a glimpse of our weekend...

Since my weekend officially began on Thursday at 3:05pm, that's where I'll start...

I'm taking a calligraphy class with my friend, Rebecca, and loving it!

Here's Rebecca (she's getting married Saturday! Can't wait!)

(Years ago at a friend's wedding with our friend, Mary).

I've learned all the letters in my hubby's name.

I've actually been learning a lot recently. 

I also learned that I like Bloody Mary's and Mafioza's makes a mean one.

I know this is crazy talk for most of you, 

and that I am the last person on the planet to like them...

I promise I'm really not a picky eater 

(olives are the only thing left that I won't eat) 

but, I really didn't think I liked these. 

It took just one sip and then I tried to steal Frank's whole drink. 

Don't worry, I made up for it...

Friday I worked on taking pictures of some of Frank's company's jobs.

I'm trying to spruce up the office with some current pictures.

(Instagram makes me feel like I'm the 2nd best photographer in my family).

I may or may not have gotten completely sidetracked at the Art Festival at Linn Park...

... where I gazed longingly at Claire Cormany's paintings.

I heart them. 

One day I'll own one.

I once saw a pink, peach and yellow one in a little girl's nursery. 

It was to die for.

But, I don't have a little girl, or a nursery for that matter.   :)

I also enjoyed one of these on the deck with my favorite man last night.

it was a perfect Sunday afternoon!

One year

One year ago today our state was devastated by a horrific day of tornados. Two rounds of storms swept through the southeast... one in the early morning and one in the early evening.

(read the storm story here)

We suffered a good bit of damage, but were very, very lucky in the grand scheme of things. Our little community has come a long way in a year! We were able to move back into our school building after about a week. Most of the businesses are back up and running, but I do have students that still have not been able to return to their homes.

Just at our school alone, the response from the community has been overwhelming! We've had clean-up crews, Lowe's workers offering to paint, many trees donated, and many, many more generous donations.

It is amazing to remember where we were just one year ago. We're out of school today... ironically for an "inclement weather day"...  a day built into the schedule in case we need a make-up day for snow or other weather. We wore "There's No Place Like Home" shirts to school yesterday to honor the one year anniversary. Today, I'll be thankful for healthy loved ones, beautiful weather, and a roof above my head.

There truly is no place like home. 

Loving...

This ridiculously affordable pendant light from Lowe's.

I'm pretty sure it would look amazing

We always planned to put a light there, but we were just waiting to find the right one and the right price. Now, I just need to find a patient, amazing, handy man to put it up. 

(That's you, my wonderful hubby)

We've been featured...

Check it out at Be @ Home Decor Blog

Thanks, Be @ Home!

This week has been crazy.... 

Open House night at school yesterday and a Zoo Field Trip tomorrow.

Maybe I'll be able to show you more love during our upcoming three day weekend!

Happy Wednesday!

Loving...

With the weather heating up, I had to do something to de-winterize my extremities.

Loreal's Sublime Bronze

I really need to thank Alana and Hannah for letting me in on this little secret gem.

It is SO low maintenance. Just put it on, it dries instantly, and doesn't rub off on your clothes!

It also has just a touch of a fun shimmer.

I've also used this one... it dries a little slower, but is fabulous for when you have a little more prep time.

(You need to wait a few hours before showering).

Sephora's Self Tanner

Look at this amazing TJs find:

I was thiiiiis close to buying these happy, sunny sheets.

(don't worry, Frank.... I didn't. yet).

Speaking of sun... (or lack thereof around here today) 

I'd love to enjoy one of these on the porch this afternoon.

I haven't made them yet, but I will asap!

One can of frozen limeade, 12 oz. tequila, 24 oz diet sprite, and one corona light.

Cheers to the weekend!

a couple's shower

We had the pleasure of hosting a dear friend's couples shower at our house last weekend. Frank and I worked together all week to get the house ready (I am SO thankful to have an amazing husband that helps around the house.... and probably does more than me most of the time!). But, as it always seems to go, things were a little frantic during the last few minutes before the party and I didn't have time to take many pictures before the party started. It ended up turning out beautifully. I only snapped a few pictures (I didn't want to annoy our guests)... so here's a little peak at the party!

Gorgeous hydrangea and curly willow from Davis Wholesale that I threw together with existing vases.

Antipasto bar with pesto dipping sauce... it was a pinterest-inspired dish

and there wasn't ANY left at the end of the night so I'm assuming it was a hit!

At the last minute I realized I didn't have stands for the beverage dispensers. 

So, I improvised.

I painted & printed these gorgeous name cards. 

I think they turned out so well (if I do say so myself).

It was a wonderful evening, I hope the couple had a great time and got some great loot! :)

I was especially pumped the next day when I realized that I get to admire these beauties for the rest of the week.

...Frank was pumped about the leftover beer. 

To each, their own!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

I love you!

my grits aren't gritty...

...and yours don't have to be either.

It's a dreary evening here tonight, but it is quite cozy in my kitchen. I'm enjoying a nice glass of wine, listening to my new love, Ben Taylor, and making my delicious shrimp & grits.

a pinch of baking soda is the trick

The Macy Gray cover makes me smile. 

(Dance carpool days... I hear Santa Claus, SYH? JEB?)

Master Bath Sources

 As promised, here are all the sources that we used in our master bath renovation.

Martha Stewart Living Seal Harbor 2-Light Vanity Fixture

The Martha Stewart Living at Home Depot does not disappoint.

We are very pleased with her pieces!

 

Restoration Hardware's Cartwright Medicine Cabinet (small)

Wall paint color:  75% mixture of Sherwin Williams' "Grayish"

Beadboard paint color: leftover paint color-matched to our kitchen cabinets.

Martha Stewart Living Seal Harbor toilet paper holder in polished nickel

Glass shower door from Nelbran Glass

Print from Etsy (that I still need to get a properly-fitting mat for)

Heritage Double Handle Centerset Bathroom Faucet in polished nickel

Charter Club bath rug from Macy's (cannot find it online).

Honed Bianco Carrara Marble Hexagon tile

Daltile Subway Tile in Ultra White

Shower Squeegee from Home Depot

Martha Stewart Living Seal Harbor Towel Bar in polished nickel

Lauren by Ralph Lauren's Greenwich Collection hand towel in pebble.

Lenox Platinum bath towel in white.

I think that covers it! Don't hesitate to ask if you have any other questions!

Do you Ebates?

I've recently become a member of Ebates.com and I am loving it. Normally, I am skeptical of these things because I don't need any encouragement to want to shop. But, this is different... I promise!

Ebates pays you CASH back for shopping online. I really try not to shop online, because I am trying to not really shop in general, but when you have to don't you want a percentage back?! I do! You can even choose a charity to benefit from your shopping habits!

All you have to do is sign up online at Ebates.com. Then, when you need to purchase something online go to Ebates first ....  find your store, and shop as usual! It's literally that easy! They'll send you (or your charity) a check ever so often. Every little bit adds up! I just got my first check back (after only two online purchases) and it felt good.... so I had to share!

You're welcome.

Loving

What I'm loving this week...

A month or so ago, I jumped on the colored jean trend and I am OBSESSED.

I decided to go with mint jeans... and then searched high and low for them 

(I have a slight problem with having to look everywhere before I can settle... OCD? maybe).

I bought this pair from Urban Outfitters.

If you've haven't tried on their BDG line, you are missing out.

Hands down THE most comfortable and the best prices.

trust me, ladies. 

I used to sell designer denim for a living.

I'm loved them so much that I decided to spring for another pair for school.

Mint and Crayola don't mix.

This blue pair is even more comfortable which is perfect for school.

~

I've also been making an honest attempt at actually making my Pinterest recipes.

(As opposed to pinning and still complaining about what to cook for dinner).

My kindergarten kiddos don't leave me much brain power for creativity in the kitchen.

So for now, I like everyone else's recipes!

Natalie at Designer Bags & Dirty Diapers has become my new favorite daily read.

Frank and I have tried two of her recipes recently and we're adding both to our list of favorites.

Her Salmon Cakes were delightful, and such a great way to get more fish in your diet.

Or is it just me that has a how-to-cook-fish phobia?

And her Shrimp Nachos with Pineapple Avocado Relish were amazing!

We made them using blue corn tortilla chips and it didn't feel like a normal Monday evening meal at all! My husband who usually hates fruit in entrees loved them, too.

~

Frank gave me this monogrammed necklace my birthday

and it has become the item I wear everyday.

~

Lastly, I know I already said it but, I am so tickled by my pedicure.

I may be going back for a polish change with the same color!

OPI's "Red Lights Ahead...where?!"

I'm off to finish party preparations for one of my bestfriend's couples' shower 

that we're hosting tomorrow! 

I'll share soon.

Happy Friday!