Elbow Room

In case you were looking for it, there wasn’t a "Drill Weekend" post in March and we didn’t attend the Military Ball. A loss to an immediate family member is bizarre. It’s an overwhelming shock and then remains surreal. Still coping with this tremendous loss, we decided to focus on healing and spending more time together. Surprising myself, the lieutenant was quick to release Lee for the weekend. Plenty of Mexican food, belly laughs with friends, prayer and family hugs can be the ultimate remedy. The daily curve balls life throws you on top of everything else you might be going through are enough to wear a person thin. We're still healing but it's always good to know that you can stick your elbows out and yelp for some breathing room when you need it.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war and a time of peace.

Prize Egg

Easter was spent with Lee's family. In between baking, coloring eggs and rearranging Nana's furniture, I found myself in my mother-in-law's basement! Jan passed her beautiful punch bowl and glass wear onto me and let me scour her hidden treasures that Lee calls, "junk".

I found the most adorable little drums and a vintage camera that I couldn't pass up. I've already found the perfect place to display both of these items in our house and they are nesting there now. Included in the score, I got an old Barnum and Bailey vintage metal sign but I'll save that for another post. I brought home a couple of old windows...not sure what I'm going to do with those yet...I'm especially excited about finding an old wooden oar! Pottery Barn has a look-alike in this size selling for $99. Again, not sure what I'm going to do with it but I have one! The chairs I found are in need of some much needed TLC. I'll be painting them a bold color and completely redoing a weave rush seat. Pottery Barn has a brown look-alike on sale for $349. Any tips on redoing the weave seat? Thank goodness for Google...

Hippity Hoppity

Easter is on its way!

We do his and her Easter by rotating families every year. Although we're not consistent in our location, we do continue our traditions. New outfit for Easter morning, attend church together as a family, big ham lunch and finally a crazy egg hunt to find the Prize Egg! I have attached a few Easter-y touches around my kitchen and my favorite Easter funnies to get you through the weekend. Have a good one!

Happy Easter!

Moody Master

Our dear friends, Kimberly and Rusty are getting married soon. She asked for my assistance in the decorating of their newly built home. At the moment, we are working on her master bedroom. Rusty and Kimberly are learning to combine their personal styles and compromising is still an adjustment. My hubby Lee was picky at first too but after I went ahead and painted a room pink; he had no choice but to give up. Ha! You have to wait for a pink room picture when our House Beautiful tour is complete. Challenges:

1. Stay within budget due to the upcoming wedding, etc.
2. Don’t paint the walls. (They are a nice creamy white/tan color)
3. Combine Rusty’s very traditional style with Kimberly’s Shabby Chic/French Cottage Style.
4. Try to use accessories that can be added to their registry.

See below for the Mood Board Kimberly absolutely loves.

Inspiration Room (Image: House Beautiful)

1. Vintage Clock by Pottery Barn
2. Havana Stripe-Mocha Duvet by Target (Reversible)
3. Glass Table by Target
4. Shabby Chic White Sheets by Target
5. Vase by Target
6. Floral by Pier 1
7. Burlap Pillow (Sew it!)
8. Wall Decal (Google it, you can find monograms anywhere!)
9. Ruffle Pillow ( I heart ruffles, sew it!)

*Beds are from JCPenneys by Chris Madden.

I also suggested she put an old window she has to use somehow in this room. Get a big leather studded chair and ottoman, shop http://www.overstock.com/ for a reasonably priced chandelier and maybe find an old trunk or upholster a bench to put at the end of her bed. Ideas are endless.