unleash your inner craft queen

What would we do without crafts, sweets?

Wedding Blogs surely wouldn't be as lovely... home decor surely wouldn't be as chic... Birthday parties surely wouldn't be as fun... Y'all get my drift!!

I came across this sweet little website on My Pinterest, Save on Crafts. Seriously, this website is AAA-mazing!! Everyone that has pinned this website describes it as Oriental Trading Co. for Adults. If y'all grew up in a crafty home like me, Oriental Trading Co. was the bomb-diggitty!! I still can remember receiving our Oriental Trading Co. magazine and wanting every cotton pickin' party favor, decoration and chachki (aka cheap-plastic-toy) in every available color.

Those days are over, and I'm moving onto my new discount craft obsession, Save on Crafts!! From rolls of burlap to wood crates full of glass bottles to entertaining pretties to basically-any-craft-to-keep-you-busy-for-days, Save on Crafts has anything and everything possibly needed to add that rustic chic luxe feeling to any room, gift or everyday what-not.

Unleash your inner Craft Queen and get to craftin' y'all!!

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birthday sweet birthday

Good morning, Sweets!!

Now, isn't this picture worth waiting for these past couple of days?! It just fills me with a warm, fuzzy feeling and makes me want to smile as big as this sweet baby girl is in this picture!!

Our sweet Birthday Girl turned one last week, and we celebrated her first year this past Saturday.. {Actually, we celebrated her parents, Our Besties from the Windy City, because they survived the first year and need some celebrating too!!}

Friends and Family enjoyed a backyard cookout with all the fixins'. The Birthday Girl was dressed to the nines in a homemade birthday dress made by her talented Nonna, who did all of the embroidery, monogramming and sewing details for the party. You can check her lovelies out on her blog, The Mason Jar, and her Facebook business page.

I just cannot wait for y'all to oooh and awww over these precious details. Sarah {aka Supermom} and her sweet Mother {aka Grammy} setup the table with the help of Aunt Kitty, Aunt Nitni and Nonna. These women sure know how to throw a preciously pink party!!

Perfectly Pink Party table

Too cute of a cake!!

The Birthday Girl's Smash Cake

Of course, we had to get a photo-op with The Sweet Birthday Girl!! She sure loves her Uncle Trey {aka The Hubbs}. This little pict makes my heart melt!!

We love you oh so much Sweet Birthday Girl!! Uncle Trey and I remember the day you were born and the excitement we shared with your amazing mother and father to bring you into this great big world. You are such a blessing to everyone that gets to see you grow into your own little person. You are the center of your sweet Momma and awesome Daddy's world and bring them more joy day by day.

 

Have a lovely day, Sweets!!

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sweet sites to swoon {Picklee}

As a blogger, I love reading other blog enthusiasts work. I love to read what inspires them, house how-to's, daily life happenings, current DIY projects, wedding what-nots (yes, guilty as charged, weddings anything-and-everything is a love of mine) and the list literally goes on...

Today, I would love to spotlight one of the many blogs that I am currently coveting. This blog is surely gonna make y'all swoon!!

Picklee :: {fresh picked inspirations}

Jordan, the Queen Bee of Picklee, blogs daily on her "fresh picked inspirations". From food to furniture, she opens her front door to everything creative with a luxe touch. Picklee has chic style and fun-filled finds that dazzle the inner DIY darling!!

Keep Calm and Swoon on Sweets!!

I hope Picklee brings you happy thoughts and lovely wants!!

Check back soon with more on my sweet sites to swoon..

 

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it's {almost} fall, y'all!!

Happy Saturday, Sweets!!

As we all know, a week from today is a major holiday in homes across the southeast..IT'S GAME DAY, Y'ALL!! Which means Fall starts in SEVEN days!!

There are many little what-nots that are reminding me that Fall is right around the corner!!

Southern Living is all about Fall food

My Pinterest now has a new board, "game day, y'all!!"

...which is totally house divided :)...

 

Summer Temps are slowly falling...80 degrees, y'all!!

Yes, sad to say it's time to store the sunscreen and fold the beach towels, BUT time has come to put on your cowboy boots and get out your game day goodies because IT'S FALL Y'ALL!!

Enjoy this last weekend of summer fun, Sweets!!

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in God we trust

Happy Friday, Sweets!! I have a little special photog for y'all today!!

Our Nana, The Hubbs' grandmother (and my nana too!!), sent us an email which included this picture. One word. Amazing. It gave me chills when I opened this picture. It reassured me that no matter what shape America is in today or tomorrow or 50 years from now, God is always watching over The Land of the Free.

I hope this picture brings you hope for a better day than yesterday and allows you to be the change you want to see in this world!!

Have a happy weekend, y'all!!

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hooray for my first day!!

Four months. Promising interviews. Definite letdowns. Unconditional support. Steadfast Husband. Amazing family. Beyond-Helpful friends. That sums up my career search in Little Rock.

When my patientence was tiring out and I felt all of my hardwork and experience was worthless, God opened up the next door for my new career. I will now be creating and managing the marketing and catering sales for the Little Rock and North Little Rock stores for Corky's Ribs & BBQ, the Memphis-based BBQ restaurant!!

This opportunity was presented to me because of one dear friend (Thanks, Britt!!) that knew I could handle and exceed the expectations of this position. It means the world to me that not only did Britt recommend me, but that the families (The Hilburns and The Kleines) I will be working for see my potential and want to invest in my hardwork and experience.

Thanks be to God who never gave up on me, but taught me that patience pays off and teaching me to trust that His plan was created for me so that this day would happen.

So here I am. Ready to work. Ready to put my mind to use. Ready to prove my worth.

Come on in y'all and enjoy some real Southern Q!!

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field trip to crystal bridges

During our getaway weekend to Fayetteville, we made a last minute decision to visit Crystal Bridges in Bentonville. The name sounds more like an actual piece of art than an art museum. This American art museum is a hidden gem in Northwest Arkansas. Alice Walton, the daughter of Sam Walton aka the founder of Walmart, spearheaded the development of this amazing museum of American art.

Not only is Crsytal Bridges an architectural work of art, the art collection within the museum is all-encompassing of art throughout American history from The Colonial Era to Post-modernism to Contemporary art collections. I know I said it multiple times during our field trip and once we were back in Faye, but this museum is probably the only time the majority of visitors, especially Arkansans, will be able to experience this caliber of art museum. It definitely ranks among museums like The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Guggenheim Museum in New York and the list goes on.. The best part is Crystal Bridges' General Admission is free. Yes sweets, thanks to the success of good old Wally World, to explore the museum you don't pay a dime!!

The Hubbs being truly American at the American Revolutionary Exhibit

Enjoying the museum one work-of-art at a time

Make sure next time y'all are up and around the Northwest Arkansas area, y'all make time to make your own little field trip to Crystal Bridges. Believe me y'all won't be disappointed but you will leave with a sense of inspiration and amazement at what lies right in your own backyard!!

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cookie care package

During our trip to Colorado for my cousin's wedding this past weekend, we also visited our Grandpa Bernie. With Grandpa being 92, his physical health is immaculate {note: he had everyday rituals along with healthy habits his whole life...literally the man has a full head of hair and NO wrinkles}, but his mental health is slowly drifting away. Even though it is sad to witness, we will always remember his eccentric sayings and hilarious humor.

Inside his room, he had a picture of The Hubbs and I pinned up on his bulletin board. It made me smile knowing that even though he may not remember us, he still is able to see people that love him.

Yesterday, I decided we would send Grandpa Bernie a Chocolate Chip Cookie Care package, along with a picture of us and a note that said...

We love you Grandpa! Enjoy the cookies! Be a good boy!

When I was in college and in the beginning of my Chicago life, I would send all of my grandparents {Nina and Grandma & Grandpa Bernie} little care packages with cookies and a card. It let them know that I was thinking of them. Now that Grandpa is my last grandparent alive, The Hubbs and I want to do as much as we can to let him know we are thinking of him.

I hope y'all let someone you love know that you are thinking of them today!! A simple phone call, email, text message or hand written note can truly turn someone's ordinary day into extraordinary!!

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rustic re-do {headboard}

Good morning, Sweets!!

How about a little rustic re-do inspiration for y'all today?!

Since The Hubbs and I have moved to Little Rock, the urge to re-do our bedroom headboard has been extreme. I love change and get bored with the same-old, same-old. {I know this is a genetic trait that was passed down from to yours truly...haha}

On Monday, I decided it was time to make the change because I had the time and was actually ready to make a decision on fabric to recover the old headboard..haha!! Then yesterday, I ran around town buying the perfect pillow, exchanging the perfect pillow for the more perfect pillow until I picked the perfect combo of pillows. TA-DA!! Our headboard is now oh so rustic chic!!

B-B-Boring Before

{please excuse the mess!! It was an on-the-fly pict!!}

Oh So Rustic Chic After

{I still have to-do's for the bedding!! I am monogramming "M"s on the grey pillows, adding fringe to the yellow pillow, purchasing a new quilt and down comforter to add that luxe feel, and eventually making one more decorative pillow when I get my sewing machine all setup and running. I just had to get this post out to y'all!!}

Hope y'all enjoy this grey and yellow rustic re-do!! I'm loving the trend of neutrals with a pop of color!! It just adds that happy in your day or for The Hubbs and I a little happy before we lay our heads to bed!!

Wishing y'all a day full of happy and inspiration!!

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wedding weekend

This past weekend, our family reunited for my younger cousin's wedding in Denver. We had a blast, but honestly we always have a blast when we gather with our family!!

This was the first family wedding since the hubbs and I got married last summer. It was quite enjoyable to be able to have quality time with family and be the ones who get to just have fun with no worries of carrying on wedding duties!!

My cousins, Chris and Court, along with their mothers did an amazing job with everything, from the rehearsal dinner to the reception. Chris and Court also incorporated washing of each other's feet into the wedding ceremony. I absolutely love this tradition. It is so sacred and so humbling. It shows the love and selflessness that they have for each other as husband and wife. It also shows their honor and glory they give to our Lord and Savior above.

Congrats Chris and Court!! We are so excited for y'all to join The Married Club!! God has great things in store for y'all as you beginning your life as husband and wife!!

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homemade wednesday {classic cookies with a crunch}

With all this time on my hands while I search for my new career, I have gotten quite crafty in the kitchen.

{Note to y'all ~ I like saying "career" over "job" because i feel life shouldn't be about getting the job done, but enjoying your career day in and day out :) }

With all this craftiness going on in our little crafty apartment, I have taken your average recipes and added a little va-va-voom!!

First are your average Peanut Butter Cookies. I took a simple PB Cookie recipe and added not only chocolate chips but chopped roasted salted peanuts to jazz up this classic cookie. I just made one batch which came out to about 18 cookies. I sent the majority of the Crunchy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies with the Hubbs to work after his lunch break and kept a couple for sweet treats after dinner.

The best part of this recipe is i guarentee you have all these ingredients in your pantry right now!!

{Crunchy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies}

Whatcha Need:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 egg

1 1/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup of chopped roasted salted peanuts

How-To:

~Preheat oven to 375°F.

~Beat the butter until creamy. Add the sugars, beat until butter and sugars are combined. Beat in the peanut butter and egg.

~Mix together the dry ingredients - flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the butter sugar mixture.

~Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped peanuts.

~Shape dough into golf ball size cookies and flatten. Place parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Use fork to make criss-cross pattern on top of cookies.

~Bake for 8 minutes. Cool on parchment paper lined baking rack to cool completely.

Definite recommendations for y'all ~ let these cookies cool completely. I know it's hard to resist, but when cooled they are chewy deliciousness!! Also, doubling the recipe is a must because these classic cookies with a crunch go quite fast!!

Happy Baking, Y'all!!

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little happies go a long way

Every now and again, it's nice to know that I have such thoughtful friends. I have friends who amidst their busy lives are constantly helping me find my new career in whatever it may be.. Then I have friends who just want to spend quality time with me.. And then there are my friends who are far away that still do little things to let me know they are thinking of me..

Yesterday, I got this little happy from a dear friend, Mrs. Amy P!! This amazing lady is a super-mom of three, servant to Him above and pretty much an Olympic Gold medalist at being All-Around Awesome (just keeping with the Olympics theme..haha)!!

I usually expect packages because of My Paperly, and I usually know what I will be picking up from the apt office. However, when I picked up this package and the return address was Atlanta, I knew a special someone with a pretty awesome camera was thinking of us.

THANK YOU AMY P. FOR OUR BEAUTIFUL WRAPPED CANVAS WEDDING PICTURE!! It is our absolute favorite picture from June 25th!!

If y'all have not seen Amy P.'s work or need a photographer for a special event and are in the Atlanta or Chicago areas, check her out here!!

All of these friends are what I try to be everyday to not only these amazing ladies, but to my family and my hubbs. I love giving little happies here and there, even if it is just a hand-written note. You never know what a little something could do for someone you love.

Here's a good quote I found on my pinterest that ties in with today's post..

 

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sweet sleek surprise

Last Saturday, the Hubbs asked nonchalantly if I wanted to go look at cars. It did not even phase me because we had a plan that once I got a job, we would buy a new car for me.

We traveled right outside of Little Rock. As we approached the dealership, the Hubbs acted like he had no idea where we were going. Oh lord, he had me fooled!! When we finally pulled up to the dealership, I still had no idea and even got annoyed seeing the car salesman headed our way.

Right after getting out of the car, the Hubbs had the biggest smile on his face and couldn't hold it in any longer by surprising me with "I BOUGHT YOU A NEW CAR!! YOU DESERVE IT!!"

...Enter tears of joy and happiness and shock and OMG I have the best husband ever!!..

Yes, every morning I still cannot believe I don't have to drive Big Red!! I love my little Chevy Equinox!! However, I am still figuring out what I should name my sweet little car. Any thoughts y'all?

I hope your weekend was as sweet as mine and that each of you have a happy week!!

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rustic re-do {table}

Hey y'all!!

First, let me say I did not forget about my blog completely..I just got a little side tracked this last month :)

Now, onto the good stuff!!

The past week and half, the Hubbs and I turned our very plain jane dining room table into a sweet southern rustic table top with chic white-wash chairs that now are quite comfy with the reupholstered chevron fabric seats.

B-B-Boring Before

Oh So Rustic Chic After

Whatcha y'all think?! The Hubbs and I cannot stop commenting on and staring at our finished work. Also, shout-out to sherbear for helping me paint the first two chairs!!

Have a sweet southern day y'all!!

 

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