New to Old

Cottage Living from Apartment Therapy.

Lots of farmhouse details while still keeping an overall modern feel.

and lets not forget to add this towering rustic black cabinet to my wish list...

TGIF

It's Friday!! What's on your schedule for the weekend?

Tonight we'll be staying in. Probably a movie and a hearty dinner full of comfort foods (I'm thinking spaghetti & meatballs with garlic bread!)

Tomorrow is game night at the Crooker's and Sunday we're heading to Bear Creek for snowtubing with friends.

I really am trying to make the best out of this winter and all this freakin' snow!

More summer time wishes....

for lots of lovely peep-toes

& fun wedges

Summer time wishes

I usually restrict my Victoria Secrets purchases to unmentionables, clearance swimwear, and maybe PJ's or lounge wear. But, spotting these cute shorts in the new spring catalog last night may just change my mind! I wonder if the super flat abs and gorgeous legs are extra?!

Dreams

I'm don't normally dream a lot or at least I don't remember dreaming a lot. But last night was crazy....

Most of it revolved around buying coffee at a McDonald's. Everytime I went there my high school friend, Kayne, was there eating at the all-you-can-eat pizza/pasta buffet. That's right a pizza buffet at McDonald's. He was always with a different person who was seated facing away from us in an outdoor food court type of setting. I never saw the faces, but as far as back of heads go, my guess is he was with the Jasons and maybe Becca or Liz Clough at some point.

Ellen DeGeneres was my friend. She and I discussed the latest edition of an orthopedic textbook. There was a definite link between my job and the text book. It was a sudden new edition based on new, exciting evidence. She seemed well-versed in the subject.

I also recall that I was walking a lot. And at one part sliding down a huge hill into the parking lot of the outdoor McDonald's wearing sky blue snow pants. The idea seemed to catch on and others repeated the maneuver but almost in slow motion.

Lots of stuff going on in one night! Any dream interpreters out there?

Centerpiece

I spent most of the weekend trying to be inspired and rid myself of SAD. Included the activities was a trip to Michael's for some craft supplies. I find re-doing my dining room table centerpiece to be therapeutic, plus it adds a bit of new life to the apartment. I'm really thrilled with how it turned out.

I snagged the table runner for $7.99 at Marshalls (they have a good selection of home goods at the one near me right now. ..not to mention a fantastic shoe department!)

Monday...

"Rain or shine, all the time, we've got each other sharing the laughter and love."

~Growing Pains theme song

Shabby Apple Shakespeare Garden Dress GIVEAWAY!!!!

Speaking of dresses...and curing the winter blues.

Check out the Shabby Apple Shakespeare Garden Dress GIVEAWAY!!!!

Winter Blues

I can't believe it's still winter. Honestly, it feels like the holidays were six months ago. The last time I saw the sun must have been 2-3 years ago. My body aches for vitamin D and sweet juicy berries and Jersey tomatoes. To top it off I've been consumed with work related chaos and the unavoidable stress of first time home buying.

Boy, it sure feels better to get that off my chest!

On a brighter note, I just got the best deal on a new dress from Target.com plus free shipping! I think it will be perfect for a wedding in early May.

I've also been spending lots of time inspiring myself with wall paint combinations with the help of the Sherman Williams website. I have a few favorites but, I'm sure I'll change my mind a million times in the next few months.

Monday...

"I find it fascinating that most people plan their vacations with better care than they plan their lives. Perhaps that is because escape is easier than change."

~Jim Rohn

Jim's Birthday...

in black & white.

make a wish

chocolate cake. YUM!

Ninja handbook?

loving his new Martin.

Lunch in NYC

Another snow day which means more cleaning, sorting, tossing, and organizing....

Came across a business card for Hummus Kitchen. Great spot for a healthy lunch if you're spending a weekend in the The Big Apple.

Welcome

Another entry way inspiration from The Nest (I started getting this magazine free shortly after we got married. I think due to its association with The Knot).

Some of my all time favorites can be found here.

Reno

I've always had a strong desire to relocate to the Northwest. I've not even had the opportunity to pay the region a visit, but every photo, movie, documentary, or article makes my heart flutter a bit. I think it's the overwhelming presence of nature. One of my patients, originally from Oregon, starting bringing me her copies of Sunset magazine, "How to Live in the West". I love reading through the pages of recipes, gardening tips, travel and leisure articles, and tons of beautiful pictures.

In an effort to de-clutter during these winter storms, I'm tossing a huge stack of magazines...Sunset included. I was able to minimize the stack to a small pile of articles and will be posting on the 'ole blog until the pile is also in the recycling bin.

Things to remember, as recommended by Sunset magazine, for a weekend to Reno....

River supplies at Wild Sierra Adventures or go with a Tahoe Whitewater Tour. Early May brings the Reno River festival with entertainment and fun kayak and raft competitions.

Arts district along the River Walk including Sierra Arts and Neveda Museum of Art.

Suggested restaurants include, Beaujolais Bistro, Chocolate Bar, Java Jungle, and Se7en Teahouse & Bar.

More Snow!

It's snowing. Again. We piled up about 5 inches over night and are expecting another 8-12 today. It's kinda sleeting right now. Yuck. I'll be inside. Extra time for internet browsing, reading, and crappy Tv. Add a few hot beverages and I'm one happy lady.

Early morning finds...

4 Part Living room tour at Oh Happy Day. It's amazing what you can do in a small San Francisco apartment. I really enjoy the color choices. Shades of blues and yellow make me happy.

Cardigan Refashioned. Such a GREAT idea. I have a real soft spot for ruffles and feminine details. I just need to get snag some sewing skills!

Lots of lovely handmade pillows from Martha Stewart, plus a little fresh squeezed lemonade. Is it summer yet? Some others I really liked were made from silk scarfs and tea towels. I think I could even handle that level of sewing.

I've been eyeing these eco-friendly recycled glass countertops for a week now. My friend Sarah saw them at a home show and passed along the inspiration to me.

Now for a little shoveling...

Hand crafted

I really love these hand crafted tables and home furnishings found here and here.

I'm almost afraid to call to get an estimate on one of the dinning room tables, knowing it will likely crush my dreams of owning one.

Monday...

" Certainty? In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes."

~ Benjamin Franklin

I think I can. Part II

In honor of my 1 year blogging anniversary I've attempted to change my template. It's a pretty big accomplishment for me, considering last year I wasn't sure if I could even figure out how to post pictures. I'm still undecided about the template I chose. Mostly because I think the header font is a bit harsh and I wish the large header box wasn't so large, but I really like the color scheme and overall layout.

What do you think?

Cozy corner

SoFee Dog doesn't like winter anymore than I do. She's snuggled up in her blankies preparing for the snow. I'm hoping to get my tax stuff in order, complete or at least start a few other must-do projects I've been dreading, and finish The Stand (that book is sooo long!).

Converse

If you're a women's size 4, 5, or 6 you need to rush over to famousfootwear.com and snag a pair of these sweet herringbone Chucks...

Chalkboards

Regardless of where Jim and I end up living next, I want to do a chalkboard paint project. I just love the idea of fresh art projects and shopping lists on my wall. Just so much fun!



Animals on Parade

Mirror turned chalkboard

and More....

Monday...

" Of course there is no formula for success except perhaps an unconditional acceptance of life and what it brings."

~Arthur Rubinstein