Blogs I Adore - Freckles Chick

Mrs. Freckles Chick (Mrs. FC) is a thirty-ish Coloradoan who doesn't take life too seriously. She loves design, a good bargain, and remodeling her fixer upper home with Mr. FC. I adore all of her projects and our styles are scarily similar. In fact, her bedroom looks just like ours thanks to her hard work on that headboard. She was my inspiration and the reason why I built our headboard about a month ago. Remember this blog post???? DIY Fabric Headboard with Nailhead Trim that I blogged about in May - Mrs. FC was the superwoman who did this for her bedroom and made me feel confident enough that I could do it. I'm loving having a headboard versus a bare wall. Ever since that project - I stalk or shall I say follow her blog because her ideas are awesome.

FC is always redecorating her rooms and when I saw this recent post with a picture of her bedroom, I started to laugh because it looks so much like our room - probably because I like to steal her ideas. I adore that coverlet she has at the bottom of her bed and she purchased it from my favorite store - Homegoods. I may need to make a trip there this weekend.

I love having plants as part of my decor but I just don't seem to be able to keep them alive. However I am on a mission to grow a green thumb (ha ha) and thus far my garden exploded with blooms while I was away and the indoor herb garden is looking oh so yummy so I may try this project. Mrs FC purchased these lovely bowls from Crate & Barrel and planted these succulents to add to the decor in her kitchen and I just love this idea too. If you want to try this project, Mrs FC was kind enough to blog all about it with step by step instructions for those of us that require that - me! Check out this post if you want to add some succulence to your life.

I love organization and chalk cloth tags are oh so lovely. I used chalkboard tags in my scrapping/crafty room to label all of my stamps, crafty goods, and photographs so I can find what I need and look chic all at the same time. When I saw that Mrs FC Incorporated this idea into her kitchen and blogged about it, I have to admit that I too wished I had open shelving in my kitchen so I could use this idea too.

And I think I saved the best idea for last - are you loving that bathroom art or what? After seeing this Seafan decor on her blog, I decided I must make one of these for my bathroom downstairs that has a seashore theme to it. That bathroom is in desperate need of some art and creating it myself makes it that much more special. All you need is a seafan (ordered from ebay or pick one up at the beach if you are lucky), a shadowbox, and a piece of scrapbooking cardstock for the background. That's all it is and it has me swooning.

The best thing about Freckles Chick's blog is that she constantly has new ideas. All of these projects were blogged about within the last 2 months so she is always up to something at her chateau. I hope you stop by and check out Freckles Chick's blog - you are sure not to be disappointed.

One Busy Weekend

Last weekend was one busy weekend and I'm still trying to recover. We headed to Summerfest in Milwaukee (the largest music festival in the US) for the KEITH URBAN concert and also for a 40th anniversary party. Then we had to rush home for a few hours of sleep before I headed to the airport for my business trip to New Orleans. Gosh - I'm getting tired just talking about it....

Here's a picture of my boyfriend Keith, I'm thinking I need a better lens so you can actually see him without looking at the screen.

Me and the hubby lovin the concert

Hmm....who loves Keith more?!?!

Me loving the music

After the concert we ended up having to walk back to the hotel because there were no cabs in sight - seriously. I had flip flop's on and the walk was very long especially since we got lost, we walked about 20 city blocks and by the time we got to the hotel, I couldn't feel my swollen feet! I'm trying to block that experience out of my mind by remembering Keith singing to me....

The next night we had a 40th anniversary party for my BFF's parents and I was the photographer (or at least I tried to be). Paige lives in Idaho so I don't get to see her too often and it was so great to see her - she's a riot. It was a lot of fun and then we headed home for a few hours of shut eye. I headed to New Orleans the next day and boy is that a unique city!!! I didn't have my camera because it's too bulky to take on business trips but my co-worker took some pictures that she'll be sending my way soon.

It's been a busy few weeks but I'm so happy to be home!!!!

Blogs I Adore - Second Time Mommy

I've been waiting for the perfect time to share with you all one of my "must read blogs" and this is extra special because it's written by my dear friend Brooke and she doesn't even know I'm writing about her.

Brooke is a "Second Time Mommy" to two handsome boys - Chase and Dylan and her stories about her boys are hilarious - seriously and I can't even relate. I have known Brooke for about 8 years and she is one of the most special friends that a girl can have. I met her at my first job out of college and we have worked together at 2 of the 3 companies that I have worked for. She is a woman that can do it all and look good all at the same time.

I remember the first time I met Brooke, I kind of called her "Miss Susie Sunshine" because she was the most positive person I have been around and I was just soooo envious of her positive outlook at life. I am so blessed to have had a friendship with her for so long and over time her positive demeanor has rubbed off on me and I just love that she looks at things in the most positive way whenever possible. Don't get me wrong, she has her moments with her little boys and she loves to share them with her blog readers -those are the stories I look forward to the most. She isn't afraid to tell you how raising 2 young boys really is - it's not all sunshine let me tell you but she puts it out there and gets right back on the horse.

I strongly encourage all of you mommies, or even those without children, to check out Second Time Mommy's blog - you won't regret it. Some of her stories or shall I say, conversations she has had with her oldest are some of my faves, Chase is one smart kid. Here are a few of my faves:

This Mommy Wonders

Open Wide

Chase's Words to Live By (hilarious!!!)

When Given an Inch....They Take a Mile

If these aren't enough posts to read and you want to learn a bit more about this extraordinary woman, check out this blog post. Brooke aka Superwoman is one extraordinary woman!!!

I'll See You Soon Keith!

Besides being absolutely gorgeous (pitter patter pitter patter), Keith Urban is the best country singer around (take that Kenny Chesney) and the meanest guitar player that I've heard. I am so excited to see him in concert on Friday night and I'm sure the show will be even better than last time that I heard him. I've been a fan of Keith's for quite some time but when I heard him in concert playing that guitar and singing away to me - my love for this singer went through the roof. After the long work week is over, I'm really looking forward to this concert.

P.S. Isn't he gorgeous? Even the hubby says he has a "man crush"on him. (I hope he doesn't read this).

A Birthday Beach Bash

Me, Carolyn, and Sheila.

Happy 39th Carolyn - we can't wait for next year!

I bet you didn't know you would be drinking mai tai's out of a fishbowl all night?

Not everyone realized the beach bash was on the beach, although Pam they are the cutest shoes ever! Where did you get them?


Carolyn and Pam celebrating

So happy to be spending sometime with me hubby. I've really missed him and so happy to be only a few blocks from home. Our hometown really has some great restaurants/bars on the lake.

Blogs I Adore - the Lettered Cottage

This Southern Belle from Alabama has a sense of design that is very beachy, relaxing, and is like a breathe of fresh air. Layla is a beautiful lady that runs a very successful design consulting business while renovating her little cottage that is beyond adorable. Her and her husband are also wonderful photographers and have some artwork for sale that will be making it's way to my doorstep very soon (seriously it's on order so stay tuned). You must stop by for a breathe of fresh air at her blog, the Lettered Cottage.

if Layla isn't providing design consultations to her clients she is..............

taking photographs or creating artwork or........

finding some awesome accessories at flea markets and thrift stores.

She has inspired me to add some beachy twists to my living room and I'm so excited to reveal those projects to you very soon. Here's a little tease - picture an old, rustic ladder from the farm, some modern artwork that is cool and calm, and some elements that remind you of the beach or your favorite childhood memory.

My hubby keeps reminding me that we don't live by the ocean but that doesn't mean that my house can't "feel" like I'm on the water. I've always loved beachy decor (i.e. our 2nd bathroom) ever sense my hubby said "will you marry me?" on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Florida.

Love is in the Air

I'm back from my 2 weeks of traveling for work and I must say - absence does make the heart grow fonder. My hubby truly missed me and it's so lovely when they are able to express that. My last post was about how my hubby decided that "he was bored" and needed to take some walls down in the garage - because I missed him so much, I couldn't even get mad (that's not my norm).

Traveling has prohibited me from blogging and I've had a lot of blog reading to catch up on. This morning I am sitting on the couch with the laptop on my lap, my pup cuddled up next to me (scared of the storms), and reading all of the inspiration that is out in the blogworld. I was visiting Decor 8 Blog and was attracted to all of the posts about "love". What can I say, love is in the air.

What the Hubby Does when I'm Gone

I'm back from Vegas and back to the real world. While I was working hard on my business trip, my hubby decided to tear down our storage room in the garage! He's been begging to do this but I love having temperature controlled storage in the garage and a sink for cleaning up after gardening and painting - but that didn't stop him. I got a text message with this picture attached on Thursday night and I thought I was going to hit the roof but I realize now that this is something he really, really wanted done so he can park his car in the garage. Our driveway is full of drywall, insulation, and studs so I'm so not sure how he plans on getting rid of that and dealing with the electrical and plumbing - this ought to get really interesting soon. Stay tuned.....

I'll be back soon

I'll be in Las Vegas for the next week for a business trip which means I have to work hard to play hard. Staying at the Palazzo and Venetian which are gorgeous hotels.

Isn't this gorgeous? - the canal, the shops, and the gondola rides are really unique.

I'm arriving early and will be at the pool deck all day tomorrow - or as much as my pale, white complexion can handle. Don't worry I have a full bottle of sunscreen packed for the day because I'll need it. I'll find a nice shady spot to hide for a while too. It'll be soooo nice to have a bit of relaxation before the mania begins - it's going to be a LONG week! I'll miss you all but I'll be back on the blog next weekend.


P.S. Did I mention I'm seeing the Jersey Boys show? I'm so excited!

Let's Hope it Grows

Remember a couple of months ago on Earth Day when I vowed to plant a veggie garden, build a rain barrel, and begin composting? Well last weekend we built and installed the rain barrel and the following week we completed the garden project as well. After all of that hard work, I don't know if I have the energy left to begin composting - that one may have to wait until next year.

We knew we wanted a small garden because we aren't known for our gardening skills that's for sure, more known for our ability to kill anything green! Starting out small would allow us to start off easy and then if all goes well we can do more next year.

We decided to place the garden next to the fence where Tanner loves to jump and try to get to the very large dog next door. Can you see his paw marks on the fence? In addition to trying to stop the jumping and clawing from occurring, we also knew that it was the sunniest spot in the backyard as well.

After picking out the location, we headed to the home depot to get the wood, chicken wire, lots of topsoil, some mushroom compost, and the veggies/herbs for planting.

Next the hubby screws the pieces together after mapping out the location. This went off without a hitch.

This is where the hard work began. We began to dig up the sod.....and dug some more....and some more....and a little bit more. (Note: don't dig up WET sod - it weights a lot!) This required some major teamwork and a whole lot of muscle too.

Next we prepared the soil with some good ole topsoil and mushroom compost (if the botanical gardens recommends it, I'm all for it). And then the planting began- sorry no pictures because I was covered in mud! We decided to plant tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers, basil, dill, and parsley.

Look at that green and healthy garden.....let's just pray it grows otherwise I may shed a tear or two after thinking of the labor of love that went into it. Some sunshine, water (from the rain barrel of course), and a little miracle gro and I'm told this really should work.

Notice that the hubby thought it was funny to put a decorative touch in the garden which reads "Garden of Weeding". Isn't he so funny?