Spring Brings New Things

Now that I'm completely obsessed with reading and fantasizing about home decor blogs, I've been trying to put theory into practice in our own home. For some time now, I've felt that our home need a lot of work. Although we love it and it's beautiful, it's so cookie-cutter. I've been trying to spruce it up while on a budget to, hopefully, move from the cold and personality-less, to a warm, inviting, expression of ourselves.

Here's what we've accomplished over the past month or so... Much more is needed, but I'm trying to focus on quality pieces for minimal cost. I'd love to just go crazy at Pottery Barn, I'm slowly learning that its fairly simple to take an idea from PB and bring it to fruition with much less money spent.

I did a little shopping of the house this weekend and found lots of great turquoise dishes and pillows! I think Spring is the perfect time to bring these back out to play! I cant believe how different our whole living area looks with just a slight color change!

This orange rug has GOT TO GO! But I cant find anything that "feels right" for this space. Any ideas?

This poor long empty wall just isnt getting much attention, but frankly I just have no idea what to do with it. I've been thinking of pricing built-ins to go along this deserted wall. I could re-arrange the living room furniture to face this wall if it didnt feel 10 miles away. Hmmm...

Patrick and I picked out a cute little antique green entry way stand at Kirklands - very reasonably priced too, I might add. But I'm still just a little hestitant about how it will "fit in." I'm definitely ready to get rid of those wood picture frames and maybe the rug too. I want that lil sucker, but I'm just not sure that it has a place in the Barton home.

This area just irks me! I'm finding an open concept floor plan is very difficult to decorate. No defined spaces make for odd nooks and crannies. This Ikea media stand still doesnt seem right on this wall. Last night, Patrick suggested cutting windows into the wall to allow us to see into the office and bring in the light from the front windows. I thought that was a neat idea.

My favorite TJ Maxx find! Only $29 and I LOVE IT!

The buffet and hutch that made my weekend! I found this on craigslist for a measly $75! I absolutely adore it on this once empty wall. Really helps to bring the eye up and away. So fun to decorate too! I'm just dying to go out and grab all sorts of little trinkets for its shelves, but so far I've been content to shop the house. :)

I recently picked up an oar from Walmart for $11 which I love! I'm not sure if I want to use it in our guest bath or our guest room. The bathroom already has a cool coastal vibe and I'm in the process of transforming our guest bedroom into a nautical haven. :)

Oh! And my other favorite TJ Maxx find! Isn't it adorable!? I've already moved it around our house so much - I think I want one for every room! :)

One of the first pieces I picked up for the house when we moved it. I still love the colors and the silly-ness of it all.

I also found some discount bar stools at World Market that were on clearance, but as luck would have it - they only had one in stock. :( I coulda cried. We desperately need new bar stools, wouldn't you agree? Even Pup thinks so! They were a mixutre of brown rattan. I'll have to search out some similar ones.

Our bedroom is still a disaster zone (please do not notice the un-made bed). We need lamps in here like CRAZY but I just cant find the right one to work with my sunburst mirror (on sale at Pier 1). I'd like to re-organize our layout too, maybe try to incorporate a sitting area in the corner. But then I'd have to coordinate bedding with chairs, lamp, etc... which makes my heart race and palms sweat. Ekkk! :(

Bringing spring to our porch -

These caught my eye at Kirkland's for just $7! What a steal! I love them more every time I see them!

Eye ♥ You

Today, my honey and I had a lovely lunch together out in this beautiful weather. While he was in the middle of his UFC story, I suddenly noticed how green his eyes are. Sunshine must be the key ingredient to making his eyes shine that beautiful shade of green.

Isn't it just amazing when you notice another thing you love about the one you love?

Nostalgia

Playin' Hooky

Yesterday, Patrick and I took a day off work to go to the beach and enjoy a sunny, warm day together sitting in the warm sand. It was a wonderful day... cooling breeze, white sugary sand (not too hot yet as it typically is mid-Summer when it's been scorched by the sun), friends, and a full cooler.

Now that I'm a working woman, there is no such thing as Spring Break, but taking a day off to create your own Spring Break is a must! Just a day is all it took to completely renew my senses! Here's a few pictures from our fabulous beach day.

Really? Again?

Bad News.....

While shopping this weekend, I was faced with the horrifying reality that, once again, I have gone up a size. Poo! Crap! Dang It! Errr! !@#$! Why does this continue to happen! I remember long ago... long, long, long ago... I would think "Oh, being a size 2 isnt so bad. It's not a size 0, but at least its not a size 6! GASP!" Then it was, "Size 4 aint so bad.... at least I'm not a size 8!" And now.... all that's just hogwash! I honestly never thought I'd see this day. Always told myself I'd never let this happen. But the truth is ... it did. Despite my often wavering exercise and healthy eating efforts - its already happened, done, finished.... crap! :(

*Sigh......

So, watching Kendra last night, I suddenly became infuriated! Kendra, the ex Playboy model/ex girlfriend to Hugh Hefner/now wife of Hank Baskett/really annoying laugher, had a baby and guess what... she doesnt look like a Playboy model immediately after the baby is born! Gee, how mind-boggling! Sike! She's on TV complaining/moping/crying about her weight and insecurities... and all I could think was "Well! Good! We dont all get to be Playboy models and head-turning beautiful for our entire lives (minus a few months of baby-weight), so shut up and think about what all us fat girls feel like! Errrr!"

I know... that was bad, huh? How can one well-fed girl be so hostile? ...No clue! I too just happened to have been feeling very insecure and disgusted with myself much like I assume Kendra was (although she had a baby... and all I have is a belly). Doesnt it stink?! ...Told ya it was bad news!

Well, I'm off to hit the gym although after a day of McDonalds for - yes - breakfast AND lunch, I'm not sure cardio all night long would put a dent in the calories I've consumed today.

*Sigh......

Tomorrow's always another day. Here's to a healthier, more active Tuesday!

Oh, and that reminds me! If you cant quite remember how Kendra has ALWAYS looked, here's some eye-candy for you! And DONT punch your computer/smear chocolate all over her face/or give her a permanent marker mustache .... you're only hurting yourself.     *Sigh......

Does that make me Crazy?

I find I am asking this question alot of myself these days. Thought the blog world might get a kick out of these.

• Reading tragically sad blogs then trying to fight back my own tears.
• Always having Burts Bees ready for constant application
• Trying to find shapes in the speckled bathroom stall doors
• Rationing my daily Diet Coke intake by enforcing the water separation rule (each Diet Coke must be separated by a equal size cup of water)
• Shunning people who do not wash their hands in the bathroom
• Constantly feeling the urge to whiten to my teeth
• Trying to ween myself from using a straw with every beverage I drink (heard frequent use of plastic straws is linked to Austim in small child and can negatively affect brain function)
• Re-writing my notes if I dont like how my handwriting looks

That's all I can think of for now, but I'm sure after this - I'll think of plenty of other strange characteristics.

Tell me - what makes you wonder, "Does that make me crazy?"

In honor of today's topic - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA36wU4jgj4

My Favorite Things

Today, these are some of the things that are bringing me joy!

1. I've found a some great new thoughtful, up-lifting Christian music thanks to Pandora! I'm dying to buy these "new to me" artists. Check them out. I'm certain they'll lift your spirit too and have you focusing on the Lord all day long!

• Sara Groves (Songs filled with pure emotion and smart lyrics. My fav - "Awakening")
• Alli Rogers (Sweet, heartfelt songs from a young artist)
• Watermark (Husband and wife group with an interesting start up story)
• David Nevue (cool classical music. Who woulda thought I'd like that? But he's a great piano player!)

2. Sunny days make everything happier. I dont know how all these Northerns buried in snow do it?! Patrick's cousin posted these CRAZY pictures on FB of the snow they're getting! This is her daughter standing next to their sliding back door! Snow's about 2 - 3ft high!!! Scary, yet Amazing!

But the view from work sure is a whole lot nicer on sunny days!

And because I have no window, I have to settle for this view - But at least its sunny in her office! :)

3. LOST is back! Woo hoo! There are some great shows on right now! (The always dramatic "Bachelor," "Modern Family/The Middle," "Keeping up with the Kardashians"... must I go on?) I cant seem to pull myself away from the TV even to start my new book... which leads me to #4.

4. My new author find - Emily Giffin! I love her stuff. She's got a few really great books out right now... all with similar pastel-colored covers (you might have spotted them). They're real life stories, smart and introspective, with drama to spare! I've been flying through these books and cant wait to start this one. I've got to admit, I've been avoiding her first 2 books because they seem to be centered around weddings/engagements and I'm feeling pretty wedding-out these days,  but now I've read all the others, so I have to brave these too now... :)

5. Lyrics that hit my heart. I cant even tell you how many songs seem to be written from MY heart. It's so amazing to be able to sing a song to the Lord that really captivates my spiritual state! Here's the most recent lyrics to nail my heart.