Things Filling My Days

Oh, how I have missed blogging these past 10 days! So many things have been filling my days that I need to seriously get organized and get my schedule going. I recently bought the new Cleaning Kit from Clean Mama. I can't wait to use them along with the shopping list and home improvement list too! So, in no important order, here is the list of things filling my thoughts and days:

• Decorating the guest bedroom before my MIL comes.
• Gym every day.
• Church activities.
• Work.
• Cleaning.
• Spending time with my hubby.
• Making/Wrapping birthday presents for Sunday's birthday party.
• Dreaming.
• Thinking of going back to finish my IDT degree.
• Thinking of all the things I would like to reorganize in the house already.
• What I want to do with my hair?? Going to see the stylist tonight. :)
• Planning our November cabin getaway (post soon)
• Focusing on eating right and exercising.
• Reading Francine River's "A Voice in the Wind" - Amazing!
• Scour through Craigslist like a fiend for different finds.
• Deciding whether we should buy the paint for the living room/dining/kitchen this weekend since it's 40% off.
• Trying to fit sleep in there!
• Cleaning/Re-organizing the garage!
• Grass needs to be mowed again.
• Going to hopefully get new glasses this weekend (I have a habit of losing mine)
• Scheduling doctor's appts.

Haha, even while I write this, I think this is mysteriously turning into a to-do list! Either way, I look forward to writing again soon. I have a few posts that I have been working on for a while that I haven't had time to really sit down and write. And I want them to be "perfect."

On another note, I had a really nice time eating lunch with my dad at Subway this week. Have you tried their salads? They are amazing! And their italian dressing is really good  too. In my family, it usually happens that my parents pay for lunch/dinner, but I fought tooth and nail to pay for lunch and guess who won? ME! My dad and I are going out again tomorrow, so I will let him pay for then. :)

Well, I hope everyone has a fabulous day!

Start Something That Matters

While I was checking my e-mail the earlier this week, I discovered that Black MyCoskie, Chief Shoe Giver at Toms Shoes, has written a book and is to release in September! The name of it is "Start Something That Matters."

Here is the product description from Amazon:

Love your work, work for what you love, and change the world—all at the same time.

What most matters to you? Should you focus on earning a living, pursuing your passions, or devoting yourself to the causes that inspire you? The surprising truth is that you don’t have to choose—and that you’ll find more success if you don’t. That’s the breakthrough message of TOMS’ One for One movement. You don’t have to be rich to give back. You don’t have to retire to spend every day doing what you love. You can find profit, passion, and meaning all at once—right now.

In Start Something That Matters, Blake Mycoskie tells the story of founding TOMS, one of the fastest-growing young companies in the world, and combines it with lessons learned from such innovative organizations as Zappos, charity: water, FEED Projects, method, and TerraCycle, among others. Blake presents the six simple keys for creating or transforming your own life and business, from discovering your core story to being resourceful without resources; from overcoming fear and doubt to incorporating giving into every aspect of your life. And in the spirit of One for One, with every book you purchase, a new book will be provided to a child in need.

Start Something That Matters is the inspiring story of a movement, a manifesto for the next stage of American business, and a blueprint for the new generation of entrepreneurs who want to live a meaningful and successful life.

Why this book is for you:

• You’re ready to make a difference in the world—through your own start-up business, a not-for-profit organization, or a new project you create within your current job.

• You want to do the things you love, serve people in need, and create a meaningful career—all at the same time.

• You’re inspired by organizations like charity: water, FEED Projects, and Zappos and want to know how you too can give back in extraordinary ways.

• You’re curious how someone who never made a pair of shoes, attended fashion school, or worked in retail created one of the fasting growing footwear companies in the world by giving away shoes.

• You’re looking for a new model of success to share with your children, students, co-workers, and members of your faith-based community.
You’re ready to start something that matters.

You can pre-order the book here.

PB Woodland

I am truly excited! My duvet for the guest bedroom has arrived! I love Pottery Barn, but have only used it has inspiration. I finally purchased my first PB item: PB Woodland Duvet. I just love all the bright colors in it. And not to mention it's organic. I can't wait to redo the guest bedroom. This is probably the most expensive piece of bedding I have ever bought.....but its the focal point/inspiration of the room and I couldn't find anything like it. Plus, it was free shipping - which is pretty good if you have ever bought anything from PB. The shipping on this duvet was going to be like $14....Geez!

TGIF!!

Shadow Puppets

When Stephen and I were watching TV last night, we look outside the window because all of a sudden the trees when from being normal to been sideways due to high winds (at least 60 mph). It was crazy! And quite scary. Within minutes, our power went out. It was raining, VERY windy, and loud. We went and got candles and such.
But what was so funny about this whole thing is Stephen really wanted to see his favorite show "Memphis Beat" at 9:00PM. We ended up doing shadow finger puppets on the wall with my cell phone flash light for entertainment. How said and. Major Nerd alert!!
When Steve left for work, we still didn't have power. Hopefully it will be on when I get home. But, I hear that the storms are coming back at 4:00-4:30. AWESOME.

Tribute: My Dad

Dear Dad,

On Father's Day, I want to say that I love you. You have been a major support system in my life. And I don't mean just financially! You have always been a great encourager, protector, comedian, friend, and tender-hearted. You always knew what to say at the right time - especially during the really hard conversations! (Gotta love the serious/silliness techniques). I know I haven't always been the easiest child to parent, but I sure appreciate every single thing you did to make my life easier. Thank you for working so hard and sacrificing things for Joel and I. I know he sure appreciates everything you and mom have done for him over the years as well!

One of my fondest memories of us is when we lived in Colorado Springs. Sometimes when mom and I would wait for you to get out of work, you would let me sit in the semi truck with you and let me "steer" the wheel. I will never forget that! I thought I was so cool. Another one of my fondest memories was when we drove all the way through Illinois to the southern tip of Wisconsin to drop of a mold for Uncle Steve. When we were in Illinois, we stopped in and saw your family. I will never forget Grandpa K telling me, "Boy your a big girl!" and how he said it made it sound like I was 500lbs! Haha. I loved being able to spend that much Daddy/Daughter time. I also remember the time when I wrecked my car and you spent the whole morning taking it apart and fixing the radiator. That really meant alot to me.

But one of my favorite memories was when Stephen asked you if he could marry me. I wasn't there, but I heard you said with a straight face, "If you hurt my daughter, I'll kill ya." And you couldn't hold in the laughter but 10 seconds. And then we come to my wedding. How handsome you looked in the suit. I know it was stressful with your fittings and even just the wedding planning period. But thank you for giving me the privilege of walking down the aisle with me.

If there was only one think that I could thank you for it would be for what an example you have been and are to Stephen. Thank you for showing him what a true, godly man looks like. Ironically, I married someone with your sense of humor as well! It's just been such a blessing to have you in my and our life. Thank you so very much!!

Dad, I will always be your little girl and I want you to know that I love you very much.

Happy Father's Day!!

PS....I wish I had a photo of us when I was younger with me to post. :) 

Your Daughter,

The Office: Art / Fabric

As I have said in my previous post about the office, I am painting the office Sherwin Williams "Swanky Gray." *Love* But, I also wanted to show you the different fabrics and artwork I plan to put in the office:

Ashley Silvernell on etsy.com

"To Those About to Rock" print by PJRodio on etsy.com

Grace Kelly Picture on ebay.com

"Black and White Photograph of Wicklow Mountains in Ireland"
by RealImages on etsy.com

Custom Wedding Date Print
by AppleBlossomPrint on etsy.com

KeepCalm Shop on etsy.com



tonicliving.com

tonicliving.com

tonicliving.com

tonicliving.com



tonicliving.com



Thrifty Never Felt So Good

Yesterday while I was doing my 100th scroll through Craigslist, something set caught my eye. Someone was selling their dining set consisting of a solid wood rectangle table with leaf and 4 chairs. The asking price was $200. Looking at the pictures, it looked like a really nice dining set! The seller said they had originally bought it at Haverty's for $800.

I started communicating with Keri, the seller, and come to find out that they never used the set until a few months ago!! It's virtually brand new. Suppressing my excitement, I kindly and gently asked if the price was negotiable or firm. She said she would take it for $175!! I was so excited!! I went right after work yesterday to her [really nice] neighborhood and talked with her for a while. Her family was getting ready to expect their 3 child and needed to make room. What an incredibly nice woman!

With that said, we are picking up our new dining set tomorrow morning! I would post pictures of it, but the CL ad was already taken off. But, I will make sure I take pictures and post soon! I have plans for this table eventually. But it is nice the way it is for now. :-)

Also! The other day I also bought a nice wooden drafting table on CL for $25! You can't beat that price! Since I have been seriously considering going back and getting my Interior Design degree, I think it would be a perfect addition to my office. :)

Have a Happy Friday, Ya'll!!

Carpe Diem,