DIY...or don't

Maybe if I start posting the DIY projects I want to do I'll actually do them?  Just a thought....

Source: granddesignco.blogspot.com via Laura on Pinterest

Love the color!

Source: twogirlsbeingcrafty.blogspot.com via Laura on Pinterest

Source: backstitch.tumblr.com via Laura on Pinterest

Genius!

Source: karapaslaydesigns.blogspot.com via Laura on Pinterest

Not sure if I have the guts to do this to my brand new Ikea dresser.  Thoughts?

Source: rockettstgeorge.co.uk via Laura on Pinterest

Over the headboard when B and I get married? :)

Also Applicable to Life.....

Source: skinnyfit-thebestyou.tumblr.com via Laura on Pinterest

Happy Thursday

Something old, something new, something.....interesting!

Even though I am not even close to getting married, I still can't resist good wedding decor.  :)  While browsing Anthropologie's wedding line BHLDN the other day I stumbled upon this wonderful little idea of substituting long stem cut flowers for bouquets!

Source: bhldn.com via Laura on Pinterest

I immediately began searching the web for other unique bouquet ideas.  Here are a few I especially liked...

Source: google.com via Laura on Pinterest

Love these sweet little white flowers.

Source: google.com via Laura on Pinterest

My only issue with tulips is they wilt so darn easily!

Source: google.com via Laura on Pinterest

Wheat!!!  Who would have thought???

Source: google.com via Laura on Pinterest

I absolutely ADORE this idea!  How perfect would this be at a shabby chic wedding?!

Happy Friday!!!

Joy

"I am convinced that we can choose joy.  Every moment we can decide to respond to an event or a person with joy instead of sadness.  When we truly believe that God is life and only life, then nothing need have the power to draw us into the sad realm of death.  To choose joy does not mean to choose happy feelings or an artificial atmosphere of hilarity.  But it does mean the determination to let whatever takes place brings us one step closer to the God of life."

The older I get.....  Perhaps I should rephrase that.....

The less stubborn I get, the more I realize that my joy is outside of myself.  The less I try to control my life, find happiness, success, or peace in the things around me the happier, more successful (though perhaps not by earthly measure), and peaceful I am.  My mother had given me a book to read last summer when I was feeling particularly down about Sh*thead.  The passage above spoke particularly loud to me.  Joy is not something that can be obtained in this life by human means but is more a submission of all things to the God of life, a trust that he will provide all we need, and a response to our neighbor of love and understanding.  The road to sanctification is a long and rocky one but one that can have its moments of "victory" if we remember that we are entirely justified by our Savior and are therefore free to respond to all things in life with JOY!  Even if we feel less than such.  Therefore....

I choose my joy! :)

Simplicity

How wonderfully simple is this idea!?  I think I may hang a shelf just so I can drap some lace over it :)

Source: designstiles.me via Laura on Pinterest

Happy Monday!

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!

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!

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!!!

Grey Days

Perhaps it's the damp and dreary weather lately, but I just can't seem to get enough of grey walls. I am once again wrestling with the idea of buying a house and have started to look, albeit casually, for a little place to maybe, just maybe call my own. Home shopping, for me at least, always gets the creative juices going and sends me spiraling off into the great interior decorating unknown. I think I may have to have at least one grey room in my (hopefully near) future home. Below are a few images from around the web that particularly inspired me. I especially like the pops of vibrant red in the room below and dream of adding some rich dark woods and soft fur blankets to drape over the bed.....

(Via Windlost)

(Via Mochatini)

(Via Made by Girl)

(Via Houzz.com)

Have a lovely weekend!

Boredom is a dangerous thing

For most of my life I have had short hair. However, over the last two years I have been trying desperately to grow it out now that the texture has changed (gotta love them 20's hormones) with the support of my lovely hair dresser who refuses to cut it even when I beg her. Now that it is finally past my shoulders I am getting that darn itch to chop it all off again. You just can't beat the feeling of running your fingers through short hair in the shower...plus you save a TON of money on shampoo. I so wish I had enough courage to do Natalie Portman in V for Vendetta short but I dare not in case I am harboring a frightening mole under my locks :) Below are a few ideas in case I get the nerve to actually chop it off. What do you think?

(Bottom left via Cup of Joe)

Feathers, Flowers, and Flags oh my!

How delightful is this bouquet from Flora Grubb Gardens?! I love the addition of spotted feathers...SO unique. For the record I was NOT looking at wedding stuff but stumbled upon it while searching for Valentine's Day gift for B :)


Also, I am currently obsessed with the idea of using these cut out flags at my next soiree.


Happy Friday! At least for me... :)

Classic Beauty

Etsy is fast becoming my favorite spot for jewelry ogling. They have so many original, vintage, and classic pieces, many of which are one of a kind. I stumbled upon these delightful hoops today that I think I might just have to have. They're a fun spin on your everyday run of the mill hoop, with a slight hammered oval shape and fun swirly clasps.


I find myself always heading towards the more simple pieces even though I secretly wish I could pull off the bolder pieces like Anthropologie's In the Rough Earrings.

My best friend is Persian and wonderful and always has something deliciously exotic and edgy hanging off her ears or around her neck (often from Iran....jealous!). Though she did convince me to wear this fun and funky piece at her wedding this July. How kind is she??? Anthro bridesmaid dresses AND necklaces!

F is for Felt...and Fun

How sweet is this felted bear skin?! B always talks about wanting to lounge out by a roaring fire on a bear skin rug. Perhaps this will do for now.

Hope you all have a blessed week!

Lovely Leaders

Not a huge fan of Mr. President but I've got to give the man credit....he seems to know how to love his lady :)



“Sometimes, when we’re lying together, I look at her and I feel dizzy with the realization that here is another distinct person from me, who has memories, origins, thoughts, feelings that are different from my own. That tension between familiarity and mystery meshes something strong between us. Even if one builds a life together based on trust, attentiveness and mutual support, I think that it’s important that a partner continues to surprise." --Barack Obama

(Reposted from Alkeemi via A Cup of Joe)

Over the Hill and Under Control

In 7.5 days I will officially step off the top of the hill (i.e. 25) and begin my slow roll down to my 30s, 40s, yikes! 50s....! I must confess I was NOT happy to reach the top of said hill and had quite a hard time dealing with the fact that I was, at least, a quarter of my way through this life. However, surprisingly, 26...not so bad. Perhaps it is because my mental state is so much better than it was a year ago. I've made an effort to find outlets for my craziness, refuse to let my genetic oversensitivity (thanks Mom!) take over, and try to remember my purpose in this life (to serve the Lord). Or perhaps I've just come to terms with the fact that I will get old and maybe, just maybe my genetics (thanks again Mom!) will hold up and I won't look like an overwashed bag of skin. Now the real question that remains is what to get myself for my bday :) A few ideas....

Proenza Schouler Boots (or a similar pair that wont run me $700)

(Via Cupcakes and Cashmere)

A super sweet backpack for B's and my next trip to Russian River

A quaint little 2 bed 1 bath with white washed wood floors and plenty of natural light

Maybe in my dreams... :)

(Via Design to Inspire via Cup of Joe)

Beauty

This woman's writing is heartbreakingly beautiful.

we

I hugged a man the other day. I took him into my arms and hugged a man. I noted as I hugged him, how very physical it all was, how wide his shoulders were. Actually, quite the contrary, how wide his shoulders were not. I pulled him into me . It seemed I appraised his ribcage and what most likely resided within it. It was all rather curious. My nose was quickly at his neck. I felt his heat, his breath. A man. And yet I felt, this is only a man, not really very much. How fantastical it is that he is so small, but yet can do such large things! And here he is in my arms. I thought, I could hurt him. And I could have, but the thought only occurred in correlation with the thought, be careful, he is delicate, not to actually do the man any harm. We were startlingly made of the same stuff. I wondered how big or small I seemed to him?

***

This morning my son found me in the bathroom after my bath. He wanted to correct me. He said, "Mom, in that shooting in the States, seven were shot, not six." And he told me that a nine year old stepped in front of a five year old to take a bullet. My son is eight. He will be nine soon. I corrected him and said, "Actually, six were killed and ten more injured. I don't know about a five year old involved at all." He said, "Oh." Then he asked why. I told him it seemed someone was upset because a politician's ideas were different than his own. He said, "Really, they were killed over ideas?" and then he asked, "Where?" I said with leaden gravity, "It happened in a parking lot, son." He was very still for a very long time.

***

This evening we sat on the couch and watched Roberto Benigni in Life is Beautiful. We laughed a lot. It was getting late. Benigni is very comedic. My son liked it very much. I paused the movie though when Roberto Benigni and Nicoletta Braschi went into the greenhouse. I thought perhaps the movie was going to show them making love. This only seems ludicrous to me now while writing this, to explain a graphic shooting in a parking lot in the a.m. but to not allow my children to see two people making love in the p.m. I tucked my children into bed. I kissed them. I didn't know, but the movie was to take a turn after that, leaving most of the comedics, just as life turns for people with different ideas. In the movie all sorts of people die. Well, only Jews, but a vast variety of Jews.

***

I am tired. I go to bed. I pull my pants down. I pull my sweater off. I am surprised to see that under my clothing I am only shoulders and flesh and a ribcage. How do I explain to my son the idea of us and them? There is no us and them! There never was. There is only we.

(Via the tiny leaf)

In my life....

Happy Monday! I should preface this post by asking for your forgiveness ahead of time for the mushiness :) With the fog creeping along the highway, winding in and out of the withered, leafless trees, Alan Jackson singing "Livin on Love" on the radio, and a weekend just passed filled with friends, food, and fun...I couldn't help it. Looking back on my first few posts, it amazes me how far the Lord has brought me in such a short time. Not that I think all my woes are gone and things will be peachy keen for the remainder of this life. Believe me, I know myself better than to think that the path of sanctification will not be ridden with potholes, berry bushes, and cliffs. However, He has restored in me a hope that I had lost, or nearly lost, after my last run in with Sh*thead. With that in mind, and a wonderful Sunday sermon still filling my thoughts (which subsequently added a new book to my reading list), I must share the 5 things that currently make me smile about B.

He....
1. Is frustratingly honest
2. Uses the word "manlaw" at least once a day
3. Won't eat pork because pigs "eat their own poo"
4. Has at least one hair chronically out of place
5. Can cross one eye and insists on calling me "sugar" when doing so

P.S. Don't you love the Beatles?!

Hello Gorgeous!

Is anyone else excited about this??? My friend Danielle shared this little tid bit with me last week while I was at work and definitely brightened up my drab, grey cubicle filled day. Forget Valentine's Day, Feb 14th has a whole new meaning!


P.S. check out Danielle's blog here. It's quite lovely...like her :)

Yikes!

My greatest reupholstering fears realized....with a happy ending though of course :) I hope my project is equal parts successful with perhaps a pinch less difficulty and nightmarish fabric beneath the seemingly mild mannered exterior.

http://thecutcloth.blogspot.com

Another woman's trash

I am so thrilled! I finally found my project chair! I was browsing through Craigslist the other day and there it was....a perfect little Queen Anne chair that might not even need to be reupholstered. The bf was kind enough to pick it up for me today so, depending on if he can fit it in the backseat of his Civic, tonight it will be all mine :) I have an idea of what I want the end result to look like but have been doing a bit of browsing on-line for additional information. Like most/all human, breathing females I am OBSESSED with Anthropologie (though I can hardly afford to buy much more than a tea light there). Apparently, they have a furniture line...who knew! After much ogling, oohing, and aahhhing, I stumbled upon this little beauty that will now serve as my inspiration piece for my chair. We shall see how it goes....

Anthropologie Conservatory Chair