.the simple things.

.how to make an omelet: tutorial.

2012-02-13T08:37:00.004-06:00

It's a snowy day here in my neck of the woods.

A perfect day for me to create a tutorial for a culinary task that has stumped even the most capable of chefs for centuries on end. The omelet.

I, myself, only mastered this task a year ago, thanks to my observances of a chef at the Embassy Suites in Kansas City along with a few tips from my husband. (Yes, my husband grasped the concept of creating an omelet long before I ever did. A humbling fact of life.)

So without further ado, How To Make An Omelet. IMHO.

First, gather your ingredients. I use 2 eggs per omelet as well as shredded mozzarella cheese and real bacon bits from a jar. (I don't get too extravagant with my ingredients but you can even add mushrooms, peppers, onions, ham, sausage, etc.)

You'll need a small frying pan to keep the circumference of your omelet at a pleasing size. My smallest pan is probably 6-8 inches. I didn't measure it.

You'll also need a spatula, something to crack the eggs into and whisk together (I use a fork to stir the eggs and my measuring cup to break the eggs into because it has a pour spout.)

You'll also need non-stick spray for your pan and any seasonings you would like to add. The spices I use are pictured later.

First, spray your pan with nonstick spray and get it warming up over medium heat.

While the pan is heating up, break 2 eggs into a measuring cup and mix with a fork until all the yolk is broken up and blended.

Pour the eggs into the pan.

Get your spices out. I only use salt, pepper and a little bit of garlic powder. You'll want to go easy on the garlic powder if you decide to use it.

Allow the eggs to cook until the top is almost firm so that you can flip the eggs over without the top draining. Add your seasonings to the top then flip the eggs over like you would a pancake.

As soon as you've flipped it, lightly season this side then add your bacon bits and shredded cheese (or any other toppings) to one half of the circumference.

The underside should be done cooking by the time you've seasoned and added the toppings, so using your spatula, fold the side without toppings on it over the garnished side. Lift it up out of the pan and onto a plate.

Now eat it. Either gracefully or ravenously; that is your choice.

And that is how to make an omelet, in my humble opinion.

.to bang or not to bang.

2012-02-03T19:40:00.005-06:00

Obviously, I'm talking about the subject of bangs. ;-)

I'm right smack dab in the middle of growing out my hair, and even though it's getting longer, it still has at least a year of growth before it's where I dream of it being.

In the meantime, I've been wearing my hair pulled back a lot since I'm a little bored with its current length. Not wanting to cut my hair but wanting to add some interest, I'm thinking of getting bangs again.

These pictures (found via pinterest) are my bangs inspiration, especially for the pulled-back hairstyles I commonly wear these days.

What's holding me back is that I highlight my hair and am wondering how hard it would be to maintain roots with bangs (since the only other times I had bangs, I don't remember having highlights). Also, I don't think the hubs cares for bangs on me much.

I kinda like me with bangs though.

Decisions, decisions. ;-)

.bookworm.

2012-01-23T14:04:00.004-06:00

This is the year my passion for reading has returned. I never lost my love of books, but have simply allowed other distractions to get in the way over the past couple of years. I have a pretty substantial library of books just waiting to be read, so I thought I'd update every so often on my progress.

I recently finished reading Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks. If you are a NS fan, you'll no doubt love this. True to his style, it is the perfect blend of romance and drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat. You just might even cry, although I didn't. I did get a lump in my throat though.

+++

A couple of days ago, I started reading Marriage on the Rock by Jimmy Evans. I'm almost halfway through it and am already so inspired to work harder at my marriage and at being the spouse I was designed to be. Thanks to this book, I'm reminding myself daily that my desire for acceptance and love can only be filled by God and it's not fair to put those expectations on my husband or anyone else. No one can love me the way God can, and once I'm secure in my place with Him, I will be equipped with all I need to be the best wife I can possibly be. I will be encouraging my husband to read it when I'm done.

+++

Next month, I'm starting up a Bible study with a group of girlfriends. So I'll be reading the books we bought for those as well as another Nicholas Sparks book next month.

Here's to being a bookworm!

.my new lifestyle: a week in.

2012-01-06T07:49:00.002-06:00

I have been practicing healthier living for exactly a week now.

A week ago, I went to the grocery store and bought a ton of healthy foods, like whole grain wheat bread products, fresh fruits and veggies and zero candy/sweets.

It was the most fun I've ever had shopping because it was a new way for me to shop, a challenge and I truly felt like I was taking ownership of this life, this body God gave me.

Another thing I have taken ownership of is my time and how I spend it. I feel like I have been utilizing my free time much more productively. Instead of vegging out for 3 hours after work, I now exercise first thing after getting home, take a shower, do any necessary cleaning, and THEN allow myself to watch a DVR'd show. And you know what? I enjoy my down-time so much more now. I don't have to feel guilty about vegging b/c I know I've already taken care of the important stuff.

I have worked out 5 of the past 7 days, and if you know me at all, you know this is huge! My confidence is already growing, even if it's not evident to others yet. I have this secret that strangers that pass me in public don't know: I am taking care of myself. I am on a mission to be the best version of myself that I've ever been. I'm going to have abs -- killer abs that drive my husband crazy. I'm going to have muscle tone that makes me feel skinny even if I don't have a tan (b/c we all know we feel thinner when we have a tan).

Nope, not all of my goals pertain to simply being healthier. Some of them are purely selfish and vain. I want to be THAT girl that people pin pictures of with tag lines like "my goal." I want to look and feel like a rock star.

While I'm only a week in, it's only the beginning.

To aid me in this process of counting calories and keeping track of my progress, I am utilizing a few different tools:

+ My Fitness Pal. It's an IPhone app that gets you set up with your personal calorie count limit, based on your current weight, goal weight, and the rate at which you would like to see the lbs come off. You log in everything you eat (and it even has a bar code scanner for super quick entry of calories), and log in your work-outs. You can follow friends and leave each other encouraging comments too. (martylou83 <---That's me!)

+ A Fitness Journal. I have one of the old-school black and white composition notebooks that I use to write out my beginning measurements, work-outs and keep a log of how certain work-outs made me feel, how many reps I did, etc so that I can look back and see how my strength/endurance has progressed. I plan on measuring myself once a month to keep track of inches as I lose them.

+ My sister. My sister and I each compiled a document of "skinny" pictures of ourselves and emailed them to each other. We randomly text each other one of these pictures, with a reminder (and visual motivation) to work out.

The goal is to stay enthusiastic and motivated. And to drink more water. And to not beat myself up if I don't do as good one day as I did the day before.

And on the day that I reach my goal, to be able to look back, be proud, and know that I accomplished something important that I set my mind to do.

.my 2011.

2011-12-30T13:08:00.005-06:00

In January, we got a few inches of snow.

In February, we got a literal blizzard along with a few feet of snow. I was a prisoner in my own home for at least 3 days.

In March, I fulfilled a wholesale order for a shop in Fayetteville. I made giraffes and pillows and was pretty stinkin tired of sewing for a while after that!

In April, I co-hosted a baby shower for my sister-in-law.

In May, Hubs and I went camping with some great friends of ours and brought our dogs along with us.

In June, we took our annual trip to Kansas City for a weekend of baseball.

In July, we celebrated the 4th with a few different fireworks shows (3 to be exact)!

In August, my brother became a Daddy when Levi William was born. Also in this month, Hubs and I took a trip to Frisco, TX to celebrate our 5-year wedding anniversary.

My sister and her husband came for a visit and met Levi for the first time in September.

In October, Hubs and I got to take a trip to Little Rock for our friends' Hannah and Brian's wedding.

November was a big month for me. I had my very first craft booth at my small town's Fall Festival.

December marked our year to host the Bro Family's Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. We did it up tacky 80's style!

Thankful I can look back on another year full of the Lord's blessings.

Here's to the New Year!

{Read 2010's recap here.}

.just one slight problem.

2011-12-29T23:54:00.003-06:00

Food.

It's my vice. My arch nemesis. My biggest hurdle. My forbidden love.

Food.

I enjoy it.

However, there is just one little problem.

I needa lose a few lbs.

And changing the way I eat is a good place to start.

Going grocery shopping tomorrow. My list includes lots of fruit and words like "whole wheat."

Gonna give this whole healthy lifestyle thing a whirl.

It won't be easy for the girl known for her candy bowl AND cabinet. The one who dips E.L. Fudge cookies in soda. And smothers her waffles in syrup.

No, it won't be easy.

But that's how I know it'll be worth it.

Hold me accountable?

.christmas break bucket list.

2011-12-15T17:39:00.002-06:00

Today was my last day of work for 18 days. But who's counting? Yeah, it's Christmas break!

I've been thinking about how I can spend my time (semi wisely) without getting completely slothful/fat/unproductive.

Here's what I've come up with. My Christmas Break Bucket List, if you will:

+++++++

+ Make Oreo Balls (because I had some today and they were divine!)

+ Work out at least 4 times per week

+ Get all remaining Christmas gifts wrapped (obviously)

+ Spend AT LEAST one whole day in bed, in pajamas, watching tv/movies and browsing Pinterest

+ Spend AT LEAST one whole day shopping

+ Get my hair done. (That's tomorrow!)

+ Have AT LEAST one Girls' Night Out

+ Focus one day on major cleaning/organizing of the house

+ Create exciting lesson plans and new classroom decor for when school starts back

+ Read my Bible every day (because I've gotten out of the habit and I'll have no excuses while on break. Not like I ever have a good excuse to not read God's word anyway.)

+++++++

And even though a majority of those activities fall into the slothful/fat/unproductive category, if I am purposefully doing them, I am at the very least checking things off this list, which, in a weird twisted way, is being productive.

Please don't argue with me on this.

It's Christmas Break. I'm allowed to get fat.

.Conclude.

.30 day photo challenge: finished.

2011-11-29T18:37:00.009-06:00

Thank you Positively Present for coming up with this photo challenge and for giving me an excuse to be deliberate with my picture-taking!

All pics were taken with my IPhone 4 and were edited using Instagram and Picnik.com.

.christmas decor and a giveaway.

2011-11-26T22:01:00.004-06:00

All the cold, dreary rain we had today made for the perfect day to get the Christmas tree and decor up around the house. The tree is pretty much the same as it always is, except I added poinsettias as the topper. I had fun playing around with the fireplace mantle until I was satisfied with the look. The stockings are from Hobby Lobby, and we've had them a few years. I'd like to make new ones for us, so it's just a matter of time before those change. But until then, here is what we've got going on up in this hizzie.

Now, in other news: My Shabby Threads Facebook page has reached 200 fans, and I am celebrating by giving away this gray/red wool blend infinity scarf that I made tonight. These are my absolute favorite scarves to wear! Click the picture below to be taken to the giveaway page.

.thanksgiving.

2011-11-25T11:53:00.002-06:00

The Thanksgiving holiday zoomed by just like all the other days, weeks and months have been. Wednesday night, hubs and I had my parents over for taco soup and pecan pie. Thanksgiving Day was spent with my in-laws, which is the usual tradition. This year, we did something different and planned some family pictures. Here are a few of the best ones.

I think the one in front of the waterfall is my favorite.

Today is Black Friday and I decided to not get up and shop this year like I did last year. There was nothing that I just had to have or that was worth fighting the crazies for. But I did stay up late to see what the special deal on the Silhouette Cameo would be. I was disappointed that even with $50 off the original price, it is still too much for me.

But, there is always a bright side, and in this case that would be PIE. Pecan pie and apple pie. And I ate a bunch and still have some to eat. Hooray!

In just an hour and half I'll be watching my Razorbacks kick-off against LSU. This game is huge. HUGE. I love watching football when there is more on the line, and this game should keep all Hog fans on the edge of their seats.

After the game, we'll be decorating the house for Christmas! I took all the Fall decor down this morning and got it put away. I am really looking forward to putting the tree up. However, I'm not quite ready to listen to Christmas music. My favorite radio station has already turned to all Christmas music, and I am just not ready for it. I've been listening to music pretty much all day while I'm at home and am loving some old school Britney Spears right now. The song that I could listen to on repeat right now is Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes.

.a week of thanks.

2011-11-20T08:37:00.006-06:00

{source}

AREAS OF EXCITEMENT:

+ Black Friday ads

+ Black Friday shopping

+ My new boots:

+ Having a week off work!!!

+ Thanksgiving Day {AKA family time & PIE}

+ AR/LSU game on Friday

+ Christmas decorating on Friday

.my first craft booth.

2011-11-14T16:10:00.003-06:00

This year my little town hosted their 1st Annual Fall Festival, where they offered local home-based vendors FREE booth space! I had never had my own booth before but couldn't resist this opportunity.

Since I don't have a fancy cutting machine like the Silhouette or Cricut, my friend helped me cut the letters with her Cricut for my Shabby Threads sign.

I had an array of bibs to choose from as well as coasters, pin cushions, quirky dolls, and a few other miscellaneous items.

It was pretty cold and super windy both days of the festival, so traffic was pretty light. Even though I didn't sell as much as I thought I might, I had an awesome first experience manning my own booth. I shared a table with my mom, and we had a lot of laughs sitting together.

I've signed up to do it again in the Spring, and I already can't wait. It's so fun to get out there and display my creations and meet the other vendors. I got some sweet compliments from strangers and even had a few people take my business card.

I learned a lot and can't wait to do it again!

.the impossible challenge.

2011-11-06T20:43:00.007-06:00

Tonight I challenged myself to the Impossible Task...Also known as, going through my Pinterest boards and picking only ONE (that's right: ONE {Did I stutter?}) picture from each to summarize the whole category.

Have you ever done this to yourself? It's nuts, and I don't recommend doing it. I especially had trouble going through my Decor board. My taste ranges from anything vintage eclectic to rustic modern. Picking just ONE image from each album was complete torture, but also very revealing.

So even though I am now completely confused, frazzled and worried I picked the wrong pictures, here are my choices:

From Board: NURSERY LOVE

It's the wall art, the really light blue wall, the light/dark wood mix and the mix of vintage and modern. Will I be replicating this exact nursery when my time comes? No. But it leaves me very inspired, so I pick this to summarize my taste in baby rooms.

+++

From Board: DECOR

It's the rustic wood mixed with industrial metal, simple and clean decor. Old mixed with new. Neutrals with a pop of color. These are my favorite aspects of decor for any room in the house.

+++

From Board: FASHION

It's a hot nerd. Nerd chic, if you will. The vintage-looking lightweight dress with girlie details, the messy-but-cute hair. Effortlessly cute. Fashionable but comfortable.

+++

From Board: LOL

First World Problems. Because it's making fun of spoiled Americans and there is humor in the truth. And I relate to more of these than I want to admit. If I don't LOL each time I read it, I at least crack a smile.

+++

From Board: HOUZES

Old white frame farm house with big windows. Lots of trees. Big porch. Chimney. Feels like home to me!

+++

From Board: GIRL CRUSH

Nicole Richie wins because she looks so darn cute in every picture I see of her. I think her fashion sense is impeccable, and her hair always looks awesome (especially when she has bangs).

+++

Now, I'm curious. If you could only pick ONE image from your Pinterest boards to summarize the whole category, which ONE would YOU pick???

Browse my Pinterest boards to trace images back to their original sources. There's a link up top to the right. ;-)

.30 day photo challenge: gratitude.

2011-11-03T16:46:00.003-05:00

I came across this awesome 30-Day Photo Challenge via Pinterest today.

It was created by Positively Present, and I just love the simplicity yet creativeness of the list. I'm only 3 days behind, and I already have pictures on my phone that go with the days I missed. I'll be taking this challenge using my phone camera and the very best FREE app, Instagram.

I haven't decided how I'll split my posts up or if I'll do one post to cover all the pictures once the 30 days are up, but I'll be sure to share my pictures on here.

I hope you'll join me on taking this fun photo challenge! :-)

.my fall mantel.

2011-10-15T10:14:00.004-05:00

Mirror: Thrifted and spray-painted black
Candle Holders: Clearance Hobby Lobby
Green Plants & Pots: IKEA
Pumpkin by Pug Frame: Paper Mache' {from flea market}
Pumpkins sitting on Candles: Dollar General
Frames: Walmart
Leaf Garland: Dollar General
Ampersand: Clearance Hobby Lobby & painted
Book: Thrifted Readers Digest

.gripes and good news.

2011-10-10T18:33:00.005-05:00

{source}

Today it only sort-of felt like Fall. It rained some, so I got to wear my new gray rain boots, but the temps haven't really made it out of the high 70's, low 80's yet. Even though the foliage is starting to get pretty, it just doesn't feel like Fall until the highs are in the upper 50's/low 60's. I would at least like to wear a scarf and not break a sweat as soon as I put it on. It's almost mid-October; I mean, is that too much to ask?

Ok, enough ranting.

I have news. I will be participating in my very first local craft show in November!

Do I have inventory stocked up? NO!
Do I know what I'm doing? NO!
Am I going to sew my heart out for the next month? YES! (As soon as I'm done blogging, of course.)
Will the housework suffer due to the fact that I'm sewing all the time? YES!
Am I going to go all out and decorate my booth all cute? YES!

The best part about this event is that it is FREE to anyone who wants a booth space. I live in a very small town, and this craft fair will be a part of its first annual Fall Festival. It will be held in the city park, with 75 10x10 spots available. I've never done anything like this before, but I'm excited to try my hand at it with nothing on the line. I have a solid month to get enough inventory made to fill my space, but I work better under pressure any way, so I'm pumped!

Well, I'm off to sew!

.thanks to pinterest.

2011-10-03T19:53:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Pinterest, I cooked a yummy main dish tonight for dinner and created some cute new decor for my kitchen counter! See, Pinterest can be so much more than just a fabulously fun way to waste time!

First of all, I came across this cute little idea from The Wright House:

I love the DIY pedestal with cute little soap dispensers and the towel thrown across. I knew I had a white plate I could use for the stand and a brass candlestick that just needed some gray spray paint. I super-glued the two together, sat my (not so cool) soaps on top with a towel and BAM! In hardly any time at all I had my own version of the above picture.

Thank you, Pinterest!

While meal planning last week, I perused through my Recipes album on Pinterest, looking for something new and exciting to make. I wrote down the ingredients for Salmon or Chicken Cakes from THIS blog and made the salmon cakes (minus the Aioli) for dinner tonight. MAJOR SCORE! Let's just say I held myself back from eating way more than my fair share.

Image via Maria's Nutritious and Delicious Journal

I thought it might be helpful to list the recipe's original ingredients and how I substituted to fit my elementary school taste buds.

2 TBS coconut flour...{Or unmeasured amount of crumbled Ritz crackers}
1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms...{I nixed this ingredient. Sorry, hubs.}
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
16 oz boneless/skinless chicken breast...{I used 2 small cans of boneless salmon}
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 tsp Cajun seasoning....{I sprinkled in some Tony Chachere's b/c it's what I had on hand}
1/4 tsp Celtic sea salt...{I used regular salt because it's what I had}
1 egg
2 tsp coconut oil OR ghee...{I probably would have substituted with EVOO, but I accidentally left this step out}

All in all, I'm sure my version was not as healthy as the original, but it sure tasted good! Even with the left-out oil. I will be making these again!

And again, for good measure: Thank you, Pinterest!

.home alone.

2011-09-18T23:06:00.006-05:00

{source}

The hubs left 12.5 hours ago for a week-long business trip. The house would be awfully quiet if I didn't have a pug to provide continuous background noise in the form of breathing, sneezing and hacking.

I've decided that the hubs being gone is a mixture of both good and bad.

The Bads:

+ I miss him. Duh.
+ When Simon gets poop stuck to his bottom, I have to wipe it off, which makes me dry heave.
+ Really, I just miss him. A lot.

The Goods:

+ I can watch whatever I want on tv. (I actually watched the Emmy's tonight!)
+ I can eat brownies and ice cream for dinner.
+ I can browse Pinterest, update twitter and play Words with Friends for hours upon end without being judged.

{Mmm...dinner}

I'm making this week fun, despite missing my bff. I've got myself dinner plans booked for almost every night this week and don't plan on cooking one single meal. Gonna do my nails, watch my DVR'd "girly" shows and spend way too much time on the internet. Then, with the 3 hours hubs will spend driving home, I'll load the dishwasher, throw in some laundry, and do a quick pick-up of the house. ;-)

.my first diy dress.

2011-09-16T19:32:00.006-05:00

Ever since I saw THIS tutorial {from Smashed Peas and Carrots} on Pinterest, I've had this unscratchable itch to create my own Elastic Band Empire Waist Dress.

Well, I've done it and now it is out of my system. I was surprised my version turned out half as wearable as it should have; however, I learned that sewing stretchy t-shirt material is definitely not my jam. I don't like the polyester print very much that I chose for the skirt, but since it was my first time making anything like this, I felt safer using fabric I wasn't crazy about. The long-sleeved tee is from the clearance section at Target.

I liked the look better with a thick belt, like I'm wearing in the picture below. I'm thinking of making the skirt knee-length and cutting off the long sleeves into short sleeves and adding ruffle detail to the front of the shirt. If I do, I'll post updated pictures.

I'm still trying to decide if I would ever wear this dress out in public or not based on the fabric choices and the imperfections I know are there since I'm the one that sewed the dang thing.

Regardless, I'm proud of myself for attempting something new and for {mostly} succeeding. It's always good to push the limits and see where our creativity can take us!

.our love story . part four.

2011-09-11T21:53:00.005-05:00

Our first apartment was tiny (500 sq ft). You could stand in the very center and see all 4 rooms (living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom). The kitchen was rocking mauve counter tops and an oven about half the size of a normal one, which made for many a burned dinner. Leslie had started his job only a few weeks before we got married, but I didn't work for the first 6 months after getting married. I was living in a new, bigger town, and I was honestly scared...scared of getting lost trying to find my way around, scared of my new role as a wife. I missed my family and was worried about starting from scratch and making new friends. I used to cry when Leslie would tell me he was going to hang out with his best friend. I would cry because I was lonely.

Finally, I got a job working at a fitness center. We started hanging out with guys from Leslie's work and their wives, and gradually I felt more and more at home in my new town. We only lived in our tiny apartment for a year, after which we upgraded to a 2-bedroom apartment and gained about 300 sq. ft.

Then came our second year of marriage. Something about the 2-year mark proved to be a struggle for us just as it had been in our second year of dating. The thing that I would have never guessed could happen to us...happened to us. We grew apart. We stopped talking, stopped asking each other questions, grew bitter towards each other and put our own selfish desires above our responsibilities to each other. We both expressed our unhappiness to each other, and in the darkest time in our relationship, I moved out. I moved to an apartment in the same complex, a few buildings down. I was tired of trying and honestly thought I would be happier alone. The Summer I spent separated from my husband will always be remembered with a feeling of deep sadness and shame. I was so lonely, but obviously away from God, and holding on to the bitterness that had built up inside me from feeling emotionally abandoned by Leslie.

It was a few months later that the Lord crumbled my resistance to His will and showed me that I was wrong for staying away from Leslie any longer. In the months we spent apart, Leslie fell back in love with me and I reluctantly moved back home. I knew I was obeying the Lord and that even though I was scared things wouldn't be any better in our marriage, as long as we were attempting to do what was right, God would bless. It took time, but from the small steps I took towards God, I felt him take 10 giant steps towards me. There was a lot of healing that had to take place between Leslie, me and even our family members, but we came through it. Looking back now, I hate what we allowed to happen to us, but I love what came from it: A stronger marriage and a testimony to share with young married, struggling couples.

Leslie and I recently celebrated 5 years of marriage. I wouldn't trade that man for the world. He is the special one God created just for me, and I've learned our relationship is not to be taken for granted. We are closer than ever at this point. We've made it through obstacles that have broken many marriages, but that is of no credit to us. All the glory goes to God. He has given us a friendship, romance and blessings beyond measure.

I realize as I'm trying to wrap this up that our love story can't be summarized in a way that is satisfying to me. There are too many memories and circumstances that set ours apart from any other love story. It is simple, yet complex, and I can't wait for the chapters that await us.

Here's to the path ahead, the one God has for us. The one we will walk together.

.our love story . part three.

2011-09-06T20:41:00.004-05:00

Oh, the days of college. We were both still very young and learning who we were. I struggled with insecurity, and Leslie (who grew up with brothers only) struggled with how to deal with the fragile emotions of a female. We would fight over the dumbest things (who doesn't in the early years) and not speak to each other for sometimes days at a time, but we were always proud of the fact that we never broke up, no matter how difficult things seemed at the time. We always kept the mindset that we were made for each other, and we gradually worked through all the petty insecurities.

We got engaged on our 10-month anniversary. Leslie took me to a mountain around sunset because he knew it was my favorite time of the day. I totally knew it was the night he was going to propose, so I planned an outfit to wear that I wouldn't mind getting engaged in. It was a sleeveless black turtleneck and jeans. :-) I remember we were on a flat rock that looked out over scenery for miles. He got down on one knee and I cried when he asked me.

Leslie graduated from college a semester before I did, and he got a job selling cars at a Chevy dealership in his hometown. That last semester without him was sad for me. I was lonely and basically went through the motions of going to class, doing homework, etc. until the day came for me to graduate. I don't remember much from that last semester. Only that I lived for weekend visits with Leslie.

After I graduated, I lived with my sister and her husband for about 6 months while Leslie and I planned our wedding. Our second year of dating/being engaged was a tough one for us. That's about the time when the "new" wore off and, even though we loved each other no matter what, we fought a lot. I think we were both trying to turn each other into the person we wanted each other to be, instead of learning to adapt to each others' needs.

Time went by, we grew up a little more, and on August 12, 2006, after almost 3 years together, we finally became Mr. and Mrs. in a small(ish) church that we attended in college. The budget was tight, and I was happy with the shabby/french country look we were able to achieve with the decor.

{September3, 2004 - The night we got engaged}

To be continued...

.our love story . part two.

2011-09-04T10:34:00.003-05:00

In college, Leslie had small hoop earrings, and his car was a maroon Monte Carlo, which he drove with the driver’s seat laid way back while blasting Good Charlotte from his booming speakers. I had a Good Charlotte license plate on the front of my Impala, so we were pretty much well-matched from the beginning. I have to say, my first impressions of Leslie were wrong. He was not a player, nor was he overly-confident. We got to know each other better over the weeks by “chatting” via MSN Messenger. (Does anybody else remember that popular mode of conversation?! Chatting was what we all did before texting took over the world.) Leslie’s screen name was “there is some truth behind all sarcasm,” and mine was something like, “Yeah, my initials are M.F. Got a problem with it?”

Meanwhile, feelings for Andy were dwindling, and I eventually broke up with him. The next day, Leslie texted me and asked me how things were going with Andy. (I’m assuming he was aware of our unwinding relationship and was just waiting for his chance to pounce.) I replied that we had broken up. He replied with, “Oh ok. Want to watch a movie tonight?”

So our first date consisted of sitting on the floral couch in Leslie’s dorm room, shoulder-to-shoulder, watching Signs, the alien thriller starring Mel Gibson. I was so nervous, I couldn’t stop shaking, but I concealed it well. I remember Leslie’s roommate was in the room off and on throughout the movie, and when he was in there, Leslie and I wrote notes to each other on a piece of notebook paper. (Can you say awkward for Leslie’s roommate!?) One of the things I remember Leslie writing/drawing on the paper before he passed it to me was a bar graph. Under one very short bar he wrote, “All the other girls I’ve ever dated” and under the second, much taller bar, he wrote, “You!” Melted my heart. It really is the simple things that made an impact on me back then and still do today.

We had our first kiss on that floral couch. We had many late night conversations on the couch as well, discussing everything from our beliefs to the dynamics of our homes growing up. Everything lined up like a dream, and I was on cloud nine.

One night, we were “chatting” online and I mentioned wanting a Snickers bar. Leslie told me to meet him downstairs in 5, and I did. That was the first night I rode in his car, which smelled overwhelmingly like his cologne. He drove me to the Shell gas station by campus and bought me a Snickers then drove me back to the dorm. I was pretty sure I was head-over-heels by that point.

It didn’t take us long to define ourselves as boyfriend and girlfriend, and once we did, we were inseparable. You want to talk about a guy that is smitten early on in a relationship, one day Leslie and I intentionally both wore white button-up shirts, jeans and our brown Birkenstock sandals to class. We walked in hand-in-hand and that group of guys that sat by him gave him so much crap. He didn’t even care. What is it about the early stages of a relationship that make us do such silly things like that?

Weekends when we would both go home were killer. We would email each other, miss each other so badly and hint around to our parents that we just may have found someone really special. Someone we could see ourselves marrying.

It was scary to feel so strongly about each other almost right from the beginning, but we both knew that we had that feeling about each other – the one they say you feel when you meet the right person. When it’s right, you just know. Yeah, we felt that.

To Be Continued…

.our love story . part one.

2011-09-04T09:04:00.004-05:00

I got the idea to share my “love story” after reading Elizabeth’s blog at E Tells Tales. Her story was so well-written and full of juicy details, it was like my own little soap opera to read and I looked forward to each new installment. My friend Emma and I decided we would follow suit and share our love stories. She already started hers (It is so cute so far!) and you can find it here.

So without further ado, the story of us: Leslie and Martha.

The first time I ever laid eyes on my future husband was on the first day of college classes, my Junior year of college. I sat in Intro to American Literature and scanned the room. I remember he was sitting on the other side of the room, around a group of guys. He had on a Cardinals baseball cap, faded blue with the bill curved. He had a yellow Nautica backpack and was sitting all chilled-out style, leaning back, legs resting in the aisle. I just knew he and all those other guys had to be players. I had no good reason to base this judgment on other than the fact that they had an air of confidence about them. Looking back now, that is so a college guy thing.

Anyway, I still remember what I was wearing that day. A fitted yellow American Eagle graphic tee and short denim skirt. I think I remember what I was wearing because that was also the day a guy named Andy asked me out on a date, to which I said yes and Andy became my boyfriend shortly after.

So back to that day in Intro to American Lit…Leslie has told me since then that all college guys scan the classroom on the first day of class and try to spot the hotties. He told me he saw me that day and thought I was the front runner. (Must have been slim pickin’s if you ask me.) He liked my blue eyes, he told me.

The days went by and we never talked until the day our professor randomly put us in a group together to analyze a poem. I laugh now thinking about how I had no idea this guy that intimidated me with his aloofness would be my future husband. He stared at me a lot while we were in our group and kept asking me questions, to which I was highly embarrassed and a little annoyed. I kept thinking how I was not going to be the next notch in his belt, so he could just give up the act of pretending to get to know me.

We discovered we lived in the same dorm, he on the 2^nd floor and me on the 3^rd. I don’t remember any developments in our relationship between the day we were in a group together and the day I missed class and had to ask him for the homework assignment, but I do remember being nervous and excited to go to his dorm room. He and his roommate had a floral, golden girls-type couch in their room and that’s what we sat on as I held my notebook and copied down our assignment for class. Keep in mind, I was way nervous, super shy and was crushin’ on Leslie, so when he said, “You seem kind of quiet, like you don’t know what to say,” I was immediately offended and embarrassed. I replied, “I’m fine,” packed up my stuff, and left.

Even though I was dating Andy at the time, I couldn’t get Leslie out of my mind. I thought he had a lot of nerve calling me out on my shyness and I remember telling my brother, “I don’t think I like that Leslie guy too much.”

{Leslie back in the college days}

To Be Continued…

.feeling creative.

2011-09-02T23:48:00.008-05:00

{source}

For the first time in a long time (I'm talkin' months here), the creative bug has struck! I wish creativity was something that was always there, flowing rampantly, in endless supply. But for this girl, creativity likes to go on unexpected hiatuses...sometimes for way too long. Now that it's back, I don't want to waste any time. (Why else would I be up at midnight? Well, besides Pinterest....)

As is typical with these waves of sudden creativity, my mind is swirling with ideas. My passion has returned and my poor brain just can't keep up! The O.C.D. side of me is going to have to intervene and make a list if I'm ever going to get past the "inspired" stage and to the "created" stage.

+++

Things To Do To Accomplish Creative Projects While Not Losing An Ounce of Sanity in the Process:

+ Definitely need to get my sewing room organized and de-cluttered. Cluttered room = Zero motivation to create!

+ Stick to one project at a time instead of working on 15 different things then never finishing any of them.

+ Set a schedule. On days off, I need to have goals set of what I want to get done by x-time and how many hours I want to devote to my crafting each day.

+ Make deliveries! Get new inventory into the shops that so kindly support my creative habit and provide me with a local venue from which to sell.

+ Don't waste time pinning and getting inspired when I've actually got more than enough inspiration...It's time to produce, baby!

.dreaming of fall.

2011-08-30T18:21:00.002-05:00

{source}

Earlier today, it was cloudy and I was looking out the window and pretending there was a crisp chill in the air and colorful leaves all over the ground.

I thought I would compile a list of all the fun things about Fall that I am so excited for:

acorns
pine cones
pumpkins
boots
scarves
hot chocolate
candy corn
cardigans
bon fires
college football
hiking & camping
crunchy leaves
fresh, chilly air
Thanksgiving
baking
blankets
puffy vests

Fall is my favorite season and it can never come around soon enough!

.a morning at the farmers market.

2011-08-28T18:04:00.004-05:00

It was a beautiful morning full of fresh fruits, vegetables, sunflowers and freshly-baked bread.

One of my favorite things to do (besides yard sales) on a Saturday morning! Especially with my sweet nephew in tow. :-)

.glimpses of home.

2011-08-22T16:39:00.003-05:00

Recently, a friend posted on Facebook: Just because you have a house doesn't mean you have a home.

It got me to thinking about how I want more than just a clean house. I want people to walk into my home and feel warm and accepted. I want special touches in every room that make it our own. More than anything, I want a home that we create lasting memories in.

What are the things that make a house feel like a home? I think the smells are a big part of that. Homemade bread, desserts, soup. Cleaning products or a fresh-smelling candle. Clean linens, the husband's cologne. What our home smells like is very important to me.

Personal touches are also a great way to create warmth in your house. We have a painting hung over our couch that my husband did himself. Framed photos of special events and people...and one very special pug, of course.

It's been a year-and-a-half in this house of ours, and it is still a work in progress. So much so, I still can't post pictures of one complete room. However, we are moving in the right direction, and the pictures I've posted are of the areas of different rooms that I love.

I change things around a lot around here. I move accessories around and am constantly on the hunt for new additions whenever I'm at thrift stores or flea markets.

By no means am I an expert on making a house a home. In fact, I know I have a long way to go and a lot to learn in that area of life! But it is definitely a fun journey and one that I am happy to be on!

.first day musings.

2011-08-16T18:24:00.003-05:00

Today was our first day back to school!

I would say our class had a very successful day. I feel very blessed this year to be teaching with my friend Lindsey. We have a class of 3-year-old's that are so sweet. I am pumped for this year, seeing this group of kids grow and learn. Falling in love with them until eventually...I have to reluctantly let them go.

That is the main reason I wanted to post tonight. I am feeling really sappy about the kids from my past classes. Every year starts out the same: with the teachers and kids unsure about their new surroundings, new friends to make, new personalities to learn and adapt to. The months go by, we make memories unintentionally and grow so close, we feel like we're some kind of extended family of sorts.

Today I saw the kids that were in my class last year. They were with their new teachers and looking a little taller than they did before the Summer. It made my day to hear them say my name then run to give me hugs.

I don't have kids of my own yet, but I know what I'm feeling is a small taste of what moms feel like as they watch their own children grow up.

I feel so proud, blessed to know them and have an influence on their lives, and...sad.

Sad because the reality is that we all get older, life changes and we must adapt and change with it. We have to miss people in this life; we don't always get to stay in the same routine with the same familiar faces. I know that without this constant change, we would never mature or experience new things. I know change is good. Change is necessary.

But, boy, is change hard sometimes.

I know a lot of people understand that more than ever right now. School just started and I have so many friends on facebook talking about sending off their first one off to Kindergarten. I've never realized the impact of how big of a deal that really is until this year. I don't know why, but I have been thinking about those moms a lot lately and just feeling for them. Then I saw my old class today and felt like I was going through it right there with them.

I honestly don't know what the point of this post is other than to document that I am sad...and happy at the same time. Even though I miss my old students, I am excited for my new class. They are so sweet with awesome little personalities and I just know I'm about to grow attached all over again.

I am honored to know that I am influencing these children and teaching them. The main thing I desire is to exude love and full acceptance. Just to demonstrate a portion of God's love for us would be enough.

I am blessed to be a teacher, and anyone who does what I do and can't say that...does not need to be teaching.

The End.

.5 years.

2011-08-14T21:23:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, the hubs and I celebrated 5 years of marriage!

Our original plan for this one was to have our pictures made by a local photographer, but one night over dinner I suggested going to Frisco, TX since there is an IKEA there...I was halfway joking, but then the hubs realized we could catch a baseball game and he was fully on board!

The Rangers (his favorite MLB team) were out of town on the weekend of our anniversary, so he looked at the schedule of the Frisco Rough Riders. By amazing coincidence, they were scheduled to play our home team, the NWA Naturals! That sealed the deal, and I was ecstatic!

So we made the 5 hour drive. That is, the hubs drove. I alternated between reading, sleeping, eating and staring out the window.

It was an awesome trip! Time together, just the two of us. And we each got to experience activities that made us happy.

We stayed at the Westin, and I highly recommend it! It was by far the most friendly hotel we've ever stayed in and so very nice. The picture above was made in lobby.

Here are some of the things we did in Frisco:

+ Went to a big mall as well as an outlet mall

+ Ate at The Cheesecake Factory

+ Went to a baseball game

+ Ate breakfast at a cute little bakery

+ Went to IKEA, The Container Store, Sam Moon, Garden Ridge and Sam's Club

+++

I am ecstatic that I got everything from IKEA that was on my list as well as a few little extra things. Unfortunately, the husband wasn't a huge fan of the store. But he was still sweet enough to stay by my side and let me shop as long as I wanted to. :-)

We had a great time together celebrating 5 years. We have been through lots of ups and downs, just like every other married couple, but we are blessed to be able to look back at all the trials and see how God worked it out all to the benefit of our relationship. We are stronger than ever, and I am thankful to be Leslie's wife.

Here's to many, many more anniversaries!

.a new year.

2011-08-09T20:43:00.004-05:00

Today we had Open House at my school, and I got to meet most of my new kids and their parents. Summer went by fast, but it gave me just enough time to feel refreshed, and I'm ready to return to my role as teacher. I'm excited about my class this year. I'll have 5 boys and 5 girls...a perfect mix! And they are all so cute and sweet. Their parents were so nice as well, and I felt really good about how today went.

I wanted to share pictures of my classroom this year. I have a new assistant this year who is full of great ideas and creativity...not to mention...she has a CRICUT! We worked hard on this room, really hard, and it paid off. I'm in love with our room and feel happy and inspired when I'm in it. If I feel that way as the teacher, I'm hoping the kids feel even better since they are the ones there to learn, play and explore.

Here's a tour of our bright and cheery classroom complete with centers, Cricut-created labels and pom-poms!

I'm more excited for this year than I've ever been!

Can't wait for Day 1 next week!

.my new love.

2011-08-06T09:27:00.003-05:00

Well, it's official. Levi is here and he is my whole world! He consumes many of my thoughts and brings complete joy to me when he's in my arms. Babies like Levi must be why someone coined the term "bundle of joy." He is so good. He is calm, mellow and easily soothed.

{Levi and Aunt Martha. He is about a day old in this picture! This was the first time I got to hold him.}

Stats:

+ Birthday August 2 (No, he didn't listen to my reasoning in my letter to him but he somehow managed to make being born on the 2nd so much cooler than being born on the 1st.)

+ 8 lb. 9 oz.

+ 20 inches long

+ 14" head...which leads to my next stat

+ Born via C-section

Welcome to the world, Levi! I can assure you Mommy and Daddy love you very much and will always do everything they can for you. You are immensely loved by your grandparents, aunts, uncles and many more. I can't wait to see you someday playing with your cousins.

.dear levi.

2011-08-01T20:54:00.003-05:00

Dear Little Levi,

By no means is anyone expecting you to be little. Abby's doctor said you were weighing in at 9 lbs. just over a week ago.

I'm just going to cut to the chase here because I'm sure you're wondering why I'm writing you a virtual letter than you can't even read...

You need to come already. You need to leave the wonderful little nest your mama has created for you in her belly and come grace us all with your long-awaited presence.

I saw that fat roll on your back in one of your ultrasound photos and I want to see it in person. I want to hear your cry, see your eyes, toes, fingers, etc.

And I'm only your aunt.

Imagine what your daddy and mama are going through! They have been at the hospital for exactly 29 hours so your mommy could get induced. Last word was she was only dilated to a 3. It took her 8 hours to dilate from a 2 to a 3.

Levi.

This is my final plea. I think your birthday needs to be August 1st, not August 2nd. Being born on the first day of the month is so much cooler than the second.

Listen to your auntie. Second to your parents, we know best. ;-)

.ikea wishlist.

2011-08-01T18:22:00.000-05:00

On August 12, the hubs and I will be celebrating 5 years of marriage, and we are going to make it one to remember with a trip to Dallas/Frisco! While there, Hubs and I will get to see the Frisco Rough Riders play our hometown NWA Naturals. And... *drum roll* I am over the moon excited that I will get to take my husband to IKEA!

My first experience with IKEA (aka the little slice of heaven on earth) was in New York when I was visiting my sister. It didn't take much time in that store for me to realize what true love was. True love = IKEA. Ok, so maybe that's a little dramatic, but if you've ever been there you know what I'm talking about! Hubs has never been to IKEA, and I think he's a little cynical about the wonderfulness of it all. I betcha that will change. It better, anyway. ;-)

So, of course, I have a little shopping list going of things that I don't want to leave Texas without. My budget is not large at all, but if I come home with a new duvet for our bed and new artificial potted plants to place here and there around the house, I'll be so very happy.

+ Must come home with this Ofelia Vass Duvet Set in Gray

+ These potted plants are my favorite:

Here's to Texas!!!

{And 5 years with a wonderful man, of course.}
:-)

.he's going to be a daddy.

2011-07-31T15:06:00.003-05:00

He’s going to be a Daddy.

My little brother, the tallest in the family, the youngest of us all. The most mellow, kind, hilarious brother you could ever hope for.

The one that played Barbies and cars with me. He pulled me in our red wagon, only to have me to walk in the house and slam the screen door when my time came to pull him. The one that threw up the peace sign in every awkward pre-teen picture we have of him. The one that had the lazy eye in elementary school and had to wear a patch.

The one that had a hard time his first year of college and always wanted to hang out with me and my significant other. The one that filmed videos of himself playing his guitar. The one that I watched get better at his musical skills until he totally blew me away one day with a video of him singing an original song and playing the guitar. His voice was awesome, and I was so proud of him.

My brother, my fellow co-founder of the “G” Club. The one who has always been able to make me laugh. He’s always had my back, and I’ve known it.

I watched him grow from a skinny, insecure kid in glasses to a strong, Christian, handsome man with confidence and the strength to stand up for what he believes in.

This amazing man, my brother, is going to be a Daddy.

I love you, Lawson. I can’t wait to meet Levi. I am so proud of you!

.blog freebies.

2011-07-30T20:15:00.006-05:00

Today I didn't feel like doing much besides sitting in my comfy chair with my feet propped up and my laptop in tow. But I also felt like being creative... So I decided to make some cute little blog buttons to share with you. I hope you enjoy them!

All you have to do is right click on the images and save them to your computer.

Then go to the "Add Gadget" option at your dashboard, click Picture, then find the image saved on your computer. Once you've added the Picture Gadget, you can drag it down to where you want it on your sidebar.

.never too old.

2011-07-21T23:37:00.005-05:00

...And that is why I've decided to learn how to play the guitar!

I've never played an instrument in my life but have always wished I could.

Tonight I got my first lesson from my brother on how to play the guitar.

He let me take his beloved instrument home to practice on.

He even gave me homework.

I have to master four chords in a week.

My heart says I can do it.

My sore fingertips say it's questionable. ;-)

.my diy dry-erase board.

2011-07-21T11:41:00.009-05:00

Thanks to Pinterest, I stumbled across a super cute and easy DIY project: this dry erase board.

I decided it would make a good addition to the little area by our dining table. Hubs and I can use it to write messages to each other or I can use it to announce our weekly menu.

I found a 12.5" x 12.5" scrapbook paper frame at Hobby Lobby. It was 50% off, so I got it for about $7.50. I already had a collection of scrapbook paper, so I chose two different pieces in the colors I wanted, cut one down to a smaller square, and framed it up.

Voila! Here is my diy dry-erase board:

The framed "B" above it is a plastic letter used for signs that I purchased off Etsy from moxiethrift. It is framed with some light blue and white striped scrapbook paper.

Here is a close-up of the paper I chose for my dry-erase board. I love it!

And that's that! Easy as pie. You should probably make one for your home now. :-)

.books.

2011-07-17T20:56:00.003-05:00

Ever since I was a child, reading has been a favorite hobby of mine. I'll admit, these days I don't make the time to read as often and I should (or want to). This Summer, I've only managed to read one book: The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers. It's a winner. This was the second time I've read it, but that didn't matter. It sucked me right in again, just like the first time. If you like inspirational fiction, you'll love it. If you're married, you'll love it. If you like Francine Rivers, you'll love it. If you are a woman/romantic/Christian you will love it. Now, how's that for a book review? ;-)

Next on the list: Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks. If you've already read this, don't tell me ANYTHING! I always love his books, and I am looking forward to this one.

On a side note, as I was googling these books to find pictures of them, I realized there are already movie posters out promoting a movie based off Safe Haven. Really? Hasn't anyone realized yet that movies are never even close to being as good as the book, but this is especially true with Sparks' stuff. Message in a Bottle is an awesome book. The movie was horrendous. A Walk to Remember has been the only movie based on a Sparks book to hold its own and actually be a good film. Other failed movies: Nights in Rodanthe, Dear John, The Last Song... {The Last Song had potential to be a good movie because the plot is there but, I'm sorry, Miley Cyrus just ruined it for me. I honestly don't think I'll ever read The Last Song again because Sparks said he wrote the book with Miley in mind...Ew.}

All that to say...of course I'll be at the theater to watch Safe Haven when it comes out. Hopefully I'll have read the book by then and HOPEFULLY I'll be able to eat my words about the movie never holding a candle to the book.

Don't let me down, Hollywood.

.summer freedom.

2011-07-09T11:00:00.003-05:00

My favorite part of the Summer is happening right now!

+ BIRTHDAYS (my sis, dad, brother and me!)
+ Fourth of July FIREWORKS!
+ BBQ's and SOFTBALL GAMES
+ DRIVE-IN CINEMA

I love the carefree feeling of Summer!

Approaching Summer Awesomeness:

+ 5-YEAR ANNIVERSARY for hubs and me!
+ First visit to our neighborhood POOL (Yes, we are crazy.)
+ The BIRTH of my first NEPHEW! (Just a matter of WEEKS now!!)

I love the IPhone app INSTAGRAM. It takes ordinary pictures and retrofies them! Here are some snapshots of some of my favorite parts of Summer so far:

.birthday garb.

.parachutes before fireworks.

.saw some awesome fireworks this year.

.my love at the drive-in cinema.

.me getting ready to watch Cars 2.

.my cute softball player.

.in one hour.

2011-07-05T18:20:00.003-05:00

I am proud of myself for the simple fact that I cleaned!

It probably shouldn't be such a big deal, but along with Summer has come a pretty intense case of the big "L." {laziness}

After working today, I treated myself to a Dr. Pepper slush from Kum & Go. While driving home, I told myself that instead of my usual after-work routine of eating junk and wasting too much time on the computer, today I was going to be productive.

I set a goal: to clean house for ONE hour. I challenged myself to get as much done as I could, after which I could reward myself with computer time.

Hence, this blog!

As soon as I got home, I put on shorts and a tank top and got to work.

This is what I got accomplished in an hour:

+ Dishwasher unloaded and reloaded with dirty ones and started 'em up

+ Kitchen counters and stove wiped down

+ Random items on the eating table put in their proper places

+ All surfaces and decorations dusted in the living room, master bedroom and halls/entrance.

+ A stack of clean laundry divided and put away

+ Both toilets cleaned

+ Both bath vanity mirrors and one mirror in bedroom cleaned

+ One of husband's shirts ironed

+ Our bed made

YAY ME!

I am actually going to make this new timed cleaning thing a part of my everyday life. It doesn't always have to be an hour. For example, depending on how I feel or how much time I have, I plan to clean for no less than 30 minutes every day. I'll just turn on my contemporary Christian music like I did today and get down and dirty! That way, when it's time to relax, I'll enjoy it more because I'll know I earned it!

You know, it wouldn't hurt if this cleaning closet was in my house... Just sayin'...

.all I do is pin, pin, pin, no matter what.

2011-06-28T21:08:00.004-05:00

Have you ever heard that song "All I Do is Win?" If so, sing the title of this blog post to that tune.

It means I'm addicted to Pinterest.

I jumped on the bandwagon and I don't plan on getting off anytime soon.

All that inspiration so neatly organized in such a visually-appealing manner? Can you blame me for being addicted?

Should there be an addict's group for Pinterest? Because I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one with this issue.

I currently have 437 items pinned. That's a lot.

My sister has over 1600...and I started before her.

Just sayin.

P.S. Click the Pinterest logo above to go to my boards. :-)

.date night.

2011-06-25T10:52:00.003-05:00

My husband took me out on a fun date last night! He sent me a text while he was at work asking me if I wanted to get something to eat, maybe walk around some stores. I was so excited because it had been a long time since we had gone out, just the two of us.

Of course, I had to get all fixed up lookin' all cute for my boo. ;-)

We went to a pizza place on the old square. It's a favorite of mine because of its character. This pizza place is called The Rail (fitting name since it's right by the old railroad tracks). Right off the bricked street and next door to a coffee shop. There are Christmas lights strung outside over the sidewalk, and when you walk in the front door, you see that the restaurant is long and narrow with one wall being old brick. The bar is made of old sheet metal, and each booth has a paper towel roll mounted on the wall.

The place was hoppin' last night, so we chose to dine outside, which we had never done before and didn't even realize that out the back door was the funkiest little patio. I was in love with the bright red chairs, strung lights and mixture of sheet metal and old truck bed doors that surrounded the patio.

We had great pizza and great conversation!

Here is my handsome date:

After dinner we went to the promenade and went to a few different stores. Husband bought a few new articles of clothing and we stayed until the whole place closed. Then we got something to drink at a gas station and drove through car lots, looking at vehicles and deciding what we would buy if we could. I love when the used vehicles are left unlocked and I get to sit in them! It truly is the simple things that bring joy to my life. :-)

.the french braid.

2011-06-22T18:58:00.002-05:00

So I'm going to do something girly and blog about hair. I have been wanting to learn how to do one of those side-part french braids (or, french braid headbands, as some people call them) for quite a while now. Here I am, 27 years old, and I've never learned how to french braid anything, much less one of the fancy side-parted pretties.

Back when The Hills was on MTV (and I was a faithful viewer), I loved Lauren Conrad's version. Pretty sure she started this trend. She did as far as I'm concerned, anyway. I used to attempt my own version, but not knowing how to french braid, my braid wouldn't really start until about even with my temples. That's not the same look, people. It pretty much just has "fail" written all over it. Don't do that.

I finally got smart yesterday (The light bulb over my head lit up and did the whole "ding" thing. It was actually really cool) and decided to YouTube tutorials on how to french braid hair. After three videos, the steps were engrained into my memory, and I was confident enough to attempt my own french braid.

My inspiration:

My LC-inspired french braid!

I am so addicted now...

I love how this style works for curly or straight hair, and it can spice up any type of up-do.

If you are like me and want the look but are intimidated to try it yourself, I suggest watching a few different YouTube tutorials. There are various ways to achieve this look; you just have to decide on the method that works best for you.

CLICK HERE for a helpful tutorial.

Happy braiding!!!

.guest bedroom take two.

2011-06-10T22:05:00.006-05:00

Do you know how sometimes you just spend so long daydreaming about how you want a certain room to look? If you're like me, you've spent hours saving images online of rooms that inspire you then slowly gathering the accessories you need to recreate that beautiful room in your own home. I am happy to say that my guest bedroom is transforming into a room I love...a lot. I used to have this room decked out all shabby style. At one time, I was truly in love with everything about this room. Here is a picture of what the bed used to look like:

It astounds me how quickly my taste has changed. Since the guest bedroom is sort-of "my room" to do with whatever I please (My husband's room is the office.), I am having a ball turning this space into a fun, colorful vintage/eclectic haven. I don't have pictures of the whole room, as it is still a work in progress; however, I just couldn't wait to share what I've done so far:

Decor so far:

+ Green & white duvet cover by IKEA (purchased off eBay)

+ Vintage quilt on foot of bed was made by my Great-Grandma

+ Vintage pillowcases from a thrift store

+ The hoops for the wall art were all purchased at a thrift store. They hold fabric scraps.

+ Keep Calm and Carry On print that I made and framed in a Wal-Mart frame

The desk next to the bed will get a blog post of its own. It's my sewing table, and I plan on painting it...maybe. Anyway, the best part about it is that friends bought it for me while they were out of town and browsing a thrift store. (Awesome friends, right??!!!) They said they thought I would be interested in this desk since they knew my love for vintage furniture, and of course, it was only....$5!!!!!! Five dollars. Yes, you read that right. Five dollah.

Someday soon I hope to finish the room off and show pictures of my sewing table and the dresser across from the bed.

Linking up @ Tatertots & Jello

.the "L" word.

2011-05-22T23:20:00.002-05:00

Oh, the "L" word... You are the source of many struggles for me.

No, I'm not talking about love or lust. It is to laziness that I refer. That nasty "L" word that I despise and try so desperately not to be categorized as, yet I find myself face-to-face with this awful trait more often than I'd like to admit.

Lately, I confess I have struggled with the desire to do anything but what needs to be done. I attend my jobs (all 3) faithfully and very rarely "call in." I regularly do laundry, grocery shop, feed and water the dog, put the trash out, straighten up and cook dinner.

However....

Sometimes I entitle myself to way too much "fun" spare time. Instead of loading the dishwasher, I'll run by the thrift store and browse for a good deal. Instead of sweeping the floor, I'll spend way too much time on facebook. Instead of cleaning the shower, I'll watch a recorded tv show.

I am ashamed to admit the things that sometimes get neglected around here simply because I plain don't feel like it.

I guess since I don't have to answer to my parents anymore, I've learned how to do just enough around the house to make it appear like I've put effort into it.

But I am learning that a big part of keeping my husband happy is by devoting more care and attention to our home. Not only that, but I want what I choose to do with my spare time to be honorable in God's eyes, whether I have to answer to my parents or husband or not.

There are specific things I know that I can improve on around here, and am praying...yes, literally praying that God help me overcome the allure of that nasty "L" word.

I would appreciate any prayers you could send out for me concerning this matter. Every day is a new step in my Proverbs 31 journey, and it is a big deal to me that I excel for Christ and my husband in this area of my life!

.she's special.

2011-05-08T10:15:00.002-05:00

I am blessed to call this woman my mother. She has been such a faithful example of loyalty, kindness and selflessness. It is because of her that I learned how to sew and create. I am so thankful she has always been a Proverbs 31 woman, leading me by example. Now that I am grown and married, I can honestly say she is my best friend. She's the one I call first and the one I want all the happiness and blessings in the world for.

I love you so much, Mama. Happy Mother's Day! You're the best.

.chillin'.

2011-05-07T21:35:00.006-05:00

It's Saturday night, and I'm on our bed with my new laptop (my way early birthday present, which I LOVE) trying to stay cool under our ceiling fan. You see, Hubs is a rational, penny-pinching conservative who doesn't believe we've hit that point in the year that the a/c should be turned on. Although we did have a day or two in the past week where the high was only the lower 50's, today and tomorrow boasts highs in the 80's! I hate sweating in my own house. A spoiled American is what I am...

Some things on my mind are:

* Summer vacation...it's so near I can almost taste it. My Summer will be spent doing more for the local magazine I work for, including more writing assignments. I am also super excited to have more time to devote to sewing and crafts. (And on a side note, can I just say that "crafting" really has come a long way and totally isn't associated with nerdiness anymore. Crafting is actually the hip thing to do right now! Who would've ever thought?!)

* Shopping...more specifically, bargain hunting. Lately, I've been hitting the jackpot at the local consignment shops and scored some really sweet Summer clothes. The thought of paying retail for something just makes me cringe now.

* Levi...my soon-to-be-here nephew. I bought him a second batch of clothes today while I was out and about. Now someone needs to have a girl because I have been seeing some of the cutest little baby girl outfits and am just waiting for a reason to buy some!

* Prayer requests: My sister's job. My friend Sarah - her Dad has an extremely rare form of cancer and will be going through surgery and chemo soon.

Thankfully, I am feeling much cooler now after sitting under our ceiling fan. My eyes are so tired, and I am looking forward to church tomorrow.

Oh, and to Bethenny Frankel, if you are reading this, the dude you hired to edit your website is definitely a good writer; however, I couldn't help but notice a pretty big grammatical error in the blog post by him that you read outloud. If you really want to hire a proofreader for your website, you should really think about hiring me. That dude may be a good writer, but you need me to edit his stuff before you post it to your site. Thank you.

Goodnight for now!

.one worth remembering.

2011-04-23T01:05:00.004-05:00

Tonight's GNO was one for the books! Here's why:

* The evening started out with a quick dinner at Chick-fil-A, where I got hit on by a gray-haired employee who asked me what fragrance I was wearing because it was 'frantastic.' Awkwardly, I answered him - to which he so creepily replied, "Mmmm. That's nice."

* Not long after we arrived for dinner, the tornado sirens started going off and our phones started blowing up with texts and calls about hail, tornado touchdowns, taking shelter, rotation in the sky....

* We finished our meal then packed in my car to drive to the theater, where we watched Soul Surfer. Old dude cuts in line at the ticket booth to demand his money back on his tickets since we were under a tornado warning and he didn't want to stay for the flick. We mosied on into the theater, with a warning from the ticket clerk that our safe zone was the bathrooms if things got bad.

* Soul Surfer was so good. I mean...like, really good. I left feeling thankful, blessed, inspired and wanting to work-out because that girl has an amazing bod!

* After we made it out of the movies with our lives still intact and a diminished storm warning, we started feeling frisky and ventured out to TCBY. Can you say...delish?! I had a little bit of the strawberry kiwi, plain strawberry, orange sorbet, and ruby red grapefruit, no toppings. Every flavor was da bomb!

* We then went to Keri's house to watch the Girls Night Out country concert that had been recorded. We ooh'd and aww'd over Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, talked about how Reba's mouth annoys us, puked in our mouths a little whenever the Judds were shown, and sat in amazement at Carrie Underwood's version of 'How Great Thou Art.'

* We giggled A LOT. Exchanged high-fives (and missed most of the first attempts). Watched silly youtube videos. Played with Keri's dog. Acted really goofy and girly.

It was the perfect night with girlfriends!

.a shower for abby.

2011-04-17T11:22:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I co-hosted my sister-in-law's first baby shower! The theme was "Showers of Blessings," and the main colors were blue and yellow. We incorporated as many rubber duckies, umbrellas, and fake raindrops as we could. Oh, and the insane amounts of balloons floating around the room added just enough "whimsy" to the decor. Abby was surrounded by family, friends, and co-workers as she opened gifts for baby Levi, and there were lots of smiles, laughter and pictures taken. I picked just a few of my favorite pictures to share on my blog.

We ordered the cake from Harps grocery store. The top layer was white cake and the bottom was chocolate.

This is the mobile I made for the shower. It displayed six pictures from some of the biggest moments of Abby and Lawson's life together, cut into the shape of raindrops and hanging from doily clouds.

This is Abby's silhouette matted with a message board for Levi. It's going to travel to all of her showers and will include hand-written messages from each guest!

This punch was yummy! The funny thing is it was supposed to be blue with the foam on top resembling a bubble bath but red kool-aid was accidentally bought and we tried to make it blue by adding food coloring. It turned out purple, and all the little duckies that were supposed to be floating on the top...well, they didn't float. :-)

When the festivities were over, Abby and I were heading outside to release the balloons into the sky.

There they go! (Notice how someone's bundle of balloons got stuck around the light post? LOL)

It was a fun day that left me even more excited than ever to meet my little nephew! Only about 3 more months to go!

.spring so far.

2011-04-09T18:09:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I last blogged. Even though I check my followed blogs nearly every day, the desire to update mine just hasn't been there. I worry sometimes that what I'll have to say won't be interesting or I won't have any new pictures to upload, but today I reminded myself that those are not the reasons I blog. As simple as my life may be at times, it's mine to document; therefore, I've decided to recap my Spring up to this point.

Hubs and I took a trip to Little Rock to visit my sister and her husband back in March. It was a little getaway for the two of us (well, 3 of us, since we brought Simon along). Simon isn't allowed on the furniture at our house, but he is at my sister's house. Simon loves "Little Rock" because it's total vacation mode for him. He jumps up on the couch every chance he gets to be by his people, and he even got to sleep with us! Fun times for our little family.

Recently, my sewing "hobby" has turned into more of my sewing "job," and that is an exciting thing. In the past month, two different business owners have contacted me about selling/consigning in their shops. Not just that, but I've been receiving steady orders from not only friends but strangers as well -- people who stumbled across my blog or facebook page. I feel like God is blessing my sewing business, and really showing me he wants me to focus more time on it. I'm itching for Summer to get here because I'll have so much more time to do just that. I plan on making a work-at-home schedule for myself this Summer on the days that I don't have to work my other jobs. I want to not only sell locally but open my etsy shop as well. God has shown me that something great could really come from my dreams of selling the fruition of my creativity. I want to cultivate Shabby Threads into a legitimate business because I know when I have kids it can be a source of income that will allow me to stay home with my child.

I am highly considering getting highlights in my hair again. I have been natural for a while now -- over a year for sure and possibly even close to two years. My hair looks dull to me, and the awkward I'm-growing-it-out length is not helping any. I also know that I need to get on a regular workout regime, but I'm having a serious problem getting motivated. I weigh more right now than I ever have in any point in my life, and I'm not liking how certain clothes are fitting. I want to devote more time to taking care of myself, and I'm praying for motivation.

Really thinking more about how my 28th birthday is approaching in June and when Leslie and I should start "trying" for a baby. I'm praying for God's timing on all this and that Leslie and I will decide together when to start the process.

Speaking of babies... I'm going to be an aunt to a little boy! Levi William is due in late July, and I'm growing more and more anxious to meet him. He is already such a loved little boy, and poor thing is going to be spoiled rotton. He is the first grandchild for my parents, and I'm excited to see everyone get to interact with him.

I'm sure I'll think of more later that I could've included in this little recap, but for now I'll call it good. I'm going to go pray for some motivation to get some intense Spring cleaning done on this house! :-)

.forever 21.

2011-03-18T13:56:00.003-05:00

I went shopping this morning, mainly to hunt for more tunics. I have fallen in love with wearing leggings but only have a couple of tops/dresses to wear with them. I knew Forever 21 wouldn't let me down, so I headed there first. Not only was I met with an array of tunics to choose from, the prints were so Spring/Floral/Vintage, I was in love with nearly everything I saw! This is the one I ended up taking home with me:

I did not see this pink one in my store or I probably would have taken it home with me too:

Another trend I'm seeing everywhere is the floral mini skirt like this one from Forever 21:

I don't wear "mini" skirts, but I would consider wearing the right one with leggings underneath. Well, after leaving the mall, I went to my tried and true consignment shop. I was ecstatic to find a similar skirt to the ones at Forever 21, only this one reaches to about an inch above my knees (I can handle that!) and has the same vintage-type floral print. Bonus: It was only $5! Welcome to my home, new Springy skirt!

I would call today a successful shopping day! I found a few pieces for my Spring wardrobe at what I consider reasonable prices. Don't you just love when you finding a desired style of clothing at a resale shop?! It really, really makes my day. :-)

.my 'ruffle around me' top.

2011-02-14T15:34:00.003-06:00

I love coming across great sewing tutorials on blogs. I have a whole folder saved under my "favorites" tab full of links to great tutorials that I can't wait to try my hand at. A few days ago I came across a tutorial for this "Black Ruffle Around Me Top" from Sarah's blog, Welcome to the Good Life.

I have a pretty good collection of solid, fitted tees so I couldn't wait to make one of these cute shirts for myself! I went into my closet and found an old white tee from Old Navy. I can't even remember the last time I wore it. I wanted to use supplies I already had on hand, so when I found a long roll of white lace in my sewing stuff stash, I was excited to create a top with the same loopy design as Sarah's but with my own twist added. Here is how mine turned out:

I love the results! I also love how a neglected shirt from my closet has immediately become such a versatile must-wear piece of my wardrobe. I can't wait to pair this top with skirts in the Spring. I wore it this past Sunday to church with dress pants and a cardigan. I even got to wear it to Olive Garden for my husband's and my V-day dinner.

Imagine all the different embellishments you could add to your plain old solid tees to give them a new life! I can't wait to make more like this.

Click here for Sarah's Tutorial

.epic.

2011-02-09T12:04:00.005-06:00

A few days ago I posted about a blizzard. Today I have experienced even more epic awesomeness: more snowfall than this part of Arkansas has seen in 80-90 years!!!! I haven't been out to measure it because I don't own a yard stick; all I know is it came up to my knees an hour or two ago. And it's still coming down!

Hubs even got released from work around 8:30 this morning. He almost didn't make it out of the work parking lot with his 2-wheel drive truck, but by the grace of God he made it home safely and is now parked comfortably on the couch with his work laptop and all that jazz.

I couldn't let this epic snowfall pass without a fun mini photoshoot taking place. So I grabbed my colorful umbrella and matching red rain boots (which were unfortunately hidden by all the snow) and threw in a funny pug for extra accessorizing. Husband stood inside and took pictures through the window on our back door. LOL

A huge bonus to this day is all the time I've been able to spend browsing a few of my current FAVORITE blogs. These are my top 2 right now:

Ruffles and Stuff: So full of creative inspiration and amazing tutorials. I have had this blog open for hours because I can't stop looking at it. I don't want to miss anything! I'm getting so many great ideas for new sewing projects.

House*Tweaking: This girl's decorating style is right up my alley! Her home is awesome and her posts are always fun and informative. I can't get enough of this one either!

Well, I'm off to... do exactly what I've been doing. Absolutely nothing and loving it!

.anti-aging creams.

2011-02-06T22:07:00.003-06:00

The time has come for me to realize that I'm aging. Wrinkles are beginning to appear. We won't even get into the UV-induced spots on my face from the years I used to tan in a salon. In an attempt to try to cover up my imperfections, I used to purchase my make-up shades darker than what I really needed. Yeah, more color is always great for this naturally pale girl, but orange hairlines and splotchy streaks are not so great. Recently, I purchased make-up more true to my natural skin-tone. I'm still getting used to flaunting my pale skin; however, I need some help covering up my un-even skin tone, under-eye darkness, UV damage, etc. Actually, instead of just "covering it up," I'd like to reverse some of these problems if at all possible. I'm sure there are some pricey products out there that would surely get the trick done; problem is, I can't afford them.

I'm on a drugstore budget but am resolved to the daily application of daily moisturizer with spf along with a nightly anti-aging cream. Here is what I've purchased for my days:

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30.

Claims to even skin tone and texture with the help of a soy complex...

I'm going to wear this every day under my make-up.

My nighttime anti-aging cream:

Burt's Bees Naturally Ageless Skin Firming Night Creme

It's all-natural and claims to fight damage caused from free radicals.

Retails for around $25 but scored a bigtime deal by purchasing off ebay.

My price: $7.75 (including s/h)

I'm no skincare expert by any means. I did some online research before purchasing anything, and both of these products have good reviews as far as the affordable stuff goes.

I will be putting these products to the test and hoping for miraculous results. I would take a "before" shot of my face sans make-up, but no one wants to see that.

If anyone out there has ANY advice at all about anti-aging creams, blemish removing techniques, etc, please share the love right here!

.day four.

2011-02-04T14:16:00.003-06:00

I haven't left the house in 4 days.

"Oh, looky there, Simon. It's snowing...again."

On the bright side:

I've gotten lots of new things sewed the past few days
I haven't worn a pair of jeans since Monday
I've gotten to sleep in as late as I want to
I get to eat whatever/whenever I want to with no witnesses

However there have been some negativianos:

Minimal human contact. I might be forgetting essential social skills.
I might forget how to drive my car
My feet stay cold, even with socks on
I eat whatever/whenever I want...
Ran out of soda yesterday

Oh, and there's a photo contest going on at Angel Perry today. The theme is "Yellow." Here is my submission. I call it "Pug Mug."

.bedroom entrance alcove.

2011-02-02T14:18:00.005-06:00

Today I want to share pictures of a small portion of our house that I actually feel is "complete." Sadly, after living in our house for a year now, this one tiny area is the only one I feel satisfied with (despite the crooked silhouette pictures).

This is the "alcove" or semi-hallway that welcomes you into our master bedroom:

I love to mix vintage with contemporary, and I love bright colors. The black table was given to me by my mother-in-law (a very exciting day that was!). The orange vase was a Christmas gift from my sister this year. It was a flea market find. The yellow picture frame was bought on clearance at Target and it holds a picture from my wedding day. The greenery was a thrift store find; the white ceramic bird was a flea market find, as well as the Readers Digest book. I made our silhouette pictures using black construction paper glued onto Hobby Lobby scrapbooking paper, and the black oval frames were also purchased at Hobby Lobby for 50% off.

A very inexpensively decorated portion of our home that I love and I feel suits the future vision I have for our home's style just fine.

As finances allow, each other room in our home will be "spiffed up," and I promise to share pictures as it comes along.

P.S. I apologize for the blurry pictures. :-)

Linked to: Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

.the great blizzard.

2011-02-01T21:46:00.004-06:00

Yes, today in Arkansas we had a full-pledge BLIZZARD. I can now honestly say I've not only lived through one but now understand what constitutes a blizzard as opposed to just a really honkin' amount of snow. (Wind speed and amount of snowfall, etc.)

I didn't go outdoors once today. Sent Simon out only three times throughout the whole day. The poor thing was buried from belly down out there. The weatherman said we got 6-7" of snow accumulation, but we had drifts of over a foot.

I got a snow day off work (one of the MANY perks of being a teacher) and get another one tomorrow! Hubs came home from work early, about 11:30 am and took a nap before doing some work from home on his laptop. He's getting over a stomach bug, which speaking of that - I have to give the man major props for being one tough sucker. He literally threw up mid-shave, shaving cream all over his face, then immediately went right back to shaving as soon as he was done. That's a man right there, people. ;-)

I took pictures of some of the snowfall outside. These were taken about 1:30 pm, and the snow kept falling the rest of the day. Oh, and yeah the first two were taken while looking out a window.

Whilst stuck inside, I finally found the motivation to attempt my first homemade apple pie. My mother-in-law has the best recipe, and, even though I've surrendered to the truth that no matter how closely I follow her recipes, my results will never be as picture-perfect as hers always are, I can't help but try my hand at them and make sure the hubs gets some good eats from me every once in a while. ;-)

A few hours, a very messy kitchen, and a sore hand later (I hate peeling anything, period), the masterpiece was completed. Not to toot my own horn, but I nailed it. I mean, it doesn't photograph worthy of a Southern Living mag, and the crust was a little doughy as a result of being a tad too thick, but I'm still saying I nailed it. The flavor was right, and that (I've decided) is really the most important thing anyway! Here is my pie:

{a feat worth documenting every step of}

I am a fan of snow. Getting a day off from school/work because of snow never gets old.

Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful snowfall today and for keeping my family safe.

Here's to another Winter full of fun memories!

.resolutions check-in.

2011-01-31T17:56:00.004-06:00

It's January 31st. A great time to keep each other accountable on our New Year's resolutions.

Normally, by this point I've already ditched all half-hearted attempts at sticking to all the things I resolved to do starting January 1st. This year, I resolve to not let that happen. The things I committed to do are just too important to ditch.

One of my resolutions was to read at least a chapter of the Bible every day. I am happy to say I have done this! It has made a huge difference in how each day played out, too. Better attitude, more reflective on God's blessings, even growing excitement for what comes next. All good things. :-)

My second resolution was to intentionally make it a point to be a blessing to someone every day. Being that I know I haven't purposefully sought out some way to do this every single day this past month, I guess you could say I've fallen short on this one. I can say that each time I intentionally sent a text of encouragement or gave a compliment without a second thought, it has inevitably been a blessing to me in return. I do intend to keep this going throughout the year, anytime the thought to do so crosses my mind. I'm not going to let the fact that I have fallen short on this one deter me from continuing on with it.

How are you holding up your end of the bargain with this New Year?

.bedroom inspiration.

2011-01-29T22:31:00.004-06:00

So I'm planning a little (actually, quite large) master bedroom re-do! Here are a few pics from my inspiration file. With any luck, I'll be posting "before" and "after" pics soon!

It's going to be fun to put this all together on a budget!

.serenity.

2011-01-20T11:13:00.001-06:00

What am I doing today?

.a help meet.

2011-01-17T19:01:00.003-06:00

A sweet friend gave me a copy of the book Created To Be His Help Meet: Discover how God can make your marriage glorious by Debi Pearl. It's a copy that she previously read and made notes in and underlined. I've only read the first chapter, and already I'm greatly enjoying reading her notes and finding out what parts spoke to her; but, even more importantly, I'm already motivated, just from the first chapter, to be a better partner for my husband.

One simple question that keeps lingering in my mind is: What can I do to be a better help to my husband? I know what he desires and what aggravates him. Am I doing all I can to avoid aggravating him? For selfish reasons, am I purposely failing to do little things that I know are important to him?

I can honestly say I know there is at least one solid area I need to improve upon. I know with all my heart that my husband worries about our finances. I, being the thrift-addict and decor-enthusiast that I am, know that it stresses him out every time he comes home to find new "items" I picked up while out and about in my day.

I justify all these little purchases to him by saying, "I used cash." Or, "It was only a dollar." Or similar justifications. I always thought he was worrying too much about insignificant things when he'd get upset with me for shopping...again.

Now I understand fully: If it's a significant worry to him, it should be a significant worry to me. I should do everything in my power to bring joy to my husband and not concern or added stress.

That being said, I'm not saying I'm never going to shop for home stuff or go out and spend a few bucks on something fun. However, I have a few days off now and then, and I usually use them to shop. To support my habit. I know I need to be using my days off to be more productive, to get more stuff done around the house or catch up on sewing, to plan better meals instead of throwing a frozed bagged dinner in a skillet 15 minutes before he comes home from work. I've been quietly convicted about how I spend my free time for a while now. Reading the first chapter of this book has opened my eyes to the fact that changing my bad habit of selfishly, needlessly spending will not only benefit our finances, but it will benefit my marriage.

Just some thoughts I'm having tonight. I'm excited to keep reading and grow spiritually and become more of the wife and woman God created me to be!

.snow day.

2011-01-11T14:58:00.004-06:00

I am currently enjoying my first snow day of the season and am loving getting to devote the whole day to my creative hobbies! And the best part is, I'm sans make-up and my hair is sticking out in every direction, but I don't have to worry about how I look until this evening when the hubster gets home!

.nye dress and resolutions.

2010-12-31T10:45:00.003-06:00

It's New Year's Eve! I'm not sure what all hubs and I are doing to celebrate tonight other than dinner with friends. We tend to keep this holiday pretty low-key, even though every year I like to pretend I have a snazzy party to attend, which allows me to go on the online hunt for the perfect dress.

I'll admit, I'm not one to prance around in a fun mini dress (no matter how much I adore ModCloth's selection). I am just too modest for those little numbers; not to mention, I'm not the biggest fan of my knees.

So, if I had a snazzy party to attend tonight, this would be my dress:

It's from Shabby Apple and can be found here.

I would pair it with champagne-colored heels and a cute clutch.

Ok, enough with the fake NYE plans. :-)

I wasn't planning on making any resolutions this year. (Come the second week of January and I've usually forgotten all about them.)

This year, however, I've come up with two very doable resolutions.

1. Read at least one chapter of the Bible every day. My friend and I have already been doing this, and we keep each other accountable by reading the same book, same chapter at a time, and we text each other our favorite verse from the day's chapter.

2. Every day, I want to intentionally seek out an opportunity to be a blessing to somebody. I'm picturing: complimenting someone when I might normally be too shy to do so; paying for the car's behind me order in the drive-thru; offering to give someone a hand if they appear to be struggling; texting someone to let them know I'm praying for them. I'm really excited about this one!

I'm curious what your resolutions are, if you have any!

.my 2010 in pictures.

2010-12-29T11:55:00.005-06:00

I put together some images - one from each month of the past year. It's a great way to reminisce on all the highlights from this past year! My, how things change in a year!

January marked the closing on our first house! We were eager to break open the paint buckets and get started on transforming our new house into a home!

Our moving in was delayed by two weekends of snow and ice. We finally got moved in in February. Simon was a lot nervous in his new cluttered surroundings...and I probably was just a little bit too.

March was the month I tackled the trails of Dogwood Canyon with my friend Loren. We celebrated the end of our fun trip with a huge ice cream cone at a semi local gas station.

April marked my first time to ever go see the Roller Derby! What made this event even more memorable was the fact I was on a Girls' Night with all the ladies I work with!

May was a BIG month for me! I traveled all the way up to New York to see the big city for the first time in my life, flew on an airplane for the first time ever, rode a subway for the first time ever...etc.

June marked the debut of "Shabby Threads" in a local shop called True Treasures! A very exciting month filled with LOTS of sewing!

July held our annual Summer trip to Kansas City to watch the Royals play. It was hot as ever but so much fun!

In August, hubs and I celebrated 4 years of being married!

Hubs and I were super excited for the start of Razorback football season in September. Here we are at our first game of the year!

October is my favorite month of the year! I had an awesome day on my friend's farm, feeding her cows and riding a 4-wheeler. We also went to the pumpkin patch and corn maze that day.

November is always such a great month filled with lots of family time. Thanksgiving was great this year, and I love this picture of the ladies on my side of the family and how we all coincidentally coordinated perfectly that day!

I love December! The Christmas lights in Fayetteville were beautiful this year despite being scaled down from previous years.

Looking back, I am reminded how full of blessings this past year has been. I can only hope and pray that 2011 will be half the year this one was!

Here's what's to come in 2011:

Hubs and I will celebrate one year of living in our house
Hubs will turn 29, and I'll hit the big 2-8
I will get to meet my new niece/nephew!!!
Hubs and I will celebrate 5 years of marriage

.vacation ramblings.

2010-12-28T23:46:00.003-06:00

My two week vaca is almost over, and today was the first day I had absolutely nothing on my agenda! I decided to stay home, wear baggy clothes, cover up on the couch, eat popcorn and catch up on my DVR'd shows. I have to admit, I record the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and 16 and Pregnant. It's mind-numbing tv and I only indulge on lazy days such as today!

I also had some girl time tonight with one of my best friends slash lil sis. We watched Letters to Juliet, ate mexican food, and had some good girl talk. Laughing with girlfriends is the funnest thing ever!

Tomorrow I plan on staying home again because I'm trying to resist the urge to spend all my free time doing what I love best: shopping. It's time to buckle down and save, save, save. I need to spend some quality time with my house, getting it all sparkly and clean. I also need to watch a few more chick flicks. All I need is about two good days to do whatever I please, then I'll be ready to return to the daily grind of that thing called work.

.christmas wishes.

2010-12-25T09:36:00.002-06:00

From our home to yours on this very special holiday: Merry Christmas and may the year ahead bring an abundance of blessings!

Love,

Leslie, Martha & Simon

.christmas decor.

2010-12-23T18:08:00.003-06:00

I can't begin to express how much I love this time of year! I've already spent so much quality time with my family, and I've been doing my best to soak it all in. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, which is usually spent celebrating with my side of the family, but we got together a couple of days early this year since my brother and his wife are spending Christmas in Kansas. Supposedly, we have some snow in our forecast tomorrow, and that excites me greatly!

I'm on my 2-week vacation right now, and hubs only works until 1 tomorrow. When he gets home, we'll celebrate Christmas Eve by eating with his parents at Arbys. (It's a random tradition they started when hubs was a kid.) We've missed it the past couple of years but will actually get to go this year! Once we get home, we have plans to cuddle up and watch It's a Wonderful Life. The next day (Christmas day!!) we'll spend with hubs' side of the family.

Anyway, so that's what's been going on. I wanted to share a few pictures of some of the decor around my house. I hope to get better and better at decorating for the holidays each year.

.holiday pictures.

2010-12-05T22:07:00.003-06:00

'Tis the season, and I'm loving all the family time, cooler temps, and the fact that I can actually use my oven and not burn up!

I also love that my husband is in our bedroom right now wrapping gifts for me, so I can't go in there.

I already posted about Thanksgiving this year but forgot to post about my side of the family's early Thanksgiving. My sister and her husband came up the weekend before, and we had the traditional turkey meal and got to spend time going to yard sales and flea markets, watching movies (Dumb & Dumber), and looking through old photos.

Here are some pictures from that day of me, my sis, sis-in-law, and mom. We all coordinated perfectly in our blues and grays - which was totally coincidental but awesome!

I was ready to decorate our tree the night of Thanksgiving but patiently waited until the weekend after, when the husband felt more up to it. This is our first year to have a "big" tree as opposed to our old 4 ft apartment tree that we swore we would only use one year but ended up using for four!

Today was frigidly cold, but we braved the temps to take some Christmas card pics. I had big plans this year to have our pictures made out by an old white church, but by the time everyone got themselves together, it was an hour until darkness was supposed to hit, so we settled for using my brother's backyard as our backdrop. These are the two pictures I picked out for our Christmas cards:

I ordered our cards through Walgreens this year because they currently have a coupon code for $10 off any order of $20 or more. I was able to order 60 cards for only $31. I thought it was a good deal, and I can't wait to get them all picked up and mailed out!

Here's wishing everyone a Bright & Merry holiday season thus far!

.thanksgiving.

2010-11-25T22:16:00.003-06:00

Today is Thanksgiving, and the holiday spirit has been in the air all day! Woke up this morning to the sound of sleet outside, which made it so very hard to get up and out of bed. We got to see my husband's brother perform with his high school band on tv for the McDonald's Thanksgiving Day parade, which took place in Chicago. We finally hopped in the truck (me with my rainboots on) and drove throught the sleet for the 30-minute drive to my in-laws'. This is what it looked like outside:

We had a full house this year, and the food was amazing as usual. I made it a point to take a few pictures of people mingling and getting food. It happens the same way every year: We all hold hands and someone says the blessing, then we form a line and help ourselves buffet-style. This year, we had adults eating in the living room and eat-in kitchen, as well as the den. The little kids also had their own table in the den.

This is me with my mother-in-law and her mom. We got a kick out of the fact that we all 3 wore cable knit sweaters. They are the sweetest ladies ever, and I'm very blessed to be able to say my in-laws are good, Christian people who show me love and have made me feel like a welcome addition to the family since Day One.

So after we stuffed ourselves and sat around chit-chatting for a few hours, hubs and I headed home to do a little Black Friday research. Hubs discovered a few online deals and went ahead and ordered himself a few goodies. My brother and his wife came over to discuss Black Friday game plans, and I made some brownies. I was (and still am) in the mood to pull an all-nighter and watch Christmas movies, but unfortunately hubs and the sis-in-law both have to work in the morning.

Here's hubs and the bro working on their shopping game plan. I love that they got really into it this year and spent an hour or two looking through ads to find the best deals on tools. They're meeting up at Home Depot in the morning. So cute. :-)

I am so excited to hit up Target in the morning...at 4 am....Fingers are crossed I'll be able to find everything on my list without too much hassle.

Good luck to everyone out there fighting the crowds to get some deals! I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving Day!

.possibilities.

2010-11-23T00:42:00.002-06:00

I'm up late...

Real late.

It's almost 1 am! I never stay up this late, ever, but it's my week off work and I'm milking it for all it's worth!

I've been spending a lot of time daydreaming and crafting, trying to make my house more of a home. My taste of decor is strongly vintage modern with a sudden intolerance for anything "country." I'm attempting to rid every room of all traces of "country," including my barn house star, berry wreaths and wooden birdhouses.

Combine my wealth of unwanted decor with my obsession with sewing, and a new venture in life squats at the starting line, waiting for the gun to sound the "start" signal.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is: It looks like a flea market booth might be in my near future. Eek!!! This is something I've thought about doing for a long time, and with a couple of friends and family members willing to share booth space rental with me, the dream looks to be a soon reality!

I'll definitely post more about that when the time comes, but for now I'm up late thinking of bedding, artwork, curtains and crafting. I have a lot of ideas spinning around my head and not a lot of $$$$$ to back it all up! I've decided I'd love to change out the bedding on our master bed. Right now, it is a madras plaid print. I've been looking at IKEA duvet sets but the hubs isn't too fond of most of what I like. Since he has to sleep on the bed too, I'm taking his opinion into consideration. My newest idea is to have a white duvet cover and a few white shams and use a brightly-colored printed sheet set to contrast. I still need to run that idea by the hubs...Fingers are crossed he'll be open to it!

I'm happy to say ever since I started advertising my reversible aprons to my facebook friends, I've received a total of seven orders so far. I've been very busy sewing, and I couldn't be happier about it! I couldn't have asked for a better time to have a week off of work. {I'm already looking forward to Christmas break when I'll have TWO weeks off! Now, that's a lot of sewing time!}

Well, the hubs has been tucked into bed for a few hours now, and the pug is snoring on the floor next to my feet. I guess I should take a hint and take myself to bed. I'm afraid it's going to be hard to turn off this crazy brain of mine and actually get some sleep, but I guess if I don't try I'll never know.

Here's to another day tomorrow filled with thrifting, sewing, crafting and dreaming of more possibilities.

With Thanksgiving only 3 days away, I must say I have so many blessings to count and I'm so thankful for family time and time to dabble in things that I love.

.reversible aprons.

2010-11-17T16:46:00.005-06:00

I have found my new favorite thing to sew/make! Reversible aprons. I made myself a Christmas apron and love how it is basically two aprons in one.

See?

There are two ways to tie them...

...and the fabrics coordinate. As soon as I slip this apron over my head, I immediately want to whip up a couple dozen cupcakes and a few loafs of freshly-baked banana bread!

I can't wait to wear this apron while I make pecan pies for Thanksgiving this year. Of course, I'll have to make myself an apron out of Fall fabrics and save my Christmas one for the Winter!

It's not like I'm looking for an excuse to make another one or anything...

I would love to make a customized reversible apron just for you! They also make great Christmas gifts if you know any ladies that like to bake. Email me at shabby.threads@gmail.com to place an order (or two).

They are $25 if you purchase the fabric. Otherwise, they are $25 + the cost of fabric. You can choose exactly what you want or trust me with the choice. It's up to you!

Here's wishing everyone a blessed holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Linked to: Link Party @ Tools are for Women too

.2010 cma recap.

2010-11-11T16:38:00.003-06:00

This year I made it a point to sit on the couch with the hubs and watch the whole CMA show. It held my attention the whole time, and I loved almost everyone that performed. I was especially happy for Blake Shelton's win of male vocalist of the year. He was up against some stiff competition, so I can only imagine how elated he was when they announced his name. I thought he and Miranda Lambert were so sweet the whole night, so supportive of each other and I loved the "crazy" thing he mouthed into the camera after Miranda performed. They just seem like a "real" couple that I wouldn't mind hanging out with!

I was glad I got to see a glimpse of Band Perry performing their song live. It made me realize how ethereal the lead singer's voice is and how much I really like the song "If I Die Young."

Oh, and the hosting job... A+ in my book! I love Brad Paisley (such a talented song writer and he seems so FUNNY!) and Carrie Underwood. (She's like a life-size Barbie with perfect legs and impeccable taste in dresses. I love that she's so in love with her hubby of 4 months that she glows when she sings "Mama's Song.")

I have to give some recognition and LOVE to Jennifer Nettle's short little pixie hair cut. She is always pretty and such a fun performer, but with this new 'do, she's even CUTER and SASSIER!

I was pretty much swept away by Taylor's performance of "Back to December." It is one of those songs that I loved the first time I heard it. I have a lot of respect for singers that also write their own songs. I don't think there's anyone that could deny Taylor's song-writing ability. She has that ear for radio-friendly, sing-along melodies.

I was really excited to hear Gwyneth Paltrow make her country debut. I didn't even know she could sing, so I couldn't wait to hear her voice. I have to say I LOVED her voice, her swagger standing on the big stage with that acoustic guitar. However, I didn't particularly like the song she sang. I know it's from a movie, but it just didn't seem authentic coming out of her lips. She's so glamorous and grew up with a celebrity mom, so to hear her sing about being "Country Strong" seemed like a big farce. Did anyone else think they saw Miranda Lambert sort-of roll her eyes as she clapped for Gwyneth or was that just me?

I enjoyed Jason Aldean's duet with Kelly Clarkson. I think their voices blend well, and the song had great drums and guitar.

I was happy that Lady Antebellum's song "Need You Now" won for single of the year.

Oh, and I almost forgot... When Zac Brown Band performed with Alan Jackson I was all giddy and excited. I love their new song...and I'll admit...I have an odd, unexplainable crush on the lead singer of ZBB...I like his hats and his voice...and beard...

I miss seeing Faith Hill at these award shows. It's time for a Faith comeback!

Country musicians I'm over: Reba, George Strait, Kid Rock, Little Big Town and...drum roll...Rascal Flatts.

If you watched the show, I'd like to hear what you agree and disagree with. Those are just my humble opinions!

I love country music!

.a shabby threads GIVEAWAY!.

2010-11-02T18:55:00.003-05:00

In honor of reaching 100 fans on my facebook page for .shabby threads. I have decided to host a very exciting giveaway!

I am giving away a Christmas pillowcase dress in the size of the winner's choice!

The fabric for the winner's dress will be picked by me, but don't worry...I promise it will be too cute for words!

All you have to do to enter this giveaway is go to: shabby threads on facebook and leave a comment on Tuesday's post about the giveaway.

A winner will be chosen a week from today, on November 9th, using a random number generator.

Comments on my facebook page's status from Tuesday, November 2nd are the only ones that will be counted. Commenting on this blog post does not qualify for an entry. :-)

Pass the word along about this exciting giveaway, and a big THANK YOU to everyone for your support!

.cb2 love.

2010-10-21T21:46:00.004-05:00

So I finally got on top of my game and ordered a cb2 catalog. It came today, and I fell in love! A few years ago, I remember my style was so "country," and I abhorred anything streamlined and contemporary. Something has definitely changed since then because now I wish I could decorate my whole house that way! I've been crazy about the colors gray, mustard, and orange lately. Those colors are running rampant in the newest cb2 catalog! Here are a few of my favies. If only I had the funds to re-decorate my whole house and make it ultra-mod!

grellow lamp

hatfield rocker

gray & mustard bathroom

orange sectional

theo bed linens

.a country fall day.

2010-10-15T22:32:00.004-05:00

Today was a great day! Lots of time spent outdoors in the beautiful Fall weather, lots of time out in the country and on a farm, and lots of firsts for this girl!

My friend Loren and I had a grand ol' time at the local pumpkin patch.

I'm loving the miniature white ones!

We conquered the corn maze. It only took us 13 minutes! And it was 13 minutes of pure silliness and lots of laughter. :-)

We had lunch at a small town burger joint that looks like this on the inside, and that's why we love it. :-)

After lunch we ended up at Loren's farm where I got to ride a 4-wheeler for the first time in my life! I probably busted Loren's ear drums with all my nervous laughter and screams, but it didn't take me long to realize I LOVE riding on the back of a 4-wheeler and I can't wait to do it again!

Another first: feeding cows...and touching one!

Loren grew up a farm girl. I was one for a day. :-)

I hope this is just one Fall adventure out of many more to come!

.perks of the job.

2010-10-08T21:17:00.006-05:00

I absolutely LOVE my job as assistant editor of our local family magazine, Peekaboo. One of the many perks of this job is the fact that each year we help sponser an event hosted by our local library called "Conversations with..." which brings a different novelist each year to our convention center for a private reception with sponsers and special guests. Since we sponser, we get tickets and autographed copies of the featured author's latest novel. At these private receptions, we get a chance to converse with these amazing writers and ask questions about their craft.

Last year I rubbed elbows with James Patterson.

This year I conversed with Carol Higgins Clark.

I was hoping next year might hold the possibility of a certain novelist named Nicholas Sparks (who just happens to be my favorite)... As I shared this wish with Kim, the editor of Peekaboo, she informed that Nicholas came in 2008... the year before I came on board...

But then I remembered... Oh yeah! That was the year I got to meet Mr. Sparks himself at our local Sam's Club. He signed my book and exchanged a few words with me before I quickly snapped a pic with him. No, pictures were not allowed at this signing, and I'm not usually one to break the rules, but I was NOT going to miss out on an opportunity to get a picture with my favie.

Nicholas and I chillin' back in 2008

.boo.

2010-10-03T16:04:00.002-05:00

Been sewing lately.

I'm sensing a trend here...

.welcome, autumn.

2010-09-23T22:16:00.002-05:00

You are finally here, and I am happy!

Time to say goodbye to the Summer temps (any day now would be greeeat)

and HELLO to beautiful, colorful leaves

crisp breezes

vibrant blue skies

pumpkin patches and corn mazes

hay rides and scarecrows

...bliss.

.the latest.

2010-09-18T18:01:00.003-05:00

I've spent literally all day on the couch thanks to a nasty stomach bug. Ugh... Stomach issues are the worst! On the bright side, I can tell I'm getting better. I'm looking forward to being able to walk at a normal pace and not all hunched over. A shower is in my near future as well.

Sweet Simon the pug is always so good on both snow days and sick days. He has been sleeping all day, wherever I am, he's there. I'm sleeping, he's sleeping. Right now I'm at the computer in the office, and he's sleeping on the floor next to me. Gotta love a pug!

The compressor on our air conditioner went bad, so we are without the luxury of central air this weekend, but the hubs' parents installed a temporary window unit for us. That combined with the fact that it's nearing the end of Summer is keeping us pretty comfortable.

Did I just say... It's nearing the end of Summer? If I felt up to it, I'd have to perform a happy jig right where I am. Fall is my absolute most favorite season! I get all giddy when I think about the beautiful leaves, pumpkins and chilly temps that are soon to come!

I've started taking a yoga class at the gym twice a week. I love it because it's so simple and easy to follow along with, yet I know if I stick with it I'll see some kind of results. It feels good to take the initiative to drive to the gym those evenings by my own accord and know that I am choosing to do something good for myself.

And last but not least... It's football season! Hubs and I have enjoyed watching the Razorbacks play and (so far) WIN all their games! Next week we play at home against the #1 ranked team, Alabama. Fingers crossed we'll be able to pull that one off!

One more week 'til Fall!!!

.where were you?.

2010-09-11T14:53:00.002-05:00

September 11, 2001

The day our world stood still.

May God bless every single person that witnessed the horror in person and survived, every single family member and friend that lost a loved one that day. May God bless this country. May we all remember those who lost their lives that day and the firefighters, policemen and rescue crews whose lives were inevitably changed forever.

I was sitting on my bed in my dorm room watching the horror unfold on the news.

Where were you?

.girlfriends.

2010-09-02T18:02:00.003-05:00

Thank the Lord for girlfriends.

They make us laugh at ourselves, feel good about ourselves when we're not, stand up for us when we're weak, and rejoice with us when we succeed.

I cherish my girlfriends greatly. I've always had trouble in my life finding TRUE girlfriends. Not that I didn't have those girls I wrote notes to in class and talked about boys to. In high school, I didn't have those close-knit friendships that allowed crying on one's shoulder or standing up for each other no matter what the consequence (aka, which popular kid you would have to publicly disagree with). I moved a lot when I was a child, so never got to stay anywhere long enough to establish close, lasting friendships. Still, I've managed to reconnect (on facebook) with a few bff's from way back in the 4th and 5th grades, and it's encouraging to realize that we still have a lot in common and I would still be friends with those same girls in real life now if we had gotten to grow up together.

When I got married, I moved away from all family and college friends to a place where my husband was the only person I knew. I remember when I would cry if he told me he was going to hang out with a friend. I felt so lonely at times, but stuck it out. Fast forward four years and a few jobs later, and now I feel very blessed with the circle of friends God has provided me with.

I love these Christian ladies, all beautiful, funny, and smart. Some with kids, some still considered kids. Some provide wisdom whereas some keep me in touch with my youthful, silly side. All would lend an ear at the drop of a hat with an extra boost of confidence to go along with it. I love each and every one of my friends and thank God for them all.

This post turned into a long sappy one, which was totally not my intention. All I really meant to say is that I am so excited for GNO, not just tonight, but tomorrow night as well! My husband and my family -- they're my best friends. My girlfriends -- well, they're my B.F.F.'s!

.my everything.

2010-08-29T00:41:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for the one Constant in this life that never changes, despite the world of turmoil around me. My constant companion and comfort, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is everything, my all-in-all. In times of distress, I'm thankful I have His promises on which to rest.

.sick sunday.

2010-08-22T14:41:00.005-05:00

Last week was the first week back to school for my Mom's Day Out program. It was a really good week, but lots of sickness came along with it.

I am in the midst of a cold with a nose running like a faucet and a gradually fading sore throat. I really can't complain too much though because I've been hearing stories of those much worse off!

I was really looking forward to church this Sunday but didn't get to go. A man named Bruce Frye (a mucician that played with and idolized Hank Williams Jr. back in the day) is guest speaking, giving his testimony and even playing original songs. I hate that I couldn't make it this morning, and it's not looking good for the evening service either.

Hubs is on the couch working away. He has a work laptop now, which allows him to catch up on things over the weekend without having to drive into the office. It looks like he'll be working the rest of the day away while I'll be blowing my nose the remainder of the day.

Fun times in our household this Sunday. Here's hoping yours is full of good health and work-free fun! :-)

.giveaway giftcard already spent.

2010-08-18T17:46:00.002-05:00

When I found out at 7:30 this morning that I had won Fiona and Twig's blog giveaway of a $125 giftcard to CSN stores online, I woke up real fast and left for work with an extra skip in my step.

While at work, I dreamed of what I could buy. Being the bargain shopper that I am, I tried to picture how I could get as much for that amount as I could.

After work, I came home and literally spent hours looking at everything available on the CSN stores website.

This is what I came out with:

Set of 2 Highland Feather White Feather / Down Pillows @ $29 a piece

Yoga Direct Charter Oak Deluxe Extra Thick Yoga Sticky Mat in Seafoam - $16.99

Yoga Direct Charter Oak Nylon Yoga Mat Bag in Black - $8.99

Kinetic Classicor 12" Covered Chicken Fryer - $36.99

Victorinox Swiss Army 3.25" Paring Knife in Red - $2.99

I still can't believe that I won out of over 400 comments! This feels too good to be true! I've been dreaming of buying everything you see on the list, but my budget doesn't quite allow for me to go out and buy new down pillows or a deep dish frying pan just anytime I please. The frying pan and paring knife are two things I've needed for quite a while. The yoga mat and carrying bag will hopefully serve as extra motivation to exercise. The down pillows... I'll admit, that was my guilty pleasure splurge. Since I got two of them, my hubby benefits as well, and I don't think he'll be complaining!

Thank you so much, Anne. You literally made my day and then some!

.my classroom.

2010-08-12T16:41:00.003-05:00

Today we had Open House at my Mom's Day Out job. It went really well! I'm excited about my new group of 3-year-olds. Really looking forward to a great year. Here are a few shots of my little classroom!

.so small.

2010-08-09T20:57:00.003-05:00

You know how sometimes you just feel so small?

Sometimes I feel so inadequate, clueless, clumsy and unworthy.

I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father loves me no matter what.

Not only does he love me unconditionally and without end, He longs for me to spend time with Him and just be close to Him.

So many times I have gotten off track on my walk with God, only to tentatively take that first step in making things right again by simply opening my Bible and searching for the right verse or chapter to read. It seems like every time that happens and I take one small step towards God, I feel Him take 10 giant steps towards me. Whether it be through blatantly answered prayer or just a shower of undeniable blessings, He always shows me He's been waiting for me. My small steps back towards Him never go unnoticed or unappreciated.

How amazing is His love for you and me. He died for us, fully knowing we would reject Him and His love over and over again in our lives.

He deserves our time, our prayers, our thoughts, our devotions, our songs of praise. Not only does He deserve it, He longs for it.

May our longing for Christ be an insatiable thirst we long to never quench.

.goodbye summer.

2010-08-08T20:58:00.003-05:00

As soon as my feet hit the floor in the morning, my Summer break will officially be over. What's crazy is that it feels like it's taking me by surprise. I don't know how it slipped my mind that I have a training class at 8:30 in the morning for the new Kids Day Out program I'll be working for. Tuesday I'll be getting my classroom ready at the OTHER Mom's Day Out program I teach at. Wednesday I'll be getting my KDO classroom ready. Thursday is Open House at MDO. Friday I'll take a breath. Saturday I'll be taking A LOT of breaths in a CPR certification class. Saturday night we have a friend's bbq to attend. Then the following week will be back to teaching!

Let me tell you, after a couple of months of only being busy when I chose to be, the events coming up feel a tad overwhelming! It will be good to get back to teaching. If there's one thing I love about being a teacher, it's that right when you feel like you need a break to rejuvenate with fresh ideas and a larger dose of patience, you get it in the form of Summer break. Then just when you get bored and restless, it's time to go back. I couldn't ask for better jobs than the ones God blessed me with. I also still serve as assistant editor to the local family magazine called Peekaboo! I like to joke that I have three jobs, yet I'm home more than a person with one job! That's the beauty of them all being part-time! Oh, and did I mention that I'm still sewing and selling at True Treasures? So I guess I kinda have four jobs... Sweet!

Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings. I pray to be a positive example in my students' lives this year and to show them abundant, unconditional love and patience. And to teach them the things that they need to learn!

.playing photographer.

2010-08-03T21:31:00.003-05:00

My friend Loren is a Senior this year, and I had the honor of taking some of her Senior pictures!

She was nice enough to trust me with her camera AND let me take her memory card home with me to edit the pictures. Anything that gets my creative juices flowing I love, so this was a super fun project for me!

Here are a few of my favorites. She is so beautiful!!

.kansas city.

2010-08-02T11:03:00.004-05:00

This past weekend, hubs and I drove to Kansas City with our friends Aaron & Sarah for our 4th annual Summer KC trip. We go each year to watch the Royals play. This trip was probably my favorite one ever. It was a smaller group than usual, the Royals won both games (against the Orioles), and we just had so much fun!

Sarah and I tend to think of ourselves as being pretty "wholesome" girls, so the fact that our alter-egos when we get to KC are "Hotcakes" and "Syrup" is quite the joke!

It's always soooo hot when we go, and this year was no different. So far, it has never rained. The humidity is always awful. We've gotten smarter and have started sitting in the shade for Sunday's afternoon game. This year, for Saturday's evening game, we endured the heat to sit in the stadium's newest section of seating, right in front of the water fountains. We got sprayed the whole game, so that helped keep us cool.

One of our KC traditions is eating breakfast at Cracker Barrel Sunday morning. This year, we all branched out and ordered something we've never ordered before (except the hubs, who stuck with pancakes, but who can blame him?)

We all cracked up when Sarah somehow managed to leave a whopping 7 pegs in the table game that is notorious at Cracker Barrels. She was like, "Guys, I think I messed up somehow..."

Ok, I'll explain the glaring vendor. He walked up and down the aisles shouting, "Skittles, Twizzlers, M&M's," and would then proceed to scan the crowd with this ever-so-friendly scowl. We thought it was a riot, and we started calling him "Skittler M." We never saw him make any sales... Wonder why???

Let's see, other memories: Saturday night deciding to go swimming at our hotel's pool. We get there really late, 11 pm to be exact, Aaron makes it into the hottub while the rest of us start stripping down to our swimsuits. A janitor comes in to inform us the pool is closing. We all made mental notes to make it to the pool earlier next year!

The past 2 years we've stayed at the Marriot in Overland Park. It's wonderful, amazing, clean, modern, and the beds are like sleeping on a marshmallow cloud. Divine!

Saturday night, after the pool incident, we went back to our rooms so the girls could shower and the hubs ordered pizza. We ended up sharing a large pepperoni pizza in our room after midnight. We were all so tired, but we decided we were on vacation, so why stick to the normal, healthy routine of eating dinner at 5 or 6???

On Saturday before the game started, we shopped at Zona Rosa. If you're ever in KC and are looking for a neat shopping center, I highly recommend this one!

My parents watched Simon the pug for us. Got a call from my dad not 5 minutes after we had dropped him off saying Simon had puked 5 times on their floor. Way to start a trip right??? I felt so bad and was worried about Simon. I honestly think he freaked out when we left him and got over-excited and that's why he puked. He's been so content ever since we picked him up and has mostly been sleeping. I guess it was a big weekend for us all!

.wordless wednesday.

2010-07-28T08:57:00.002-05:00

{flashback: my boys.}

.shabby news.

2010-07-26T20:22:00.005-05:00

I have an announcement to make that excites me greatly!

As of today, I've sold a total of SIX items at the local shop TRUE TREASURES, where I've had inventory for a month now. Six sales in my first month may or may not seem small, but it's huge to me. To know that something I've created has been admired enough by someone to actually spend their money on it...6 times...is so humbling and exciting at the same time!

Yes, I did nerd-out and make this lovely collage of everything that sold in the month of July. We have 4 dresses, a quilt, and a tote bag. All SOLD. :-)

As far as my etsy shop goes, that's a totally different story. I've had my shop open for almost the same length of time as I've been selling at True Treasures, so you could say it's been up and running for about a month. Zero sales. I know etsy is a hard train to get started on with all the competition, so I've elected to give it another month or so and try changing up my inventory a bit. If too much more time passes, I might have to call it quits (although I really don't want to) and be thankful I have a local shop from which my stuff seems to sell regularly.

My mind has been on new items I can create since Fall is right around the corner, and I'm excited about a few ideas in particular! Hopefully I'll have more good news as far as sales and etsy goes, but for now I can say the first month of Shabby Threads was a successful one (in my opinion) and I'm more motivated than ever to keep sewing!

.my shabby guestroom.

2010-07-21T16:39:00.004-05:00

I would like to think I treat my house guests right.

Especially the overnight ones.

If for no other reason than they get to sleep in my favorite room in the house.

This is the collage of family photos I made. I think this area is so intimate and will mean a lot to family members that stay with us.

This is my favorite room in our house because it is so bright and cheery. It makes me happy just walking by and peeking in the door way.

I'll be the first to admit this room is a little on the girly side.
While I do feel bad for the male guests who have stayed...
I don't plan on changing it away from the shabby style anytime soon.

The rose that I framed is the one my husband gave me on our one-month anniversary of dating. That was almost 7 years ago.

I want to the bed to be one big, soft, pillowy invitation of pure rest.

I want it to be just as cozy as those hotel beds we never want to get out of.

There's a peek at my shabby guest bedroom!

I hope you all love it as much as I do!

.another shabby threads shoot.

2010-07-20T20:49:00.002-05:00

I love sharing pictures of my "little models." They are such angels, so sweet, and it thrills me to see such beautiful little girls posting for pictures in dresses I made.

Here's a little look at Ashlyn's Shabby Threads photo shoot.

What a darling! This dress is for sale at a local shop called True Treasures!

.should have never napped.

2010-07-18T00:00:00.003-05:00

I never take naps. But for some reason, I was so tired today, it was inevitable. Oh, and it was all good at the time. But now it's midnight on a church night, and I've been clicking all over etsy for the past few hours. Yes, hours.

Hubs was watching Nascar on the couch, and I'm assuming he's now asleep there because I have not heard a peep from him. Even the pug is passed out on the floor right next to me. Sheesh.

Alas, since sleep evades me, I compiled a treasury for etsy called "Backyard Summer Party."

If sleep evades you too, you should go have a look. I've made it easy for ya by making the picture a link straight to it. Go on and click it. You know you want to. :-)

These are the kinds of things I do when I can't sleep. Then I go get a midnight snack because my tummy is not used to being alert at this hour, and it's telling me it's been too long since its last meal. Refrigerator, here I come.

.checking in.

2010-07-16T22:28:00.005-05:00

I just wanted to apologize to my blog (as well as to any avid readers out there, if you exist) for my absence this past week or so. Notice how my last post was about opening shop on etsy? Well, coincidentally, that has a lot to do with why my blogging has been so scarce lately!

No, I haven't been swamped with sales. I'm still patiently waiting for my first one, as a matter of fact, but my hands have still been so busy sewing and creating with nearly every free minute I have. But I'm definitely not complaining! I've enjoyed this Summer so much because of all the time I've had to create and finally get the ball rolling on some dreams of mine.

Latest News in Brief:

* Hubs got himself the truck of his (almost) dreams, and I am now the proud driver of his hand-me-down Honda Accord. I said goodbye to my Impala of 9 years. R.I.P. Nellie. We had a good ride.

* I've sold 2 dresses and 1 tote bag at True Treasures (a local shop).

* I'm struggling with a decision I need to make very soon in the job department. Prayers would be so appreciated.

* I ordered some pre-natal vitamins and will begin that regiman soon... which means....

* I know I've already mentioned this, but for the purpose of documentation I'll say it again: Not liking this short hair one bit. I totally have long hair envy. If you can pull your hair back in a ponytail without half of it falling out, I envy you.

* Need prayer for my envy issue. I know it's not right. I'm thankful to just have hair. Just need peace about my appearance... Which that alone seems so vain. Pssh on my appearance. I mean, yeah I want to take care of myself and be attractive to my husband, but I don't need to worry about impressing anyone else. Which leads me to my next one...

* Hubs and I are going to his 10-year high school reunion tomorrow. I'm worried he won't be proud to introduce me as his wife because with my new short 'do, I feel like all my flaws are exposed on the surface. I realize that way of thinking is not right, and I'm hoping that typing it out and making myself admit to it (publicly) will make me put a stop to such wasteful fears and thoughts.

Those are all the updates I can think of right now. Looking forward to the Farmer's Market and Hobby Lobby in the morning, then off to that reunion where my main focus will NOT be on my appearance or my hair but on those around me and how I can be a light for Christ.

I do apologize if I've seemed like a hormonal whiny baby at times in this post. No matter how many years I live, that insecure 12-year-old still likes to pop in and visit every once in a while.

.open for business.

2010-07-08T17:40:00.001-05:00

I finally got a few of my creations listed on Etsy! Click on the picture to go straight to my shop!

.hayley's hair.

2010-07-07T20:50:00.002-05:00

It has been a week since I got my hair cut, and tonight I shed tears over it for the first time. I realized it's too short for me, I hate that I can't pull it back, and worst of all.... I feel like Hayley Mills from the old Parent Trap movie.

I haven't cried over my hair since I was 13, so I feel a little silly. Thankfully, the hubs is trying to be supportive and telling me it will grow back out. I can see in his eyes that he doesn't love it either, but thankfully he's being sweet and supportive.

I know in time it will grow out, but for now I might shed a few tears over its current state. Hopefully, one day I'll look back on this post and laugh, but for now...

"Let's get together. Yeah, yeah, yeah!"