now vs. not

Things I loved recently at HomeGoods and whether or not I bought them:

Not in my home:

Not in my home:

Not in my home:

Not in my home:

Not in my home:

NOW in my home!

You thought this whole thing was one big sham didn't you? No, no, my friends, I did buy ONE of those lamps. I thought I could put my lovely birthday lamp

Reminder, this is birthday lamp:

So, I thought that could go on the other side of the couch, but it really just wasn't working. The first lamp is much too large and in charge. Even though I bought it a few weeks ago, a little sister birdie told me that the other is still there. I may try to swipe that up tomorrow. It seems a little silly given that I don't have an end table for it, but when at HomeGoods, seize the goods! Even if you're putting the cart before the horse.

Okay, signing out, as I've reached my corny phrase quota for the day.

a hard goodbye

Hey everyone! I hope you're having a great week so far. Our newest update on the homefront isn't so grand. Our wonderful neighbors have headed south... and, of course, this means they took their pup, Duncan's best frenemy with them. They went for one last romp

(and I truly mean romp: –verb (used without object)

1. to play or frolic in a lively or boisterous manner.

2. to run or go rapidly and without effort, as in racing.

3. to win easily.)

Anyway, one last romp, not knowing what's about to hit them. So sad :(

Oh, right, he was TERRIBLY excited in the first photo. What a boy!

here comes peter cottontail

Happy Easter weekend to you! To get us all in the spirit, I am sharing some pics of my own personal Easter Bunny, circa the '90s.

Sugar (yes, male white bunny named "Sugar") and my moody elementary school self:

Sugar and my dorky elementary school self (purple turtleneck, oversized white trucking company shirt and red pants) Awesome.

I had a pink leash for this poor Bunny, that is until my parents gave him away unbeknown to me. I've since forgiven. Can't you tell? (Love you mom!)

Seriously though, Happy Easter!

images: mine, and don't you dare use these for anything else ;), also wikipedia

so pretty ...

in an office:

in a baby boy's room:

in a powder room:

in my room:

All by Wild Chairy

images: Wild Chairy

color within the lines

Hello, gorgeous.

LOVING the idea of a nice pattern to make a space pop! I imagine these stencils from Royal Design Studio would be so much easier and a little less of a commitment than if you went with a wallpaper. Plus, you can completely select your own colors. Love.

images: Royal Design Studio

i got it from my mama

I love family heirlooms and think they can truly complete a space. To me, a look layered with pieces rich with tradition and history make a house a home. When my grandmother passed, I inherited a few lovely items. As you can see (and might remember,) her absolute favorite color was yellow! It adds such sun-shiney happiness to our blue living area.

The pottery here belonged to her, the art is a gift from my talented mother to Chris.

I feel very lucky to have received one particular piece of art that she painted. I am so loving it in our home.

Feeling inspired by the family influence, I've begun to do a little bit of painting myself.

It doesn't quite work in our current space. It looks so measly in contrast to my grandma's gorgeous 4'x5.5' painting.

I'd love to make two large pieces, similar to this one, to flank our couch.. And replace the coffee table, add some end tables and new bookshelves. It's a process, people, it's a process.

In closing, isn't this exactly what will.i.am had in mind with his "I got it from my mama" lyrics? I think, yes. ..and if the girl real pretty, 9 times out of 10, she pretty like her mama.... Anyway, I don't compare to the two women who precede me, but I'm having fun playing around with it!