tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77075108531236929342024-02-06T20:59:10.653-05:00As Southern as Deviled Eggs and Pickle TraysWe'll start here and see where we go...Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-53282858062444689842012-11-25T23:03:00.001-05:002012-11-25T23:46:16.494-05:00A Kitchen RemodelFinally. That's all I can say about finishing up our kitchen remodeling project and the longest delay in my blogging <strike>career</strike> hobby. (It's safe to say I wouldn't make any money at this blogging gig).<br />
<br />
It's been a busy summer and fall around here. I've done a few smaller projects around the house but our kitchen has been our biggest undertaking so far. I've been anxiously awaiting the day I could get rid of our 1990's era, contractor grade, hunter green countertops and linoleum flooring.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJHoe_dTFAs/ULLTlnTb0QI/AAAAAAAAD7g/LVbrK4gL7Qk/s1600/IMG_1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJHoe_dTFAs/ULLTlnTb0QI/AAAAAAAAD7g/LVbrK4gL7Qk/s400/IMG_1607.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
Cue the angels singing.<br />
<br />
I've got a lot of pictures and way too many details. It's been a while since I've blogged! Get ready for a long recap full of iPhone pictures. My DSLR camera had a run in with a can of hairspray and needs to visit a repairman.<br />
<br />
We started with the flooring first. I researched all of the options and decided to go with the vinyl tiles. I had picked out a tile that I liked, but when I got to Lowe's I found the better quality, more expensive tiles on the CLEARANCE rack. It was like it was meant to be. So, instead of $2.25 per tile I ended up paying .47 per tile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqv-26duyS2CrcAQJrCjU0_TR7xRCQPj8NA8aCQYU5QK9G2Fbx5UiLqFdf0rTQTOTkea42krfctM3-_nprdZ6wswiy_Aai0MsHj3-Auh8K3EAXy2TwB46M3KnbYiBa5Pcjcs8kiZIU0RaG/s1600/Tile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqv-26duyS2CrcAQJrCjU0_TR7xRCQPj8NA8aCQYU5QK9G2Fbx5UiLqFdf0rTQTOTkea42krfctM3-_nprdZ6wswiy_Aai0MsHj3-Auh8K3EAXy2TwB46M3KnbYiBa5Pcjcs8kiZIU0RaG/s400/Tile.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I may or may not have broke out the receipt in pure excitement while we were having dinner with friends later that evening. Pay no attention to awful phone pictures. :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lWp6h1GAA14/ULLmZ-W789I/AAAAAAAAD-w/Y4hXHrC-oTI/s1600/lowes+receipt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lWp6h1GAA14/ULLmZ-W789I/AAAAAAAAD-w/Y4hXHrC-oTI/s320/lowes+receipt.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
They were so easy to install. There are a million other tutorials that I used that could teach someone how to install them better than I could, but basically we stripped the finish off of the existing linoleum first to get the floor ready for the tiles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiz-BM5b0bk/ULLThKHh6VI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/xKCH3ItBva0/s1600/IMG_1606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiz-BM5b0bk/ULLThKHh6VI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/xKCH3ItBva0/s400/IMG_1606.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then we placed the tiles with spacers continuing across the entire floor to the edges. This is the peel and stick tiles so other than sticking to our fingers (it's super strong) it was fairly easy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3IR3FCttRcJMOnRX2jRHZ2zNeV1wc859oaIhySuOulgHW_aVPTT906q04QHO6QHI78azQcJdSW212sfJMU8Bjs0PVD13Rv5A5rlIggYk5_zlh_CyZ9k2x642Huc1bI_nDSHFfUntXAfD/s1600/IMG_1609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3IR3FCttRcJMOnRX2jRHZ2zNeV1wc859oaIhySuOulgHW_aVPTT906q04QHO6QHI78azQcJdSW212sfJMU8Bjs0PVD13Rv5A5rlIggYk5_zlh_CyZ9k2x642Huc1bI_nDSHFfUntXAfD/s400/IMG_1609.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once they were set it was time to grout. This really makes the tile look just like real stone tiles. I didn't spread it like you should but read on someones blog about how you "pipe" it into the lines just like icing then wipe with a sponge. It worked great!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvmeRpODuVM/ULLT_ajF6dI/AAAAAAAAD8M/AKsHcEix5GM/s1600/IMG_1612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvmeRpODuVM/ULLT_ajF6dI/AAAAAAAAD8M/AKsHcEix5GM/s400/IMG_1612.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
Thankfully, I can skip ahead to phase 2 which actually didn't happen for a few more weeks. I changed all of the hardware on our cabinets and drawers. I went for the brushed nickel knobs and cup pulls. I bought 8 cup pulls and 25 knobs (I also switched out the ones in our bathroom) all for under $50 on eBay.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnL7q592u_8/ULLXKMk-3JI/AAAAAAAAD8o/vlItPlqkUBU/s1600/IMG_1769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnL7q592u_8/ULLXKMk-3JI/AAAAAAAAD8o/vlItPlqkUBU/s320/IMG_1769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Old white knobs)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkcfC4U8qSpK6u95voApuaxU1Lzi1Yjss2RiAmmmUsgvjBNqPB8l4sJYlZ0QZejOpm6XP2V-RjIfSfM3TCP6qoj0e3MpRzLiD8yRCqgk75SSUp2HyYbBf_yD5VlVH1Ewli8aDaF5aUPSU/s1600/IMG_1770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkcfC4U8qSpK6u95voApuaxU1Lzi1Yjss2RiAmmmUsgvjBNqPB8l4sJYlZ0QZejOpm6XP2V-RjIfSfM3TCP6qoj0e3MpRzLiD8yRCqgk75SSUp2HyYbBf_yD5VlVH1Ewli8aDaF5aUPSU/s320/IMG_1770.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(New knobs and cup pulls)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This was by far the easiest of all of the updates. I followed <a href="http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2012/08/learning-the-hard-ware/" target="_blank">Katie Bower's suggestions</a> for marking the new holes for the cup pulls. Again, these people know what they're doing. I'm just following along! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The next phase was a big one that needed schedules and travel plans coordinated. We decided to get the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40057853/#/90057394" target="_blank">butcher block countertops</a> from Ikea. I've seen them on a number of blogs and in magazines and decided they were right for us for so many reasons.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6NwFpYFWYB50OlfkaKqIdXJxF_fPEog-oLyecnfVutEfMLVsiJAiCalgfOvRuNpMicTQKfRn4RKHLogTBf0nQoyMNF6JF_YW-U1KTPZr2IxZhuvPPNVcr7TTqZdvhDLy6asXX8V_ULXk/s1600/numerar-countertop__21710_PE106715_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6NwFpYFWYB50OlfkaKqIdXJxF_fPEog-oLyecnfVutEfMLVsiJAiCalgfOvRuNpMicTQKfRn4RKHLogTBf0nQoyMNF6JF_YW-U1KTPZr2IxZhuvPPNVcr7TTqZdvhDLy6asXX8V_ULXk/s320/numerar-countertop__21710_PE106715_S4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1- I just like the look. It's warm and neutral. I love granite but I don't think it goes with the look of our house. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2- It's sturdy and built to last. I'm not planning on using it to cut on, but you could.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3- It's a lot cheaper than most of the other options. Less than $700 for everything. Sold. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's the hard part - we don't live near Ikea. Luckily, I have a fabulous husband who agreed that our countertops could be our 1 year anniversary present to each other. This is my idea of romantic. And, since we headed to the mountains around our anniversary we made a pit stop in Charlotte on our way home. I've never been so excited. Whitney may have never been so bored. But, he was a good sport and we left with countertops, new drapes and a new stand for our TV. #Ikeaproblems</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My dad graciously agreed to come help manage the new countertop installation. He use to build and install custom cabinetry so we had a professional on the team. I also followed the directions on <a href="http://www.beneathmyheart.net/2012/01/ikea-butcher-block-countertop-answers-to-your-questions/" target="_blank">Beneath My Heart</a> (her kitchen was my inspiration).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQ9AOqQL_cMgS5-M1bGRhWH535oqFtaxbxbRjldgKXYmg3wccZR_q4-o7En_BB3KI1fY3eI4j-Vyqtc-cTADVMef3sJyFXIew1HoLhWymsYkuD8NHqS0WHrEo-eU_bPYk0zXuJwT2VF8C/s1600/IMG_2051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQ9AOqQL_cMgS5-M1bGRhWH535oqFtaxbxbRjldgKXYmg3wccZR_q4-o7En_BB3KI1fY3eI4j-Vyqtc-cTADVMef3sJyFXIew1HoLhWymsYkuD8NHqS0WHrEo-eU_bPYk0zXuJwT2VF8C/s400/IMG_2051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We removed the old countertops and cut in the new ones. I didn't do a great job of taking pictures of that process. I was inside of the cabinets for the most part. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also ended up getting a new sink in the process. I've been dying for a sink with a single, large basin instead of two. I found one at Home Depot that also included a faucet. It's not necessarily the one I would have chosen, but it matches and works great for right now. I didn't see a need in paying another $200 for a faucet when I had a perfectly good one in the box. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lGrHgQ2JbCY/ULLfCe7yb5I/AAAAAAAAD9Q/9EutSPaedLg/s1600/sink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lGrHgQ2JbCY/ULLfCe7yb5I/AAAAAAAAD9Q/9EutSPaedLg/s400/sink.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm so happy with how they look. But, I wasn't so happy about the mess it left along the backsplash. It was a perfect excuse to start phase 4 also known as "Kelly learns to tile". </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUw_iWQXe4SzZidkh1zCgp3JPO7ZjBsFjilJsDxP2FPEejJTt036jdvUmRi9kw7a8bVVMFstRqW3tZWbYC6D19iMku_Z7PkZU4rjXNRzl3KhiPdwV4FCTa23bSm41hAnSQ7-4SMtNl4As/s1600/IMG_2056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUw_iWQXe4SzZidkh1zCgp3JPO7ZjBsFjilJsDxP2FPEejJTt036jdvUmRi9kw7a8bVVMFstRqW3tZWbYC6D19iMku_Z7PkZU4rjXNRzl3KhiPdwV4FCTa23bSm41hAnSQ7-4SMtNl4As/s400/IMG_2056.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh my goodness. I can not say enough about how glad I am that's over. It may be a little while before I try to tile something again. This was about the point when I questioned why I ever start these type of projects. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtxh5nQL8SY/ULLkzOqvCsI/AAAAAAAAD90/519XvMNXqLI/s1600/IMG_2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtxh5nQL8SY/ULLkzOqvCsI/AAAAAAAAD90/519XvMNXqLI/s400/IMG_2073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I couldn't be happier with how it all turned out!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dU4oiZ-MkYo/ULLk3MHgw5I/AAAAAAAAD98/9IcFNaZ5g9A/s1600/IMG_2213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dU4oiZ-MkYo/ULLk3MHgw5I/AAAAAAAAD98/9IcFNaZ5g9A/s400/IMG_2213.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFiLZrdzUYxmsiZ14pfKmTNpOXi0kV61gK2lQp-3OdmnhHFqpOAskBDOHq40PfmpW9k0wCA3LmnBywXks_V4XtD_DKlE7CdZ7yECkg3Ori-bPLcCvsUYfqexM0l5yePyWYfVaI6zaWXK6/s1600/IMG_2216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFiLZrdzUYxmsiZ14pfKmTNpOXi0kV61gK2lQp-3OdmnhHFqpOAskBDOHq40PfmpW9k0wCA3LmnBywXks_V4XtD_DKlE7CdZ7yECkg3Ori-bPLcCvsUYfqexM0l5yePyWYfVaI6zaWXK6/s400/IMG_2216.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_cScgTyym4/ULLlCM414oI/AAAAAAAAD-M/hCuEgs6N3oQ/s1600/IMG_2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_cScgTyym4/ULLlCM414oI/AAAAAAAAD-M/hCuEgs6N3oQ/s400/IMG_2215.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-soKqEehaOJQ/ULLlRmMpJ9I/AAAAAAAAD-k/YR8NvCUQ6CE/s1600/IMG_2218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-soKqEehaOJQ/ULLlRmMpJ9I/AAAAAAAAD-k/YR8NvCUQ6CE/s400/IMG_2218.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEyWzSHSewg/ULLlMcsLO0I/AAAAAAAAD-c/UyIdcrnPAX8/s1600/IMG_2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEyWzSHSewg/ULLlMcsLO0I/AAAAAAAAD-c/UyIdcrnPAX8/s400/IMG_2217.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's funny how this project starts with me outside one summer afternoon and ends with Christmas decorations in the background. That should tell you just how long I've been working at this. We've been working on this an hour or two at the time. And, while I don't like having to eat out for a solid month or washing dishes in the bathroom as I now sit at my new countertops and type this it was all worth it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Now if I could just get all new appliances!) :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-67184265541511391542012-04-12T23:01:00.000-04:002012-04-12T23:01:32.629-04:00Dear Lord, Baby Jesus, Hallelujah!No, you aren't at a revival and I'm not kidding that I've been doing a lot of praying lately. Let's skip over the fact that I've basically fell off the blog. I've been crazy with a bunch of projects and not many that I've finished to a point I was ready to show it off. Until tonight!<br />
<br />
Whitney and I just finished hanging my new drapes in the dining room and I honestly couldn't be happier if it was Christmas morning and I just got a new car. (Ok, maybe that's a tad drastic, but I'm over the moon about my new drapes). If you're not, don't tell me. I don't care and I don't need negative... you have no idea how long it took to sew these bad boys.<br />
<br />
Let's start with my inspiration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eW8foQOwAbo/T4eR-KPkGdI/AAAAAAAADXM/hJKrbjaXdm8/s1600/curtains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eW8foQOwAbo/T4eR-KPkGdI/AAAAAAAADXM/hJKrbjaXdm8/s400/curtains.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2012/02/28/four-inspiring-ideas-rooms/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wordpress%2FwoWq+%28The+Inspired+Room%29" target="_blank">The Inspired Room</a> via Pinterest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>My wall colors are SW Comfort Gray so they aren't as blue, but I knew that coral color would pop great across the room from my cornice boards in the kitchen and living room that are Braemore's Selim Punch fabric.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KCB3gaZAdeY/T4eShps6gtI/AAAAAAAADXU/14Cpb5DURUE/s1600/braemore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KCB3gaZAdeY/T4eShps6gtI/AAAAAAAADXU/14Cpb5DURUE/s400/braemore.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have one of those open floor plans where you can stand in the middle of the bottom floor and see all of the kitchen, living room and dining room. I love the open feeling but it means you have to be ready to commit to consistent colors throughout. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I'm having a <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/kellyghughes" target="_blank">Stella and Dot</a> trunk show at my house on Sunday, I made it my mission to have this drapes finished before then. Nothing like inviting people to your home to kick you into high gear! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, here's problem #210 when sewing your own drapes. With this new fascination with horizontal stripes on Pinterest and everywhere else you'd think the Braemore's and Waverly's of the world would take a hint and just make some wide horizontal striped fabric (also known as railroad). But, they don't. I searched high and low online and in stores and there is NONE. Boo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I made some. How's that for genius? Or for crazy? Do you know how long it takes to sew that many pieces of fabric together to make wide stripes? A.Very.Long.Time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because of this and because I really was winging this there will be no tutorial. Just know that you...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zP8p1Cgnn1A/T4eUts6FK3I/AAAAAAAADXc/dSHTG94vbyo/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zP8p1Cgnn1A/T4eUts6FK3I/AAAAAAAADXc/dSHTG94vbyo/s400/photo+(1).JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cut....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUT55miEOjI/T4eVxfC6JvI/AAAAAAAADX0/FCsFxtIB_Rc/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUT55miEOjI/T4eVxfC6JvI/AAAAAAAADX0/FCsFxtIB_Rc/s400/photo+(6).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pin...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-_3OSHzyUw/T4eV5E3ZUVI/AAAAAAAADX8/UO6hu3h4s3M/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-_3OSHzyUw/T4eV5E3ZUVI/AAAAAAAADX8/UO6hu3h4s3M/s320/photo+(5).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sew...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiVtD4goFz4eLIa5zCbYJnm14atjBYLqV3hg7hPZhucM0-QdFj329xF9jseR8YS1QiNF0e1-kDochTnmNr8WrFiUwPpgiJzHiot-d0bG4KpFprxWSQOzvzoUM4WJPgCtNircVtkI8E40M/s1600/DSC05267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiVtD4goFz4eLIa5zCbYJnm14atjBYLqV3hg7hPZhucM0-QdFj329xF9jseR8YS1QiNF0e1-kDochTnmNr8WrFiUwPpgiJzHiot-d0bG4KpFprxWSQOzvzoUM4WJPgCtNircVtkI8E40M/s400/DSC05267.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jump up and down for joy because they are finished and hung! Kudos to Whitney for understanding my desire to hang them immediately!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl4iF_JyimI/T4eWIU8ycfI/AAAAAAAADYM/5zf2GGXM4Tw/s1600/DSC05269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl4iF_JyimI/T4eWIU8ycfI/AAAAAAAADYM/5zf2GGXM4Tw/s400/DSC05269.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>The pictures don't do them justice but just know that I love them.<br />
<br />
And that I will not be sewing any more drapes in the near future. At least not any with stripes!Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-67267224752526706302012-03-09T12:35:00.000-05:002012-03-09T12:35:33.023-05:00InstagramI'm late to the party but now I'm a fan. I love how you can take a picture from this...<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ed4E24JvhC4/T1lR0T2oTLI/AAAAAAAADKQ/IJyA4FBvPFE/s640/blogger-image--396120254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ed4E24JvhC4/T1lR0T2oTLI/AAAAAAAADKQ/IJyA4FBvPFE/s640/blogger-image--396120254.jpg" width="476" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
To this... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KYuwmHfSXpg/T1lRzygMyNI/AAAAAAAADKI/3R_bptdoh-E/s640/blogger-image--1766753401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KYuwmHfSXpg/T1lRzygMyNI/AAAAAAAADKI/3R_bptdoh-E/s640/blogger-image--1766753401.jpg" /></a></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-85130812136215423152012-01-27T13:40:00.001-05:002012-01-28T11:32:55.050-05:00Happy 2012So...Christmas has come and gone. New Years has come and gone. And, now January is almost gone. In true catch-up fashion here's a dump of my iPhone photos that document what I've been up to. It's funny, I spent all that money on a fancy camera and most of my memories are on my iPhone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_0Fm3ZTPDNhAhNJN45kbZoW8Y24s27awmhafXX0rPMBGOCpzTmeCpK6HonaQPWaHNCvhyphenhyphen6K4mjBRu73yPqS6W4JoV8sOJT0rGWgeSdVwb0lPbRZ8k01MiL6WJ_F78XShj_94ZzHgfIgE/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_0Fm3ZTPDNhAhNJN45kbZoW8Y24s27awmhafXX0rPMBGOCpzTmeCpK6HonaQPWaHNCvhyphenhyphen6K4mjBRu73yPqS6W4JoV8sOJT0rGWgeSdVwb0lPbRZ8k01MiL6WJ_F78XShj_94ZzHgfIgE/s400/photo1.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For Christmas Whitney gave me the watch I've been wanting ever since my friend Kathryn got one. It only took me a year of dropping hints and circling magazine photos, but I got it. And it's just as wonderful as I thought it would be. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4zJpFEO0C0/TyLx39o-lDI/AAAAAAAADHc/H0kV034tRwk/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4zJpFEO0C0/TyLx39o-lDI/AAAAAAAADHc/H0kV034tRwk/s400/photo+2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After Christmas, I used my Christmas money that I received and purchased these <a href="http://www.endless.com/STEVEN-Steve-Madden-Womens-Intyce/dp/B000W950EU" target="_blank">boots</a> I have also been drooling over. Again, a little late to the riding boot party, but they're mine now. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aUZD307NERxsZa7LgGi0rimb4xRFiOk9b_DB54oRCThPlG18USRkeLzfVw0nA99Vqk_PVMmQmxjSEjthYrj1DiZfK7-BXUv4wKuF4nBrsP4fY54fedVkpjKasB0N1ws849XhvWdTf-vH/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aUZD307NERxsZa7LgGi0rimb4xRFiOk9b_DB54oRCThPlG18USRkeLzfVw0nA99Vqk_PVMmQmxjSEjthYrj1DiZfK7-BXUv4wKuF4nBrsP4fY54fedVkpjKasB0N1ws849XhvWdTf-vH/s400/photo+3.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whitney and I laughed pretty hard one night while he tried to put together Lily James' birthday present. We had been warned that kids toys were no joke. He now believes me. It was more than a 30 minute project. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HkQTgR4M7uQ/TyLx5W5DBaI/AAAAAAAADHs/lYCDIlJbhXk/s1600/photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HkQTgR4M7uQ/TyLx5W5DBaI/AAAAAAAADHs/lYCDIlJbhXk/s400/photo+4.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This little munchkin turned one on January 7th so we headed towards Greensboro for the weekend festivities. I could eat that face with a spoon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_4EFbXzqsg/TyLykjhtdwI/AAAAAAAADJM/AAPfL4oRLe4/s1600/cake+pops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_4EFbXzqsg/TyLykjhtdwI/AAAAAAAADJM/AAPfL4oRLe4/s400/cake+pops.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> This was my first real attempt at cake pops. I've made some before but certainly not with this much detail. They were fun but I now know why they are so expensive on Etsy. These things take TIME to make!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7SYldcIgpd8/TyLx5kGdJ3I/AAAAAAAADH0/KhMrtooQUww/s1600/photo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7SYldcIgpd8/TyLx5kGdJ3I/AAAAAAAADH0/KhMrtooQUww/s400/photo+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here's a quick shot from the party. Both Lily James and Wes had the big birthday so they celebrated together. It was sock monkeys all the way and it was oh so cute! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjjXn7w8I5VYKAED5YQ1joISzxNu4xu8zD6depNM91UBfd1K44w72UCJTdNSpKmNTMYa4FgsJhRoIgi1oGKTRBWon3ojKL5aOv2DrtudW9WxI_PfuTjqes5TbYeE1kBVEERo2STbru5o7/s1600/photo+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjjXn7w8I5VYKAED5YQ1joISzxNu4xu8zD6depNM91UBfd1K44w72UCJTdNSpKmNTMYa4FgsJhRoIgi1oGKTRBWon3ojKL5aOv2DrtudW9WxI_PfuTjqes5TbYeE1kBVEERo2STbru5o7/s400/photo+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We hit up a NCSU basketball game with our good friends David and Becca. It was a fun night at the RBC Center, but box seats will spoil you with a quickness. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA0vTF-d1q-cM2PJCvcsDKDmgtdw2SP7OL1Dp_lcW0_vAVeQnqKeIzC3bJRD1KqQes93bdcMAP0HlSjEajJau0KWIOPOEnbkc8yDrn9MTYN9fHAsisBGsUTr1jBeiZHYhyphenhyphenbJh6q-wd2UQ/s1600/photo+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA0vTF-d1q-cM2PJCvcsDKDmgtdw2SP7OL1Dp_lcW0_vAVeQnqKeIzC3bJRD1KqQes93bdcMAP0HlSjEajJau0KWIOPOEnbkc8yDrn9MTYN9fHAsisBGsUTr1jBeiZHYhyphenhyphenbJh6q-wd2UQ/s400/photo+7.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My first shipment of <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/sites/kellyghughes" target="_blank">Stella and Dot</a> jewelry was delivered. I'm officially an independent stylist of Stella and Dot jewelry. I've been working on getting my business organized and have my first party scheduled for February. I'm really excited about it! I'll follow up more on this soon... </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WatxDQC7Scw/TyLx7fHB2QI/AAAAAAAADIM/G-LMbewlyV4/s1600/photo+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WatxDQC7Scw/TyLx7fHB2QI/AAAAAAAADIM/G-LMbewlyV4/s400/photo+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then I got the worst head cold/sinus infection I've ever had. I didn't know you could sneeze so much! I spent a couple of days wrapped up on the couch drinking liquid Mucinex (which, by the way, tastes like the pink bubblegum medicine, Amoxicillin), watching movies and trying to keep my head attached to my shoulders. I was not excited about this. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUguThrMJLCxtap2eok13oHhbSeNAYdcZNd7OUuNpVq-wquGWlU7Jxyiq8hAU1i-2VqV8h4diDriresyJXEaPWDNMXk3spf41J-GWn8DbH8holYBpC3ntY5o9c2aYa_Vq9y3C4fehHgjq/s1600/photo+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUguThrMJLCxtap2eok13oHhbSeNAYdcZNd7OUuNpVq-wquGWlU7Jxyiq8hAU1i-2VqV8h4diDriresyJXEaPWDNMXk3spf41J-GWn8DbH8holYBpC3ntY5o9c2aYa_Vq9y3C4fehHgjq/s400/photo+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've also been working on getting some new drapes in the dining room. We're in desperate need of some, but I'm having decorators block. I can't seem to "pull the trigger" on anything I find. We've already moved past the chevron sample above... Now we're on to trellis designs. Who knows what we'll end up with! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUOtuMCpoZI/TyLx8QWsq1I/AAAAAAAADIc/qmt4KG3uvZk/s1600/photo+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUOtuMCpoZI/TyLx8QWsq1I/AAAAAAAADIc/qmt4KG3uvZk/s400/photo+10.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then there's Troy. Whitney's hunting dog that I'm trying to turn into a house dog. I spent all evening giving him a bath and brushing out his coat so he'd smell pretty enough to come inside. I let him have free range of the house and he didn't want to do anything but lay on a towel in the downstairs bathroom. I even tried bribing him with treats. He'd come out, eat the treat and then head back to lay in the bathroom. He's been in a few times since and still he's a fan of the bathroom. Oh well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgFQ9bWg3VQ/TyL3ccEVj3I/AAAAAAAADJY/tq0e4MjNFxU/s1600/soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgFQ9bWg3VQ/TyL3ccEVj3I/AAAAAAAADJY/tq0e4MjNFxU/s400/soup.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://asimplyklassichome.blogspot.com/2011/10/31-days-of-simply-homemade-day-1.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(source)</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been slowly working through all of my <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42150946482154650/" target="_blank">Pinterest recipes</a>. This was hamburger soup that I fixed the other night. I gave it an 8, Whitney was more of a 6. He said it tasted a lot like homemade vegetable soup. It's definitely something I'd fix again but not in our weekly rotation. Raise your hand if Pinterest has suddenly made you excited to get in the kitchen! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhjT44VUtxQ/TyLx8y9QqkI/AAAAAAAADIk/fftkEix9K-E/s1600/photo+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhjT44VUtxQ/TyLx8y9QqkI/AAAAAAAADIk/fftkEix9K-E/s400/photo+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jenniferjohner.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451774c69e2013483832b64970c-popup" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(source)</span></a></div><br />
I also found this on Pinterest the other day and I felt like I needed to read it - over and over. This month has been so busy and full of things I've wanted to do or projects I've wanted to finish, but I just can't seem to find enough time to get it all done. So, I've decided this would be my new outlook on 2012... Let's hope its one resolution I can stick to!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-11728464643948646612011-12-19T14:01:00.001-05:002011-12-27T10:50:02.828-05:00Our First Christmas CardI barely made it by Christmas getting these things in the mail. It's been a whirlwind of a December and I was afraid I was going to have to mark out "<strike>Merry Christmas</strike>" and scribble "Happy New Year" in its place on these things.<br />
<br />
It's the obligatory wedding photo Christmas card which is only acceptable that first year of marriage so I thought, why not? You pay all of that money for professional photos why would I go snap my own?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbAJObODGX0/Tu-Ib644qOI/AAAAAAAADEw/suwCfNlxqJY/s1600/Christmas+Card1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbAJObODGX0/Tu-Ib644qOI/AAAAAAAADEw/suwCfNlxqJY/s400/Christmas+Card1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whitney didn't really care much about the cards and doesn't really understand the point. But he was happy with this little feature I threw on the back. It's his favorite part of the card. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b26_bjalZKY/Tu-IcDYnnVI/AAAAAAAADE4/7WDJ4KekUG4/s1600/Christmas+Card2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b26_bjalZKY/Tu-IcDYnnVI/AAAAAAAADE4/7WDJ4KekUG4/s400/Christmas+Card2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Troy made it on his first card ever! Poor dogs raised by boys... they never get their 15 minutes of fame. Maybe next year he'll graduate to the front of the card.<br />
<br />
If you didn't get one don't be offended. There's just not enough money in the bank to justify $500 worth of Christmas cards along with an additional $250 to mail the darn things. So instead, I hope you'll consider this your eCard from me and Whitney. We hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2012!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="height: 494px; width: 425px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif); height: 6px;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat: repeat-y; height: 482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px; width: 105px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0;" /></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height: 350px; padding: 0; text-align: center;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AbMmrhqzbtmbjg&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=118"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0AbMmrhqzbtmdA/0AbMmrhqzbtmdOLA/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1322512391000/0/" style="background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0;" /></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="background-color: #f4f4e9; height: 55px; line-height: 19px; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; text-align: center;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;"><span>Stationery card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif); height: 6px;"></div></div><br />
<br />
(Disclaimer: our cards were made on Shutterfly.com. I don't want any ugly legal letters in my inbox)Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-12979881630332887532011-12-12T22:44:00.000-05:002011-12-12T22:44:28.169-05:00Christmas StockingsMission impossible = sew stockings for our first Christmas.<br />
Mission accomplished = stockings complete.<br />
<br />
I found <a href="http://fabricworm.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-stocking-tutorial.html" target="_blank">this</a> tutorial online. There was even a .pdf pattern that made the whole project easier.<br />
<br />
I really wanted to get the super cute stockings from Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel, but I just didn't see the reason to spend the equivalent of my mother's Christmas gift on one over-sized sock. And so I broke out my sewing machine, knocked off the dust and got to work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouSOGetKDNSK4ZZ6dOdiFJ8zARW_6dBIpOeft8_RPskehpPgRylOHK9SQ5BAXunamZEAxoqVqARLHAHDNhqNRc4l7tePHaC57xml9ekTmEshf76eq-mOiCZGnNgakp3r60jm56x5iWbgq/s1600/DSC04979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouSOGetKDNSK4ZZ6dOdiFJ8zARW_6dBIpOeft8_RPskehpPgRylOHK9SQ5BAXunamZEAxoqVqARLHAHDNhqNRc4l7tePHaC57xml9ekTmEshf76eq-mOiCZGnNgakp3r60jm56x5iWbgq/s400/DSC04979.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The fun part of free patterns is taping the pieces together. Just kidding...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPdugse9FCUXoeIR7EH-sir83_gFatfqB9TtQBiV5B9hRJUJDtcGWZq9Oc7_sxh78g6aP-YomyYE_3pOf952esr_rSIlJKzKerGmmt40rwWRaoyMDLI1hzvA_ab1q_UMcl4BxRJg1btZT/s1600/DSC04982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPdugse9FCUXoeIR7EH-sir83_gFatfqB9TtQBiV5B9hRJUJDtcGWZq9Oc7_sxh78g6aP-YomyYE_3pOf952esr_rSIlJKzKerGmmt40rwWRaoyMDLI1hzvA_ab1q_UMcl4BxRJg1btZT/s400/DSC04982.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div> Cut out the fabric... cut out the batting...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZW6Ycyo688/TubEdHPRXXI/AAAAAAAADD4/m8ZerJ8dzxs/s1600/DSC04986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZW6Ycyo688/TubEdHPRXXI/AAAAAAAADD4/m8ZerJ8dzxs/s400/DSC04986.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cut out the lining... sew each piece... insert appropriately. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCcpOb6pP0s/TubElJ642cI/AAAAAAAADEA/QuRXqDJzFqA/s1600/DSC04988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCcpOb6pP0s/TubElJ642cI/AAAAAAAADEA/QuRXqDJzFqA/s400/DSC04988.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sew the cuff inside out... then turn right side up...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYj6dB26UfjgNZZW9MIaiA-o4cbJe8Fnnjra08wWlQ7pfzrMk54Axvtjq4TiZjzxNhLgC3qLdYQiHaaM366GKRdqKVH6zgfNd7ph8-S8vH5DjXTY9Nb2AxTPpmeTCa8DuMrQp0llJz9tl/s1600/DSC04992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYj6dB26UfjgNZZW9MIaiA-o4cbJe8Fnnjra08wWlQ7pfzrMk54Axvtjq4TiZjzxNhLgC3qLdYQiHaaM366GKRdqKVH6zgfNd7ph8-S8vH5DjXTY9Nb2AxTPpmeTCa8DuMrQp0llJz9tl/s400/DSC04992.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Ta da. Almost done. But like all things good and southern, nothing is complete without a good monogram.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9IGruuy01s/TubEwriANfI/AAAAAAAADEQ/3ILARANPiUM/s1600/DSC05105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9IGruuy01s/TubEwriANfI/AAAAAAAADEQ/3ILARANPiUM/s400/DSC05105.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One for him...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5lh8Al7NRI/TubE4cDFFnI/AAAAAAAADEY/zKRTnN5nBAY/s1600/DSC05106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5lh8Al7NRI/TubE4cDFFnI/AAAAAAAADEY/zKRTnN5nBAY/s400/DSC05106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>One for me...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kgKnFuyxMc4/TubE7O6X1tI/AAAAAAAADEg/j3X0e5jBS60/s1600/DSC05107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kgKnFuyxMc4/TubE7O6X1tI/AAAAAAAADEg/j3X0e5jBS60/s400/DSC05107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These for us. Merry Christmas! </div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-57353101784014650432011-12-02T16:11:00.000-05:002011-12-02T16:11:31.633-05:00September 24, 2011Our photographer (<a href="http://www.amomentlikethis.net/" target="_blank">A Moment Like This</a>) sent over our slideshow from the wedding today. I can't stop watching it. I don't think my dimples have ever been more pronounced. I guess I must have smiled a little. ;) No amount of rain could have dampened the mood that day. It was perfect!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvSMtjSsc8c/Ttk4fAPl-XI/AAAAAAAADDc/SUPBtfewH0E/s1600/wedding+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvSMtjSsc8c/Ttk4fAPl-XI/AAAAAAAADDc/SUPBtfewH0E/s400/wedding+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amomentlikethis.net/092411/" target="_blank">Our wedding slideshow</a></div><br />
I've been planning a full on post all about our big day, but just haven't found the time to sit down and do it justice. It's coming, I promise... just after I finish all of the thank you notes I still have left to send!Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-72645446740175472082011-11-30T22:01:00.000-05:002011-11-30T22:01:49.525-05:00Turkey Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Who knew you could cover 110 miles in one day and gain 10 lbs? That's what Turkey Day 2011 did for me. This was my first holiday as a married woman and the first Thanksgiving I've missed with my mom's side of the family. I wish I could have been in two places at once, but my grandma made me some dressing on that Sunday so all was right in the world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whitney and I had lunch with his family in Tabor City first. Our nieces Mary-Gregg and Maggie are getting so big and are so much fun to play with at Sylbie's (what they call Whitney's mom, Mrs. Sylvia). Mary-Gregg likes to use my camera and take tons of pictures which typically turn out better than some of mine... when her subjects cooperate!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpxzjbHSob1r4lAacSme7YH5HOSrUIlYHX4cjgzEtMUfG6T1m0xl3dfNH0ypb10ul3G16sUin3q2ik7w4XG9pq8ErbP0-YSNwq3YbrtGmFQjbjDwiuOhKEKxW6XQWGJ_8xzvftgAbnGTH/s1600/DSC04996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpxzjbHSob1r4lAacSme7YH5HOSrUIlYHX4cjgzEtMUfG6T1m0xl3dfNH0ypb10ul3G16sUin3q2ik7w4XG9pq8ErbP0-YSNwq3YbrtGmFQjbjDwiuOhKEKxW6XQWGJ_8xzvftgAbnGTH/s400/DSC04996.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Case in point - Whitney wouldn't cooperate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4NWEUW_cvU/TtbkXhciD_I/AAAAAAAADBQ/lL-JCi50z_8/s1600/DSC05000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4NWEUW_cvU/TtbkXhciD_I/AAAAAAAADBQ/lL-JCi50z_8/s400/DSC05000.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She snapped this one of me and Maggie. It takes her a minute to get warmed up to the boys. But, Whitney's persistence paid off and by the end of the day she was wrapped up in his lap. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mt7iH9_V59A/TtbkagbDfmI/AAAAAAAADBY/wRPQ63fwHg4/s1600/DSC05015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mt7iH9_V59A/TtbkagbDfmI/AAAAAAAADBY/wRPQ63fwHg4/s400/DSC05015.JPG" width="257" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Miss cuteness with a smile on her face. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rQK5eDhUBXROw_zyDu2xrBn6wXp21o_hJjXSjMIbecr9lrDuHAb2rREXpqe2rKiBsTot9zu4YKnPtyYanExgESyRRm4J7iIT9NuGAm6KZ_P5ZH0pWXyWzvyJUdJjqCJ7b8Cg6aD28GF3/s1600/DSC05017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rQK5eDhUBXROw_zyDu2xrBn6wXp21o_hJjXSjMIbecr9lrDuHAb2rREXpqe2rKiBsTot9zu4YKnPtyYanExgESyRRm4J7iIT9NuGAm6KZ_P5ZH0pWXyWzvyJUdJjqCJ7b8Cg6aD28GF3/s400/DSC05017.JPG" width="368" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Miss cuteness #2 and the future family photographer. If it's an electronic she knows how to operate it. Where do kids learn this stuff? Kindergarten must be more advanced now. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJVhPAlUC6pWGSOEBjBpLdXjTOyC_kqAYAdDg4ItMPcm5P_L39-fCpetjfjG529-pzmmHZgCfKLpjJ9EC2KOJO45ESijdx2f0Lik2juVxqOdG4Uuadmw0EvW0dYN2Lqid7_P0uXR94GmW/s1600/DSC05045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJVhPAlUC6pWGSOEBjBpLdXjTOyC_kqAYAdDg4ItMPcm5P_L39-fCpetjfjG529-pzmmHZgCfKLpjJ9EC2KOJO45ESijdx2f0Lik2juVxqOdG4Uuadmw0EvW0dYN2Lqid7_P0uXR94GmW/s400/DSC05045.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
After lunch we took the girls outside to play corn hole so we wouldn't fall asleep in a turkey coma on the couch. It turned into a game of hit Whitney with the bean bag.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iqszOtd-QOR-DpcfTtXkD2-wTOEu95WgDgi-D1uZG4PTWfDPT5IAkOgDNI2ftf6FucK7f9JNHFnbE9UcIufQxkAa3yporu3WBo-KBAMvxU8Hew-NsPDJHD5ogSqMKaJ2FlqiJSzOqxxo/s1600/DSC05042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iqszOtd-QOR-DpcfTtXkD2-wTOEu95WgDgi-D1uZG4PTWfDPT5IAkOgDNI2ftf6FucK7f9JNHFnbE9UcIufQxkAa3yporu3WBo-KBAMvxU8Hew-NsPDJHD5ogSqMKaJ2FlqiJSzOqxxo/s400/DSC05042.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had to remind Whitney you can't use kids as bean bags. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKpjMLKa5x9yKP8L9S45LVAinyXwo1NKZ5Dd8fMCWnEw5SZXxZzZVET7Gry0tYgVJAo10yz5ROeXolALAjrFzfZ9pnlIsgP2TxsEoQLEq6cF1TWVu3FqeZnBDk6W2s2ed7cK9AwPR-G94/s1600/DSC05057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKpjMLKa5x9yKP8L9S45LVAinyXwo1NKZ5Dd8fMCWnEw5SZXxZzZVET7Gry0tYgVJAo10yz5ROeXolALAjrFzfZ9pnlIsgP2TxsEoQLEq6cF1TWVu3FqeZnBDk6W2s2ed7cK9AwPR-G94/s400/DSC05057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Proof - a few minutes of attention will win over most women. </div><br />
And then we were off to Mt. Olive for dinner with my family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEl2rdYC6ZK-3FWUCo-CgCQ7wm-KmPs6tmuyADtgtZYB6n17jv8lckRRVRPIwUFCXKskdGRROjtCWJnaXJTwoThcLWV-XRQKl5JZltfWD7bQbr-oCgf6GQTSS91CXifEFEYuiik3XXWoJ/s1600/DSC05071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEl2rdYC6ZK-3FWUCo-CgCQ7wm-KmPs6tmuyADtgtZYB6n17jv8lckRRVRPIwUFCXKskdGRROjtCWJnaXJTwoThcLWV-XRQKl5JZltfWD7bQbr-oCgf6GQTSS91CXifEFEYuiik3XXWoJ/s400/DSC05071.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is one of the only pictures I took but most representative picture of what Thanksgiving is all about at our house. My dad has decided to bbq turkey the same way most people do pork and it was a hit!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUzPIrNEf2Y/Ttble9umDxI/AAAAAAAADCY/qrDn-QYeLEc/s1600/DSC05073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUzPIrNEf2Y/Ttble9umDxI/AAAAAAAADCY/qrDn-QYeLEc/s400/DSC05073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> And this was my seat... with all of the desserts! It was so nice to be at home with my dad's family. My grandmother wasn't with us this year because she's in the hospital. We're all saying a prayer that she'll be home soon!<br />
<br />
Overall our first Thanksgiving was a great day. I am so thankful for having a husband who loves me (it was our 2 month anniversary on Thanksgiving), a family who has been so good and supportive of everything I've been up to this year and more true friends than anyone deserves.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-2691852601718127552011-11-22T21:40:00.000-05:002011-11-22T21:40:58.687-05:00Crock-Pot Brunswick StewWhen I was younger one of my favorite things to eat was Mrs. Fearnow's Brunswick Stew in the yellow can.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JLcf0pBM8Q/TsxXz7AkFhI/AAAAAAAADAw/iFOZh-LdN88/s1600/Mrs.+Fernons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JLcf0pBM8Q/TsxXz7AkFhI/AAAAAAAADAw/iFOZh-LdN88/s320/Mrs.+Fernons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My dad used to take me to the Outer Banks fishing and this was our dinner on the beach. I didn't think any other brunswick stew came close, but <a href="http://scnbnc.com/" target="_blank">Smithfield's Chicken and BBQ's</a> is pretty close.<br />
<br />
In an effort to actually pretend to know how this wife thing works, I've attempted to cook dinner most every night. And, thanks to my crock-pot, I've been successful. I found a Pillsbury Slow Cooker cook book at the grocery store one night and it's been a hit. Everything I've cooked has been a hit so far.<br />
<br />
I googled the recipe that has been our favorite so far - ah, the power of Google - of course, it's available online. And since I've been promising I'd send it to my mom and I can't seem to remember to do that, I figured I'd send it to everyone that reads this blog. All 8 of you. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CR_jpKtc3AA/TsxaiHcPxdI/AAAAAAAADA8/XfMolrhKf7Q/s1600/brunswick+stew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CR_jpKtc3AA/TsxaiHcPxdI/AAAAAAAADA8/XfMolrhKf7Q/s400/brunswick+stew.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/chicken-brunswick-stew/cd3f9996-8ad7-4071-a59f-e92598af33bd/" target="_blank">Pillsbury's Chicken Brunswick Stew</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Recipe:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">INGREDIENTS:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> 1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> 1/8 teaspoon pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> 6 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 lb), skin removed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch pieces (about 3 cups)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> 1/2 cup chopped onion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> 1 box (9 oz) frozen baby lima beans, thawed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> 1 box (9 oz) frozen whole kernel corn, thawed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Salt and pepper, if desired</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">DIRECTIONS:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In large resealable food-storage plastic bag, mix flour, bouillon, poultry seasoning and pepper. Add chicken thighs, potatoes and onion; seal bag and shake to coat. In 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker, place chicken and vegetables.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In small bowl, mix tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over chicken and vegetables; stir gently.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cover; cook on Low heat setting 6 to 8 hours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Stir lima beans and corn into stew. Cover; cook about 30 minutes longer or until beans and corn are tender.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With slotted spoon, remove chicken from slow cooker. Remove chicken from bones; discard bones. Cut chicken into pieces; return chicken to stew. Add salt and pepper to taste.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Enjoy! </div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-33558123675466472582011-11-21T22:38:00.000-05:002011-11-21T22:38:19.875-05:00Drop Cloth DrapesWhen I moved in with Whitney he made me a promise that he's been fairly good about sticking with. I could decorate and/or paint his house however I wanted he only had 2 rules.<br />
<br />
1 - His beloved leather, overstuffed, huge and somewhat worn couch couldn't go anywhere. This is his most favorite item in the house and I wasn't allowed to buy a new "pretty" couch that wasn't comfortable to lay on. We've stuck to this so far but I plan to revisit this rule after the 1 year anniversary. I think that's fair, right?<br />
<br />
and...<br />
<br />
2 - I could put the TV on something else, it's just not allowed to be hidden behind doors - meaning, I'm not allowed to buy an awesome armoire so that he has to open and close doors before he can watch TV. I can handle this simple request and do have plans to rid us of that standard black and silver TV stand every guy in America is issued in college and continues to use until they live with a girl. I just haven't found anything I like yet and so we're still going strong with the black TV stand.<br />
<br />
Other than these two items, the rest of the house was fair game. Of course, we started with the paint... He loved his blue and green walls, but honestly they were a little too bold. We muted everything a bit and settled on a blue/grey color that I love and he's even admitted that he loves too.<br />
<br />
Next up were the <b style="font-style: italic;">vertical blinds </b>we were rocking in the living room. I get their practicality, but I'm just not a fan of vertical blinds. And, since installing french doors to the back deck isn't really an option at this point, I needed something that would work with our sliding glass door.<br />
<br />
Enter <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/" target="_blank">Remodalholic</a>. I love her work and what she does so well and affordably to her own home. She posted about <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2011/10/how-to-update-your-vertical-blinds/" target="_blank">updating her vertical blinds</a> and I was hooked. I've also seen every other blogger use drop cloths as drapes and so I figured it may be the easy and cheap fix I was looking for.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMQ9iap_g1Q/TssT44sg-fI/AAAAAAAAC_0/ykWo-lq5xwY/s1600/drop+cloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMQ9iap_g1Q/TssT44sg-fI/AAAAAAAAC_0/ykWo-lq5xwY/s400/drop+cloth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_126332-968-58801/6FF_0" target="_blank">Lowe's</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I picked up a $19 drop cloth from Lowe's and followed her tutorial. I didn't take any pictures while I was putting them together because I didn't even break out my sewing machine. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's the before picture... (before the paint, before the new fabric on the cornice board, and before the removal of the blinds)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAZdBwOFO59l5INuvczgwKsigrPBs3YR6PrbAgKV4VA8T38Y8fQxpO75btmeIsWxp8wqXqbd7sVH6kox77GA1JT0UDAcMbawuXiSO_7Ishg9v0jxtFYn6EOEWsov67zZk9l1HGTVYKMA0/s1600/DSC03840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAZdBwOFO59l5INuvczgwKsigrPBs3YR6PrbAgKV4VA8T38Y8fQxpO75btmeIsWxp8wqXqbd7sVH6kox77GA1JT0UDAcMbawuXiSO_7Ishg9v0jxtFYn6EOEWsov67zZk9l1HGTVYKMA0/s400/DSC03840.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There are so many things to say about that blue, but I won't. He loved it and I love him. Now we both love the grey. Winning. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JXzoYxXpNnFdOyD4ChVY9Sn32Nxz_rbLS3YuvXiXwAtvs9uB8xgonQ7E0wnVJOcH-d6hlmAXI8x9fK6kgubhURGAfhi9LzrviMcTJz0dLToPTfXHnMlEqB_APGLyuvtyNPF-iZunXgAw/s1600/DSC04969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JXzoYxXpNnFdOyD4ChVY9Sn32Nxz_rbLS3YuvXiXwAtvs9uB8xgonQ7E0wnVJOcH-d6hlmAXI8x9fK6kgubhURGAfhi9LzrviMcTJz0dLToPTfXHnMlEqB_APGLyuvtyNPF-iZunXgAw/s400/DSC04969.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I measured the top seam to determine the placement for my rivets. I had 24 vertical blind holders to insert the rivets into. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitN_jr4A7xDL140qPVIlt_5JWBgKRznZUohGywWXlssRJgv3DW7uqnLR2wWpYwB6HXfRuIIPB68vONeyWjtYx6VdcdFKpad6DPbtpPRX9Y6bLDGcVtIMt-54-K8f2FEo1LY3g0HIVAT6u/s1600/DSC04970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitN_jr4A7xDL140qPVIlt_5JWBgKRznZUohGywWXlssRJgv3DW7uqnLR2wWpYwB6HXfRuIIPB68vONeyWjtYx6VdcdFKpad6DPbtpPRX9Y6bLDGcVtIMt-54-K8f2FEo1LY3g0HIVAT6u/s400/DSC04970.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The rivets I used were almost too big, but they worked. It was a bit of a challenge to get them to slide into the clips that held the blinds. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But, overall I was super happy with the results. I can handle a "drape" over that large window/sliding glass door better than I can plastic strips that swing when the air turns on. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGDYtp8s2yw/TssWg0tQqBI/AAAAAAAADAc/KVnP3XrzgtY/s1600/DSC04973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGDYtp8s2yw/TssWg0tQqBI/AAAAAAAADAc/KVnP3XrzgtY/s400/DSC04973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And yes, that is Monday night football on our TV. Look closely and you'll see Whitney laying on his beloved couch. That chair and ottoman are the baby brother to the couch. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We rarely closed the blinds and we haven't pulled the drapes since they went up, but in case we don't want the boaters to be able to see inside, they are there if we need them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzl_CmXaW9PcfFG2GVVhFXR2d4n3MJbBraUUXIkhJPEaZVDvydBR9go6EhHYljTIw8_38MLSBa2dI2LFRqc-rq_cwAEUbLW9plxYj45qHhGYWo5nhr-UiFS21W-A2bjSoK0ST_Vhf7evr/s1600/DSC04977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzl_CmXaW9PcfFG2GVVhFXR2d4n3MJbBraUUXIkhJPEaZVDvydBR9go6EhHYljTIw8_38MLSBa2dI2LFRqc-rq_cwAEUbLW9plxYj45qHhGYWo5nhr-UiFS21W-A2bjSoK0ST_Vhf7evr/s400/DSC04977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll even confess that I didn't even hem the bottom of them. I simply turned them up and pinned them on the back. Maybe one day when I knock the dust off of my sewing machine I'll finish them off. </div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-52948637217664515202011-11-01T16:45:00.000-04:002011-11-01T16:45:58.844-04:00Getting Back on the HorseI've fallen off the horse and haven't been doing a very good job at being a faithful blogger. True story.<br />
<br />
What's worse is that I start getting antsy when <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/" target="_blank">Young House Love</a> hasn't posted by 10:00am, or when <a href="http://www.flythroughourwindow.com/" target="_blank">Darby</a> hasn't posted in 2-3 days or even when <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman</a> only posts once or twice instead of 2-3 times a day. What gives me the right to question their blogging skills when I've barely posted once a month?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATBZVr381mE/TrAvPPuAN2I/AAAAAAAACak/nKI9pwMWZGI/s1600/MyDogAteMyHomework.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATBZVr381mE/TrAvPPuAN2I/AAAAAAAACak/nKI9pwMWZGI/s400/MyDogAteMyHomework.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://www.mydogatemyhomework.com/">photo credit</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">The dog ate it doesn't necessarily work in this situation, does it? </div><br />
Well here's my list of excuses:<br />
1- I moved to a new town 10 months ago<br />
2- I started a new job 9 months ago<br />
3- I was planning a wedding for the better half of a year<br />
4- With that wedding comes a lot of parties and out of town events<br />
5- I got married and went on a honeymoon<br />
6- We've been working on getting the house together<br />
7- Pinterest has consumed most of my free time<br />
8- None of these are really good excuses and would have all made for good blog material<br />
9- I've just not sat my butt down and started typing<br />
<br />
And so, here we are. I should just start with all of the fun and excitement of the wedding but I'm going to hold that post off until I get my pictures back and when I have a full Saturday afternoon to just sit and recap all of the excitement and fun of that day.<br />
<br />
Until then, here's a little snip of a few things that have been going on in the past few months...compliments of the iPhone camera (so don't judge the lack photography skills, please)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxbGpusm8xc/TrBFLVZzZFI/AAAAAAAACaw/x1asN0HHzA4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxbGpusm8xc/TrBFLVZzZFI/AAAAAAAACaw/x1asN0HHzA4/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Way back for the 4th of July we went and watched the fireworks on the beach. I took a quilt and an individual serving of Mrs. Edwards' lemon meringue pie. I think this might be what people think about when pondering what the American dream looks like... </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69V7296C29A/TrBFOA9LBvI/AAAAAAAACa4/gErJJz7mUfw/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69V7296C29A/TrBFOA9LBvI/AAAAAAAACa4/gErJJz7mUfw/s400/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Uncle John came for a brief visit in July. We managed to fit in dinner and drinks on the water after we did a quick practice of the wedding music. We met up in Shallotte and had dinner at <a href="http://inletview.com/main.asp" target="_blank">Inlet View Bar and Grill</a>. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQouQlo0U98/TrBFOp9W7EI/AAAAAAAACbA/KqVh1dxOGMk/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQouQlo0U98/TrBFOp9W7EI/AAAAAAAACbA/KqVh1dxOGMk/s400/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whitney and I enjoyed some trips out on the boat with Cleve and Jenna this summer. We went out to dinner in Ocean Isle and over to Tubbs Inlet in Sunset Beach on numerous occasions... not nearly as much as we would have liked, but we plan to make up for it next summer!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SoT3E5vs3bE/TrBFPadtqQI/AAAAAAAACbI/CrJ7P8h86zY/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SoT3E5vs3bE/TrBFPadtqQI/AAAAAAAACbI/CrJ7P8h86zY/s400/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were wedding showers galore! It's amazing how good it is to have family and friends that love you. We got so many nice gifts and new things for our home. Now, just trying to find a place to put it all is the hard part! And I've got more thank you notes to write and I don't know where to begin. If you're reading this and haven't received a thank you note, please know that it is coming! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HkP9jX7oU95a0UicCCMQWlfq307rvTTWuMAMSUdLxI7FNb0STj_vuLFtwnldYz3-3j6uLKdATE-wxWjDR-Q1aDHvvpU4vr-poidxzWIBJAXJwffuUQyB_9OcGDr2x4yInh25DUAuEMXe/s1600/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HkP9jX7oU95a0UicCCMQWlfq307rvTTWuMAMSUdLxI7FNb0STj_vuLFtwnldYz3-3j6uLKdATE-wxWjDR-Q1aDHvvpU4vr-poidxzWIBJAXJwffuUQyB_9OcGDr2x4yInh25DUAuEMXe/s400/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Foundation Ball was on August 20 at the Hilton Myrtle Beach. It was an amazing night that I am so proud to have been a part of. We had a great group of ladies who worked so hard all summer long pulling together such a great event. I couldn't have done any of it without them and I am ready to get back started on next year's ball - mainly because I get to hang out with some awesome women who work so hard in our community! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-IwaQHRtZg/TrBFQkJMyqI/AAAAAAAACbc/4dfER_xsO2c/s1600/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-IwaQHRtZg/TrBFQkJMyqI/AAAAAAAACbc/4dfER_xsO2c/s400/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most of the month of September was spent in Whitney's parent's yard getting ready for the big day. The set-up was a huge undertaking but it was so much fun. We are both so blessed with family and friends who loved us enough to drive from all over to help us paint, string lights, build a stage, cut limbs, paint fences, make homemade jam, assemble programs...and the list goes on and on. It was definitely a group effort to pull it all together! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJd6J-MaACOb9slB6TSHnKCxgSatgT3Blkf4OlJ9_9x8tb2AKDsX3gPvi5IOcZ1xF6T1tlQbRBFUP01Se3TaX5Fos26IYQvC6YQSyZTXzA8MtxAtYySSnG4T19zyWxLrAEcAEHjKScWHY/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJd6J-MaACOb9slB6TSHnKCxgSatgT3Blkf4OlJ9_9x8tb2AKDsX3gPvi5IOcZ1xF6T1tlQbRBFUP01Se3TaX5Fos26IYQvC6YQSyZTXzA8MtxAtYySSnG4T19zyWxLrAEcAEHjKScWHY/s400/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this was my saving grace for most of the summer! My grandmother has me hooked on this frozen yogurt and it pairs well with a glass of chardonnay. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmdDnVavrabrWpx8nuwSvB9ib2Sm7lXCdvBw8EWEEQSXnvJiugpc5v1Be2-vbMOV6RhbJSoM0dyvqlf058MoZ3Wid1Hy1GIYpVUfQyTJTaUGFGzQG-Hf2WUkpR7i4lWxvRnEN5Lv0asyO/s1600/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmdDnVavrabrWpx8nuwSvB9ib2Sm7lXCdvBw8EWEEQSXnvJiugpc5v1Be2-vbMOV6RhbJSoM0dyvqlf058MoZ3Wid1Hy1GIYpVUfQyTJTaUGFGzQG-Hf2WUkpR7i4lWxvRnEN5Lv0asyO/s400/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My favorite group of girls took me away to the <a href="http://www.wilddunes.com/" target="_blank">Wild Dunes</a> at Isle of Palms, SC for my bachelorette party. We had a great time just relaxing at the beach, running our mouths about nothing at all, finding out someone in our group is having a baby (yay, Holly!) and realizing that none of us are 22 anymore. But it was a great weekend and one I will always remember! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MbhKtwkyTVg/TrBFSg9lTTI/AAAAAAAACb8/SfB1w3_-DBc/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MbhKtwkyTVg/TrBFSg9lTTI/AAAAAAAACb8/SfB1w3_-DBc/s400/photo.PNG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had to throw this picture in the mix. This is the update I got from the Weather Channel the week before our wedding. Guess what? They were wrong! But we'll save that one for another post. Let's just say I'm a very happily married woman right now and a little rain couldn't even stop that!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1P4-Ot1a0TY/TrBFTCudhAI/AAAAAAAACcE/9DK3EIMPSkc/s1600/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1P4-Ot1a0TY/TrBFTCudhAI/AAAAAAAACcE/9DK3EIMPSkc/s400/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And because I'm married, I've had to change my last name! Who knew how much paperwork and time that requires? Ouch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did have fun painting this little pumpkin for our first Halloween together. Whitney was questioning me when he saw me whip out the white paint for the pumpkin. Our next door neighbor also politely pointed out this is the first time she's seen Whitney's house decorated for fall. It's amazing what having a girl roommate can do for the neighborhood. :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiDErCJca5M/TrBFTuk5u3I/AAAAAAAACcM/k6kqwDtHd6Q/s1600/photo+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiDErCJca5M/TrBFTuk5u3I/AAAAAAAACcM/k6kqwDtHd6Q/s400/photo+%25289%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just recently started on this <strike>little</strike> big project that has already consumed more of my free weekend time than I originally thought. I'll save the details for this one for another post, but I'm so excited with how it's turning out and can't wait to see the finished product. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTazhnilm1OwZvRmv1vV1ifRQoNNW3bEywaYeJjWy9vXsqJq52I3fbZRk0ENV1Uu1W5JrHPRFNWbrIN4kVdJ0idry0aO0psjLTRXVl0tuN-6Cu2bAQ81DcNWLkEz-lhyqkmB6Y29PUomkF/s1600/photo+%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTazhnilm1OwZvRmv1vV1ifRQoNNW3bEywaYeJjWy9vXsqJq52I3fbZRk0ENV1Uu1W5JrHPRFNWbrIN4kVdJ0idry0aO0psjLTRXVl0tuN-6Cu2bAQ81DcNWLkEz-lhyqkmB6Y29PUomkF/s400/photo+%252810%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And now we're officially caught up to Halloween - the end of October and the beginning of November! We went to a Halloween party last night and had a great time. We dressed up as Whitney's favorite character from YouTube who is a recovering addict from the 70's. I was supposed to be his addiction specialist. He thought the black eye would really step the costume up a notch. It's a hard one to explain but for those who know Whitney and his sense of humor it was a hit.<br />
<br />
And that's life for us in a nut shell. It's been a wild and crazy summer but it was a great one! I'm officially Kelly Hughes and the real fun can begin - our life together! Who knows what will happen next?Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-65734119431097788932011-09-19T11:54:00.000-04:002011-09-19T11:54:25.517-04:00Elmo Counts Down...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wmfKzTOGf-U" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
It's almost here.. :)Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-4632216299983457862011-08-23T17:23:00.000-04:002011-08-23T17:23:32.448-04:00In The Eye of the Storm...I'm trying to be clever with my blog titles. And, my neck of the woods is getting all geared up for the first big hurricane of the season and the first category 3 we've had in a long time.<br />
<br />
It's also a fitting title because my life has been much like a hurricane these past few weeks and I'm not totally sure that it's over. But, when it all settles I'll try to resume my blogging which has dramatically decreased! Until then, I thought I'd slow down for a second and post a picture of something I came across last week while I was entirely too busy to focus on furniture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXgipC9OyS8/TlQYVgrl_FI/AAAAAAAACCI/HYO9ri4P944/s1600/secretary2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXgipC9OyS8/TlQYVgrl_FI/AAAAAAAACCI/HYO9ri4P944/s320/secretary2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
If you've read this blog more than once you may remember I said I was "<a href="http://assouthernasdeviledeggsandpickletrays.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-need-secretary.html">In Need of a Secretary</a>" last September. Yep, I found my long, lost secretary. Actually, my girlfriend Bekah found it for me on Craigslist (hence the great picture). She knew I had been looking for one and she found this one at a great deal. She also owns her own little high end consignment store in Calabash, NC called <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/CoCo-Company/220160067999901">Coco and Company</a>. It's a super cute store and worth the drive to check out if you're in the area.<br />
<br />
In the middle of the madness I ran over to the store where it was, made the man an offer and called Whitney to bring the truck. He promised to come pick it up on one condition. I had to promise not to start on this project until after the wedding. Seeing as how that's only 32 days away from today, I figured I could contain myself for one more month. And so, until then she waits for a new coat of paint and mirrors in our garage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zyEeVs28jE/TlQZ5W6QekI/AAAAAAAACCQ/YydjOQvQCTE/s1600/secretary1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zyEeVs28jE/TlQZ5W6QekI/AAAAAAAACCQ/YydjOQvQCTE/s320/secretary1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And since we've had so many wonderful people give us so many nice gifts for our wedding, I've got all sorts of fun things to put in this new addition. </div><br />
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-163487135816867292011-07-20T16:45:00.000-04:002011-07-20T16:45:33.131-04:00Pizza on my mindFor some reason I've been dreaming about this all day and wishing my oven element wasn't messed up so I could fix this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSND8snPXAc/Tic9noSLwiI/AAAAAAAACBg/PjbXyn0U5uE/s1600/fruit+pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSND8snPXAc/Tic9noSLwiI/AAAAAAAACBg/PjbXyn0U5uE/s400/fruit+pizza.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flythroughourwindow.com/recipes/">Darby's Fruit Pizza</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">(picture is Darby's)</div><br />
The repair man has been called, but its just not the same. It's that same feeling you get when you realize its Sunday and you want Chick-Fil-A.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-49207733972159904462011-06-20T16:54:00.000-04:002011-06-20T16:54:20.418-04:0096 Days and Counting......We've got 96 days until the wedding. Which means we're 103 days from this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr71iSISEw9CnxhP5eAxNxFkF1V0smsKqMyuf3ycrywtrSNPz5cA-DHegJ07HxxIhKWLtMJiIZVGVbHz7-gKlOWFCxaAhIm4hjehJfKEDH_mT_7aserBpSYdjoMyS6Q2iw_u1gp8Q4Hn6N/s1600/secrets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr71iSISEw9CnxhP5eAxNxFkF1V0smsKqMyuf3ycrywtrSNPz5cA-DHegJ07HxxIhKWLtMJiIZVGVbHz7-gKlOWFCxaAhIm4hjehJfKEDH_mT_7aserBpSYdjoMyS6Q2iw_u1gp8Q4Hn6N/s400/secrets.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.secretsresorts.com/maroma/">Secrets Maroma Beach</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're headed off to Mexico the week after our wedding and I couldn't be more excited. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I need a vacation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I want to leave the cell phone and laptop at home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I need clear blue water and endless fruity drinks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've heard the wait staff won't allow your glass to go empty and they deliver sushi on the beach. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think we may have found paradise. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Amen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-63272270773529648162011-06-03T20:59:00.000-04:002011-06-03T20:59:22.222-04:00On the roadLife has been busy this past month. I'm out of town right now so instead of a great blog post I thought I'd let the pictures from my iPhone do the talking about what I've been up to.<br />
<br />
The hardest part of the last month has been putting Cody down. He got to the point where he wasn't the same dog that I knew and I wasn't being fair. We did everything we could to prolong the inevitable, but ultimately it wasn't enough. He was the best dog in the world and I miss him more than I can explain. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dny3P8ICfBE/Tel8xTXUuFI/AAAAAAAAB6M/_1JLMm4cMrQ/s1600/photo%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dny3P8ICfBE/Tel8xTXUuFI/AAAAAAAAB6M/_1JLMm4cMrQ/s400/photo%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My girlfriends from Raleigh came into town for a beach weekend. We had an awesome time. We even had a little wine tasting party to pick out the wines we're going to serve at the wedding. I must say this was one of the more fun wedding tasks! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lu5BHpd1aiE/Tel8yvO0FuI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/0Q4RXrd2BHg/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lu5BHpd1aiE/Tel8yvO0FuI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/0Q4RXrd2BHg/s400/photo%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At work, I've been working on our Annual Ball for our Foundation. I must say I'm working with an exceptional committee of women and having a great time. It's going to be at the <a href="http://www.kingstonplantation.com/accommodations/hilton-myrtle-beach-resort/">Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort</a> on Saturday, August 20th. (Yes, that's 1 month before the wedding.) This is the view from the restaurant at the Hilton. Amazing!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5WYDod-MGg/Tel80tXN7ZI/AAAAAAAAB6U/gz9hRKJ9iSo/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5WYDod-MGg/Tel80tXN7ZI/AAAAAAAAB6U/gz9hRKJ9iSo/s400/photo%25283%2529.JPG" width="298" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whitney and I had dinner a few weeks ago on the water. It was a gorgeous sunset! I'm reminded every time I get to see the sun set on the water how lucky I am to be living at the beach this time of year! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4CIiwTwoRg/Tel85bMzGRI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/mrgiSN43sf4/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4CIiwTwoRg/Tel85bMzGRI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/mrgiSN43sf4/s400/photo%25284%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Contrary to the action or lack thereof on this blog, I have been working on getting the house finished. I've ordered the fabric for most of the windows, but I've still got the dining room left. I love the stripes below but also love the geometric print on the one above it. Decisions, decisions...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvRVU3dde1g/Tel86SqN8tI/AAAAAAAAB6c/ygmbkBDruBg/s1600/photo%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvRVU3dde1g/Tel86SqN8tI/AAAAAAAAB6c/ygmbkBDruBg/s400/photo%25285%2529.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We planted herbs, cucumbers, tomatoes, flowers, etc. a few months back and they are all doing great! The marsh grass has really grown like crazy lately too. It's not a bad view from the back deck right now. Let's hope they're still getting watered while I'm out of town! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t103VdUcJ_M/Tel87kn-r0I/AAAAAAAAB6g/SQW_j7uPs8U/s1600/photo%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t103VdUcJ_M/Tel87kn-r0I/AAAAAAAAB6g/SQW_j7uPs8U/s400/photo%25286%2529.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've found a new fun bar/restaurant in Little River, SC. I'm not the first around here to wish Little River would pay attention to what's happening in Murrell's Inlet. We've got a gorgeous waterway we're just missing the restaurants and shops that they have along the Marsh Walk in Murrell's Inlet. But, <a href="http://www.patiostikibar.com/">Patio's Tiki Bar</a> is definitely a step in the right direction. Outdoors, nice views, live music, drinks and good food. We like it! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9o0qiMEo_-Q/Tel88zw57-I/AAAAAAAAB6k/69Zn5uh8nOc/s1600/photo%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9o0qiMEo_-Q/Tel88zw57-I/AAAAAAAAB6k/69Zn5uh8nOc/s400/photo%25287%2529.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Megan, Jimmy and Lily James came to Myrtle Beach for Memorial Day. We had a big time by the pool and I loved getting to see them. She was too, too cute in her bathing suit! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErZgAcpDSHI/Tel89tPYZMI/AAAAAAAAB6o/f7nSy_wXY9I/s1600/photo%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErZgAcpDSHI/Tel89tPYZMI/AAAAAAAAB6o/f7nSy_wXY9I/s400/photo%25288%2529.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whitney and I went fishing with some friends on the Memorial Day. It wasn't a very successful day fishing but you know what they say - "A bad day on the boat is better than a good day at the office." </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztHnjPlwQQILcnP2W8DqOzbJ58vf_DKS580yidfkR5Kn_0aqxfkXxwhnW4p_LgkHPJcxvZTfD2hFbyhPVU6qiJAYHLNcxlZkbPT_BUV9OCJH-68KCDyoygcq4R_5bVtyiAQpXBlRq2ZIC/s1600/photo%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztHnjPlwQQILcnP2W8DqOzbJ58vf_DKS580yidfkR5Kn_0aqxfkXxwhnW4p_LgkHPJcxvZTfD2hFbyhPVU6qiJAYHLNcxlZkbPT_BUV9OCJH-68KCDyoygcq4R_5bVtyiAQpXBlRq2ZIC/s400/photo%25289%2529.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We were more successful with this fish. Our friend Cleve's birthday was this week. His wife had the most adorable cake to celebrate the occasion. I couldn't resist a picture of this one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5VngzroHAldhefbgTdTFu1ECMWkdeZAipA3M97T8tPTgNnHsDbFsUaVRsnIXhUf_Hxy21tU7gWLsba-TdUNUtniAAhM9twXroYPPMtETx4soi4kA36SIDIVPirvZDQpyqLU-4tKXwC1k/s1600/photo%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5VngzroHAldhefbgTdTFu1ECMWkdeZAipA3M97T8tPTgNnHsDbFsUaVRsnIXhUf_Hxy21tU7gWLsba-TdUNUtniAAhM9twXroYPPMtETx4soi4kA36SIDIVPirvZDQpyqLU-4tKXwC1k/s400/photo%252810%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div> And that was on Wednesday night and now it's Friday and I'm in Greensboro. I just can't keep away from something so darn cute. Her mom and dad were busy celebrating a good friend's wedding all weekend so I'm on baby duty. Miss Lily James and I took a little joy ride around the neighborhood this afternoon.<br />
<br />
She's sleeping peacefully now, I've found 30 minutes to blog and Megan's DVR list of all the shows I never get to see anymore. Life is good! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-KKdZLFec4/Tel9A4ZWJBI/AAAAAAAAB60/84cVH1vc1Jg/s1600/photo%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-KKdZLFec4/Tel9A4ZWJBI/AAAAAAAAB60/84cVH1vc1Jg/s400/photo%252811%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-11220997180211953962011-05-04T15:13:00.000-04:002011-05-04T15:13:09.927-04:00Prayers for Cody<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeClSqRRneB0xlF9ezageybCxdIQwABjGRhxT32-RFSqWbtqW6FtGEXoCSa8kz_stO7rs1aLLF45vIr7tzQ7JagBjtTlNNhMqm726YewlXn-K-o8W6ZYNSssREGTCK2_gOIRnJV100_Gg/s1600/Cody.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeClSqRRneB0xlF9ezageybCxdIQwABjGRhxT32-RFSqWbtqW6FtGEXoCSa8kz_stO7rs1aLLF45vIr7tzQ7JagBjtTlNNhMqm726YewlXn-K-o8W6ZYNSssREGTCK2_gOIRnJV100_Gg/s400/Cody.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This guy has been with me for the past three years. I rescued him, but its more like he rescued me. I lost my chocolate lab, Blake, to cancer on July 24, 2008. I lost my brother on August 24, 2008. Needless to say, when Cody came to be mine in October of that same year, I think I needed him more.<br />
<br />
He was diagnosed with cancer last week. The same cancer that Blake had. We're trying some shots and other medications to see if we can get his blood counts up and keep him with us a little bit longer. Selfishly, I'm not ready to let him go. He's not in any pain - just sleeping more than usual. This is the not so fun part of having pets. They make you fall in love with them and leave you way too early.<br />
<br />
If you'd insert his name on your list of things to pray for, I'd appreciate it.<br />
<br />
Side note: This picture really shows his age. He's getting grey and looking more and more like an old man every day. I've taken more pictures of him in the last week than I have since I had him.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-24422641349040091202011-04-27T15:12:00.000-04:002011-04-27T15:12:47.923-04:00An Update on Someone Else's KitchenWhitney and I have been hard at work on our projects around the house. I feel like I've had a paint brush in my hand any chance I have a free second. We've completed painting the entire downstairs and have moved upstairs to the guest bedrooms. But, we've hit a wall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXWCT0sdMVy6Y0QPnjelHxEcTLLRiV6n1ewAl74TgbVg_2dY_lBjaXTS7IgwyLZTdTvklx_ZFn13G_HQooEwTBef9Q64deJm4JAYkTCWxOj5ZshG8X8nas10pKW9EXlkrrNiI1pieGahe/s1600/construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXWCT0sdMVy6Y0QPnjelHxEcTLLRiV6n1ewAl74TgbVg_2dY_lBjaXTS7IgwyLZTdTvklx_ZFn13G_HQooEwTBef9Q64deJm4JAYkTCWxOj5ZshG8X8nas10pKW9EXlkrrNiI1pieGahe/s320/construction.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><br />
At times I've felt like hanging this on the blog and checking back later.<br />
<br />
Here's the problem - We're officially over painting. Perhaps its because I've tried to do it all at once, but I've had all I can take for a little while. I had big plans to finish both the guest bedroom and master bedroom before my girlfriend's come into town this weekend, but that's not going to happen. Hopefully, they'll overlook the plain white walls and less than exciting decor in their room. Whitney is having a guy's weekend at the beach house so I'm hosting a girl's weekend at his house. I'm in need of some girl time and hope they'll help me with some suggestions for decor. I've been collecting fabric samples for a month now and I've got to start picking out drapes, window boxes, etc.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I saw Erika's posts (from <a href="http://urbangraceinteriorsinc.com/">Urban Grace Interiors</a>) about her own little kitchen remodeling project and it made me feel like I wasn't alone. I've mentioned her before when I was drooling over her <a href="http://assouthernasdeviledeggsandpickletrays.blogspot.com/2010/12/perfect-room-for-lily-james.html">nursery</a>. She's also the twin sister to my blogger girl crush, <a href="http://www.flythroughourwindow.com/">Darby</a>. (It's amazing how blogs can make you feel like you know someone you've never met.)<br />
<br />
She <a href="http://blog.urbangrace.com/2011/kitchen-intervention/">posted her before pictures</a> this week of her own remodeling project and I felt like I was staring at our own mess.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3yqJ2hTFgQ/TbhnL6CZ56I/AAAAAAAAB4k/73jCgRcsM84/s1600/erika+kitchen4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3yqJ2hTFgQ/TbhnL6CZ56I/AAAAAAAAB4k/73jCgRcsM84/s400/erika+kitchen4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.urbangrace.com/2011/kitchen-intervention/">Urban Grace Interiors</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would swear this was Whitney's house if I didn't know better. Granted we haven't taken off the cabinet doors (yet), but it feels like we've had the same piles of stuff staring at us for months now. I've politely invited friends to meet us <i>out </i>for dinner instead of having them over. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1V0hYSffBwcJGV8yyJxoAlt8hs2LF5-SdW6Z5TnXmMywQ9iLbP3DSfsz10W8pWVuu9iRe2Z_i-10H5_vknT0oyTYZDiBNpU9fjuoH07Y_zWlLyg0ZDpVNCxxI8Em9VkB6hv57wh5VT47/s1600/erika+kitchen6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1V0hYSffBwcJGV8yyJxoAlt8hs2LF5-SdW6Z5TnXmMywQ9iLbP3DSfsz10W8pWVuu9iRe2Z_i-10H5_vknT0oyTYZDiBNpU9fjuoH07Y_zWlLyg0ZDpVNCxxI8Em9VkB6hv57wh5VT47/s400/erika+kitchen6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.urbangrace.com/2011/kitchen-intervention/">Urban Grace Interiors</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, while Whitney has become quite the sheet rock repairman, this isn't exactly what your friends have in mind when you invite them over for a good time. But, I would like to take this opportunity to say how much fun it has been to see Whitney get so good at something he didn't have a clue about before we got started. He now owns his own sheet rock knife, knows how to patch holes and can spread mud with the best of them! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But, until I'm ready to post pics of my own before/after I'll leave you with these. We can drool over her kitchen together. Maybe I could hire Erika to come and finish our projects. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxiyQIjNcW4S3pLsgjvzneYfquoLtTvz5mr9yuirmZI5ATkQwOrkMhHjx_IacahF9fN9lCbpog1ABgnUyE6pK5PtjafJ9xnaN9Td_HiVWEyAvuxtq19S8KJ-iHVRBt7vlz1FggQ2AZkYI/s1600/erika+kitchen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxiyQIjNcW4S3pLsgjvzneYfquoLtTvz5mr9yuirmZI5ATkQwOrkMhHjx_IacahF9fN9lCbpog1ABgnUyE6pK5PtjafJ9xnaN9Td_HiVWEyAvuxtq19S8KJ-iHVRBt7vlz1FggQ2AZkYI/s400/erika+kitchen1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.urbangrace.com/2011/kitchen-intervention-2/">Urban Grace Interiors </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4JSTY_Xpmrc/TbhpRnZzP_I/AAAAAAAAB44/8xch6t0xD9o/s1600/erika+kitchen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4JSTY_Xpmrc/TbhpRnZzP_I/AAAAAAAAB44/8xch6t0xD9o/s400/erika+kitchen3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.urbangrace.com/2011/kitchen-intervention-2/">Urban Grace Interiors</a></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-50903528317735620512011-04-19T21:48:00.000-04:002011-04-19T21:48:14.813-04:00We're Empty NestersIt's official. The birds have flew the coop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rTpPTHUULSI/Ta46b1HYCgI/AAAAAAAAB38/pI7HzWw7b_4/s1600/DSC04072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rTpPTHUULSI/Ta46b1HYCgI/AAAAAAAAB38/pI7HzWw7b_4/s400/DSC04072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVvBQvR_l8E/Ta468cUzNaI/AAAAAAAAB4A/PcOcW57NUWo/s1600/DSC04176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVvBQvR_l8E/Ta468cUzNaI/AAAAAAAAB4A/PcOcW57NUWo/s400/DSC04176.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I snapped these pictures of them just yesterday after their mom had finished feeding them. I told Whitney that it wouldn't be much longer until they left us. As we watched from the window you could see them flapping their wings and trying to fly. Unfortunately, when I would get close enough to snap a picture they would quit showing off and looked extremely scared of me and my camera.<br />
<br />
Today he texted me at work and said they were gone. No note, nothing... Just like kids, huh?Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-53704262661189400142011-04-06T23:42:00.000-04:002011-04-06T23:42:24.681-04:00Signs of SpringWe've been working diligently around Whitney's house both inside and out. The painting and remodeling is progressing and as soon as I get my act together I'll share some of our before/after pictures. In the meantime, we've also been sprucing up outside as well.<br />
<br />
I bought 2 ferns for the front porch a few weeks ago. As I was watering them one day I was scared to death when a bird flew out of the fern. Upon further inspection I found this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwHvs2JPvX8/TZ0ujKnPDqI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/N2WqIFKTcvw/s1600/191291_10150100292627084_663637083_6286551_5841661_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwHvs2JPvX8/TZ0ujKnPDqI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/N2WqIFKTcvw/s400/191291_10150100292627084_663637083_6286551_5841661_o.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was when we only had 1 egg. She laid 5 total. </div><br />
That mama bird was guarding her nest. Whitney has since become equally as protective of this nest and has forbid me from watering my fern for fear that I'll disrupt this nest. I wasn't as happy about this as he was, but after a little google searching I now know all you need to know about <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/House_Wren/lifehistory">wren gestation</a>.<br />
<br />
Here's what that egg is going to look like in about 6 months.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_vGWAFSgZoA/TZ0xhGJyZKI/AAAAAAAAB3g/jzoGMNM1rxM/s1600/wren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_vGWAFSgZoA/TZ0xhGJyZKI/AAAAAAAAB3g/jzoGMNM1rxM/s400/wren.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I did the math and based on when I found our wren nest I figured we should be having babies yesterday. Sure enough, Whitney helped gently move mama bird out of the nest so I could see how our babies were doing. (AKA - knock on the bottom of the pot while being prepared to do some karate chopping). Yesterday we had some baby birds!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mg_wkBbLnWpLzlIlLfCA8FyYn1fC86ICX4j9nqNNsjpfqkxVebNjTTK-bqNleWNwiEs23uedE60H_g3fKoH3dAcb0xGqPgQXwBLnf6c1oLVKf7wcm35aTzwYXdnhQUcKt0IsOZpgEiup/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mg_wkBbLnWpLzlIlLfCA8FyYn1fC86ICX4j9nqNNsjpfqkxVebNjTTK-bqNleWNwiEs23uedE60H_g3fKoH3dAcb0xGqPgQXwBLnf6c1oLVKf7wcm35aTzwYXdnhQUcKt0IsOZpgEiup/s400/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All 5 babies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Based on my calculations they'll be with us for about 2 weeks before they'll "spread their wings and fly". (Sorry, cheesy, I know). My website says they usually fall from the nest before they actually learn to fly and may live on the ground for a day or two. So, we're working on creating a nice, soft landing for them on the porch so I don't end up with a crime scene. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As most proud parent's do, I'll post an update on the kids long before they move out and leave us with an empty nest! (sorry, again!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-74204236169122916222011-03-29T12:00:00.000-04:002011-03-29T12:00:34.742-04:00Not Your Mama's Wedding VideoI stumbled upon this video this when I was doing my routine blog scanning in Google Reader. I don't think it needs much of an intro or explanation other than this - It's Kathryn's wedding video from the blog <a href="http://www.snippetandink.com/our-wedding-film-by-sandbox-love.html">Snippet and Ink </a>. If you're in wedding planning mode its one of the top 3 in my humble opinion. Kathryn started the blog and just got married herself 4 months ago.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>If I was wealthy and could afford <a href="http://sandboxlove.us/">these guys from CA</a> to come and make one of these for me I'm pretty sure I'd drop the $6800-9500 it would cost because when the big day is done you'd have this treasure forever. This is seriously the sweetest video I've seen. </div><div><br />
</div><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/19879230" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/19879230">Kathryn + Ryan's Wedding Film</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/sandboxlove">Sandbox Love</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm in love with these two people and I've never even met them.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-89423099018213083332011-03-24T21:29:00.000-04:002011-03-24T21:29:36.348-04:00Tick, tock...There's this very weird thing that happens to you when you get engaged.<br />
<br />
You turn into one of "those people".<br />
<br />
You sign up on all of those websites like The Knot, Wedding Channel, etc. You start making plans, picking out dresses and flowers and invitations. You register for china you never knew you needed and you become obsessed with details that only you will ever notice. You feel like you're doing everything right and then...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n1hg62MybHs/TYvtwWWfpaI/AAAAAAAAB3A/h5W9zVKNV8M/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n1hg62MybHs/TYvtwWWfpaI/AAAAAAAAB3A/h5W9zVKNV8M/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...this comes in your inbox. A very nice email from your friends at all of those websites reminding you there's only 6 months (or 184 days) until the big day. With a follow-up of all the things you should have done by now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember this little feature? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SPcKtVxs7cc/TYvvXpyBnLI/AAAAAAAAB3I/5kqad8fDmW4/s1600/wine+glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SPcKtVxs7cc/TYvvXpyBnLI/AAAAAAAAB3I/5kqad8fDmW4/s1600/wine+glasses.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Ohm, yeah. That's where we're at now.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-89822804493664099482011-03-22T22:48:00.000-04:002011-03-22T22:48:21.338-04:00The Pioneer WomanI'm part of the cult following that loves <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">The Pioneer Woman</a>. I've mentioned her in my own blog a few hundred times and even detailed my own attempts at making some of her recipes (<a href="http://assouthernasdeviledeggsandpickletrays.blogspot.com/2010/11/thankful-at-thanksgiving.html">Nantucket Cranberry Pie</a> and <a href="http://assouthernasdeviledeggsandpickletrays.blogspot.com/2010/08/blogging-and-baking.html">The Perfect Pound Cake</a>)<br />
<br />
Last week as Whitney and I ventured into our first major attempt at dieting she decided to post the most delicious recipe yet - <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/03/sour-cream-noodle-bake/">Sour Cream Noodle Bake</a>. Well, maybe its not the most delicious recipe yet, but when all you've eaten in two days is a cucumber and a few pieces of lettuce it makes an online recipe scream at you.<br />
<br />
I was explaining my dilemma to my co-worker, Gloria. She's been supportive of my plight and encouraging when I needed it most. But, today she may have done me in.<br />
<br />
She gave me this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPZbnj656tCI0BVqZJCwTHaKU4I9g-BqAh5tbhc6JaSWgAZ43P4ZNYn1qj1rGZw4RePjI_4jm7Lg1W5de27HBaNPAEwhmxZoRgbON04X5oCiieaOKpf2v_C014NJUsgCeQNbGWfhIRrA9/s1600/thepioneerwomancooks500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPZbnj656tCI0BVqZJCwTHaKU4I9g-BqAh5tbhc6JaSWgAZ43P4ZNYn1qj1rGZw4RePjI_4jm7Lg1W5de27HBaNPAEwhmxZoRgbON04X5oCiieaOKpf2v_C014NJUsgCeQNbGWfhIRrA9/s320/thepioneerwomancooks500.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/my_cookbook/">The Pioneer Woman Cooks</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I think I can officially say my diet just got that much more difficult. Any cookbook that can go from chicken-fried steak to sangria and creme brulee is a darn good cookbook in my opinion. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll report back on my weight loss progress just after I finish my next cake! </div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-5581148935215361942011-03-20T22:57:00.000-04:002011-03-20T22:57:04.163-04:00Spring CleaningI decided it was finally time to de-clutter my schedule and my house enough to make time to sit in front of my computer and update my blog. I was on a roll for a while and then life happened. I'm not sure where I left off but here's where I'll start.<br />
<br />
It's the first day of Spring - March 20 - and I live in a new town, have a new job, and I'm engaged. Not to mention in the midst of all of that fun we've celebrate Christmas, New Year's, a new baby, and I turned 30. I'm happy to report that while I've sometimes felt like I was treading water in a very deep pool it's all been happy and fun times on my end. I was even smiling on my 30th!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-REH9kRn0kew/TYa1gJyOC6I/AAAAAAAAB2c/2lXULDZSEnE/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-REH9kRn0kew/TYa1gJyOC6I/AAAAAAAAB2c/2lXULDZSEnE/s400/blog1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Before I even start on the all consuming wedding planning there's another little project I've been busy at. See those green walls in the background of that picture above? Well they are now SW Comfort Grey and I couldn't be happier.<br />
<br />
As if I didn't have enough to do, we've decided to do a little renovating at Whitney's house. I love him, I really do, but he's been the quintessential bachelor for a while now and his house needed some attention. Yeah, those curtains - the previous owners left them for him and he thought they were great.<br />
<br />
The curtains no longer live there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2si6pdlXvBJWwvQdnF3b74dFr6tTkdRUavfvPSIhTwqSZ9jPMyisiE9sIOYV19CSRR-Gi5L20SYQjYI1CaPtFOLPzEfZZ-a88vsCgRQhBU1MUBXfGqomXr91CqtK6uY_jU8IhP4c8EMWa/s1600/DSC03852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2si6pdlXvBJWwvQdnF3b74dFr6tTkdRUavfvPSIhTwqSZ9jPMyisiE9sIOYV19CSRR-Gi5L20SYQjYI1CaPtFOLPzEfZZ-a88vsCgRQhBU1MUBXfGqomXr91CqtK6uY_jU8IhP4c8EMWa/s400/DSC03852.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'll save all of my updates for another post but I'm so excited about the changes we're making and how it's coming together. Manual labor, blind installation, painting, painting and more painting may just be the best pre-marriage counseling anyone could have. You can learn a lot about your partner when you've got paint in your hair, it's close to 2:00 am, you've been at it since 6:00pm and you want to install the new light fixture before you go to bed.<br />
<br />
When we haven't been working on the house I've been working on the wedding. Needless to say, I'm so far behind on good TV I'm just going to wait for next season to catch up.<br />
<br />
We've got the basics in place. I've got a dress, we have a date and location, photographer, caterer, florist, band, etc. etc. We're getting our engagement pictures taken this Friday by <a href="http://www.amomentlikethis.net/">Bianca, our photographer</a>. Other than our colors (navy blue and green) she was the only sure thing I knew I wanted for my wedding day. She's photographed most of my best friend's weddings and does an amazing job. I'm so excited to see our pictures and we haven't even shot them yet!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-82Ib74vIlhxNg_fOkptxxiVRo3yOpb-KH2hi8ZOpvrk2aEJGMSAktd9XwYuYjMV91-lQ3wj7p7o7Jd9Xq0jidJqh-uuch4jdtXA_v-W0woRie60wjtYmSNG4RIYS2icTsFw252yRrBce/s1600/backyard-wedding2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-82Ib74vIlhxNg_fOkptxxiVRo3yOpb-KH2hi8ZOpvrk2aEJGMSAktd9XwYuYjMV91-lQ3wj7p7o7Jd9Xq0jidJqh-uuch4jdtXA_v-W0woRie60wjtYmSNG4RIYS2icTsFw252yRrBce/s320/backyard-wedding2.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.lenacorwin.com/">source</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;">My inspiration for our wedding!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>There's so much more I want to write about but I can't keep my eyes open long enough to do it. It's been a busy weekend. I've spent 4+ hours in Belk's registering for china and most of tonight hanging a new ceiling fan in the living room. If only I could figure out a way to register for a personal assistant!Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7707510853123692934.post-72050148504981182062011-01-25T14:55:00.000-05:002011-01-25T14:55:49.320-05:00Why I'm Still Busy...She was born on Friday, January 7 at 3:58pm. She weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz. and was 21" long.<br />
<br />
And she's perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QzHN5-ihT4/TT8qetT4mKI/AAAAAAAABw8/UC8wgl5Tsc4/s1600/Lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QzHN5-ihT4/TT8qetT4mKI/AAAAAAAABw8/UC8wgl5Tsc4/s400/Lily.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lily James Kesler</i></div><br />
I got to spend the entire past weekend with her. I pulled the night shift so her mom and dad could sleep. I never knew you could stare at something so much!<br />
<br />
I'll get back to my regularly scheduled blogging just as soon as I finish enjoying all I have good going on in my life. Who wants to be sitting at a computer when you can be holding a new baby?Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17528627099713807041noreply@blogger.com0