Mirror Mirror....

I love cooking and baking. It gives me so much joy. It is relaxing when I am in the zone of whipping up a new recipe or a well-loved favorite. As many of you know I went to Culinary School. I am by no means a "pro" but it is a passion of mine. Lately, it has been a bit overshadowed by my other passion of Interior Design. I could seriously live on The Cooking Channel, Food Network and HGTV alone! I don't watch cooking shows as often though because they make me sooooo hungry. Although, design shows aren't too nice for my wallet!

Anyways, I also follow a ton of design blogs. I love all the pretties! My mom loves design as well and passed that down to me. Our house was always very well designed. I would often come home with the furniture all rearranged...this happened a few times a year:). I have to say this happens quite often in my home too.  Design changes every year and it can be overwhelming. I can't keep up with the changes every year...but I do try to bring in a few elements...like pillows or a new art piece. Thankfully the world wide web is full of great inexpensive options(many times DIY) for the ever changing styles. 

My style is evolving. I use to be what I call "Modern Coastal" but that was a bit too cluttered for me and a little too themey. I don't like themes in homes.Let me show you an example:

This would be "themey". Way too much going on here. 

This...however...is just the right amount of nautical goodness:).

I also realized all the rooms in my house are all different styles. I have a nautical scheme in my family room...coastal in the bathroom(both rooms are guilty of being "themey"...Mod Glam in my bedroom and a little world traveler in the other rooms. Oh, and I can't forget a little Superhero going on in Shane's room:). Honestly, I would love to get rid of almost everything and start over!!!! (If we get our new house I just might get to do that:)).

So, what is MY style??? I have to also consider my husband's taste. I mean I should right??? He lives here too...but quite frankly I have taken over and I don't think he really likes any part of our home...sorry babe! I really like the classics...but with a modern flair. I don't like a lot of "stuff" but I do not like sleek and modern...or a bunch of hard lines. I am pretty traditional. I love old pieces that are made to look new. Our new home that we may be getting is Mid-Century. Noooooow...I have to say I appreciate a certain type of Mid-Century. Definitely I lean more towards the Modern side of it. There are some 60's and 70's influences that I can do without. My favorite thing is that it is considered vintage and to design a Mid-Century Modern home you have to go thrifting!!!!! 

Mid-Century is very natural. Uses a lot of earth tones.

How I wished we still lived! Men in suits and women in dresses...YES!

What I do not like about Mid-Century...except I want that cat! The furniture isn't too bad...but all that crazy art is no bueno for me.

With all that said, for now, my style is, Traditional...with a splash of Modern(if that makes any sense)..mix in some coastal elements and a sprinkle of GLAM! That sounds awful now that I think of it and a bit like I have design ADD. The truth is I just love all design. Whether it is Mid-Century or Country I can appreciate it all...except Victorian....just NO!

Any who...the whole point of this post was to show you my latest FB Group find!!!! I got a little distracted along the way but here it is: 

Ok...so this is what I bought for 20.00 from a girl on the FB group I am apart of that sell things...like a virtual yard sale!

 

It ended up on my mantel for now. It is very simple and modern. This is the style I am trying to lean towards so hoping it will look great in whatever house we end up in. Nothing fancy:).

 

Annnnnndddd this was my inspiration. I just happen to be drooling over this design by Emily Henderson(one of my top five fav designers). I loved this mirror. My mirror is stainless steel and I really like it but.... can always add a little gold rub and buff. We shall see. Something are better left alone in their original state(like many Hollywood faces).

So, there it is. I should have offered a lower amount. I did not realize it sold for 34.99 new at IKEA..but 20.00 is still better than 34.99. The best part of the whole thing....The Hubs likes it and HE suggested we go to IKEA this weekend!!!! Those are the best words he has ever uttered through his lovely lips!!!! I knew I loved this guy!!!

So, I have to know what is your style????? Country, Modern, Mid-Century, Traditional, Transitional....etc.....

Happy 4th Bday!!!

Dear Bubba,
I can't believe you are four today! I have a feeling I will still be saying that even when you are 30...40 and so on. Each year you bring daddy and I so much joy. We get such a kick out of seeing the world through your eyes. The love you have for others is such a sweet blessing. I want to be more like you in that way and am glad you are enjoying each and everyday.

I love that you ask what each day will entail. You are a little man on the move...always wanting to be doing something and being with others (daddy's mini me for sure).

Thank you for being our helper. You have such a servants heart. Thank you for bringing your plate to the kitchen when you are done and always rinsing your toothbrush off. Those little things add up to a lot for mama! :)

I have to say we are the luckiest parents in the world. You are such a good boy...who follows the rules...makes us laugh...and always wants to please us. You are a true SWEETHEART. Can't wait to see how much you grow this next year..although don't grow too much...you are almost too heavy to carry!!! Love you Bubba!!!!

Mama

Girl Talk- New Favs

Hello there girls! I have been under the weather for the past few weeks. I have managed to make it out in the world a few times...but for the most part I have been staying inside. Yesterday as I was brushing my teeth, I looked in the mirror and saw something sooo horrific...my face. Bwaahhaaa...but seriously, my skin was pale and my dark circles...ooooh child......let's just say I would fit right in with a pack of raccoons. If raccoons come in packs??? I actually took a snap shot yesterday: 

It is also that time of the month so that is the reason for the fangs and excess facial hair!

If I am ever feeling pale...bloated...or just blah...I always paint my face and some how I feel much better. I LOVE makeup! Can I get an AMEN? So, that is what I did yesterday and today. I put on a bunch of makeup and felt 100 times better! I do this often when I am in need of a little pick me up. I will go on You Tube and watch some tutorials on makeup and try out some new techniques. A lot of times I look even more like a raccoon than when I started but it is fun! 

I wanted to share some new finds that I tried and loved. The first I mentioned in a previous Girl Time post. It was the Beauty Blender. 

These are by Bundle Monster and are 10.99 for 4 on Amazon

  I went with a different brand...just because I didn't want to spend 20.00 for 2. This brand that I bought come in a 4 pack in the colors shown. The directions recommend that you wet the sponge first and then wring out the excess water. By adding the water to the sponge it allows you to get a real light layer of foundation on your face. This will be great for months when it starts to get hotter and you don't want a thick layer of foundation on. I generally like a light layer of foundation on...but if you can't get away with that this blender might not work as well for you. Or you might want to try not adding water. I also really like the pointed edge as it gets in the corners of you eyes and is great for concealer. Overall, I really like this product, but I still prefer my Sigma F80 brush I mentioned before for applying my foundation:). 

The second product I recently purchased was this highlighter by MAC:

It is called Mineralized Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle. It is described as a Gilded Peach Bronze. Isn't that just delightful. Anyone else get all giddy with makeup colors and descriptions??  No...just me...ok:). It is meant to be use on your checks. I started at the area next to the outside of my eyebrows(temple??) and make a "C" towards my checks. It does make my pores on my cheeks stand out a bit so I don't carry it too far onto my cheek area. I also swipe some down my nose and on my "cupid's bow" area on my lips(pointy upper part on lip). It is especially pretty if you have a tan. I only know because I have seen it on others. I myself never have a tan but it looks good on pasty too! Oh...by the way this was 30.00 so that is why I am only featuring two products as that is a lot for me to spend on a makeup product, but I am not a clothes person or mani/pedi person and so this is my girlie treat:). 

Have you picked up any new products you loved or did not love that you want to share??? Love new ideas!!!!! Try a new look this weekend...just have fun with it! Remember you can always wash it off:).

Asian (Garden Stool) Persuasion

Remember when I told you about those groups on facebook that sell stuff? They are pretty much like Craigslist only better!!!! Well I was just minding my business, scrolling through all the bikes, vases and clothing for sale when this beauty caught my eye!

The lady selling these actually referred to these as pots. I have never seen them used as pots..but either way...I wanted them!

I thought....could that be one of these????

Retails on Amazon for....$277.00!!!!

A lady was selling SIX of them for 10.00 each or if you bought all six she would give you a deal. I proceeded to ask the dimensions and she told me. Another person commented that he would take all six. Being the nice person I was I said he could have them since I only wanted two. WHYYYYYY??? I want them all. What are you doing Summer Ashley?! These sell for over 100.00 at some places. This guy must know of their potential. I wonder what color he is going to paint them? I wonder how lovely they are going to look on his patio, or in his bathroom or nestled up to his couch? I really blew it. Oh well, maybe he won't pick them up.

Now let us move onto the following day when this man(what does a man know about Asian Garden Stools anyways???) was suppose to pick up the beauties. I see a notification on my phone. Could it be??? Did Mr. Stool Stealer pass on MY beloved stools? Why yes, yes he did. Oh HAPPY DAY!!! I have to say I kinda knew this was going to happen because Jesus loves me:). Mr. Stool Stealer was unable to pick them up and in his defense he did not steal them. I graciously gave them all to him out of the goodness of my heart and he jumped on the opportunity and crushed my dreams of future spray painting sessions  these stools and I would have.

Anyways, where was I. Oh yes...Mr. Awesome...previously known as..Mr. Stool Stealer passed and Mrs. Awesome Seller Lady(no relation to Mr. Awesome)  asked if I was still interested. The reason she asked this is because after I passed them off to Mr. Awesome I immediately felt regret and sadness and I may have made a comment that sounded a bit pitiful. I mentioned if HE did not want them to let me know and I may consider them again. I really wanted to tell her that I made a HUGE mistake and please forgive me for not jumping on the opportunity to buy ALL six of these gorgeous stools and that I would give them a beautiful home. But I refrained.

So, she said they were all mine and all six for only........wait for it.......50.00!!!! That is a little over 8.00 for each of them. If you have not seen these stools before you are probably thinking I am a little crazy(or a lot) for getting all excited for this find. If you have seen these stools then hopefully I don't seem as crazy and you are with me on how great of a deal this is. I picked them up from the lady the next morning on my way to my mom's. I had to store them at her house as I was driving us for a fun day of shopping with her and my sis, but they understood, because they too love a good deal:).

This was definitely another great chance to bust out my beloved spray paint. I went to Lowes to get some more primer and to get a clear protectant for the stools and other items I have redone. I was also going to pick up a glossy white as that is what I wanted to paint my first stool but then I realized that it wouldn't go well in my bathroom which is where I wanted to put one. My bathroom is mainly white and it needed some color. My walls are a blueish green and although I wanted to go with something really fun...I stuck with my safe gray. I had two bottles on hand and so I thought I would give it a try. It ended up being the best fit for my bathroom.

BEFORE

Primed

AFTER:)

 Most of the stools were a light color with some tropical looking flowers...but there was one black sheep. Literally it was black with tropical flowers on it. I definitely was glad I primered it. My gray paint was not as glossy and I would have liked, so I bought that gloss clear protectant, but it was not that great. It was a Valspar spray and I have never used this brand. It definitely added a layer of protectant, but made it a bit gritty and not as glossy as I had hoped:(. Oh well..it still looks purdy. My original plan was to use all of these outside..but I really needed one in our Guest bath. I think I may add one in our Master bath as well. Here are a few examples of these pricey stools(which I should have referred to them as Asian Garden Seats... as Asian Stools sounds horrible):

Lovely in Pink

Celadon LOVE

Glossy White 109.99

Glossy Black $148.00!!!

GIRL TALK-Thin is not in

Thin is not in...thick is what it is all about! Unfortunately, I am talking about eyebrows and not our waistlines. And even more unfortunate that is the one place I am thin on my body. I can't win.

I am a little obsessed with eyebrows. If you are ever talking and you see that I am not giving you good eye contact but am instead looking at your eyebrows...well sorry. I love eyebrows. Thick and well manicured. Thin is not in girls!!! Did you know that if the outer 1/4 of your eyebrows are thin and you can never grow them there...you may have a thyroid problem? You're welcome! Now that I have ruined a few peoples' day let me get back to the topic at hand. Thick eyebrows. Now, I am not talking like really thick and bushy like some of these super models have...no bueno. Let me show you a few people with A+ eyebrows:

 

So...what do you think? Do you like thin or thick? Do you fill in your eyebrows? Do you have tricks to trimming them? Do you tweeze, wax, shave or thread? I am currently working on getting my brows thicker...they seriously grow every where I do not want them to. Here is a link to filling in your brows in case you need help:). Just trying to do my part in making eyebrows every where look their best! Hope you enjoyed the second installment of Girl Talk:). Again I am not an expert...just a girl who like girlie stuff:). Let me know if there is anything else you want to talk about. And in case you need to know what your eyebrows should NOT look like...here you go:

I heart spray paint

I think I love spray paint so much because I need results quick! I love paint in general. It can transform a room into something spectacular (or if the wrong color..something not so great). Spray paint though is my best friend when it comes to painting wood. I have used spray paint on quite a few of my furniture pieces in my home.

A few weeks back The Hubs and I went to Sur la table. If you do not know about this place and love to cook or bake...you have to go!!!! I had a gift card that I still had not used so I was dying to go. So, anyways...this has nothing to do with Sur la table...but actually Z Gallerie! Which is an amazing contemporary furniture and decor store, that happened to be across the street. Again, if you have not been...drop everything and go NOW! We were in the market for a new couch and The Hubs actually wanted to go in..so I jumped on the chance. While we were there I spotted this fancy schmancy tic tac toe set.

 It was fabulous! It was also 39.95, which isn't bad...but I really didn't need it...no matter how much my little shopping devil tried to convince me I did. So I left without it...but still kept thinking about it from time to time. I thought of its beautifully lacquered self...all white and glossy. Its modern take on a classic childhood game. Now fast forward to yesterday...which I guess you would have to fast forward and then go back a bit since it is today...sorry...I over think things sometimes. Anyways, I spotted this little guy on a group I am apart of on Facebook, that sells items...kind of like a virtual garage sale!

I was super excited...because what are the chances that I could find something so random as a wooden tic tac toe set in the group??? There was one person ahead of me and she passed...so I swooped it up and arranged for a pickup. Oh and I forgot it was only 5 smackaroos!!!! The one I have is a little smaller and the top you see actually slides off of a box and the x's and o's can be stored in it. I could have left it alone as it was in good shape...but I had the need...the need to spray paint:). I just happened to have some glossy white and gray. so I went with it. And here he is......

 I have to say...it really did not need to be spray painted:( I think I may have been so obsessed with spray painting that I didn't even stop to think...hey this looks good as is. Or maybe I should have just painted the x's and o's???? Or maybe once I get a coat of Poly on it I will change my mind or I might paint the o's darker or scrap the gray and go for gold????? I do love it(lies) ...but I am having spray painters remorse. What have I done????!!!!!!

Growing Pains

I remember my brother getting horrible growing pains in his legs when he was younger. He was such a tall kid. Shane is his little mini me. Shane has always been in the upper percentile for his height. So...it did not surprise me that for about a month straight he complained about the back of his knees hurting and then all of the sudden his pants no longer fit him. Poor kid...I told him he was growing and he was super stoked about that. But this is not about his growing pains this is about my growing pains. Just keepin' it real here. After I told Shane he was growing...he said to me "Mama you and Daddy don't want me to get bigger, huh?" That is right Bubba...Just Stay Little. 

I have a little frame that has that saying "Just stay little" in his room. Well, I guess I should say I had that little frame in his room until today. For today, Shane got his "big boy room". It was hard when I moved him into his big boy bed awhile back but I still kept a lot of the Cowboy decor. I just added in a few things from Toy Story, since that was his favorite movie at the time. Woody is a cowboy so I could deal with that. I am not into kid rooms being plastered with a certain character...but I want Shane to love his room...so he did have a Toy Story comforter even though Mama thought it totally messed up the Vintage Cowboy vibe I was going for. 

 I normally am ecstatic to redecorate any room...but this room...not so much. I knew that it meant I would have to pack up his horses, his hand prints and foot prints and anything that had to do with being a Lil' Buckaroo. I would then have to put up the Superhero decor. (That is what we settled on. I am going more for an industrial/city look...but there are a few appearances of Iron Man and Captain America). MAN...was this tough. Growing pains for sure...for Mama. Shane will be four in just 7 weeks:(. He is still little but not little little. He can do so much for himself and doesn't need my help. Most days I am super grateful for that..but other days it is sad. I am excited to see him grow and learn. I have loved every stage of his life and it just keeps getting better. So, just in case you have not yet made that switch from baby to big boy or girl room...be forewarned it is rough. I was super cheesy and did a "client" reveal with Shane like you see on HGTV. I shut the door and told him when it was ready. He ran in and said "this is awesome!!!!" If he hated it I was ready to put everything back up...no problem:). It is not anywhere near done...but I had a few things that I had been collecting over the past year and decided to hang all of his art. We are hoping to move soon..so until we have a place I don't want to buy any furniture until I know the space he will have. 

So glad he thought his room was "awesome". I caught him pretending to be a Superhero tonight...jumping on his bed.... in his cape....saving the world!

This I got for free! I also already had a poster frame hanging around so it was completely free! It was Shane's favorite!

I bought an old comic book awhile back at a thrift shop and tore out some pages (Shane was mortified)...hey it was all in the name of design! I used some leftover fabric to cover up a memo board I wasn't using and used push pins to pin the pages up and voila! ART:)

So...my sister in law bought Shane these coloring pages and I instantly thought that is going on Shane's wall! I did go out and buy Shane another one because that would be kind of cruel to take away his gift and say he couldn't color it. Although I could do it in the name of design again...but that would have been pushing it:) Oh and I had the frame already that fit it perfect..which is crazy because it was an odd size. I say God was rewarding me for not purchasing anything yet until I absolutely have to. I think all three of these piece cost like 2.00!!!

 

Ok now to leave you with the saddest picture ever taken! We were visiting with Scott's Aunt tonight, as she is going to be heading home tomorrow morning. She got all the Grand-kids presents. Shane got Superhero jammies...which of course he LOVED! When I got home I realized his jammie drawer was packed to the brim. I needed to take out a pair...then....there they were...his Woody jammies. Seriously!!! Those are the only pair in there that are way too short and I was holding onto because they are just so darn cute. But, it was time. I pulled them out and Shane was like..."what are you doing?". I told him I had to make room and these do not fit you any more. He then proceeded to grab them and do this: 

Not making this up folks. It was super sweet though. Almost like he was telling me it was ok...he is still little and will always be my Lil' Buckaroo!

Girl Talk

If you love makeup than this post is for you! If you don't know much about makeup or it just isn't something you are really into, this post is for you. I personally LOVE makeup. Maybe because I grew up with it. My mom was a makeup artist before I was born and even had her own makeup line...how cool is that!?! I usually play it safe with my makeup...but I do like to mix it up from time to time. I know as a mom brushing my teeth each morning is a huge accomplishment(which reminds me...)so the idea of "painting my face" everyday is hard to imagine. But...trust me you will feel so much better. I promised myself a few months back that I would wake up for a full week and get ready...that meant getting dressed(silly I know..but I was in my pj's til noon some days), doing my hair (not just throwing it up in a ponytail) and putting on my makeup. I did it and felt sooo much better about myself and was ready for the day. Also...I didn't look like I just rolled out of bed at noon.

Since I work from home I am not forced to really get ready for the day. I am stuck at home until 4:30. I do have to pick up my son on Tuesdays and Thursdays...so I try to not look like a hot mess on those days. I have a 5 minute face, 10 minute face and a 30 minute face. 5 minute face is no foundation and just concealer(my must have) eye makeup and some blush. There is nothing pretty about under eye circles. It must be my German blood because my under eye circles are insane! Do you have that must have makeup item??? My other is eyeliner and mascara!

I wanted to have a weekly "Girl Talk" post. Thought it would be something fun and informative(not that I am an expert or anything) but I have been watching a ton of You Tube videos...which I will post a link to at the end. I also read a lot of websites about makeup and blogs as well. There are a few new items that I have tried and a few that I want to try so I will give some reviews on those. This week I wanted to focus on brushes.

If you do not have good brushes... applying your makeup can be very frustrating. I used to work for The Body Shop and got a great set from them years ago. Of course, there are a million different brushes out on the market and it is honestly overwhelming. Not everyone will need all of the same brushes but here is my basic list of brushes that I use and work great for me.

Sigma F80 Kabuki Brush

First off this is my new fav...I just got it in the mail today and tried it for the first time and love it!!! It was a little bit pricey but in the long run it isn't all that much. I wanted to buy this to replace the sponges that I normally use to apply my foundation on with. Now, I have to say I still love my sponges...but they don't last long and they suck up a lot of product so that is why the 16.00 that I spent on this Kabuki brush is worth it. Also, the girl who recommended it, on YouTube, always looked like she had an airbrushed look. She gave all the credit to this brush by Sigma. I did not have to use a lot of product and it went on very quickly. I had used a smaller foundation brush by E.L.F. and it just took too long to apply and over time got very grimy...yuck! Although I only have used this once, I really like it. I just put a little foundation on the back of my hand and stippled the brush in it and on my face as well. Stippling(dabbing like motion) really gets that airbrush look you want. You shouldn't look like you have a thick layer of foundation on.

beautyblender

 I am still anxious to try the new rave...beauty blenders. Have you guys tried these? Maybe it isn't new...I seem to be about a year or two behind all the trends! You actually get these wet(if you want or can leave dry) and then wring them out and use to blend on your foundation and concealer. I am thinking I will love this because it is like a sponge and you can wash it out and use for a long time. Definitely my next purchase... I will review it for ya:).

Wow...this post is already long so I am just going to list a few more brushes I personally love:

Slanted Brush...this one I love for smoothing out my eyeliner and making it look less harsh.

This is a blender brush...this is by e.l.f. for 1.00! I bought this brand because I wasn't sure if I really needed this brush but I really like it. If you wear a few different colored eye shadows I like this to blend the two or three together at the line where they meet so there is not a definite line.

And like promised...here are the links to some You Tube videos. I apologize in advance... most of the girls who do these videos are a bit silly...but super cute and have a lot of great ideas. 

http://youtu.be/1W-93hFSl3U
Great video on applying foundation....super long:)
http://youtu.be/JYMNZiaky5U 
This is super great for a quick natural look!

That is it for the first GIRL TALK post...hope you enjoyed! Let us know what brushes you just love!!
 

By George, I think she's got it!

I graduated from Culinary School. I would not call myself a professional chef by any means...but I know what's up in the kitchen. So, it is super embarrassing that the one thing I can not ever get right is the simple...All American...Chocolate Chip cookie!!!!

I have gone through 100's of recipes trying to find the perfect chewy chocolate chip cookie. I love thick and chewy or thin and chewy cookies. I can make a crispy chocolate chip cookie like no other...but I don't like those!!! It is a bit of a joke in my house that these suckers get the best of me in my kitchen. I blamed it on my oven for years...until I got a new one and they still turned out crispy.

I tried cooking them for a shorter amount of time...with butter...with margarine...with shortening... and so on. I have tried different pans...different temperatures and to no avail have failed....until yesterday!!!!!

Pinterest is one of my best friends. I love her. This is where I found the "it" recipe. It was by a baker, named Karyn, God Bless you!!! She has a website called Pint Sized Baker. I can't wait to take a look around at some of her other recipes. The reason I think her recipe worked was:

1. She used butter.
2. She chills her dough (1 -24 hours)
3. She uses a baking mat. 

These three things were key in getting that chewy cookie I love. Sooooo.....here is the recipe!

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

by Pint Sized Baker

Prep Time: 1 day

Cook Time: 9 minutes

Ingredients (6 dozen cookies)

• 2-3/4 C Flour
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 2 1/2 sticks Butter
• 1 3/4 C Dark Brown Sugar - packed
• 1/4 C Granulated Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 C Chocolate Chips

Instructions

Mix the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Set aside.

Cream butter and sugars on medium speed until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time then add vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low and mix in the flour mixture until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand.

Cover with plastic wrap and set in the fridge for at least an hour, but overnight is best.

Preheat oven to 375 deg F and line cookie sheets with a baking mat. I used a cookie scoop to measure out the batter and left them as balls. I tried a batch that was slightly flattened, and the rounded ones looked better.

Bake for 10 - 12 minutes until the edges are golden and the middles are still soft. Let cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 8 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack.

***I cut the recipe in half and they still turned out great!!!

Love Is In The Air

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Or are you like my husband and think it is a ridiculous holiday where they hike up the prices 300% on flowers, jewelry and chocolate??? I for one LOVE V-day. Mainly because there is lots of pink floating around and I usually get flowers...not on V-day but after when they are back to a normal price. I have never been very romantic...but in the last few years... as I grow older... I really am and The Hubs is adjusting. Oh and he has also learned that I DO NOT like red roses. They are boring to me...I know they symbolize love and all, but my favorite are pink roses or any other unique flower like these beauties:

Blush Peonies...ohhhhh...pitter patter

My love language is receiving gifts. The Hubs finds this hilarious. I told him it does not have to be a new Ted Baker purse that I happened to see and fall in love with which you can find here in case my Valentine is reading this and maybe wants to surprise the love of his life, the mother of his adorable son and hard working wife who makes him dinner and cleans the house(on occasion) and loves him dearly. Oh...where was I ...yes...it does not have to be a fancy purse...but a simple card would do or a little trinket that he bought (not on his way home on V-day) but weeks before. Something with some thought behind it. 

****I do have to say there is a gift waiting for me that The Hubs purchased for me on a business trip to Monterey...which I am really excited about. I don't care what it is...just the fact that he thought of me and got me something is super sweet!

So what are your plans? As much as I love V-day I really don't like going out on the actual day. It is soooo crowded. I think we are going to have a quiet night at home...with the 3 of us. I was browsing V-day pins on Pinterest and came across some cute ideas!

First...we must talk about the sweets! Here are some of my favorites:

Source

These could be made super quick with a package mix. Great idea for a teacher gift too...wrapped in cellophane:)

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that's amore!

Now let's get crafty!

There was not a source for this pic. I think this is a super easy and inexpensive project. Find some doilies at the Dollar Store or a craft store and add to string, yarn or ribbon. Hang from your bedroom door or your child's so when they wake up they have a "heart attack". 

Source

Can you feel the LOVE? This year marks our 10 year wedding anniversary and I fall more in love with The Hubs everyday! I love talking with him and sharing my life with him. He is encouraging and always puts others first. He has made my life better and I am so blessed to have him as my Valentine! 

Little ones to Him belong

I tend to title my posts using songs I learned in Sunday School as a child. Mainly because they still bring me comfort...but also because they are simple and remind me of the love from my Heavenly Father. 

I am attending a bible study on Nehemiah...by Kelly Minter. She does a great job "making us" read every verse in Nehemiah and other verses in various books of the Bible. I have to say it has been awhile...like a lonnnng while since I have done a bible study. They overwhelm me...honestly. That is my lame excuse anyways. Once I start them though I am of course overwhelmed(in a good way) with God's love for me and many times my eyes are opened to my weaknesses and heart is refreshed with the plan that awaits for me. Sometimes that plan is not so clear, other times it is a huge "aha moment" followed by a clear path.

Kelly Minter continually asks a few questions that really hit deep for me...but left me wondering the answer. You see...I didn't have a clear answer...yet. I wanted to be careful to not just write anything down, but to really think about it. The first question is "What makes you weep?" Now, that is something I could answer right away. I think we all were given compassion and empathy to certain groups of people, so we could help them. Sometimes we have that compassion because it is something we struggle with ourselves. 

The next question was "What has God put in your heart to do?" I see this as an action follow up to the question "What makes you weep?" Many times the things/people that make you weep and have a heart for are the things/people that God has put on your heart to do something about. 

Let me share what makes me weep. Children, young and old who are in need of some love. Being a mom, I know the instant I found out I was carrying my child I had an enormous amount of love for that child. Then once my son was born...that love grew and grew. So, when I hear of a child who does not have a mother or father to love on them it makes me weep. Adoption has always been something I had much respect for. Being an advocate for Pro-Life I love hearing stories of Adoption rather than Abortion. I have helped in various centers that support these mothers and fathers who are scared and unsure of what their options are once they find out they are or their partner is with child. I witnessed a beautiful story of adoption in my own family. My Aunt and Uncle were involved in a prison ministry and ended up adopting my cousin, as his mother was not able to care for him. I couldn't imagine life with out him and I praise God for the better life he has now because of Adoption. I hate to imagine where he would be if he was not in my Aunt and Uncles' home...but it was all in God's plan. He kept him safe and now we get to be blessed by having him in our family!!! 

In many cases the reasoning for someone to choose abortion is because they can not take care of that child. Many times they just don't want to and many times they are in a very poor and/or harmful/toxic lifestyle. When they choose life, I weep. When they choose to give their child to someone who could give them more love and a better life, I weep. When they choose to turn their life around, I weep. There is nothing better than seeing someone who is weak take hold of God's promises and allow God to be strong.

"Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me!"

I have to say I began to get a little off track in what it was I thought God was wanting me to do. It was really leading no where and I was confused. I have always been interested in how the mind works and love reading psychology books. People who are mentally ill (bipolar and schizophrenic) really do have my heart and I am not saying that I am writing it off...but I think my main focus, which has been since I was little, is children who need love...attention...affection...or who just really need. But, then I realized many of the mothers and fathers that came into the center I volunteered for were in need too and some even had some mental illnesses that were keeping them from being able to take care of their child. Just as much as these unborn children needed love...so did the parents.

So, what makes you weep? They poor, the handicapped, the orphans, the widows??? And what has God put in your heart to do about it? Believe me it may not be clear, but I challenge you to pray about it. He may not make it clear for years...but I am sure you have an idea of what it may be. Life on earth is short compared to the eternity we will share with God. Make it count. Love on someone who needs it. And as Kelly Minter put it, "May you one day hear the words"..."You have done well to have this in your heart."   

Bedding Saga

In just a few short months, we will have lived in our house for 3 years! I really can not believe it. I really can't believe that shortly after our three years "living here" anniversary...Shane will turn 4!!! Yikes...time truly does fly!

We are in a rental. I feel very blessed to live her in our...home. Hard to say home when it is not technically ours, but home is where the heart is, right? The fixtures are not what I would chose for my home, the exorbitant amount of tile is just that....exorbitant. There is a huge list of what I do not like about the house, but I love that we do have a house to live in. One that is spacious and that fits all of our stuff. The location is ideal and our neighborhood is really quite nice. With all that said I was thinking about living here for almost three years and what I have and have not done decor wise. Since it is a rental I didn't want to fill it up too much...but as I type that and look around...it is pretty much filled to the brim...so that last statement was an outright lie! I can't help myself. I love interior design. Our first home that we bought...was well... brand new and a blank slate. We had a lot of fun filling the walls up with art and filling the rooms with furniture. I have to say it was a bit more modern than my liking...but because it was a new home I felt that was appropriate.

Our current home is a bit more traditional. The hubs hates it. I slowly started to bring in some older pieces and cluttered some of the space up. I have to admit, it is too much for me too. I am in the middle of establishing what my style is (also trying to incorporate The Hubs style as well). It is hard when one likes ultra modern and the other likes a more traditional palette. He is more LA loft and I am more Newport Bungalow....James Bond vs Fred Astaire....Plummers vs Pottery Barn...cold vs warm(hehe). I do appreciate his style..I just find my style superior. Oh man, I might be living by myself if I don't stop.

Sooooo....lonnnnnngggg story short. It is hard to combine our two styles. The house we are in now is light and beachy. Which I am now getting tired of. I have always incorporated the beach into my living spaces some how and I probably will continue to do so, but in a more subtle way. I hate kitsch and themes. My bathroom is about as themey as I want to be. In our next house it will be completely different, so I am enjoying it now. It is what I have to work with and I need to be content...pfffttt.

So, my major brain freeze has been in my master bedroom. It is a bit on the glammy side. There is no pink so I think I am safe. I call it Modern Glam. My furniture is all vintage pieces. Most are faux bamboo, which I love!!!! My problem has been deciding on bedding. It has been three years and The Hubs has this horrific navy blue blanket that we were given and I use my warn and beloved pink quilt my Nana made me (guess I do have pink...ooppps). I have found a few options from time to time, but nothing I absolutely loved. I didn't want to settle but I didn't think it would take this long. After wrestling with my color choice I decided white would be best. It is so crisp and clean. I love the whole pintuck look, but a lot are duvets and I can not stand duvets. So, I currently have grey striped sheets...grey striped pillow cases ....solid grey pillow cases...navy blue pillow cases....navy blue blanket and a pink patchwork quilt....lovely! I thought all hope was lost until I saw Jcpennys' new collection. Be still my heart. Well done JCP...you have designed my perfect bedding. I got a little discouraged when I saw the price and read some reviews, but there are actually two options I like. Here they are(which are not white...but I think I am over that...until next week). What do you think? Which one would you prefer?

Velvet...ohhhh.

This comes in white too...but is a little blah. This color is more of a grey in person.

New Day...New Year

 Every new year brings with it ideas of change and setting goals. I happen to be one of those people who love it. It is a big reset button for me. After all the hustle and bustle of Christmas...I need a moment to get my thoughts together and recharge. I love making goals...even if I don't stick to all of them. Some people find it silly...but the new year is one of my favorite times of the year. Almost like a fresh start. I need a big slap in the face sometimes to make me refocus. So...I welcome the new year with open arms.

My goals are usually the same ol' same ol'. Lose weight...read more...get organized...etc. This year I wanted to be a bit more specific. I think that is why a lot of goals fall to the wayside. If you don't have a plan to go along with those goals then you have failed before you even began. When I start to get discouraged... I am encouraged by this verse in Lamentations 3:22-23 "

²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness

 

 I especially love "They are new every morning". We should never become discouraged. God is 

always faithful. Make those plans with God. Include Him in your planning and if you fail... know that it isn't the end. Wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start again. This is my motivation. So, here are a few of my goals for 2013!!! 

1. Get Organized. Since I had Shane I have become more occupied in other areas(which is totally fine). Most mothers feel the same, I am sure. I will never blame him for that(one of my pet peeves...side note...he also isn't the reason for all my fat...that would be lack of exercise and eating poorly). Ok, back to getting organized. I have felt a little out of whack in the last few years. Kind of just floating around. When I am overwhelmed, instead of getting the things I need to do done...I wander aimlessly. Nothing gets done and just piles up. I think if I was more organized it would make my life a lot more simple!!! One of my favorite sites is Money Saving Mom. She has a great 4 week program that I did last year and plan to do again this year. I highly recommend checking it out and her whole site! I would love for my linen closet to look like this: 

 

and not like this: 

This is not my closet...but my closet looks very similar. Glad to know there are other disorganized closets out there!

 Goal number 2 is to: Read more. I enjoy reading. I am not a reader. I read maybe one book a year. If I find a good one I can read it in a few days. Last year I read a book by Dr. Mark Hyman, ...called: "The Blood Sugar Solution". Amazing!!!!! It really got my health on track. I think books are great. So, if you have any suggestions let me know. Unless it is Twilight or 50 Shades of Grey...I can go into a long explanation of why I won't read those but I will save you the time...ain't nobody got time for that! Unless you want to know then I will gladly tell you:) Ok...again I am sidetracked...back to reading. I am currently reading "Nehemiah...a heart that can break" by Kelly Minter. Only on day one (it is a study we are doing at church) but it is already sooooo good!

A few other random goals are: I want to work on my writing. Like I remember that when you are writing about a book title there is the appropriate way to do that with quotations..or is it underlined??? I don't remember...I think that was like Junior High and I barely remember anything from yesterday...so I need to brush up on my writing skills...so I don't have to use ellipses(...) learned that one from The Hubs. Always just called them the dot...dot...dots:). They basically are put in to indicate an unfinished thought...very appropriate for me...

I NEED to learn how to SEW! Just a pillow would do. It would save me so much money. I can never find a pillow I like but I have a huge stack of fabric that I LOVE. I am going to try to take a class a Joanns. If anyone wants to join me, let me know!

So, I still need to sit down and really organize my thoughts and set more goals. For now, that is what I have. I must remember that each day is a new day full of new mercies. I can do this...with HIM.  Great is Thy faithfulness!

What are some of your goals??? I would love to hear about them!