "of your neighbor"and only taking what you NEED. If you've ever seen the TLC show you see the stockpiles that some of these crazy people have. Who honestly needs 500 rolls of toilet paper, or 30 bottles of mustard? Let's get real here people! I thought I'd list a few of my favorite couponing websites for those of you who are interested in saving some money and finding the deals! :) (You'll thank me later!)

Trust me, after you get that first good deal by using the sales and a coupon, you'll be hooked!

Mrs. Bees' Favorite Coupon Websites:

www.stockpilingmoms.com

www.krazycouponlady.com (recently featured on"Extreme Couponing")

www.southernsavers.com

www.couponmom.com

www.hotcouponworld.com

Just a hint: These websites do all the leg work for you, they scope out the deals for various products, tell you the price, where to find a coupon, and the final price you will pay. Now, coupons are very regional, so these that I have listed work well for Central Kentucky and the surrounding areas. If you live elsewhere, I would search for other websites that may be more beneficial for you!

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Also, I recently found a super cute blog that pulled at my bargain-finding heartstrings:

Miss Lindsey, over at The Bargain Blonde, has all kinds of sweet stuff on finding beauty bargains! She recently wrote a review on ELF $1 False Eyelashes, and I have to say, I am in LOVE with the ELF line of cosmetics! I had tried some of their stuff a looooong time ago, maybe in high school, and had forgotten about it until recently reading several of my favorite bloggies boasting about how great this stuff is. So, what did I do? Of course I ran to Target and grabbed up 5 new items to test out. ELF's line of makeup is mostly $1, $3, and $5 price points.

Hello, Awesomeness~!

I'll let you know what I think in an upcoming post! I'm still playing with all my new ELF goodness!

XOXOXO

PS-I jazzed up the blog a little with new buttons and a new background, lemme know what you think :)

A little DIY Action

2011-06-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

So I've always been told "Courtney, you're so crafty!" by friends and family, especially through high school and college. I will admit I love a good craft or three, and I'm a paper & pen junkie, but I'm really just beginning to dip my toes into the whole DIY world. Mr. Bee is pretty darn good at getting his hands dirty and producing wonderful results. Just within the past two weeks, he has constructed a storage building in our backyard for our lawnmower and tools he doesn't frequently use. {*More on that later, this is about MY project!* :)}

Some time ago we were out perusing flea markets and yard sales, and my eyes spied a lovely little footstool. (Yes, we sometimes feel like Grandma and Gramps, looking at flea markets! Mos of the time, we are the younges LOL) My wallet smiled too, because if memory serves correctly, I believe I only shelled out about $5.00-$7.00 for the thing. It's been so long ago that I don't have or just can't find a picture of how she originally looked in all her circa 1992 glory. I will say she had a dark cherry stain and country blue cushion.

Here's a picture of the cushion, a' la Home Interior 1992:

In other words, "it ain't my style!"

So what's a DIY girlie to do? I grabbed a can of spray paint and a yard of much cuter fabric and got to work!

Step 1: PAINT-

My weapon of choice: Krylon Indoor/Outdoor White Gloss. Simple as that. I will say that I had previously painted the legs with a different type of spraypaint, and it was an ugly flat color. So I guess it sort of served as my primer, ha! So really this was my second go-round with getting this footstool back into action!

Step 2: FABRIC-
Next, I began to cover the cushion with my new fabric while I waited on the paint to dry. I completed this project on my front porch while my daughter played nearby. The sky was overcas, so the pics are a little blueish. I basically layed the cushion over my lap and wrapped the fabric around it. I then used Mr. Bee's staple gun to staple the fabric to the bottom of the cushion.

Stapled around the corners:

The newly re-covered cushion with my handy staple gun:

~Voila!~

The finished project:

(So proud I actually started and finished a project, even a small one like this, ha!)

I have the perfect spot for this little jewel...our home office/treadmill room :)

Have a great Wednesday! :)

Double Whammy

2011-06-13T08:55:00.003-04:00

So, let's recap the quality programming from Bravo last night. ;)

First up, we had the Part I Reunion of my ladies of RHOOC. Oh Lawd. They were wild and crazy and we aren't even finished yet! Gretchen and Tamra were really at each other's throats last night, and I really am getting tired of Tamra feeling she is important enough to discuss EVERYONE else's love/work/financial lives. Like really, get your own crap together first. I thought Peggy handled her first reunion very well, she was mostly quiet unless Andy asked her a question, but I have a feeling that is all about to change next week when they begin to discuss Alexis & Jim! Ha! Those two are a whole other case of crazy! I completely understand wanting and having a traditional marriage, but let's get real here, people! I really think she exaggerates it all just to get the attention. (duh.) And let me also point out how I find it kind of crazy that Alexis and Gretchen side with each other against the other wives. Gretchen, a self-described liberal woman who isn't sure she even believes in marriage anymore (!), and Alexis, the wife some have described as a "doormat" to her husband. Wow. Anyway, let's discuss Vicki and Donn. I really felt bad for Donn, and think he was probably being very genuine when he stated that the whole situation was not handled with dignity & respect. It seems like they renewed the vows, and then Vicki is crying to Tamra about having "serious issues." And I ALSO really think Donn made a good point when he talked about how he wasn't sure if Vicki hanging out with Tamra had any influence on their marriage. Vicki sees Tamra get a divorce, and then having "the time of her life" with her hottie boyfriend, and BOOM, Donn is out the door. Whatev.

Can't wait for next week! Now, when are my Beverly Hills ladies coming back!?

Let's not forget those Jersey girls. Let me first say that Teresa and Joe (Gorga) really need to get their crap together. Anyone who watched last night could see how much each of their kids love each other. It's really sad to see this division in their lives. They are both crazy though. I find it hilarious how on every Housewives show, there is at least ONE who think they are singers. Hello Kim (Atlanta), Hello Luann (NYC), Hello Gretchen (OC), and now, Hello Melissa! Ugh. Just be happy being a spoiled, narcissistic Housewife. I mean really! LOL They honestly are like watching a trainwreck. You love 'em and you hate 'em, but either way, you can't tear your eyes away! LOL On another side, I love how Momma Caroline just waltzed into the local radio station and wanted to start her own radio talk show. Wonder how that will pan out? She does crack me up though. Her little quip about being thrown in the swamp had me laughing out loud. Oh and another thing, Ashley is REALLY getting old. The "poor little me" I have to commute into the city, Wah! Can you hear the violins playing for you Ashley? And then Chris decides to get her a brand new freaking Jeep. Ugh. It really disgusts me. THEY are HER problem. They are the reason why she is the way she is. It's annoying. It'll be interesting to see how long she keeps THIS new car. I wanted to slap her when they were sitting at the dealer and SHE wanted to lay the ground rules of who could drive the car SHE ISN'T EVEN PAYING FOR. GROW UP. GET A LIFE. End of RH Speech.

We had a wonderful weekend spending time with friends and family. I shot a former co-worker's wedding on Saturday and was so excited to see my old co-workers. I think my next post may be a "Queen Bee's Prior Life" post. Hahaha. No, I'm serious. ;)

I hope you all had a great weekend as well! :) Muah!

A Little Bit of Randomness...

2011-06-09T19:31:00.008-04:00

So...first of all, let me just say how SHOCKED I am that I am actually blogging while sitting on my front porch! Little Miss is playing in the lava rock and her Radio Flyer wagon, and we actually have a slight breeze blowing!

(photo from Instgram app on my iPad, so if the quality is poor, there's my excuse!)

The past few days in the 'ol Bluegrass have been quite unbearable! The humidity is out of control, people!

Anyway, So excited that "So You Think You Can Dance" is back! This season is going to be amazing! I'm still mourning the finales of my favorite shows (Greys, Vampire Diaries, etc) but I really think that my poor little DVR needs a break!

I'm feeling so blessed at this point to be home with Little Miss, but girls let me tell ya, after working for so many years, and for the past year and a half going to grad school full-time on top of work, this little homebody is getting a little cabin-feverish! LOL My husband would say I'm just never satisfied, and I try to roll my eyes and protest, but he's usually right! (Shhhh!) I'm the girl who LOVES buying a new planner just to mark and scratch all in it! It's definitely been an adjustment so to speak! Especially the whole not being able to run to my favorite stores and buy new pretties, now that we are down to one income! It's a new adventure! ;)

However, I did just recently celebrate my 26th birthday. (Now officially closer to 30 than 20, man I feel old!) I say all that to say this: I got a new pretty! My parents instead of actually buying me a gift, gave me money so that I could buy my own. Now normally, I like to hoard gift cards and whatnot, but with this shopping dry spell, it didn't last long! Bought a DIY project kit at Hobby Lobby, (more on that later!) AND because I am a certified bargainista, I hit up my local TJ Maxx. (LOVE that freakin place!)

And this beauty found her way into my arms and heart:

My newest baby, chillin with the Petunia's I've manage to keep alive for more than a few days...

For months now, maybe even a year, I had been pining for a tan Michael Kors addition to my collection. Howev, after perusing the aisles and not finding what I liked, or anything in my little price range, I decided on the sweet little Cynthia Rowley number seen above! She will be an excellent neutral "go-to" bag!

At least I can enjoy my MK sunglasses:

Night ya'll!

Reshaping it All!

2011-06-01T14:46:00.003-04:00

Hey ya'll-

Hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day holiday weekend. We spent some time away with my parents and had a great trip.

While away, I was able to finish the newest addition to my book collection:

"Reshaping It All," by Candace Cameron Bure, is an excellent read for those who want to lose weight using Biblical references for support and guidance. Candance gives you a workable plan to reaching your goals, whether they be losing weight, feeling better about yourself, or bringing your whole family into leading a healthier lifestyle.

I honestly could not put it down! Now that I've read it once through, I'm re-reading each chapter and making notes in my prayer journal for Scripture I want to be able to easily look up and/or memorize, and notes for keeping myself on track. I look forward to seeing the results as I shape up and slim down this summer/fall/winter/spring, etc! :)

If this sounds like something you'd like to do as well, I highly recommend this as your next book buy!

Away

2011-05-29T22:15:00.000-04:00

We are on a tiny little weekend getaway with my parents...see ya'll next week! :)

Two Teeny Tiny Years

2011-05-27T10:00:00.003-04:00

I.Cannot.Believe.She's.Two!

Our sweet Little Miss is now 2 years and 3 months old. For this year's party, I actually went with a character theme. I had practically sworn that I would NEVER do a character theme for our birthday parties', but she's been obsessed with Dora the Explorer for a while now, so I just went with it. Hey, you're only 2 once, right!? I scoured the internet for cute Dora parties, and not just one's that come straight out of the box. I like things personalized, and don't we all to a degree?

I had a good friend bake her cake, and my mother and I also made cupcakes:

Instead of paying someone else to make cutesy little cupcake toppers, I just made them myself. Cute enough. It's not like our party will be mentioned in "TOPS in Lex" or anything! Hahaha.

Some of Ava's "auntie's", hahaha. (Only child here.)

We had wonderful family and friends share this special day with us...and I'm already planning her birthday party for next year! :)

Another 6 month update

2011-05-25T22:12:00.004-04:00

Well...let's see...let me try to pick off where I've left off again...I swear, one day I will be a GREAT blogger! Ha!

As of May 7th, I am officially a Master in the Art of Teaching! :) After 18 months of long nights, long papers, and short patience, I have graduated with my Masters degree. (*happy dance!*) Perhaps that is why my sickly little blog has been neglected for so long! :) I had a incredible student teaching experience. The program I enrolled in allowed me to hand-pick my supervising teachers. My mother is still currently teaching in our local school system, so I knew exactly which school I wanted and the teachers I wanted to work under. My first placement was with a 3rd grade teacher who has been teaching for over 25 years...She was amazing. She also happens to be my mother's best friend, and her daughter and I have been best friends for 20 years. We met in pre-school. :)

Here's a picture of us at her wedding in September 2009:

Anywho, my next placement was with 5th grade. This was also under a wonderful Reading teacher who is just awesome...I can't believe it's all over...so now I'm working at home! LOL When Ava was born, I wanted to be a SAHM more than anything...and now I have my chance! It's definitely been an adjustment these past few weeks...being home all the time now and seeing the Mister everyday, instead of just on the weeekends, due to his work schedule. But I really love being home with Little Miss all day. I think it's made me a better mother, and hopefully my hubby can see a small difference in my attitude! LOL

Now that I'm home during the day, I have a completely different agenda and mindset. My home has never been cleaner and more organized! Still have a ways to go though! Hopefully I can document the madness on the little blog here.

Another thing that's really been on my heart lately is just to live simply. Now I love my "stuff" as much as the next person, but I really just want to get "back to the basics." I want to grow in my walk with God, I want to grow closer to my husband, and I want to be the best mother I can possibly be to Little Miss. I want to purge my home and heart of the "extra stuff" that isn't meaningful to myself or my family. I honestly believe that this "career change" is God's way of letting me take a deep breath, and clean the dust bunnies off heart and soul. It's a new season of life for me, and I am so looking forward to the work that lays ahead. I want to be a Proverbs 31 wife, a woman that my husband and daughter can be proud of. I hope I can accomplish that in this lifetime.

In closing tonight, any readers I may have out there, I must say thanks for sticking with me...as touch and go as it's been these past couple of years, I still keep coming back! LOL

Night ya'll!

Uh oh, oh no!

2011-01-29T17:15:00.004-05:00

Well ladies, we've been hit with a case of the pneumonies. My poor hubby who was initially diagnosed with strep, (don't EVEN get me started on THAT!) has now officially been diagnosed as having pneumonia in his left lung, as of Thursday night. He initially went to the instant care center on Sunday evening because he had started feeling bad...they LOOKED into his through and said, "Oh, you must have strep."

By Thursday, he had been in bed all week, progressively getting worse. I rushed home after school (the babe was with her Nana all day) and took him to a different Instant Care. THESE good, kind, INTELLIGENT doctors did the appropriate bloodwork, chest x-ray, etc, and properly diagnosed him. A shot, new antibiotics and two days later, he is feeling somewhat better.

These have been my new best friends all week:

I'm off to continue playing nurse...hope everyone has a great weekend!

PS-I'll be watching this tomorrow evening! I'm a sucker for made-for-TV Hallmark movies! Hey-it's got Betty White in it! It's GOT to be good! ;)

XOXO

Killed Off...

2011-01-26T17:02:00.003-05:00

Out of all of the snow days we've missed this year (Over a weeks' worth!) today was the one that was most-needed. Well, in my household at least! Hubby has a bad case of the strep and since he is our caregiver during the day, I was really worried that school would be in session today...Luckily for us, they did cancel and I've been able to be home all day with baby girl...

This morning, I caught up on some DVR action. Besides frou frou shows like RHOBH or RHONY and such, I do like other shows with some depth. One of these is TNT's "Southland." I first started watching this show when it was on NBC...then they dropped it before the 2nd season aired, and TNT snatched it up...It stars a face many will probably recognize, Ben McKenzie, formerly from "The O.C." (And he's still as cute as ever!) The 3rd season just started a couple of weeks ago...and this morning it was on my "to watch" agenda.

(SPOILER ahead)

Imagine my horror and shock when at the very end of the episode, they kill off this guy! Kevin Alejandro starred in Southland as Detective Nate Moretta...and I LOVED him! He's been a show regular since season 1! I'm still distraught. I couldn't delete the episode off my DVR b/c I just can't.let.it.go!

Isn't it amazing how we get so attached to some of our favorite characters...(I'm like this with books too!) I've read several post-killing-off interviews w/ Kevin, and he says we'll still be seeing his pretty face as Jesus on True Blood. Just won't be the same though. *dang*. I hate it when this happens.

Anyone else watch Southland and want to sound off on this? It's going to take me a while to get over this!

Have a great Wednesday!

Two Years...

2011-01-24T07:51:00.006-05:00

First off, let me reiterate: I'm a self-professed horrible blogger! I have all of these fun and cute ideas for this little 'ol blog, and then...well, life happens. I'm Type A and have all of these to-do lists and things I want to do, but I'm a Gemini and get easily distracted! Ha! Sorry for such a long absence, if I have any readers out there! If not, well, it's fun for me, anyway! :)

Little life update: I'm no longer employed! Well, I'm working, but for free! I'm finishing my Masters degree for Elementary Education. My Bachelor of Arts degree is in Communication Studies. After working in a corporate setting, I just wasn't satisfied. About 8 months after Ava was born, I was so unhappy and frustrated. I decided to go back to school to be a teacher. My mother has taught for almost 30 years, so I've kind of been raised in it! It's one of those life things where you think, "Why didn't I do this 7 years ago in undergrad!?" But sometimes it takes living a little to really decide what you want to be when you grow up! So, I've been working a full-time job, taken on a full load of classes, and have tried to balance both of those with being a wife to my husband and a mommy to our little girl. I hope I haven't let either of them down.

I'm now almost finished with my Master of Arts in Teaching degree. In January, I started my student teaching requirement! I am having a BALL, let me tell you! I'm currently in a 3rd grade classroom in a public school in KY. The kids are sweet as pie, and I have the best supervising teacher I could be working under. With all of the snow days and holidays we've had this month, I've only been in the classroom for about 9 days...but I already feel like I've learned so much! She's just amazing! I'll graduate in May and hopefully find a full-time position in the fall.

Now, that little baby girl that convinced her Mommy to completely change her career will be turning TWO in just a couple of short weeks! Here's a little recap from her first birthday party! I LOVE planning her birthday parties, and have a little stash of ideas to pull from in these next few years when she's still young enough to let ME plan it all! Ha!

Her first party was a little ladybug theme. I made almost all of her decorations, and with the help of my cousin, and her nifty Cricut, even made the invitations!

Take a little looksie:

Homemade banner...Found a LOT of cute banners on Etsy, but thought I could make just as cute of one as I could buy!

Banner for her highchair:

Ladybug cake & cupcakes! :) Made by a dear friend.

My little lady at her first birthday party...Bib was ordered from Etsy.

For this year's party, I really wanted a cute Candyland theme...however, in this house, it's ALL about Dora the Explorer! So Dora it is!

I've been a little busy here lately with all of my lesson planning for school! So this year, I skipped the homemade invitations! I actually went with (gasp!) store-bought invitations. I know, bad DIY Mommy. Oh well. She won't even notice! Ha!

I do still want to make a banner for her highchair, and I've got several other cute ideas for the decor...more of that to come later!

I'm home today on another SNOW day, so I'm catching up with my blogging and the Real Housewives of Atlanta on another Bravo marathon! LOL

I really can't wait for the RHOBH reunion. Kim and Kyle's fight broke my heart. It really was like watching a train wreck. I couldn't tear my eyes from the screen. I really felt that they were genuine, and that the whole scene wasn't just for reality TV. Camille on the other hand, dirves me up the wall! Her voice alone is like nails on a chalkboard...ugh. That I could do without! But I love Kyle, Lisa, and Adrienne! Thursday will be a big night for sure!

That's all for now, ya'll! Have a wonderful Monday!

PS-Can someone please help a girl out with my blog header? I have tried several templates, made my own in Photoshop, and finally just ended up with this plain 'ol thing...and it's still fuzzy and out of proportion...I want a CUTE header! Not a happy girl right now!

All the King's horses, All the King's men...

2010-11-18T20:03:00.005-05:00

The entire world is now well aware that Prince William is engaged to be married to a

Miss Kate Middleton.

{Let's all give a collective sigh.

I for one, cannot wait for this royal wedding!}

How lucky is she to be married to the heir to the British throne!?
Wow! She seems to be a very down-to-earth, calm, stylish, and smart lady.

In honor of their engagement, I want to do a little fashion review of Ms. Middleton.

Let's face it, the girl can dress. She's got the bod, the money, and the sense.

I love, love, love her sense of style.

It's very well put together, and she consistently looks fabulous...I'd love to take a peek into her wardrobe...which, in the next 6 months, I'm sure will expand to include even more fabulousness...

Here are my top 5 favorite "Kate" looks, from a variety of sources:

1.) The To-Be-Seen-With-The-Queen-Look: This tailored coat: Love the color and cut. (And the hat and gloves! :)

From People Magazine Online:

2.) The Preppy Chic-Everyday casual look: Everything in this makes my heart swell...from the chic squoval glasses on the top of her head, to the fantastic brown belt, white skirt, and brown boots. I really do adore the collared shirt-under-the-sweater look. She could've literally stepped out of a J. Crew ad.

From InStyle: (On Right) {This picture is from 2007, taken at Badminton Horse Trials.}

3.) Plaid is Mad-The girl loves her plaid skirts, tights, and boots. And I do too! I love this look for running to business meetings, HA! IF I were the type to attend such meetings...I think I may be too short & stubby to pull this look off...would love to give it a try though, especially for the holidays! I love the black turtleneck sweater with the chic black blazer thrown over it...but I have to be honest, I just can't handle the light brown purse...it's driving me nuts. LOL.
Source

4.) Day-In-The-City: Love this look for running errands around town. The tailored jacket is great, the white purse I'm in love with...she just looks so polished and together.

5.) To-A-Weddin'-We-Will-Go: I just love everything about this outfit that she wore recently to a friends' wedding...the hat, the re-appearance of the simple black blazer, and that amazing, electric blue dress! I also love that she's left her jewelry to very minimal pieces of a simple pendant necklace, small ring, watch, and bracelet. Nothing too over the top.
Source

{Side note: I love that she can pair pretty much any outfit with her favorite riding boots...the girl loves her boots!}

Anyway-
That's a royal wrap of my favorite looks of the future Princess.

I think she's got a great sense of style, and

all of these looks are attainable by the, ahem, mere commoner.

Newsie

2010-11-10T21:08:00.002-05:00

Busy tonight in "class" while being distracted by the CMA's. So happy that Miranda Lambert won for "The House that Built Me." On a particular day, this song can move me to tears.

And who doesn't just LOVE Carrie Underwood. Gorge + super-talented...

Just wanted to give myself a shout out for adding "pages" to my little 'ol blog. Check 'em out! :)

squealtear*faint

2010-11-04T20:21:00.003-04:00

Let me just say one thing: BSB.

If anyone just happened to watch that little show called "OPRAH" you will know exactly what I'm talking about! Today's episode centered on old teen hearthrobs, including Jackie Jackson, who Oprah dreamed about as a 13 year old. She also had Shaun Cassidy, Peter Frampton, and THE BACKSTREET BOYS! Oh yes! All of them! Nick*, Brian, A.J., Howie, AND Kevin! Together again!

*sigh*

It was a walk through my former 13 year old world. (um, and 14, 15, 16, well...) It's safe to say they still bring out the same response in me! Hahahahaha. (Hence the title.) I'd love to see them perform again. I went two of their concerts back in their heyday...and those concerts are some of my favorite memories from that time in my life.

Which brings me to this: NKOTBSB.

What is this you ask?

It's official. The New Kids on the Block are TOURING with The Backstreet Boys!

Cue screaming and tears.

I don't think dates and locations have been announced yet...but I can wait patiently! I waited this long to see the five of them together again, I can wait for tour dates!

One Step Closer

2010-10-27T20:10:00.002-04:00

I know I just blogged about this, but it's pretty much dominating a huge chunk of my life right now...but-I'm one step closer to fulfilling *one* of my dreams! Tonight is the first night of my last semester of classes for my Masters! Next semester will be spent doing my student teaching. I have officially turned in my letter of resignation to my supervisor! whoo hoo! That was a big relief! I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Also-I've submitted my application for graduation. I belive this was the real "WOW" moment. I remember printing it off, looking at it, and reading "APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION." I still almost can't believe it. I'm so close!

Anyway-I love love love reading new blogs...I'm really into photography as *some* of you may know...and two blogs I'm loving right now are Jasmine Star and Ashley Ann. They are two completely different bloggers and photographers, but I'm so drawn to them. They are both beautiful, energetic, light, happy, and fun gals. I would love to have even an iota of their talent...they are amazing and for lack of better words, so inspirational. I highly recommend both if you are interested in photography or pretty things as well!

So glad it's finally Wednesday. Looking forward to the weekend. I think my little tiny sweet family will be taking a drive, searching out antique shops. I of course, will have my camera in tow. Maybe I'll get around to posting some pics!

Teacher, Teacher

2010-10-13T18:01:00.003-04:00

My countdown has begun:

Actually, I've been counting down since about May, when I realized I only had a few classes/semesters left in working toward my Master of Arts in Teaching Degree.

So now that it's October, I feel like I can actually really begin looking forward to the end. My classes will be complete in December! I'm finishing this "term" next week, and then my final two classes will begin! In January, I will begin my final term as a student teacher. And i.cannot.wait.

Can I get an Amen!?

My supervisor at work is aware that I will more than likely be leaving soon...I just have to discuss with her the final days....dun.dun.dun. I really will truly miss *some* of the people I work with. Many I consider to be some of my greatest friends...but I am ready to move on, sister!

I don't consider working in a cube the rest of my life a high priority, so I literally can't wait to bust out of the corporate office setting and leave my cube sweet cube behind in the dust! I can't wait to have my own classroom, with 24 small chairs, and 24 small desks, and 24 (hopefully) smiling little faces. I've sepnt some time in different elementary school classrooms and I truly feel like I belong there!

I am SO looking forward to these new chapters in my life!

My random stream of consciousness

2010-10-07T21:19:00.004-04:00

Soo...I'm sitting here bored in class...

I should mention that I'm almost to the end of my Master of Arts in Teaching (ELEMENTARY) degree...and all of my classes are online...

But this Seminar class is just killing me...soooo boring! And someone even said to the professor: "You should be a night radio DJ...you're voice is so soothing."

Um no. It puts me to sleep. I completely zone out.

Anyway, I've at least gotten to watch The Vampire Diaries' and Grey's tonight...which reminds me, I had totally fallen off the Grey's bandwagon last season...UNTIL THE FINALE! Wow! I was totally disturbed after seeing that, but the writers did their job! I was roped back into the madness...and have been pretty pleased so far this season...

Moving along in my stream of consciousness thought process...I remembered that I STILL have not posted pictures of the office re-do...I will really try to get to that this weekend...

I really want to attempt to get back into blogging...so here goes!

2010-09-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

Two months later, and the office project is basically complete!

We painted, moved furniture out, moved "new" furniture in, re-used window treatments that were originally used in a different room, and I tried to organize my books, school stuff, magazines, etc. I'm pretty pleased with how it all turned out! I still have a little left to do, but I am in love with the paint color and my curtains. I need to get some wall art up, but for the most part, it is a huge improvement from the "before." This room, as an office, suits our needs better than a guest bedroom. I'm in grad school currently, to become an elementary teacher, so this is where I take my night classes, do my homework, etc.

2010-09-16T21:22:00.002-04:00

Fresh Season, Fresh Layout :)

Enjoy.

Totally ready for Fall weather!

And I've been in a shopping frenzy lately. It's all I want to do! We'll not discuss the weight that I need to lose first. But I have a wishlist a mile long for fresh cool-weather shoes/boots, sweaters, tops, and heavier pants. I'll post some of these wish-list items later! :)

My high school alma-mater is having Homecoming festivities this week. I won't be participating, but I did download Kenny Chesney's "Boys of Fall" to my iPhone. That counts doesn't it?

I <3 football weather.

An Office Story

2010-07-03T22:28:00.005-04:00

Well, now that I'm back for a third time (!), I figured I would start with a little home project. An entire room makeover, actually. I have no idea how long this will take, but I'm so excited. My brother-in-law lived with us from November through just a few weeks ago, so I emptied the room of all furniture and I'm ready to reclaim our 3rd bedroom. No longer will it be used as a guest room, but as an office. I'm a part-time photographer on the side while working full time and also pursuing my Master of Arts in Teaching degree, so I really need a place to be organized so I can work more efficiently. I also have a 17 month old sweet beautiful baby girl, so it also needs to be somewhat kid-friendly.

I'd love to buy a simple white or cream (kid friendly, right? lol) writing desk and build the room around that one piece. I want simplicity and organization. I don't want some big heavy "executive" piece that weighs down the entire room. The room has a vaulted ceiling and is painted a light yellow, so I want the room to feel light and airy, and comfy as well.

Here are a few ideas of what I want my overall "look" to be:

Josephine Antique White Writing Desk, found at Overstock.com

Here are a few other inspiration photos:

I hope that that Mister and I can agree on a desk to put in here...we seem to have differing ideas on what we should buy...hahaha. I'll just have to work on him a little!

Hmmm...

2010-04-13T12:21:00.003-04:00

Hmmm...it's been a while hasn't it?

If there's a single soul out there who has checked this little blog lately, I am sorry to disappoint.

Honestly, althought I had been blogging for a very short amount of time, I just kind of got tired thinking about it. So I decided to take a little hiatus. LOL For 8 months. Yeah, just a little one.

But I'm back! And I'm excited to give my little corner of the world a make-over, but that will have to wait until later...

For now, I just wanted to pop back in and say "Hi!" and that I hope you are having a lovely day!

Fall's Calling Me...

2009-08-11T08:36:00.008-04:00

Source

I'm not sure what it is, but there is something so invigorating about Fall. So refreshing.

I love it. I adore it. I live for Fall.

I love the weather, with its cool, crisp mornings. Going through boxes of sweaters and jeans, scarves and boots. I'm almost giddy just thinking about it! I love gazing down the long aisles of fresh school supplies! I'm a paper and pen addict, and I used to LOVE going to get new notebooks and folders... Around the end of August, I swear I can smell football season. I absolutely adored football games in high school. I cheered my freshman year, and danced the remaining three. I loved it. Most of my good guy friends played, and it was a pretty small school {Small Town Girl, exhibit A}, and we all just loved it. Being on the yearbook staff had its perks too, as we got to go down on the field to take pictures...

As you may (or may not) know, I call Kentucky my home. And while we may not be Vermont-like famous for our fall foliage, I think the photo above can atest to the fact that they are still pretty spectacular in a good year. That photo was featured in a 2002 article in Southern Living about Louisville, Ky, home of Churchill Downs and the Derby.

I am eagerly awaiting the return of Autumn...

"No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face..."
Quote by John Donne

To hold me over until I actually get a chance to go shopping, here are some of my wants for this upcoming season:

I heart sweaters. Particularly sweaters in jewel tones. This lovely comes from our dear friend Ann. $39.50

I'm also loving this outfit, would be perfect for the office...

I am totally in love with JCrew's boatneck tee...and I adore the pin...$34.50

My love of handbags definitely comes into play as the seasons change...I've been on the lookout for a tan/brown "go-to" bag that I can wear with almost anything, and can hold my universe, with room to spare...And it never fails, when I find one that I adore, it is by none other than Michael Kors. I love him! He's a genius! $348.00

Well, gotta go. Work to be done!

Anyone else have a love affair with Autumn?

Seven Words...

2009-08-06T20:23:00.003-04:00

So You Think You Can Dance FINALE! AGGGHHHHH!

Here's my PICK:

JEANINE! LOVE HER! Source

With Phillip, from one of my favorite routines! Source

I just think she's a beautiful woman, an INCREDIBLE dancer, she's really come into her own on the show...She's been one of my faves since the beginning! I will be so jazzed if she wins tonight!

It's about TIME we have another GIRL win!

Hope ya'll are watching!

6 Months

2009-08-05T08:41:00.002-04:00

Our sweet baby girl is 6 months as of yesterday! I can't believe how big she's gotten!

PS-Sorry I've been such a bad blogger...it's been crazy lately! Hope you all are having a great August so far!

Green Guilt...

2009-07-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

Source

I have to get something off my chest...I've been feeling a little guilty for a while...

Since the 2007 release of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth," everyone has taken a much greater notice of our Mother Earth and how we've been treating her...Which is great. Awesome.

I'm all for Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

And cue the green guilt:

We don't eat organic. {No where even close, actually.}

My 5 month old daughter doesn't sport cute cloth diapers, and I don't make her pureed food. She also doesn't wear organic onesies, or sleep on an organic mattress.

We both drive a Toyota, but not a Prius, that's for sure. {And we both have over a 30 minute commute!}

Sometimes, we're known to drink our water from a plastic bottle! And when I go to the grocery store, those nice, eco-friendly totes that I have bought {I promise!}, are left, forgotten at home on the counter or under the sink.

We don't compost. {Even though we've discussed it, since we'd like to start a garden next summer.}

I may wear Bare Escentuals, but that's about as far as my green beauty routine goes...Even though I do love some Burt's Bees every now and again.

In saying all of that, I do try to contribute at least some...Those plastic grocery bags {I can hear the gasps} that I inevitably come home with every week, are stored up and then returned to the store so they can recycle them.

I'm also working on using up all of my household cleaners to be replaced with greener alternatives, such as Clorox's GreenWorks line of cleaning supplies. I've even tried the baking soda+vinegar mix of cleaning our tub, but my hubby didn't appreciate the smell too much. Or the fact that I also cleaned out his lunchbox with this concoction...

I guess I've just been feeling a little guilty while reading about how so many others are choosing to go green, and doing a fantastic job at it.

So, forgive me, Mother Earth. I'm doing the best I can, dang it!

Mrs. Newlywed is at it again...

2009-07-29T08:10:00.002-04:00

In honor of her blogiversary, Mrs. Newlywed has had some fabulous giveaways! She recently gave away an ADORABLE pair of monogrammed loafers! They were fabulous, I must admit.

Next up is a giveaway for a 2010 Donovan Designs wall calendar AND a pocket size Lilly agenda. Yes, both. They are fabulous.

Check it out here to enter for this fabulous prize!

{Fabulous is my new favorite word! I'm going to pull a Paris and try to get it copyrighted.} {snicker}

Heartstrings...

2009-07-28T11:56:00.005-04:00

Sorry I've been a little MIA around here lately...it's been crazy the past few days...and honestly, I haven't really had anything I consider worthwhile to blog about...

Yesterday, I was perusing my daily blogs when I discovered MckMama. I love her blog, and her family seems sweet as sugar, not to mention I love her photography.

I know she's been around for a little while, but I just discovered MckMama and her family yesterday! And I just can't fathom, can't wrap my brain around what her and her family have been dealing with...Her sweet 8 month old baby, Stellan, almost didn't make it into this world due to a severe heart condition, Supraventricular Tachycardia, where his heart beats too fast for his body to keep up. They've battled his condition since before he was born, and are now waging war again...I've cried, I've smiled, I've laughed as I've read through her blog and their story...

He is currently waiting to be flown to Boston Children's Hospital for an ablation...not really sure of the specifics, but it is a very risky procedure for someone this age and size...I just can't imagine what she is going through...Poor baby...it's just heart breaking...I look at Ava as an almost 6month old, and I just can't bear to imagine what Stellan and his family is going through...

If you haven't already read their story...please, take a couple of minutes to read about them and pray for this sweet baby boy...

Jewelry Love...

2009-07-21T11:59:00.003-04:00

No matter how many pieces I accumulate...I LOVE buying new jewelry!

For our one year anniversary last summer, my wonderful, loving, thoughtful hubby bought me this:

Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Notes Round tag bracelet. It's one of my favorite pieces! As much as I love it dearly, {and him for thinking of it}, it's my ONLY piece of blue heaven at this point in time. I'm all for quality over quantity, but I love buying cheap trendy pieces of jewelry to update my wardrobe. I hate clothes shopping, and I rarely buy any new clothes unless I'm in a certain mood. Instead I use jewelry for updates. I love going to my jewelry box each morning and picking out each piece for the day!

I always wear my watch & wedding set, and most days a ring on my other hand, a bracelet, earrings, and a necklace also. (Wow, listing all of that out sounds like overkill, but most of my jewelry is simple silver.)

I was browsing around on my lunch break today and found these lovelies at various stores:

This multi-strand beauty can be found at Lerner New York for $29.95. I love the black ribbon woven through the chain...

And for a sizzlin' summer evening...Belk: Nine West Bright Things Worn, orginally $95.00, on sale for $71.25. Would be very cute with a maxi dress and other skinny bangles.

I also love big, gaudy cocktail rings...With a larger statement piece, you can leave the rest at home. Too many things and it will be overwhelming...

I thought this was cute from The Limited: $19.50

Next up is a new browsing favorite: All the Rage Online: $27.00

For other recessionistas out there-The following pieces are all $10.00 and under! Found at http://www.alltherageonline.com/

I love these earrings: $9.00

Cute bangles: Also $9.00!

Another pair of very cute and summery earrings; $5.00!!

OK, my virtual shopping trip is over for now...hope you got some cute jewelry ideas for the sweet summertime!

Happy Anniversary!

2009-07-15T20:53:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was our 2 year anniversary! Happy Anniversary to us! We just got back from vacation, so this is a day late...but in honor of our big day, here's a favorite of us from that day two years ago!

Mr. & Mrs. B~7/14/09

The Babe's Room

2009-07-09T20:46:00.002-04:00

I had planned on posting the rest of the pics of our new landscaping, after it was finished, but alas...I can't find them, and I'm too lazy to go get up and get the card out of my camera. I instead have my external hard drive plugged in and went looking around on it, and found these instead: My precious girl's nursery room...Her Daddy put long hard hours in on the paint, chair rail, and molding (moulding?). I think it turned out pretty cute. The crib and chair are from JC Penney's, and the bedding is Wendy Bellisimo "Floral Patchwork," {or something like that!} I love how it turned out...simple, soft, and sweet. Just like baby A!

The chair side table is one of the cheap-o 3 legs-screw-into-table-top that you can find at good 'ol Wal-Mart, and I just threw a simple brown cover over the top with the round glass topper also. The lamp was a bring-over from our old apt...The changing table is my old desk, with new knobs, fresh paint, and a changing pad we threw on top. (Gotta love re-purposing and recycling!)

I can't wait until she finally actually uses this room!{lol}

RANT: Nail Salon

2009-07-09T09:33:00.003-04:00

Yesterday afternoon I decided to cash in my mani/pedi birthday gift certificate from my Mom. As I was sitting in my chair, soaking my feet, a lady came into the salon and took the chair next to me. *stepping up onto soapbox* I can already imagine the kind of feet that walk through those doors that these people see on a daily basis. I'm sure there are pretty feet out there somewhere, but not everyone can be blessed with pretty feet. Hence, the main reason for a pedicure in the first place.

However:

To the lady in the next chair over: Please SHAVE your 3 inch (no kidding) leg hair growth before you step in for a pedicure. {Granted, my legs were not day-after shiny smooth either, but I at least didn't have a fur coat on...Gross!} You know when you go in for a pedicure that they are more than likely going to give you a hot towel, lotion your feet, ankles, shins, and rub you down. If it's that big of an emergency that you need that pedicure that very day, run home and swipe at least up to your knees! Or stop in at a gas station or grocery store, they have travel razors!

I about died when I looked over and saw what the poor manicurist had to endure. Can you imagine!? Sick! I felt so sorry for her!

*stepping down off soap box*

Thanks!

Summertime Favorites...

2009-07-08T12:20:00.004-04:00

I say that Fall is my favorite season, but Summer is a close second...My Birthday is in June, our Anniversary, my parent's anniversary, and both my Dad & MIL's birthdays are all in July, so we always have a lot of celebratin' goin on! Not to mention Independence Day. Along with that, there are the requisite faves, like vacations, longer afternoon light filtering through the windows...I just love it.

One of my other favorite things about summer is "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!"

I love this show. I danced in high school, and am just amazed at what these dancers are able to do w/ their bodies. I was and never will be very flexible, it's a wonder I made the team in the first place, but anyway...One of my favorite things (are you seeing a pattern here at all?) about SYTYCD is the lovely host, Cat Deeley. She just seems to be the sweetest thing ever. And her fashion on the show is amazing. I love watching each week to see what she's wearing...

Last night I needed a break from all the MJ coverage that I couldn't seem to get away from, so I decided to catch up with DVR friends and watch last weeks' SYTYCD epi's.

Source

Anyway, I was sooo glad that Karla and Vitolio went home...they were good...but now it's getting down to the wire and I don't want to see some of my favorites sent home!

Will be ready and waiting to watch tonight's episode!

Anyone else a fan?

Five Months...

2009-07-06T21:35:00.004-04:00

Hangin out...

Sweetie pie is five months old already! I can't believe it! Time definitely flies when you're having fun!

I've taken her picture on each "monthly" birthday to document her growth! It's a really cute idea, I recommend it to any new mom!

See ya later alligator!

Outdoor Upgrades, Part II

2009-07-03T15:48:00.017-04:00

Our Friday holiday was spent updating the front landscaping...I say the term "our" very loosely, as I was basically the ice water runner...LOL. Nick's BFF Matt came over to help, and baby girl and I watched from the side-lines. They started by ripping out the scraggly boxwoods that were barely hanging on...

The before-before: {This was before we installed the concrete curbing.}

In progress: the new yellow bushes are in the ground, and our weeping cherry white snowfall tree is hanging out on the corner... next up: more lava rock!

This was mine and Ava's view at one point...LOL:

{Just hangin' out with Mom...} I kinda <3> her!

Before:

After:

More pictures to come later! :)

How I Spent my Wednesday Afternoon...

2009-07-01T20:08:00.005-04:00

I'm a huge Bakerella wannabe! {I love her stuff, she's incredible!}

Now-Who wants to come and pick these up so I don't have to stare at them all week and weekend?

PS-For something even sweeter, check out MrsRealLife's awesome summer giveaway! She's got some super cute stuff that is perfect for the sweet summertime! Contest can be found here!

PPS-Happy July!

Outdoor Upgrades...Part 1

2009-07-01T12:46:00.004-04:00

In an effort to beautify our home, we decided to go with concrete curbing to add to our "curb appeal." LOL The man who owns this curbing company actually lives in the next subdivision over, so it was really convenient for the both of us! Here are some pics of the project in progress, after the curbing was complete. This weekend, we'll be filling in with more lava rock and hopefully some more greenery and pretty flowers! :)

This area needs the most help...the boxwoods need to be removed, as well as the unknown dark purple bush in the middle. The curb man suggested something taller, such as a weeping cherry tree, over there on the corner of the house where he brought the curb around. Any suggestions on what else we can put there in front of the big window?

This tree will also have some pretty lava rock put down around it as well.

I sense sore backs and blistered fingers this weekend! We'll have to be sure to slather on the sunscreen! Ouch!

Any big 4th of July plans for you all?

Rest in Peace...

2009-06-25T20:59:00.002-04:00

Rest in Peace...Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson...

Cozy Bedrooms

2009-06-19T09:08:00.002-04:00

A 'la Country Living style...take a look at these beauties!
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This would be a beautiful room for Ava when she's a little older...

This one look so plush and relaxing...love the little children's chair at the foot of the bed...

BEAUTIFUL wall paper...I absolutely love the pink/grey/white color combo...so sophisticated and elegant, but still comfortable!

I am in love with this chair:

There are a total of 70 pictures of beautiful bedrooms at Country Living! Check them out for some inspiration if you're looking for a bedroom re-do.

Finished!

2009-06-19T08:44:00.003-04:00

Just finished the reading the sweetest little novel…I just bought it the night before last while I was at the grocery store: “Sundays at Tiffany’s” by James Patterson. I absolutely loved his “Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas,” so when I saw this one, I thought I’d give it a whirl…I showed it to a co-worker who also has an affinity for reading, and she said that it has actually been on the best-sellers list for a while…so anyway. It was a quick little read, especially on a slow day, and I really really enjoyed it. The premise is the story of a now-grown woman, Jane, who has been unable to forget or move on from her dear friendship with her imaginary childhood friend, Michael, (who is in his 30’s.) {Some people who had written reviews for this book said that at first, it was a little creepy for a 30 yr old to be a little girls’ imaginary friend, but I thought it was sweet. At that point in her life, he was just like a guardian angel.} She is the daughter of a successful Broadway producer, and Michael is pretty much her only friend, sharing ice cream sundae’s with her while her mother is visiting with friends, too busy to bother with her little girl. He leaves her on her 9th birthday (which is how it’s supposed to go with imaginary friends, apparently), and tells her that when she wakes up the next morning, he’ll be nothing more than a dream to her. Well, little did he know that for the next 23 years, she would think about him every day. And he, her. And then, one day in New York, the unimaginable happens!

Loved the story, and I won’t ruin it for those of you who may want to read it, but her 9th birthday party is not the end of Jane and Michael’s story! :)

Summer Lovin'

2009-06-11T11:08:00.003-04:00

I don't know about you, but when summer eventually (FINALLY!) rolls around, I start getting the itch to have lots of BBQ parties with our friends...I love entertaining and having people over, and getting everything all decorated and set up for the bash is my favorite part...We're fortunate our back deck is covered with shade, b/c the sun sets in the front of the house, so it's always nice and shaded in our back yard on those warm and cozy evenings...

I found some decorating inspiration below...I'd like to pull some ideas from these for our own soirees! LOL

These beautiful arrangements can be found at HGTV, and they are to die for...

This first one I love because of the calming, cool color combo...the white furniture, pale seashells, and light blue plates and glasses...It's absolutely beautiful!

I love the bright punch of colors used in this also...The big leafy fern, the adorable throw pillows, and the reds used on the tablescape...I love how they mixed in different colors and patterns...It all works so well together!

This one is a nice and simple setting for an intimate dinner affair...It wouldn't be too hard to buy a few different small pillows for your chairs, and have a couple of brightly colored chargers to place your settings on...I love it. (Having the pool nearby wouldn't be bad, either!)

Hope you have a fabulous kick-off to summer!

Do you have any easy entertaining tips or tricks?

6/4/09-Big day!

2009-06-10T22:00:00.003-04:00

Baby girl is getting so big! On 6/4/09 (my birthday) our baby girl turned 4 months old! She's getting such a big and fun personality!

This picture was taken with my new 50mm...For those DSLR owners, you NEED this lens! It's wonderful, and I'm having so much fun getting to play around with it!

On another note, in a previous post I had mentioned some adorable necklaces I had found on www.etsy.com and my sweet, wonderful hubby bought two of them for my birthday! Here's one, seen below:

It includes three charms, with each family members' name and their birthday...I think it turned out beautifully! Very simple, neat. I love it. He also bought me a 2nd necklace with a single charm, with the letter "A" for baby girl, and a single pink "pearl," included on the chain. I'll have to get a picture of it later...

Big weekend coming up...I have a wedding on Friday, a Busch race on Saturday (don't get me started on the Nascar/redneck argument! Have you taken a good look at Dale, Jr. or Kasey Kahne? Enough said.), and then a family cookout on Sunday...it's gonna be great! I love summer!

Any more Nascar fans out there? *crickets*

Hmmm....

All I Ever Want...Is Everything!

2009-06-09T16:22:00.002-04:00

This book I'm currently reading is pretty good...reviews coming up when I'm done...

Weekend Warriors-Part I, cont'd

2009-06-08T21:44:00.005-04:00

As promised...here are the before and afters of our little weekend landscaping project!

Wow, these are kind of embarassing! Last years mulch had faded soooo much!

The damn weeds had totally taken over the place...you can't get rid of 'em!

And...drum roll please...a few boxwoods, grass, and Zinnia's later...plus a couple Bobcat scoops of mulch...

Our edging needs a little "neatening" up, and we need some grass seed in places, as well as cleaning up *under* the top level of the deck, {hence the concrete blocks} but I think it's a big improvement from before! (As do my sunburnt and painful shoulders. *tear*)

Budget breakdown may or may not follow...lol.

Birthday goodies comin' up next! :) (I'm now officially 24!)

Weekend Warriors-Part I

2009-06-08T12:36:00.003-04:00

This weekend was alllll about the landscaping in our backyard...

Last summer, the hubby built an addition onto our back deck, which extended it to a whole other level...so nice and roomy. We did minimal landscaping around it, basically just throwing down some mulch, a few stepping stones, a few azalea bushes and called it a day.

Not for long! We started by pulling out the old and dead bushes, and then putting down a fresh layer of landscaping paper over that old layer of mulch to further help keep the weeds out. We layed fresh black mulch bought from a local family owned landscaping company. (They only sell mulch and rock, so then we headed to rusty trusty Lowe's.) We bought several Winter Gem Boxwoods, some "grassy" plants, and two other bushes, can't remember their name right now! What a difference they make! I also bought several hot pink Zinnia plants to add some color to our predominately green color scheme. We then re-laid the stepping stones coming off the bottom of our deck...and let me tell you, this took 2 days! We both have the sunburn to prove it, even after SPF 50 applied several times over!

I'll have a list and a budget break down as well as before and after pictures in a later post, so stay tuned!

Hope ya'll had a great weekend!

Movie Awards Re-Cap

2009-06-01T10:50:00.003-04:00

I have to say, if you're a fan of Twilight, last night's MTV Movie Awards was for you!

The movie (and it's actors) won 5 of the 7 Popcorn trophies they were nominated for...

My personal fave (aside from the trailer that took my breath away) was this scene: Rob and Kirsten accepting the award for "Best Kiss." Not a Rachel McAdams/Ryan Gosling moment, but close!

They have some amazing chemistry! Love it! This image is courtesy of www.ew.com

Twilight fever has hit again...

The Countdown has Begun...

2009-05-28T19:51:00.004-04:00

Two words for you: {new.moon.}
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Two more words for you: {rob.pattinson.}

Cannot wait for the MTV Movie Awards on Sunday, when we catch a glimpse of the next chapter...

Yes, I am a dork. And no, I don't care.

I ♥ Edward Cullen.

PS-Hope everyone had a lovely Memorial Day!

Ch-Ch-Chaaaanggess..

2009-05-21T20:17:00.004-04:00

I am dying to get my hands on our living room...we have such huge furniture, it swallows up the whole room, and there's really only this one way to arrange the furniture...it's starting to get on my nerves...

I love our big brown couch, it's so comfortable...but it's so...brown. I'm done with the red striped curtains and the red paisley pillows...it's past time for a change! Here's a few options I'm thinking of...

This first one can be found at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I love the colors...

These tab top window panels are also nice...

The following two are from JCPenney.

This one is at Kohl's.

I sense a shopping weekend coming up while Mr. Bee is away visiting family...across the country in Seattle, WA. He may just come home to a new home!

Goodies In My Mailbox...

2009-05-20T18:59:00.003-04:00

Well, not yet. But in approximately 5-7 days, this beauty will be sitting there waiting for me to tear into it's shiny brand new packaging... A shiny new Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II. *sigh*

I cannot wait to get my hands on this!!!

{ I ♥ Canon and Amazon! }

Wedding Season is Upon Us...

2009-05-18T19:57:00.003-04:00

It's here! That part of the year that usually begins in May and runs through the end of July, with a spattering in August, September, October and November...Wedding Season! In light of these upcoming joyous occasions, I have compiled a list of "wedding wear" that I think would be super cute...

Shall we begin?

I'll start with this cute little number, found at our lovely friend Ann's:

This little black piece is currently on sale for the low low price of $59.88. It's 100% polyester, dry clean only that was originally $229.00! Talk about a mark down.

Next up is from J. Crew, and is a bit out of my budget at $225.00, but I still loved it...It's listed as a bridesmaid dress, but I thought it would also work for a guest.

Instantly, I was in love with this from White House Black Market. It is currently $148.00

If you're feelin like a haute mama, this adorable dress can be found at Lerner New York & Co. It retails for $56.95.

And for those recessionistas out there, like myself, here's this flirty little floral from none other than Cato! This cute little sheath dress is only $29.99!

Enjoy!

2009-05-14T12:33:00.005-04:00

Today's weather has done nothing to improve my mood...it's just been a kind of blah day all around...and the rain and greyness outside doesn't help.

But I just discovered something wonderful! Two things actually! You must check out this awesome designer's blog/website...She's amazing! Just poking around her site will brighten you up! She's a fabric designer, as well as a women's and children's designer...her studio is amazing as well! Totally jealous!

Secondly, I discovered this wonderful group on Flickr: Inspiration Boards...I love art, in all forms!

This board is from Flickr user MayaLee

Go check them out for some inspiration! :)

2009-05-12T13:12:00.003-04:00

Ooooh, ooooh…pretty for the day!

I’ve noticed that here lately, every actress and “celebrity” around has been sporting cute chic little round pendant necklaces, whether it be on TV, in the movies, etc. And they’ve been gold and silver, all shapes and sizes…I’ve been looking for a pendant necklace like this for forever, and have had no success finding one that I loved. UNTIL TODAY! I had ideally wanted one with Baby A’s initial, or the hubby’s initial, to wear close to my heart. And find I did on one of my favorite sites, Etsy.
I’m seriously considering the following two choices:

They aren't as shiny or "expensive" looking as what I've seen, but I like that you could just throw them on with jeans and cute shirt, and they would look good...And they are sooo inexpensive! The one on top is $20.00 and the one on the bottom with the single initial is only $18.00! What a steal! These are handmade by tinytokendesign

Which one do you like best?

Master Cleanse: Pt. 1

2009-05-11T20:16:00.008-04:00

And no, I'm not talking about the "diet." lol After flipping through TYH and Bower Power, and seeing their incredibly awesome renovations, I thought I'd post how far our humble abode has come. Way back when, it was just a sad little abandoned foreclosure.

Exhibit A: The Living Room

Well well well...what have we got here...maroon carpet circa 1992, builder basic brass ceiling fan, and boring white walls. Another view, looking into the dining room from the front door:
And then, voila, we had some color! And notice, we are in the middle of putting down some shiny new hardwood floors...

Done! (well, not really.) But at least the floors and walls were finished...

Now, as of 5/11/09, we are pretty much complete!

New Couch
Wall decor, all of which were painted by my dear ol Dad...and I think one is crooked...hmmm...
Doggie stairs, (see noted doggie, in the cushion that's all mashed down.)
Token Grandpa chair...uh. It's an eyesore for sure, but really comfy!
Hardwood floors
Fresh wall paint
New light fixture
New tv and console

DH's pride and joy, the 42" flat screen...and he even picked out the tv console all by himself! He was really proud...and actually, I was too! LOL Notice my Mom's Day cards? Too cute. And that pink floof on the floor is above said doggie's other bed.

Quite comfy all around...but I'm getting bored...I want some new pillows, window treatments, something!

More of the Master Cleanse to come later...gotta spend some quality time with Baby A...

Weekend Wrap Up

2009-05-11T12:56:00.006-04:00

Hope all of the Mama's out there had a wonderful Mother's Day! My first was so sweet...I woke up and while the hubby was still sleeping, got some quality quiet time with baby A...it's funny how the center of your universe changes when you have a child! I would've rec'd a gift card for a massage but since the storms knocked power out of the whole town, I got enough cash to get one instead! LOL My lovely Mom gave me money also to start a Pandora charm bracelet (LOVE those things!) and in return, I gave her a GC to Ann Taylor Loft...

Here's my little sweetie pie:

She was a little apprehensive about making a blog appearance! But then I talked her into it!

We had some pretty rough weather this weekend...an F2 tornado touched down in a local community, destroying a subdivision...we just barely missed it! A school spring carnival was taking place, but luckily, it missed the school! Spring time in Ky has arrived!

Counting down until tomorrow night:

The ladies, from L-R: Kelly, LuAnn, Jill, Bethenny, Ramona, and Alex. (Where's Simon?)

Housewives Reunion, baby! CAN'T WAIT! I'll be waiting with bated breath to hear LuAnn call Kelly a liar...or at least that's what it was made to look like in the previews...gah, I cannot stand her! When she was running on the streets of NYC in all of her spandex glory, I was like, "Really? Really?" Who does that!? It'll be interesting to see how all the drama unfolds...

Happy Monday!

BHG Featured Photo

2009-05-08T11:51:00.005-04:00

Still in a "home" mood...so I scooted over to BHG to take a look at some of their galleries...this is a featured photo for the day...I love this! I'm really into light and airy rooms right now...

I love the white furniture and cabinets, the light yellow paint scheme, and the gallery of frames...I'd like to incorporate the gallery look somewhere in our home...

On another note, I am soooo glad it's Friday! (And also payday!)

To Do List for the Weekend:

~~Buy our Moms a gift for Mother's Day.~~ (This Sunday, don't forget! :) )
~~Mow the lawn.~~ Thanks honey!
Clean the hardwood
~~Find a new book to read...any suggestions?~~ Thanks for the input, ladies!
Organize my baby's closet, as she is growing so fast! No longer in 0-3, that's for sure!

Hope ya'll have a great weekend!

Lovelies

2009-05-07T12:47:00.003-04:00

WARNING:

*swoon-worthy* kitchens ahead! I absolutely love HGTV and their "Rate My Space." It's like I get to spy in on other people's lives by flipping through pictures of their homes...but it's not really so stalkerish, since they post them in the first place! The following are some beauties that I have found and would *love* call my own!

**All images courtesy of HGTV**

I think the main reason I like this are those beautiful hydrangea on the dining table!

I am IN love with this one, the cream cabinets, beautiful chandelier, paint color, EVERYTHING about this kitchen I adore!

I also love the "open-ness" of this kitch. And how the dark furniture anchors the light airiness.

More to come later! :)

2009-05-06T20:25:00.003-04:00

Testing my new siggy...whoo!

PS-Don't forget to watch "LOST" tonight!
PPS-Off to scour the 'net for some "inspirational home" pics, then some quiet reading time!

8 No More?

2009-05-06T13:15:00.004-04:00

I am so sad about the "news" of Jon Gosselin's affair...(if you've never heard of Jon Gosselin, I think you may have been living in a cave!) If it's even true...we've heard the rumblings of this sort of thing for a few weeks now, but it was just this morning that I read the "exclusive" from US Weekly...Wwaaaaah! I love their show! The kids are adorable! And we know Kate can go a little overboard sometimes, but who wouldn't want order and routine in a house with 8 children! I can't really say I blame her much...

I really hope this all isn't true...the new season starts Monday May 25th!

On another note, can I tell you how much I love "This Young House?" John and Sherry are amazing, I only wish I had a 1/10 of their styling ability! And they are adorable to boo...I highly recommend you check out their site if you are in the mood to remodel or renovate! They have a ton of information, links, and pictures to get you inspired!

Every time I visit them, I come away wanting to completely re-do our entire house! It's an illness, really!

I Survived!

2009-05-04T20:45:00.003-04:00

I actually did it! I re-joined the workforce! And I survived! If you read my previous post, from my first day back at work, it sounded like the world was ending. And I guess, on that day it felt like it was. But by Friday, I was in much better spirits. I am SO thankful for my husband and mother...I truly couldn't do it with out them, they are so wonderful! While I'm at work, my husband watches baby A, and when he leaves for work, my mom, who is a school teacher, comes to our house to care for her. About an hour after that, I'm home. I also have a wonderful aunt who comes when Mom has after school meetings! It is so reassuring to know that she is being cared for by people who truly love and care for her. It brings me peace of mind. We are very lucky!

Work is actually kind of nice, it gives me a little break, and lets A know that she can be taken care of by someone other than Mommy. I love my work schedule, 7am-4pm, and getting home before 5 is great. Less traffic to put up with. Less yelling on the interstate! Plus, it gives me something great to look forward to at the end of a long day! There is nothing better than snuggling her and holding her while she sleeps!

To those of you who are expecting, or dreading going back, it is possible! You might even enjoy it! It's nice to have a conversation with people my age, and to see what's going on in the world...I felt like I missed out on a lot of public happenings and goings on, being at the house all the time. And for the first month and a half of her life, I was too paranoid and germ-a-phobe to take her out too much. But I got over that real quick! Cabin fever sets in quick!

BTW-Today my baby is exactly 3 months old! Time definitely flies by!

And they're OFF!

2009-05-02T21:27:00.001-04:00

Just a quick note to say:

"Happy Derby Day!"

Congrats to "Mine That Bird!" Enjoy the roses, and good luck at the Preakness!

Wow...ceiling fans...

2009-04-29T20:00:00.005-04:00

Today was D Day. The first day back at work after almost 3 months off. It was probably one of the hardest days of my life. This morning I literally felt like my heart was breaking. Life is just not fair. And I hate it. I'd sit at my desk and even just looking at her picture brought me to tears. Everyone at work was very understanding, but there are only so many times you can answer, "How's the baby? Is she good? I bet today is really rough," with out breaking down. All I wanted was to be at home with her, watching her watch the ceiling fan go round and round. Granted, we are very lucky that my husband is able to stay with her during the day, while I'm at work, and her Nana watches her after he leaves for work. But it's still a major bummer. Everyone tells me it will get easier, but I just don't know how ever leaving my baby for the whole day could get any easier. She's the most precious thing to me in the whole world. As soon as I walked through the door, I just burst into tears. I've held her all night long, and I just dread going to bed, because I know I'll have to start all over tomorrow with this whole heart-breaking process. I know we are both working to provide for our family, and to be able to give her all the pretty things, but is it really worth it? Maybe I'm not meant to be a "career girl" after all. I guess I'll just have to wake up and take it one day at a time...but I really don't want to. To all the stay at home Mommies, you are so blessed! You have a hard job, raising and taking care of your family at home, but be thankful that you are able to do so! To all the working Mommies-You also have a hard job. Trying to balance work with life is tedious. I guess I'll just have to wake up and take it one day at a time...but I really don't want to. Because right now, all I want to do is rock my baby to sleep.

Which is exactly what I'm going to do.

How We Roll...

2009-04-28T12:41:00.003-04:00

She rolled over on Saturday! Whoo hoo! Saturday afternoon I was in the bathroom getting ready, and the hubby had her laying on the bed, talking to her. She just kept pushing and pushing, and eventually, she flopped right over! Hooray!

T-1 Day until I'm back in the rat race...

Gotta Love It!

2009-04-25T14:15:00.003-04:00

The weather today is fabulous! I love Spring in Ky...except when we have tornado warnings...yeah, girl with no basement=paranoia...

I believe tomorrow I'm going to go try to find some new clothes for work...really, I don't have a choice! I think Baby A will do just fine with her Daddy...he'll be on his own this week anyway when I go back to...w.o.r.k. Boo. I'm sure it will be the hardest thing I've ever had to do...I'd really just like to get it over with...

It will be nice to have some extra cashflow though, since the past 4 weeks Nick has been the only breadwinner! LOL

Hopefully tomorrow I can post some pretty pictures of pretty new clothes. Whoo hoo.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's back to work we go...

2009-04-23T21:11:00.003-04:00

D-day is next Wednesday, the 29th, and I've got a LOT to do over these next couple of days...

Let's see:

Manicure/pedicure. For sure.
Clean the house.
Clean the car/perform regular car maintenance. {Thanks honey!}
Shopping-I need at the very least one pair of black pants, and a couple of tops. That fit. Since I'm still too, ahem, large, for my pre-pregnancy clothes, and too small for my maternity clothes. Good grief, it's so annoying!
Sweet pictures of my baby to take back to my cubicle. {Try to pretty it up a little.}
Hmmm...I think that's it.

OH! A box of Kleenex. {Yeah. That about wraps it up.}

It's called...b.a.l.a.n.c.e.

2009-04-16T22:08:00.004-04:00

Balance: The process of juggling. Many things. {that's not Merriam's definition, either. Just mine.}

Something I've been contemplating lately...seeing as how I have about another week and a half left of maternity leave, unless I take the 1 week left that I have available through FMLA, until I go back to *work.*

Ugh.

Don't get me wrong, I love making money, (and spending it), and I love the people I work for and with, but I have no idea how I'm going to manage it all...the house, the husband, the baby, the job, the life, my life. It's a tad overwhelming, actually. Something I dread...I guess at the beginning of the week, I'm going to have start trying to get into bed before 11pm, and waking up at first light, since that is what I'm going to have to do for work. It actually kind of makes my stomach turn. I know I should be thanking my lucky stars that I have a great job in this economy, but it just doesn't make my heart go pitter pat like that baby asleep in her bassinette does.

Man, I wish we could just win the lottery. Boo.

Any tips?

Crap...

2009-04-15T17:23:00.003-04:00

Literally. Only, I believe at 8am this morning, I used another word...As in, "I've got s*** on my sheets!" {Sorry Mom.} Lordy, that girl can let 'er fly! In mid-diaper change, no less...What a nice wake-up call...so out came the "Shout" and to the couch I went...looking back now, it was probably pretty funny...but not so much at 8am. Especially with the hubbly snoozing away...Of course, after that exclamation, he was up too...and he changed the bed sheet for me. How nice. We took a trip across the hall to her room, and as I was in yet ANOTHER mid-diaper change, she still wasn't finished! Oh, Lord!

That was my morning at 8am.

I can only imagine my mornings in two weeks when I go back to work...nice.

Wow

2009-04-15T16:25:00.005-04:00

I'm actually embarrassed that it has been over three months since my last post...yikes. My one reader (my lovely cousin, Vanya) must think I've fallen off the face of the earth w/ no posts...LOL. What in the world have I been doing since then that I've been too busy to make a measly little post...oh wait. I had a BABY! Yeah that must be it...

{Baby A and I after her first "real" bath at home...no more sorry sponge baths for you, dear!}

So, in honor of her debut, I've decided to revamp the B's blog into the "Adventures of Mommyhood." No longer is it just the husby and I...oh no. She is beautiful, and wonderful, and we love her and wouldn't trade her for the world! So, I guess this is my first "new" blog post! {cheers!}

Welcome to our new little world!

2009-01-06T09:44:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and is well rested and ready for 2009!

I'll be back later with some of my "resolutions" for the new year!

Sunday ramblings...

2008-12-14T14:26:00.007-05:00

Whew...I'm pooped...I've been cleaning our house all day while the hubby worked out in the garage, changing the oil and washing and cleaning my Rav...(Whoo hoo! She was pretty dirty!) I'm trying to get as much finished around the house today as I can...I have the nursery tonight at church, and I want to be able to sit and relax tomorrow on my day off...Let's see what I've got checked off my list thus far:

Vaccuumed, dusted, changed the sheets, and made the bed in our room.
Vaccuumed the dust bunnies throughout the rooms with hardwood.
Finished several loads of laundry (I can't imagine how much more I'll have to do once Ava gets here! N and I create a TON of laundry, I honestly don't see how it's possible!).
Cleaned out and organized our (2) kitchen junk drawers.
Wrapped a couple of Christmas presents.
Cleaned out and organized the junk drawer in the utility/laundry room.

Now, the list that I would like to accomplish by the end of ~~tomorrow~~ the month:

Clean out and wipe down the refrigerator.
Organize our hall linen closet.
Clean the guest bedroom.
Finish cleaning and organizing the utility/laundry room
Finish wrapping presents!

I think I've officially started my "nesting." At least Baby A's room is ready and waiting for her!

Before & After: Master Bedroom!

2008-12-10T20:18:00.011-05:00

We painted, installed new carpet, and put in a new ceiling fan/light fixture. And then later bought new furniture! Whoo hoo!

Before:

As you can see, the maroon carpet also made an appearance in this room...and this is really the only before picture I have of our room...

After, but before the new furniture...

And Ta-Da!

It's amazing what an actual bedroom suite will do to a room...LOL.
And we actually have more on the walls, particularly above the bed, now.

Another view:

The door on the left is our closet, and you can see out through the hall into the now-nursery.

I still don't feel like our room is "finished," but it's definitely come a long way!

Office/Studio Inspiration...

2008-12-10T12:23:00.005-05:00

I've been on a kick lately of drooling over cute little offices, studios, craft rooms, work spaces, whatever you want to call them...here are a few of my faves:

From Decorology , found at Martha Stewart

Tiny House, from the adorable Lori Marie, at PrettyLittleThings

From the awesome Nicole at Making It Lovely

All from Jen at The Cottage Nest ...very vintage-y and comfy!

As you can tell, I love colorful, light, and airy spaces...would love to incorporate these ideas into my own home!

The Goods...

2008-12-08T19:43:00.004-05:00

We had the best time in TN with our friends Brian and Rachael...the condo we stayed in was amazing...even though we only got to stay for one night! :( Rachael and I hit up the Coach Factory outlet, while we dragged the hubs around with us...We actually had to wait in line just to get inside...it was kind of crazy...Nick said it would be a single man's heaven to work there...LOL...there were women everywhere with arm-loads of bags and wallets...I loved every minute of it! And now for the moment I'm sure you've been waiting for...my Christmas present! Whoo! It's extra roomy, so when the baby gets here, it'll be plenty big enough for all those extras! We also found handbags for both of our mothers, which were probably the two hardest to buy Christmas presents for! Score!

Us posing in front of the fireplace...this is the first picture we have of us together while I've been pregnant!

Rachael and I...the kitchen was beautiful! I want an exact replica in my next house!
(More on that later...)

Getaway...

2008-12-05T20:27:00.007-05:00

Tomorrow we're off to TN to visit Nick's old roommate and his fiance' in Knoxville, good friends of ours...and then stay in a super-sweet condo in Pigeon Forge...(River Stone Resort) Can't wait for this little getaway, it'll be nice to just go and visit...and we're also hopefully going to wrap up some Christmas shopping...for moi in particular, we're hitting up the Coach Factory Outlet store...Here's a sampling of some of my current favorites that are on the shelves right now...I really like the "satchel" style...but who knows...I may find a baby bag that's a good price...and then again, I may come home empty-handed, (but that's doubtful!) ;)

The "Op Art Sabrina," $298.00 retail
(I love this style and color)

The "Zoe Signature Top Handle Pouch," $178.00 retail (not bad!)

The "Hamptons Vintage Leather Mini Shopper," $398.00 retail
Gah, but this one is my fave!
This one *needs* me to bring it home...immediately...

The "Hamptons Signature Carryall," $298.00 retail
I love the structure and style of this one...

The "Signature Stripe Patent Multifunction Tote," retail $398.00
A.K.A. the "baby bag," would also be an adorable work tote!

Anyhoo-That's just a small sampling of goodies that I would be more than happy to bring back with us, er, me! The hubs already knows his gift...(we aren't very good at keeping secrets!) But I knew that if he thought I didn't get it for him, he'd go out and buy it himself...so I didn't have a choice, really! I fought the Black Friday crowds for this, waking early because I was paranoid the stores would be sold out, and it's really the only thing he's asked for:

The X-Box 360

I'm tired of hearing about...

We should both be pretty happy this Christmas! I'm suddenly feeling a tad guilty, what with the economy and everything all crazy right now...but I promise we are pretty frugal with our money...we rarely buy things like this for ourselves...except on occasions like birthdays and Christmas...so there...I feel justified. Hey, we should all indulge every now and then, right?
(And hello, I'm outlet shopping! It could be a lot worse!)

And I absolutely cannot forget to mention what Sunday will bring for us:

Breakfast at the Apple Barn! You must eat here if given the chance...you won't regret!

It is absolutely delicious!

So hopefully on Sunday I'll return with some cute pics, good memories,

and maybe even a shiny new handbag!

Before & After: Round 1

2008-12-04T19:29:00.016-05:00

The most recent room re-do we just finished is our baby girl's nursery! Before, this was basically the "office/catch-all/junk/least-worked-on" room in the entire house...We were more concerned with the more lived in areas of our home...and therefore this pitiful room fell to the back burner, maroon carpet be danged...(Which, as you will see in later posts, was not only in this room, but also the living room, master bedroom, hallway, and guest bedroom...*shudder*) So, you can imagine my immense joy when that hideous excuse for flooring was replaced! Basically, we slapped on some random blue color and threw some curtains on the window and presto! We were officially finished with that room...for at least a year and couple of months...sad, I know...but we had better things to do...like make babies...LOL.

Hideous maroon carpet is barely visible in this picture...but trust me, it's there!

Ahhh...that's better! Pretty pink and light cream walls with a little chair rail...there is nothing paint cannot fix! Not to mention new carpet! (Baseboards are now down, in case you were wondering...)

Her bedding that I just had to have...which was also a *deal* found at TJ Maxx in Cincinnati...Wendy Bellissimo's "Floral Patchwork", which originally retailed for $229.99, and was even on sale at BRU for $129.99...yeah, we paid $79.99 for the set! I love a good deal! It's adorable...I couldn't have lived with myself if I had passed this up..

My mom and I after the shower...we are so blessed! You can kind of see a little more of the room and decor...we've since added more to the walls, etc. I'll post a better picture later...

Favorites of the Day:

2008-12-04T12:56:00.005-05:00

I was perusing Layla Grace on my lunch break, and found this gem: Isn't it beautiful...In a Shabby Chic-meets-Granny-meets-I just want to run and jump into all those throw pillows! I adore the subtle blue hues in the bedskirt, pillows, and curtain...This just brings my all out girly-ness side...And not to mention the adorable lamps! I could sit in that room all day and be totally content!

AND...drum roll please...my dream...One day it will be mine!

Oh, how I adore craft rooms!

This comes to us from the lovely and fabulous Pottery Barn...

First time for everything...or maybe 2nd...

2008-12-04T10:18:00.003-05:00

The first go-round at this attempt to record fun stuff in our life went bust, due to my laziness and the fact I didn't like using googlepages, so here I am with a new and improved "memory keeper"! I love reading blogs, and I think it's a great way to keep friends and family informed, as well as keeping track of the important things in life...so...here we go! My hubby N and I live in KY, which everyone here considers a part of the "south", so I love to think that I have some kind of Southern hospitality running in my blood...(F.Y.I. The title of my blog comes from our last name...which is always mispelled, so I decided to just shorten it to the "B's.") I love decorating our first home (even though I'm not really good at it, and hubby actually gives a lot of input) but we are always looking for a bargain and something new to add...it's taken a little over a year, but for the most part, each room is actually furnished, and just needs a fine polishing to be finished...but are you ever really finished when it comes to your life and home? I didn't think so...We love DIY projects, and have really put a lot of sweat equity into our first home...We bought our home as a foreclosure, and it definitely needed a LOT of TLC...and $$$$! Before and after pics will follow soon...I'm amazed at what a fresh coat of paint can really do for a room, or piece of furniture, etc.

My goals for this month include:

Organzing utility/laundry room
Rearranging the guest bedroom
Making sure everything is ready for baby! (e.d.d. 2/11/09!)

We'll see how far I get with those...

Life with the Bees

All things VINTAGE!!

Chi's and Coupons

A little DIY Action

Double Whammy

A Little Bit of Randomness...

Reshaping it All!

Away

Two Teeny Tiny Years

Another 6 month update

Uh oh, oh no!

Killed Off...

Two Years...

All the King's horses, All the King's men...

Newsie

*squeal*tear*faint

One Step Closer

Teacher, Teacher

My random stream of consciousness

An Office Story

Hmmm...

Fall's Calling Me...

Seven Words...

6 Months

Green Guilt...

Mrs. Newlywed is at it again...

Heartstrings...

Jewelry Love...

Happy Anniversary!

The Babe's Room

RANT: Nail Salon

Summertime Favorites...

Five Months...

Outdoor Upgrades, Part II

How I Spent my Wednesday Afternoon...

Outdoor Upgrades...Part 1

Rest in Peace...

Cozy Bedrooms

Finished!

Summer Lovin'

6/4/09-Big day!

All I Ever Want...Is Everything!

Weekend Warriors-Part I, cont'd

Weekend Warriors-Part I

Movie Awards Re-Cap

The Countdown has Begun...

Ch-Ch-Chaaaanggess..

Goodies In My Mailbox...

Wedding Season is Upon Us...

Master Cleanse: Pt. 1

Weekend Wrap Up

BHG Featured Photo

Lovelies

8 No More?

I Survived!

And they're OFF!

Wow...ceiling fans...

How We Roll...

Gotta Love It!

Hi ho, hi ho, it's back to work we go...

It's called...b.a.l.a.n.c.e.

Crap...

Wow

Sunday ramblings...

Before & After: Master Bedroom!

Office/Studio Inspiration...

The Goods...

Getaway...

Before & After: Round 1

Favorites of the Day:

First time for everything...or maybe 2nd...

squealtear*faint