ABC Baby Shower Inspiration

I'm so excited!  My sister is due to have her first child in February!  I can't wait to be the best aunt to this little girl or boy.  I'm honored to be throwing this shower for my sister to prepare her for her little one and I'm already getting things ready.  The shower is going to be mid-January so I don't have much time to get everything planned.  Over Thanksgiving, we picked out the cutest invitations. I'll post them when I post more about the shower.  Anyways here's some inspiration I've found on Pinterest and placed on a board:

Soure: The Girl on the Go via Diane on Pinterest

Source: Becky on Pinterest

Source: bumpsmitten via Pinmarklet on Pinterest

Source: the Hostess with the Mostess Blog via Tara on Pinterest

Source: Kara's Party Ideas via Aimee on Pinterest

Source: Vale Design via Amy on Pinterest

Source: Lauren Makes via Pinmarklet on Pinterest

Source: BumpSmitten via Pinmarklet on Pinterest

Do you have any unique ideas for a Brunch ABC Themed Shower? I'd love to hear ideas!

Happy Birthday To Me!

I can't believe it's my birthday already!

Tomorrow I turn 26!

I'll get to spend the day with family, opening presents and eatign lots of food.

Since the year is almost over I thought I'd give you a final udpate on my While I'm 25 List.  Here's the final update on my "list" of things I wanted to do.  (Here's the original post and the mid-point update.)

     -          Lose 15 pounds

I didn’t make it.  I only list 5 pounds

     -          Have a date with Joe that includes a picnic

Not exactly a date, but we did go out and get some Burger King and ate it at the park that is in our neighborhood

     -          Bake a pie

Lemon Meringue Pie from Lemon Meringue Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke – Made it at my mom’s the weekend I forgot my camera…oops. I’d never made one of these before and everyone who came to the bbq said it was wonderful! Yay me!

     -          Make homemade spaghetti sauce

     -          Find a fantastic recipe for salsa and making it with veggies from my garden

I made salsa just by throwing a bunch of stuff together.  I had about 2 cups peeled fresh tomatoes, ¼ cup chopped onion, 1 chopped jalapeno, 1 clove minced garlic, a little salt, and some fresh chopped cilantro.  It turned out fantastic!!  I can’t wait for more tomatoes to be ready!

     -          Bake a loaf of bread

I made some chocolate babka

     -          Visit a new city

I spent 4 days visiting my best friend Danielle in Louisville and Lexington Kentucky.  We went to Churchill Downs and did a behind the scene tour that was sooo much fun!  We also went to Keenland Race Track and watched live racing.  It was a blast!  The trip was planned to celebrate Danielle’s graduation from school and is now a certified Physician’s Assistant!  About 40 days later, she moved halfway across the country to Raleigh, North Carolina.

     -          Go to a concert

Steel Magnolia – June 23

The Band Perry – June 30

Gloriana – July 7

Randy Rogers Band with Reckless Kelly – July 14

Corey Smith – July 28

Kenny Chesney – July 30
Sunny Sweeney - August 4
Craig Campbell - August 18

     -          Run a 5K (and train for it first)

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure – August 14

     -          Make a menu for the week using my cookbooks, or at least Monday through Wednesday for the whole summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day)

I definitely could have done better here, but I'm not going to complain. I did prepare for Mon-Wed every week.  Sometimes I even prepared for the rest of the week too.  I'm going to keep doing this one. I’m doing a good job prepping for part of the week

     -          Write notes to friends
       I wrote a couple of notes recently and sent them off.  I sent everyone Christmas Cards this year!

     -          Make homemade salad Dressing

     -          Blog at least 1x per week!

I tired, but not hard enough.  I get too involved in my projects without posting.  I will be posting alot soon though.

     -          Volunteer with an organization

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Shirt Pick-Ups - August 9 & 12

     -          Go to church more

I haven’t gone once yet.  Oops.

     -          Go to a Sporting KC Soccer game at their new stadium (I'm not sure when construction is going to be completed though – Opened June 9)

Hubby and I went July 23 with some friends from work.  It was crazy hot, like 100 degrees. We were trying not to move and photos slipped my mind, but the stadium was really awesome.  I hope we can go again this season.

     -          Attend a Play, Symphony, or Orchestra Concert

Hubby and I attended a performance put on by a Church in a nearby area.  One of my co-workers is in the performance and it was wonderful!

     -          Make a little "Welcome" spot for visitors to our house

I made a basket with a bunch of travel size items in case things were forgotten.  It was wonderful to have things at hand over Thanksgiving with our guests.  If they needed something, they didn’t even have to ask for it.

     -          Host a dinner party (or a BBQ?)

I hosted Thanksgiving this year.  I made everything from scratch and had all the fixings!

     -          Read 2 books a month

June:  The Help, Decision Points

July: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie…and ? (oops only 1 book!)

August: Committed and.....? Oops only 1 book again.

I didn’t read tow a month but here’s a two  I did read: Decision Points by George W. Bush and Bossypants by Tina Fey.

     -          Plan a trip for "just the girls"

Labor Day Weekend Trip with my Mom and Sister

     -          Get a pedicure with my mom

It didn’t happen this year.  Maybe next year I’ll try again.

     -          Make a fancy tiered cake (a reason isn't necessary)

I didn’t get this one done either, but I’m planning a tiered cake for my sister’s baby shower in January (close enough right?)

     -          Tailgate at 6 Royals Games

June 6 vs Toronto Blue Jays

July 8 vs Detroit Tigers

Maybe I’ll try again next Year.

     -          Ride a motorcycle

I tried really hard to do this one, but Joe wouldn’t really commit to taking me out.  I’m going to force him in the spring though.  I REALLY wanna do it!

I'm not sure if I'll be doing another list next year, but it was kinda fun to cross something of when I did it. What do you think?  Should I do another list?

It's the Simple Things....

You've heard the saying "It's the simple things in life..." before right?  Each year around the holidays I really take this to heart.  Most people are rushing around searching for the perfect gifts, attending parties, going to performances and baking lots of goodies. I try to take some time out and think about the simple things.....snowflakes on my nose, hanging ornaments on the tree, spending time with family, drinking hot chocolate by the fire...I could go on and on but I'll stop now.  

I hope you get a chance to take some time this holiday season to find simple joys.

Stripes in the Sewing Room

I remember the first time I entered my sister's house.  One of the first things I noticed was her striped wall in the living room.  The stripes were like nothing I'd ever seen before because they were all the same color, just different paint finishes: Flat and Semi-Gloss.  I love the contrast that was so simple.

Back when I was painting and re-arranging the basement (see here), a friend showed me the bathroom that the Petersik's painted. Here's their wonderful post and tutorial on their stripes.  I opted not to put them down there, but I just knew I had to put them somewhere.  

So here they make their appearance in my new Sewing Room! 

Pretty subtle right?  I just love sewing and ironing now, well not ironing.  I still have to work on that one.

Here's a peek at that corner to the right there. 

I'm so excited to finally have some stuff set-up in there.  That beautiful sewing table is from my Great Grandmother.  I feel so blessed to have it in my possession.  See, about 6 years ago, my parents had a garage sale and sold it because at the time I had no interest in sewing, nor did I have a place to keep it at college.  About a year ago they were helping their neighbors move and their neighbors gave it back to them! My parent's didn't even remember who'd bought it.

Anyways, it's definitely a beauty in the room. Now I just have to make room for my 1949 Singer that Hubby fixed up for me, and hang a bunch of art and other stuff on the walls.  So, what do you think so far?

Thoughs Today

I ponder a lot.  I think about things that mean something to me.  Sometimes I think I think to much.  I guess it's kind of a meditation for me.  I think about work, home, friendships, but mostly life in general.  Ya know, big picture things.....

Baby Boy Fabric

Oh Boy!  I am just SOOO excited!  A good friend of ours and his wife had their baby!  Mr Jacob was a bit early and I have no quilt made.  But that's okay.  On Black Friday I headed out and picked up this adorable flannel fabric that is just oh so perfect for little boys.

I love the bright, primary colored alphabet and the coordinating solids I chose.  I am VERY excited to get this project started!  I still have no pattern though, so what do you think?  Any suggestions?

Fall Decor

Fall is beginning to be my favorite season.  I love the jewel-toned colors, the warm scents, and the cozy blankets I bring out from our blanket box. I created a list of my favorite things for Fall, but unfortunately I wasn't able to splurge on any of those items, but I do see some DIY projects for the future.  This year I got some new flowers to brighten empty corners.  Here's some of the fall things you spotted around my house this year.  Seeing as it's November 30, my Christmas Tree and decor start going up tomorrow.  I'm pretty excited about seeing all the lights around the neighborhood, but that's another story.

Anyways, here's our dining room.  The table runner is from Crate & Barrel, so are the tea light candle holders as the centerpiece.  The orange tea lights are from Yankee Candle Company.  The black place mats are also from Crate & Barrel and are actually the backs.  The orange place mats I made last year and have fall leaves on the other side, but no one knew that!  I'm sneaky sometimes.

Joe had a good idea to put some flowers I'd gotten to coordinate with the table runner over here in the corner.  I thought it was a great idea and it looks fantastic and really finishes out the room.  I'm not sure if I'll ever move it. I might just rotate the flowers. These flowers are from Hobby Lobby and the vase is from Marshall's.  The frame I picked up on clearance at Bed Bath & Beyond and filled it with my favorite wedding pictures.

You saw this up in the dining room picture. I used contact paper, cut into shapes to give our door a frosted look.  I LOVE the way it turned out but it was a TON of work.  The windows next to this won't get the same treatment.  I think it'll make the room look to dark at night.

Here's another view of the dining room to view our finally completed photo wall and buffet decor.

Here's the little set-up.  The green vase I got from Nebraska Furniture Mart in Kansas.  The purple bowl is from Hobby Lobby.  The fake goards are from Jo-Ann's last year.  The vine ball is from Pier 1.  I made the runner for the buffet just out of linen from the fabric store.  It's the same color as the one on the table.

And here's our Photo Wall!  FINALLY! We've got a bunch of miscellaneous pictures and prints up there.  In the center we've got some scrapbook paper in Fall Theme, of coarse.  Starting to the right of the "S" and working clockwise we've got:
- Photo strips from weddings we've been to
- A picture of river rocks I took myself
- An image of the River Market downtown Kansas City from an old calendar we had laying around
- A picture we took during our vacation to Atlanta Botanical Gardens of a Lily Pad
- A sketch-up of our pooch, Daisy that my Hubby created on Picnik
- A piece of scrapbook paper
- A printable saying
- A Picture of a waterfall at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas
- A poem that came with the frame
- and finally, A picture of the pond at Forest park in St. Louis

We'll change out the three slot frame along the way.

Last but not least, here's our mantle and fireplace. Nothing fancy.  Just a cute little turkey hanging out there I picked up from Hobby Lobby.  I got the Owl from Nebraska Furniture Mart.  The Pumpkin from TJ Maxx, The leave garland from Jo-Ann's, The white vase from Target.  The candles and the holders are from Kohl's.

So Happy Fall Everyone!  Hopefully, you enjoyed my little fall decor tour.  What did you think of it all?

Quote of Inspiration

Today I need a bit of inspiration, so I thought I'd pass some along to you also.

It's almost Turkey Day!

My favorite memories of spending time with family are always at the holidays.  Thanksgiving is no different. As a child I remember driving 5 hours from our home in Kentucky to my grandma and grandpa's house near St. Louis.  It was always exciting to see our aunts, uncles, and cousins. So much so that my sister and I would stay up as late as we were aloud before being forced to go to bed, where we would wait until we heard the front door close and RUN out of the room to see our cousins that always arrived long after we were supposed to be sleeping.  Over the course of the weekend, we would play dress up, get our hair french braided, and watch movies with grandma and grandpa while all the parents went out to catch up, I kinda wish I new where but I really think it was dinner and the casino. When it comes down to the meal, I remember having tables in every room to seat the 50 or so people ready for sit-down dinner.  We'd have SO much food: turkey, sweet potatoes, canned cranberry sauce (with the lines and all), pumpkin pie, cool whip and much more.

I'll never forget the year that the sink got clogged and the dishes had to be washed in the bathtub.  HOPEFULLY nothing like that will happen on Saturday when I am hosting Thanksgiving at our house for the first time EVER!  It's not going to be huge, but 10 people is quite a bit more than the standard 2 in our household.

I won't lie, I'm pretty nervous.  Thankfully, since I'm a list-maker I think I have everything under control.

I've got a few lists going right now, including:

• Dinner Menu
• Shopping List
• Cleaning List
• Timeline for Cooking
• Decorations and Serving Dishes

So what am I cooking?  A ton of things!  I am just so excited, but I'm still trying to figure out how to have everything ready at the same time.

Our Thanksgiving Dinner Menu:

Main Dish
Herb Roast Turkey

Sides:
Old Fashioned Stuffing
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
Jellied Cranberry Sauce
Creamed Corn
Fresh Made Bread 

Desserts:
Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie
Apple Pie
Whipped Cream

What's on your menu?  Do you think there is anything I'm missing for our dinner?

Happy Veteran's Day

Happy Veteran's Day!

A Veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a check payable to "The United States of America" for the amount up to, and including, their life.

So thank you, to those who have served, who are currently serving, and especially those who gave everything.

Weekend Warriors

I just LOVE weekends.  Not only because I get a break from the office, but also because of all the adventures that lay ahead. The only thing I don't like about the weekends is that Monday always comes too soon.

A few weekends ago, we actually had not a single plan on the calendar.  You know what that means: PROJECT WEEKEND!!!! I tend to refer to us in this situation as weekend warriors.  I got the urge to look up the Urban Dictionary definition of this and it cracked me up.  This weekend of course, was an epic weekend! Here's Urban Dictionary's definition:

weekend warrior a person who holds a regular job during the week which restricts their ability to party/go on trips/partake in awesome activities, and thus plans epic weekend adventures to compensate. As much variation and quantity of awesomeness is packed into the weekends as physically possible, warranting the rest of the work week to recharge for the next weekend.

So yes, the hubby and I "partook in awesome activities with as much variation and quantity of awesomeness packed into our weekend as physically possible".  Our standard Saturday morning routine includes letting the dog out, giving her breakfast, then laying in bed and discussing the plans for the day.  I was totally stoked when Joe suggested the first project on the list. Here's a look at the projects we worked on and their story:

Kitchen Cabinet Update

Our house was built in 2000. The cabinet style in that day (not so long ago) included a piece of trim over the sink connecting the cabinets on both sides. I've always thought it looked a bit funny and I told hubby a while ago that I really didn't like it and the main reason was that I wanted a pendant light where the can light is above the kitchen sink. I was so excited to get this project going!  Here's a picture of the kitchen before.

And here's the style I'm dreaming for: a pendant light, the spring curtain rod, rings holding the curtain....the cabinet color? not quite my thing. I'll stick with our oak.

Source

Here's the steps we took:

1. Hubby used a small pry bar like this one to remove the long molding piece along the front of the cabinet and the piece placed below the molding.  

2. We tried to remove as many of the old nails as possible.  This was really difficult and we ended up just breaking them off and hammering it as flat as possible on the wood so there wasn't a gap when we placed the molding back up there.

3. We measured the length of molding needed on the sides of the cabinets and marked where that would be on the long molding piece. Hubby used his miter saw to cut the trim to the proper lengths.  I must say figuring out the angle was a bit tricky, so be careful if you're trying this at home.  It's definitely a measure 8x, cut once kinda thing.

4. Joe reattached the molding pieces and puttied any areas that will need sanded and re-stained.  

5. Since Daisy HATES the compressor and the nail gun, we took a little trip to Lowe's to pick up a recessed can conversion pendant light kit to hang. During our trip to Lowe's I hit the jackpot.  I know I just went for 1 thing, but I left with with two more projectss.  When walking to the lighting section, I noticed on the clearance rack, a chrome 3-light vanity fixture (just like the one we've been looking for), and they were clearancing out a TON of fans (also, just what we've been looking for).  So convenient right?

6. We hung the pendant light fixture kit and LOVE the final product.  We've still got to match the stain to patch up some small spots, and update the curtain rod, but here's the almost finished project.

I made the curtain from some linen material.  I'm posting the tutorial soon, so watch for it.

Here's the breakdown:

• Small Pry Bar: $0
• Measuring Tape: $0
• Miter Saw: $0
• Nail Gun (and compressor): $0
• Stain (from Lowe’s): $8 (Still needs to be done)
• Pendant Light Converter Kit (from Lowe’s): $30
• TOTAL: $38

Guest Bathroom Light Fixture

As discussed above, the coming about of this project was due to the trip to Lowe's to purchase the Pendant Light Converter Kit for above our Kitchen sink.  We already replaced the cabinet pulls and the sink faucet, but couldn't really find a new light fixture to match the style.  Here's the before and after of the fixture.

Here's the breakdown:

• 3-Light Vanity Fixture (from Lowe's): $40

Basement Fan

Again, this project sprouted from the Kitchen Cabinet update with the Pendant Light Converter Kit.  The gold fan in the basement was really getting to me, especially after painting the room and rearranging the set-up. Here's the before and after in the room.

Here's the breakdown:

• Fan Fixture: $40

Entryway 

I was totally inspired by Jenna Sue's entry way art and coat rack so I thought I'd come up with my own version.  Her art work is wonderful.  I love the geometric patterns and the simpleness of it.

Source

I also really LOVE the idea of having knobs as coat hooks.  I really was inspired by these drawer fronts used as coat hooks.

Source

We've haven't finished the project yet, but we're about halfway there.  We'll be finishing it up soon and revealing our entryway soon!

Kennedy's Baby Quilt

I started this baby quilt a few months before the baby was due.  Before I was finished, a beauty came along.  There is a precious little baby girl that is so adorable, Kennedy Caroline.  She was born in July with some life threatening issues.  She is such a fighter and is now doing very well.  I was inspired to design a quilt from the breathtaking one below.

Source

I designed my own pattern to be the perfect size for baby Kennedy.  Over the weekend I finished quilting, then a few days ago I made the binding and completed the quilt.

I can't reveal it just yet.  I have to make sure that Kennedy and her momma get it first.  I'll post soon though.

I can't wait to see what this coming weekend has in store!

What projects are on your plate?

Fall Pinterest Challenge Project

Oh Pinterest, how I love you.
Each and every day I explore your world and find even more reasons I love you.
I LOVE the Pinterest Challenge Fall Edition.

And now, here's your hosts:

Sherry of Young House Love 
Katie of Bower Power
Ana of Ana-white.com
Erin of House of Earnest 

I unfortunately am one of those people who has about 15-20 projects going at one time. It usually takes me a long time to finish a project since I have so many going at one time.  I really need to work on this! Here's a few pins that are currently being worked on at my house:

So there's five things I didn't finish for this Pinterest Challenge.  I'll try to finish them soon and post them here.

Make sure you check out the hosts' blogs listed above to see what other bloggers have completed with the Pinterest Challenge: Fall Edition.

What have you been pinning or working on lately? Leave link and I'll go check it out.

Countdown to Halloween...Even Though It's Halloween!

I have recently come to LOVE Halloween!  I'm not sure why I never really got into it in college.  I love the idea of spooky yard decorations, creepy cob-webs, pumpkins, and the best part: the food that goes along with it.

One of my favorite crafts seen last year is the countdown wooden cubes.

I think these blocks are sooooo cute!  I love how easy they are!

Here's the supplies needed:

- Two square blocks (mine were 2" x 2" from Hobby Lobby priced $0.99 each, on sale 50% off)

- Mod Podge Gloss (already had some but costs about $5)

- Foam Brush ($0.25)

- 6 different Halloween scrapbook paper

Directions:

- First you should paint the blocks.  I painted mine white. I've seen others painted orange and black.

- Use scissors or a paper cutter to cut the scrapbook paper to fit on the blocks.

- Use a foam brush to apply Mod Podge to the block and the back of the and place on the block.  Then paint Mod Podge over the top of the paper to seal it.  

- Cut out numbers or use some larger stickers.  Apply the same way you applied the square paper. 

- Apply a final coat of Mod Podge and let dry.

Place them out for everyone to see!

Here's My version!

Happy Halloween!

Now, back to handing out candy.

Top 10: Fall Decor Wish List

I love Fall!

I love the textures, colors and scents.  My favorite thing about fall is really the leaves.  The colors are just so warm and wonderful.  I'm just glad we don't have big trees at our house yet.  Raking leaves are not my favorit thing.  Hopefully you don't have too many leaves to rake up this year.

I also love decorating my home with the warm colors and wonderful scents of fall.  Here's a few things I just can't wait to get my hands on! I see home decor shopping in my near future!

1. Sphere Table Lamp (west elm, $99)

2. Acorn Vase Filler (Pottern Barn, $14.50)

3. Large Square Farmer's Market Basket (Anthropologie, $20)

4. Metallic Leaf Votive Holders (Pier 1, $7.95)

5. Zambales Tray (Crate&Barrel, $42.95)

6. Rattan Wall Decor (Pier 1, $59.95)

7. Talin Wall Clock (Crate&Barrel, $169.00)

8. Rona Amber Placemat (Crate&Barrel, $9.95)

9. Embroidered Square Pillow (Pier 1, $34.95)

10. Shaded Spruce Chenille Throw (Pier 1, $39.95)

What are some of your favorite things for fall?

Fall Fashion

Recently, I took some time off work just because.  It was a nice little vacation.  I got a few things done around the house and relaxed a little.

I was able to catch my favorite show of all time: The Nate Berkus Show. I just LOVE that show!  I was really inspired by their segment on 30 Fall Looks Using 8 Items under $150. Here's some of my favorite outfits from the segment:

A neutral dress can be accessorized by a black belt and a leopard print shoe. Apparently leopard print shoes are big right now and never go out of style.

Red is a hot color this season.  Paired with a dressy, white shirt and black pumps this look is definitely one of my favorites.

Polka Dots are HOT this year! Love them!

I love this look of a striped sweater with jeans and a pair of boots.  I'm usually not a fan of black and tan together, but this looks fantastic!

This color combination and style combination is sophisticated yet fun.  Perfect for shopping with friends or lunch with the girls.

Scarfs aren't typically my thing, but the colors in this scarf just scream fall!

Here's a board with some of the pieces!

I CAN'T WAIT TO GO SHOPPING!!!!

(see the 30 Fall Looks Using 8 Items under $150 page comments for shopping list)

What are your favorite wardrobe pieces for fall?

Linked here: Mine for the Making

Light Fixture Transformation

I'm not sure if you know this, but light fixtures are expensive!!  I was in absolute shock!

My husband and I are trying to rid our house of the Gold EVERYTHING!   They are so hard on my eyes. Now don't get me wrong, I love shiny things but this just hurts my eyes.

We've been scoping out http://www.craigslist.com/ for fixtures for the past few months and... nothing :(  I finally had enough of the gold light fixtures in our bathroom, closet, guest bedroom, and basement entryway.  I read quite a few articles on spraying fixtures and ta-da they look so good!  You can't tell they're spray painted right?  Check out what a difference the paint made! 

I know, the glass shades definitely dated them, but at our house we go step-by-step.

We actually did this process many months ago, and I'm just now getting it posted but here's the process:

1. Caution: Be sure before you begin this project you turn off the electricity to the fixture from your breaker box.  We don't need anyone being sent to the Emergency Room with 'electricution' written on their charts.
2. Remove the light fixture from the ceiling/wall/ etc.
3. Disassemble and clean the fixture.  We removed all screws, sockets, and fiberglass insulation and were left with bare metal ceiling plates that didn't need any taping up.  Just remember where everything goes unless you want some extra parts here or there.
4. We used KRYLON Satin Nickel paint from Wal-Mart (about $2).  Two thin coats of paint later, our light fixtures have completed their makeover.
5. The only thing left to do is re-assemble, install, and admire!  

P.S. If you have assembly issues or installation issues like we did because we didn't pay attention to which wires we disconnected from which wire, just search the Internet for solutions.  BUT Be very cautious when turning the breaker back on if you're not sure.

Disclaimer: We are in no way professionals.  If you're cautions about installing light fixtures in any way, please be safe and contact a professional to install them.


Remember that day of garage sales during which I found the blanket chest?  (Post found here) I was luck enough to find some beautiful nickel light fixtures with alabaster glass to replace the light in the guest bedroom and entryway.  Now they look even better! See?

Sharing at: Mad In Crafts, Opps, I Craft My Pants, and Making the World Cuter