Friday Favorites- Spring Clean Edition

Just when we thought Spring was never going to return, the sky cleared and the sun came out! And the official first day of Spring is just around the corner, so you know what that means. It's time to open the windows, let the fresh air in and give your home the scrub down it deserves. Cleaning is never exactly fun, though I do find it to be stress relieving. I've always felt like no matter what is going on my life that I may not be able to control or change at that moment, I can always make our home feel better by cleaning it which usually makes me feel a little better.

Here are a few things I do to keep our home feeling tidy [enough] most of the time.

1. Keep your kitchen clean. There's nothing I hate more than a dirty kitchen. I don't like waking up to a dirty kitchen or coming home to a dirty kitchen. So if we don't clean it before we go to bed then I clean it first thing in the morning. And it's always clean before we go away.

2. Tidy as you go. It's worse having to spend a few hours cleaning your home than it is to just do it as you go. I don't always clean up immediately after I make a mess although there is no time like the present. Sometime I just don't feel like it. But for the most part if I'm walking for the family to the kitchen I pick up any trash that might be on the coffee table. Or if I'm going downstairs from our bedroom I grab and water glasses that might be on our night stand. Every little bit helps.

3. Make your bed. I honestly wish I could say I do this everyday. But I probably make the bed once a week. And every time I do I think man, I should do this more often. Our room always feels cleaner after spending 3 minutes to make our bed!

Here are a few links that will help to give your home a good clean and to get organized this Spring.

Create you own household binder with FREE printables!

31 Days to an Organized Home

What are some easy ways you keep your home looking it's best?

-M

Things to do on a Snowy Day

They say you should be careful what you wish for. And damn it, they were right again. It is snowing again. Just when I though it was going to all melt away I woke up to a winter wonderland that I didn't even know was coming. So in case you're snowed in like me here are a few things you can do today that will make you feel accomplished even if you can't accomplish things you had hoped to accomplish today. Such as using the word accomplish 3 times in one sentence...yes! #imanerd

We just recently scored this gorgeous set of mid-century dressers from Vintage Mid-Century Frederick's booth at Cannon Hill Antiques and I absolutely love them! So last weekend when it snowed I decided it was time to pull out some of the artwork we had piled up in storage to make the room feel a little more complete.

**In case you don't know this about me, I'm a perfectionist and I totally over think things. So it's taken me 4 months to figure out that even if this stuff isn't what I want on the walls permanently, it's okay to go ahead and hang it because the bare walls were driving me nuts! Whew! I'm glad I finally figured it out. Because our bedroom feels so much better.

SO! 1. Pull that stuff out that you aren't sure if you want and just hang it already! Yes you may want to switch it out later but that is okay. A room full of bare walls, on the other hand, not okay.

2. If you're like me and you love baking, then you probably already know that snow days are the best days to bake. It warms your house up, makes it smell good, and gives you that cozy home feeling. I know it's not exactly some grand, new idea that you were hoping for from this post. I mostly just wanted an excuse to share these gorgeous cupcakes my sister made from scratch!

They were lemon blackberry and so delicious. AND SO PRETTY! Here's the recipe if you want to give it a try– Lemon Cupcakes with Blackberry Buttercream Frosting

3. Write love notes to some friends you may not get to talk to as much as you'd like. You can get crafty with it, or use some of that stationary that is piling up in your desk drawer. Everyone loves receiving snail mail, like the good kind...not bills. It will definitely brighten their day, and who knows it might lead to a much needed get together.

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 4. Clean. I know, this sounds pretty lame. But at the end of the day when you light a candle and plop down on your couch to do number 5, you'll be so pleased that you did. Plus, cleaning can be a great workout for people like me who don't like to actually work out.

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5. Find a new series on netflix and binge watch the rest of the night. Or cozy up with a cup a tea and read that book you've been wanting to read but haven't found the time. After all, you had a productive day. ;)

-M

Defining Your Style

The hardest part about decorating my own house is that I like so many different styles. It's hard for me to make up my mind and go for it because I change my mind every other day. Since this is the first home we'll have for more than a year it makes it that much harder! Before now, I could just go for it knowing that a year later I'd be starting fresh again. This time, I'm trying to make design choices that I know I'm going to enjoy for a long(er) time. I also know that I get bored and like to be able to change things up, which means I try not to do anything that can't be undone easily or that costs a lot in case I do change my mind.

I've especially been struggling with our bedroom. I want a retreat that is bright and cozy; something that feels calm and clean, yet romantic. I love a fresh white room. But I also love the high drama (and warmth of black walls. I love modern and tradition all at the same time!

Good Life of Design

West Elm

Desire to Inspire

Dwellings By Devore

Dust Jacket

Just picking out my favorite images off my pinterest board for this post was enlightening. Clearly I love crisp white bedding, shades of black and white, and natural elements. Sometimes pinterest can be overwhelming! If you're struggling with a room in your home you should try the same thing- pick out your favorite five images and see what their common elements are. Maybe next I'll put together a mood board, or maybe this was enough. I'll keep you updated!

-M

My Blog is Soul Searching

I've spent a few too many hours updating the look of my blog. I know, it's pretty simple still but I feel pretty proud of what I've accomplished! Especially since I went in thinking I was going to find a pre-made theme on a website and with a little editing make it my own. An epic fail that was! I spent about an hour finding a theme I liked, and about 3 more trying to install it and fix all of the issues with it. Once I figured out there was no way I was going to make that work I went back, chose the simplest white theme the Blogger had to offer and began customizing it bit by bit. I did a lot of googling in the process. What did we ever do without google?!


I've got a ways to go before I'm finished with it of course. What does any girl do when they're soul searching? Get a makeover, obviously.

-M

Credits:
Photo- Unsplash

Resolutions

If you haven't heard or seen that word enough this year (aka the last 3 days) then behold. You should read on!

I keep reading that you have a better chance of actually keeping your new year's resolutions if you write them down. So I figured what better place to write them than here where others will read them? Maybe then I'll feel more pressured to actually keep mine. Though, I must say, I feel pretty good about my 2014 resolution to pray more. I never wrote that one down...I just prayed on it. It worked!

This year I hope to put my creativity to work. I ready to get crafty! There are so many crafts I've wanted to do but have honestly been to lazy to do them. I also hope to make more of my time. It's time to streamline my process. Even when I am working, blogging, social media(ing?) I know that there is a more efficient way to be doing it. I just have to spend the time to get organized and create a process. Creativity and time are both so precious. And I was lazy with both last year. This year I'm ready to kick it up a notch! As they say, we create our own success, right?


-M

Christmas Pumpkins!

What? Christmas pumpkins? How can that be?! Well I love pumpkins and I hate throwing things away! So I was on a mission to turn my perfectly good pumpkins into a Christmas decoration because I couldn't stand the thought of tossing them out. Plus, I have no outdoor decorations since we've only lived in apartments, and really didn't have it in my budget to buy any. I remembered seeing a stack of pumpkins painted like a snowman once and thought I'd give it a try.

I really love the grey pumpkins and wanted to keep them. I decided on grey, white and gold for my color palette which meant I'd obviously have to make it a glamorous snow-lady. For the base, I painted the orange pumpkin white with Miss Lillian's No-Wax Chock Paint in Snowflake. How appropriate!

Then I realized that her head was cream colored compared to the base. Being the person that I am I decided to put a coat of paint on it so they'd match!

I painted her face and gold polka dots with acrylic paint and found some ribbon for a sweet little bow on top. She's cute but missing something. I think I'll find her a scarf.

I painted these too! I have a few small white ones that I may paint with different patterns to mix in.

 

 

-M

Hand Lettering and Learning a New Craft

Last Week, I featured a cute little attempt at hand drawn type. I'm honest. I know that hand lettering is not exactly one of my strongest suits. And while I did go to school to school for graphic design, it's not something I ever really worked on. It intimidates me. And one of my closest friends is really good at it! She was always doodling little type master pieces in class that I would secretly drool over. Personally I felt I should leave that particular artistry to the people who could do it justice! So I never even tried.

And yet this little part inside of me regrets never taking the workshops that I could have participated in to practice my skill and ultimately get better. And it's all because I am a perfectionist. And I don't like it when something doesn't come naturally. I was comparing myself to someone who had a lot more practice. Which is what we do what with the internet– a gigantic interweb of billions of people showcasing their talents (amongst other weird things). How can we possibly compare?!

So all of this was really just to say I intend to practice my lettering skills and will occasionally post things. It would be neat if you could see my progress over time. But it is also to inspire you to practice that thing you've been wanting to learn but haven't for whatever reason. Whether you're scared, haven't made the time for yourself, or like I am many times, simply being lazy, it's time to get up and do it! I also want to learn guitar. But let's take this one hobby at a time.

Some of my inspirations-

 Absolutely gorgeous watercolor by Tanamachi Studio

Check out Lindsay Letters- her work is awesome and you can buy it!

Now go and get to it!

-M

When you can't sleep, you might as well blog.

I was lying (laying? that one gets me) in bed and I had a thought...I need to start blogging again. And I'm supposed to be blogging regularly, for my job. But I haven't been. I've gotten so out of the habit of doing it for myself that I honestly dread doing it for my job. Sorry, Mom.

So I was lying/laying there in bed and decided that I have just gotten lazy and I need to stop! So of course, I couldn't go to sleep after deciding that I am simply being lazy.

I've also been afraid. I had a good thing going here and I just let it go. What would I write about if I came back to it? Would I have to start a new blog? How could I just, after over a year of silence, pick right back up and pretend like I didn't just up and disappear? I have already "changed" the blog once. How could I just up and change it again?! What right do I have?!!! Well, it is my blog. So I also decided that all this pent up anxiety was silly. I had over 300 views last month on a blog that I haven't written in almost 2 years. And while that really isn't a lot considering the amount of people in the world, it's a lot to me.

So here I am, world. I am, in fact, alive. And I am picking up the pen (keyboard?)! I have no idea where this is going to go but it will probably be about home projects, crafting, life thoughts, and still some wedding ideas. It may be more random than it was before, but that's ok...I think.

-M

Holiday Swap Idea

Hi there!

I found this lovely photo this morning on Pinterest and I just had to share it. It made me feel so cozy and excited to decorate for the season. Think of the endless possibilities in your home.

Photo belongs to Sweet Something Design...check her photos out here!

THEN I had an idea! Don't you get tired of putting out the same decorations each year? But it feels wasteful buying new ones when the decorations you have are in perfectly good condition. Why not have a swap with a few friends? You could trade a few items that you feel are equal in beauty and then you each have something new to look at! And you didn't even have to spend any money. Just a thought.

Enjoy!

M

I'm Married!

Hello!

I'm finally getting around to posting about the Big Day- it's been a whirlwind ever since it happened! The day was beautiful- beautiful weather, beautiful friends and family, beautiful decor- it was everything I could have asked for. Working up to the day was exhausting but completely gratifying. I'm just sad it's over! 

People ask if I feel different. Nope! I feel the same- totally happy and insanely in love...just with a different last name. We call each other husband and wife and then joke that it feels fake. Like when you're engaged and you call each other that because you're so excited- well it still feels like that! Totally unreal because you've been waiting for it for so long that it couldn't possibly be here. But it feels good and just right. :)

Ok! Ok! Pictures you ask! Well I'm going to post a few and then redirect you to Levi, our amazing photographers blog because his post captures it all.

 

 

 

  

  

 

 

Thank you Aubrie, Kaite and Lindsay for these pics! :) We had a great time dancing the night away with our family and friends. I would like to thank all of our parents for their help- Kathy and Ernie gave us a beautiful rehearsal dinner that was absolutely perfect and that heartfelt slideshow that brought us all to tears! Thank you Dad for our AWESOME lemonade stand, photoboth back drop and all of your help preparing and cleaning up- it was a lot of work. We would also like to thank our bridal party for being there to support us and for your help during the process as well. My brothers and cousin for doing our readings- it meant a lot to us. And our sisters who were always there to be excited for us and lend a helping hand. :)

And lastly I'd like to thank my my mom for being there through the whole process making phone calls, collecting furniture and enough dishes for 90 people(!) and for keeping me on top of things including knowing all of the right questions to ask our vendors! You were a HUGE help and I couldn't have done it without you.

Check out Levi's page for to see pictures of the entire day! He's gonna try to get our wedding on some blogs which would be totally crazy awesomeness! Stay tuned for that and our Honeymoon blog post!

Happy Tuesday and thanks for reading :)

M

10 Days- Some inspiration!

Hiya!

As we're wrapping up our last minute wedding planning and crafting I did a little image research to help my family in understanding my vision. My people :) have really stepped it up these last few days in helping me go from pictures and ideas to real life! My dad and I started crafting the photobooth back drop this past week- I'll have pictures tomorrow or the next day for ya! My mom has been calling left and right to tie up all the last minute details and has begun working on her designated crafts with my brother and aunt. I cannot wait to see what they've created when I get home next week.

Here are a few images I found for my family to get what I meant when I said:

Vintage. Rustic Chic.

I sincerely apologize that I do not have sources on these images- they were either found through Google-ing or on Green Wedding Shoes, I believe.

We have been creating a list of all of the little vintage vignettes that will be set up through out the space- indoor and out. We have plans of a vintage couch and chair setting. Some colorful metal chairs with a trunk coffee table. A neat shabby chic dresser for our dessert table and some other little spots to take a seat and relax a minute.

One of the best parts of the day will be seeing everything together in one area. One of the great things about our venue, Lawyer's Event Barn, is that we get to start setting up on Thursday! So we'll get a little preview as well as the chance to set everything up just the way we want it- no rush.

Being that the reception is taking place in a barn, I want to really keep the decor pretty chic. I want it to feel casual but not hoe-down casual. I mean I know we're having bbq and all but this will be the most tasty fancy bbq you will ever experience!

I absolutely LOVE this look. I wish that every table could be a gorgeous farm table with an array of chairs. But lets be real- sometimes there are things you have to scale down. While we actually considered collecting 100 chairs we decided to just do vintage chairs around the head table with high back chairs for the Groom and I. :)

Some people may look at little groupings like these and say what's the point? Not everything must serve some kind of function! Some things are simply for beauty. It's like accessorizing and outfit! It just adds a feel- completes the look like a necklace or a pair of earrings might complete a dress. It can totally set the tone of your event which can really affect your guests mood. People may tell you not to get too wrapped up in the details...but if it's something you're passionate about and will help complete your day- go for it!

I am sooo excited to get decorating! AND for my craft day with some of my bridesmaids on Friday! I just have this strong image of what I want my day to look like and I plan on turning that into a reality.

If it's stressing you- let it go. But if you just get a little lazy about it you'll probably sorry later that you didn't go that extra few steps.

Happy bit'o'my wisdom :P

M

23 Days

I can't believe I'm getting married in 23 days ahhhhh!

Kc and I are off to get our Marriage License tomorrow and to have our final meeting with the deacon! I'm so glad to have a long weekend to get lots of wedding crafting accomplished. I have lots of little banners to assemble and paint among other creative tasks to complete.

I'd love to make something like this for the dessert table but ours mights say "How Sweet It Is..." but that's pretty long- we'll see how much patients I have!

Also! I am 100% stealing this idea because I love it! We already have the wheel and everything...and look! She's got our date! Both of these found on this lovely etsy shop. She has all sorts of neat things.

I've been hand doing all of our lettering. It appears that she uses stencils...or maybe she's just that amazing. Something to definitely consider if you are making your own and aren't exactly confident in your painting/lettering abilities. These are really easy to make, just a bit time consuming. I can post a "how to" explaining how I made mine once I start working them this weekend.

I STILL have to cut out our table squares. I know, I know! Just do it already! I will. This weekend.

My mom got us our little bird's nest for our rings! I have yet to have seen it but I'd love to achieve something like this (also found on etsy):

We've got the lemonade stand to build and our photobooth backdrop to create! All of the fun stuff at this point. :) I went to the dentist today and she asked if I am sleeping haha! Yes, I am sleeping quite well. In fact I think I'm more tired than usual and yes, stressed but ecstatic! My schedule at school is awesome this semester and is leaving adequate time for planning and working and the never-ending journey of staying organized and on top of things. I expect the next few weeks to get a bit crazier but I'll manage, as we always do. :)

Happy Planning! 

M

3 months and 5 days

My gosh.

The days seem to be FLYING by. My excitement grows with each day that passes! And despite how insanely busy we've been at the store doing and preparing for events- we've actually managed to stay (somewhat) on top of wedding tasks!

We've been meeting with everyone through the church, we've picked out our wedding bands (so exciting!), we've gotten tons of yards of burlap (and I mean tons!), and I've been trying to keep up with all of the crafting! Tonight, I've just about finished up the escort cards, minus the actual table numbers, which will happen after the rsvps come in and I know for sure where everyone is seated. Wow, those are some long sentences...sorry! 

It looks like a lot of tags there but that isn't even half! Just what I worked on tonight. I've gotta wash tons of mason jars and add the drink tags, make burlap table squares for the middle of the tables, make burlap pennant banners, and so much more that I can't even think about! Whew! Good thing I love crafting :P

Earlier this week my mom and I were checking out a barn sale in Frederick and picked up a neat bird cage for cards to be put in. Just needs a little cleaning up and it will be just perfect! Clearly I'm not afraid of a little rustic touch at our wedding :)

Happy Father's Day!

M

It's time- Let the DIY Begin!

Hey there!

I am just so happy that summer break has finally begun! I know, it's only May but that is one of the perks of being a college student. Now I can proceed to start making all of those fabulous things that I have been posting and saving pictures of! I finally have time and it's a good thing because it's gonna fly by. Some of the projects I hope to start soon include table numbers, INVITATIONS of course, as well as designing any other paper goods, and all the chalkboards we'll use! There is still planning to be done as well as shopping for bridesmaids dresses and shoes! So many things to do- it's really time to start whipping out the checklist. Otherwise there is no way I'll remember everything I still need to do!

Anyway, enough of the updating, I'll get to the fun part- pictures! Here are a few ideas that will inspire my DIY decor for our wedding:

As you can see, all of these pics came from theknot.com :)

It is really hard for me to decide on table numbering- there are so many clever and creative ideas. I think I'm going to go with the top idea and use some cool vintage paper with either birds or mustaches. Here are some more really cool ideas I came across:

 

These were found on WeddingWire which is a great tool that I highly recommend to all brides!

I like the use of wood in the first 2 and the 3rd is just so chic. I don't want our center pieces to seem crowded with the lanterns, the little vases with flowers, and other tidbits so I'm still considering doing the numbers on the jar. Better make up my mind soon!

Happy DIY-ing!

Mary