*Sigh

So after hearing the Domino news all over blog land the last couple of days I folded and bought this...


I really do love it and I know I am on a shopping hiatus, but I was afraid with Domino being no more that they would be gone by the end of my hiatus. I was surprised when Cottage Living folded, but I honestly thought Domino would easily make it so needless to say I was extra surprised. For me personally, I love to curl up and take in a lovely magazine. It is one of my favorite things to do. Don't get me wrong I love all the inspiration I get on-line, but there is something a little extra special about turning a nice shiny page. I am also a little bummed out with me wasting a lot of money on magazine subscriptions in my attempt to save some by not buying them off the stand.Then again I suppose it is worse for all those that were tied to the magazine to be out of a job. Oh, and not to worry I am still on the hiatus. I fully do believe I need it more than ever.

What are some of your favorite magazines? Surely I do not receive all the good one's already.

One last thing, the book photo also reveals a sneak peak into my almost completed bedroom re.do. I can't wait to share the whole transformation soon.

This house...

This home I love. This home doesn't need me to babble on. This home seems busy enough with two little ones that must occupy these cribs. Did I mention how much I love this home.

I hope you are having a wonderful Thursday!

{via Living Etc.}

So Silly, I Know

I was married four years and six months ago. My uncle from Boston is a wonderful photographer who shot the wedding. He came down only for the wedding so I never had bridal portraits, which may be only a southern thing anyway. Well, I always wanted some and now I have them, ha! It is quite silly really, but I had fun doing them. It also gave the hubby a chance to do a more artistic approach to the whole thing. I don't think any bride would really want to bring their dress to an old train yard and an abandoned house, but I still hadn't had my dress cleaned since my wedding day so we went for it. Oh, and my real wedding day was in July so I made my dress more winter like and to fit my style as it is today for the shoot, more artistic right?

If you want to see my hubby's favorites go to his new photography site kellenjacob.bigfolioblog.com.

Shopping Hiatus: 2 weeks down

Okay, so I have to admit I did buy a few things. I bought paint brush rollers and a paint tray. Whew, happy I got that off my chest. Just kidding, I did buy those things, but it would be very hard to do my room re.do without them. I do want to add some final touches to my room, but for now I will have to do with what I have. This may be a good thing, I may actually end up buying what I really want instead of odds and ends that I tire of quickly. Oh, and don't get me wrong I have been tempted...

Alyson from Unruly Things put this lovely ensemble together from J.Crew. I want it and I want it bad.


This rug would look quite lovely in my new room. Maybe Pottery Barn will have it on sale after my shopping hiatus. I really do hope so.

The lovely Blair from Delight by Design posted this lovely bag from Gerard Darel. Lucky for me they are based out of Paris, so in reality I would not be able to buy this purse anyway. It is so pretty to look at though.

{image via In(side) the Loop via here.}

Last, but in no way least I would love to drive around in one of these. The ever so stylish Courtney from In(side) the Loop posted on this lovely Fiat 600. Be sure to check out her blog for more insight into these amazing tiny cars.

A dress or three

I really do not watch too much TV. I can not even remember the last time I turned it on, but I did come across these images from Gossip Girls via Darling Dexter. I have never seen the show, so can anyone tell me if they always dress this fabulous? I so would take any one of these dresses any day of the week.

{images via Darling Dexter via basswaldorf}

My Hearts a Flutter

This makes me so happy. Jon Foreman is my hubby's favorite musician. Sean Watkins is from one of my favorite used to be bands, Nickle Creek. Well, they have collaborated and created Fiction Family. Needless to say this remains on repeat.

A Cottage

I have been dreaming about this house ever since I saw it here first. I think it looks quaint and peaceful. I would love to sit on that swing sipping lemonade while the kiddos do art projects on the little picnic table. I also love the vines climbing along the porch, which is something I am going to try with my own home this spring. Well, needless to say I was ecstatic when I got a peek inside on Blueprint Bliss. I thought I would also share this little home with you all and file it away in my "one day" folder. Be sure to check out Blueprint Bliss for more photos.



Also be sure to check out the behind the home story on Garden & Gun. It seems this little home once belonged to a Cottage Living staffer who now is part of the Gun & Garden family.

Oh, and any of you once subscribers to Cottage Living that are now subscribers to Southern Living notice the new Editor in Chief? Yes, the one and only Eleanor Griffin the former Cottage Living Editor in Chief. Do you think Southern Living will look more like Cottage Living in the future? I sure do miss Cottage Living already.

At the park

How I love days like this.

Yeah!

The absolutely fabulous lady of Mostly Mod has the most fabulous etsy shop. You must check it out. I personally love this poster, it's so much fun. She also has some great Valentine cards. Oh, and be sure to check out her blog as well. I am sure if she and I lived closer we would be the best of friends.

Hello Mr. President

I am sure we will be seeing each other quite a bit over the next four years. Okay maybe I will be seeing more of you than you will of me, but what does that matter. We may not see eye to eye on every issue, but I would just like to say "God bless you and America". Oh, and be sure to tell Michelle that she looked lovely. Her ensemble was quite memorable. Maybe the next Jackie O? Here's to you and your first full day in office.

{photo via Heart of Light}

Shopping Hiatus: 1 week down

I am highly productive with this shopping hiatus it seems. I have gotten more done around the house in one week than I have in months. It started with my need to organize all the toys scattered around to organizing the whole house. I mean every drawer, cupboard, closet, basket, you name it I did it. I also cleared out tons of toys that they have out grow or never use. I ended up with empty baskets even. I am actually feeling quite good about the whole thing. Maybe it is the new simpler person emerging, at least that's what I like to think.


The run down:

1. My daughters closet. It seems when her closet is devoid of all the clutter her new stroller and shopping cart fit nicely.

2. & 3. My son's walk in closet. Taking out the wedding dress made plenty of room for his tool bench and the old changing table makes great shelves for diapers and his many, many new trucks. I did the letters and wall stickers almost a year ago now to make the closet feel more like a play area.

4. Remember my dilemma on finding new storage solutions. Well, I put my creative juices to work and crafted that lovely box. It's a Whole Foods box that I mindlessly purchased forever ago covered with some left over fabric from Purl Soho. In the end, after all my purging, I no longer needed the extra storage so the box sits empty. (It only has a couple toys in it because my little girl thought it looked better with something in it. I future stylist maybe?)

5. I had this brilliant idea once upon a time that I would scrapbook my little one's first years of life and then every birthday after that. Well, my boys about to turn two and I still hadn't done his first year so I had a dear friend come over to scrapbook with me. I finished it all in one sitting and feel much better about it all. I soon realized though that scrap booking is not the hobby for me though.

6. The laundry room. This is where all my sewing gear ended up. Not the best location, but it will have to do.

I did so, so much more, but this post is long enough already. I tremble at the idea of how much more will be done at the end of my 3 month hiatus. Oh, by the way, I am starting my room re.do this week! I can't wait to share.

Baby, it's cold outside.

I will start by saying it was a mere 30 degrees with a windchill factor that made it even colder, but this shoot had to go on. "Why the urgency?", you may be asking. Well, that's simple, this shoot took place the day before the wedding. This beyond adorable couple were lucky enough to have a photographer friend to shoot the actual wedding, but we were blessed enough to be asked to do some bride and groom portraits. Okay, and when I say we I more mean my darling hubby in this case. Two children, no babysitter, and being that cold excluded me from all the fun. I personally think he did one fab job. I can brag on the hubby a bit, right?

{This is the moment they first saw each other. I wish you could see his sweet and very masculine lower lip bite a bit more.}

Isn't she stunning? If you would like to see more be sure to go check out hubby's site {Kellen Jacob Photography}.

Night Owl Paper Goods: 20% discount

I heard from the wonderful co-owner of Night Owl Paper Goods, Jennifer, and she has kindly extended a 20% discount to all you lovelies. Yes, that's 20% off all orders. How fabulous is that! The discount is in honor of their new design, Foxy Fungi. Isn't he darling? I must say I am very excited, thank you!

Receive 20% off ALL ORDERS now thru March 31st! :: Coupon Code foxy

Night Owl Paper Goods

I some how came across this wonderful line of paper goods. I was even more excited when I found out they are right here in Alabama. They specialize in handmade letterpress and eco-chic wooden pieces. I must say I am quite smitten with the whole thing. Here's to Night Owl Paper Goods.


I am considering these blank wooden cards for my little boy's second birthday invitations. I love the idea of being able to somewhat create my own on something that is so very, very nice.

How great would it be to receive one of these save the date cards in the mail? They would definitely add such a unique and extra special statement to a wedding.

They also have a lovely assortment of Valentine cards, thank you cards, everyday cards, journals, notepads, and even more. You must check it out. Every piece is quite astounding really.

Oh, and if you have no need for stationary at this moment then they also have these great totes. This is my personal favorite.

{all images found via Night Owl Paper Goods}

P.S. for a sneak peek into their fabulous home be sure to check out a life's design, a previous post of mine, or Design sponge.

Etsy love

I first saw these on design mom. They are from the fabulous shop of Persimmon and Pink. After my 3 month shopping hiatus, I am going to get one for my two little one's bedrooms.

organizing

I do not believe my children have too many toys. I really do keep it to a minimum, but what has happened is that they are now in chaos since Christmas. The baskets we currently have are overflowing and the rest of the toys are awkward to store. It is time for me to devise a strategy to control the clutter or I may just go mad. First of all I am sure there are things that could go and would not be missed. I did come across this photo and fell quite in love with it.

via domino

I love how all the chaos is tucked away uniformly and all in one pretty little space. Unfortunately this particular idea would never work for two little ones. This would either cause a huge accident or I would be the one always doing all the picking up.

via [pieces]

I then thought I could add some pretty little baskets under the console table in the play room/sunroom. Currently that is where I sew, but it's not quite as comfortable as I thought it would be. I love these ones by Hable, but they are way out of my price range. Does anyone know where I could find something cheaper with a similar feel?

via Stuck

I then thought of these labels that I love. Currently I store my kiddos next season clothing purchases in simple white Rubbermaid baskets at the top of their closets. These baskets are on the cheap and may look lovely with a pretty little label, but they are still plastic. Oh, what to do?

What I did accomplish yesterday is moving all my fabric and sewing supplies to the shelf in the laundry room to free up space in the buffet to put my little ladies ice cream play.do maker and craft supplies. I absolutely love this idea from shims and sons for creative play. It would definitely take care of the craft chaos too.

my shopping hiatus

Every January our church participates in 21 days of fasting and prayer. Some fast food, TV, movies, sweets, etc. I have done these all in the past, but over the years these have not been a big part of my life. This year I struggled to think of something to give of myself to the Lord. I wanted to give a part of me that really said thank you for what He has blessed us with and something that may be not the healthiest part of me. I have a desire to grow closer to Him and be made fresh for the new year. As my wheels were turning I came across Joslyn's Resolutions for the year. It seems she takes a three month spending hiatus. At first I thought this sounded quite crazy to be honest, but the more I pondered it the more I realized this is what I too am suppose to do. I buy many things, many things that I need at the moment, but then in the end ask myself why? There are certain things on my list that I will buy over the next three months though. Things that I have previously saved up for and just need completeing, like my room re.do.

make one here.

I would love all the support I can get. I believe this will be a lot harder than it should be for me. I plan on squashing the urge with a lot of prayer, bible reading, and saying hello to you all. I shall be renewed in no time or at least I hope so. I already feel slightly taunted when I find posts like these:

found via simplesong via Decor8

So pretty they are. If you are still spending then you should be sure to visit this lovely shop.


I then came across one of my dream shops, Pieces, over and over again as I visited you all. You may be asking why? Well, I will tell you. The lovely owner Lee Kleinhelter is giving 30% off to blog readers which started yesterday. The actual sale doesn't even start till the 15th! To take advantage of this early bird sale be sure to mention this, this, this, or this.

Oh and I would love to know if anyone else is participating in the 3 month hiatus.

Green with envy

I love this bedroom in the February issue of Domino. I enjoy all the varying shades of green and the unique touches. The closet doors covered in a stripe with green trim is brilliant. Oh, and did I mention this was a room re.do for a 13 year old. Lucky girl. I must admit though I am grabbing some inspiration for my current room re.do. Sorry for the poor quality of the photos, my camera phone is not all it's cracked up to be.