earrings

The Perfect Gift

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

I had a really hard time picking out a special gift for all of my bridesmaids. I wanted to get them something that was unique and from the heart! I really wanted to make them feel like I had put a lot of thought into it. I had several ideas, but none of them seemed like great ideas. Then I found Elisabeth Ashlie Jewelry! These sisters make some pretty awesome jewelry, and they were able to design these beautiful custom earrings for the girls! 


I really loved these earrings and so did all of my bridesmaids, but I am also in love with some other pieces that they have. 



Make sure you check out their Etsy shop for all of there great jewelry! 

Thank you, Kate and Lauren! I could not have found a more perfect gift for my bridesmaids!

decor

Front Porch Transformation (Part 1)

Thursday, May 17, 2012

We are currently in the process of redoing our front porch. It is our goal to turn it into more of an interior space. When Dane bought the house it was clear that the porch was going to take the most work (and probably be the most fun) to update. With the help of Dane's dad (really this wouldn't have been done without him) we have already made some progress! There were four storm windows, and a window looking into the master bedroom. The guys replaced the storm windows with two new windows and they closed off the window into the master bedroom. 


They also had to level the floors. (The porch was once an exterior space...the floors were sloped for water runoff.)

We are now in the process of hanging drywall. However, I am really excited about the next steps...decorating! I don't know exactly what I am doing, but I am still excited about it! I can't wait to pick out paint colors and flooring.


As you can see it is currently storage for items that don't fit in the spare room. The sign in the top left image was made by my Uncle Mark for our wedding. It will probably be put outside when we get flowers planted.

I did try to add some decoration to the space with a cute rosette wreath.


It doesn't look like much now, but I am envisioning great things for this space.

essentials

A Look Inside My Purse

Thursday, May 10, 2012

If you are anything like me, you probably have to clean your purse out on a very regular basis. It is a chore that I always dread doing, but makes me feel much better (and more organized) when it is done! So, I decided to tackle the job today. I ended up pulling out several receipts, expired coupons, and gum wrappers that managed to find a place in the bottom of my bag. I also found stray cash and change that were just tossed in when I was in a hurry. (It is always nice to find cash that you forgot about!) It seems like I clean the same items out every time. However, there are several items that stay with me at all times! 


Prayer Book: I always keep this little notebook in my purse. It helps me keep track of all of the things and people that I need to pray for. 

Lip Balm: I can't go anywhere without this! I gotta keep my lips soft and smooch-able for my hubby! (Sorry, that may have been an overshare.)

Shades: I love these cute sunglasses, but I am sure I won't have them long. I tend to go through shades quickly...probably because they just get tossed in my purse.

iPhone: I would be lost without my phone! 

Checkbook: For when I need to write a check...which is pretty rare! 

Nail Polish: Just in case I need to do a quick touch up! 

Earrings: Honestly, I don't really know why these stay in there. They get pretty heavy, and I usually take them off before I make it home. 

Wallet: I like to keep all of my cards, cash, and coupons in one place. This small Vera Bradley wallet is easy to grab for a quick trip into the store. 


(If you like my iPhone wallpaper you can find it here.)


What do you keep in your purse? 

Calendar

May I Inspire

Thursday, May 10, 2012

May is here, and once again I am astonished at how quickly the previous month went by. However, I am ready to embrace all of the possibilities that May holds. I was fairly productive during April, and I have a few several things that I want to accomplish this month. For instance, the pillows that I wanted to have done a long time ago! (I have decided to make some changes to them...we'll see how that goes) Plus, there are some big events going on this month that I cannot wait to share with all of you! 

I am really loving this months calendar! If there is something that you would like to see for next month, let me know! 

For your printing pleasure: 


And your iPhone:


My main goal is to inspire you to do something that you love. After all, first comes love...everything else will have to wait. 

cooking

Parsley Sprouts...Finally

Thursday, May 03, 2012

A few weeks ago Dane and I went a little crazy planting all kinds of yummy stuff! Dane planted carrots, green beans, and tons of peppers! I decided that I wanted to plant some herbs. I have been thinking about planting herbs for a while. Then I saw this DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden on Camille Styles, and I knew it was something I had to do! (I am excited about the fresh herbs too!) So, I purchased a little green house herb kit from Wal-Mart for about $5, and planted myself (and my husband) some herbs! 

I was not super confident with my planting skills. After all, I was placing seeds in soil and expecting them to turn into plants! My dad does this all the time, but I was not convinced that I got that gene. After a couple of days I started to see some sprouts. First the basil popped up, and it was quickly followed by the chives. However, the parsley didn't show any signs of sprouting. I had pretty much given up hope, and then it poked through the soil! Parsley is the herb that I was looking forward to using the most (very excited!)


Dane's plants are also starting to sprout. The green beans (which he won't eat) were the only thing to sprout at first, and there was only one. Actually, we I thought it was growing upside down, but I was wrong...they just look like they are growing upside down. Who knew? 

Are you waiting for sprouts?