It's Really been {SIX} Months!?!

Yes, you read that right. My last post was on January 26th. My how time flies when you are changing diapers, playing peek a boo and rocking babies to sleep. Can you believe the twins are now 15 months old!? My babies are now turning into toddlers. We have waited for these two miracles for so long and you better believe I have been soaking up the time being a mama to M & J. Time is fleeting and I must capture our moments together both in memory and pictures.

 I so have missed all of you and know that some of my long time readers are still there and if I hear crickets, well then so be it! This blog was meant to be a fun outlet from my days in the business world. I am in the mama world and need this blog just as much now, if not more. So I'm back! Will I post weekly? (Not Sure.) Do I have lots of great ideas up my sleeves? (Maybe). I am just going to post when I feel lead and have a moment of inspiration to share with you all. Thank you for sticking with me!

photo via Simply Genuine Photography

What's On Your......Bathroom Vanity?

Welcome new and old readers! I am so excited to be apart of this fun series called "What's on Your?...." A few other fabulous bloggers and I will be sharing the pretty, the bad and the ugly around our homes over the next few months. To kick off this series we are looking at what we have on our vanities for February.

For the most part, this is one area of our home that we keep pretty well organized. I set up a tray in the middle of the vanity for the items that I use most frequently. 

The antique tray was found at a thrift store and holds my everyday facial products. Everything that I use in the morning and at night is at an arms length! 

I found these adorable acrylic canisters at The Container Store and the small bowl from Anthropologie. 

A quick and easy DIY....adding pebbles to a small vase to hold make up brushes! This has seriously been the cheapest and most used DIY to date!

That's it folks! Nothing too exciting on my vanity. This was one area that I thoroughly organized last year and now everything has its place. I have even organized the drawers, which you can check out Here. The Vanity was also painted Urbane Bronze. You can find my bathroom updates Here.

Next month you won't be as impressed....we will be talking kitchen counter-tops! Yikes.... Things are about to get real! 

Thank you so much for stopping by! Now let's see what the other bloggers have on their bathroom vanities....

Brittany French- Brittany

Design Chic- Kristy

Domestic Charm- Brenna

Little Black Door- Elizabeth

Southland Avenue- Mary Keller & Heath

The Grit & Polish- Cathy

702 Park Project- Sarah

So tell me....what is currently on your bathroom vanity? We won't judge...promise! 

Tuesday Treats #25 {Ideas & Inspiration from around the web}

Well...how you do'in...? Can you believe that we only have 16 days till Christmas!? I am getting there on my Christmas shopping. Only a few items left thanks to black Friday and Cyber Monday specials. I really ordered a lot from online this year. I usually love going to the malls and actually enjoy the crazy atmosphere of the holiday shoppers, but this year I just didn't have enough energy or patience. I wonder if that has to do with two little beings growing inside of me? hehe

My Christmas decor is pretty much finished as well, but Trader Joe's totally disappointed me this year with their lack of boxwood wreaths. I went last week and they had already sold out of them and aren't getting any more. Boo! So I am trying to figure out what to do with my front door and then it will be picture time. I hope to have my holiday tour up at the end of the week or beginning of next.

Today is another round up of so many ideas and inspiration from around the web. I think I could do inspiration posts everyday! I have so many great things to share with all of you.

#1: Puff Pastry Bites
Okay..let's start off with some food! I made these last year for my Christmas party and also this year for girl's craft night. They are always a hit and so so yummy! Great little party appetizers and so much flavor wrapped into such a small little package. You must try!

Cranberry Brie & Caramelized onions w/ Goat Cheese Bites

#2: Avocado, Honey & Yogurt Face Mask
I know this is an unusual Tuesday Treat, but since this time of year is so crazy busy there is very little time to make an appointment for the spa. Why not treat yourself to a little luxury one evening by making your own face mask. I am so going to try this. My face has been awful since I have been pregnant. Time for a change hormones!

At Home: Avocado Face Mask

#3: White & Pink Christmas

I can't get my mind off of this lovely space created by Kristin from The Hunted Interior. I love the glamour of the black ceiling against the pink, green and white surroundings. She never disappoints! 

Pink and White Christmas

#4: Arrow & Sage does it again!

So you all know by now my obsession for Anna's gorgeous pottery. Well this past week I was able to snatch up this gorgeous jewelry dish for me! Merry Christmas to me...from me! She has also created these fabulous gold rimmed bowls. Anna's new farmhouse line is also quite amazing! She restocks the shop every so often, so you have to grab what she has fast! But...you can always gather wonderful daily inspiration from her instagram account.

source

#5: Cha-Cha- Changes

If you aren't on your mobile device, you may have noticed just a few changes on the blog today. Since it is the holiday season I thought I needed my sparkly banner up through New Years! I was also in need of a new profile picture. Thanks to my dad, who helps me with may photography projects, he was able to capture a pretty professional picture. What do you all think?

Alright...hope you are having a great week! I am sharing our holiday craft night DIY's tomorrow on the blog! Some fun and easy crafts to get you in the mood for the holidays.

XOXO

Laboring Away Blog Hop {Good-bye Summer..Hello Fall Tablescape}

I hope you all are having a fabulous long weekend. Can you believe that summer is coming to an end? It always seems bittersweet to me. I love summer, but am usually very ready for fall to come. The cooler weather brings color, football, texture, warmth and naps on the couch!

Today, I am honored to be a part of a fun blog hop featuring these amazing ladies:

Each of us are sharing a DIY that we have currently tackled. Make sure to hop on over to each blog for a special DIY as well as lots of inspiration...you won't be disappointed! Sarah from 702 Park Project, Mary from Lemon Grove Blog and Brittany from Brittany French. Some talented ladies!

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Today I am sharing a "So Long Summer, Hello Fall" Tablescape. Since I am a HUGE fan of mexican food, I decided to create a sort of nacho bar theme. And the real reason...I have been dying to use my plates and bowls from Mexico!

All of the bright colors still remind me of summer, but the added texture with the napkin ring and place mat overlay bring in a bit of fall. The green place mat is actually a napkin draped over the side of the table. The little overlay was made on my Silhouette and I love how it adds another layered element. Can you believe that those navy and white striped napkins are actually paper napkins from target? Yep! The sunflowers also say summer, but the burnt red color says fall.

I am loving the mix of both seasons. How about you? Are you sad to see summer go or are you excited for the season ahead?

Don't forget to stop by and see what these lovely ladies have created.... Sarah, Mary & Brittany

Creating a Meaningful Home

Hi All! Hope you are having a wonderful week! Can you believe it is Hump Day already?

Just wanted to let you know that I am over at SAS Interiors today talking about Creating a Meaningful Home. 

Please stop on over to see how I try to create meaning and purpose in my home as well as say hello to my friend Jenna! She is one talented lady. {Warning: You will want to stay a while!}

Haven Conference {Recap}

Hi All! I am finally rested and rejuvenated from my amazing weekend away. If you are a blogger and have never stepped out of your comfort zone to attend a blogging conference, I highly recommend it. This is my 3rd conference and my second Haven Conference. Conferences are a great way to meet so many talented individuals from around the country while learning new tips and tricks as bloggers and DIYers. If you aren't a blogger, think about different classes in your area that would be fun for you to get involved with. You never know where stepping out of your comfort zone might take you.

The conference was held at the beautiful Crown Plaza just north of downtown Atlanta. It was decorated top to bottom for our arrival. Classes were held throughout the day and cocktail events were held late into the evenings.

There might have been some dancing involved, but some things are best kept secret! hehe

During breaks throughout the day we were able to visit so many wonderful sponsors. They had some adorable booths set up where we had a chance to win a product or just connect with a representative. 

Of course I loved the Online Fabric Store booth...full of patterns and pillows! 

I even received some fabric and can't wait to get started on a project. 

{Photo with Jen & Angie}

There was also a lot of shenanigans that went on including this photo above where we are trying to take a shower together just to win a free shower head. So glad I did it because the shower head is quite fabulous and I can't wait to get it installed. 

{Me posing with Home Depot's Sign}

A bad picture, but I was trying to show some Midwest girls how to pose with the right amount of southern hip! These ladies thought it was hilarious. They kept wanting to take pictures so they could try the "southern" way of posing. Too funny! Sometimes you just have to roll with it. Did you know there was a certain way to pose in the south? Me either! HA!

These fabulous sponsors also spoiled us this year with a dynamite swag bag full of goodies:

The absolute best part of this conference was connecting with friends new and old. There are so many wonderful bloggers out there that are new to me and I so enjoyed meeting each and every one. I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed last year at Haven. I thought the "big time" bloggers were stars and I was so nervous to approach them. But let me tell you...they are just like everyone else! Who knew that some of these online bloggers would become some of my closest friends in real life.

{Lauren, Danielle & me}- Raleigh Bloggers

{me & my favorite blondes Megan, Cassie & Jen}

Some new friends that I had the pleasure eating lunch with one day. They are just the sweetest and I can't wait to keep in touch with each one of them!

{Wendy, Kim, me & Claire}

{me & Sarah} So happy I got to meet this talented girl! 

{Jen & I saying our final good-bye until next year!}

I absolutely love this blogging community. It amazes me that every time I step out of my comfort zone I am the one who is blessed with new friendships to last a lifetime. Whether you are a blogger, stay at home mom or career women...make sure you take the chance to step out of your inner-circle. I promise you won't regret it! 

A HUGE thank you to the Haven Team for all of their hard work. I am so excited for next year! 

Tuesday Treats from Around the Web

Well hello my friends! Yes it has been over two weeks since I have posted anything on this little ole blog. I believe that is a record or something. I have missed you dearly and am excited to get back into the swing of things. Believe me...I would have rather been hanging with all of you than completing the daunting task of looking up 120 homes in the Raleigh/Fayetteville area and creating a comparative market analysis on each one. Yikes! The task is complete and I am anxious to share some ideas on my mind today.

Between my large task over the past couple of weeks, I would get on the computer to read a few blogs that I follow and also do some research for clients and/or friends. Tuesday is going to become my day to share some "treats" from around the web that I have found inspiring or helpful.

ONE: This first treat I am totally going to take a stab at in my own home: How to paint stripes the right way! My friend Megan shared a How to on her blog last week.

How to Paint Perfect Stripes

Aren't those wide stripes fabulous!? I thinking I am going to try and tackle some in my entryway hallway. Wish me luck!



TWO: Okay this next treat is just adorable and so cheap and simple! How about spray painting those alphabet magnetic letters gold? Seriously awesome! I have a black refrigerator and these little guys would really pop and create some chic artwork in my kitchen!

DIY Gold Magnetic Letters

THREE: I made this breakfast smoothie this morning and it is delicious! The Hubs and I have been drinking different types of smoothies in the morning to get a jump start to our day. We often mix fruits, vegetables, flax seed, chia seeds, yogurt and coconut milk. This has been my favorite morning tradition plus a healthy alternative!

Skinny Pina Colada Smoothie

FOUR: Do you ever feel like everyday you are Hustlin' to get everything done? Really? Not me...HA! JUST KIDDING! I feel the same way. Well my friend Chelsea designed this FREE wallpaper for your desktop! I am so going to download this today. Wouldn't this be fun to open your computer up to in the morning!?

Free Download HERE

FIVE: I came across this image yesterday and I am loving the touches of classic, modern, rustic and bohemian all in one space! I have crushes on rooms that seem to be collected over time. They seem more personal and cozy. You can check out the full tour of Margaret Elizabeth's home HERE. 

Margaret Elizabeth's Home Tour

Well that wraps up this Tuesday's Treats! Thanks for sticking with me over the past couple of weeks. So excited to share some projects and Fall inspiration with all of you this week!

Have a Terrific Tuesday All!

P.S. I have a little survey going on my facebook page. Care to give me your opinion?? 

Business Cards- NEED YOUR VOTE!!

Hello my lovely friends! It has been quite a while hasn't it? Well I have been out of town for 2 1/2 weeks visiting family and friends up in Western NY. It was a much needed vacation. We still worked some, but the view wasn't so bad...

We celebrated our 8 year anniversary last week...

I had a nice visit with my grandpa....

And I got to spend some time with my college roommates and their families...

It was such a wonderful time, but I am very glad to be back home with all of you!...and this crazy girl.

But now...back to business. Today I am talking about my business cards! I am headed to the Haven Conference in just a couple of weeks and wanted to make sure that I have some new classy cards to accompany me.
I decided to go with non-traditional square calling cards. Aren't they adorable? My sweet friend Pam from Pixel Impress designed these for me. She has been amazing to work with!

Here is where your VOTE comes in! I am stuck deciding on a front and a back to this lovely card. The cards are numbered. 1-3 for the front and 4-5 for the back. Let me know which front and which back are your favorite!! I am torn between a couple of options and I know you all won't disappoint me with your opinions!

Can't wait for a fun filled week back with all of you. We are finally finished with our 4th flip house, so you will get a glimpse of some before and afters. I have also finished a few DIY's that I am dying to share with you.

Here's to a Marvelous Monday All!