Truly Darling

leaving on a jet plane...errr... sorta

2011-02-26T21:26:00.002-05:00

blogger im sorry but ive started a new relationship...

http://katiedarling.tumblr.com/

hope theres no hard feelings.

Love.

2011-02-25T21:57:00.002-05:00

young love. its beautiful.

This is a clip from the Swedish 1970’s movie En Kärlekshistora (A love story)

#7 ready to go play with gigi!

2010-08-10T23:20:00.002-04:00

#6 "don't worry baby, everything will turn out alright" -Beach Boys

2010-08-09T19:52:00.003-04:00

#5 "logic will take you from a to b. Imagination will take you everywhere" -Albert Einstein

2010-08-08T18:19:00.003-04:00

Oh he does love playing choo choos (trains). P.s. train and town set was a whopping $5.00 at the Arlington flea market!

#4 "an interior is a projection of the soul" coco chanel

2010-08-08T18:16:00.002-04:00

A few of my treasures from Little Green Notebooks sale!

#3 "I want to ride my bicycle I want to ride my bike" -Queen

2010-08-08T18:14:00.005-04:00

#2

2010-08-05T19:59:00.004-04:00

I love that I get to put those chunky feet in sandles. I love that I get to teach him the sounds helicopters and tigers make. I love that I get to be Oliver's mom.

#1

2010-08-04T22:21:00.007-04:00

A Photo A Day While Daddy's Away.

Or at least a photo on the days mom remembers. :)

why having a toddler is like being at a frat party

2010-08-01T19:53:00.004-04:00

10. There are half-full, brightly-colored plastic cups on the floor in every room. Three are in the bathtub.

9. There's always that one girl, bawling her eyes out in a corner.

8. It's best not to assume that the person closest to you has any control over their digestive function.

7. You sneak off to the bathroom knowing that as soon as you sit down, someone's going to start banging on the door.

6. Probably 80% of the stains on the furniture contain DNA.

5. You've got someone in your face at 3 a.m. looking for a drink.

4. There's definitely going to be a fight.

3. You're not sure whether anything you're doing is right, you just hope it won't get you arrested.

2. There are crumpled-up underpants everywhere.

1. You wake up wondering exactly how and when the person in bed with you got there.

*10 reasons found here.

always a lady

2010-07-28T21:23:00.001-04:00

big thanks

2010-07-01T20:23:00.009-04:00

to Mrs Gambizzle for the lovely button.

2010-07-01T20:03:00.010-04:00

smiling eyes

2010-06-24T12:27:00.004-04:00

Today husband's leave starts! For the next five days he's all mine!! We will be doing a little bit of grilling, a little bit of swimming, a pinch of partying, a dash of kissing, and oh yea totally gutting the backyard. I'm not looking forward to the gutting, since it involves sweating, lifting, bugs of sorts. But a girl who has her husband home for five days straight can't complain!

*the top photo was painted by yours truly.

the first day of summer...

2010-06-21T09:25:00.002-04:00

Happy (day after) Father's Day!

2010-06-21T09:10:00.005-04:00

(17th isn't so bad out of the billions out there.)

My Son the Genius

2010-06-18T22:47:00.004-04:00

disclaimer: Full on bragging mom post. Sorry can't stop myself.

Today Oliver went over to the toilet pulling at his diaper, I'm excited mearly by the fact he is showing any interest in the toilet and decide to go ahead and let him sit on it just for fun. He's about to take a bath so I go ahead and take off his diaper prior. Well my little genius peed on the potty! Well started to pee but then my husbandS "oh my god hes peeing" made him pause for a moment then he went ahead and peed some more! Pee pee dance was danced for the rest of the night because my 14 month genius not only got his dads brain but his moms moves. :)

Today Oliver and I...

2010-06-17T17:59:00.005-04:00

sat outside and watched two birds in the yard.

went to gammas 4th grade class and had a dance party played on the computers and ate yummy watermelon and brownies.

went to starbucks for some coffee and biscotti.

had a pool party in the back yard. pretended it was raining with the hose and put our faces under water to blow bubbles.

read about dump trucks then played trucks and dinosaurs. (Dinosaurs love to kiss mommy and have piggy back rides.)

cuddled with some chocolate milk because it was a special chocolate milk kind of day.

bloody brilliant!

2010-06-17T15:46:00.002-04:00

painted molding to hang your heels! Must try this asap!

It's raining it's pouring

2010-06-16T11:28:00.001-04:00

confession #93

2010-06-15T08:27:00.002-04:00

Top O the morning to you

2010-06-14T09:42:00.002-04:00

starting the day on the right foot

2010-06-10T09:37:00.004-04:00

Ive realized having the blues isn't so bad if you have a little sunshine yellow to go along with it.

It is a new day!

If you love coffee...

2010-04-07T12:52:00.004-04:00

I have two words for you:

Coffee Press

go now buy it, you can thank me after youve tasted the smoothest silkiest coffee ever.

Birthday Wishes

2010-04-02T11:02:00.002-04:00

don't get much better than this.

I love you Nyah and your mommy too!

Has Barbie Gone Mad?!?

2010-03-28T20:02:00.003-04:00

Yes she has, and is more fabulous than ever! Barbie is being styled after the characters of the hit show "Mad Men"for sale this coming July. (source)

In case youre like me and don't want to wait until July to play Mad Men, go here and turn yourself into a Mad Men character.

Pinwheels

2010-03-28T12:44:00.003-04:00

I just adore Kate Spades new spring line inspired by pinwheels!

Don't these images bring a smile to your heart...

And check this outdoor dinning collection...

And guess what, the outdoor dinning collection is from the very affordable Target!

Doesn't it remind you so much of Kates pinwheel collection!?!

Either way I'm buying it all up and having a picnic in my pinwheeled covered lawn because it makes me oh so very happy.

King of the Wild Things!

2009-11-01T11:24:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!

We had a wild rumpus!

how to make a bow tie

2009-10-23T10:26:00.005-04:00

Little gentlemen need little gentlemen attire...plus it's just too darn easy and cute not to make!

Directions stolen from here...then slightly altered...

1. 1.5" ribbon, 8" long .

2. Fold one end as shown

3. Fold the other end. This is the back view of the bow

4. Top view

5. Fold in half , I dabbed hot glue to keep it in place.

6. Side view of step 5

7. Fold one of the edge in half, and hot glue.

8. Fold the other edge, and hot glue.

9. top view.

10. Cover the elastic thread by wrapping 3/8" ribbon around the center. Then hot glue the bow on lined alligator clips.

and youre done!

and oh yes, it can be a hair bow as well!

Oliver's cousin Layla <3

just when I thought I couldn't love coffee anymore...

2009-10-08T10:40:00.004-04:00

Oh I am so using this on my husband when ever baby #2 is on the way - this is not hinting at anything, I just plan waaaay ahead :)

Buy them here found via madebygirl

Old Mother Hubbard has nothing on me!

2009-10-06T11:22:00.004-04:00

My Fridge.

Looks like any normal fridge from the outside...

and then you open it.

yes my fridge a bare.

with the exception of a surprisingly large amount of wine...

and milk and eggs that have long ago expired.

and you are correct in thinking even the poor light bulb has burned out.

Now I was going to go buy food today because I am well starving.

But then my poor college student baby sister called...

and she has a research paper she has to have done by 4:00...

which she hasn't started.

And since I revealed to her

secret confession #83- I love school work, note taking, flash cards, researching, and all that college entails.

She has turned to me for *help* on her paper.

So I am now willing to pay someone one million dollars to go grocerry shopping for me, any type of food will do, just don't forget the creamer.

Thank you,

The Young Mother Hubbard

Thank you Taryn!

2009-10-06T10:53:00.005-04:00

First let me introduce you to my scarf swap friend Taryn, soon to be Mrs.Jones! You can find her blog here. It is a must read with everything from how her adorable fiance proposed, to wedding palnning, diy, giveaways, and a picture or two of her cute cats. Aren't they just ridiculously adorable?!?

Okay now for the sacrfs. Let me just say I hit the jack pot of scarf swap partners, not only did Taryn send me a super cute scarf, she sent me a second one because she couldn't decide which I would like better! Ummm she is the best! Now here they are..

1.2.

I made the mistake of turning my back while they were reachable to Oliver. He likes the blue one apparently. :)

some photoshop fun

2009-10-04T14:35:00.001-04:00

would these not have been some darling couples :)

done by worth1000.com

because it needs to be said more...

2009-09-30T14:12:00.002-04:00

Sofia Coppala you are a genius!

you always provide my eyes with the feast of a lifetime.

Thank you.

a pink polka dot kind of day

2009-09-30T13:26:00.004-04:00

You can usually tell what kind of day I'm having thus far based on the mug I'm drinking my afternoon coffee from.

Well today happens to be a pink polka dot kind of day!

Maybe it's because it finally feels like fall, or because my skinny jeans fit again, or perhaps it's because I got a package in the mail.

It's even a pink polka dot kind of day despite my lamp turning out an in your face green instead of charming green.

Now I will finish my cup of Joe while baby boy sleeps (or sings) and when he wakes up, it's off to wal mart for us for some new spray paint!

*this lamp color happens to photograph well, it's not so charming in real life*

Oh Martha Stewart...

2009-09-24T14:38:00.002-04:00

how I love you

now I just need to order a few of these from Kodak. Thanks Martha for making everyting beautiful.

Letters

2009-09-24T13:54:00.005-04:00

I think this is so great ... unsolicited letters to everyone in the small Irish town of Cushendall ... next up the world.

happy unbirthday

2009-09-22T21:32:00.007-04:00

Today my little sunshine turns six months!
Growing more day by day you bring complete joy to my life. You are our gentle giant and before you grow anymore I must write down all that you are at this very moment.
You so smart and full of curiosity chasing your shadow in the mornings, finding the trash can and other things youre not suppose to get into, mimicking mommy and daddy's movements, gestures, and sounds. Such a happy baby, always singing, talking, and laughing. Sometimes you are so funny you make your self squeal with laughter. At nap times you sing and squeal and bang your feet making music until you tire yourself out. You like to be on the move, walking with help, jumping, scooting, you are just starting to crawl with you belly off the floor (yay Ollie!) You blow kisses and raspberries but more than anything you love to receive them. Tickling is your favorite. You still hold my hand when youre lazying back in my arms drinking your bottle and cuddle with me in the mornings. You are so sweet and lovable. Your mellow happy disposition makes me glow and I know I had nothing to do with it. you were born to make me glad.

going through some old photos on photobucket

2009-09-22T09:57:00.005-04:00

and a few made me smile...

From when husband and I were first wed. I'm trying to figure out the camera, and it kept taking pictures (shutter speed?) and captured Matt attacking me. I never did figure out how to make the camera do that again.

Matt's handy work
I made tutus for us to wear to see SATC -and well my friends are the best!
No explanation needed. :)
Jimmy boy loves us. (or is that the other way around?)

free printables for your pleasure

2009-09-16T13:07:00.003-04:00

Things to do list for busy moms, so cute!

click here to download
thank you Skip to my Lou found via one pretty thing

Who knew strawberry short cakes could get any more delicious looking!?!

click here to download
thank you Twig ad Thistle

Meal planner that won't make you dread the idea of planning meals!

click here to download
thank you Project Girl (found via Lindsay Writing - check out her blog to see what she did with her free printable!)

2009-09-16T12:38:00.002-04:00

If Oliver could talk I think he would ask me to stop cranking up the ac just so I can dress him in cardigans.

In which case I would have to tell him super heroes wear cardigans. (because sometimes moms have to fib, when their kid looks this cute in a sweater design intended for a 50 year old man).

Is it considered a workout...

2009-09-10T15:07:00.002-04:00

if your abs hurt because you were laughing too hard?

Strange Kid Lip Syncing - Watch more Funny Videos

Secret confession #113:
I would so be best friends with this kid and choreograph moves to go with his lip syncing.

sometimes i'm afraid

2009-09-09T22:57:00.003-04:00

that my heart will melt.

quote of the day

2009-09-09T22:30:00.001-04:00

CSPAN kicks ass!!
-oh my nerdy husband of course

Scarf Swap!

2009-09-09T21:56:00.003-04:00

Do you love scarfs? Do you love receiving packages in the mail? Do you love fun ways to meet new people?

If you answered yes to any of the following head on over to Loves of Life to participate in some good ol' scarf swapping!

2009-09-09T11:39:00.002-04:00

I'm all about sharing fun sites today... Who knew cardboard could be so romantic? Well I guess I didn't pick the most romantic examples but go here and let some cardboard make you swoon.

2009-09-09T08:15:00.004-04:00

Hate math? Not anymore - thanks to New Math! Now this is my kind of math...

POW!

2009-09-08T20:03:00.002-04:00

secret confession #238 I LOVE me some Marky Mark

oh what's a girl to do

2009-09-04T11:45:00.005-04:00

Hello my name is Katie and I am a Craigslist addict...

Okay now that we got that out of the way let me continue, I have quite the conundrum, let me start by saying I am married to a sailor which means I am well cough on the poorer side of the tracks. Now let me show you what I found on my morning search on Craigslist...

What you aren't excited?!? Well let me show you what it could and would be...

Oh didn't you just gasp out loud or was that only me? (done by the one and only Eddie Ross)
So the seller is asking $195 (gasp again).
But it really would be an investment don't you think?
And I have the perfect spot already picked out for it.
So I ask you what is a girl to do?

2009-09-03T12:59:00.004-04:00

Kate Spade's entire fall collection (and for her to be my bff)

sod aka green grass in my back yard

Penguin Classics designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith

oh and I think Oliver covets these...

also designed by the wonderful Coralie Bickford-Smith

2009-08-31T13:29:00.003-04:00

If you were wondering if you could spray paint anything, the answer is yes! And I have to admit that I indeed do. Case in point my door knobs. Here is what they looked like before...

But with a bit of primer and a coat of rubbed bronze spray paint I now have door knobs that match the new light fixtures we've (aka my husband) have installed. The only down side is you will want to spray paint everything you own this color.

2009-08-29T17:25:00.004-04:00

So Little Green Notebook completely inspired this next project (aka I totally copied her brilliance.) I bought this grandfather clock on craigslist for a whopping $50! It chimes and dongs and everything! So I sanded it, painted it gray, paint some of the details white, spray painted the metal knobs white, and wha la!

10.

2009-08-21T18:57:00.012-04:00

via Lindsay via Kelly

ten things I want to do before I die...

one.
Own a home on the beach, not just any home but the most fabulous home known to the sea.

two.
Become a Renaissance woman. I want to absorb so much knowledge that I could kill you with my brain. I want to be a historian, an artist, a politician, a designer, and the list goes on.

three.
Raise the most amazing kids starting with my son Oliver. He will be a man so great Cary Grant wouldn't be worthy of portraying him in a film. And enjoy every second of raising my little mamas boy.

four.
Eat all my favorite foods in one sitting.

five.
Live by all the people my heart needs on a daily basis and not just one at a time but all of them will be by me.

six.
Be amazing and unforgettable.

seven.
Love my husband with every ounce of love I have from the beginning to the end.

eight.
Spread some of that knowledge I will gain.

nine.
Have the perfect hair, face, and body day - yes all three on the same day - statistically it has to happen eventually.

ten.
Kick someones ass. I know I know, it isn't very nice. But the heart can't help what it wants. I have just always wanted to get into a fight and kick some booty. I dream of it often and I have to tell you dream Katie is pretty fierce.

2009-08-10T08:45:00.002-04:00

Retro swim cap found here. Bamboo chairs found on Design Sponge (I'm desperately looking for some cheap ones I can fix up aka spray paint). Laptop found here. (I miss using a pc, I'm just not cool enough for my mac).

2009-08-10T07:57:00.006-04:00

So how cute are these little boxes I found via how about orange found via style me pretty!?! So adorable! The best part is the designer Kathleen from twig and thistle shares, so you can have your very own favor boxes!

DIY:

To download the pink polka dots, click right here. To download the yellow stripes, click right here. To download the pink flowers, click right here. To download the yellow waves, click right here.

All you have to do, is print the template onto an 8.5×11” piece of card stock with a color printer. Score along dotted lines with a bone folder and a ruler. With an x-acto knife and ruler, cut along solid lines. Fold box together and tape shut with double-sided tape where indicated.

I have found the inspiration for my bedroom!

2009-08-08T08:16:00.007-04:00

These ads for Miss Dior Cherie! So playful and romantic, they make my eyes very happy. Soon I will wake up every morning feeling like I'm in a Sofia Coppola movie, what more could a girl ask for. Oh and check out this playful site for the perfume.

I'm thinking my color palette will look something like this...

2009-08-07T14:07:00.002-04:00

Q: What's the worst thing that could happen to a mom of a baby who hates sleeping?

A: She breaks her source of caffeine...

2009-08-07T08:50:00.003-04:00

the magic of white spray paint and a new lamp shade from Target (on clearance!)

my lamp's new home...

2009-07-28T17:50:00.001-04:00

I thought I would share some of my recent polka dot purchases in case you were feeling like you needed a little more polka in your life.

Bag on wheels, I'm thinking this could be one cute carry on! Found at Hallmark for only $15.00!

With new neighbors moving in and another neighbor expecting, I'm thinking it's time to test out a few more of the recipes in my cupcake book (see Amazon on the side bar to order), this time with style. Bought at BakeItPretty.com

2009-07-27T17:50:00.002-04:00

Ikea outdoor table runner $2.50

Calico Corners indoor/outdoor fabric on sale for 11.99 plus an additional 20% off

Ikea table runner = two outdoor pillows.

1 yard of fabric = three outdoor pillows + left over fabric.

Five outdoor pillows for approximately $2.50 each!

(because cute outdoor pillows are expensive)

2009-07-25T07:15:00.003-04:00

The first thing I did was buy these fabulous books Cookies and Cupcakes from Barnes and Noble for the killer deal of $8.00 each! Let me just start buy saying it was neither the recipes or the deal that persuaded me to buy them but the beautiful photography. Mixing interiors and inspiration boards with delicious foods is in my mind brilliant!

(images: Holly Becker)

I never intended on actually baking anything from my beloved books, but my sisters pleaded. Anyone who knows me knows, I am a disaster in the kitchen. That is until I baked cupcakes from my best buy ever cupcake book! Let me just say these were the best cupcakes I have ever had in my entire life, and I have had some cupcakes! Now it did take me three trips to the grocery store, one in which I stared at the chocolate selection for a good five minutes trying to find bittersweet chocolate chips, but oh the results!

Rich Dark Chocolate Cupcakes

Go buy these books, you will thank me later (hopefully with cupcakes!)

2009-07-24T08:13:00.002-04:00

Written by Mark Pfeifer

Darrell "Shifty" Powers served as a U.S. Army paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, "Easy Company" during World War II. Known by his fellow soldiers as both a quiet man and an excellent sharpshooter, Shifty Powers was among those who parachuted into Normandy on D-Day. By the time he was discharged from the Army in 1945, he had been awarded an Expert Rifleman Badge, a Combat Infantry Badge, a Presidential Unit Citation, and two Bronze Stars. And he was one of the "Band of Brothers" portrayed in the Stephen Ambrose book and HBO miniseries of the same name. The word "hero" is consistently used to describe him.

I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle", the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat.

Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served, and how many jumps he made.

Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945 . . . " at which point my heart skipped.

At that point, he said "I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know where Normandy is?"

I told him yes, I know exactly where Normandy was, and I know what D-Day was. At that point he said "I also made a second jump into Holland, into Arnhem."

I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . .

and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day.

I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France, and he said "Yes. And it's real sad because these days so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.

I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in Coach, while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I'd take his in coach.

He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and still care is enough to make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now as I write this.

Shifty died on June 17 2009 after fighting cancer.

There was no parade.

No big event in Staples Center.

No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.

No weeping fans on television.

And that's not right.

"A nation without heroes is nothing."
Roberto Clemente

2009-07-22T19:52:00.001-04:00

Why I love Le Love...

2009-07-20T11:52:00.001-04:00

1 2 3 4

2009-07-19T09:08:00.000-04:00

I Love you Blogs and Coffee $20.00, Kate Spade Brag Book was $115 then $86 and now you get an extra 40% sale price so what does that make it $52!, Morning Dove Dress $54.99 (thanks Lindsay for the great website!)

2009-07-16T17:24:00.001-04:00

Though he would never admit it, my husband tears up a bit when watching this preview for the upcoming film "Where the Wild Things Are." Truly a touching trailer.

2009-07-16T17:13:00.001-04:00

found here

2009-07-15T09:41:00.001-04:00

A desk a neighbor of mine was throwing to the curb...

with a little left over paint from an old project and sanding, I now have a cute and charming piece for our guest room!

2009-07-11T09:38:00.001-04:00

It has a whole new look! We went bold and welcoming with bright red.

It only took about 100 coats of Richly Red by Valspar.

2009-07-11T09:23:00.002-04:00

It's the little things that make me happy, like changing these light fixtures...

to this... (thanks husband)

2009-07-11T08:51:00.001-04:00

Does your heart want a Kelly handbag but your wallet disagrees? Well now both your heart and wallet can be happy- free kelly handbags! Printable versions of the Kelly handbag, new printables come out with the new seasons so be sure to go back.

Find your wallet her new home here!

2009-07-06T10:57:00.002-04:00

Oliver's room- made with love, monsters, and robots...

2009-07-06T10:41:00.002-04:00

2009-07-06T07:48:00.001-04:00

wall color is Sherwin Williams™ SW6127 Ivoire

My Little Firecracker!

2009-07-05T10:20:00.000-04:00

My baby boy just celebrated his first Fourth of July! I can't believe he is already 3 months old. From the moment he was born it was the perfect love and has been the most joyous three months of my life. Everyday I think how could it get any better and yearn for him to stay the way he is, but then he discovers and grows and my heart just stretches. From the day Oliver was born he had his eyes wide open, so bright and full of joy, we can tell he is smart and are never surprised when people tell us how alert he is. He's an early bird, always up by six. But I don't mind, the mornings are ours. He wakes with such excitement for the new day, cooing and smiling. He loves to talk, making so many different sounds. During bath time my sweet boy kicks and splashes then looks up at me with such pride almost to say "hey mom look what I can do" then I will praise him and he will return my praise with a shy smile and an encore. He is a very brave boy. When he is unsure or scared he will look up at us about to cry and when we ensure him that everything is o.k. he tucks his lip back in and trusts us. Ollie loves to stand and walk around with our help. He is just beginning to roll from his back to his belly, but is always hesitant because he hates being on his belly. He is a very big boy weighing 16 pounds and being in the 97th percentile for his height. He loves the world and I love him.

Giveaway Bonanza from Fantabulously Frugal!

2009-06-16T07:09:00.000-04:00

Wondering how to get your hands on some Marc Jacobs, Vera Bradley, Estee Lauder and much more?

Head on over here...

Good luck!

2009-06-13T08:58:00.000-04:00

Dear Diary

today

June 12, 2009

i love the smell of

flowers from my very own garden

i love the sound of

Matt's car pulling into the driveway after work

i love the taste of

coffee with cream

i love the sight of

an organized garage

i love the feel of

being a mom

Win a Madsen Bicycle!

2009-06-12T11:27:00.001-04:00

just click on image above

2009-06-12T11:01:00.001-04:00

How cute are these mini diaries from the Mini Mart?!?

Unfortunately they are all sold out. :( So until they are back in stock to satisfy my mini diary needs I will do my mini diary entries here.

Dear Diary

today
June 11, 2009

i love the smell of
blueberry muffins

i love the sound of
Oliver laughing at daddy

i love the taste of
Seven Daughters Wine

i love the sight of
our new dining room rug

i love the feel of
Oliver's soft baby booty

I hope you weren't waiting for this blog

2009-06-12T10:25:00.001-04:00

to finish a reupholstering project. Sorry to be m.i.a. It's hard to get anything done when I have this little guy to stare at all day:
Apparently reupholstering does jump start labor. ;) We actually did finish the chair the day before he was born and here it is:Not bad for $20 and my first reupholstering project if I do say so myself. Now I need to decide on fabric for the girl chair. I'm considering some of these:

Does reapolstering jump start labor?

2009-03-16T13:35:00.001-04:00

I hope so!
So since baby Oliver doesn't realize how much fun birthday parties are, I have been keeping myself busy with this:

I found two wing back chairs on Craigslist for $20! This one which I refer to the boy and another one with curvier lines whom of course is the girl. Boy chair is currently under going some plastic surgery, when finished he will have a new chocolate brown fabric and bright white legs and I'm thinking him and his wife will look stunning in our soon to be sitting room/library! Oh I am very excited, and a bit nervous since I have never so much as sewn a pillow case before.

I will keep you updated as I go, here is what we have done so far:

Pulled staples, one section at a time. This may seem easy enough, but it is VERY time consuming! We are using a flat head screw driver to loosen the staples and then a pair of needle nose pliers to pull them.
Vacuum up bugs! We made the dreadful mistake of begining this project indoors and without bug killer by our sides. Who knew antique furniture could be so disgusting! I suggest keeping bug killer and the vacuum nose by your side, spray then suck! Other treasures we have found in our chair: hercules doll, dvd, hair brush...
Trace fabric pieces onto our new fabric, cut out, and label where it goes. We are also sure to keep all other metal and cardboard pieces and label where we took them off (just in case).
Sand chair legs and prep for painting.

So that's where we are so far on our waiting for baby project. I will keep you updated as we go so you can hopefully learn from my mistakes and perhaps even be inspired to do your own reapolstering project!

2009-03-09T20:58:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Barbie Millicent Roberts!

80 careers and billions of shoes later, you're still looking fantastic!

When I think of cool, I think Paul Newman

2009-03-08T15:14:00.002-04:00

So maybe this is just an excuse to post a picture of the late Paul Newman, but really he is the epitome of coolness. A few quotes from my favorite Newman film, Cool Hand Luke:

"that's my darling Luke. He grins like a baby but bites like a gator."
"Oh Luke, you wild, beautiful thing. You crazy handful of nothin'."

" Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand. "

Honorable mentions:

Clark Cable

"No, I don't think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That's what's wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how."

James Dean

"I didn't chicken. You saw where I jumped. What did I have to do, kill myself?"

Impress your husband...

2009-03-07T20:06:00.002-05:00

and learn how to tie a tie. It will keep him guessing if you're actually a super hero.

2009-03-04T23:34:00.000-05:00

"The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do."

My favorite non-signed musicians!

2009-03-04T22:33:00.001-05:00

Mario Cart Love Song

Hey Jude

Where have all the t.v.s gone?

2009-03-03T23:18:00.001-05:00

Never a fan of displaying the television or any sort of electronics or their wires, I am on the search for what to do with my t.v. I immediately looked through my home inspiration binder, but no living rooms with televisions, then I went to my computer home photo files, hardly any televisions there either. Where is everyone hiding their t.v.s?? It's especially difficult because we have vaulted ceilings and I feel like a low console would just lead me staring at the blank wall above it. Here is what I have found so far, but I am still unsure.

A. Maybe my husband is secretly a carpenter and could make me some built-ins to put it in. How much do built-ins cost anyhow?

B. Classic black armoire. There happens to be one on sale at our local Rooms to Go for $499.00.

C. Modern white armoire from Ikea for $499.00.
D. Rooms to Go also had this console which the t.v. hides inside of it, then with the remote you can have it pop up. It is low, but since the t.v is hidden I can hang large art above it adding to the height. I don't like however how far it comes out. The one at Rooms to Go only had the middle section and it was in black at $999.00. This one is from here.
E. This is my favorite idea. Unfortunately, I have no idea where this or one like this is from. Does anyone know? But I like how it doesn't come out too far, but it is tall and wide, modern but not too modern.

Plans for the living room

2009-03-03T21:53:00.001-05:00

Below is our new living room (with the old home owners decor).

I love the flooring and the fireplace! The television hole above the fireplace however, will be covered in asap. Which leads to the dilemma of where the television will go, that will have to be a blog all on it's own though! Now here are my plans for the living room:

A. Wall color is Nightingale from Benjamin Moore.
B. Two grey chairs facing the fireplace. These are on sale at Target, but I found them both for less than $150 at my local Target.
C. I already own these pillows. Found on Etsy, unfortunately the seller Dailybread Market no longer has an account. ($30 for two).
D. Yellow 8x10 rug from Pottery Barn to be bought. $169.00.
E. White cotton curtains, I purchased from Ikea three years ago at a whopping $19.99. They have these which are similar.
F. Tall black lamp, to go on the left side of the fireplace, I bought this one at Walmart, sorry it is no longer available. I am also looking for a small accent chair to go there.
G. Black pedastool table and white lamp to go next to couch on the right side of the fireplace. I purchased mine from Target last year.
H. Mitchell Bob and Gold Williams, Kate sofa. Placed along the right wall, facing the t.v. solution I have yet to find.
I. Leather ottoman to be used as coffee table.

Spring is in the air

2009-03-01T07:06:00.001-05:00

2009-02-27T21:19:00.001-05:00

It is decided...

2009-02-27T20:42:00.001-05:00

In our new home I'm opting out of paying the floor guy $3,000 to do the stairs and I am painting them white!

Here they are now:

hopefully you can see past the previous owners "decorating"

And here is my vision:

image found here.

I also like the idea of this wainscoting, but one step at a time:

image found here.

Baby Boy update:

2009-02-26T14:07:00.002-05:00

I had an ultrasound today and the doctor estimates (but can be off as much as a pound either way) that little Oliver is at 7 pounds right now and will be between 8 1/2 to 9 pounds when I deliver, if on my due date. But I have been having some pretty strong contractions the last two nights, so maybe I won't have to wait until then, fingers crossed.

DIY Deer Head

2009-02-26T10:59:00.000-05:00

This may have to be my next DIY project! Honestly, I can't decide If I love it or just think it's silly, but either way it makes me smile. I came across the idea reading the inspiring MadeByGirl blog, excerpted from the upcoming book "Dorm Decor", you can find their blog and the templates for the deer head here.

Here's what you'll need to make this little guy above:

Deer templates
1 20″ x 30″ piece (3/16″-thick) foam core
1 6″ x 7″ piece (1/2″-thick) foam core
60″ length (30″-wide) wrapping paper
1 6″ x 7″ piece of contrasting paper
Craft knife
Cutting board
Spray adhesive
Picture-frame hanging wire
Awl

Make the pieces

1. Using the deer templates:
From the 3/16″ thick foam core, cut:
2 deer heads
1 deer body
1 deer nose
1 deer antler
From the 1/2″ thick foam core, cut:
1 mounting board

Cover the pieces

2. Using spray adhesive, spray one side of the nose piece and adhere it to the Wrong side of the wrapping paper. Use the craft knife and the cutting board and cut out the nose piece. Repeat for the other side of the nose.

3. Repeat to cover both sides of the two deer heads, the deer body, and the deer antler pieces.

4. Using spray adhesive, adhere the contrasting paper to one side of the mounting board. Cut it out using the craft knife and cutting board.

Hang the deer head

5. On each deer head piece, cut a hole 1″ below the top edge and 3/8″ inside the back edge with the awl.

6. Assemble the deer head as shown in the photograph.

7. Thread wire through both holes several times and end by wrapping the wire around itself for a hanger

I Heart Organization

2009-02-25T10:32:00.001-05:00

My unborn son's closet

www.suzyrenovator.com

http://www.dominomag.com/

http://www.seejanework.com

http://www.dominomag.com/

Is there anything more beautiful than a well organized closet, garage, drawer? Well maybe a few things, but organization inspiration is just what I need today as I attempt to make my home clutter free!

Theodore Roosevelt Journal Entry

2009-02-24T13:29:00.001-05:00

From the day his wife Alice Hathway Lee died. Beautifully heartbreaking.

New Home Owners- part I

2009-02-23T22:26:00.000-05:00

My wish lift and list of fixes for the curb appeal of our new home.

Marry Me

2009-02-23T18:57:00.001-05:00

"Marry Me" directed by michelle lehman

Etsy = Love

2009-02-23T18:51:00.001-05:00

Etsy really is the best place to find beautiful and affordable art. I'm thinking this piece by Betsy Watson may need to be my next purchase. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21086258

Do you dress up for the Oscars?

2009-02-23T18:01:00.001-05:00

We do! We also eat take out and chocolate chip cookies while channeling our inner Joan Rivers. It's really the only way to watch the red carpet (especially when youre nine months pregnant.)

this makes me smile...

2009-02-23T17:25:00.001-05:00

http://www.newyorker.com/