For Keeps Sake

Things have been so crazy lately with school, work, friends, church, life, life, life.....haha.  There doesn't seem to be anytime to just stop and think much less CREATE!  I haven't even been able to read any blogs or post to my own.  However, a convenient little California holiday know as Cesar Chavez Day has afforded me the opportunity to peruse a bit this evening.  While catching up on my reading I stumbled upon this little beauty of a post about note books.  No not the spiral bound, lined paper, Trapper Keeper kind, but a sweeter, more personal kind :)  These note books...errr...Books of Notes are filled with sweet letters to loved ones in a stylish format.  As my scrapbook days are long past, perhaps these will serve to house some of my memories and scattered photographs I so desperately need to organize.

Source: ohhellofriendblog.com via Laura on Pinterest

Source: ohhellofriendblog.com via Laura on Pinterest

Good night!

Ghosts

"You see, I've been to hell and back so many times, I must admit you kind of bore me." 

Oh Ray, how applicable you are to all things in life.  It seems appropriate to write about the last couple of weeks as the recent events that have transpired are directly connected to how and why this blog began.  A couple weeks ago I found out that Sh*thead is getting married.....yep.....not even a year has gone by since the meltdown and he's already engaged.  Though I can't say I was surprised.  He's getting up there in years, Mormon, and has been ready to settle down for awhile.  I, on the other hand, could never seem to commit...perhaps it was God closing my heart so I didn't ruin my life...perhaps. Even with the lack of surprise I still managed to go into panic attack mode, at work, in my cube...fun :/  After drying my tears in my coworkers cube (she's female, she understands), I put my chin up, buckled my crash helmet, and congratulated him.  *Sigh.  Oh how I hate being the bigger person.  Then came the full spectrum of emotions.  I rode the rollercoaster down into deep despair, misery, regret, anger, jealously, thankfulness, and finally have arrived at peace.  Sadly, I was less than pleasant to B during this time even though I practiced full disclosure and shared all the details with him (something I've NEVER been able to do before).  I think being honest with him about how the "news" was affecting me helped me to realize just why it was affecting me so deeply and actually made me feel a whole lot better.  B was amazing, as usual, and just listened while I cried on his shoulder over the impending marriage of my ex...ugh I feel so terrible. 

His kind, understanding reaction to me telling him I was utterly miserable at the news has made me love him even more and truly see just what kind of person he really is....kind, gentle, understanding, selfless and confident.  Seeing those traits in him reminds me of how wrong Sh*thead and I were, how dramatic and painful our relationship was, and how far I have come since then.  The Lord has held tight to me and I to my Faith.  I refused to give in to the desires of the heart and instead chose the desires of my soul...to live in eternity with my Heavenly Father, not just do what makes me happy in this life to the detrement of the next.  I have become honest with myself, aware and accepting of my shortcomings while still striving to move beyond them.  And I am beginning to realize that happiness and love is something that should flow out of you even when it is not flowing into you.

Even if things don't work out with B and I, I am content in my relationship with the Lord and THAT will always be enough love for me. :)

"Near to you, I am healing
But it's taking so long
'Cause though he's gone
And you are wonderful
It's hard to move on
Yet, I'm better near to you."

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!

New digs = new furniture

The weekend is finally here and instead of doing the homework that has been piling up all week I have spent the majority of the morning oogling sofa tables, consoles, and sideboards.  As I said before, house hunting has resulted in me being bitten by the "want to get rid of everything I own and start fresh" design bug.  Though I do have a few pieces that I truly love, such as my vintage, rod iron sewing machine desk, the majority of my furniture is of the hand-me-down, Craigslist, garage sale variety....and most of it is rod iron and wicker...yuck!  I have one particulary hideous sofa table that, despite it's functionality, must go.  I began my hunt with shabby chic sofa tables and quickly learned of all the spectacular and storage friendly sideboards and consoles that are out there!  Sideboards don't just have to be in the kitchen, right??  Below are a few that I have stumbled upon so far.  Though many, if not all are out of my price range I am hoping to find similar looks at thrift or knock-off stores.

Lots and lots of drawers for storage!

Source: maharaj0.co.uk via Laura on Pinterest

I love the salvaged wood on this sideboard.

Source: thegoodlifebyerin.blogspot.com via Laura on Pinterest

A little too French Country for me but I like the idea.

Source: europaintfinishes.blogspot.com via Laura on Pinterest

Not as much storage as I would like but I LOVE the thick carved legs!

Source: thestarfishhome.com via Laura on Pinterest

I love the awkward, upside down look of the legs.

Source: thestarfishhome.com via Laura on Pinterest

I'm definitely not lovin the form of this table but may steal the idea of bold, painted drawers...so unexpected!

Source: furniturekue.com via Laura on Pinterest

Here's to happy hunting!

Luck of the Irish

Happy St. Patty's Day!  I learned a fun fact this morning: St. Patrick is famous for driving the snakes out of Ireland and spreading the Gospel (after being kidnapped by pirates as a child).  Fascinating.  In the spirit of St. Patrick, the Irish, leprechauns and everything green I made my own version of "Luck Elixir" for my secret pal at our church preschool.  Instead of limeade however I used lemonade and green food coloring. :)  I even used a funky, fun bottle leftover from my best friends bridal shower.  Yay for reusable crafts!!!

(Via Design Sponge)

Renewable jewels

This past week I attended a jewelry/art show that featured the boss man's wife's new collection of jewelry. Now, I can not tell you the last time I actually picked out a piece of jewelry for myself. And it has not been for lack of trying. I just cannot bring myself to spend money on something mainstream nor can I tear my wallet out of my hands to buy something I can't pair with the majority of my outfits (living in small spaces as left me overly discerning in my purchases). Luckily, I have some fantastic friends who know just my style and have kept me stocked up on some unique and versatile pieces.

I broke my non-jewelry buying stalemate to pick up this lovely little piece at the jewelry party and I have a feeling it will be one of many (I have several other pieces "renewed" by Jami Mark that I'll post pics of soon). Jami finds unique, vintage pieces, such as belt buckles, earrings, and brooches and brings them back to life in renewed, modern pieces. I LOVE her style!

The idea of renewing old, outdated pieces of jewely got me thinking of other ways to use vintage pieces. While scowering the web I found this fun DIY project that uses vintage clip on earrings as magnets. I'm totally going to try it. Genius!

(image via curbly)

Have a lovely weekend!!!

Snow Bunny....not quite

I went snowboarding last week for the first time this year and it was fun fun fun AND I even managed to remember my camera this time. I took my time on the way down the mountain and snapped a few photos of beautiful Sugarbowl. Next up...a trip back to Sykes Camp to take advantage of the hot springs and beautiful views. Let's hope the camera manages to make the trek with me!

Taking in the beautiful scenery...and...errr...resting because I'm out of shape. :)

I'm under there somewhere, I assure you.

Sooo pretty!
Have a wonderful week!

Movin on up!

Happy Friday! This week has been a whirl-wind! After much deliberation, stress, mind-changing, and prayer, it turns out I will be moving. God is quite clear when he wants to be. My parents have to tear down my humble little abode because SOMEBODY called the city on them (apparently having a studio in your garage is a no no). So, I am now in the process of finding a nice little house to rent + a roommate to rent it with. Terrifying but exciting at the same time. Kinda makes me want to curl up in a cozy little corner and forget about all the packing, house shopping, and moving I'll have to do. Like this one....

(Via MadeByGirl)

With one of these.....

(Via Life:Inspired)

And these....

(Via Blissfully Domestic)

Have a lovely, stress-free weekend!