Going to the Dogs

Awhile back I participated in the Dog Scarf Project given by Kelee Katillac. The goal was to decorate a "Play Strong" scarf and send a picture of your dog wearing it in order to earn a donation to go towards helping abandoned pets. Well, today is the day to celebrate all the donations raised and earn some more. Today is the Pet Parade over on The Katillac Shack, go and have a visit. And here is to our newish addition, Mellow.



FYI: Mellow was not harmed during this shoot. That is how they play, rough and tough. This is also why he is perfect for our family. What dog doesn't mind being dragged all around the house multiple times a day?

Leaf & Petal

It's that time of year again when my garden begins to fade and only the evergreens remain, so this past week my kiddos and I headed out to Leaf & Petal here in Birmingham to pick up a few things for some fall color. Leaf & Petal always display the most gorgeous assortments for pots. Our normal drill is to pull in, find our favorite pot, and simply say I want to recreate that. Then they bring us around and tell us about our selections and load it all up. Really it is the perfect way for us to spend the morning and even more lovely when they begin to remember your face.


This is the assortment we picked for the main pot as you walk up to our porch. The main beauty is flowering kale, I love everything about her. Her color and shape have me swooning. A petite evergreen tree was added for year round color. The orange mums and purple snapdragons are short lived and will be changed out to pansy's in a couple of months, but for now they make me happy. Finally we added parsley, because every pot needs something good to eat according to my Ellie.


This is our front porch. We spend hours here in the fall as the weather begins to cool. Normally I do not put a pumpkin out till October, but Ellie made a good point on how beautiful this one was and we should keep it, so we did. The stump is a recent addition and I could not be more pleased. We have some friends who had a some trees cut down in thier yard and I asked for a stump and they so delivered. I love the rustic element it adds.


These are a few pots I bought on my recent trip to Ikea. I finally added a few ferns and am quite happy on the way it further divides the kitchen from the living room. Although the bar is meant to be used for eating it is at a ridiculous height so even the tallest stools we could find are still not tall enough, oh well. Also the backsplash still needs to be tiled. Such a big decision and a pricey one especially when we need about 30 sq ft. One day I suppose.

{Thank you to Gracie Belle Butterfly for my blog award. You made my day.}

A Painted Piece

I fell head over heels when I saw this piece by Tracery Interiors. They did a fabulous write up on painting antiques on their blog. They proved that just sometimes it must be done. It's perfection really, as is the rest of their work.

{image via Tracery Interiors blog}

Outfit to Room...

The night's are starting cool off a bit and that makes for such wonderful evening strolls. I am welcoming fall with open arms...

{via Frolic via Domino}

Outfit to bedroom...

{via Ikea}

A four poster bed would make for a cozy night.

{via Benjamin Moore}

The walls would be painted Iron Mountain.

{via toast}

Simple white bedding would work, but this throw would be a must.

{via Remodelista}

A couple of lovely table lamps...

{via Revival}

to sit a top a couple of bed side tables...

{via West Elm}

A sheep skin rug would make getting out of bed not so bad on a chilly morning.

Have a lovely weekend!

Keeping it Simple

I came across this home while browsing a new to me blog, Dress, Design, & Decor. I just adore this home and her blog. I could move right in and feel quite at home. Great lighting, traditional mixed with modern, and what seems to be a lovely yard makes this home quite divine.

And We Have a Winner...

Andrea of A Dash of Parsley is the winner of the gorgeous note cards from Amy and Ann! I am so excited for you. I will be getting in touch soon.


To get your own go be sure to visit Amy and Ann's shop.

*winner was chosen through random.org

Shopping Hiatus {2}

As of yesterday I was feeling quite good about myself for not shopping. It's hard to do when you can't leave your house, but that's besides the point. Then my lovely inbox taunted me with a sale at Nordstroms. As of late I have been just hitting the delete button, but I thought a quick peek wouldn't hurt. I found this lovely dress and thought how cute would it be with a cardigan and my Frye boots. I then got hold of my thoughts and decided to do some blog surfing instead. The next thing I know my idea of a floral dress, boots, and this one with a little brown leather jacket had me hopping right back to the sale. So now I am the owner of this dress...


because of this image...


Now I just need this jacket...


FYI: The dress will be a bit longer, I am that short. The Frye boots I got for only $20 in the children's section on an insane clearance, my feet are on the smaller side. Lastly, I probably won't be getting that jacket, not in the budget this year.

*This blog post touched me deeply. It reminds me of who I wanted to be years ago.

The Boy Edition

Last week I did little girls fall essentials this week is dedicated to my little man. This is his style or rather my husbands and I's style that we have imparted on him. This past spring we hit the Crewcuts outlet and scored big time for this coming season. Most pieces were in the 5 dollar range. Of course I will still make him a few of these shirts, I must keep it personal.

{via Crewcuts}

Feeling Ill + A Pretty Picture

I have been going back and forth whether to share this tidbit of information or not, but here it goes... the kiddos and I have had the swine flu since Wednesday. There I said it and no don't worry we have not left the house. It's a funny story really...

Ellie woke up Wednesday morning a bit warm and out of sorts. I thought she may be getting the cold we all have been fighting the previous week so I kept her home. KJ cried a lot throughout the day, but again it must be that dreaded cold. Thursday I have to wake up the kiddos and Ellie feels about a million degrees and doesn't want to walk, eat, etc. KJ is warm, but still acting normalish. At two is there ever really a normal? We had well check ups that day so I called and made them sick ones. We walked in the lovely nurse swabbed for the flu and the next thing I know everyone has masks on. I caught on pretty quickly and I was sent home with prescriptions for all of us and breathing treatments for brother, he has a bit of a wheeze. The whole day I cared for my lifeless children and by the time I put them to bed I felt like I was run over by a bus. The flu is awful, but I will spare you any details and it seems the children and I all had different aspects of it. I miss the days when my mother waited on me hand and foot while I laid in bed. Now I have no time to be sick except at night and during nap time. We are all on the mends and seeing the light of a very long tunnel. My husband found a plus side to it all... since we can't get it again we don't have to worry about germs so much this season, back to licking handrails for us I guess. Oh, and I am sure I am a few pounds lighter, just in time for all that holiday eating.

So if some if my comments did not make much sense or I missed a few emails, please excuse me. It must have been the fever. And to all the locals... I have no idea where we got it. It's anybody's guess I suppose.

{image via here, via Anna Aden}

Giveaway!

What are two of my favorite things? Why food and photography of course. That is why I am so excited to be hosting a giveaway from Amy and Ann. Their blog is a place for them to collaborate through simple everyday pleasures that involve food and their love of photography. Their blog is filled with gorgeous images and recipes galore.

Well, what's up for grabs you may ask... a set of six folded cards! I just adore a hand written letter and these would make it all that more special.


To enter simply hop on over to Amy and Ann's blog and become one of their follower's and be sure to comment on this post letting me know that you did just that. As simple as apple pie...

**The giveaway winner will be announced next Wednesday the 23rd.**

**Also make sure you leave a way for me to contact you, it just makes it all a bit easier**

A Home to Buy

While being the real estate stalker I am, I came across this home. Not sure about the location, the school system is not the best, but the price is beyond right. Oh, and we would be close to this I believe and that would be lovely. It would need personalization, but I rather like all the major renovations that have been done. The front door would become yellow and the landscaping needs some extra care. I love the rounded door and what looks to be original hardwoods. I would probably change the light fixture to something more modern to play off the historical home. I am rather fond of the farmhouse sink, butcher block counters, and subway tile. I would change the appliances to all stainless steel though just because I could and possibly marble counters one day. To me it appears the loft space may have the second bath at the very end. I am thinking master suite. I would change the railing to something more substantial, maybe horizontal thick slats. What I like the most is the yard. I dream of having mature trees in the yard and this one fits the bill.

Overall I am thinking a drive by is in order. Also if any one would like to buy my current home for atleast what we paid in order for me to indulge in my new infatuation then I would greatly appreciate it. I would be sure to share the after photos if this helps in your decision making at all.

Shopping Hiatus {2}

Modern Economy had their online sample sale and well, I just couldn't resist. Unfortunately or luckily, depends how you look at it, I was a few days behind and missed out on some really great goodies. I did come away with a few great scores though...


Good on Paper sticky note set, I bought these last year and loved them. I had sticky notes everywhere.

A couple of card set from Oh Joy! could not make me any happier.


I always carry around a little notebook to jot down a new paint color I may like, phone numbers, shopping lists, etc. I can't wait to start using this one from Mateo Ilasco.

This dish towel I bought last year and the very next week my husband used it to clean a greasy mess. Hopefully this new on from Tikoli will last just a bit longer.

My whole bill came to just over $30.00 and that included shipping. Now that is a huge savings for such wonderful brands and products. I can't wait for it all to arrive. I am just giddy.

On Dressing Up

I believe these would all make wonderful fall essential's for my little lady or even me for that matter. In reality my Ellie will be wearing what I make her. I better get started soon or she will be quite cold in all her summer dresses.

{via Crewcuts}