Artsy Fartsy Shopaholic

Vivi's Sweet Garden Pink and Green Nursery

2012-01-25T15:46:00.001-06:00

I blogged a lot more when I was planning C's nursery (you can find my original design here and the end result here), but with V, we were in such a whirlwind, her nursery didn't really come together until the very end of my pregnancy. Thankfully, the Knight's sister was kind enough to let us borrow her crib, we used the dresser that was already in the room for a changing table, and everything else was repurposed from other rooms in the house.

Regardless of the timing, I am quite pleased with how her room turned out. We turned our favorite guest bedroom into her room, but kept the bed in there. With as many guests (and family members) as we have, we can easily move her into a pack-n-play or bassinet when company comes and still have to extra beds for guests to sleep.

The artwork was made by a wonderful artist in Memphis (find her Etsy shop here). Vivienne's name is spelled out on the banner.

A few of Vivi's treasures...tiny, handmade baby shoes, a bank that was her daddy's, and vases for flowers:

Love her mobile - ribbon and fabric birds!

We have ordered an apple green recliner/rocker, but this will do until it arrives!

A nice room shot - it is hard to get it all in an iPhone photo!

Flowers for her room from the Knight sent the day before she was born:

Coco playing peek-a-boo with her little sister:

sisters and secrets,

AFS's newest addition

2012-01-18T19:59:00.000-06:00

Welp, you might have wondered why it has been so silent around here. Here's a hint...I don't look like this anymore. :)

(oh yeah - that's what 39 weeks looks like, baby!)

The Knight, Coco Bean and I are very proud to introduce you to little Miss Vivienne Alyne (aka Vivi Sprout). Born January 4 at 7:49 a.m.

She had long delicate fingers, my mouth, chin, and eyebrows, and a darling left dimple!

So proud!

Miss chunky monkey weighed more than a pound more than her big sister at 8 lbs, 3 oz, and was 20.5 inches long. Of course, she seemed teeny to me, especially once her big sister came to see us!

Coco is totally and unabashedly enamored with her. She loves to give her kisses, pet her, and poke her in the eye, belly, mouth, and any other place we aren't quick enough to stop her. :) She calls her "Baby DD" (baby talk for Baby Vivi?) and tells her in sweet Southern drawl "Byyyyye Byyyyye" every morning before she heads off to daycare.

It is really one of the most precious things I have ever seen.

We totally get where C is coming from...we can't stop looking at her either! She's a doll!

My mom came for the first two weeks to help out, and it was amazing. Not only did she stock my freezer with a month's worth of dinner, but she helped me decorate the nursery, cleaned our house, did all of our laundry (over and over again), grocery shopped, and kept C entertained. She also took tons and tons of fabulous photos (including the portraits above)! She is a wonderful mommy and I am truly grateful.

The Knight is handling living in a house full of girls like a champ. He has been taking C for morning runs, putting her to bed, and handling her toddler tantrums during the day while I nurse and tend to V. Once I get a break from the little suckerfish, we trade off and I get to spend some QT with C. At night, we collapse on the couch, sip a little beverage, and murmur to each other how blessed we are. We might be exhausted and a little run down, but we know that these days don't last long and are precious in their own special way.

As for me, I am loving being at home with V during the day. Although she definitely has a different personality than C, I am comfortable with her newborn-ness - something that I did not have with C. Nursing is easier, and I was already sleep-deprived b/c of C, so it wasn't as bad of an adjustment this time, either (but still an adjustment, I assure you. :) ) C's pediatrician recommended that we keep her routine as normal as possible, so she is going to daycare during the day, even though I am on maternity leave. I am conflicted about passing up 2.5 months of special time with both of my girls, but the Knight works on the weekends, so I get to taste what it would be like as a stay at home mom with both and WOW...it is insane. Between C's temper tantrums, tears, and trying to crawl into my lap (and sit on top of V) every time I nurse V, and V's gassy fussiness and very vocal desire to be held (always), I'm not sure I would mentally make it if being at home with both was an all week thing, every week.

So, my moments with V during the day are precious. I am trying not to "do" too much and just really enjoy my time at home. So far, I have failed miserably, but I guess that is to be expected when I worked up until the Friday before V's arrival, and she came the following Wednesday. There was/is a ton to do around the house, and I just didn't get it all done before she arrived! But when I see this sweet face, I do have to stop what I'm doing and just snuggle for a bit...what a sweetie!

Anyway, that's what has been going on in our neck of the woods for the past 2 weeks. I am now the proud mother of two wonderful daughters. Wow - I am really a grown-up now. Funny how there has been no question for quite some time that I am a fully grown adult, but it takes me having 2 kids before it really sets in. I guess it is the awesome responsibility of raising these two angels that resonates with me. I am in awe, overwhelmed, and yet ready for the challenges of life ahead. What an adventure!

I hope you all are well, and will forgive my spotty blogging over the next few weeks. Just know that even if it is silent around here for a bit, I will come back sooner than you think and sassier than ever!

Kisses from Coco Bean and Vivi Sprout,

Shabby Apple Winner!

2012-01-11T19:35:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all who entered the Shabby Apple giveaway and especially to Shabby Apple! This is such a great giveaway, and the winner is SO lucky...I wish I could have won!

Without further adieu, using Random.org, the winner is NUMBER 2!

That winner is Amanda Cantrell of Our Life - Congrats! I know it is not the Like a Dame dress, but you will look fabulous in that dress on your cruise nonetheless! Congrats!

I know I am going to have to do some shopping on there myself - could this dress for C be more perfect for her baby blues? If you have the urge to do some New Year shopping, get 20% off using the promo code NEWYEAR.

Stay posted for some BIG NEWS for the AFS household (i'm sure you can't imagine what in the WORLD that could be). :)

Cruisin' and chil'rens,

Whoops! Shabby Apple Correction

2012-01-02T12:02:00.000-06:00

If you have already read the AFS NYE Shabby Apple giveaway, you should probably read it again. Apparently, I misread the rules of the giveaway (something that is apparently quite easy to do with a wiggly, wants to type on the computer, busy 17 mo old sitting in your lap), and was actually supposed to pick the dress, not allow the winner to pick. I'm sorry for any convenience or confusion that this may cause you. I have edited the post to reflect that the giveaway is for the Bali Ha'i dress (my favorite of the bunch). I know some of you had picked other favorites in the comments, but a free dress is a free dress, right?

(lack of) Coffee and Corrections,

New Year's Eve Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway

2011-12-31T10:23:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year's Eve, friends! I am SO EXCITED to tell you about the latest AFS giveaway! I'm proud to be giving away a dress from Shabby Apple (www.shabbyapple.com), an online boutique of women's dresses.

Shabby Apple has some REALLY lovely clothes for women and children, as well as great gifts. I totally dig their vintage/lady-like vibe, and am looking forward to buying a few new pieces once I have this baby!

So, what dress am I giving away? This dress!

The Bali Ha'i (luscious in purple/eggplant!)

Isn't it great! I love the color, the collar, the cut (am I talking about diamonds or dresses?) :)

I am scheduled to have Vivi via c-section next Wednesday (the 4th), so this giveaway is going to go until the following Monday (January 9th), to allow me and Vivi to get home from the hospital and get settled in.

To enter, go "like" Shabby Apple on Facebook, leave me a comment telling me that you "liked" them, and tell me what your favorite dress on their website is! That was easy, huh?

Hurry up and enter, tell your friends, and have a fabulous NYE!

flirty frocks and fete fun,

Merry Christmas from AFS, the Knight, and the Coco Bean!

2011-12-24T12:08:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Bright eyed wonder and beautiful sights,

AFS Christmas Decor and Long Overdue Update

2011-12-20T10:11:00.000-06:00

Last night, I got a sweet comment from Mrs. QBall asking me if I was okay and acknowledging the fact that I had not posted in over a month.
My first thought was "really? it has been that long?" I checked, and, sadly I realized how much has gone on in the past month that has not even merited a minute mention on here!

It has just been a whirlwind in the AFS household. Coco Bean is officially a toddler now and totally keeping us on our toes - talking, tantrums and teasing us. I'm trying to dance the delicate dance of winding my work down to get ready for maternity leave while still trying to put money on the books and keep my billable hours up. The Knight has been diligently working on the bathroom remodel on his days off - it is slow process, my friends. I know that one day, the bathroom will be finished, but I am also coming around to the idea that our daughters might be driving by then.

Also, did I mention I'm pregnant with an extremely active child, and about to pop in less than 3 weeks? Oh, and then there's that thing called the HOLIDAYS. Yes, this mama drove 9+ hours to Apple Springs, Texas for a family reunion with C all by herself for Thanksgiving. The Knight had to work, so it was just me and the Bean, mile after mile, hour after hour. Also, there was rain. Awesome times, I assure you. This past weekend, we packed up the car AGAIN and headed to McMinnville to see the Knight's family. Let's just say that C's patience in the car seat has worn tremendously thin and has us seriously looking at airplane rental for our next out of town trip. Or seeing if Betty Rascal and Henry Bear can just watch her and we'll happily leave her behind. And you think I'm kidding.

I don't really have time to do separate posts for all the events and developments in our lives the past month, so I'm just going to hit the highlights:

We decorated for Christmas - not as much as I normally do, but still very cozy and wonderful to have up a few of my favorites for this time of year. When C saw the tree, she said "wow" then "yay!" and clapped her hands. My kind of girl :) Can't wait till she's old enough and interested in helping.

Vivi's room is coming along, at a snail's pace, but we do have all the essentials, in case she comes early. Here are a few crafty things I made for her room. Pictured here are a hairbow holder, coat rack, and embellished pillow. I'm focusing on mainly crisp greens and whites, with touches of pinks and yellows. We are keeping the full bed in her room so that guests can still have a place to sleep, as well as Mommy or Daddy when feeding wee little Vivi. We didn't have a bed in C's room and there were so many nights I wished we had one. Sleeping on the floor just isn't that comfortable.

Here are a few snapshots of my baby belly with close-ups of 2/3 of Vivi's face (she's laying on her side, and her eyes are on the right side of the ultrasound photo). 3 weeks to go till we get to meet our second daughter. I am really looking forward to meeting her. Check out those chewable cheeks!

As I mentioned earlier, we went to Apple Springs, TX for a family reunion of sorts at Thanksgiving. My dad's sister and her husband have an incredible farm with cabins, gun range, pond, etc. We had a blast tromping through the woods, sitting around a nightly bonfire, and watching Caroline giggle with delight at my two goofy brothers. They are enamored with her.

I finally had to trim C's "Joe Dirt" mullet. It was just getting out of hand and was not cute anymore. I put her in her high chair with a really delicious snack to keep her occupied and distracted, put one of those bibs with the pockets on backwards, and trimmed away. It is hard to tell in the pictures, but it is actually pretty even in the back. Plus, it was free and I could do it in my PJs. What more can you ask for?

Forgive me, but here are some more gratuitous pictures of Miss Sassy-pants. Yes, those are red-sparkle shoes, which C picks out for herself nearly every morning. Girl has awesome taste. She recently discovered the pink sparkle Toms I bought for her birthday (still too big), and it is hilarious watching her insist on putting them on and thud around the house. I foresee a closet full of beautiful shoes in her future. :)

A friend and I went to the Pink Palace Museum's Enchanted Forest and Festival of Trees. C loved all the moving stuffed animals, the lights, the trees, and actually did not mind (too much) sitting in Santa's lap. This was also her first year to meet Santa. The Knight and I haven't actually decided what role Santa is going to play in our girls' lives yet (pretend loveable character? real dude who actually brings gifts in a sleigh? beloved historical figure? mish-mash of all three?), but no matter what path we take, we are certainly going to let them enjoy the religious and commercial traditions of this holiday. In my opinion, meeting Santa is one of those!

Finally, here are a few shots of us cheering on the St. Jude Marathon/1/2 Marathon runners. All of us missed the deadline to register for the race this year (this race fills up EARLY!), so we decided to be "those" people and cheer on the determines while we sipped mimosas and bloody marys (well, except for me). I missed running this year, but it was fun to see all of our friends as they sped along. Looking forward to next year. My goal is to do the 1/2 in under 2 hours. We shall see!

So there, in a nutshell, is our crazy life this past month. I also have some amazing pictures of the sprinkle (i.e., small shower) that my precious friends threw for Vivi, but it deserves it own post. Hope you are all enjoying the holiday season, getting to rest and enjoying time with your family and friends!

Magic and Mistletoe,

BING BANG BOOM (AFS Master Bathroom Remodel)

2011-11-13T16:07:00.001-06:00

If I asked you when would be a good time to do a remodel, I bet your answer would NOT be less than 2 months before a second baby is due. I guess you could say that we are taking an unconventional path to remodeling our bathroom - I like to call it Bathroom Remodel Extreme.

Yes, it is very reasonable and practical to completely gut, including the floors, the one room in the house that a pregnant lady frequents multiple times in the night. Yes, dust, concrete, and more dust do add that little something "extra" when holiday decorating. Yes, holes in the floor which expose the house to the crawl space RIGHT BY YOUR BEDROOM is awesome. Yes, budgets and a well-planned design are better when completely thrown out the window. :)

Seriously, we are having fun. It has been one week, and our bathroom has gone from looking like this:

to looking like THIS!

We had some rotten wood under the old tub, so the Knight bravely cut it away and got in the crawl space to remove the rest. I guess as far as remodels go, this is a good time of year to have a giant gaping hole in your house. The weather hasn't been freezing, and most of the bugs are already gone. Shew! It still creeps me out, though.

This is my inspiration bathroom. I realize that we do not have gorgeous dark stained floors, and that my master bedroom could probably fit in here twice, but a girl can dream, right?

(found here) I love the wall color, the dark wood, and the bright white. Also, the chandelier and garden tub are dreamy, but those probably won't find their way into the AFS home...this time.

We have ordered this vanity at Costco:

(found here)

And are leaning towards doing a shower with this look:

(found here)

We are keeping the layout of this very small bathroom the same, in an effort to keep costs down. Moving plumbing gets expensive!

I like the layout of this vanity, toilet, mirror, and shelving, though we'll probably go with something a little "heavier" for the mirror.

(found here)

We haven't settled on floors or fixtures yet, but are trying to figure out how to match the hardwood in our bedroom and the man room (this bathroom connects the two). If we can't do that, we'll probably go with bright white subway tile. As for fixtures, we'll probably stick with polished nickel - it should lighten up the space and will mesh well with the fixtures in our other bathrooms. As for a general color scheme, the vanity is dark wood, so we'll contrast that will brilliant white tile, a gray and white marble countertop, and grays and light blues for accent tile. We are probably going to paint the walls a soft blue, like the inspiration photo.

I'll keep you updated as we go through this journey. It is going to be a wild, but very educational ride!

Marble tastes on a linoleum budget,

On this Veteran's Day...

2011-11-11T13:46:00.000-06:00

I like to think about my grandfathers. Both served in the Korean War. Both were very different men, but both very brave and loved their country and their families. Neither one liked to talk about their experience in the war, but when my grandpa John (my mom's dad) passed away, someone made a slide show of photos, and several were from when he was overseas.

I love anything nostalgic and vintage, but these photos are especially treasured by me. I love seeing my grandfather - handsome, young, with a twinkle in his eye that meant he was probably going to have a very very good time being very very bad.

Both grandfathers have passed away, but I remember both of them very fondly.

Thanks to all of the wonderful men and women (and their families) who have served our country in the noblest way.

Flags and forefathers,

C's Whaley Fun Birthday on Spearmint Baby today!

2011-11-10T13:51:00.000-06:00

That little tum tum is famous! Check out Shari's sweet post about C's birthday party on Spearmint Baby today! Go here for the post.
Tummies and tickles,

Currently Coveting...Etsy's best Christmas stockings (2011)

2011-11-08T09:36:00.002-06:00

I don't know why, but my family is obsessed with Christmas stockings. My mom craftily made personalized stockings for us when we were little (mine has a kitty coming out of a present, with lace and bells and glittery beads - yes, I might have helped her). Every year, in addition to buying gifts for each other, we also draw names for "Stockings." This helps take the burden on my sweet Mom, and allows the kids (now that we are old enough) to get into the stocking stuffer action. It is one of my favorite family traditions. Since the Knight and I have been married (7 years - woot woot!), every holiday season I have stalked the stores and the internet trying to find the perfect stockings for us. When we had Caroline, it became even more challenging because I wanted to get her the "perfect" stocking, but also didn't know how many other kids (if any) we would have. Of course, any stockings for my kids needed to coordinate, if not match.
I think I bought the 3 of us some "placeholder" stocking last Christmas at Target, but I am not convinced that they are the "ones." Once I break out the holiday decor, I am going to have to reevaluate my stocking situation. :) Especially since little miss Vivi's arrival is right around the corner. :)

I found a TON of awesome options on Etsy and wanted to share the fruits of my search. Seriously talented people out there. It blows my mind all the handiwork and creativity that can be discovered on that website.

The Modern Traditionalist (probably my top pick for our home)

(Mona Leisa, $30 ea.)

The West Elm

(Amanda Shue designs, $25 ea.)

The Brady Bunch

(Sunshine Daydream 4 U, $29.95 ea.)

The Newlyweds

(Simply French Market, $40 set)

The Green with Envy (also on the top of my list!)

(Handmade Pretties, $45 ea.)

The Mr. and Mrs. Claus

(The Wild Raspberry, $15 ea.)

The Candy Stripers

(Mini Ebbie, $10 ea.)
BONUS! Get 10% off when you enter ARTSY in the coupon code section of the checkout!

The Decorator

(Monkey See Boutique, $20)

The Tea with Auntie

(Kathi's Christmas, $30 ea.)

The Patchwork Princesses

(RoxyCreations, $39 ea.)

The Burlap Beauties (contender #3 for the AFS household)

(Candy Argyle, $21 and 22, respectively)
BONUS - Get 10% off through the month of November if you enter "artsyfartsy" in the coupon code section of the checkout!

The Linen Lovelies

(Sewing Passion, $25 ea.)

Last, but definitely not least...

The White Queen

(Red Door Home, $37 ea.)

There you are - my favorites! Hope you enjoyed perusing the wonders of Etsy with me, and you find a few favorites of your own.

Stocking stuffers and secret Santas,

Caroline's Whaley Fun Whale Themed 1st Birthday Party!

2011-11-05T11:51:00.002-05:00

Here it is - long overdue, but finally here! All the nitty gritty details about Caroline's first birthday party. I know you are going to get tired of hearing this but...it was really whaley fun. :)

My friend, Amanda, said planning her son's first birthday party was like a physical love letter to her son, and I completely agree with that sentiment. (You can check out her "Hungry Little Caterpillar" party for her son here. The cuteness was to die for!) I know that some people think it is silly to spend the $$ and time to put together a big party for a 1 year old, but I want C to look back at these pictures and know that she was loved and cherished even before her little personality started shining through. Plus, I wanted her party to be a (small) way to thank all of our friends and family for their support and help during C's first year.

My color scheme for the party was pink and aqua. These were my inspiration photos:

Once we decided on the whale theme and determined that her great-aunt Janie's pool would be the location, I hit the ground running making plans, ordering things, and searching for craft and favor ideas.

Once I found these invitations on Paper Culture, I was hooked!

The morning of the party, I had lots of helpers to set up. It was a good thing, because we had a TON of work to do!

Here is the cake we ultimately ordered. I just love it! My sweet friend, Stefanie, makes fabulous cakes, and she made the whale smash cake, whale cupcake toppers, and nautical themed cookies (cookie cutters here).

Didn't they just turn out great? Props to my mom and dad for making 90 (yes, 90) cupcakes and to Stefanie for her whale artistry!

As for C, I think it is fair to say that she had a great time and was a little angel (in a smocked whale two-piece, to boot!). We had the party at 3, and she woke up at 4, just in time to eat her cake and play with her friends.

Although now she loves sweets, she really wasn't into the cake much. She was more interested in all the guests and watching her Ma and Mimi work hard to try to get her to eat some cake!

For decorations, I started with the awesome birthday banner, an "I am 1" sign, and an "It's a Party" sign from Bella Baby Toppings. She did an INCREDIBLE job and matched my description of what I was wanting to what she created perfectly. I am definitely going to use her again! (I'm think that I might even be able to reuse most of both signs, but just change out the animal for Vivi's first birthday). These items were a splurge, but I really think it tied the party together.

I wanted there to be a place where guests could chill and flip through pictures of C's first year. I placed the favors (water guns, whale cookie cutters, and bundles of sidewalk chalk) alongside the homemade party hats (from Prudent Baby's tutorial here) with her baby books and scrapbooks. I always enjoy looking at other people's scrapbooks, and I think it was a crowd-pleaser for my fellow sentimentals out there. :)

For the food, I wanted it to be filling, economical (we had about 50 guests), kid friendly, and heat resistant. Memphis in August is no walk in the park, so we settled on a gourmet hot dog bar, fruit salad, chips and goldfish. For drinks we had bottled water, lemonade, and kiwi-grape sangria (recipe here).

To show off my sweet Coco Bean (that's what the party is for, right?), I used prints from her birth, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th months, and strung them along the top of the drink station. I made the anchor paper clips by spraying gluing pink and white striped scrapbook paper to the front of wooden anchors (from Michael's), then using an exacto knife to cut away the excess paper. I hot glued wooden close-pins to the back. It was a quick(ish) project, and I have been able to reuse the clothespins for all sorts of things (attaching cards to the front of gift bags, magnets, and entertaining C are the top three).

My mom stole the show with her whaley awesome watermelon fruit bowl. Using videos and pictures from the web, she came up with this creation. Yep, she is one talented lady!

The Salty Dog Bar was a hit - I looked up the different kinds of hot dogs that Sonic sells, and picked the top three which I thought had the most universal appeal: the American, the Chicago, and the New Yorker. Using more wooden craft whales from Michael's, I hot glued a clothespin to the back of the whale, pinched a stripey straw into the pin, and then made little signs describing what ingredients each kind of hot dog required. The clothespins on the back of the whale could also allow photos to be displayed or bigger signs. When I made these, I wasn't quite sure that they would be used for the food, so I made them as versatile as possible. I think they turned out pretty cute!

For entertainment, the pool was the main event, but I also had a little ocean themed toss game and several baby pools for C's fellow non-swimmers.

One of my favorite parts of the party was the photo booth! I got tons of cute props from Michael's in the foam party department, and made some funny signs. We used the Instax mini cameras from UO, and asked people to clothes-pin their final photo to a couple of yards of twine for display. After the party, the photos made a perfect memory/guestbook of C's big party.

I used yards and yards of seersucker for the backdrop, made a paper pennant bunting (tutorial here), and tacked it all up to the fence. The fence showed in a bunch of the pictures, but I didn't care - I think it added to the "weathered/nautical" look, which was just fine with me.

I got the cute little chalkboard sign here, at Her Majesty's Pug. It is now in our dining room, and has proved to be quite a versatile little decorative item!

I just love these hilarious photos. We are so blessed to have such wonderful and fun-loving friends!

Our families traveled from McMinnville and Tulsa to be there. Probably one of my favorite pictures is of the Knight's (usually very serious) dad and mom dressed up like a pirate and vision-impaired princess! Another blessing was that our friend (and Amanda's husband), Luke, got to come. Just a few weeks before, we weren't sure if he was going to make it after getting in a terrible wreck. So thankful that he fully (I'd say miraculously) recovered, and was able to come with his family (pictured below, with crutches).

All in all, it was an absolutely perfect day. I don't think I would change anything about the party, except maybe that I probably could have hired some helpers to keep the food and drink freshened, so the Knight, my mom, and me didn't have to do it.

Although Vivi's first birthday will be in the frigid cold of winter, I think we will have a blast planning it as well. I'm already thinking about penguins, polar bears, and igloos. Who knows what I'll come up with?!?

As for C, I'm thinking that next August will be a little more low-key, although it is hard to be low-key when we are talking flamingos! Ha!

Hope you enjoyed my ginormous post about C's first birthday. If you have any questions about sources, shoot me an email at curtsies (at) gmail (dot) com or leave me a comment!

water gun squirts and pool party flirts,

My Ironman

2011-11-02T15:29:00.000-05:00

Did you know that I married a superhero? I mean, I know his name on here is the Knight, so we already knew that he was heroic, but only just recently did he confirm that he is, in fact, a true superhero.

My Knight is an Ironman.

That's right, ladies, keep your hands to yourself - he's mine and he has buns and abs of Iron.

All joking aside, I am proud to brag on my better (probably much better) half for his recent participation in and completion of the Austin 70.3 Ironman Triathlon.

This was only his third triathlon, and his first Ironman event. Despite strong winds, 90 degree heat, and absolutely no shade, my Knight, along with 2,600 other gluttons for punishment, swam 1.2 miles, biked 56 miles, and ran 13.1 miles.

It makes me grin from ear to ear to tell you that the Knight finished the course in 6 hours and 40 seconds (his goal was to finish in 6 hours, so I think it is fair to say that he achieved that), and he placed in the top third of the finishers (751/2600).

Congrats to my handsome Knight for completing such a tremendous physical feat! I am so proud of him, his hard work, his disciplined training - even though he is rapidly closing the gap in our respective weights. I keep telling him "now is the time to drink some beer and eat some cookies!" He thinks it is because I want to spoil him, but really it is because I don't want the scale to get confused when I step on it and weigh more than him. :)

He is taking the rest of the winter off to relax by "only" training for the Ragnar Relay (scheduled next weekend) and getting ready for the Natchez Trace Adventure Race and Natchez Race Triathlon next March.

Seriously, I thought growing a child was an accomplishment, but he is making me look lazy! So proud to be his IronMate!
Austin winds and Ironman genes,

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T08:10:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween! This little cupcake woke up Mommy at 4:30 a.m. this morning. I guess I'm not the only one in the household who gets excited about candy and costumes. :)

The Knight and I are going to her daycare this afternoon for a "parade of costumes" and a little party. This is the first time he has even gotten to go to one of her school soirees, so that is pretty special (even if she really won't ever remember it). This evening, we are going trick-or-treating in the Collierville square with a bunch of our friends who also have babies. After that, we'll have chili, cornbread, and a hayride at one of our friends' houses who lives nearby. This year's Halloween is a lot tamer than it has been in the past, but I am thankful for this new phase in life. Bye-bye sexy costumes, hello sweet little cupcake!

Here are a few pictures from our church's Trunk-R-Treat. Our "trunk" was a sweet shoppe, C was a cupcake, and I was a cupcake cooker (the Knight had to work). Our trunk won "best trunk" of the night - not bad for something I put together in about 3 hours the night before!

My shirt that I made using old cupcake fabric from my apron sewing days and the wonderful tool of fusible interfacing (cooker, not hooker!)

Bartering with the winged unicorn...pretty sure she's thinking "I'll trade you your awesome horn for my dorky cherry hat!"

Very proud of our little trunk, and so thankful for Amanda's help in giving me boxes and helping me set up!

Serious about her Smarties.

The only picture I have of the both of us (plus baby Vivi). It is hard to sit down long enough for a photo when you are chasing a candy-crazed confection around!

Candy, costumes, confections and cupcakes,

P.S. Just for fun, here are photos from our past few Halloweens. So fun to look back at all these memories!
2010 - Mickey, Minnie and Mini Minnie

2009 - Little Red Riding Hood theme

2008 - Mad Scientists (again - hey, we like to go geeky!)

2007 (Mad Scientist and her Monster)

2006 - Gangster and Flapper

AFS Shutterfly Christmas Card Winner!

2011-10-27T14:36:00.000-05:00

Yikes - did I say I was going to announce the winners yesterday? Whoops - I am so sorry. Yesterday greeted me with several rush projects at work, followed by some weird stuff going on with me (headaches, dizziness, hot flash type thing), topped off with our church's Annual Trunk-R-Treat. Whew!

Anyway, I am so happy to announce the THREE winners of the giveaway! As a little extra, I got some coupon codes from when my Christmas cards arrived, so in addition to the 25 cards offered by Shutterfly, I also am going to be able to give the winners an additional 5 more free cards, plus an additional 10% off!

Using random.org, the winners are comment numbers 22, 3, and 29!

Those comments belong to:
Alana of Mrs. Alana's Miscellany
Brad & Rachel (a childhood friend of mine, with her own sweet baby girl not much younger than C)
and
Cherry, another follower of AFS!

Winners, please email at your earliest convenience at curtsies [at] gmail [dot] com, and I will email you the codes needed to cash in on your free Christmas cards!

Thanks to all who participated. I am so sorry I don't have codes to give to everyone, but I hope you enjoyed playing along.

As for our Christmas card, we went with option number 2!

It was the Knight's favorite, and I was equally torn between 2 and 3, so 2 just worked. Since several of you are real life friends, I hate to put it on here yet (don't you want to be surprised in the mail?), but I have to say I am really pleased with how the front and back came out!

apple cider and address labels,

AFS Shutterfly Christmas Card Giveaway!

2011-10-18T13:30:00.001-05:00

You might think I'm crazy...planning my Christmas card list in October, but people...planning makes perfect, in my humble opinion!
There are a ton of great online card companies out there, but I find myself turning to Shutterfly time after time for everything from stationary, shower invitations, greeting cards, address labels, and Christmas cards. If Christmas isn't your thing, they also have some great holiday cards.

We used Shutterfly for our Christmas cards last year, and so many people were complimentary of the design and quality. One of the senior partners at my firm told me that I had "the finest" Christmas card he had ever seen. Very nice, indeed!

We are going to use Shutterfly again this year!

We have a great black and white photo from Coco's 1 year portrait session, so I am looking at cards with a vintage vibe that have space for a horizontal photo.

Here's our photo:

My top three Shutterfly cards are:

(Big Cheers Christmas Card)

(Wishing You a Merry Christmas Card)

(Retro Stripe Christmas Card)

If we had a different (vertical) photo to use, I would be all over this one...Just LOVE it! It is also possible that I love this family's vibe - sometimes it is hard not be swayed by the picture perfectness of the models. :)

(Why Hello! Christmas Card)

Which one is your favorite?
Do you want to win 25 free Shutterfly holiday cards? I have promotional codes for THREE winners!

Since we are all about doing things in threes today, I'm giving you three chances to enter. Merry Christmas. :)

Here's how to enter (you do not have to have a blog or website to enter...just enter the comment form as anonymous, put your name next to your comment, and check next week to see if you've won!):

You have 3 ways to enter. You can enter up to 3 times, with 3 separate comment entries, or pick and choose. For each method, PLEASE leave me a separate comment! Since I use the random integer method, I just count up the entries, and plug it into random.org. If you leave all your entries in one comment, you are getting only entry. So, all you rule followers out there - you will be rewarded!
1) To enter, leave me a comment telling me which card is your favorite. It is hard to pick, I know!

2) You can get another entry if you leave a separate comment telling me how you spread the news about the giveaway (Facebook status post, blog post, twitter, etc.).

3) Finally, if you are a follower or become a follower of my blog, leave another separate comment telling me just that.

(P.S. If you are having a hard time getting your comments to enter, just email me at curtsies@gmail.com, and I will try to enter them for you. I have tried to fix the commenting, but sometimes it still doesn't work. I don't know why Blogger is being so stubborn. Grrr.)

See? Isn't that easy? The winner will be announced next Wednesday (October 26) morning, and will be chosen using random.org. Hurry and enter - this is going to be a fun giveaway!

Finally, do you have your own blog? Want a chance to win an additional 25 free cards this holiday season? You can register here: http://goo.gl/DDw7Q.

Okay - hurry up and enter! And, if you have the time, tell me which of my three picks is your fave...it might end up being my pick too!

Well wishes and warm mittens,

* I am an attorney, so it is only fitting that I make sure you know that Shutterfly gave me 50 free cards for hosting this giveaway. I was super pumped because I had already been planning to use them for my holiday cards this year. Now, I only have to pay for 150 cards, instead of 200! How is that for a disclaimer? No legal-ese here!

AFS Fall Decor

2011-10-14T16:13:00.000-05:00

Trial, stomach bug, another trial, and a massive attack of a double ear infection for C took over my life for the past 1.5 months. I am just now coming up for air and wanted to check in with my AFS friends (if any of you are still reading!).
Have you had a chance to get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather? We have been getting out every chance we get, and I am loving the change from Memphis hot summer heat to the mild temperature. This preggo lady very much appreciates the break from the sizzle. :)

My mom and sister visited a couple of weekends ago, and they helped me doll up our house for fall. I just love how much punch a little pumpkin here and gourd there can spruce up a home. Here's a few peeks at our house these days...

(Doesn't our entryway just warmly welcome you home? It makes me happy every time I drive up.)

(Sweet little greeter at our front door)

(She had more fun chucking the pumpkins down the stairs than smiling for a picture. This is the face she made when I took away the pumpkin...mean ole' mommy).

(A little fall cheer in the dining room)

(another shot of the dining room - yes, that is a Mickey and Minnie Jack-O-Lantern in the corner. Caroline loves it, so even though it is tacky, we are keeping it there. Plus, it makes an awesome night light.)

(A little homage to halloween in the breakfast room)

(a closeup - the little ghostly guy is my favorite)

C loved getting the spend the weekend with my mom and sister, and I'm pretty sure they felt the same way. Suffice it to say, we are all wrapped around her chubby little finger.

(the princess had to have her phone, her tiara, and her fuzzy pink boots before she would finish her breakfast with Mimi. Too much!)

As for me and baby #2, things are going pretty well. I am at 28 weeks - only 12 more to go (if that many). We haven't made much progress on the nursery, but I'm hopeful we'll get to that soon. I can really feel her move A TON now, and we are anxious to meet her. The ladies at C's daycare have been taking her into the nursery to teach her how to "be nice to the baby," and I am so grateful for that. She is a tad possessive, and I fear that we are going to have a little push back when Baby Girl #2 comes along.

(finally, a belly shot at 28 weeks. I like to call this picture "Hello belly, goodbye feet).

(this was a month ago, at 24 weeks - amazing how much this baby and my belly have grown! Also, apparently I like purple.)

As for a name, we have decided to go with Vivienne Alyne. We just love the name Vivienne, and Alyne is the Knight's mom's middle name. Can't wait to have crazy Coco and Vivi running around! Of course, I can't wait to start dressing little Vivi and decorating her nursery. Here are a couple of items I've picked up recently:

(matching shirts for sweet sisters)

(custom drawn/painted picture for Vivi's room)

We are also gearing up for a trip to Austin where the Knight can participate in the 2011 1/2 Ironman Triathlon. He has been seriously training for a while, and is really looking like quite the stud (check out those muddy abs at the Warrior Dash a few weeks ago). :)

I keep teasing him that he does not get to look so good while I am getting so fat, but for some reason, he is not listening. It must be that 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run coming up that is motivating him to eat right, avoid (most) of the beer, and work his fanny completely off. Can't wait to cheer him on, and to get myself back in shape, too. I do not like weighing almost as much as my husband!

Caroline has entered the age where all her little friends are turning 1 and 2, and we have 2 birthday parties this Saturday. It is so fun to see all these little ones grow up and start to play with one another. It also makes me laugh when I think about how different life is these days. Long gone are those lazy Saturdays spent shopping and getting a manicure and pedicure. Now I am lucky if I have time to shop online and the nail salon is a distant, foggy memory. At least she is making friends with all of my friends' children...it definitely makes hanging out easier!

So, there's a little snippet of AFS life these days. I hope you all are doing well, and that your life is blessed. I certainly am thankful for my many blessings, including this blog. It might seem weird, being thankful for a blog, but I treasure our little community - random and sporadic as my blogging may be. Thanks for reading!

Pumpkins and purple,

Joyous Giveaway Winner!

2011-09-06T13:18:00.000-05:00

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. My wonderful friend Daisy heartily evacuated herself from New Orleans and came to our house for the holiday. We had a fabulous time - munching, shopping, watching movies (Something Borrowed and Win Win). We even went to the Delta Fair. I didn't ride any rides, but we totally checked out the "freak show," and while I am no longer a freak show virgin, I kind of wish I was. Gross and creepy.

Yep - there I am in all my baby belly glory. I am definitely bigger in the tummy and the face than when I was preggers with C, but I weigh about the same (thank goodness). People are already starting to ask if I'm having two. Here's my tummy with C at 20-21 weeks.

Wow - big difference.

Pretty sure mean preggo lady is just waiting to come out and put them in their place, but so far, I have behaved myself. :)

On to the winner! Thanks to everyone who entered! Hopefully, you'll consider Emily's great Etsy stores, whatjoyisfound.etsy.com and babiesjoy.etsy.com, for future gifts and home decor!

To sweeten the pot, Emily is kindly offering 15% off for the next month (until October 10, 2011). Christmas is really right around the corner, so maybe you could start stocking up for holiday gifts?

The code is AFS15OFF.

Alright, alright - I'll get to the real reason you are reading...to find out if you won! Using random.org, comment number 15 was the winner. By my count, that is Michelle of "Michelle's Musings." Yay Michelle! Email me at curtsies (at) gmail (dot) com so that I can set you up with the code for your $20 gift certificate. So glad you entered!

As for the rest of you, don't forget to use that great coupon code!

shop 'til you drop,

A Joyous Giveaway - Two Great Etsy Stores!

2011-08-29T16:01:00.001-05:00

It warms my heart to announce that I have a fabulous giveaway to share with you today! The best part is that this giveaway is sponsored by my sweet (real life) friend, Emily. Here she is at her wedding last June. Isn't she the cutest?

Emily has two fabulous Etsy stores, whatjoyisfound.etsy.com and babiesjoy.etsy.com.

Emily and I go to church together, and her craftiness really amazes me. She is one of those people that I would describe as being a "joy" to be around, so the names of her stores are quite fitting.

She does all kinds of cute things, but I have to say the my favorite items are the baby shoes:

and the runners:

There are a ton of other items that I like, but the shoes really just get me. I'm thinking Coco and her little sister are going to need a matching pair...wouldn't that be so cute for Easter???

The winner of this giveaway will receive a $20 gift certificate that the winner can use at either of her shops.
Again, they are: whatjoyisfound.etsy.com AND babiesjoy.etsy.com.

Here's how to enter (you do not have to have a blog or website to enter...just enter the comment form as anonymous, put your name next to your comment, and check next week to see if you've won!):

You have 5 ways to enter. You can enter up to 5 times, with 5 separate comment entries, or pick and choose. For each method, PLEASE leave me a separate comment! Since I use the random integer method, I just count up the entries, and plug it into random.org. If you leave all your entries in one comment, you are getting only entry. So, it helps you to follow the rules!

Method 1) (MANDATORY) Leave a comment telling me which item is your favorite!

Method 2) Become a blog follower, and leave me a separate comment OR leave a separate comment telling me you already are a follower!

Method 3) Tweet, facebook, or post about it in one of your online chat/community groups and leave a comment with the link to the comment.

Method 4) Write your own blog post and leave a comment with a link to your blog post.
AND/OR

Method 5) "Like" What Joy Is Found on Facebook and leave a comment telling me that you did!

(P.S. If you are having a hard time getting your comments to enter, just email me at curtsies@gmail.com, and I will try to enter them for you. I have tried to fix the commenting, but sometimes it still doesn't work. I don't know why Blogger is being so stubborn. Grrr.)

See? Isn't that easy? The winner will be announced next Tuesday (Sept. 6) morning, and will be chosen using random.org. Hurry and enter - this is going to be a fun giveaway!

bibs and booties,

Freeeee (or nearly free) stuff

2011-08-29T15:44:00.001-05:00

Got two good sale/promo emails today and wanted to quickly share.
First up, remember Fill In The Blankie? http://www.fillintheblankie.com.

Well, they are having a great sale right now - get 40% off blankets and gift certificates. Just use this promo code: BUYNOW and that will also save you 40% off blankets. Use Promo code: LBRDAY and save 40% on gift certificates. I think this sale lasts until tomorrow.

In the FREE department, Minted is giving away 25 free "mommy" tags.

All you have to pay is $7.95 in shipping. Now, mommy tags aren't really my thing.

I work during the day, and have very lawyerly (yawn) business cards. BUT, I do love me some personalized gift tags. So, I just modified the tag, and this is my end result:

(the print is small in the photo, but it says my name, and then "a gift for you, with love from the Roberts." The back has a pretty paper design, too. You get the cards free when you agree to let minted.com put their logo in a corner on the back of the card. Since most places do that anyway, even if you are paying full price, so I didn't care.

Anyway, just wanted to pass on those two goodies! Happy Monday!

dollar$ and deal$,

P.S. stay tuned for another AWESOME giveaway!

Olian Maternity on Zulily today!

2011-08-25T08:21:00.001-05:00

If you are preggo or are looking for a gift for a preggo friend, you have to check this out:
Olian Maternity is on Zulily today. I have only bought a few Olian items (they are pretty pricey for maternity clothes, and I have only been able to find the line at Nordstrom's and Hauta Mama in Germantown).

Anyway, the stuff I own from C's pregnancy had held up really well, and is back in the rotation again. I have a pretty nice wardrobe for this pregnancy, but I'm tempted to purchase a few dresses to get me through the winter at the office.

These are my favorites:

Yay for late summer sales!

Note: I couldn't resist - bought the purple shirt and the brown and camel jacket. Both looked so cute!

Coco, age 1

2011-08-24T14:37:00.000-05:00

Coco had her 1 year checkup today. It is hard to believe that over a year has passed, and that she has gone from this:

to this:

She is 30 inches long, weighs 23 lbs, and is walking and babbling like crazy. The ladies at her dayschool call her Miss Majorette because she marches along and preaches to and points her finger at all the little boys in her classroom. Her pediatrician (whom I adore - he is a friend at church, and his love for all people practically oozes out of his pores) said that she is doing really well developmentally for her age. Naturally...of course I've told you that she is a genius. One time, I was trying to teach Henry how to roll over (something we've been working on for 2 years, but he just can't seem to get the concept). Betty kept doing it, I was doing it, and all of a sudden, Caroline started doing it too. See? Genius.

She has 2 bottom teeth, and 3 tiny nubs of teeth on top. When she sees something she wants to eat, she spits that paci across the room. She can say mama, dada, baby, bye-bye, uh-oh, and makes a high pitched (but quiet) repetitive shriek when she sees Betty and Henry (I think it is her version of barking). She still sleeps from about 6:30 p.m. to 6:45-7 a.m., and usually wakes up around 4-5 for a bottle. Doc says that is probably more out of habit than need, so we are going to switch to water in a sippy cup to see if we can train her to sleep until at least 6.

She is quite the little dancer, and looks like a mini Elton John banging away on her piano while doing her squatty baby dancing at the same time. She prefers me (she can even point me out in a picture and say "mama"), but I can tell that she also adores her daddy. I'm just softer. :)

Lately, she likes to sleep flat on her back, arms and legs splayed out, with her minky blanky over her face. Hilarious because that's pretty much how I sleep, except trade out the blanky for a pillow. She also loves shoes, and will bring me her shoes when asked and also when she sees them. She might look like her daddy, but she knows shoes are special, just like her mama.

This morning, she saw the Knight and I exchanging snuggles and kisses (no hanky panky here, just a little goodbye embrace), and she had this very concerned and unhappy look on her face. Dare I say that she exhibited just a touch of jealousy??? Also, she already has quite a temper, and has thrown multiple tantrums at home and at the grocery store. The terrible twos are going to be a picnic, I'm sure.

I made this photo for part of her 1st birthday party decor, and it really is a precious snapshot of our little bean.

precious babes and precocious toddlers,

New Bedroom Furniture

2011-08-22T11:03:00.000-05:00

Had a wonderful time in Miami with some "sisters IN LAW" (i.e., friends from law school), and was so happy to return home to our new bed, complete with our pretty new bedding! The only thing missing are the pretty gray/beige Euro shams. they are pretty big, and I think the solid color with ground all the patterns and colors. The only problem is that I am having a hard time finding Euro pillow inserts in the stores here. Any suggestions?

The Knight had taken Coco Bean to his parents for the weekend, so I spent my Sunday evening alone straightening up, and putting new, more modern knobs on our early attic/late basement circa 1950's dresser and night stands.

It is amazing what a little polished nickel can do!

Cute Mommy To Be Thank Yous (Plus Baby News!)

2011-08-22T09:55:00.012-05:00

Why do I need cute Mommy to Be thank you cards? Because we are going to have another baby GIRL in January! I am officially 20 weeks today!

I am so excited that Coco is going to have a sister, and the Knight is thrilled that we get to reuse a lot of C's baby clothes. Ha ha - just kidding, he is also excited about having another girl - despite his manly man facade, I just know he is going to love having tea parties and getting to play "Beauty Parlor."
To celebrate, check out I just ordered from Shutterfly these adorable "mommy to be" cards !

Expecting Soon Pink Thank You Card

Send thanks with Shutterfly custom Thank You Cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

swirly dresses and dance parties in the kitchen,

(Jus A Few) AFS Etsy Finds

2011-08-12T10:49:00.000-05:00

So, I am long overdue to blog about C's 1st birthday party. I always do that - when I have a big task (whether it is work or fun), I keep putting it off and putting it off. I think it is the desire to make it perfect that keeps me from getting started...but if there is anything I have learned in my life, it is that perfect almost NEVER happens, but it most certainly will not happen if I don't actually begin!That being said, I think a Whaley Cute birthday blog post should be headed your way soon.

Here's a teaser picture of the little queen for your viewing pleasure:

The party was wonderful, fun, and really about as close to perfect as I could have hoped for (in fact, about the only thing I would change is me being about 20 lbs lighter, but I digress).

Anyway, I don't know what has gotten into me lately, but I have been an Etsy fiend lately. I CANNOT STOP SHOPPING. Perhaps it is early nesting...and since I don't know what we are having yet, so I am just shopping away for our home, me, and C in general. Whatever the reason, I am going to hold myself accountable by showing you my treasures and hoping I will shame myself into putting my debit card back where it belongs...snug in my wallet. Not likely, but fun to try, right?

Family Name Pillow - from For the Love of Joy's etsy shop (I ordered it to match our living room - linen background, with limes, browns, eggplants, and burnt oranges. Can't wait!)

Love this child's name version too!

Here is our living room (just to refresh your memory)

Vintage Dress for C - from Shelby Black Vintage's etsy shop. Can you just imagine C in this sweet frock for family photos in another 2 years? Because I can. :)

AND this cute "Lucy" hat from the same shop - SO SO ADORE THIS!

Check out Shelby Black Vintage's sweet finds and get 25% off when you use the coupon code "GOODBYE."

Navy and Pink Newsgirl Crochet Hat with Flower - from Adorable Organics' etsy shop. I have had this in my favorites for quite some time, and I finally bit the bullet. She doesn't sell these in her shop anymore, but she's making me one because I asked nicely. See what happens when you say "pretty please?"

Check out her fantastic newborn hats. Hmmm...once I know the sex of #2, I think I'll be visiting her again...Baby #2 will be born in the winter, after all. :)

Tres Chic Oval Magnetic Chalkboard Tray - from Her Majesty's Pug's etsy shop. I bought this to use for the photobooth at C's party, but I know this will come in handy for all kinds of parties and events. She shipped this baby SUPER fast, and happily peppers her correspondence with french. j'adore!

Didn't it look so cute on our photobooth prop table?

Orange and white polka dot pillowcase ruffle dress - from Hot Wheels and Fairytales' etsy shop. I got one for C and one for my niece. The thinking was that they would have a cute picture together in celebration of football season, but the weekend got away from us.

No worries...C looks delectable in hers, and I'm sure M does also.

Take Flight Children's Art Print - from Cinammon Ink's etsy shop. Got this for a sweet friend who had a baby a few days ago. Her husband works with the Knight, and the nursery for new baby is decorated with airplanes. How could I say no?

I got it framed in this really cool refurbished barn wood frame with a mat, and it looks great. Perfect for the little aviator at heart.

Okay - confessional over! Thanks for providing a listening ear. As penance, I will do 10 Hail Marys. But I'm going to have to buy some pretty new rosary beads first, so maybe that's not a good idea after all. Perhaps, in addition to my event planning intervention, I will need an Etsy one as well. Ha! I'll leave that up to y'all!

brown paper packages wrapped up in string,

Oh yes!

2011-08-08T16:22:00.000-05:00

Guess who got a 9x12 West Elm pebble rug for her fancy schmancy new bedroom?

Moi!

The even sweeter part? I got it at our West Elm/Pottery Barn outlet for $209.97! That, my friends, is one sweet deal!

Can't wait for this lovely retreat of a room to come together. More on Coco's 1st birthday party coming in the next day or so!

Wool and "westfulness,"

Growing, Growing, GONE!

2011-08-03T09:50:00.000-05:00

GROWING...

As in my tummy. Allow me to compare and contrast.

Egad! How can an extra 5 lbs and a baby the size of an onion make so much tummy?!? It is a blessing, I know, but sometimes it still catches me off guard when I see myself (and this new development) in the mirror. I'm like "Whoa!" and then, to calm myself, I eat a chicken biscuit. :) (no comments necessary on the fact that said tummy might be getting bigger because of the recent increase in chicken biscuit consumption. i'm sure that is entirely not the cause.)

GROWING...

As in plans, decorations, and attendees for Coco's 1st birthday party! That's right! It is this weekend. Can't believe she is going to be 1 tomorrow. If you have read this blog for any length of time or know me in person, you know that I have a hard time doing anything on a small scale. It is my nature to "go big or go home."

I "tried" to keep her party small. Really, I did. Just some close friends, family, a few nibbles by the pool - nothing too complicated. Ha ha. Yeah. Right.

Does this picture indicate just how far off track I have gotten?

Yes, those are party hats that I made by hand, anchors with clothespins glued to the back to hold pictures from the photo booth, a slew of favors, whales which will be turned into food signs, and a laundry basket and 2 Target bags full of other projects. I also found actual "whale" knockoff Goldfish crackers yesterday, and nearly went into cardiac arrest. I am officially and unabashedly Out Of Control.

Right now, I have received RSVPs for 34 adults and 14 kids, with 13 unknown adults and 7 unknown kids. Yes...if you add that up, the total far exceeds 50 people. Did I mention this is all going down at my aunt's pool? She may never speak to me again.

Seriously, this soiree may be the party that causes my family and friends to stage an event-planning intervention.

I can see it now... I come home after a long day of worky work, and the Knight greets me at the door. He leads me to the living room where I am asked to sit down. My closest family and friends (there are 50 of them, apparently) are all staring at me with saddened and concerned expressions. My mother clears her throat, pulls out her letter, and that's when I make a break for it...gathering up all my hoarded party supplies, scrapbook paper, and glue guns. Later, after an all day police hunt, they find me hugging my knees in the corner of the break room at Hobby Lobby, rocking back and forth, mumbling words like "candy buffet" and "smash cake." Ha ha. Yes. That could very much happen after this coming Saturday.

I'll let you know. :)

GONE!

As in, gone out of the stores and online, but in my home waiting for a pretty frame to dress! Last night at Anthro, I popped in for some teacher's gifts (yes, even at age 1, Caroline's day school has end of the year parties, along with parties for every other holiday. Now that she can eat people food, it is a little more fun, but in the beginning, it was a little ridiculous). Anywho, I had seen a while ago this gorgeous bedding online. Of course, then, I had no idea that buying a new bed was in our near future, so I just forgot about it.

Last night, I was browsing the clearance section, wishing that anthro either made maternity or having a baby didn't involve abandoning your favorite stores, and LO AND BEHOLD, there it was...waiting for me...in all its beautiful and now clearanced out glory!

I present to you the Henrietta bedding (ta da!):

I bought the quilt, the aqua and cream shams, as well as the cocoa/gray colored euro shams. What I really love is that one side is all kinds of funky with the vibrant corally red stripes and gray swirls. The other side is just the green and gray paisley fabric. It is quite similar in color to this bedding, which the Knight and I really liked online, but just wasn't as pretty in the store.

Soooo...even if the anthro bedding is a little too wild and crazy for the Knight's taste initially, I can get him used to the plainer side, and then one day (VOILA!) flip it over.

I know, I know, my wildness astounds you.

bellies, blowholes, and bedding,

Coco's 1st year portraits

2011-08-02T10:31:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, the Knight, Coco, and I woke before the crack of dawn to get all purtied up for Coco's 1st year portraits and family portraits.

Awhile ago (6 mos maybe?), I won a contest for a free sitting fee with one of my good friends, Cindy Isom, and her photography studio, Cindy Isom Photography. It was a nice perk, since I had already planned to hire her for some sort of portraiture session in the future. After I won, we decided that a 1st year/family session would be a great way to celebrate our first year as parents (with potential Christmas gifts for the grandparents in mind, too).

These family photos were my inspiration and I shared them with her.

(photo found here, via pinterest)

I told Cindy I wanted something classic and heirloom quality for Coco's portraits, and a natural, vintage, casual feel for our family portraits. Let me just say this...

Cindy nailed it.

Cindy scouted around Memphis and found the perfect field, practically in our own back yard. Shelby Farms is about a 4 minute drive from our house (which was a blessing considering we were meeting her at 7 a.m. on a Saturday), and she had found a field full of hay, with a weathered fence line, to boot!

Here are some of my early sneak peek favorites that she posted on Facebook.

(dress made by her Great Aunt Janie, borrowed from Andy's sister - this was the same dress my niece wore in her 1st year portrait!)

(love this one - so symbolic of a parents' relation with their child...independence is ready to come out, but parents are at the ready, waiting to help or scoop them up when needed)

(vintage dress, found by my mom, for our little bean)

(my absolute favorite one - love the sunwashed effect. The quilt was made by my great-great grandmother, plus this family portrait includes unborn Baby #2!)

Do you have a favorite? Also, is anyone having trouble commenting? I have had a hard time commenting on other blogs lately, so if this is an issue, will you email me at Curtsies (at) gmail (dot) com? I would love to know if you are having technical difficulties.

blades of grass and blue eyed babes,

New additions to the family (or my desire to attribute human traits to inanimate objects)

2011-08-01T12:51:00.001-05:00

The past few weeks have brought two new additions to the AFS/Knight household.

First we bid goodbye to Audrey (sniff sniff),

sold her to a friend, and welcomed her bigger, updated, more "family friendly" replacement. Two doors with two kids? Not gonna happen.

He's a beaut, but he's no Audrey. Anyway, he doesn't have a name yet, but since the Knight is driving him, he may go many many months nameless. I think I will call him Magnum.

Also, we made the decision to purchase this new addition to our master bedroom...

(Redin Park Four Poster Bed, Bassett Furniture)

After 7 years of marriage, it is about time that we get a) a bed that we picked out and love that does not shake, rattle, or roll every time a person moves, blinks, or sighs and b) a mattress that does not cause us both to "meet in the middle" every single night, whether we care to be there or not. :)

It is a king sized bed, and I am thrilled to have a nice, firm bed to finish Baby #2's pregnancy out in comfort. My sleeping situation had spiralled down to me sleeping on the couch because I am so uncomfortable. I'm thinking that this new bed, complete with a 100% latex mattress (thanks to the recommendations over at Young House Love), will give me, baby #2, and the Knight some much needed zzzzzs.

bmw bye-byes and beckoning beds,

Great Inspiration

2011-07-29T14:45:00.000-05:00

Need some Friday afternoon distractions? Go here to check out my dear friend's AMAZING baby boy nursery.

While, yes, this is yet another nursery that I have been obsessing over, Easton's room has some great style that anyone could (and probably should) incorporate into any room in their home.

Also, KFD Designs has a great new painting up on her blog today.

This just screams (politely of course) dining room to me, and I'm going to have to remember it for future dining room inspiration. I bought a piece of furniture from her a couple of years ago, and I always get compliments on it.

That is all - carry on!
Beach bungalows and bluesy babies,

AFS Fill In The Blankie Review

2011-07-22T11:24:00.003-05:00

Wanna see my Fill In The Blankie? First, if you are my beautiful, tall, Barbie-esqe friend who is having a baby girl name Scarlett Marie, please read no further. This blog may or may not be about part of a gift for a certain someone, and I would hate for that certain someone to see said part of gift on here, rather than at certain someone's baby shower. :)

Kapeesh?

Not expecting a little miss Scarlett Marie baby?

Scroll down....

Hello! Here is the blanket I ordered for my good friend. I just love the name she has chosen for her daughter. So lovely, ladylike, but still very, very strong.

I ordered Hazel's Pride and Joy blanket in the Moonlight Bright White (33X33) with the Pink-a-licious thread. I wanted the blanket to reflect just how excited SO many people are about Scarlett's arrival, so I spent a good amount of time looking through Bible verses which correlated to the different groups of people in Baby Scarlett's life.

This is the text I came up with:

Side 1/Top: Scarlett Marie Bell, you are such a blessing
Side 2/Right Side: Cherished by Mommy and Daddy: 1 Samuel 1:27

Side 3/Bottom: Beloved child of God: Mark 10:14

Side 4/Left Side: Adored by family and friends: Psalm 127:3

(I used my own wording, but FITB has great preplanned suggestions for baptisms, christenings, baby showers, births, birthdays, adoptions, holidays, and just because. This also provides a great "starting off" point, even if you want to write your own, just to see what others have done.)

I also added a flower icon on the edge of each row of text called the "sew cute flower." I am very satisfied with my wording, thread choice, and icon...I think the corally pink looks really sweet with just a touch of sass.

When my blanket arrived, I was estatic with the quality of the satin, monogramming, and actual blanket. Just like the website says, I can imagine that this blanket will only get softer and softer, although it is already very soft. I would love a "big girl" blanket just like this to curl up with on those (rare) lazy rainy Sunday afternoons.

I also heartily approve of the gift-wrap. The blanket came in a super cute cloth coordinating gift bag (which would make a great bag to keep in the diaper bag for those diaper explosions), and the blanket was tied with a lush satin ribbon, with a gift card pinned to the ribbon with a (MATCHING) old-school diaper pin. Oh the details...swoon!

All in all, I am thrilled with my Fill In the Blankie order. This blanket was easy to order, even with all the personal customization. The email confirmation came immediately, and they even give you time to change your order within a limited amount of time (in case you have a change of heart or detect a typo). I got another email when my blanket shipped, and was thrilled when everything came quickly, just as I had ordered, and packaged perfectly.

I will definitely put this company on my list to consider the next time I am shopping for a baby or kiddo gift...their products are just too cute to ignore!

Lullabies and lazy days,

Fill In The Blankie Winner!

2011-07-21T10:11:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes! We are very excited about Baby #2 (and of course about decorating another nursery).

Second, a HUGE thanks to Fill In The Blankie for their generous giveaway. They make a super product, and if you order something from then, I think you will be really pleased. As a recent recipient of many lovely baby blankets, the personalized ones are my (and one day C's) most treasured.

If you didn't win, no worries. Lucky for you, the peeps at Fill In The Blankie are giving AFS readers 20% off through Wednesday, July 27th! Even if you didn't win, you have nearly a week to use that code to maximize your savings goodness. Just use the promo code (way down at the very very bottom of the ordering form): af20ff

Okay, onto the winner...

Using random.org, the winner is Comment #11!

Anonymous said...

I would order large Pharoh's finest for my newborn nephew and my son who should arrive in a matter of days! What a great keepsake.

Shannon

Congrats Shannon!

Please email me at curtsies(at)gmail(dot)com and I can give you all the details. I would love it if you shared a picture of your final product, too. It always fun to see what other people order.

I am going to have to wait to publish my review of the fabulous Blankie that I got from FITB because I am having technical difficulties with my camera (by difficulties, I mean that C dropped my camera yesterday, and now I can see my camera's innards. Going to have to do some camera surgery tonight!

winner winner chicken dinner,

Last Day to Enter Baby Blanket $150 Giveaway!!!

2011-07-20T10:58:00.002-05:00

Does your baby like to lay? Do you have a friend due in May? Is your own blankie starting to fray?

Well then, don't delay! Today is your last day! To enter the latest $150 blanket giveaway!

What's that you say? Where can you play? This link will show you the way!

blankies to lay or bloggers to slay ;),

(P.S. If you are having a hard time getting your comments to enter, just email me at curtsies@gmail.com, and I will try to enter them for you. I don't know why Blogger is being so stubborn. Grrr.)

Fantastic Fill-In-The-Blankie Giveaway (plus big news!)

2011-07-15T16:52:00.003-05:00

Hola! Or, now that I am back in the States...Hello! Our trip to Roatan was a positively dreamy vacation. I can't wait to share pics and all the decadent details with you.

But first...I have something exciting to share with you...An awesome giveaway from Fill In the Blankie!

I am so excited about this week's giveaway! It came at the most appropriate time, because, um, you see, it is quite relevant to my own life. :)

That's right...we are welcoming AFS and Knight Baby #2 into our world in January of 2012. About 4 days after my 30th birthday, I was still suffering from a hangover that just would not go away. Hmmm...I got to counting and a thinking and guess what? B-A-B-Y! As of right now, I am officially on "bump watch" seeing as I've gone from this at 12 weeks:

to this at 14:

Sheesh, baby is making its presence known! I am about 15 weeks right now, and hopefully through the worst of the nausea and fatigue. Oh, and, I am happy to report that maternity shorts/pants/jeans are just as comfortable as I remember. Ha!

Okay, so now that you know why the baby blanket giveaway is SO apropos, let me tell you a bit about this great site. Fill In The Blankie is a great company that sells ultra personalized baby blankets. We're not talking about a little monogram here and a cutesy date there, no, we are talking about mucho personalization on all four sides of a plethora of sweet, sassy, and soft baby blankets.

They have all kinds of super cute and stylish blankets to choose from, plus a ton of great fonts. Stumped on what to say? No worries, they have a great website which is easy to use and provides great text suggestions for personalizing your baby blanket.

The lucky AFS winner of the contest will get a code that will be good for $150 towards any blanket of their choosing!

Here's how to enter (you do not have to have a blog or website to enter...just enter the comment form as anonymous, put your name next to your comment, and check next week to see if you've won!):

You have 4 ways to enter. You can enter 4 times, with 4 separate comment entries, or pick and choose. For each method, PLEASE leave me a separate comment!

Method 1) (MANDATORY) Leave a comment telling me which blanket you would choose, thread color, and what it would say (generally speaking - no need to make all the decisions now, of course!).

Method 2) Become a blog follower, and leave me a separate comment OR leave a separate comment telling me you already are a follower!

Method 3) Tweet, facebook, or post about it in one of your online chat/community groups and leave a comment with the link to the comment.

AND/OR

Method 4) Write your own blog post and leave a comment with a link to your blog post.

(P.S. If you are having a hard time getting your comments to enter, just email me at curtsies@gmail.com, and I will try to enter them for you. I don't know why Blogger is being so stubborn. Grrr.)

See? Isn't that easy? The winner will be announced next Thursday (July 21) morning, and will be chosen using random.org.

Are you one of those adorable people who just can't wait? Bless your heart. I am one of those people, so I completely understand. Lucky for you, the peeps at Fill In The Blankie are giving AFS readers 20% off through Wednesday, July 27th! Even if you don't win, you'll have nearly a week to use that code to maximize your savings goodness.
Here's the 20% off code: af20ff

The folks at FITB were super generous, and let me get a blankie too! A full review with tons of pictures will happen next week, too. In short, I was super pleased with the process, shipping, and product, but want to give you guys all the details next week (plus show you my cute creation!).

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. The Knight's family is in town, plus Benton is coming (my longlost BFF and college roomie), so I am really stoked for the weekend!

Artsy Fartsy and Adios,

June in Review

2011-06-29T13:42:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! I took an impromptu sabbatical from the blog the last few weeks. I just needed time to retreat, recharge, and focus on my real-life jobs of lawyer, mom, and wife. We have been busy on all fronts, but in a good way. I am back and ready to jabber. I'm thinking a few big decor posts are coming soon - I am getting the urge to decorate/furnish our bedroom, so I'm going to start hunting for inspiration and key needed pieces for the room. I promise to share. :)

Here are some recent pics of the Coco Bean.

She is almost 11 months, cruising, crawling, eating "big people" food, and babbling up a storm. Sometimes, I think she is saying "mama" and "dada," but it is hard to be sure. Nearly every moment with her is delightful, and I am so thankful to be blessed with a healthy and quite happy child. The Knight and I are smitten.

We have also been enjoying the harvest from our garden, as well as our CSA basket from Whitton Farms. We have quite a bounty of squash and tomatoes, several bell peppers ripening on the vine, and our watermelon plant is literally taking over our back yard. All of this wonderful, health, fresh and organic food is such a blessing of summer!

Last night, Ayoden and I went to our first Foodie Memphis gathering at Las Delicias.

(photo taken by Sophorn, author of Rococo)

We had a wonderful time eating, er, gorging ourselves with every imaginable form of Mexican food. We also met some really cool people. One person even identified herself as a reader of THIS BLOG. Hello out there to the lovely Jessica! How crazy is that?

If you live in Memphis, love food, and love supporting local restaurants/owners, you have to check out this group - so fun! Go here to learn about them on Facebook, and go here for the blog.

Well, I am about done with lunch, and need to get back to the grind - hope you are all having a LOVELY week and enjoying your summers!

rest & relaxation,

AFS Friends on Etsy

2011-06-02T09:55:00.001-05:00

Recently, I discovered two of my (real-life) friends have Etsy shops. They are both very cute and offer very different things, so I wanted to share them with you. Perhaps they have something in their shops that catch your eye or tickle your fancy (always wondered where that saying comes from).

Anyway, the first adorable shop is Harper & Eden, owned and operated by my college friend, Heather Broyles. She is a beautiful person inside and out. Her cute little girl, Harper, served as the inspiration for her shop.

So many of the headbands that I see on Etsy are just too "too" for my taste. I really like the more understated, handmade ones, and Harper & Eden's styles suit me perfectly. Plus, she has hair accessories for grown-up girls, too! (and did I mention FREE SHIPPING?!?)

Recently, I ordered this UT headband for C in the fall and these hammered bobby pins for moi.

I also love this hydrangea headband and this poppy style. Maybe my next order?

As far as I can tell, Heather's shop has really taken off, and I have heard that she is even selling her goods in brick and mortar stores in the Nashville/Brentwood area, like Hot Pink. Way to go, Heather!

Next up is my across the street neighbor. Since we first moved into our house, she has been a complete delight and has really spoiled us. She has given me countless plants (divided from her very own garden), lots of gardening tips, and occasionally a bit of neighborhood gossip. If only all neighbors could be as sweet as her.

Her store, LuvvinJewels, has all kinds of awesome vintage home and jewelry finds. I really like her selection and taste, and am happy to know that I now have my own little vintage store right across the street! Ha!

I'm really digging this cute blue suitcase,

pretty painted tole tray,

and these cheeky bloody mary glasses. So fun!

Hope you take a moment to enjoy my friends' shops!

handmade with care,

(P.S. I was not paid or asked to post about these shops. I just like them and thought I would share! If you have a shop and want to share it, send me an email at curtsies (at) gmail (dot) com, and I would love to talk with you!)

Gift Ideas for Baby C's first birthday?!?

2011-05-27T09:29:00.001-05:00

I really want to get C something wonderfully meaningful and useful for her first birthday. Any suggestions/ideas? I was thinking about something like one of those radioflyer wagons or a play shopping cart, but I really just have no idea.

I do have two things to give her:

Prudent Baby's wonderful book, "Prudent Advice: Lessons for my baby daughter." (Amazon, $12.99)

These adorable pink sparkly Toms (Toms, $29.00)

Gifts and glitter,

Delightful Derby

2011-05-23T07:15:00.000-05:00

I don't have time to give this party the write-up it deserves, but this was the second year that we attended a Derby Party at my dear friend Elizabeth's house. You can check her out on her cute blog, the little harvilles. She is a hostess with the mostest (and quite adorably pregnant right now, I might add), and it always amazes and inspires me when I get to visit her beautiful home.

Here are some pictures snapped by my lovely mother and me of the pretty day. I especially love the one of the Knight and C and his sister and her kids. What a wonderful way to celebrate my 30th birthday weekend - spent with family, friends, gorgeous weather, and pretty hats and dresses!

Seersucker and lemonade,

Artsy Fartsy Crafty Hafty Things

2011-05-19T10:29:00.001-05:00

First, check out the most recent additions to C's 1st birthday party stash! The first is a picture of an "I am 1" banner (before the letters were attached).

The second is a cute little sign that we'll hang on the front door to let everyone know, yes indeed, you are whaley at the right place!

I also ordered a huge coordinating banner that says "Happy 1st Birthday." All of it is absolutely adorable and great quality. I ordered everything from Bella Baby Toppings from (where else?) Etsy.

Next up are a couple of things my mom and I made recently. Here is a tote bag I appliqued for C. I got the bag in the dollar area at Target, added my own bow and monogram, and VOILA - custom beach tote for the little one.

Of course, I had to make one for C's best cousin in the world too. She is such a little diva, and I love her to pieces.

(yes, this is my adorable niece rocking it out in her Fancy Nancy fairy costume, pink suede boots, pink rockstar sunglasses, and pink guitar. If I didn't have to work in the real law world, I imagine my daily outfits might look something like this, too.)

Here is a bib that my mom made for C. She used laminated cotton, added a little monogram, and a pocket to catch the drips and crumbs. It is very much a part of the bib rotation now. Thanks, mom!

This is a selection of fabrics that I have big plans for. I am either going to make a little coat or a fall jumper for C with these fabrics. The plaid wool in the middle is a great weight for either. I'll use the floral to the left to make piping for the armholes and neckholes (if it make a dress) or for piping for the collar and around the edges of the coat, if that is what I decide. The soft linen to the right is actually more of a cotton voile, and it would either make a really cute fluffy slip/liner for the dress, or a nice, soft liner for the coat.

I am very much inspired by this shop, The Measure, on Etsy and love this apron style dress. Definitely taking a page from that designer's book when I put the final touches on her coat or dress.

Finally, here is a close-up of a onesie that I recently appliqued for an expecting momma at our church. I've been making a lot of these lately. They are quick, fairly easy to do, and a nice personalized gift for babies. I've also been making coordinating burp cloths, but unfortunately I have no pictures of those. Boo.

Well, that's just a sample of what has been going on behind the scenes at the AFS household. Hope your week is nearing a happy end, and you have exciting weekend plans. The Knight is competing in a triathlon this weekend, so C and I will be happily cheering him on from the sidelines. Go Big Poppy!

bobbins and bits,

Chanel Inspired Baby Sprinkle!

2011-05-18T11:22:00.000-05:00

Run over to my sweet friend Amanda's blog, Our Life, for a very inspiring DIY baby sprinkle (sprinkle, not a shower, for the second baby girl).

The guest of honor is oh-so-stylish, and our sweet friends really outdid themselves with this one!

lilac and violets,

Bye Bye 20s!

2011-05-16T14:59:00.001-05:00

The Knight surprised me in a MAJOR way with an incredible surprise birthday party at our house. He planned everything - the catering, the bar, the way he would trick me (even wrote the invitation himself!) and had two of my dear friends help him with the decorations. I was so shocked, I actually got teary.

Let me just say that there are few things in my life as sweet as the memory of pulling up in my driveway and seeing 40 or so of my beloved friends and family waiting for me!

The best surprise was that Andy's mom, sister, niece, nephew and MY MOM all came for the surprise, too! We were so fortunate to get to spend my 30th birthday and my first Mother's Day with the two best mommas in the whole wide world.

I know I am one spoiled lady - The Knight must really love me. :)

Feeling homey.

2011-05-10T15:08:00.000-05:00

Okay, here is my "dream decor for our first house" design. Now, as I have said before, I have been planning this in my head based on a house that the Knight and I are love with...the only problem being we aren't quite ready to make an offer.

The house is a traditional ranch with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The thing we love most about the house is the contemporary design of the living room, dining room, and den. Most of the houses in our price range have very sectioned, enclosed spaces - a lot of the houses have terrible flow, and very little natural light. This house has a completely open dining room and living room combo (one giant long room) and then you step down into an addition which is just as long, but the back wall is all windows. There is no wall dividing the two rooms, so all the natural light spills into both rooms. And did I mention that the backyard is exquisitely landscaped, so you have a great view with all those windows? The flooring in the main living areas and bedrooms is a nice deep brown hardwood. There is cream vinyl flooring (but it is nice vinyl, I have learned) in the kitchen and laundry room. And the two bathrooms have old school patterned tile...one is tiled in various shades of green, and the other is tiled in various shades of a mauvey/makeupy pink. The sinks and showers are "original" to the house, but the toilets are new.

For this house, I think the best color scheme would be to mimic nature, since the wall of windows plays such a huge part in the home's architecture. Also, I just really love greens, browns, and blues. As accents, I would like to use lemon, raspberry, and orange. How's that for a natural color scheme? While I don't think a house has to have a fluid color scheme throughout the entire house, I do think that keeping a color scheme in mind helps create harmony in a home.

Okay, so that being said, I'm going to take one room at a time, I may have to split this into a few separate blogs, we'll just have to play it by ear!

Dining Room/Living Room

The house we are interested in right now has one long rectangular room that should/could be used as the dining room and formal living room. Because the green couch and coordinating chairs are a tad more *fancy*, I think the perfect color for this room would be some sort of deep caramel or cardboardy brown. The colors would set off the green couch, but wouldn't be too dark, causing the coordinating chairs and dark wood dining room furnish to get lost.

I really like these paint chips, so far:
I really like this rug . I have wanted it for at least 3 years, maybe longer. I have always thought that it would be perfect in a dining room because most of it is covered by the tables, and wouldn't be subject to a high traffic area. I realize that the white isn't the most practical choice for a rug, but I think it needs to be in my dining room.

To show off such a lovely table adequately, I would like a table like this. I like to think of it as a grown-up version of the West Elm parsons table. Of course, it also has a very grown-up price ($1995 - Restoration Hardware), but it seats 10 and is gaw-ge-ous. Yum. I think I would like to pair it with the chairs featured in the photo or something like this:

Either one would be perfect in this fabric:

I love this rug (well, the middle one).It combines the celery/light avocado of the couch and chairs with the light greenish blue of the room that I adore. It's pretty pricey ($1,859 for a 6 x 9 rug), but its looks like a rug I would love forever. Plus, I think it would work well with the bold graphics of the Zebra couch.

On one end of the long rectangle room, the Knight would build us an entire wall of shelves with cabinets underneath. I have been thinking that covering the wall behind the shelves with fabric or wallpaper would be really cool, or maybe just paint the area a darker shade of the wall color.

For a buffet against the wall that backs up to the kitchen, I would like this piece.
Kitchen & Breakfast Nook:
Since I was in high school, I have known that I wanted my kitchen to be a pear/soft lime green. So you can imagine how stoked I was when I discovered that Pottery Barn felt the same way, when they designed this room:

I really like the paint color and the chairs. I love dark wood so much, I have a tendency to decorate "dark," too. Those white chairs add just the right "bright," and still allow for a dark table.

I would prefer to have a round, pedestal table for the breakfast room. Something like this or this:

This is also a great inspiration room. The chairs are a tad too country for my taste, but I love the way the plates are arranged on the wall, and the storage for linens (or games) under the table. I would probably trade out the wicker basket for a tin or stainless container...easier to clean and less chance that Betty would devour it (she eats baskets).

As for a rug, I want something that is durable; most likely an indoor/outdoor rug. I would consider this one for sure if the Knight wasn't into the Zebra rug for the dining room. This would really accentuate the green, and give our kitchen an almost modern safari theme, without going too far.

I also like this one:

in either Mediterranean Floral:

or Mosaic Floral Green:

Den

Our Bedroom
Love this idea because I am such a fabric whore.

Photo and idea from http://www.thisyounghouse.com/

Even if I'm too lazy to sew pillowcases to incorporate fabric I can't resist, this shows it off. Plus, it gives us a pseudo headboard, since our antique bed's headboard is hidden by mounds of pillows!
Guest Bed

Craft Room/Office
This room is my inspiration.

Crawford Ruled On History

2011-05-10T15:04:00.000-05:00

Article from the Commercial Appeal - Memphis:

Appellate judge served as mentor, example to lawyers

By David Healy (Contact)
Sunday, April 20, 2008

Judge W. Frank Crawford always tried to be fair and honest, whether he was representing Elvis' doctor or ruling on whether taxpayer money should be spent on FedExForum, his son says.
"He poured his heart into whatever case he was involved. Whether it received a lot of media attention or not," said Frank Crawford Jr.

W. Frank Crawford

Judge Crawford, who died of lung cancer Thursday at his Memphis home, continued working until two weeks before his death on Thursday. He was 81.
"Judge Crawford was a mentor," said Carol Lutrell, his administrative assistant for 32 years. "It was not uncommon to walk into his office and find young lawyers sitting in his office and listening to his advice."
In his 26 years on the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Judge Crawford ruled on many important cases.
In 2001, he was part of a three-judge panel that ruled unanimously that no public vote was needed to spend taxpayers' money to build FedExForum.
"He personally didn't agree with what the city was doing, but my father always let the law decide what was right and he never tried to make the law," Crawford Jr. said.
In 1996, Judge Crawford wrote the majority opinion that citizens have a fundamental right to privacy when the panel ruled unanimously that a Tennessee law making homosexual acts a crime was unconstitutional.
But it was his defense of Dr. George C. Nichopoulos, Elvis Presley's doctor, that garnered Judge Crawford the most headlines. Crawford was one of three attorneys who represented Nichopoulos when he was called before the state Board of Medical Examiners.
Testimony during the administrative hearing focused on the drugs that Nichopoulos prescribed for Presley, including sedatives, pain killers and amphetamines. The panel suspended Nichopoulos' medical license for three months and placed him on three years' probation.
"That was one of my father's toughest cases, and I knew it gave him tremendous stress with all the attention it received," Crawford's son said.
Nichopoulos was later criminally charged, but by then Judge Crawford had moved on to the Appeals Court.
In 1992, Judge Crawford landed a speaking role in "The Firm." He's the judge who swears in the young attorney played by Tom Cruise.
Director Sydney Pollack needed one look at Judge Crawford's photograph to know he was perfect for the part, his son said.
Judge Crawford served as a paratrooper in the Army before beginning college at Union University. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1950.
Judge Crawford, the husband after 58 years of Lucy Scott Crawford, leaves a daughter, Lucy Harper of Tuscumbia, Ala.; three sons, Scott Crawford of Memphis, Frank Crawford Jr. of Somerville and Chip Crawford of Rossville; a sister, Elizabeth Crawford Swaze of Olive Branch, and three grandsons.
The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Colonial Park United Methodist Church with interment at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family asks that any memorials be sent to the William Frank Crawford Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Tennessee College of Law.

9 months

2011-05-04T16:49:00.001-05:00

aroline is 9 months old today. I guess you could say that she and I have been acquainted for a year and a half now. 9 months of cooking, and 9 months of living. 18 months of wonder, preparation, celebration, a few late night tears, and lots of laughter. She has been in our world (well outside of the womb) for roughly 270 days, and I really can't remember life before she got here. Funny how such a small thing can become such a big focus in your life.

She is a giggler, a wiggler, and an occassional snuggler. She isn't crawling yet, but I think her mobility is just around the corner. She loves to stand up by herself and hold onto the coffee table. She beams as she does it, and it is evident she is quite pleased with herself.

She really has an easy-going disposition. She rarely cries, unless she is hungry, dirty, or sleepy. She can sit and entertain herself for quite a bit, but she loves it best when we are playing with her. Sometimes we have dance parties - she in her "Jenny Jump-Up" and us standing in front of her. We'll jig and hop to the music and she watches carefully. When we stop, she laughs and begins her own little dance moves. We could do that for hours.

She is fascinated with our dogs, loud noises, and any kind of food that is not pureed baby food. She loves to bang her hands and toys on other people and tables. When you first walk into a room, her entire body excitedly and happily wiggles a welcome. Even when she wakes up at 5:30 a.m. ready to play, it is hard to be mad when you have that kind of greeting.

Suffice it to say, Caroline - you fill our days with wonder, laughter, and happiness. We are so glad you are here.

Rubberband wrists and baby blues,

Kickin' Kentucky Derby Party Ideas!

2011-05-04T08:43:00.000-05:00

In the South, the Kentucky Derby is a big deal. Whether you party with the infielders or sass with the high class, the Derby provides the perfect excuse to don those summer frocks and throw a great spring bash!

This year, the Derby is Saturday, May 7th. If a Derby party is your thing, you still have time to plan!

Derby Invites: These darling invites can be ordered and shipped within 2-3 business days! ($30 for 20 invites - itsy bitsy paper shop on etsy.com).

Derby Decor: Anything with wide-brimmed hats, red roses, mint julep cups and horses is a winner! At your local garden center, grab a flat of mint. Using mint julep cups, plant the mint in the cups, and add these adorable sterling herb markers to let guests know that they can add an extra mint sprig (or two) to their own cocktail.

(Set of 4 herb markers - $22 - Monkeys Always Look on etsy.com)

Roses can be expensive, but even just enough for one focal point will make a statement.

(photo courtesy of here)

Scour eBay, yard sales, and thrift stores for horse figurines or even horse bookends. It's amazing what a coat of glossy white spray paint can do!

(photo courtesy of here)

Finally, don't be afraid to take the party outside! Cover folding tables with white linens, hang chandeliers or the ever-popular Martha Stewart poms from the trees, and bring a little drama to your backyard!

(photo courtesy of here)

(photo courtesy of here)

Derby Dining: Your guests will thank you for a proper Derby dinner. Whether you prefer fine fare or down-home delectables is up to you. Either way, the only proper dessert is the Kentucky Derby Pie. Go here for a fantastic, tried and true recipe!

Derby Drinks: The Mint Julep is a must:

Mint Julep From the Kentucky Derby
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Whiskey
Directions
Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight.

Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of whiskey. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, sip and savor!

Derby Digs: Don't forget that hat! Make sure your guests know that appropriate Derby attire is a must. The bigger, the better, in my humble opinion.

(photo courtesy of here)

Girls should wear summer frocks, and gentlemen should don classic seersucker or khaki suits. Bow ties get bonus points!

(photo from Vineyard Vines)
Fabulous Extras: Provide all of your guests with current Daily Racing Forms and set up your own betting pool to add to the excitement of the day.

(photo courtesy of here)

And check out these great photo props! Smitten Sticks (no longer available, but tons of other options on etsy)

Want some more inspiration and tips? Check out the Kentucky Derby's official party site! It is full of classice ideas, recipes, fashion suggestions, and decor designs.

Whatever your Derby plans are for the day, the most important thing is to relax, enjoy a cocktail (or two), and enjoy your company.
Brims and beaus,

It's my birthweek...we're gonna party like it's my birthweek!

2011-05-03T17:35:00.000-05:00

Check out what the Knight sent to my office today (warning. you are going to jealous. real jealous):

The card says "Happy Birth Week!" My smart man knows how I LOVE flowers from the Garden District, and by sending them early in the week, I can enjoy them all week long in my office (my bday isn't until Friday). He is perfection. And the scent? Oh goodness, the bouquet most lovingly fills my office with the most wonderful sweet smell of roses, larkspur, and hydrangea. I keep taking such deep breaths, I am about to pass out.

Fragrance and falling in love all over again,

Love Etsy? Obsess with Heartsy!

2011-05-02T14:29:00.034-05:00

Have you heard about Heartsy? It is a daily deal site BUT with exclusive sales for Etsy stores only! So, how does Heartsy work?

1.) Sign up and get an exclusive daily deal on about 6 different Etsy shops each day. If you go through THIS link, you get $5 in your account after you sign up to use for a future purchase!

2.) Buy the deal.

3.) Use your deal as a voucher on Etsy with the store that sponsored the deal.

I just bought my first Heartsy deal today. The store, TuscanyCreative, has amazing softie toys, hair accessories, and all kinds of other cute, handmade goods.

I had a $5 credit from signing up through this link, and I bought a deal for $9 (so I only spent $4).

For $4 of my own money, I got two awesome handsewn "softies." 1 whale for C's birthday,

and another car softie for part of an upcoming baby shower gift.

Of course, now I have a great site to go back to for future softie finds (where I am sure I will pay full price and support this great little independent shop), but it is nice to have a deal, especially on a site like Etsy!

Here are some other cool things about Heartsy:

■Vouchers can be used toward shipping in most cases.

■Any unused portions of the voucher can be used at a later time.

■Get a refund if you change your mind within 30 days after you’ve purchased your voucher and want to “return” the unused voucher.

Head to Heartsy for a look!

handmade finds and vintage treasures,

AFS Top Five Mother's Day Gifts

2011-04-29T10:52:00.000-05:00

Raised Icon Metal Bangle in Flamingo or Navy ($48)

Bungalow Scarf ($98)

Giraffe Medallion Pot ($32)

Figure Eight Necklace ($48)

Botanical Card Set ($16)

Baby's scuffed knees and mommy's healing kisses,

Whaley havin' fun now! (Update on C's 1st Birthday Party Plans)

2011-04-28T22:39:00.001-05:00

How was your Easter? Ours was filled with yummy food, long relaxing conversations with family, listening to the glorious hum of the great outdoors, and plenty of fun with the kiddos. Carter and Maddie were enamored with Caroline, and I assure you the feeling was mutual. Unfortunately, my camera battery was DEAD, so I only have this one picture of her.

Hop-Hoppy Easter!

Okay, so I just have to show you the cute stuff I am slowly gathering for C's 1st birthday party (and try to stick around till the end for my favorite detail!) The Whale theme is really coming together. Here's a majority of the loot that I have so far.

Doesn't this just make you smile?

I punched a whole bunch of scalloped 2 inch circles. I'm thinking these will be favor tags and I might make some sort of pretty string of scalloped goodness to hang around outside. Maybe something like this, but with my pretty preppy paper?

(found here)

I found these adorable wooden anchors at JoAnn's. Not sure what I'm going to do with them yet, but I think I'll keep the natural wood look. The pink polka dot tape is called Washi Tape and I got it at Sweet Lulu.

I'm thinking this will make cute little nautical (but pink) flags on the straws and maybe on the scallop string strands too.

(free printable flags here)

In this picture, you can see the cute striped straws in the left hand corner, a portion of C's glittery crown (it reminded me of King Triton's crown in the Little Mermaid.

I know that isn't exactly whales, but she was enamored with it at Michaels, and it looks REALLY cute on her round cherub cheeked head.). I also have some great preppy cupcake wrappers, pink and white striped and polka dot candles, an awesome anchor cookie cutter from Sur La Table, and more scalloped punches.

See these whaley metallic goodies? I'm not going to tell you much about them, except that they are going to be part of the favors!!!

Things not pictured but in the works...

Remember the scallop punches? I've also made several paper flag pennant banners using that paper, too. I used natural colored string to string them up, and I think it will tie in nicely with the preppy fabric and natural wood look I have going on.

(bigdaypartyshop)

Also, I'm starting to work on props for a little photo booth. A friend of mine is going to let me borrow several of those awesome Instax Instant cameras, and hopefully guests will take a memento for themselves and leave one behind for little miss C.

(paper and cake)

Wouldn't that be a great memory from her first birthday? I'm thinking I'll make heavy duty posterboard cutouts of nautical themed stuff (the water that comes out of the whale's blow hole, a life preserver, an anchor, and maybe a hot mermaid), and also throw in a few standard party favorites (giant present cutout, birthday cake, noisemakers, and birthday hats).

I'm thinking the backdrop will be seersucker fabric, and I'm also looking for a huge, shabby chic painted white frame, to "frame" the picture.

(Lovely Girls Weddings)

I also ordered an "Its a party" sign, an "I am 1" highchair banner, and "Happy 1st Birthday!" banner from Bella Baby Toppings.

When we were discussing the design, I told her "pink grosgrain, blue and white seersucker, and maybe navy ric-rac, with touches of aqua here and there."

I imagine it will look something like this, but even cuter:

It is going to be SO great, I just know it. Here are few samples of her work:

As for the cake, a wonderful friend of mine who makes cakes professionally is going to make gum paste whales(like these) for oodles and oodles of cupcakes, plus a coordinating smash cake with a giant matching whale on top, complete with a pink bow.

She is also going to make some whale, anchor, and starfish sugar cookies with royal icing

(I love me some sugar cookies).

(whippedbakeshop)

(SunshineBakeShop)

I ordered 100 of these tiny vintage map whale punches. Not sure what I am going to do with them, but I know that I will probably find multiple cutie patootie things to do!

And now, I present to you the creme de la creme...the cutest, preppiest, pink and aqua-est (oh yes, even smocked!) whale bathing suit for the birthday girl.

She is going to look FAB in this all summer, plus on her big day!

(seriously, could this be any more perfect? I just die.)

Splishin' and a splashin', partyin' and a plannin'

Love this girl - LOVE YOU STRONGLY - by Amy Stroup

2011-04-28T14:30:00.000-05:00

Right now, my dear friend, Amy Stroup, has a FREE song on Amazon.com!

Go here to download her latest release, "Love You Strongly," for free from Amazon. One thing I love about Amazon is that you can play your purchased music on any computer (unlike iTunes). Isn't she just the cutest?

Also, Amy's song is going to be featured on this week's episode of Grey's Anatomy.

Her songs have been featured on Grey's in the past, plus Private Practice, Brothers & Sisters, One Tree Hill, and a host of other hot shows. I'm so proud of my sweet and amazing talented friend. Her music touches me to the core.

Find out more about Amy on Facebook here and http://www.amystroup.com/. Amy's music can also be found on iTunes here.

Acoustics and artists,

Tutorial: How to make a no-sew paper flag pennant banner

2011-04-21T19:39:00.000-05:00

We see them everywhere. Cute little flag pennant banners that coordinate with the color scheme of the party and add an extra little oomph to the decor.

I think they are so popular because they add much needed color and pattern, for a relatively low cost. I wanted to show you how easy peasy it is to make a pennant/flag banner for your next celebration. Though I have sewn one before, this tutorial is for a no-sew version. Both are equally cute, but I'm kind of partial to the no-sew version because it allows you to work on it while you hang with the fam or watch TV. Plus, as discussed below, it allows more flexibility when hanging.

Here's what you need:
Pretty scrapbook paper
Hole puncher
Twine
Scissors
Pencil

First, figure out what size flag you want. My flags are 5 inches wide by 6.5 inches long.

Then, trace the first flag over and over on the backsides of the scrapbook paper and cut them all out. I was able to squeeze 5 flags per sheet (by turning some sideways). I used 5 different scrapbook patterns, 2 pages of each pattern each. This made a total of 50 flags, 10 of each pattern.

Next, figure out where you want your holes. No sense in being too precious about it - the "handmade-ness" of the holes and flags adds to the charm. I made 4 on each flag, that way the string left two nice "dashes" on the front of each flag.

The hard part is over now! Just plop down with some Reese Witherspoon or Mark Ruffalo and start stringing those flags! I doubled up the twine because I thought it needed to be more substantial looking to fill the holes. Later, I realized that having the double string was really helpful for hanging...you could just loop the end over a pushpin and VOILA - easily hung!

Try to remember to thread the string the same way on each flag (from behind, to the top, then down again). That way, each flag, though a different pattern, has a similar pattern on the top.

Another nice thing about the no-sew version is that you can space the flags out as needed. I ended up taking a couple of flags off of the banner hanging over the fireplace because it looked a little too crowded.

After I hung the banner, I just felt like it needed something extra. So, I bought some glittery sticky foam, cut out a heart, and stuck it on the middle flag. There! Now it looks like a bridal show banner, but not in an over the top way.

Want more information about the details behind this bridal tea shower? Go here for the down and dirty nitty gritty!

Tenderness and twine,

Shutterfly Free Stationary!

2011-04-21T11:55:00.002-05:00

Wanna know one benefit of having a Shutterfly account? Free stuff! They just sent me an email with a code for 12 free personalized notecards. Shipping was a little steep (at $5.45), but that is less than I would pay for notecards at Target, plus these have my name on them!

This is what I ordered. I've been loving all things scalloped and blue lately...

Zachary Blue Thank You Card

Personalized graduation invitations & thank you cards by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

I'm STILL majorly crushing on these shoes - they would be the perfect accessory while I am lovingly writing notes on those cute little cards. :)

Prissy and precocious,

Nursery Obsession

2011-04-21T07:15:00.001-05:00

Maybe it is because spring is in the air, or I've been busy sewing teeny baby onesies for future baby shower gifts, but I've been thinking about another baby to add to the AFS fold.

Naturally, that leads me to start thinking about nursery decor. I am obsessed with this room:

Even if we don't have another child or another little girl, I'm thinking this could be inspiration for C's "big girl" room, since the wall color is very similar.

Plus, I am absolutely smitten with the name Vivianne. That would be so cute - a Coco and a Vivi!

Vintage charm and chic schoolmarm,

Do you like classical music?

2011-04-19T15:23:00.000-05:00

If so, Amazon has an album of 99 songs for 1.99 right now. It is entitled "the 99 most essential wedding classics," which may seem a little silly if you aren't planning a wedding. BUT, a quick review of the songs shows that they are all classical/opera/instrumental and very pretty. Perfect for long road trips or background music in the office. Plus, the price can't be beat!

Minuets and momentos,

Rethinking Talbots

2011-04-19T11:41:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or is Talbot's really upping the ante and appealing to a younger demographic? Maybe I am in denial (I am about to be 30, after all, so I'm not sure if that qualifies as "younger"), but these pretty of pretties really caught my eye in their latest catalog. Everything is so classic. I just love all things lady.

Jackie Pintuck Jacket (in this delicious grass green!)

White Denim Trouser Jeans

Delave linen sash shirt:

Straw Ankle Wrap Shoes (is it bad that I want them in Natural AND Navy?)

straw hats and snipping peonies,

Like Mama needs MORE polka dots...

2011-04-15T08:58:00.000-05:00

But I really think she does. :)

Lady from Lucerne dress, Modcloth, 129.99

dots and denim,

Vintage Jewel Bridal Tea Party

2011-04-13T22:50:00.001-05:00

Recently, my friends and I threw a bridal tea for a colleague of mine. We wanted the affair to be classic, a little fancy schmancy, but still fun.

The inspiration stemmed from these gorgeous bridal tea invitations, which were extra beautiful in person. Soft metallic ink on nubby paper... just lovely.

(Source - Wedding Paper Divas)

I found these cute vellum wrappers at Michael's, and they served as additional inspiration for the rest of the party. I loved how they complimented the intricate, almost doily like corners of the invite. I tucked different Tazo tea bags in the wrappers, laid them on a tray, and they served as the tea source for the party, as well as favors when guests left.

Because I have a standard to smallish size buffet, I used cake stands to stack the tea cups and saucers (we were expecting about 20 guests). I added more height by preparing 2 whimsical flowers arrangements (a tad Alice, if you must). We mixed and match silver and gold china to add to the charm of the party.

For the table, I used a hemp taupe runner from Williams Sonoma, vellum flowers scattered on the runner, and silver and gold toned serving trays. The flowers were beautiful, fluffy white hydrangeas. I made food menu cards, and added to the "vintage jewel" theme by adding scrap booking brads I found on sale at Target to the left corner of each menu card.

The food was lovely. We kept our menu simple and classic: tea sandwiches (chicken salad and pimento), crudites, assorted cheeses and crisps, assorted fruits, chocolate covered strawberries, miniature cherry topped cheesecakes, and show-stopping cupcakes from Gigi's.

Starched linen luncheon napkins, mix and match silver and gold china, and sterling silver salad forks added an additional polish to the event.

I kept the color scheme consistent throughout my house - creams, taupes, and touches of silver, gold, and black. In the living room (where the guests congregated to visit, eat, and watch the bride-to-be open her gifts), I used more hydrangea, doily-esque scrapbook paper on the coffee table, and I made a pennant to hang over the fireplace. I also made a matching pennant that hung over the doorway to the living room, but I don't have a picture of it.

In the back of the living room, we set up a small gift table for guests to drop their gifts as they arrived. I found the premade "Best Wishes" banner at Michaels (a Martha Stewart find), and hung that above the table. You can't tell from the pictures, but I took the backs off of a couple of the jewel scrapbooking brads and glued them to push pins. When I hung the banner on the wall, the jeweled pins finished off the look.

I had a field day with the flowers. Rachel's Flower Shop is a delightful florist in Memphis, and on Saturdays from 4-5, she has a "happy hour" where all the cut flowers are buy one, get one free. I much prefer using a florist as my source for flowers, because they always have a better selection, funkier finds, and there is just something so invigorating about being surrounded by all the beauty. Plus, while I was there, she made me a simple orchid corsage (at my last minute request) for the guest of honor to wear on her special day. Here are some photos of the arrangements. I was quite proud of my nonprofessional attempts at flower arranging. Obviously, trained florists could do much, much better, but I was going for the "straight from the garden" look, and I think I achieved it.

All in all, we had a lovely time, and the bride gushed over every detail. I think she felt special, which is truly the ultimate goal of any shower, bridal or baby. We are all so very happy for her, as she begins this new chapter in her life. I hope she will look back on this day as a happy memory, surrounded by friends and family who love her.

Friendship and filigree,

Picnik rocks!

2011-04-13T09:43:00.001-05:00

Do you use Picnik? I know I am probably WAY behind the times, but I recently discovered this function through Picasa (the awesome photo editing softward that is free and that I use for everything), and I am in love. I always wondered how bloggers got such cool finishes on their photos, with cute borders and rounded edges. Now I know!

The best part? A ton of the functions are completely FREE!

Check out a before and after of a sweet spring photo of Miss C (and yes, those are TWO teeth, my big girl!):

This was just playing around for a few minutes, but there are tons of functions that you can apply to your photos. I highly recommend be-bopping over there right now and checking it out.
Retouches and vintage washes,

30th birthday wish list

2011-04-11T08:32:00.000-05:00

It's around the corner, dear friends. gulp.

I'm not sure I'm ready to be in my...30's. It is scary to even utter the number...It even gives C quite a fright!

It's okay, baby girl. Mama won't need a walker, yet.

I was working in the nursery at church this weekend, and my friend and I were talking about upcoming birthdays for all of our babies. I mentioned that my 30th is quickly approaching, and she (very sweetly) told me... "You don't look 30!"

Love her.

Not sure what 30 is supposed to "look" like, but have no fear that I am going to celebrate my 30 year old heart out. Not sure exactly what I'm going to be doing come early May (leaving that up to the Knight), but I imagine that my celebration will probably entail more manicures and less kegstands, more sippy cups and less jello shots, more wrinkle creams and less tanning beds, and more maxis and less minis. Plus, I'm pretty sure I already know which boy I'm going to go home with at the end of the Knight, er, night. Rumor has it he's a sure thing. :)

Just for fun, here are a few things that I have been eyeing...consider it a snapshot of the mind of a soon to be 30 year old, eternally young at heart, dancing in a field of flowers, celebrating my loves and life...girl. :)

Holly Becker's new book, Decorate.

An aqua or gray painted entry table for our dining room (found one at Sheffield's that I just adore!)

An original oil painting from Janet Hill. Oh, how her work just speaks to me. Swoon-worthy.

Custom stationary (and maybe even a new blog design?) from Ashley Brook Designs (love her stuff!)

These INCREDIBLE earrings from Lunahoo on Etsy

Straw Fedora from J. Crew

With this lovely eyelet dress, also from J. Crew

Lei Li La Loo

And what does Mommy want from Miss C for her birthday? Sleeping in the morning after my birthday party would be great! (don't you just love those cheeks!?)

(Lots of ) Candles and cake kisses,

Rumrunners in Roatan

2011-04-08T13:51:00.001-05:00

I was so surprised to step on the scale this morning and see that I have lost over 16 lbs since starting Medifast 2 months ago!

You can go here to read more about my journey to lost 30 before I turn 30 next month. I don't think I'm going to lose all 30 lbs by early May, but at least the scale is becoming more friendly and not grimacing with pain each time I have to step on it. :)

In celebration of reaching my 1/2 way goal, I ordered a saucy little bikini for our vacation this summer.

My abs may not be in Victoria's Secret model shape (but, then, let's be honest, it never has been), but I'm going to get a tummy tan if it the last thing I do!

We are going scuba-diving in Roatan in July, and I am so looking forward to getting to relax with the sun, sand, and crystal-clear waters.

I started taking scuba-diving lessons this week through the Dive Shop in Memphis, and I should be certified to dive by early next month.

The Knight is already certified, and has been diving since he was 15, so it is fair to say that my "dive buddy" is a tad bit more experienced than me. That is just fine with me, though - I am prone to panic, and if we see a shark, I will definitely want the Knight in the water with me!
We are going to stay at Anthony's Key Resort.

I have poked around a little on their website, and it looks wonderful! We are going to stay in little huts with no a/c, so that should be interesting with a baby, but the Knight says it will be just fine, and he has been there before, so I consider him a good authority on the subject. :) I'm just glad that they have hairdryers and hot water!

I'm sure I will have a ton of vacation prep shopping to do in the months to come, but I am excited (and motivated) by the pending arrival of my teeny bikini! I just cannot wait to spend the week relaxing with my precious family and soaking up sun and sunsets like this!

Beach bums and barracudas,

Garden Delights

2011-04-04T10:32:00.000-05:00

ello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. In Memphis, we were lucky enough to have some BEAUTIFUL weather all weekend. Unfortunately, I did not get outside much, as I spent the entire weekend getting ready for a bridal teal for a fellow associate. Fortunately, the tea went well, my friend (the bride) seemed very happy, and all the guests stayed a long time (the true mark of a good party, in humble opinion.) I took a ton of pictures of the food and decorations, and I will try to share them with you soon. I am very proud of how all the flowers and crafty things that I worked on turned out. Here's a peek at the invitation:

Anyway, I was perusing Making It Lovely this morning, and was enamored with two items from her Honor Roll post, and I just had to share.

First, check out this amazing container garden creation by John Millman. Isn't this the cutest, most whimsical thing ever?

found via studio g blog, who found it via fancy schmancy, originally featured here)

Speaking of gardens and whimsy, look at this beautiful hand-stitched book cover for The Secret Garden. The Secret Garden was my favorite childhood book, hands down. I've been getting the itch to read it again, but maybe I'll wait until Penguin Classics re-releases it with their new, fancy schmancy book covers.

Swoon.

Flowers and fairies,

A friendly reminder to eat your vegetables...

2011-03-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

My Medifast Progress

2011-03-28T10:03:00.000-05:00

I'm starting week 9 of Medifast. So far, it is going well, with a few bumps in the road. Check out my progess here!

Calories and cookies n cream,

Decisions, decisions...C's first birthday party plans!

2011-03-24T10:02:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all who voted on their favorite birthday theme for C's first birthday! I tallied up the votes, and the flamingo fans were the most vocal! I think it will be the perfect theme for next year's party - kind of tea party meets Alice in Wonderland meets croquet meets PINK FLAMINGOS everywhere! C is still a little unsure about the whole ordeal. She thinks I'm making a big fuss.

Even though were are waiting another year to do the Flamingos, if you interested in this theme for your own big or little person party...here is a touch more inspiration:

Real life tea party inspiration (author won't allow copying of photos, but check them out...they are cute!)

Amazing Mad Hatter Tea Party!

Bridal Alice in Wonderland Tea Party!

Okay - how awesome would this be?

This year, however, C will be having one WHALE of a party!

So why didn't I go with the voters' choice? Because there is one voter's opinion who matters to me most...C's daddy. The Knight rarely shows interest in things that have to do with decor or parties, and just lets me do what I want, the way I want (he is a smart boy). But, when he does speak up and act interested, then I stop and listen.

He was so cute looking over both themes, going back and forth. Finally, after he had carefully studied both, he looked at me and shyly said..."I vote for whales."

How can I say flaming-no after that?

So, we're going with the whales. I am super excited...so glad to have some direction with my planning. Of course now, I see flamingo stuff EVERYWHERE. Figures.

Now that I have settled on a theme, the next thing is to pick a color scheme...I'm thinking that I really like the Vineyard Vines color scheme - soft pink, light blue, navy blue, with white accents (and maybe a little gray here and there?), lots of grograin, pink polka dots, and some pinstripes. Doesn't that just sound lovely?

I just ordered a few precious items from Sweet Lulu to get me inspired. Can't wait till they arrive!
(Pink and white candles, fancy labels, and gray and pink polka dotted tape...don't know what I'll use it for, but I couldn't resist the cuteness!)

(Special cupcakey liners)

(Pink striped and multi-colored polka dot straws - everything has to taste better when drinking through such sweet delights!)

anchors away and under the sea,