Librarians, avert your eyes.

Yes, I ripped up a book for this project. Oops! 


After seeing a couple of books wreaths around the blogosphere, I couldn't help but partake... aren't they stunning? 


I made some minor adjustments to the "recipes" going around and I couldn't be happier with the outcome! I folded the pages accordion-style, being sure not to crease the folds. I also used straight pins to secure the pages instead of hot glue. I should be banned from my hot glue gun... I'm burn prone. 

 One more look!

My favorite project to date!


Lauren

Rock a Bye Baby

This post will NOT be followed by an elaborate, emotional announcement... nothing of the sort. 

You see, Matt and I recently became a very proud Aunt and Uncle to a little man named Grady.

Matt's sister and mom did a spectacular job on sweet Grady's beautiful nursery...

This new role as Auntie Lala has me thinking everything baby... 

Bottles, baskets, bathtime, binkies, bedding. 

This is all to my poor husband's horror... but let's be honest. I'm a woman. I like pretty things. And all-things-baby are very pretty. So, I've cruised through various blogs, facebook stalked various new mothers, and have compiled my very own digital "idea book", if you will, of some really beautiful nurseries.

Very well done nurseries don't you think? Dreamy... and only a DREAM for now. :)

Lauren

A Backyard Oasis on the Cheap

We revamped our back patio recently... we didn't have the money (or the space) to purchase the fancy, contemporary furniture that we were drooling over. So we made do... 


We got this table and chairs from Lowe's for about $60. The birdhouse I got from a little domestic heaven called Home Goods for $9.99. The cushions and pillows also from Lowe's for about $30... 

Our little back yard oasis is complete and cozy for around $100.

While this project didn't take much imagination (only a little bargain shopping and "making-do" on my part), I want to tackle some projects in the near future that stretch my creative muscles. I've caught myself perusing blogs for one do-it-yourself idea after another, and I'm INSPIRED.

Lauren

Broken In and Loved

I never really considered myself "good" at anything in particular. I dreaded ice-breakers on the first day of school. Your name, your favorite color, and an interesting fact about yourself. Interesting? Fact? About ME?


Most people could come up with something in this ever-so-awkward, first-day-of-school ritual. Hobbies? What hobbies? I didn't sing, draw, dance, swim, or play piano. Nothing. It never bothered me much as a child, but as an adult, I just wish I'd stuck with something.


But I think I've found it. My hobby.

Several weeks ago, Matt and I decided to bite the bullet and refinish a cabinet that I had been talking about for months. The cabinet itself (and accompanying table, chairs, and china cabinet) were a gift from his parents. The furniture was in their old house, is solid as a rock, and has beautiful bones. Matt painted these pieces black when he first furnished his bachelor pad, so, I've been itching for months to get my hands on these pieces. I was dying to freshen them up and brighten up our space in the process. We painted and chipped and sanded and we couldn't be happier with the outcome.

The creamy white paint is called "antique lace".

This section of the cabinet may contain my most favorite details. I love the wear-and-tear around the drawer and doors. It looks like they've been tugged on and slammed shut a thousand times in the past.

We used the existing hardware from the original... The hinges and pulls were all antique, dark brass and look amazing on the creamy white.

Lauren

Happy Birthday!

Today is Matt's 28th birthday...

Since it's his special day, I thought I'd share with you all the things that make this man so special. 

He makes me laugh every. single. day. He insists on moving the laundry from the washer to the dryer because he knows I hate that step. He once brought me a flower arrangement that consisted of all the flowers that were in my wedding bouquet. He is an excellent money manager. He's creative. He puts his arm around me while we walk. He is a social butterfly. I have never heard him raise his voice. He's level headed. He's encouraging. He's generous with money and with time. He loves our families. He is an excellent gift giver. He makes people feel comfortable when they're with him.

There are so many things to appreciate about this man that the Lord gave to me. It's a joy to learn and know all the unique and wonderful facets of this person that I am so blessed to call my friend.

Occasionally, I'll have one of those "I can't believe I snagged him!" moments... the one where my stomach does a flip and a huge smile explodes from my face. I love this man more than life, and I'm grateful the Lord saw me fit to entrust me with such a stinkin' catch.

Happy Birthday love!

xoxo, Lauren