lovely little nest

i like mail.

2010-09-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

today is wednesday. yesterday our rocking chair was delivered, and today, i had two boxes on our door mat. oh lovely week. harper is sleeping soundly to my right, while i update you!

last thursday i went outside and i had this wonderful feeling of fall. of course i wanted to shop! so i opened the macbook, broke out my nordstrom gift cards [from last winter], and went wild. look look look what i got! all shoes, of course..

oh, a linen'ish felt ballerina flat, with flowers [you know how i love a fabric flower]

i have wanted a pair of toms for months & months.

i luhv minnetonka moccasins, look at this new grey | had to purchase

go purchase something to fulfill your fall appetite...

first annual indie craft parade!

2010-08-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

i am a sucker for a craft show, especially one with a name like indie craft parade! bonnie, with going home to roost first mentioned this craft show a few weeks back on her blog. she will be a vendor at the show! from that moment, i wanted to go. this was when harper hadn't yet made her arrival and was due to meet the world on september 8th (or so). i knew we wouldn't be making the trip. but.. she now she is here, and my cousin and i are planning on making the adventure! yippeeee. this will be harper's first 'big' adventure.

here are the details:

"Indie Craft Parade brings the best handmade artists from the Southeast together under one roof. It’s a public market where you’ll find quality crafts, local food, and opportunities to make friendships and connections with the artists themselves. This event is for independent artisans and anyone interested in purchasing unique handcrafted goods from people within their own communities.

as you all know, etsy is really high on my list of love's in life. i wake up in the morning and kiss my baby, wash my face, drink my coffee, turn on the today show, and check etsy. it is a lovely morning routine. well. many, many many, etsy'ians will be at the indie craft parade! we will get to see it all in real life. LOOK at all of these artisans, that will be participating!

what a great little trip to look forward to..

have a happy tuesday!

pom luhv.

2010-08-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

happy monday!

well if you know me at all, you know that i love, i mean love pom poms,

lanterns, and things that hang. my college apartments were filled with paper lanterns of all variations, and our wedding was filled with..

handmade flower poms

& paper lanterns

a paper lantern just screams fun to me.

and when you light them, oh man, you just can get any better than that.

i just found this new diy, from once wed, that combines them both! how excited did i get? well i ran out and got some yellow fabric, re-used a paper lantern from my baby shower, plugged in my glue gun and got to work! just a small warning, use

a small paper lantern, like 4 or 6 inch. i used a 10 in and ended up making thousands of little folded flowers. but in the end, worth it! i made mine to hang above harper's crib, i eventually want to make two more, i always decor to be in three's, just a little fetish of mine. but they can be used for wedding, events, parties, baby mobiles, or placed in a large bowl or vase. oh so many possibilities. try it out!

anything is possible with a hot glue gun.

cut circles in fabric, about 2-4 inches wide,

depending on how big you want your flower.

you'll need about 50-100, try layering your fabric for faster cutting

fold your circle in half, and glue.

fold in half one more time and glue again.

here are your flowers!

of course, sampson needed to help out

glue your flowers on, covering the entire lantern

and here is the masterpiece

smile, its friday

2010-08-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

happy friday friends!

harper is ready for the weekend.

today is a big day, i am getting a hair cut. probably not drastic, but it is at a ridiculous length right now, on the verge of rapunzel.

i have been snapping pictures of the nursery all morning, so slowly but surely you will get to

see the whole thing. i am editing pictures right now, but here is a little peek into harper's humble little abode.

did i mention how much i love dwell studio? i fell in love with this dragonfly petal crib set, it was a tough decision, they have so many precious choices.

mirror stolen out of her aunt maddie's room, and look how cute her dad was as a baby! my mom, harper's granna, made the cupcake out of baby washcloths. we have a whole cake plate full, i will show you more next week. she also bought the vintage deer planter at an antique store. funny story, we saw the deer when we were together, i didn't buy it and regretted it. i talked about it for days. so i went back to make the purchase and it had already been sold. [little did i know, to my mom]. so when i opened my shower gift and saw it in the box, i was overjoyed!

mom also made tallulah & josie

well i hope you enjoyed the look around. more to come on monday, and a list of our purchases, resources, and diy projects we used to fill her nursery.

have a beautiful weekend

i forgot.

2010-08-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

i forgot to show you.

look at the sweet little etsy purchase i made today.

a cute little headband from petitcalla, for her first little photo shoot.

how sweet is that?

our little nest is complete.

2010-08-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

oh my love'lies. i am back, finally. harper lucy made her debut on august 16th, earlier than we had expected! we are all doing great. she is sleeping soundly beside me on the couch as i type. we have been home for over a week, but my days are full. i really enjoy looking at her, so that takes up more time than you can imagine. i have always said that i wouldn't 'spoil' my child. but.. i guess you shouldn't say that until you have a sweet little bundle of love. she has really completed our little home, and i don't know now what we did without her.

so | meet harper..

i know she is mine, but i do think she is quite a doll, myself. we are still adjusting to life with a baby, she is pretty well behaved so far. i am rather proud..

i cant wait to share and catch up with you everything we have been doing the past few months. home renovating, growing a baby and belly, decorating a nursery, and fun summer travels. i finally have time to share all of the excitement with you. next on the blog roll, a sneak peek of harper's nursery, finally complete! see you tomorrow..

2010-06-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

well, i am back at my lovely little nest with my hubby, kitty witty, and dog. absence makes the heart grow fonder, not just for my man, but my bed, our little living room, and our little life. but, back home means back to work, which is not as appealing. i have to say, i love my jobs, but wouldn't it be nice to sit outside in the sun, craft, cook, and laze about during the summer? well scrolling down my blog roll before work this morning, bonnie, from going home to roost had featured a post from reading my tea leaves, on a most fabulous diy.

:: look look look ::

how easy it is to bring your garden, and outdoors inside. with a nail, bud vase {with a sturdy neck}, and some twine, ribbon, or yarn, you can transform a small space. i just love it. long ago, i had some sweet bud vases when i lived with my parents. they are still hanging in my old room, and i have thought many times about stealing them to hang in my home. but now, i dont have to. i have so many little vases laying around the house, i'm going to re:create this when i get home, i will let you know how it goes. if you don't have any little knick knack vases, you can find them at any thrift store for 25 - 50 cents.

such a cheap and sweet summer project.

2010-06-20T04:59:00.000-07:00

happy father's day dads!

my dad is in his element at the outer banks, i think it is his favorite week of the year, so i am sure he will be enjoying his sunday. we will be on the beach all day, playing bocce ball, fishing, kayaking, and reading! oh the fun..

this year will be joe's first official|unofficial fathers day! i cant wait to see him with our little girl, i know he will be the most inspiring, loving, and spontaneous dad! i miss you hubby, see you tomorrow..

60's summer socialite

2010-06-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

a few summers ago, my friend jared and i were browsing target and found a display of jewelry and summer accessories that we named '60's summer socialite'. it was full of corals, mint green|teal, starfish, gold chain, navy blue's, and eclectic ocean'y scarves, hats and accessories. the term has stuck over the years and when we see something that reminds us of it, we go back to the '60's summer socialite'. today's beach day did that to me. my cousin, avery, she is a ballerina. she has a vintage style and she looked so retro on the beach, so i had to capture it, and then it just carried on throughout the afternoon, so i took pictures of all the girls, and vintage'ized the pictures. enjoy...

maddie & the wave

avery & her florals

vintage mommy

retro pregnant belly

fabulous floral swim shorts

teether | necklace combo

2010-06-18T17:06:00.001-07:00

we had a little craft hour at the beach yesterday. i saw on a few blogs, this necklace that doubles as a teether for a baby, and necklace for mommy. even though the little bebe probably won't be using a teething necklace for a year, i wanted to make it just for a necklace to wear. with a strip of fabric, 2 inches wide and 8 small 3/4 inch wooden craft balls, we created this..

easy as pie, my mammy, who can sew or create anything, stitched up a fabric tube, then we placed the wooden balls inside the tube one by one. in between each ball, you tie a knot. we weren't sure what we wanted to do with the part that went around the neck. you could use ribbon that you knot into the necklace, or continue around with the same fabric. i chose to twist it, and then knot it every few inches. or you could braid it, whatever you choose. then, easy easy easy, i just tied a knot to the side just to see the final product, i originally thought we would sew it, so we wouldn't have a sem. but i loved the little bow after i saw it, it adds a little sweet'ness, i think.

i hope you enjoy! if you are a mommy, mommy to be, or someone like me who just enjoys a fun new accessory. try this, you can do it, so so easily. trust me! if you do, come back, comment, and let us know who it turns out. i would love to see...

happy beaches and saturdays.

ninth grade.

2010-06-18T14:03:00.001-07:00

my little sister, maddie, will start high school in august. what? sad sad day for me. i still think of her as little. well, she had her eighth grade graduation and dance a couple of weeks ago. so, you all know i have a problem with fabric rosettes, i am obsessed and want to use them at every possible second. so, we decided she needed a little fascinator to match her dress. i bought this rosette pattern off of etsy a few weeks ago, and have just been making them for everything imaginable, just in my spare time, to sit and look at.

with just three 1/4 yards of fabric, some tulle, a glue gun, and some thread. you can create your own fabric flowers, and believe me, you will become addicted. just a little shortcut, i really have a problem with doing everything the easy & quick way. instead of sewing the fabric, i hot glue'd the flower as i went. a hot glue gun changed the crafting world, in my opinion. you can fix or make anything with one.

and here is the fancy girl all fixed up..

and, the three gibbs (one, now ledford) girls...

seven months!

2010-06-17T05:10:00.000-07:00

here it is. the ever growing belly.

i forgot to mention yesterday, that i was 28 weeks, seven months, and in the third trimester yesterday! hooray.. i never thought that this could all pass by so quickly. september 8th (or whenever she decides to make her big arrival) seems to be just around the corner. we can't wait, but we just have so much to do! when i get back home, we have carpet to replace, walls to paint, and a nursery to put together, oh so much fun but alot of work ahead. and no, we still haven't decided on the little bean's name. i really think we need to meet her, before we can name her! so.. the on going name saga continues...

oh, and look.

we finally decided on a nursery look, ordered and got our crib bedding!

i put together a little design board, that is a secret for a few more days, but here is our bedding as soon as we opened the box.

did i mention that i love dwell studio? and i know you will too.

and here it is, on a crib

have a happy thursday!

2010-06-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

a little crafty'ness

2010-06-16T05:23:00.000-07:00

i have been a little craft'er over the past couple of months, and have been so busy that i haven't been able to share all of the fun with you. first, i did a masquerade mask and hairpiece for prom. tara looked so pretty in her dress and accessories, she looked like a little greek goddess. here was the process, sampson's help and all..

and here she is, looking so fancy..

nautical.

2010-06-15T05:22:00.000-07:00

oh the weather at the beach is absolutely beautiful! it has been sunny and almost 90, with a slight breeze for two days. oh it is so nice. i have been scouring etsy for wonderful beach & nautical finds.

here are a few i know you will enjoy.

1. octopus headband

2. coral pillow

3. anchor print

4. jelly fish tea towel

5. whale print

and don't forget baby...

1. sailor stripe hair clip

2. moby the whale rattle

3. whale onesie

4. nautical pom mobile

5. nautical undies

6. anchors away shoes'ies

oh a cloudy day.

2010-06-13T04:35:00.002-07:00

happy sunday! today is our first beach today and it looks like it's going to be cloudy all day. which i don't mind, i love to sit around a beach house and craft, and snack, and read the books that are awaiting me. this morning, i just wanted to show you some pictures from our outer banks beach trips from the past. my family has been meeting on the outer banks for fifteen years. it's hard to believe that the first year we came, my sister maddie was still in the belly! and now, joe and i have a little beanette on the way. i wish i had pictures of the first few years we came, but that was before the age of digital cameras and laptops, so i only have them in photo albums at home. there are 14 gibbs-mcgee-and now ledford families that meet here, from franklin to wilmington, delaware. my hubs isnt here this year, he started working for a new company, and couldn't take his vacation time this week, he is really missed, already!

you bring the fun joe, we love you!

but, here we are. a little collage of the fun we have in corolla...

i am working on some sweet & nautical ideas for your home and life.

see you this afternoon friends...

it's official, we are outer banks'ers.

2010-06-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

until next monday i am destination outer banks, north carolina. i will have a full week to share so much with you. no work, just sandy beach, good food, family, and blogging. so get ready! i will be back to you in the morning, bright and early. see you then loves!

something about silouhettes.

2010-05-19T13:45:00.001-07:00

there is just something about a silhouette that i love. its personal, unique, custom, and usually black. i love all of these things. i was looking through my etsy favorites, and i assure you, that is a really really long list. and as i was scrolling, i realized there were usually three items on each page that included silhouettes. i just wanted to share a few with you, you might want to make a purchase, or it may inspire you to create one all your own?

so, are you feeling crafty? here is a simple step-by-step tutorial for making a

custom silhouette fabric plaque. just look how cute it turns out. try it, and share yours with us!

or.. if you just want to make a really fun purchase, check these out.

so i really, i mean really really love these custom silhouette prints, by ellothere.

this week, i am taking a picture of our profiles clicking buy!

moosey shadow pillow by auntbucky

now, how sweet would your baby's face be on one of these pillows?

add it to the crib, or your rocking chair for a personal little touch.

or.. you can create a custom silhouette print for a

wedding poster, or your family, by nelladesigns?

this is a great wedding or anniversary gift, or just a little

i'm happy we're married gift for yourself.

want your silhouette, or significant other's on your morning coffee mug?

you can have, custom silhouette mugs by misscrowland

ok, i know you dog lovers out there are really gonna flip over this one, by papercutsbyjoe

including my sweet aunt donna, who loves her pekignese oh so much.

put your dog {well, breed} on your wall. don't you love it?

june twenty, 2010

2010-05-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

just a little heads up! start thinking of your dad.

fathers day is june 20th!

i was cathing up on martha stewart, and of course, she had a long list of creative, festive, and perfect fathers day gifts. so obviously i wanted to share them with you, so you can suprise that father in your life, as well. you have about a month to prepare, but if you want to make a craft or try to get creative with it, it just might take that long, so here are some ideas to get started...

1. retro dad labels

2. fathers day car wash kit

3. bow tie gift tags & boxes

4. tee time cupcakes

or if you are a chef, cook for dad

1. EJ's simple ribs

2. the perfect burger

3. grilled sirloin steak with toppings bar

ps. visit martha today, she will inspire you, i promise!

off work, off to home depot.

2010-05-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

well hello friends! happy tuesday to you. i am free today, so i am taking a grand voyage to home depot in search of flowers, lighting, ferns, carpet, a rug, air filter, and any other fun things that could venture into my shopping cart. the painting this weekend made me turn my attention to a few things that need to be updated desperately. one including the ridiculously large wood-brass ceiling fan in the living room, and the 70's kitchen light. so, here i go. i will let you know what i return with.

but before i go, please look at the

fabulous prints i purchased from smallable.

we haven't made the final decision about baby bedding, although we are getting close i assure you! but, i had to have these. no matter what we decide to do in the little beanette's humble abode, i know these insect & bird prints will fit in perfectly.

if you are a mom, soon to be mom, grandmother, sister, mother, or lover of everything baby, you have have have to click over to smallable. you will immediately fall in love, i am sure of it.

| SMALLable is a fashion and design concept store for children on the Internet . We offer unique and original clothes , shoes , fashion accessories , decoration , toys and books , from French and foreign designers , some of which are only available on our site . SMALLable also features gifts ideas , the possibility to create wish lists , gift registries , birthday lists ... and to shop inspired with our looks and atmospheres when decorating your child's room |

and of course, i had to give you a little peek of the super sweet baby clothes!

please come back this afternoon so i can share with you my fun finds of the day!

a fresh coat of paint.

2010-05-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

whew, it was a busy weekend, full of paint, brushes, window washing, and primer. for a year, we have procrastinated painting the wood paneling on our walls. we have slowly been painting, and re-do'ing. this winter we took out the carpet and vinyl, and joe put down hardwood floors. big change! but we have been procrastinating painting all of the wood trim, doors and paneling. well.. we took the plunge! my mom, and sister came over saturday and we painted, painted, and painted some more. i have never slept so well. we finished painting the wood on the walls, but still had some trim work to finish up. mom called at 7:15 on sunday morning, ready to get back to work. so sunday- her, sister, and my cousin cara showed up to continue the work. and.. we're finished! it is lovely! i am working on before and after pictures, but i will show you some of the work in progress and the lovely people who made it happen, and a little sneak peek of the white walls! yay! it feels so nice to do a little freshening around your home, just makes everything seem new again!

and here it is..

lovely new white trim!

and this is how we got there, with no help from sampson of course..

caught

forehead paint

mom is the master of window washing

hey, belly

our tools

maddie hard at work, watching abc family

makeover your walls

2010-05-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

this month, the nest offered ten fun ways to make over boring walls. i personally love empty frames arranged together, one of my love time decor tricks. but what about a map on the wall, chalkboard, etc? they are all inexpensive and fun to do. here are my six favorite that i wanted to share with you. try one out, let us know how it works?

plate it

come full circle, crossing an elegant look with decorative plates. there really is a way to show off that hodge-podge of dishes that you've picked up at discount stores, flea markets, and yard sales. hang them on a color that complements all of their patterns.

chalk it up

make a bold statement by creating an instant painted-on chalkboard in your entryway. to do it, apply a coat of magnetic chalkboard paint. draw a supersized calendar so you can stay organized and remember important dates and appointments. or use it as a party prop and greet guests with a welcoming message or the menu you'll be serving at the dinner party that evening.

frame it

have a bunch of mismatched frames? give them a makeover so they look ilke they belong in the same tailored collection. it's a cool alternative to hanging a mirror or piece of art over a console.

daring decoupage

want a fancy wall without dropping a lot of cash? Get the same effect as wallpaper using wrapping paper you have lying around. select an assortment of patterns and dream up a scheme for the wall. Get creative with your own gift wrap designs -- the options are endless.

lovely letters

for a fresh approach to art, opt for hanging letters. select one wall [a brightly painted backdrop highlights the letters] and let your decorating style guide your design. Create names, phrases, or, for a modern touch, let the shapes drive your creation.

map quest

bring culture to the table with a world map wall mural. this great conversation piece is a quick, affordable, and easy-to-apply wall accessory. pin up postcards and photos of the places you've visited too. this geographic accent will lead to an exotic, global feel.

daily drop caps!

2010-05-11T06:32:00.000-07:00

rainy tuesday, story of my life. a day off work, and it seems to be dreary and rainy. i have a fun little lunch outing planned with my friend jared, recent college graduate, so proud. other than that, it will be a cleaning, resting, laundry afternoon, which is ok with me. before i started my day though, i really wanted to share daily drop caps by Jessica Hische.

one of the most fabulous daily inspirations ive found in the wide world of blogging. i had seen these wonderful letters on blogs before, but didnt know how to get them, i searched and searched. but yesterday, bonnie, from going home to roost, featured daily drop caps as her daily post. boy was i excited! add one to your blog, signature, or website!

happy fifth of may

2010-05-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

its cinco de mayo, a favorite holiday of mine. a corona, guacamole and taco salad sounds delicious, minus the corona this year. well, i thought i should share a great guacamole recipe and some festive fiesta decor with you, so you could really celebrate the occasion.

the perfect guacamole, click me!

de colores papelitos picados banner

cinco de mayo fiesta invitation

avocado rose necklace

enjoi your day, take some time to celebrate!

oh girl.

2010-04-28T16:54:00.001-07:00

its thursday, i like thursday. i teach today so i only have a little bit of time to share with you. just a little baby update..

we bought this kaffe fassett fabric this morning to make the first receiving blanket,

i will share it with you as soon as it's finished...

also...

just wanted to share the precious things mom has been making for our little beanette. cute little appliqued onesies, and burpcloths. she is good isn't she? as soon as we found out that "it was a girl!", we have been crafting, and mom has been sewing away! aren't girls fun?

hello again.

2010-04-28T16:29:00.000-07:00

here are the fun little pillows on our blue couch. i don't know what has happened to me, for many years i only bought green accessories for the home, what is happening with all of this blue? i have to say though, i really love it. what do you think?

just wanted to show you the shaggy little taupe rug i bought at tj maxx home goods. $50 for a 5x8 rug, you can't beat that. and it is so soft under your feet.

oh, sampson wanted to say hello too...

in the mail.

2010-04-28T07:17:00.001-07:00

i love getting mail, don't you?

it is so exciting to order something and go to the mailbox everyday anticipating it's arrival. well i have done this daily, for a week, waiting on my package from nestables. i ordered three new pillow covers for my couch. i got them this morning! they are just as lovely as i had imagined them to be. look look.

these are pictures from etsy, i will update you with pictures of the new look on our couch after work. come back this afternoon!

rainy tuesday.

2010-04-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

today is tuesday, it has been rainy for three days and i am a teacher today. so, while i had a few free minutes i wanted to share some lovely things from a london, england etsy seller. it will brighten your day, promise.

oh she is so very lovely: A Alicia Handmade Accessories

"Gorgeous handmade fashion and home accessories, exploiting the textural and sculptural qualities of fabrics. Exclusively designed and handmade by me! Every part of each A Alicia accessory is hand sewn - down to each petal!"

Right Now Buy any 2 products and get $15 off your total!!!

gold mix corsage brooch

organic cotton pom pom hair slides

pinkbeigenavy fold three necklace

indigo white printed bow

Now, didn't that just make your day?

reduce. reuse. recycle.

2010-04-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

happy earth day lovely nestie readers! we should really treat everyday like it is earth day, but take today to do something out of your way for the planet.

"it is our responsibility to build a healthy, prosperous, clean energy economy now and

for the future." you can join the more than one billion people,

in over 190 countries to take action today! visit the official earth day campaign website

* order reusable snack:sandwich bags. think of all the plastic you could save from the landfill with just this one easy step. plus, they make your lunchbox seem really festive.

"love a tree" re|usable baggie

* use an aluminum re|usable water bottle instead of buying a bottled water everyday

personalized aluminum water bottle

* or ride your bike, or walk to work (if possible)

"bike there" organic tee

*try buying organic | including: food, clothing, accesories (you get the point)

organic cotton baby kimono set

*plant anything | a tree, a flower, or an herb for your kitchen

wooden sign

happy earth day to you!

happily halfway.

2010-04-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

i am twenty weeks today, hooray! twenty more to go, and we will welcome the little beanette into the world. here is the first sneak peek of the sweet little girl, one of the ultra sound pictures from last week, nineteen weeks.

sweet baby feet

her profile & hand

also featured, the growing belly!

naturally to celebrate the big day, i had to make an etsy purchase, so i bought a baby memory book by nouveaudesigns. i cant wait to start filling the pages..

i couldn't resist this, you know my cat loving tendencies. her first little animal, josie the cat.

how sweet is that?

love mom.

2010-04-20T06:01:00.001-07:00

just a friendly reminder that mother's day is approaching, don't forget your mom on may 9th.

"all that i am, or hope to be, i owe to my mother." -abraham lincoln

i don't know what i would do without my sweet sweet mom, she is beautiful, inspiring, and the most loving person i have ever met.

not only do i have a lovely mom, but i also so lucky to have a wonderful mother-in-law as well.

i know we all feel the same about our own mom's, so celebrate them. here a just a few sweet ideas to splurge on for that wonderful mother we all have.

for the earth'y mom:

1. earth mom card

2. little bird's nest necklace

3. you are my hero stone

4. mossy garden mound

5. organic tea towel

for the mom on the go:

1. rosyrosy personalized cards

2. candyfloss tangle necklace

3. lime dahlia intouch clutch

4. lime dot clutch

hoot.

2010-04-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

i found my camera cord, yay! i just had to stop back in to share with you our find from yesterday. mom and i were in asheville and found the first item for the nursery. mom and i have a fetish for hoot owls. how sweet will this be, perched on a little shelf?

daily read.

2010-04-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

i love to read, love it. i have been a reader since an early age and have a lengthy list of books that are must-reads for all. my first and foremost favorite book, inspired by my grandma is

"A Tree Grows In Brooklyn".

visit a used a bookstore or head over to amazon to order it today, and start reading...

just a little review:

Francie Nolan, avid reader, penny-candy connoisseur, and adroit observer of human nature, has much to ponder in colorful, turn-of-the-century Brooklyn. She grows up with a sweet, tragic father, a severely realistic mother, and an aunt who gives her love too freely--to men, and to a brother who will always be the favored child. Francie learns early the meaning of hunger and the value of a penny. She is her father's child--romantic and hungry for beauty. But she is her mother's child, too--deeply practical and in constant need of truth. Like the Tree of Heaven that grows out of cement or through cellar gratings, resourceful Francie struggles against all odds to survive and thrive. Betty Smith's poignant, honest novel created a big stir when it was first published over 50 years ago. Her frank writing about life's squalor was alarming to some of the more genteel society, but the book's humor and pathos ensured its place in the realm of classics--and in the hearts of readers, young and old -Emilie Coulter

its friday, get outside with a book, and enjoy thoroughly.

hey girl!

2010-04-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

oh the wait was worth it, we're celebrating baby girl!

the big reveal

2010-04-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

well finally, finally, and let me say finally one more time. today we will find out if the little bean will be a girl or boy. oh we are so excited. i'll be back this afternoon with the verdict, enjoy!

i love giada.

2010-04-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

i really have a mild obsession with lemonade and tea. ok, so i like tea with lemonade in it. j hughes suggested i try an orange ice tea, that giada made on the food network, you will love! try it, tell us what you think. have a delicious spring'y summer drink to share? comment with us.

click me for the recipe!

hey, i'm back!

2010-04-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

i am here! i have missed you, hopefully you have missed me as well. no excuses but...

i started a blog, found out we were having a baby, and started working like crazy. who knew? well, this work work work is wonderful, but it has taken away my beloved internet : blog time. but i am here, and after my friend jared told me my blog needed cpr, i am here to do it! today is beautiful, i love spring. i have pictures of so many fresh and beautiful things and i have somewhere and somehow misplaced my camera cord, so this afternoon, that is my plan, hunt until i find it, and then i can share it all with you. i am sitting on our front porch enjoying the day, with my new nest magazine and sweet tea : with lemon. that is a good day if i do say so myself. i hope you are enjoying your tuesday just as much.

by the way, if you are married, engaged, long to be married, or a homeowner, you should most definitely subscribe to the nest. who doesn't love fresh decorating ideas, a twist on old recipes, relationship advice (admit it, we all need it from time to time), and inspiring home decor? if this sounds like your cup of tea, visit the nest or just go ahead and subscribe, so each month you will find a pleasant little suprise waiting in your mailbox.

some fun inspiration and diy projects, i am sure you will enjoy:

1. wood clock diy from design*sponge

2. water color forsythia painting

3. diy paper leaves on going home to roost, by belinda : the happy home

4. colorful fabric garland

5. chicken & pasta salad recipe

oh, tomorrow, everything lovely for baby, and delicious orange tea recipe!

wait!

2010-03-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

wait on me.

i never realized that i would start blogging with you, and then my life would turn so unexpectedly busy. i teach teach teach, and am store store store. this afternoon i will share with you, what you've been missing. and some other fabulous blogs i know you will want to follow. so for now,

have a happy monday.

go green!

2010-03-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

happy st. patricks day lovelies!

i love green, everything about it.

going green.

mint green.

green grass.

so i obviously wanted to purchase all four of these festive & fabulous green etsy finds!

spring green clutch : personalized calling cards : doily clock : mint chocolate cupcakes

you probably didnt know:

2010-03-15T09:59:00.001-07:00

1. my 'real' name is sarah christine

(and i really do love sardines)

2. i love lemonade, really really love lemonade

3. the mr. and i are expecting a babe, on september 8th

4. my favorite things are always green, always

5. i do not like going to the movies, i prefer to rent

6. i am twenty-four

7. i broke my femur bone when i was ten, riding a motorcycle

8. i love to sit on a porch

9. i wish i could be a teacher-decorator-etsy'er-blogger-store owner

combination, as my profession

10. i love tomatoes, and putting hot sauce on everything

three weeks.

2010-03-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

easter is almost here. this weekend, spring arrived at our house. i decided to replace winter with color and fun prints. ready to re-do? here are some sweet easter things on etsy, from bowties for your little one, to cupcake flags for an easter party. i just know you will fall in love with them like i did. enjoy your monday, do something creative today!

1. printable easter flags

2. l o v e heart bowl

3. boys dot bowtie

4. mint babydoll dress

5. mother duck & ducklings pillows

6. rosette flower brooch

7. girls sophie monogram dress

under my umbrella.

2010-03-11T06:31:00.000-08:00

well, first of all. i am sorry for my disappearance this week. we recently put hardwood floors in, and now, it is time for the trim. so i've been kicked out of the house, along with my already busy schedule, so i've spent the week thinking of new ideas and things to share with you all! of course it is raining today, and looks like it will be doing the same tomorrow.

ooops. just got a call, as i am writing to you, looks like i am going to be a teacher again!

sorry for the false alarm, i will finish my thoughts with you this afternoon.

loves.

sixty degrees.

2010-03-08T10:09:00.000-08:00

i love a beautiful day that i can open the windows, and fill our house with sunshine and color. i am babysitting today, and cleaning, organizing and being a cook! i stumbled across these wonderful prints on etsy this morning, just wanted to share the happiness with you.

check out jennifer simpson art photography: find your happy place.

de-clutter, re-decorate, paint.

2010-03-05T07:48:00.000-08:00

well, i guess it is the time of year, or the birds chirping outside.. all i know, is my re-decorating itch is in full force. i have a list of things on the agenda. paint, nursery, stitch pillow covers, plant, blah blah. the list grows daily. most of what is on my mind, takes cash. but one of my monthly reads is the real simple magazine. guess what: today they had an article on ways to organize and decorate for free! who doesnt love that? there are 10 different simple ideas, and i'll share some with you..

1. cover boxes with wrapping paper

2. repurpose bracelets for napkin rings

3. hang mix & match artwork on one wall

hope this gives you a little free inspiration, for all 10 tips, click!

good reads.

2010-03-04T04:43:00.000-08:00

i feel like the best way to fuel your energy to get something done, is to buy a book about it. it is always refreshing to have something in your hands that teaches you something new. so, as i have been trying to craft more and more, i thought it was time to buy a couple of books to guide me along. applique your way and one yard wonders, are two go to books for an easy and achievable fabric project. i cant wait to crack the covers! i just wanted to give you a little sneak peek, they should be in my mailbox on friday. and next week, i will do my first ever tutorial and give you a step by step guide to create one of the projects from the books. do your research, is there one you would be interested in? let me know!

7:14 am, here she goes...

2010-03-03T04:15:00.000-08:00

today is my one and only day off this week.

so, i have a long to do list.

|grocery shop

|create

|post office

|cook

|craft more

|bake

|blog with you!

i will be back this afternoon, to inspire you with how much i get finished, happy wednesday!

i have missed you.

2010-03-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

well, hello its been a long time since thursday, and i have missed sharing life with you. how was your weekend? i was a teacher today, so i had to wait until after school to say hello! even though the weather is saying snow snow snow for tomorrow, i cant get spring and flowers, and bright colors out of my head. i have been fawning over fabric rosettes for months. i finally bought a book to teach me the tricks of the trade for all handmade flowers. i just wanted a share a few of my inspirations, and new ideas that i am going to try and craft by friday, wish me luck!

love any of these as much as i do? visit etsy, of course.

hello weekend.

2010-02-26T14:40:00.000-08:00

dance, its friday. sorry i wasn't hear to greet you this morning, i was busy busy, and was a worker this afternoon. so, i will get back to you with something exciting and fresh for your saturday. i am going to asheville, with my mother dearest, to shop and wander about tomorrow. i will tell you about everything fabulous, when i return. remember, its friday afternoon, celebrate.

2010-02-25T09:39:00.000-08:00

it is a sleepy:cloudy:cold thursday. today was a clean the house, stop and watch gilmore girls, vacuum, eat lunch, wash dishes, etsy, take a shower, drink a cup o' tea, blog day. i haven't seemed to be able to get too much truly accomplished. so here is a delightful recipe {i just leave out the beef}, and that is what is on our menu tonight. baked ziti.. joe loves loves loves lasagna, and i prefer meatless pasta, so this is a good little compromise that makes us both happy. try it, what did you think?

love the woodland'ish apron? it is a reversible apron, by bonnie, of going home to roost. head over to her esty shop, full of splendid little aprons : towels : pillows

little bambino.

2010-02-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

well i have been thinking, pondering, concocting, different ideas for the blog. i want to set different days for different topics and since babies are on the mind.. i have decided that until september, when the little bean will make its arrival, i want to give you some sweet little baby inspiration, ideas, and lovely baby stuff's each wednesday. so for today, we are going to start off with my all time favorite. etsy etsy etsy! oh i just get consumed as soon as i see the homepage. here are just some of my most favorite's. comment, if you have questions about any of these sweet little etsy creations, enjoi.

easter egg onesie by: monsterbugblankets
snuggly wool lemon hat by: mymarketstall
M is for Mackenzie by: olliegraphic
custom birth announcement print by: khamm75
little green elephant baby booties by: weepereas
whimsy girl's easter dress by: holycrapclothing
jack the whale custom cards by: graciegirlnotes
sweet felt flower headband by: louandlee
blue bird onesie and bib by: beanpicklesprout

today is tuesday.

2010-02-23T07:02:00.000-08:00

i am a substitute teacher today, so on my break, i am stopping to say hi and leave you with a little thought of apples. appropriate, right? also, a delicious apple pie recipe, try it! have a fabulous recipe you would like to share with us? you can leave it in the comment box.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Caramel-Pecan-Apple-Pie

2010-02-22T14:07:00.001-08:00

in case you haven't; meet us.

2010-02-22T10:34:00.000-08:00

this is real. i am actually going to venture into the wide world of blogging:blogs:and bloggers. it is has been one of my goals, since i got married, september 13th, so i have been procrastinating awhile. i hope to share our nest, and all of life's loveliest little things.