my new finds


This lovely chair I found at Home Goods. I have been searching for a new desk chair considering how uncomfortable the first chair was and how long my hubby sits and edits all the photo shoots. I love her lines, the linen fabric, and the comfort factor. The best part of it all is that after I made my grand purchase, I went home and goggled her and found she is only suppose to be to the trade. Yeah for me!


I then ventured off and went to my local flea mall. I found a booth that had reduced all there prices drastically and came across this end table. I have been on the search for a new one in the sunroom which I have rearranged to match the room I found earlier. I love the new layout and it also provided me a new place to sew without having to remove everything after I am done. This soon to be beauty only cost me $8. With a little gray/ beige paint she will be perfect.


This dresser was also found at that same flea mall. Right now I do not love her, my husband especially does not love her, but with a creamy almond paint I think she will become stunning. This will be used a night table in our bedroom that I am slowly trying to redo.

isn't she lovely


So I must be honest, the wonderful lady over at simplesong made me a bit nervous about missing out on getting my favorite calendar. As the story goes she waited too long and they were, well, gone. I had my list of favorites and then I kept on seeing this lovely calendar pop up on all my favorite blogs. Everytime I would see her I would just melt. Isn't she just beautiful? I thank you Hello Handmade for my new calendar.

Here are some others that may also make the cut...


the first is from bubbo. I have bought from her before and love her work. The second is from the very talented lady over at My life{as a Sugar Lander}. Her calendars are not out yet, but I am still so very excited.

i heart this kitchen

Yes, I went out and bought Cottage Living even though I receive it in the mail. I was overly excited to see the home of Lee Kleinhelter. I fell hard for her first cottage makeover and was overjoyed to hear she did it again and I just couldn't wait for the mag any longer. Well, upon viewing her home I decided it was too much for me, oh well. I did, however, come across a lovely kitchen done and owned by Anne Turner Carroll, the assistant decorating editor of Cottage Living. In yesterday's post I showed a kitchen that I just adored and also added some links to very similar kitchens that I too fancied. Low and behold, her kitchen mimicked all I love in a kitchen.

Her kitchen was very standard and she made it fabulous. In the before pics her cabinets did not go all the way to the ceiling so she had them raised and then added a shelf, brilliant. I love the two toned cabinets. Colors I adore.

The pendents and cabinet pulls are from Restoration Hardware. I love how she placed the pulls on the horizontal. She also used two separate counter tops, one honed granite the other a butcher block.

This is the view from the dining room. The opening was just a small low square, but they opened it up and added the arch. I absolutely think this kitchen is wonderful. It makes me want to paint my cabinets even more. Do not worry hubby I will not even mention this to you, but if you happen to read this, love it, and want to do it, just know that I am in.

we have a choice

photo via flickr

I am off to vote today. I completely forgot to change where I am registered so I am driving an hour to my home town in order to place my vote, oops. I only hope the lines aren't too long. Two kiddos plus long lines does not equal a good time. I guess you have to do what you have to do in order to get the vote in.

Monday's real estate find

This weekend I was determined to find a house with class and character that I could actually afford. Well, during my search I can across this house that I could never afford, but the kitchen is simply stunning so I thought I would share.

This is the kitchen that is ever so lovely. I love the painted cabinets. It reminds me of this and this kitchen I shared a while back. If I could I would so paint my cabinets this shade.

I like the rough wood ceilings paired with the crystal chandelier. When done right a mix of styles and textures can be ever so nice.

For next weeks real estate find I hope to find something more realistic price wise, but still high on style. Well, at least what I consider style. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Ours was full of photo shoots and editing.

have a great weekend!

Photo's via kellen jacob photography

My husband did some very cool head shots for a good friend yesterday. I think these capture his personality quite well, ha! For more check this out.

thinking about parties


I love to entertain especially when there is a special occasion. This is going back in time, but this is my daughter's 3rd birthday from this past July. I decided to go all out. I asked her what she wanted and she said, "balloons, party hats, and cake". Of course I obliged. The story line I went with was a breakfast garden party with pinwheels, bugs, and tons of flowers. She had a blast along with all the other kiddos. The only quirk was that my little Ellie gets a bit shy in large groups so by the end of the party she was in my room cleaning. Yes, I said cleaning! She takes after her mother I suppose, of course my cleaning would have started after everyone left.

The cake was from Edgar's bakery. It was beyond delicious.

Doughnut holes from Shipley's, melt aways from Savage's, and cheerios for the babies were part of the breakfast spread.

This is one of the many centerpieces I made. Super easy, but time consuming. The picture frame is one I made and each child recieved a different handmade frame and pinwheel as a party favor. My husband being a photographer made this fit perfectly.

from top left to right: martha stewart tissue flower balls, party hats hung with twine and clothes pins, ellie and kj ready for the party to begin, party favors.

My son's 2nd birthday is coming up in March. He will get a superb birthday party since he was completeley jipped out of his first. We were in the midst of moving and well, it did not happen. Lucky for me he will never remember and in that case Ellie will never remember her first huge party either. On a positive note she still mentions this party!

fall, I welcome you

With the fall weather arriving at last, I am so ready to break out my cool weather clothing. I came across this very cool site and decided to put this little outfit together, just for kicks and giggles of course.

j. crew in the home

As soon as a opened the November issue of Domino I fell head over heels for this lovely photo of Jenna Lyons and her artist husband. The lighting, their clothes, the pose, are all so very dreamy. Their home is such a mix of styles, but it has been brought together in the most wonderful ways. I then read on and found out she is the creative director of J. Crew and this made her even more fabulous.
I love the buttery sofa, tall ceilings, gray paint, and that chandelier in that space is stunning. Normally I would not go for such a glitzy lighting piece, but in this home it is perfect.

I am a huge fan of painted cabinets whether a crisp white or in this case Surrey by ralph lauren home. I love the look of the concrete counter tops the simple hardware and the open shelving.

Now wouldn't this be so fun to have in a child's room. The dark wall is chalkboard paint and the stripped ceiling could either be hours of entertainment or potentially make you nauseous after awhile, ha!


What can I say about this room? Yes you read me right, I said a room that is dedicated to all those wonderful J. Crew clothes and shoes. Hmm, I wonder if there is a way to get on a list to have all her pass me downs? Now wouldn't that be lovely.

I am sure there will be many posts out there on this snazzy home, but since this little blog of mine does act as my online journal of inspirational tidbits I couldn't help but add it.

the pumpkin patch


Saturday's and Monday's are what we consider a weekend since my husband works a full day on Sunday at his first job. Photography is our second job and one we really do enjoy, not that we don't love the first job too. Anyway, this weekend we went to The Pumpkin Patch in my hometown of Hayden, Al. The kiddos had a blast going on the hayride, picking out a pumpkin, riding a train, and of course let's not forget the pony rides. Don't you just love how my Ellie picked a baby pumpkin, rightly named, Todd. Oh how I do love Monday's.

all photos done by kellen jacob

Cottage Living expanded

I have a love for real estate, as I explained in a previous post, so I decided at least for now that I will dedicate Monday's to my real estate finds. I am so excited to share this one with you. Do you happen to remember this kitchen from January/February '08 Cottage Living edition?


Well, I always wonder what the rest of someone else's home looks like when I see only an intriguing small tidbit in a magazine. Living in Birmingham, the home of Cottage Living, every once in awhile I come across one of those lovely homes in the local listings. This one I will get share with you.


I have a suroom right off my living room, I am thinking about trying this furniture layout. I rather like it.


This desk chair is similar to one I found at my local Home Goods for my desk. It's rather comfy and classic I like to think. I will share my lovely new chair in a later post.


This garden is so breathtaking. I love all the green and the Adirondack chairs. Wouldn't it be nice watch the kiddos run in that yard while you lounge back with a nice cup of tea?

I hope you enjoyed touring the rest of this home as much as I did. Have a lovely week and stop back by for a visit.

ready for a change

I have decided to start a little fund to re-do the master bedroom. The master is the one room in the house that was never actually done. It holds all hand me down furniture that I have tried to make as nice as possible, but I am so ready for a change. It may take awhile to save up, but I am going to try to do it on a very tight budget. These are my ideas thus far. Let me know if you have any better ideas or good cheap resources. I also want to paint the room white, hubby may not go for this one since we just painted only a year ago.

This is the bedroom I somewhat want to mimic. I find it to be very soothing and simple which fits me perfectly. I can not remember where I found this image, so sorry.

This is a similar dresser that is in the room now. Mine is still the original cream with gold edging. I do like the idea of painting it, but it does go with the rest of the set in my daughters room. I can't decide if it is a good idea to split up the set for good or not. Would you?
This Is the headboard I am quite fond of. It has a very low price point and the look I want. I like the clean lines and the simple tufting.

I then would like a white quilt just like this. This one I found at pottery barn, but I think I may be able to find something similar at home goods for much less. I also like the idea of adding a little extra warmth.
I would then put my current comforter in this linen duvet and have it folded down at the end of the bed.


I already own very similar lamps that I found at a local estate sale. These I found on the blog of Elements of Style. They are by the wonderful Martha Stewart.


I thought these end tables would go with the current dresser that is in the room. I would paint these french little lovelies a creamy taupe or possibly a light gray. I like the idea of the drawers to hide my ever growing pile of bedside magazines and kid books. I am still going to hit up local thrift and antique shops to see if I can find some local. These I fond via ebay for $125 plus $50 for shipping. Is this a good deal or should I continue my search?


I love these canvas buckets. They would be perfect to put all the extra toys that have made their way into our room. The bedroom is large so the sitting area has become where the kiddos watch movies and play. Currently there is a chair and a half in the room that will be removed and for the kiddos Christmas two bean bags will make there way in. I know beanbags are not the most stunning, but the kids do love them.

I would love your input! Let me know what you think.

making lists

Yesterday I feel as if my eyes were opened to my home's disarray. I am an organized person, I need things to be just so or I feel overwhelmed. I need order in my life, but something happened over the last month that I can not put into words. Yes, my house is still clean, but it's the hidden that became out of control. Wow, I sound pretty nutty right about now. What can I say, it is a odd part of me. I was completely inspired by a blog I just came across recently, Chez Larsson. She encompasses the idea of a clean and organized living. I am even going to borrow her cleaning list, maybe I will enjoy her flow more. I have devised a plan and made a list of what needs to get done before New Year's. I am also realistic and know it will not happen overnight with two children taking apart what I just completed. So this little blog has somewhat become my accountability. I would really love any ideas you may have too!

My To Do List

1. organize the garage (a project that I started months ago and never finished)


2. organize the pantry

3. organize the laundry room

photo via chez larsson

4. complete the process I started for the master closet

5. organize the kiddos clothes (this I do at the start of every season)

6. finish the garden project that was started for mother's day

7. stain the back patio

8. find something to do with all my sewing supplies and fabrics (the dining room is not going to work for long)


I am sure there will be more to add, but this is my preliminary list.

Number two has been marked off my list! My wonderful husband sent me out to pick up some things at the store and when I returned the house was clean and the pantry organized. I am one lucky lady. I am also the proud owner of 6 boxes of jambalaya, 8 corn bread mixes, and so much pasta I could possibly feed an army. Who knew?

i heart this house


I love to search through our local listings on a regular basis. Not that I want to move, but I just like to see what's available for the money. I have even considered going into real estate when the kiddos are in school and,of course, after the market goes back up. Who knows if that will really happen. Maybe the etsy store will take off just enough that I won't even have to consider it. Any ways, back to the topic. I found this house going for just under 1.4 million, ha! If I had that kind of money to spend on a house then I would ask to have it come furnished. It is just stunning. I would love to have a walk through, but they would so know I am a sham.

The living room looks as if it is long and skinny. The mirror to the left is gorgeous and helps widen the space. I like the two separate seat groupings and that chandelier is a looker.

I love the color of the painted kitchen cabinets, the range is wonderful, and I like how you can see straight through to the other room.

What can I say, would it not be lovely to have your own screening room? Curious George on the big screen, my children, along with all their little friends, would be in heaven.

This must be the family room. I like the painted fireplace with places to store wood. Do you see the two foot stools in the foreground? It looks like they could be two eames chairs!

That bath would do me good at the end of a very long day, especially if all those candle were lit.


An outside, screened in living area would be wonderful in the fall and spring. I can imagine it now, haha.

The pool would be put to great use all summer then the projector would be put to great use the rest of the year. Maybe even both at the same time, now wouldn't that be luxurious. This home was made for parties and huge get togethers.

This would never work with our lifestyle, but did you notice all the TV's? There is one in almost every photo! Also, if one of you reading this happen to own this home or if you happen to buy this home, I would love to be invited over for a cup of tea;)

have a great weekend!







These are some photos my husband took while at the beach. Isn't the rainbow on my daughters bottom funny? By the way, I also made that little dress. I felt funny posting a pic of myself, but I really love that swing. This weekend we have a few photo shoots and church, so it should be a packed full weekend as long as this rain let's up. See you next week!

how pretty

While out browsing I fell head over heels for these shoes. They are by steve madden. I love the ruffle detail and the light gray color.

I then came across this purse at banana republic. I saw it in gray, but could only find it in brown online. Not really in my price range, but still just as darling.
Last week at the beach I went to the outlet mall and bought a a bag that I also love, from Dooney & Bourke. I wish I had a photo of it, because I could not find the exact one online. So now you must use your imagination.

It is this bag,

but in this color.

Sorry for the different size photos, but I hope you get the idea anyway. Oh, and it does not say Dooney & Bourke all over it either. It is the perfect size and shape to carry everything I personally use, but also diapers, my kiddos lovies and extra sweaters.

she did it again

I just received the November issue of House Beautiful and I was blown away by Ina Garten's new home. I have posted about her Manhattan home earlier and her new home amazed me even more! I love the whole Belgium inspiration. If I were to build a house I would want it just like this. To me her home oozes comfort and class. I just can't stop looking at it.

Her kitchen island is 18 ft long. I could imagine myself cooking for my family while the kiddos did their homework and my hubby worked on his laptop (I am thinking future, of course). I love the transom windows over the doors. The high beamed ceiling gives the charm of a renovated barn even though this house is new. I even like the bowl filled with limes.

So I don't really cook, but I think I could with a range like that. I love the open shelving. All the cake stands and white dishes is something we have in common.

The pure organization of all her cooking supplies on the simple wire shelving puts me at ease in an odd way.

I definitely do not think I could do my little blog from that desk, but I could write thank you notes or letters.

I know I have used the word love a lot in this post, but once again I must say I love this tub. To take a long soak while looking out into the gardens would be quite lovely. Don't you think?

the secrets of comfort

Well, at least what makes me comfortable in my home. Shoptalk did a fun little post yesterday on what makes me comfortable. I thought I would join in on the fun. Let me know if you do too!

What makes me comfortable...

1. My family. A house is not a home without my wonderful husband and two children.

photo via kellen jacob photography

2. Candles. Right now my favorite is french vanilla oak by Tyler candle company. Something about burning a yummy candle can put me at ease.

photo via pottery barn

3.Warm blankets. I love to have a few lying around the house for family and friends.

photo via west elm

4. Many lamps. I love the warm glow they give off.

photo via alys beach
5. Flowers from my garden.

photo via flickr