Saddle Stool Makeover – Seating in the Kitchen

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Saddle Stool Makeover – Seating in the Kitchen

When we purchased our home, I absolutely adored becoming acquainted with the vintage, yet updated, nooks and crannies of our beloved 1930’s bungalow.  Instantly, one of my favorite rooms was the kitchen.  Heart of the home…access to outdoors for grilling…vastly spacious for the age of the house…what was not to like?

After a few weeks living in our new space, I began to realize something was missing in the kitchen…seating.  We have a formal dining room and tend to eat on the couch while watching TV, but with the kitchen being the heart of the home, it ended up becoming the main room of congregation.  As avid hosts, accompanied with Brandon’s love for cooking, I slowly realized the need for a place to sit your bum, prop up your feet, and take the responsibility of sue chef while having a glass of wine or chatting with visitors. Continue reading “Saddle Stool Makeover – Seating in the Kitchen”

DIY – Hospital Care Package

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DIY – Hospital Care Package

Just under three years ago, our friend Zachary was diagnosed with Advanced Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathy, and Severe Atrial Fibrillation.  Last month, at only 27 years old, the doctors informed him that he would not be returning home until he received a heart transplant.  Amazingly, God provided a heart donor in just over 30 days, with an average wait time upwards of four months.  His road to recovery will not be easy, but if anyone can do it, I know he can.

Zachary is one of the most genuine, loving, and caring people I have ever met.  I am truly honored to call him one of my dearest friends from college.  We met move-in day freshman year, with him pledging B’s fraternity shortly after.  From all of the DeltaSig and ADPi events, to 420 yardies and all night study parties in the library, he could not have brought more joy to our years together at GCSU.   If you would like to donate or learn more, please click here.

Continue reading “DIY – Hospital Care Package”

DIY – Wedding Emergency Kit

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DIY – Wedding Emergency Kit

If there is one thing I remember from our wedding day, it was the sheer fact that after a year and a half of planning, I did not want to worry about ANYTHING the day of.  In order to do such, my number one suggestion is to hire a day-of coordinator.  My mother and I wanted to do all of the design and planing ourselves, but wanted someone else to “play us” that day.  It was the absolute best decision we made, as we were able to soak in all of the detail and truly enjoy the day rather than worrying about vendor coordination, rounding up the wedding party, etc.

My second suggestion is to create an Emergency Wedding Kit, containing anything and everything you could possibly need on the big day.  My bridesmaids created one for our wedding, and I recently created a DIY version for a wedding I am a bridesmaid for in a few weeks.  This post will show you how to create your own DIY – Emergency Wedding Kit, along with a free printable item checklist. Continue reading “DIY – Wedding Emergency Kit”

DIY – Large Framed Chalkboard

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DIY – Large Framed Chalkboard

Over the past 10ish years, chalkboards have become immensely popular.  It seems they morphed from existing only in classrooms to being beautifully framed as art or even painted on walls in homes and restaurants.  My fascination with them began when B and I purchased our home, as a large chalkboard was painted on a wall in our kitchen.  After B proposed, my interest persisted to flourish with the chalkboard possibilities embedded in wedding planning.

Continue reading “DIY – Large Framed Chalkboard”

DIY – Bottle Tiki Torches

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DIY – Bottle Tiki Torches

Welcome to that time of year again when the temperature heats up and the bugs come out to play.  For as long as I can remember, mosquitoes have flocked my way, leaving no outdoor summer activity (especially in the evenings) bug bite free.  Being a picker by nature, I’m often unable to leave those itchy little bumps alone.  I like to partake in any measure to prevent those pesky little buggers ::insert English accent:: from nipping me in the first place.  Along with bug spray (I prefer the light feel of OFF! FamilyCare Insect Repellent I (Smooth & Dry)) and decorative, nicely scented citronella candles (such as this urban, yet cute TIKI brand bucket candle or this tasteful OFF! bucket candle), I have always loved the ambiance of a calming flame.  These visually appealing mosquito repellents supplement as both a light feature and a bug preventative (when paired with this citronella oil).  The glow of a fire adds the feel of soothing relaxation to both side and coffee tables in seating areas and around your property. Continue reading “DIY – Bottle Tiki Torches”

Globetrotting Prep Guide

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Globetrotting Prep Guide

As you all have probably noticed, I am an extreme planner feeling most comfortable when organized and prepared to take on any and all situations.  That being said, traveling tends to add an extra layer of stress onto my normal anxiety ridden craziness.  Not only am I planning and packing the perfect outfit for every possible occasion (who knows when you may need that LBD or a sparkly pink boa?), but will also be leaving behind a life, job, home, and (sometimes) pets to fend for themselves.

 

From placing various services on hold to prepping your family and household for your absence, these are a few tasks most often forgotten while prepping to leave for vacation. Continue reading “Globetrotting Prep Guide”

Cork Crafting

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Cork Crafting

Being an extreme wine lover, I always have quite the cork collection on hand.  My mother accumulated quite a number of corks when I was growing up, using them in a ginormous wine glass as decoration or just keeping them for a rainy day project.  As such, I began cork crafting even before my true love of wine legitimately developed.

Today, I collect corks (both wine and champagne/prosecco) in the cutest wine bottle-shaped iron basket on our kitchen counter (it was a gift from my “2nd mother,” my best friend Christina’s mom).  Once that gets full…like once a week 😉 … I dump them in a large monogrammed bucket in the dining room that is cute enough for decoration, but can also be used as an ice bucket to hold bottles for parties, among other things.

Continue reading “Cork Crafting”

Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2016

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2016

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and it can often be difficult to find the perfect gift for that special woman in your life.  Whether it’s your mother, grandmother, or any other important mommy in your life, these gifts will make any woman feel loved and cherished.   Continue reading “Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2016”

Using iCloud Calendar

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Using iCloud Calendar

Along with most people in today’s world, I’m obsessed with my iPhone.  I obtained the 1st Generation iPhone during my freshman year of college the year it came out (I still have it as an antique), and have never looked back.  Currently, I use the iPhone 6 (gold) and protect it with the Naked Tough Case-Champagne Sheer Glam by Case-Mate.  It is both sleek and protective, as I drop it all the time, while still showing off the beautiful color and design of the phone.

One of my absolute favorite features of the iPhone is the iCloud Calendar feature.   Continue reading “Using iCloud Calendar”