5k

My First 5k

Saturday, April 28, 2012


So...I am sure all of my Facebook friends are tired of hearing this, but I ran my first 5k this weekend! I don't even think I can explain how nervous I was. I have been running for the past 4 months, and it has been kind of a slow process to get where I am now. My plan was to get plenty of rest the night before (who was I kidding?), but I found myself too anxious to fall asleep...AND when I did fall asleep I had dreams that I was running! Not the most relaxing dream. However, 5 am rolled around and I was able to get right up (it helped that Dane got up to go sit in the woods.) 

My goal was to run the whole thing without stopping to walk, and I did it! It feels so good to accomplish something that you set your mind to. I am sure that I will be running several more this summer...after all, I have to try to better my time! 

decorating

Little Owl

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

There has always been this little owl on one of the posts in our backyard. It was painted white and blended in with the white wood. However, every time I looked out the backdoor I noticed this little owl looking back. So the other day I got a litte help from Dane and we took him down! Don't worry, I put him back up there...but not before giving him a coat of paint. I am really enjoying the turquoise that I used on my planters. So...my little owl friend got painted a pretty turquoise. 


Once he was dry I put him back in his spot. Now he doesn't seem to be hiding. I like to think that this little piece has some kind of a story. I am sure that he severed some sort of purpose at one time, but I am not sure what that purpose is.


For now his purpose is adding a bit of lovely to our back yard. 

DIY

Beautiful Blooms

Monday, April 23, 2012

Yesterday I shared my DIY planter project with you! I am still in love with these little pots, but they couldn't sit empty forever. That is right...I have officially planted my first flower! My grandma will be so proud (if I can keep them alive!)

I needed a flower that would hold up to the sun. The planters and flowers were meant to decorate the front steps (which have absolutely no shade!) I finally settled on the Dwarf Celosia. These flowers have a beautiful texture and need 6+ hours of sunlight. Perfect! Bonus: the tag said easy to grow! 

I was excited to get these little beauties in there new planter homes, but I had a couple of steps to take care of first. The first thing that I did was place some rocks in the bottom of the pots. Then I placed a used dryer sheet on top of the rocks. These steps will help with draining. 


After those steps are done you can add a little bit of potting soil. Then you can plant your flowers!!! (This was the part that I was excited about!) Make sure you break up the root ball a little bit before you place it in the pot. Then just fill in with more potting soil. Done! 


Aren't they cute? 

craft

Garden Decor (on a dime!)

Sunday, April 22, 2012

I have been so excited to get my garden started! Well, I took the first steps! (Note: these steps did not include flowers, seeds, or soil.) I picked out the planters. Okay...this step doesn't exactly require a green thumb, and it doesn't really count as gardening, but I am excited about it anyway! I found some cheap ($1.25 each) terra cotta pots from Wal-Mart and decided to do some DIY. Wal-Mart had a nice selection of decorative pots, but they were much pricier and I liked the idea of doing my own. 

Supplies: 

Terra Cotta Planters

Acrylic Paint

Paint Brush

Painters Tape


The first thing that I did was tape off the top ring of the pots. I really wanted to leave that part the original color like this. Then, I painted the bottom half of the planters. The colors that I used required two coats of paint. It may take more than that depending on the color and the paint that you choose. While the paint was still somewhat wet (it dried really quickly) I removed the tape. 


Here is the finished result. I absolutely love them...I actually went out and bought more! 

essentials

Spring Favorites

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Every season I find myself falling in love with new trends and products. They are my essentials! This beautiful season is no different. Spring has brought a whole new batch of lovely! There are so many things that I feel are necessary, but I have picked out my absolute favorites to share with you! 


Flowy Tops: My top of choice this season is this flowy, floral top from the LC Lauren Conrad line at Kohl's (they also have it in a gray color, but I am in love with the navy and soft pink color combo!) It is lightweight and the perfect combination of cute and casual! I usually pair flowy tops with a pair of skinny jeans and ballet flats or cute sandals. 

Flats: Flats have been around forever, and they are an essential part of my wardrobe for all seasons. However, this spring I have been enjoying neutral colors. They look great with a bright top or paired with sweet, soft colors. 

Tinted Lip Balm: I have always been a fan of Burt's Bees! I think I have every kind of lip balm that they carry. These days I won't be found without Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm. I prefer natural looking colors (hibiscus is my favorite), but they do offer brighter colors.

These are just a few of the things that I am loving this season! What are your spring essentials? 

Calendar

April Showers...and Plans for May Flowers

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

It is already April...how did that happen? My to do list is still growing (and still shrinking at a slower pace!) How am I supposed to get anything done when the weather is this beautiful?!?! I am not going to bore you with a list of task I have yet to complete, or the number of thing that I have added to that ever growing list...however, I will tell you that I excited to get my gardening on! I have never had a garden! (My mom had a garden and flower beds, but I didn't really do anything with them.) And since my loving husband will not let me get a dog (wouldn't you like to see pictures of a cute little puppy on here?) I am going to have to settle for raising flowers instead! Wish me (and the flowers) luck! You can check out my garden pin board to see some of my inspiration! 

To keep up with my monthly tradition I have created a calendar! (It also seems that I don't share the calendar until halfway through the month...i will work on that.) 

home decor

Feeling Homey

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Part of my March must do list was adding homey touches to the house. Well, it didn't exactly happen in March and it is not even close to done, but I did make some progress.

I was on the hunt for some old ladders, and my father-in-law found not one, but two! They had to be cut down to fit in the living room, but it was a success. Bonus: I learned that a hack saw is not for cutting ladders! Who knew? I propped one of the ladders up agains the wall in the living room. (The other one is still waiting to be put to use.) Now the ladder holds some of our blankets...I have to be able to reach one at all times. (not a fan of cold toes!)


I also decided to hang up one of our wedding gifts. I have been trying to find the perfect spot for it...and then I realized that it would look great next to the ladder! I love when things work out! 

The house is starting to feel more and more like home!