All the parts equal more than the sum...

Have been somewhat distracted since the return from a fabulous time at the beach. The husband surprised me for my birthday and our ride down to the beach last week with the new Band of Horses CD. It is perfect and I can't get enough.

They were recently on Dave Letterman promoting the album, and this is one of my new favorites.


I love when bands provide videos of how they put an album together. It gives such a cool background to them and their process.

Where am I?

Things at work have taken a change -for the better!- and I've been super busy. No time for blogging or emailing my poor Peen.
I miss the gym at 5:30. I am tired earlier at night. But I'm finally starting to do what I have wanted to do for a long time. And I Like It. Although working 2 jobs and still learning one is a lot on a girl who turns 30 in T-minus 4 days.
Birthday will be spent on the beach with some of my besties with a cute little 1 year old and I am so excited for the sun, fun, sand, sea.

Needed Reminder

Last night I fell into a deep funk. One of those that comes outta no where and has no real reason. I hate those. Woke up today much better and found this lovely image over on This Full Life, my new favorite blog. ;) I hope I can remember this often and let it be my new mantra.

Babies babies everywhere...

My best friend is preggers. What can I say? I look at her as I always have, to me she doesn't look any different, but she is. She has become a mom. She will soon have a baby boy and I am more excited about this than she will ever know.

This was the girl I met in 6th grade and I knew we would be friends. BEST friends. We snuck out of her house in 7th grade so I could meet the boy I wanted to "date" (Mind you my parents caught us walking to the school to meet "boy"). She did anything for me that I asked, or that came to her mind. We lived together after college and "rode out" our twenties, through our trials and happiness and never skipped a beat. She is strong and smart and we both come from our grandmother's generations- loving family, friends, and tradition. She will be a great mom. And more than anything, I am so proud of her and am so happy for what is all to come.

Congrats to LJ and THef. They are imbarking on the ride of their life and all their friends and family are ready to jump on and go for a spin!! Yahhh!!

p.s. dang my garden looks good! :)

inspiration & shout outs

I was thinking for the guest room - I am in love with this bedding - from Target!

and these to go above the couch... gorgeous !

That's all for today friends. All I can muster on this rainy Monday.

But of course, I must give a birthday shout out to my friend, blogger extra-ordinaire Jamie over at isuwannee.blog. I am so proud to say I knew her before she took over the blog world.

And also - shout out to my friend, HGC- I love you and hope you have a great day :)

Here's to you my friend!

Always remember to dance like no one is watching! :)

Get it girl!!

reunited and it feels so good...

Charged up that battery and started snapping last night at like ohhh 11 pm. Since I've had this blog I have not added one pic of my home. Welcome, friends!


Hutch in Kitchen...Craigslist find that I'm most proud of. And my Ina autographed wooden Christmas tree...


Living Room pillows. Green ones came all the way from India. Turquoise ones made by mom. She might take 2 years, but she can sew. Pay little attention to the lamp with no shade. We are in a recession and a case of 2 buck chuck was more important last month...
seeing this picture makes me realize how much work this room really needs!

Guest Room - new valance made by mom. Need more color other to compliment --- I am totally stuck.. Recommendations?

Dining room is complete. For now. Love the valances with the shutters. My dream is complete....Just need to work on the floor. Always something.

My bookcase. Is it totally discombobulated? Each shelve feels like it has its own personality....

Dining room table flowers. Everyone must have peonies in their yard. Heaven right outside my front door.

Lastly...He loves getting his picture taken, can't you tell?

17 days...

So my birthday is rapidly approaching and I am trying not to whimper and loose my breathe after each time I think 30. I can never think of gifts I would like when asked, so today a few things came to me, and I am going to post them here so I won't forget what I (want) think would be acceptable gifts for me on May 29. (no hint dropping here)...


a fun picnic basket...i prefer blue or green.


2 nice chairs for the patio, lake/ocean view not included, sad face.


Sam Edelman's black flats...


pottery barn outdoor serving pieces... love the round piece!


gorgeous find on etsy.com.
the hubs doesn't know it, but i'm starting a tradition where each bday he buys me a piece of jewelry from a wonderful designer on this glorious site...last year - bracelet, this year hopefully this beaut.

happy hump day!