Wise Idea

Today I am getting a wisdom tooth removed. I am not happy about this nor do I look forward to looking like this:

Luckily, the other 3 will not be surfacing because the doctor says that they appear to be

nonexistent. I have been putting this procedure off for awhile now. However, I WAS ACCEPTED INTO GRADUATE SCHOOL and need to get past this little procedure. I start classes soon. EEK!

Alert the Masses

You really need this pillow if you adore yellow. Don't ponder on the thought of ownership too long becasue it is sold out in every area store around ME! I ordered a pair and they should be arriving soon. Does this pillow look familiar? It should. You have seen it on Young House Love and 6th Street Design.

Image: Young House Love

Image: 6th Street Design School

Blue Doors

My home away from home growing up was at the twin's house. I remember there was always a bottomless pit of popscicles, frend onion dip and mac & cheese. I would walk into that house like it was my own without knocking. That frontdoor will forever be engraved into my heart. It was no problem imagining paint colors when 1/2 of the twin combo; my friend Kimberly asked for my input on painting her parent's front door. You all know I love a YELLOW door, but I'm thinking blue for this one. I think I'll have a blue door someday. Although, right now I am happy with YELLOW.

Thirsty

Look how perfect this bag is. Definitely add a monogram to this! Everyone needs one of these: My cousin Ashley sprinkled her fantastic-ness on these wine glasses. She embellished champagne flutes too and gifted both sets to my aunt. Cute, huh?! I think these would be super-cute red and green for Christmas! However, I plan to copy Ashley in the near future and do the black embellishments to flutes of my own.

Design Star Recap

I loved the judges last night. I would like to personally give them a shout out for narrowing the competition by eliminating 2 designers. I also thoroughly enjoyed their outspoken concerns about the overall presentation of the losing design. With every element critiqued, I had been yelling at my television screen during the designer's construction. Lee laughs at me, but this is my football. I should be a guest judge. Still, I am past ready to have an individual challenge. I'm sure I sound like a broken record...Who else thinks that the designers lack a lot of pizazz? I'm going to go bananas if I don't see some fabulous design aesthetic soon. The designers are more about picking out furniture and seem to forget about everything else.

Bring it Home

I have just returned home from my grandmother's memorial in Montgomery, AL. I had a sweet visit with my very awesome family. We ate and drank lots of yummies. I even ate Boston butt! During my visit, I noticed that Southerners like to monogram lots of things. I'm bringing this back to the Midwest with me because I happen to love it. Monograms that is...

My grands had their guest bathroom shower curtain monogrammed in this quirky font.

Something we don't leave stained is the doors. We paint them in the Midwest, but I love the look of a dark stained door and the different texture it adds to the room.

Grandad framed this funny piece of cloth. Something about it makes me smile. If you want to paint, but have ugly wallpaper that is causing you to procrastinate; paint over it. The wall paper may add instant texture or look like a new textured wallpaper.

Entry

"Before" images were given to us by our realtor prior to purchasing our home.

Before

After

I still need to do a lot, but I'm getting there. The inside of the door is still the same creamy white color as displayed in the "Before" picture. I figured I would show you the outside of the door, AGAIN. I haven't quite determined what all I want to place on the entry table. I'm thinking about getting a few big fabulous design books and use the coral to anchor them down. Remember, I think less is more. Any ideas? The light was a simple addition I added to the ceiling. I added the shade during Lee's recent drill weekend. The shade was $19.99 at Target. I simply removed the dome over the original gold light fixture that I had spray painted brushed nickle last Summer. I'm thinking about making one of these:

Inception

We went with several of our buddies to watch the movie, "Inception." Every single one of us (6 peeps) had a different opinion on how the movie ended. Yes, it was one of those, "What the heck just happened" movies. I don't want to spoil the ending for you or provide you with my theory in regards to the ending. Although, I am right and everyone that disagrees is wrong. You can Google several critics if you really want to ruin the experience for yourself. Go see it. It's a great movie and if that's not a good enough reason to see it, seeing Leo in a dark suit is!

Closet Woes

This morning I dressed myself in 4 different outfits before selecting a winner. This is happening more and more each day. I spend more time shopping for the house rather than updating my wardrobe. Anyone else have this problem?

Alice Lane (Giveaway)

Alice Lane is having a giveaway. You can read the complete post, HERE! Isn't this pillow fabulous? Wouldn't this pillow look A-mazing in my master bedroom?

Obsessed

I just discovered Madeline Weinrib fabric! It's fun and colorful; everything I love. I WILL be purchasing something of hers in my very near future. Her retailers are hard to find as they aren't nearby, but I will be traveling to one of her host locations in September. Where will I place this fabulous splash of color? In here, of course!

Canvas Art

See DIY on the Menu tab for a tutorial or click here.

Drill Weekend

Lee had July's drill this past weekend. I was not particularly found of this. I had just gotten back from my business trip to Pittsburgh and had to say, "Bon Voyage" to Lee after he picked me up at the airport last Friday. He came home Sunday night tired, stinky, and hungry. Nothing new, right?

Sounds like he had an eventful weekend filled with a lack of sleep. Currently, he's designing a website and forum for his OCS class. Among other typical leadership positions, he's also in charge of putting together the class newsletter once a month. However, that task has been tossed to me to initiate. Microsoft Publisher is a piece of cake for me. (says the marketing guru)

I went to play with friends while Lee was gone. We had a big, yummy dinner and game night at Taylor and Jacob's house. We played the game of things. It was hilarious and a must buy if you haven't already.

I do have some very important news for you too. I know I mentioned this to you. So don't be too surprised when you learn that I brought them back.

Design Star Recap

(Winning Team)

Surprise, surprise...another team challenge. Although, they did mix up the teams a bit, I am still looking forward to a solo challenge. This week the teams spruced up the inside of a firehouse in NYC. I was surprised that the losing team was so proud of their room. They made a small room look smaller. Did Tom really think painting the ceiling black would add something to the room? He was doing well when he increases the height of the ceiling by ripping out old ceiling tiles, but shot it to pieces when he reached for the black paint! The judges bid Nina audios after seeing her braille art. Good thing because I was getting tired of seeing her random murals. Go Casey for being the MVP designer! I noticed she got more face time on camera this week. I have a feeling she's going to make it to the finals. Reason #1 She's got talent. Reason #2 They aren't editing her image to look like a drama queen. HGTV wouldn't smear an image if they saw show potential. Would they???

TJ Find

I'm not sure if I'll put this in the orange and blue master bedroom or guestroom 2. It's the Ralph Lauren Euro sham in the Barrymore bedding style. If you can't tell; it's navy, cream and has the cutest little knitted button closures. With no final destination in mind, I couldn't resist taking this home with me.

Original Price: $150 TJ's Price: $29.99

Orange & Blue

If you've seen my guest bathroom then you know that I'm digging orange and blue. In my bedroom, I'm mixing a different shade of blue with orange. I'm still looking for a cheap alternative for this fabulous fabric by Kelly Wearstler to make curtains. Here's a few things that I've gathered for inspiration:

Breakfast Knook

"Before" images were given to us by our realtor prior to purchasing our home.

Before

After

Since moving into this home, I have a changed and rearranged many things. One thing was certain from the beginning, Lee and I had both liked the Pottery Barn-Benjamin Moore Jalapeno Pepper paint color. This is one of my favorite rooms in our home. People sit at this table while cooking is going on in the kitchen, girl talk happens hear while the boys talk robots, and many of our casual meals are eaten here too. I like the way these colors and simple accessories make me feel.

13

Every kid looks to the day that they can be called a teenager. We have a new one in our family. My cousin, Kamee, recently became 13. This is her cake:

Deserving Shout Out

We often listen to NPR on the radio to and from work everyday. Today was no different. After dropping me off at the airport this morning, Lee called me before he made it to work to tell me what he had just heard on the radio. After forwarding me the NPR link to listen to later, he told me that I should check out the blog while I waited for my plane. Curious by the inspired tone of Lee's voice, I immediately uploaded the page on my phone. I wasn't able to make it through a single post without crying. I dried my eyes after kicking myself for letting myself forget that I was in an airport. A Little Bit of Pink in a World of Camo is too real to read. While she blogs her reality, I read my biggest fears. She says: "On March 14, 2010, my beloved Mr. P was taken from me while fighting in Operation Enduring Freedom in Marjah, Afghanistan. He is still my absolute rock and without him I would not be the woman I am today. He was and remains an amazing man and a hell of a Marine. He is also a wonderful daddy, even though he never got to meet his baby girl. Instead of awaiting his homecoming, I am now living each day until I meet him again." This inspiring new mommy recently won the Best Military Spouse Blog Award and she is a reminder to us all to love hard. Everyday.

Design Star Recap

Blogging from Pittsburgh this week... I completely forgot Design Star was on last night. Thank goodness for my DVR. That can't be a good sign for the show's success. However, I did manage to watch it while I was packing and before I went to bed. Challenge. I loved the thought of designing a studio apartment around a flower, but why did we have to do a TEAM bouquet of every one's individual flowers?! Dumb. I am beyond ready for a solo challenge. There wasn't, but if there was a team winner; I would have chosen the boys. The girls + Dan's Team seemed sparse in comparison. I'm a bit sad Dan went home. I think he went home too early, but Alex did kick his booty on camera hosting and Dan made the mistake of blending into the design background. Someone has to go... Nina, Nina, Nina...you argue that you're not a one-trick-pony but... Is it me or does Casey resemble Reese Witherspoon?

Front Porch Surprise

Taylor left a sweet surprise for me to find when I came from work this week!

Her note reads, "Because cake makes the hard times in life a little bit softer..."

How stink'n cute is that?! I can confirm that this blueberry coffee cake blows Starbuck's version out of the water.

Therapy

There are 4 things that I routinely do when I have a lot on my mind or when I'm feeling puny. I clean and then I clean what has already been cleaned.

I bake more than enough cupcakes. I then send them to work with hubby the next day because there is no way we could ever eat that many cupcakes.

I buy myself fresh flowers. I routinely buy fresh flowers at the local grocer. I bought a dozen roses and a wrap of baby's breath and created my own fresh centerpiece in our entry for $12.

Piddle Shop. I shop for nothing specific.

Flower Balls

See DIY on the menu tab for the tutorial or click HERE.

Guest Bathroom

"Before" images were given to us by our realtor prior to purchasing our home.

Before After

You can't see it, but we updated the light fixture too. I doubt we update the counter tops and flooring. Recently, we had the realtor that sold us this house come give us an informal appraisal and he said that any additional cosmetic changes won't increase the value of our home. He said the updates that we did do will be appealing to a potential buyer as is. I really love the orange with this turquoise. A lot of peeps gave me the stinky eye when I paired these colors together over 2 years ago and now I'm seeing them everywhere!

You Are Grand

(Images: 2006-My College Graduation Weekend)

Dear Grandmother I call you Grandmother for you are that indeed. Grand since I can remember, your memories take the lead. Your classy, gentle and petite but bold and strong; able to move others along. Never one to hesitate and offer sound advice, I've always admired your willingness to be the first to speak and roll the dice. Lee and I have just begun our marriage dance but I sincerely hope to follow you and Granddad's adoring romance. And when I say my prayers at night, I ask God to bless and hold you tight. I would like to think I have a bit of you in me; to be half as Grand as you Grandmother would make me very happy.

I gave this poem to my grandmother last Summer when she took a turn for the worse. She finished her race and passed away yesterday.

2 Timothy 4:6-22

America, You Are Very Beautiful

As a soldier's wife and a design lover, I feel exceptionally proud to see a few of my favorite bloggers celebrating the Land of the Free too!

Image: Centsational Girl

Image: A Design Story

Image: Pretty Handy Girl

Image: eighteen 25

Image: Room to Inspire

Guest Room 1

"Before" images were given to us by our realtor prior to purchasing our home.

Before

After

I would like to add a chair in the right corner beside the bed and do something fancy to the armoire. I've had the armoire for 20 + years. In college, I repainted it and changed the hardware. I thought about changing the color and hardware again and painting a gold accent for the trim. Any ideas?