Maison De Merriman

Welcome Fall!

2011-09-25T16:54:00.001-05:00

She is here at last!!! We welcomed her in with a quintessential Autumn day here in Nashville. Its cool, crisp and amazing!

I am glad to be home from my travels and will tell you all about them as soon as I can. I prefer staying put this time of year, sans a trip to the mountain for some gorgeous foliage at the end of the season. There is just too many things to do around here to waste a single "perfect" day.....they are so fleeting :(

I leave you with a repost of an outrageous recipe that My Sweet Savannah posted from Pinterest today! I can not wait to try it! Drool.....

Ingredients

Bread
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup milk
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 envelope) active dry yeast
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups bread flour

1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp fresh ground nutmeg
2 Tbsp unsalted butter

Buttered Rum Glaze

2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/8 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp milk
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp rum

Directions

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, brown 2 tablespoons of butter, letting it bubble up and turn a dark golden brown but being careful not to allow it burn (turn black). Once browned, remove the pan from the heat and carefully add the milk, return to stove and heat through. Pour the milk and butter into the bowl of standing mixer (fitted with a dough hook) and allow to cool so it is no longer hot but also not cool (about 100-110 degrees F). Once it has reached a warm but not hot temperature add the yeast and 1/4 cup of sugar and allow to proof. Then add the the pumpkin, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Stir until combined then add the rest of the flour 1/2 cup at a time and knead for 6 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic and just slightly sticky. If the dough is too moist, add extra flour 1 tablespoon at a time.

Move dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean towel. Allow to rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes or until doubled in size.

While dough is rising, brown another 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and mix well.** Making sure sugar evenly absorbs the butter. Set aside. Next, grease and flour a 9x5 loaf pan and set aside.

When the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and flip out onto a clean floured surface and knead with hands for 1-2 minutes. Roll dough into a 20x12 inch rectangle.*** Evenly sprinkle the dough with the cinnamon sugar mixture and press into dough with palms of the hand. Cut the rectangle into 6 strips. Lay strips on top of each other and cut each strip into 6 even squares (cut in half then each half into thirds). Stack strips vertically into the loaf pan. Cover the pan with a clean towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes.

In the meantime preheat an oven to 350 degrees. After rising in the pan bake for 30-40 minutes (mine took 37 exactly) or until top is a very deep golden brown.

To prepare the glaze, heat the butter, milk, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to boil then immediately remove the pan from the heat and stir in the rum and powdered sugar.

Get outside and soak up every minute you can!

Happy Fall!

A Revival

2011-08-22T02:06:00.001-05:00

I stumbled on to another new blog tonight. I honestly can not even remember whose blog lead me over to it, as I've been pouring over post after post with awe and delight and have already forgotten... Oooops!

It was the fancy rooster link button that caught my eye and I could not resist checking it out....

I think you should too. As in right now....what are you waiting on? Go! Just follow that pretty rooster right on over....

Creating Vintage Charm

2011-08-19T22:06:00.001-05:00

One beautiful blog always leads to another......it's a never ending circle of loveliness! I get so excited every time it happens!

Darling Fifi O'Neil's book "Romantic Prairie Style" has been featured in "Creating Vintage Charm". A magazine I knew nothing about until Fifi's post telling of the article. This of course lead me to their site where they are having a give away for a copy of the book!

There is that circle of loveliness I was telling you about!

I can't believe I still do not have a copy of this book, but better late than never! This could be my chance.....or maybe yours! Find out how you can get your name in the hopper THREE...yes you heard me...THREE times Here!

Al Naturale

2011-08-19T00:07:00.001-05:00

I've been bouncing this post around in my mind for days now....trying to figure out how to lay this out there. I haven't really come up with a way to portray this so that you don't think I was hit head on by a truck full of tree hugging environmental wackos.......so here goes....

We are going natural.

As in our life style and not by joining a nudist colony.

Did you know that approximately 76 million Americans are sickened, 325,000 are hospitalized, and 5,000 die each year from food borne illnesses?

That being said, I admit....it's going to be a process letting some things go....others (McDonalds!) not so much. But when it comes to what I am putting in my families mouth, thus their bodies....we are going whole hog, so to speak.

The first time I watched Food Inc was about 2 years ago. I was sick for days. I couldn't believe what the food that I thought was wholesome and fresh at my local super walmart actually WAS and WHERE it came from.

I realized then and there that we weren't eating FOOD at all, but something that resembled food, created in a lab somewhere. I tired to start weeding out the GMO foods ect but got derailed by life I guess.

Well, I have gotten back on the train.....it didn't take long after watching the movie again a few weeks ago.

I don't know about you, but if it isn't found in nature, i'm pretty sure it shouldn't be in our bodies. And if you stopped and read the label of everything you put in your cart....just how much nature would you find there? I think you would be shocked to know that answer!

It goes some much deeper than just whats in our food though. It's the way the system operates to get this "Food" to us. The treatment of the animals and workers is appalling to say the least. I am not going vegan on you. I believe God gave us animals to eat, but not to abuse in the process.

While we are going down this road, let me just say that I DO NOT in anyway shape, form or fashion believe in man made global warming.....its be proven over and over that the earth has gone through warming and cooling periods for thousands of years....long, long before mans inventions arrived on the seen. Do I believe we should be responsible and frugal with the earths resources? Absolutely.

God asks us to be good stewards of the things we are given, and the earth is the first thing He ever gave to man. It should be respected and treated with care.

We recycle, we give to goodwill.....use reusable shopping bags and open the windows in the house every chance we get. Does this make me a tree hugging hippie? I don't think so......it just makes me a good steward. Does wanting to eat naturally make me a health nut? Again, I don't think so.....it speaks of someone who cares enough about their families well being to not fill their bodies with chemicals and God only know what bacteria and disease from the so called "meat" we eat!

Wow...that was some rant....But SERIOUSLY....if you have an hour and you want to know where your food comes from....watch Food Inc. It can be played instantly on your computer via Netflix.

Afterwards, you might have a little different opinion of this post....

I'll be waiting to hear what you think......until then....I have some recycling that needs sorted ;)

Gettin The Itch

2011-08-12T11:22:00.001-05:00

About this time every year.....the domesticated work force starts gettin the itch. The fall decorating itch that is!

It's still mid August mind you.....but something seems to switch in the air.... its still hot during the day....the garden is still growing and the leaves are still green.

Yet we know somehow that things are subtlety changing around us.....the mornings are cool....the leaves look as if they are tired of being green..the chipmunks and squirrels are diligently storing away theirs nuts...and of course the kiddos have started back to school.

We go to the garage or attic and stare at the boxes labeled "Fall Decorations" ....we open them and dig around inside pretending we have some "forgotten" what we have.....we find ourselves looking at the date and wondering if people would think we were crazy if we go ahead and put the wreath on the door.....we find ourselves subconsciously driving past the road side produce tent that gives way to mums, pumpkins and cornstalks seemingly over night.....trying not to miss that magical moment the world says "It's okay! Put up those fall decorations!"

I think our anxiousness is not just that we are over the hot summer, but that in most places the fall season is just to short! This is especially true if we end up with an Indian Summer. Before you know it, you only end up with 2 good weeks of beautiful foliage and cooler temps. Then the leaves are gone and we start making that transition into winter. So we are just simply trying to make the most glorious season God gave us last just a tad bit longer....even if its just in our own eyes!

FYI: It's still too early ya'll, but a girl can dream right?

Thrifting On Thursday

2011-08-11T22:23:00.001-05:00

Okay, okay.....so im cheating really....I didn't actually GO thrifting today...in fact not in the last 3 weeks! Today I worked my tale end off pulling weeds, pruning shrubs and raking decaying leaves that I left in a really stupid place last fall....

But Never the less......I shall share some thrifting finds with you from my last trip to my beloved and oh so hallowed GW outlet! I went 2 days in a row (God help...) and bought 50 lbs worth of treasures (Other peoples Junk says my DH) both trips! EGAD!!!

For those of you wondering what 50lbs of "stuff" looks like.......

This day I decided to let Bri get Barbies for the first time...we got a brand new Barbie Mansion 2 cars about 15 dolls and a carrying case for them!

Here are few of my finds... all of them happen to be fall into the "lighting" category

Vintage black cast iron wall sconce.....the lamp shade is a lil too small, but I wanted to get it on the wall in the loft as soon as I walked in the door with it. So this one will have to do for now. I have my eyes open for a replacement!

This vintage Globe light is my favorite GW find ever I think...I know that's a not a casual thing to throw out there.... so you have to know I'm serious....ha!

It has a small hole on the back/underneath side but you can't see it when it's facing the wall. The Britannica World Atlas is full of maps I have future plans to frame and the crate is an outlet find from last summer. I have used it several ways...it's serving as a side table to house the globe for now....till I get bored ;)

It Can't Be

2011-08-10T20:09:00.001-05:00

We're all guilty of throwing around the saying "Time Flies" without really stopping to think about just that...time does fly...and our babies grow up too fast....

I was finally able to get Bri into an affordable preschool here in Green Hills. (A miracle...let me tell you) If you're lucky enough to find one with openings and not a waiting list, then it's most likely way out of your price range!

I have such mixed emotions about my lil girl going to Preschool. I know, I know.......it's just 2 days a week and it really doesn't count, but it will just make Kindergarten be here that much faster.

I am enjoying the school shopping........The adorable painted ponies backpack and lunch box combo from Garnet Hill.....the monogrammed apple shirt for the first day of school.....

I am excited that there will actually BE someone to invite to her Birthday Parties.......and of course that she will be making friends and learning!

But it feels like the beginning of the end somehow.....sigh

Let the Games Begin!

Better Late Then Never

2011-08-10T18:23:00.002-05:00

Due to the fact that the decks were being redone for the better part of two months....I have just now gotten to put planters out.

Bri and I went to our favorite nursery to see if they had started marking things down.....

Not nearly enough.....so we didn't get much. I did splurge on a massive pot of Zinnias...

They are absolutely GORGEOUS.....makes me long for summer to hang around just a lil while longer......but the Fall bug has already gotten under my skin.....especially since the weather has cooled back off a bit!

I transplanted the green and purple potato vines I planted for Bill on the deck....turns out he doesn't like trailing plants so much. Most of them did great but the biggest green one hasn't perked back up yet....*tear* I don't think its gonna make it.

This deck box was just suppose to have potato vine and lantana in it, but Bri decided we should have two New Guinea Impatients in there as well...one pink and one purple....lovely...lol.

You can see i've tried to hide them in the back :0p

P.S. I've decided to quit saying I was starting back up with my blogging and just do it! What a novel idea! ;)

I've missed you all!

Just busy or gone missing......

2011-06-19T22:57:00.000-05:00

Well, maybe......or maybe life just got a bit out of control there for a few months.

At first it was just that I was busy with so much, but then had to stop decorating here for awhile and since that's the basis of my blogging....well.....

I have however vowed to return to the blogging world and with that a return to finishing up around here.

(Just in time for us to move back to our house im sure! haha)

I wish that I could remember even a fraction of the things i've missed blogging about over the last few months, but that's impossible!

One recent thing I do plan to go back and tell you about is our trip to NOLA a few weeks ago! I also just finished the bathroom redo! Yay!

Of course, none of this will happen until I get back from the World Tea Expo! We are leaving tuesday afternoon and I still have a million and one things to do! Aahhhhhhhhhh!

So until then......

Who Knew...

2011-05-15T18:21:00.001-05:00

I'm afraid to even make this post......I fear it may bring hate mail...lol

I don't even want to really get into "Where I have been...." That would take too long....and why I dont even really feel I have much to blog about right now...I am going to start back.

Wish me luck ;p

Recipes For A Winters Night

2010-12-14T23:03:00.000-06:00

Both of these recipes take only minutes to make and they are both good, filling and family tested winter meals.

Cheesy Sausage Chowder

1/2 lb reduced fat or regular ground sausage

2 cans cream of potato soup

3/4th C frozen corn kernels

2 C RF milk

1 C 2% shredded cheaddar

Cook/crumble sausage in a stock pan; Drain and set aside

Add soup, corn and milk. Heat for 5 mins then add sausage back in.

Stir in cheese until melted.

I served this with toasted slices of jalapeno cheese sourdough.

Tada! One of the tastiest things I've had in a long time!

Creamy Beef and Noodle Bake

1/2lb lean ground beef
1/2 sweet onion
2 C egg noodles, uncooked
1 C frozen mixed vegetables
1/2 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 C 2% milk
1/2 C water
3/4 C 2% shredded cheddar

Brown meat w/ onions. Drain
Place noodles in baking dish and top w/ meat and vegetables
Whisk soup, milk and water and pour over the noodles, meat and veggies. Top with cheese, cover and bake for 20 mins @ 375

(Sorry I didnt have a pic for this! Forgot to take one)

Taking A Break

2010-12-13T18:01:00.004-06:00

From EVERYTHING and posting some Christmas photos of the house!

Unfortunately, I didn't get to finish my Christmas Decorating before my boss came home and despite being watered regularly all of my Christmas greenery is already dead. It still looks festive around here though! I still have the silver and burlap tree to put up in the living room....OMW I'm not sure it will get done ...

Here is a little of what I have gotten done....the mantle is only half done as I cant find my hot glue gun to finish the picture frame project but it still looks purdy anyhow....

Visit my Christmas Decor post HERE.

This post is linked to Nester Holiday Tour of Homes, Hooked on Houses Christmas Tour and coming Dec 16th The ! Check out all the beautiful homes linked up.

Merry Christmas From Maison De Merriman

It's Raining

2010-11-30T10:24:00.001-06:00

and raining and raining...

and while I LOVE it...

It makes me 100% useless....I can hardly keep my eyes open long enough to do anything!

I dont see myself getting a lot done today..

Oh well....

Christmas Vignettes

2010-11-29T00:04:00.001-06:00

I love the idea of vignette decorating......its like a space within a space that can become whatever you want it or need it to be through out the year!

They are the easiest way to switch your home decor in and out with the changing of the seasons with minimal effort.

I keep a closet stashed with all sorts of extra goodies to change in and out through the year....most of these picked up on thrifting excursions of course *wink wink

I have started to Deck the Halls of Maison De Merriman....

However, I'm far from done

I found this beauty on a recent trip to Southern Thrift....it is the ugliest, yet most adorably whimsical angel/fairy I have ever seen....

The vintage garlands I found inside of a burlap sack that I purchased at the GW outlet back in the spring...

Imagine how excited I was when I got home and found those!
They have been tucked away in that handy decor closet just waiting to shine :)

Amaryllis...not real of course....I've never tried my hand at growing a real one...

I should try that sometime...I found this one at the GW

My winter scene bone china tea set that I purchased last year took the place of fall china in on in the dining room hutch.

I can hardly wait to have tea!

Our Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T01:33:00.001-06:00

We had a small, quiet Thanksgiving, considering the size of our extended family...

This was only my second time to cook a Thanksgiving dinner, so of course I was nervous about the Turkey. The 1st one was only 14lbs......the one I picked out this year was just a little over 20lbs!

We had dinner at Mom and Dads and of course I had to put a table setting together at the last minute. It would be a shame to not use my Turkey plates at least ONCE a year.....haha

It turned out really pretty. I didn't spend a dime on anything but food. The pumpkins were left over from my fall decor and the limbs cut from outside....everything else came from my closet of goodies :)

We cooked, cleaned it up and had an enjoyable evening of relaxation, games and sorting through sale papers...

My SIL and I even ventured out to the 10pm opening of Toys R US and the 12am Old Navy Opening.....it was pretty crazy, but I got some wonderful deals and am DONE with Bri's Christmas AND birthday which is Jan 26th. That made me HAPPY!

I am very Thankful for the life God has blessed me with.....I have a wonderful family, dear friends and good health....what else could one ask for???

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalms 107:1

Bri's Room

2010-11-22T20:03:00.000-06:00

A Little Birdie told me that Santa is bringing Bri a KidKraft retro kitchen for Christmas.....

So, I decided it was time to get back to doing something with her room... Didn't do anything but buy her bed and dresser off of CL and throw all her things in there when we moved in.

I still have to do something over her bed. I have "Bri" in 12 in distressed letters, but I think I decided to put them on the wall over her kitchen.

Thinking maybe a "Shabby" paper flag pennant tied between the bed posts.....

How fitting is this pillow I snagged at my favorite thift store????

The gentleman we bought the furniture off of on CL has bought this set for his daughter when she was two.

I thought that was kind cool.....She is 18 now :)

Bri loves to dress up and play more than the average child I believe and it isn't limited to girly things.....as pirates and buzz lightyear are also among her favorite costumes :)

However, being a princess is her all time favorite one for sure

This trunk supplies her with many hours of enjoyment and me with tons of photo ops and happy memories.....

It is truly a room "Fit for a Princess"!

Oh, By Gosh By Golly....

2010-11-22T00:17:00.002-06:00

I can't believe it's already time for Mistletoe and Holly!

It seems to come faster and faster every year.....I have been told to "wait till I see how fast it goes once I hit 30....

Which is sooner than I would like to talk about *sigh*

But.....I digress..... :)

We officially kicked of "our" season with a trip to CeCe's Sweet Treats that was adorably decorated for Christmas.

If you have never been to a CeCe's, it is truly and TREAT.

They have so many different flavors of frozen yogurt and they you can add from an amazing variety of sweets to top it with and then you are charged .49 oz or something like that lol....

Bri had such a great time enjoying her concoction of cake batter flavored yogurt, coco puffs, M&M's and bluberries.....yeah, I know......gross right???? Yuck!

She had a time playing with the "oh so cute" presents on the table and the whimsical Christmas trees.

Bri is crazy excited about Christmas this year, which of course in return makes me excited as well!

We are going to see Santa on Wednesday.....rumor has it she is asking him for a play kitchen and a snow white costume.... so sweet....

The plan is to start Decking the Halls over the next week with the Trees going up on Black Friday.

We are having TWO real trees this year!! WOW I must be a gluten for punishment :oP

I can hardly wait!

Have you started decorating yet???

The Slipcover Couch Blues

2010-11-18T16:38:00.001-06:00

WHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I Want one!!!!

If you have ever looked into buying one of these beauties, you also know that they come with a high price tag!

I am in love with the L Shaped one from Ikea

Isn't she lovely....sniff sniff......

Compared to Pottery Barns Version below...this one is a steal at $800

I wouldn't pass up on a regular sofa in the slipcovered fashion if I found one. I have been scouring Craigslist at various times of the day for weeks now....i'm just not fast enough to catch them...they go like hot cakes....I'm convinced the people must sit in front of the screen waiting on new ads to pop up!

Okay, so as I am typing this I am searching hahaha........

and look what I found.....(If you have no sense of imagination or future eye...I am going to ask you to NOT look at this picture....)

Love the shape! All of those HORRIBLE pillows will be gone and some french canvas pillows....huh huh?? What do you think??

The number one reason I would pass on this is.....it is white as I want...but its not a removable slipcover that can be cleaned... :(

The number one reason I would....its $200!!!
oh, and bonus... it's a sleeper sofa!

Hmmmmmm...now what....

And The Winner Is......

2010-11-17T12:59:00.000-06:00

Drum Roll please ******************* The Dainty Button Gift Certificate goes to.......................

Seneca Massie or Comment leaver # 4!

I meant to copy a picture of the number generator to prove I didn't pick my SIL lol....but really really really I didn't!! I will be contacting your shortly with the details....

I want to thank all of you for your kind words.....I wish my house was more "finished" but it all costs at this point. I am happy with most everything so far though. Thank you to all of the new followers as well..... I really appreciate it..I feel so much more loved now! Going from 14-20 in a week :P

I am planning other giveaways and contests for 2011 as well as a promise to blog at least ONCE every week....you should join me in that commitment if you have a blog. I know we get so busy, but if you just take a few minutes each week it isn't so hard each time like when we quit for MONTHS on end *Guilty*

See ya soon!

Finally found that Old Typewriter!

2010-11-15T10:33:00.002-06:00

Ever since the first time I saw The Old Painted Cottage's Blog the first time and the before and after pics of her home, I have wanted an old black typewriter like this one.....

I posted a FB status about looking for an antique typewriter and a friend of mine remembered seeing one on craigslist back on Oct 20th.

I text the person (with little hope it hadn't sold already) and sure enough it was still available!

And only $25!!!!! I was thrilled to say the least....

Gary and I went to pick it up on Saturday. I am not sure where its home will be, but for right now I have it on the side table in the living room.

I even had the perfect typed letter from a law firm dated 1938 to roll up in it!

Thanks John for the tip and to that law school students grandmother who passed it down....can't imagine why he didn't want to keep it, but hey.....who am I to judge??

Stay tuned.......i'm having the Slip Cover Couch Blues...

post to follow.....

Dinner Time

2010-11-11T20:23:00.000-06:00

I made our family favorite meal of spaghetti with meat sauce for supper tonight.

Gary ended up having to work late, but Bri and I sat down to a yummy dinner anyways ......

Dinner is one of my favorite times of the day.

It's when we turn everything off and come together to spend a little family time.

We only eat out about once a week now, usually on Sundays after church. There is nothing like family time around the table!

If you have gotten out of the habit of eating at the table together, I encourage you to make the effort at least a few times a week.

I promise it is worth the effort and its something your children will remember the rest of their lives....I know I did!

As you can see Bri likes dinner time....especially spaghetti! She had two helpings!

Love that child....

Give Honor To Whom Honor is Due

2010-11-11T09:37:00.001-06:00

On Veteran’s Day we honor

Soldiers who protect our nation.

For their service as our warriors,

They deserve our admiration.

Some of them were drafted;

Some were volunteers;

For some it was just yesterday;

For some it’s been many years;

In the jungle or the desert,

On land or on the sea,

They did whatever was assigned

To produce a victory.

Some came back; some didn’t.

They defended us everywhere.

Some saw combat; some rode a desk;

All of them did their share.

No matter what the duty,

For low pay and little glory,

These soldiers gave up normal lives,

For duties mundane and gory.

Let every veteran be honored;

Don’t let politics get in the way.

Without them, freedom would have died;

What they did, we can’t repay.

We owe so much to them,

Who kept us safe from terror,

So when we see a uniform,

Let’s say "thank you" to every wearer.

By Joanna Fuch

Vintage Chest Redo

2010-11-10T12:45:00.001-06:00

I bought this vintage chest for $5 back before we ever even moved. Its been shuffled around from place to place and even got its leg broken off in the process. I decided today was the day to get started.

Isn't she lovely... ha! Its made out of some sort of rattan and then probably in the 70's some one upholstered the top with nail head trim.

It was the furniture stamp on the bottom that tugged on me....

Its made by the Roos Furniture Company of Chicago. This piece is from their Rooster line...cute huh :)

I can't seem to find out much about the company except that it was owned by Ed Roos and they made chest from 1915- 1951 and where most well known for their cedar chests.

I wasnt really sure what I wanted to do with it, but I thought I would start with taking off that horrible quilting....

I found out why they covered it. The top is very damaged with some of the rattan completely gone. I decided that the yards and yards of burlap in my closet would come in handy here and that I would white wash over the bottom......

Much better huh??? I opted to leave the legs natural wood. You can't see them against this hardwood since they are the same color.

I love the look, but I am contemplating doing a french stencil in black on the top....something that would resemble this piece from SavvyCityFarmer.

I'm SO indecisive! What do YOU think???

My 100th Post And A Giveaway!

2010-11-09T22:07:00.002-06:00

At the rate I've been blogging lately its a miracle I'm already here! I am finally going to post a few pics of the new place. No FULL room shots yet, I'm still working on every room lol. It costs money to decorate, yes...even the way I decorate! We are going through Financial Peace University right now and I have to budget in EVERYTHING...but hey that's okay..its just gonna take me a bit longer.

Everything is still decorated for Fall right now. However, my wheels have been turning with ideas for the Holidays! Hopefully I will be able to post whole rooms by then...we shall see!

So Hear we Go! A few Vignettes in the Formal Living Room and the Kitchen/Dining area......

Now for the fun part!!! I'm giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to Dainty Button Accessories!!!! Owned By Charity Morgan of San Fransisco, CA.....her hair bands/wraps are so adorable, but she has lots to offer. Guys enter too! She has some really cool things for you all as well. Look at her products Etsy Or on Facebook.

Winter Wonderland by Dainty Button (L O V E)

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on THIS post.....of course I would be thrilled if you "Follow" my blog.....my number has been at 14 for awhile now...its starting to get a little embarrassing *blush* I kid....I kid..... but I would love to have you stick around if you like what you see!

So Happy "100th" Post to Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A small rant and some holiday news!

2010-11-08T19:24:00.001-06:00

Finds myself being more and more jealous of these people who seem to have time to not only have wonderful blogs but keep everything else in their lives going at the same time? I just don't have it in me. I started making a LONG list of projects to blog about, but I cant even seem to find time to take the pictures!!! UUUUURRRGGGGHHHH make me very unhappy :(

Ok, I got that out of my system! Are you all ready for the holidays! I am soooo ready! We got the youth group pumpkin patch over with and out of the way and Halloween behind us.

We spent Halloween weekend in Gatlinburg and had a great time. Bri and I were Pirates and Gary wore his inflatable cowboy costume. He was the belle of the ball....Ha! Every 2 feet someone would stop him to take his pic....it was pretty funny.

Lil Pirate Bri

Gary and some guy in a Reno 911 costume...Hysterical!

Me as a pirate and Gary as well....himself ;0P

I'm looking ahead to Thanksgiving. We have family going in every which direction so its just going to be a small affair, but I plan to cook a full meal then spend the entire weekend decorating for Christmas!! Yay!!

What are your holiday plans? Big, small, near far???

Mom's Dining Room ReDo

2010-10-02T20:40:00.002-05:00

We finally got around to decorating the dining room at moms. Yes I know she moved in last Spring but we've been a bit busy :p We had to work around the floor in this room which is not an easy thing to do but we are trying. I'm balancing the light with a few dark pieces. The sconces over the fireplace belong to the house. We found them in a closet under the stair case! Dad has to rewire them still but they look amazing!

I am not happy with the lamp shades on these lamps but we haven't found any yet. As you can see I found a way to incorporated some antlers lol. You can also see the floor we are having to work around. its a beigey/yellow background with a leaf design. Its Hardwood and very pretty but very hard to decorate around...

This is an original pine hutch built in the corner and beautiful!

You have probably noticed something is missing......a dining room table! We are still working on that and will post a whole room photo soon when we get the table situation under control.....ha

I'm hoping to post her Log living room pics soon. We are on a whirlwind marathon to get several rooms done before company descends upon us for my lil brothers wedding on Oct 16th....

We work best under deadline pressure :p

The Fireplace....

2010-10-02T20:26:00.000-05:00

Its finally arrived folks! The Autumn weather!!! Today is just wonderful....nice and cool and a crisp breeze blowing. We started a fire in our fireplace this evening. I have been dying to have one since we moved in 5 weeks ago but it just wouldn't get cold! hahahae

I am trying out some different decorations in this room. It is our second living room and is much larger than the first. As you can see the fireplace is massive and is the focal point of the room. I have to be clever in decorating this space as it has a light strangely colored wood paneling on the walls. Thankfully the curtains are a very neutral tan and cream paisley print as they can't be helped either.

My plan is to bring as much white/cream into the room as I can. I found a ginormous white slip covered chair and ottoman (that I am melted into in front of the fire right now! aahhhhh) I am looking for a couch now, but cant decide what I want. I look on craigslist everyday, but just haven't found "it" yet.

But back to the fireplace....I digress ;p I found these frames at a yard sale for $2 each over a year ago and had no clue what I was going to use them for at the time. I found some inspiration in The Old Painted Cottages "May 2010 Cottage of the Month". They are original grain sacks I believe and are not framed but its the idea that I loved. As you can see I have only just begun the project and already screwed the first one up!

The owners of our house call it "Pointe De Vue" When I get around to posting more photos you will understand this. lol I decided to use this phrase on the burlap. I am awaiting the arrival of a garland stencil and the No= one as well. which I will insert the house number 5887 beside. I cant wait to get them finished.

What do you think?? Do you like the clock in the middle? I am in love with antlers right now....I am trying to find a way to incorporate those in as well. a pair over each print??? sigh...so many decisions....

Finally Moved and Back Home!

2010-09-21T23:00:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to let you all (I say that with the confidence that people care lol) that we are back and finally all moved to Nashville. We had a wonderful, amazing time in California and getting there of course ;p

I am busy working on setting things up at the new house and can't wait till I have something done enough to share pics! Its and awesome place and I am so blessed to be living in a 3 millions dollar home. However temporary it may be, I am going to enjoy ever second of it.

As usually the pics of our trip are on my facebook account. Please friend me if you would like to see them.

Happy to Be Home!!!!!!

Movin ....its for the birds....

2010-08-21T22:54:00.001-05:00

All I have been doing is this.....

because next saturday we are doing this.....

only without those guys to do it all for us...lol

it's okay though because a week later we are headed here.....

and here......

by way of the entire western half of the county! (we are driving there)

and by way of here on our way to the Reno airport......

ummm yeah.....I can't wait ;P

Summer fun in St. Louis

2010-08-08T19:39:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago...(isn't that how all my posts start, since I'm always a few weeks behind!) I surprised Gary with a trip to St.Louis for his 29th birthday. He spent several years of his childhood living in Poplar Bluff, MO with his father, where he was properly taught all about Cardinals baseball. He spent many a happy night in the outfield cheap seats learning to love the game.

He hadn't been since he moved away...oh 20 years ago! I had never been to a pro ball game and was clueless, but I did my research and bought our game tickets, booked our hotel and called his boss to secretly get him scheduled to be off work that Friday so we could head to St. Louis!

He was surprised and happy when he opened his card and off he went to pack and the next morning off we went to MO. Both of us were pleasantly surprised by the modern day STL. Being the #1 crime capitol in America, I'll have to admit, I was a bit nervous about being in this urban setting for the weekend. All of my fears were laid to rest when we arrived at our hotel. The Downtown has been completely restored and turned into a very safe, desirable and walkable place!

Almost every historic building that wasn't an office had or was currently being converted to lofts or apartments. There were families out walking dogs.....couples walking home with groceries and ballpark goers everywhere.....we LOVED it!

We filled our weekend with the normal touristy stuff, the Arch, an amazing pirate exhibit at the science museum, and of course the Cards game. The weekend was a total blast and we cant wait to go back as a family. Did you know that all of the museums and the world class Zoo in STL are free??????

As you can tell I wholeheartedly endorse STL for a weekend getaway or vacation......hehe

Have you been lately? What did you think??

Fontanel

2010-07-31T12:17:00.001-05:00

A few weeks back, Bri and I met my friend Jen at the Fontanel for lunch. For those of you who do not know, the Fontanel is the gorgeous log home Barbara Mandrel built back in the 80's. It has been refurbished and turned into a tourist attraction in true "Music City" style.

They built a large farm style restaurant at the front of the property aptly named "The Farm House"...lol and turned an old stone cottage into a gift shop. The Farm House serves up delicious home cooked food all from local farmers and growers and the desserts are to die for! There are also miles of hiking trails on the property that can be enjoyed for free!

We had such a good time catching up and eating yummy food (of course) and browsing the gift shop....where I found a little treasure I have yet to share.

Farm Fresh

2010-07-31T10:16:00.001-05:00

Don't you just love stopping by a farm stand and browsing over all the fresh picked produce....

Yes of course, I wish I grew it at home myself... and even though I was incredibly close to a garden this year (bought 80.00 in plants!!!) it fell through the cracks again...(I'll try again next year....maybe I will at least get them in the ground!)

Yesterday, I had to stop and get blueberries for a cobbler to take to camp meeting. They farmer has just picked them that day....they were amazing....as was the cobbler ;-)

The Days Of Old...

2010-07-25T21:28:00.004-05:00

What little girl (or grown women) hasn't been caught daydreaming of simpler times. Of course one can argue that having to do EVERYTHING the hard way by hand wasnt so simple...but lets pretend we were rich enough to not worry with such trifles.......posh...

My favorite way to slip away and imagine for awhile is by picking up a trusted Jane Austen novel or even these days sitting down to a Jane Austen film. Some of the best to come along lately are the PBS Masterpiece Theater versions of several of these classic tales. Emma is and will probably always be my favorite Austen novel. There is just something about her....something I relate to in an odd sort of way.....Maybe its her outspokenness and stubornness or maybe the hopeless romantic that wants to match make for everyone but herself....

If you have not seen these films I really encourage you to do so. If you subscribe to netflix they have tons of really good period films in their instant play list. They sent me a disc that syncs our Wii with my online account and I can watch any of them right on my TV!

Are you a sucker for period film or the classic novels that inspired them?

Freaked OUT!!!!!!

2010-07-21T20:32:00.006-05:00

I totally screwed my blog....I downloaded one of those new blog templates and I cant get it to go back to normal so my blog looks awful!!!!!!!! Someone help! My header is all of centered and the column is spilling over the side....its horrible!

UPDATE: Thank you SOOOOOOOOOOOO much Joy from SavvyCityFarmer! You are a life saver! I was so stressed about this lol

Cambria Part II

2010-07-21T19:06:00.003-05:00

Okay so where were we......

Oh yes.....descending into Cambria......A beautiful sight.......The little 'village" if you will, sits all nice and snug in a valley with the surrounding hills standing guard like golden soldiers. Just a few blocks away, the hills open to the massive expanse that is the Pacific Ocean.

If you have never been to central California.......IT IS COLD even in the summer. The 70's are a heat wave in Cambria! And the beach is truly "wind swept". It is rugged and it is beautiful.....if you prefer lying on a sandy beach in the blistering heat.....the central coast is NOT for you!

We headed straight for our cottage to relax a bit before looking for sustenance in town. Thankfully it was very easy to find and only blocks from the village! I found this place while looking for lodging online......absolutely adorable and a steal compared to what you pay for "motel" rooms here.

This is the entrance to the gardens at the cottage

The kitchen and living area when you first walk in the front door. Adorable french country style!

After we were refreshed we headed down to Robins for dinner. Robin's is an eclectic restaurant featuring local and global cuisine. Candace and I shared some amazingly delicious fritters with an aoli and lobster enchiladas. Amazing!

We hit a few of the little shops before they closed. Check out this "oh so cute" candy shop called "Sweet Offerings". This is where I got the infamous wax lips and mustaches that lent us much laughter during our stay! Hehehe

The next day we headed up to Heart Castle for a tour. I will not elaborate on this as its a WHOLE post in itself and if I start I will be rambling forever. It was wondrous above wonders however and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Then we headed to the beach! It was cold, it was windy and it was BEAUTIFUL! Of course we didn't stay long but I enjoyed the time we did.

Hearst Castle's La Casa Grande

San Simeon Pier

Then it was back to town for the best pizza I have EVER in my life had. The place was called Woodie's and as the name implies, it was decorated with old pics and replica woodies from the 40's. I would give and arm AND a leg to have a slice of that pie right now......YUMMO!

The next morning we bid ado to our little cottage and Cambria, CA and headed back to Vegas for one more night. We booked a room at our favorite haunt, The New York New York. The rooms were very nice and a great price too!

All in all our trip west was fabulous this year. I am holding out hope that Gary will join us next year and we will finally get to see the Grand Canyon!

There are about 350 pics of our trip on my facebook page. Friend me at Stacey Young Merriman to see them as only "friends" can view my pictures ;p

Cambria Part I

2010-07-08T23:21:00.002-05:00

On Monday the 14th, the day after the WTE.... Mom, Aunt Theresa, Candace and I loaded up in the taxi and headed to pick up our rental car.....We were heading to the coast ya'll!! So we get to the airport rental car lot and stand in the incredibly long line at thrifty, as this is where I had reserved a car.....a COMPACT car mind you. At the time of the reservation I had no idea that 4 women could have SO MUCH LUGGAGE!!!

So an hour and half and THREE cars later...bahahaha...we were on our way to Cali in a grand marquis!!!! laughing hysterically the whole way. This is one for the history books folks ;D

We ended up loving that boat!! iI drove so good and had tons of room! What a hoot!

We stopped that night before we made it all the way to Cambria, in a little historic railroad town named Tehachapi. We fell in love with it! Not till the next day however......as the first motel we stopped at, we only stayed in for oh....an hour tops...this is of course after going to get in the hot tub to find out it was broken.....the room reeked of cat urine...going to the ice machine for ice...it was broken....going to the vending for food ...it was empty! The list goes on and on.....so we sent lil ol southern Theresa up front with the brochure that says "No Surprises"..... had her throw it on the counter and say.....This says NO SURPRISES....well we sure are SURPRISED!

It was priceless and after arguing with them for more than 30 mins we finally got our money back and left. Needless to say I wont be staying at a La Quinta any time soon..

We headed further down into town and got a room at the Fairfield by Marriott for the SAME price and it was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! The lady even upgraded us to a suite for free because of our troubles. We settled in and hit the indoor pool and hot tub ;P

Nice huh???

Tuesday morning we got up and headed to down town Tehachapi.....adorable! So so quaint and just adorable lol. We had seen a little German bakery while driving to the hotel the night before and had decided right then we going to check it out on our way out of town. It was sooooo good. We had sandwiches and Ice tea in jars of all things!! Way out west...can you believe that! Ha ha

Kohnens Country Bakery

Their tea was surprisingly delish!

Me, Aunt Theresa (obviously to into her sandwich to look at the camera...lmbo) and Candace....

OMG and this absolutely delicious pastry that Theresa got....yummmmmmm

After FINALLY getting back on the road.....we headed through Paso Robles wine region. The area is just beautiful, with vineyards and numerous fruit and nut groves sprinkled around on the hillsides!

This place grew several different types of fruits and nuts....

A hillside vineyard...so lush in this desert nothingness!

We finally topped the last of the brown grass covered hills and you could feel the air change over to a salty breeze. It didnt look like we were anywhere near the ocean, but you could just feel it!

We stopped for FRESH, the best thing i have ever eaten in my life oranges and a photo op at a look out point before heading down the mountain into town....

Candace and I posing as usual....

Mom and I

We didnt know it at the time, but the ocean was just over that last hill in the distance...

The place we stopped for the "to die for" oranges....sigh...so yummy ;p

We finally got everyone piled back in the car to head into Cambria....we were all so excited to see the little village we had heard so much about......

To be continued.... (Sorry, I dont want the post to be to long!)

WTE in Las Vegas

2010-07-08T11:32:00.002-05:00

June 9th Mom, Candace, Theresa and I headed for fabulous Las Vegas Nevada for the World Tea Expo. For 4 years now, mom and I have been over the tea brewing for all of the focused tea tasting at the 3 day conference. Everything went relatively smoothly this year and we had a blast at night as usual!

Here are Mom, Theresa, my boo Brandon and a few volunteers having breakfast in the brewing room. We and a great group of volunteers this year!

We just so happened to be there on my 28th Birthday and we celebrated with dinner at the Eiffel Tower resaurant in the Paris Hotel and Casino. I was AWESOME! The view the ambiance....just wonderful! Tyhe sad news is I left my camera battery plugged in the hotel room and you dont just "run" back and get something at your hotel in Vegas...if you've ever been you know what I mean! Luckily aunt Theresa had her camera! We got lots of great shots of the gang at dinner.....bad news is....she left her camera in the cab on the way back to the room and you guessed it....no one turned it in.....sigh....she was tore up about it for sure! So were we!!

This is a view from the restaurant looking across the strip at the Bellagio fountains....awesome!

This is a stock photo of the inside.... :( I HATE it that I have no pics of us on this night ....sigh

My birthday mousse! Yum!

We also ordered a souffle that was to die for! ahhhhhh Chocolate goodness.....

We also spent most nights at Nine Fine Irishman listening to Sin E Ri-Ra the Irish band play and the irish dancer. She is quiet amazing! Love this place and the food is delish also!

We left Las Vegas the Monday after and headed for the central California coast....im going to dedicate it a single post lol. We went to Cambria,CA visited Hearst castle...walked on the (COLD) beach and stayed in an adorable cottage! That post to follow....

I shall return...

2010-07-08T00:14:00.001-05:00

So.....its been two months since I have posted ANYTHING.....I am having withdraws....but I swear I havent had two seconds to blog. I havent even been able to READ any blogs!!!

I did want to update you on our current status though......It is official...we are moving to Green Hills the first week of september! My house will start coming apart tomorrow and Im so sad :( I HATE living with boxes and bare walls.......I cant wait until the last min to pack everything though.....sniff sniff. I just keep telling myself that I will have a whole new place to decorate soon!

June held the World Tea Expo and my 28th birthday....yikes! July just getting started of course with the 4th ....but was fun. We spent the whole weekend 2 mom and dads house and mostly in the pool! I am going to TRY to get a few catch up posts tomorrow.... Next weekend the 16th I will have something special to post about as well! (Shhhhh its a secret lol)

Gary turns 29 on the 31st and that Brings us into August. We are going to Chattanooga with some friends the first weekend and Bill makes his official move to Palo Alto the last week of July. Aug will be busy busy with packing and moving at both my house and at work! The first week of Sept is the move and the second week of Sept we are driving my bosses dogs to california! This promises to be an interesting and exciting trip...HA!

We also have several small weekend trips planned with the youth group through the rest of the year and we are taking Garys dad to the mountains for a weekend in Nov. Wes and June get married Oct 16th!!!

And you wonder what ive been/will be up to!!!! This is just outside of making a living and taking care of a family.....I feel like I running backwards! Wes has already moved in with us (he and june will be renting our place while we live at Bills) so I snagged his macbook and I am writing this from bed! Only draw back is I have no access to my photos or I would write a few posts right now! Oh well....

Hopefully I will get in at least one post a week.....fingers crossed!

What have you all been up till while ive been away??

The Nashville Flood 2010

2010-05-13T13:46:00.000-05:00

I am sure most of you know about the devastation here in Nashville. We are fortunate enough to have not been directly affected by the flood waters but our city and many surrounding communities have been affected.

You can even imagine these images in real life.......it is so sad and just almost unbelievable.....I never knew flood waters could cause such destruction.....

These are a few images from the town I love in right along the Cumberland river....I will try and up load more

There is house after house after house like this one....

If you want to help in the effort as 1000's of people with no flood insurance and lost job their lives

donate to our local Red Cross Chapter Here.

And of course....your prayers.....

Fun With Friends

2010-04-29T14:42:00.000-05:00

I am finally back! To blogging that is...Ive been back 2 weeks I guess, but its just been nuts around here! I had such a lovely, lovely time visting my family and friends in Oklahoma. It had been a full year since I had gone down and even longer since I had seen some of my friends!

My first day down Bri and I went to my friend Kelly Bundys house! Kelly is such an amazing women....so much personality and talent! She has a blog about her day to day life on the "Bunderosa" as she affectionetly calls her homestead. You can find it here at Katydidskountrylife and you can see all the goodies she makes and sells at lilshabbychicboutique!

It was a beautiful, however blustery day (typical oklahoma though) and I dawned my cowboy boots and headed for the Bunderosa. Bri called it the farm and thats all she talked about...."Wanna go to the farm mama?" It was so cute. Kelly was hard at work making a DELICIOUS lunch of pork tacos and rice when we arrived. Her daugher Amanda who happens to be my childhood buddy :) and her lil family joined us for the yummy lunch and then it was outdoors for a little exploring!

Bri had so much fun running around ....Smelling the flowers, wanting so desperately to chase the chickens, holding newborn kitties and following Chantry around.

That mean ol rooster...lol Beautiful though!

The kittens were absolutely adorable!

Now thats a hair ball! lol 7??? Wow I want one :(

This is their adorable and funny dog....think his name was Sam?? Im drawing a blank, but Bri and I really liked him :)

After romping around outside a bit it was time for dessert! Oh my it was SOOOOOOOOOOOO good!

Ummmm Strawberry Pie! We ate our yummy dessert out on the porch and chatted for a little while longer and then way too soon it was time to go... :(

I had so much fun catching up with these two great girlies. Seeing Kellies place and breathing some country air. I hope its not quite as long before we make it back to the bunderosa !

Thanks Kelly! It was all so wonderful and I am gonna HAVE to get some more of that blackberry jam...it will be gone here in a few more days!

Oh My....

2010-04-19T20:58:00.000-05:00

Wow...I feel like I have off in a black hole and just cant find my way out again! I was gone to Oklahoma for and then had a crazy busy week when I got back...I haven't had a second to think let alone blog and its killing me...I want to share my trip to Oklahoma and a project i'm working on!

I am off tomorrow! Check back then.....Man this feels sooooo good ;)

A Beautiful Easter Weekend

2010-04-05T21:29:00.000-05:00

After a few early morning storms that passed through on Saturday morning, the blue skies and sunshine have abounded on this Easter weekend. I can't remember the last one that has been so nice in so many ways. We are well on our way of Year TWO of holidays with BriAnna. Raising children is a tough thing I have already learned, but one of the most rewarding things about it is making holidays memorable........

Here are a few....

Bri at the fountain @ the Belmont Egg Hunt

Cousins Mason and Madison joining in. Maddy looking at the same time as the other two is VERY rare...lol

Holding a baby chick! So happy...how can her daddy deprive mommy..I mean Bri of having chickens??

Now this little guy! OMW how sweet!

Hunting Eggs at Nannies House. This girl can down some eggs!

She couldn't even wait, I had to peel one for her to munch on while she was hunting..lol

Bri and Daddy on Easter morning...she would not look at me...

Isnt her .99 thift store dress with a simple green ribbon added for a belt just beautiful!! It is a beautiful striped organza and silk combination!

Getting her basket of goodies...after church of course...lol chocolate would have been ALL over it!

Of course her favorite thing was the Dora Easter Egg Hunt book...who know...

Dress off, chocolate drool coming out of the mouth...thats a happy lil girl right there :)

It was a wonderful wonderful weekend. A great time with precious family, a wonderful service at New Life with the reminder of "Oh How He Loves Us" to carry with us another year. Thank you Jesus for the sacrifice of your death so that I and all others might live if we so choose to believe!

Happy Easter!!

She don't Know She's Beautiful

2010-04-05T00:15:00.003-05:00

But I do now! Beth @ Refashion Recycle Reuse thinks Im beautiful and I sure do think she is too. Really beautiful...lol not just her blog! ;) She awared me the Beautiful Blogger award today! Isnt that great!!!

I feel all warm and fuzzy inside....gawrsh.......

Here are the rules behind the award:

1. Thank & link to the person that gave you the award.

Thank you, Beth! You rock girlfriend!!This girl has got smooth style with vintage roots. How can you go wrong??

2. Pass this award onto 10 bloggers.

LeAnna's Mom's Moments

My Sweet Savannah

Parisienne farm girl

SavvyCityFarmer

The Old Painted Cottage

Happy Loves Rosie

Katydids Kountry Life

Blue Creek Home

The Shabby Chic Cottage

Fern Creek Cottage

(FYI For some reason I could NOT change the color of the blogs listed above. They are all links)

Contact Blogs to let them know they’ve won.

4. Tell seven things about yourself:

(1)My daughter was a miracle after 5 years of no baby

(2) My family on my fathers side belong to a little know Cherokee tribe called the Western Cherokee of Northeastern Arkansas and Southwestern Missouri. Bri will be the last in my line to carry on indian blood.

(3) My husband never asked me to marry him. Kinda weird how we can be married since this never happened, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do ;)

(4) My mother and I owned a tearoom and restaurant for 5 years. I will be blogging some about this soon but if your interested you can see a bit about it Here.

(5) I love TEA and work for the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas every year with my mother, brewing some 500 or so pots of tea in 3 days!

(6) My husband and I were married outside on one of Randy Travis' farms in Ashland City, TN

(7) My great great grandma was alive until I was 7. She was 101. Until just the last several years I still had 3 great grandpas and 2 great grandmas alive. I still have 1 great grandma, who turns 90 this year and still lives alone in Indianapolis!

Blog awards are so wonderful! Pass this on to deserving people!

Love it!!

2010-04-02T21:06:00.000-05:00

So I won a giveaway for a copy of Flea Market Styles new magazine on The Old Painted Cottage's blog a few weeks ago. It arrived today.......sigh....I can't put it down! My favorite article in the whole magazine is the out door entertaining ideas. I have done so many things like that when we had the tearoom.....set up many a food table ect. I thought I had some pretty good ideas, but OMW it was so beautiful and refreshing. I can hardly wait to have a little al fresco lunch at my mom's new place...lol. I'll have to let her know :)

I hope that Mathew and Ki are able to keep up the good work and make flea market style and on going publication! I have a link button on the left side of the blog her, but you can click here and check out Flea Market Style for yourself!

Tomorrow we are headed to moms for and Easter weekend breakfast and then to and Egg hunt around noon for Bri and her cuz's. Several errands to run as well, but all in all a true Saturday off. Haven't seen one of those in awhile!

I hope you all have a very wonderful and bless Easter!

Just One More....

2010-03-30T01:34:00.000-05:00

Faded Prarie (A recent addition to my blogging arsenal!) is having a giveaway that ends Wed night! A $25 gift card to an awesome etsy shop that I am SO glad I know about now!

Enter the give away HERE

Pick out something to take home from Old Crow Farm's Etsy shop HERE

But not this egg basket, because its mine :p

Don't you just L~O~V~E giveaways!

2010-03-30T00:35:00.001-05:00

It's not to late! Run on over to The Old Painted Cottage and enter to win Jenn's giveaway. Her friend Laurie @ Bella Inspirations makes the cutest burlap table runners and she is giving one away!

Increase your odds of scoring one of these beauties by buying one right NOW!

Trailer?? Not on the Inside!

2010-03-30T00:11:00.002-05:00

I lived in my fair share of double and single wide trailers growing up...TRUST me on this. Now before you think I am about to judge....not so friends. While I would personally never want to live in another, some people really like them. Check out this mobile home I found on the Hooked on Houses blog.....

I always thought mom did a good job decorating our trailers, but Lord have Mercy....THIS girl can decorate!

I want custom slip covered furniture so bad :(

Be still my beating heart! Sighhhhhhh Is this NOT amazing??

This girl gets huge kudos from me. Her Trailer puts my house of brick to shame....

A lesson in judging a book by its cover....

It's True.....

2010-03-25T23:20:00.001-05:00

Gary and I are moving in August.....Sigh. Thats both a good and bad sigh....lol We aren't moving in the truest since of the word. At least I HOPE NOT.....

Many of you know that I have been employed by a wonderful family since Oct of 09. They own two properties in the Forest Hills (Green Hills) area of Nashville. My parents are moving into the secondary property as we speak! A 1819 beauty with 13 acres of wonders :) They are going to be employed as caretakers of this property for the next several years. My boss is over a lab at Vanderbilt and currently lives here in Nashville full time and commutes to California often to see his family. However, in Sept he is moving to his home in Palo Alto and will only be in Nashville one week of every month. He has asked Gary and I to move in to the apartment on the lower level of his home as caretakers until he fully retires and they decide to sell.

Where that leaves us: We havent even been in our first home a year....I have very very mixed emotions about even the thoughts of what this means for us. I want to help my boss out so much. Not to mention living in GH's and being so close to all of my favorite places. However, everytime I think about leaving the house that we are loving trying to make a home breaks my heart. The thoughts of some hooligans renting it and doing GOD only knows what to it is even more heart breaking. Selling is not even an option and is not something we will consider. Our Ideal situation is for my brother Wes to move in with a potential undetermined room mate. (An takers???) This way we could leave behind everything that we simply do not need to live in the apartment for two years......three at the most we think. This makes the whole prospect so so so much more appealing even able to look forward to. Being right up the hill from my parents.....with the pool....lol

Seriously, I have very very mixed emotions about it right now. All house projects have been put on hold, which makes me sad, but its necessary for the time being...Of course when we move to the apartment I will blog you all through my decorating of that space ;) I also plan to blog about the Historic home and property my parents will be overseeing. So, hang tight...don't leave me just because im not furthering my own home for awhile. I promise I will try to keep your intelligent minds stimulated! Ha! As if ...right :p

I'll be keeping you posted on this transition....should be happening in August.....

Here are a few photos of the living/dining area of the apartment we will be living in. As it sits now of course...not after ive gotten a hold of it ;)

What do you think?

xxx

Etsy of the Week : Easter

2010-03-25T18:42:00.001-05:00

Most of you have heard of Etsy and use it already! You can find some of the most talented people in this world I am tellin ya what! Now I am not one of them....I can't paint or sew and anything like that! I do however love to browse Etsy and look at the things from those of you who do!

I will be bringing you a blog post once a week of few favorites things I find.....

Enjoy!

Aren't these adorable! They are from the Chenille Treasures shop.

This Easter Basket Kit from Bird's of a Feather is just too cute for words!

If I had only seen these several weeks ago! What an adorable idea from Mommy Holly's Etsy shop!

Anything vintage captures my heart! Saturdays Finds has it for sure with this 1950's inspired Easter basket!

What did you find on Etsy this week???

I Vow to.....

2010-03-25T17:18:00.001-05:00

Never ever complain about summer again....Yes I said it. I am vowing to be happy with everything it brings my way....

Ants at my picnic.....

Rain during my BBQ.........

Humidity so oppressive you simply feel you will never breath again......

Endless blood thirsty misquotes in line for a drink as I lay in the hammock......

and last but not least, those summer Tornados that leave us scrambling for dark dingy basements and already overflowing closets are the bathtub that once we are in and not actually taking a shower in we really wish we had cleaned more recently!

This blog may be a bit too premature, but yes, I vow......to enjoy all of these things along with all the wonderful things about summer.....because all too quickly it will be gone and I'll be freezing my tale off and longing for its heat, humidity, storms and bugs!

(All photos courtesy of potterybarn.com)

Happy St. Patricks Day

2010-03-17T20:49:00.000-05:00

Fleur-De-Lis ~ A History

2010-03-14T23:11:00.000-05:00

Legend
The English translation of "fleur-de-lis" (sometimes spelled "fleur-de-lys") is "flower of the lily." This symbol, depicting a stylized lily or lotus flower, has many meanings. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty, and in that sense it is said to signify perfection, light, and life. Legend has it that an angel presented Clovis, the Merovingian king of the Franks, with a golden lily as a symbol of his purification upon his conversion to Christianity. Others claim that Clovis adopted the symbol when waterlilies showed him how to safely cross a river and thus succeed in battle.

Heraldry
In the twelfth century, either King Louis VI or King Louis VII (sources disagree) became the first French monarch to use the fleur-de-lis on his shield. English kings later used the symbol on their coats of arms to emphasize their claims to the throne of France. In the 14th century, the fleur-de-lis was often incorporated into the family insignia that was sewn on the knight's surcoat, which was worn over their coat of mail, thus the term, "coat of arms." The original purpose of identification in battle developed into a system of social status designations after 1483 when King Edmund IV established the Heralds' College to supervise the granting of armor insignia.

Religion and War

Joan of Arc carried a white banner that showed God blessing the French royal emblem, the fleur-de-lis, when she led French troops to victory over the English in support of the Dauphin, Charles VII, in his quest for the French throne.
The Roman Catholic Church ascribed the lily as the special emblem of the Virgin Mary.
Due to its three "petals," the fleur-de-lis has also been used to represent the Holy Trinity.
Military units, including divisions of the United States Army, have used the symbol's resemblance to a spearhead to identify martial power and strength.

WOW! Impressive :)

You can find Fleur De Lis on just about everything! These are a few things from Ballard Designs Fleur De Lis line.

How do YOU Fleur De Lis??

BoHo Girl....

2010-03-11T21:45:00.002-06:00

Fabulous!! Don't Ya Think....

The Hutch~ A Temporary Fix

2010-03-09T23:06:00.001-06:00

Here is the hutch moved into the kitchen. I am forgoing the paint for a bit and leaving it wood. I did put the burlap on the back though! Love that!!

I know it is awfully full and probably looks like a jumbled cluttered mess to most people, but every time I look at it I see shelves full of thing that I love and it makes me happy :)

Im sure i'll do a bit of tweaking, but for now.....her she is.........

What do you uns think...lol
( Thats what my great grandma always said :)

~Help~

2010-03-09T22:48:00.002-06:00

When we moved in last May....I went off on a tangent and painted my kitchen cabinets green.....I love green.... Its my favorite color...... reminds me of being in nature. It took me weeks to sand, paint, paint again, distress, stain, poly, poly again. While I love the way they turned out......I am not happy with them :( much to my dismay and even more so to my DH!

I do however love the way my island turned out. So, i was thinking....(Ahhhh oh no...run for the hills) I dont want to totally lose my green. What if I paint the top cabinets to match the island (the bulk of them are on top) and leave the bottom green?

Below are a few pics of my kitchen.....please know that it is A WORK in PROGRESS....lol I am still living with "fake" butcher block (gag) and a stock sink and faucet. Oh, and no back splash! We want to install real butcher block, a nice deep stainless sink and new faucet. Another project....the light over the island and the ceiling fan that is almost touching the wall (totally weird) need to be moved so I haven't even thought about lighting yet!

But here it is.....Opinions pretty PLEASE :)

Here is a before pic

All We had done is brought in the new appliances and the island AKA $20 "work bench" I snagged off craigslist!

Easter With Batson Photography

2010-03-07T23:15:00.003-06:00

(Click to enlarge for a better look)

I had to show off my little bunny! She posed for Batson Photography's Spring/Easter photo sessions. She did soooooo good!......I was so proud of her!

If your in the Nashville area its not to late to book your session for this coming Fri & Sat!

I am still ALIVE!

2010-03-07T23:08:00.001-06:00

We had a whirl wind week and then headed to the mountains on Thursday night with our bestie. Just walked in the door a lil bit ago and just unpacked the last bag.....Ever seen that episode of Everybody Loves Raymond where they fight over who is going to unpack the suitcase while it sits on the staircase landing for weeks?? I would totally cave.....I cant stand for there to be a packed suitcase in the house...lol We had a wonderful weekend hiking, shopping, lounging and of course EATING! Glad to be home though...

I cant wait to get posting and catchin up on a WHOLE weeks worth of post from all of my favorite people!

Have a Great Week!!

Sneek Peek

2010-02-25T21:51:00.000-06:00

I don't know if I will ever be able to show you all completed photos of anything in my house.....as I seem to jump around from project to project. BUT.....I wanted to show you just a peek of how my bedroom is coming along. The Top has been painted chocolate brown and the bottom have "will" be cream wainscot paneling (faux of course). That and the 4in flat trim and crown molding are next on the list.

I finally decided on a spread.....its a vintage chenille from ebay. I am bidding on a pair of pressed hobnail glass wall sconces and antique french shades to flank the dresser. I'm hoping to have the room completed in the month but who knows really...time will tell, huh.... :)

Sante!

My Beautiful Flower

2010-02-25T08:27:00.000-06:00

Bring Spring In

2010-02-23T21:16:00.003-06:00

Nothing says Spring like robins egg blue!

This little birdie in the nest and silver coaster were picked up at the GW outlet for less than .50!

I couldn't resist this little bird cage and shabby chicken at Michael's last night. They were 40% off so I got both for less than the cost of the cage alone. They have a whole line of called Parisian home that has some darling pieces!

Go out and buy some live plants! This ivy was a steal at wal-mart.....$2 a pot and it was very healthy believe it or not!

Better yet..... go buy some fresh cut tulips...now that gets you in the Spring mood ;) Trader Joes has the prettiest, cheapest flowers in town. If you don't have a Trader Joes.....I'M SORRY! hahahha Its my favorite!

Ta Da.....

2010-02-23T20:49:00.002-06:00

oh wait just kidding...Hardee Har Har :) it has been a crazy busy weekend/week and I ended up having to work Monday thru Wed this week. This leaves Thursday and Friday wide open to finish my project.
Which is...A kitchen Hutch!

I have browsed all the thrift stores, craigslist and GW in Nashville for a hutch to put in the kitchen. My Ironstone collection has out grown its small wall hutch (pictured below) and I have been bringing way to much "new-old" stuff into the house that needs a home.

So after having no luck at all.....I remember "Lightbulb" that Bri has a hutch in her room (Below). Im guessin... as a two year old she wont miss it and I have already found the perfect replacement bookcase in my bosses garage. His wife will be in town on Thursday and I can hardly wait to ask her if it can come and live at my place ;)

I still havent decided if Im going to distress it in cream.....distress it in black or just leave it wood. It may get left wood for the time being. I dont really have anywhere warm to take it to paint, sand ect and its just too darn cold outside still for that kind of project!

I do know that I am gonna borrow Layla @ The Lettered Cottage's Idea for backing her open cabinetry with burlap....sigh.....love is burlap.....lol.

If you haven't been over to meet Layla and her husband. You must! They are too funny and so inspiring!

Credit

What do you think? To paint or not to paint?? Burlap backing, no burlap backing??

MIA

2010-02-19T07:45:00.002-06:00

Going to be crazy busy for a few days, but when I return I have some projects to share! xx

There May Be Snow On The Ground.......

2010-02-16T21:20:00.001-06:00

But soon.......

Aren't you READY!!!!

Cabbages & Roses

2010-02-15T12:57:00.000-06:00

Chez Fifi just posted about this beautiful store in London.....Check it out!

Part II of Treasure Trove....Forgive me Father, for I have sinned.....

2010-02-14T19:16:00.003-06:00

I must confess.......the week I found the GW outlet I went three times......it has become an addiction. Even at this moment I am fighting the urge to go on my way to work tomorrow. I cant I cant I JUST CANT!

What makes it even worse is Gary will be leaving tomorrow afternoon for a class in Cincinnati (ALL WEEK)! The thought of all the things I could bring into the house undetected is mind boggling to say the least!

Here are a few more things I found on the second trip.

Note: These are just a SMALL sampling of the goodies I found ;)

This great little vintage wire basket was a perfect fit for my little round galvanized tins and the fuzzy little balls I found on a shopping excursion with mom and few weeks back.

I have been looking for a scale just like this for weeks. Just couldn't break down and fork out what people were asking. My patients paid off! I'm guessing it weighs about 5lbs so I paid $5 for it!

I simply adore this vintage tray. The photos just simply do not do it justice! Not sure where its permanent home, but for know its hanging on the wall under the upper kitchen cabinets.

I love this vintage truck chains bag. Completely with grimmy spots all over it! ;) I know i'm crazy!

This wicker basket tray with worn leather handles added that perfect layered look to the dining room table.

Hhhhhhhmmmmmm Wonder how many hours it will take me to head to Berry road tomorrow....

L - O - V - E is all that I can give.....

2010-02-14T17:11:00.001-06:00

It has been a long long weekend, but an absolutely wonderful one! Our church hosted its 1st annual Marriage Retreat on Fri and Sat. Bro & Sis Carpenter were so amazing. I cant even begin to say how blessed we were by their words.

It was a great time of fellowship and reconnecting with our marriages. Made me realize how incredibly blessed I am to have a man like Gary by my side for the rest of my life! I love love love that man! Muah!

On a somewhat bitter sweet note. As you know Bri turned two a few weeks ago and I have been holding off letting her move on to a "class" from the nursery. I decided today would be as good a day as any. Especially since she is so developed in her speech and communication skills. Seeing her sit in that big girl chair with those kids just about made me bawl like a baby.......sigh......time marches on though. Cherish each and every moment!

Sis. Tammy got pics and I will upload them as soon as I get them.

I hope that you had a wonderful Valentines weekend. We are THAT much closer to Spring! YAY!!

Happy Birthday To My Mum!!

2010-02-11T19:23:00.017-06:00

My wonderful Mum turned ?? today.....lol You'll have to ask her, but im sure she'll tell ya!

We had planned to hit the Nashville Antique and Arts and Crafts show, but changed our minds when we found out the price to get in. Yikes! We wouldnt have been able to buy anything once we got in!

We opted for dinner at Pei Wei and then went to see Dear John. It was a good but drawn out movie and as usual, dinner and company were wonderful!

I love my mother and I am very very blessed to have her!

Crazy me, didnt even take one picture, so I dug this one up from last May at Tea Conference in Vegas. Its better that I did anyway. At least we were tan! We are scary pasty right now!!

A Treasure Trove

2010-02-09T18:07:00.001-06:00

A few of my latest GW finds. These items where all purchased at the GW outlet. YES....there is such a thing!! You buy by the the pound...its like a dream come true ;)

Isnt he darling! its a vintage s & p shaker. It has a sticker on it that says coney island. He is going in my office!

I intended to strip the fabric off of this lamp and just have the wire as a shade. (Seen at Cottage8 ) for more of a french look. I really liked the shade though...after I got it on the lamp...lol We will see....

These are flat back baskets made to hang on the wall. They are going next to my new china hutch (when it is finished!) to store vintage kitchen towels and linens. Should I cottage them up? I think I will like the dark contrast next to the cream hutch....what do you think?

You can never have to many storage baskets! This pair has a Christmas design on the other side and of course the shade of green is not my fave, but the liners are easily remedied. This pair has $9.99 each tags still on from target!

Isn't this an adorable shade?? ( I added the burlap tie) but it would have been just as cute without it. It looks like its from the 70's maybe, but I fell in love with its "natural" look!

These are just a few of the goodies I found at the GW outlet. The back of the Durango was full for $35 and I cant WAIT to go back!

Flea Market Mentality

2010-02-09T09:06:00.000-06:00

le Bain

2010-02-07T19:51:00.001-06:00

I so "heart" these shower curtains......I do not however "heart" the $$$$ !!

I want to finish the bathroom so bad....but for now I will keep searching for an affordable version of something like these beauties! The first one is from Anthropologie. It is my favorite one....$118 bones...yikes!

A bit obsessed I Would Say......

2010-01-29T22:24:00.004-06:00

So, yeah.....I am becoming a little more obsessed with getting my house decorated. I have found SOOOO much inspiration on home decor blogs! I am just blown away by the talent out there and the people that share my taste!

I can hardly wait to go "junking" at the flea market this month! Then mom and I are going to the antiques exhibition at the fair grounds on her birthday (next week!) I get so many ideas every day I just cant hardly hold them inside....Aaaahhhhh. I can hardly wait to see the progress im going to be making each week!

My living/dining room side table. I have plans to paint and distress this in cream tones soon as well as the book cases on the wall to the right. Jennifer at cottage8/the painted cottage gave me inspiration for that wall. I am so anxious to get started on it! Darn....if I just had a money tree in the back yard......

We will be here a year in May and it just seems like the ball is just now beginning to roll! Hope it flys!!!

Dreaming of Spring....

2010-01-22T19:11:00.006-06:00

Mom and I found a wonderful new store today called "Colors...Uncommon Goods. Simply wonderful!! I got the little robins egg nest and several fluffy balls to use in another vignette. I can hardly wait to get started on the living room. I have so many wonderful Ideas....

Until then...Im dreaming of spring!

Planning a Minnie Mouse Party

2010-01-20T18:24:00.004-06:00

Bri is having a Minnie Mouse party this year. I can't believe my baby is turning two......just doesn't seem possible....sigh

I ordered the invitation template (above) her Minnie Mouse dress with matching socks and bow from Etsy. Its my new favorite place to shop! Check it out here www.etsy.com

Sis. Connie is making her cake. I can't wait to see how it all comes together on the 30th!

What a way to start.....

2010-01-04T19:42:00.003-06:00

The new year!!!! On my first day back to work, I managed to flub up at work, back into a tree and still be sick as a dog.

Yeah.....Not the best of days......but what can I say......I'm the best at what I do Barrrahhhaaaaahhaa

A New Year.....

2009-12-29T16:00:00.004-06:00

Crazy....Unbelievable....say it aint so! All words we use to describe a new year on the horizon.....we know its coming.....every 12 months...lol But it still always catches us by surprise somehow.

Of course along with it........all the things we "said" we were gonna do last year that never happened.......commitments made but not kept.....bright ideas never brought to fruition.......

The best part.....we get a chance to do it all over again. Maybe this will be the year I get to my goal weight.......that I start that scrap booking project....that I get the disposable cameras from our wedding reception developed! (I know I'm horrible)......that we take that dream vacation....read the bible through without having to catch up chapters at a time......

A fresh start....that's what the new year brings....So instead of getting down about all the things you meant to accomplish last year.....think of all the wonderful things you have a chance to do this year!

Happy New Year!!!! 2010

Christmas 09

2009-12-26T10:14:00.003-06:00

We had a lovely quiet Christmas this year. I even managed to get 2 trees up instead of just the one fake tree. We had a couples Christmas party in mid December and had lots of fun with friends...eating and playing games.

Christmas Eve we pretty much did nothing....then went to moms that evening to have Christmas with Steven, Joy and the Kiddos......We had a really good time though and of course had to make that Monopoly game up to Steve!

When we got home on Christmas Eve night...Bri got in to her new Dora jimjams from her auntie and cousins and snuggled up on the chaise beside the Christmas tree to follow our tradition of reading The Night Before Christmas together.

On Christmas Morning we ALL slept in...yes....even Bri! Then we got her up to see what Santa had brought. The look on her face when she walked in the living room was priceless. Of course since I managed to brake 3 cameras this year and thus am still stuck with my old one....I missed that exact moment. Yes I plan to get one BEFORE her 2nd birthday....(which is only 4 weeks away...AAHHHHHH)

However, she was thrilled with all of her presents! After an exhausting search on Christmas Eve Eve.....we finally found that princess activity table and I am SOOOOO glad. She loves it! We use it for everything...coloring, puzzles, eating....its wonderful! Best $25 I've ever spent!

She got tons of dora things.....puzzles, coloring books, a dora and boots backpack, Melissa and Doug art supplies and 6 sets of princess shoes and a tiara. She LOVES to play dress up. I am so excited about the next phase in her growing up.....just sad that my "baby" is gone.....

We also got a Christmas puppy......however he came home the week before Christmas. He is a black and tan Dachshund named Oscar. Mason got his lil sis for Christmas, and her name is Olivia. They are just adorable! We got him under the guise of "They are for the Kids" but you know they are really mine and Joys dogs...lol. Whatever we need to tell ourselves...right....

Gary and I had a "small" Christmas for each other. We got a wii so I could get all the fitness games ect. Then just a few small things. I got my coveted Burberry cashmere scarf!! He is a sweetie :) It was a Very Merry Christmas Indeedy! Looking forward to a new year.....