7.31.2011

Dream House


Its a dreary day.  Its raining again.  Don't get me wrong, I love the rain.  I love its sweet smell and the lovely green it leaves behind.  So while I'm cooped up in the house letting my two kiddos watch way too much TV,  I'm remembering the lovely walk on the beach we took last week.  I almost got rid of my mary jane crocs before we moved, but I am incredibly thankful I didn't.  They are the perfect beach shoe, even if they are ugly.




I think these boats are lovely.  I'm not sure if they are for rent, or are privately owned.  They are beached along a stretch that doesn't have any condos.   Someday, I would love to own a home here.
This is my dream house.  Do you have a dream house?  I am still longing and waiting for the day to own my own house, and realistically, we won't be able to afford something this close to the beach.  I've never really been stuck on a particular style of house; however, this one has made quite an impression on me.










I adore the craftsman style, the raised beach style, the porch, and the windows.  It's my dream to live in something like this.  I think it is beautiful.  And I haven't even seen the inside!




Can you imagine waking up to this view?!  I'm telling you, someday I will.  Someday, even if I am 60 years old, I will wake up to this.  I will drink coffee on my screened in porch (sans bugs) and smell the salt air blow in.




I love my home.  Tell me about your dream home.  Does it begin with Crocs and end with salty air?

7.26.2011

Beach Walk

We try to take family walks on the beach a few times a week.  With my work schedule, it we usually only make it about three times; and it is usually late in the evening, around 8 o'clock when the weather is a bit cooler and the beach is less crowded.  I find its a nice way to unwind and talk with my hubby while keeping the kiddos tied up.  And this time, we finally made it to the beach with a camera.  Of course I had to snap a few before and on-the-way pics.  Here are the kiddos not thrilled about a picture time-out.  They just wanted to be moving.  Not that I really blame them, it was hot and humid.

 This is the view out our driveway.  I know you can't see the ocean very well in this picture, but it is there!  I promise!
I
I love that I just have to walk two blocks for this!
And this is what happens when your camera fogs up due to the humidity.  And this is the best picture I could post.  I'm so sorry you don't get a picture of the view directly on the beach; blame it on slight technical difficulties.  This is the closest lifeguard stand.  After about 15 minutes, the lens/mirror/camera stuff adjusted and I got a few more pictures.  Actually, hubby took the pics.
 And of course the kiddos did not want to stop.  If they aren't moving, they must be in the sand or the water, not strapped in a stroller.  So we snapped several pictures of our screaming children while tourists walked by.  In ten years I will be thankful I have any pictures of my kiddos early childhood, right?
The wind makes it hard to take a nice picture, but feels amazing and make the humidity bearable.  Maybe next time I can get some pictures without everyone screaming.  Someday, I would like a nice picture of the family sitting in the dunes on the beach. Is that too much to ask?

7.16.2011

Ikea Love

Last weekend I traveled to Charlotte to shop with my Momma.  We got an early start and literally shopped until we dropped.  First off, we went to Ikea.  I was an Ikea virgin and eager to experience the retail giant.  I browsed online and made a list prior to setting foot in the store.  I think it really helped me stay focused.  So here is my loot:
 White textured throw blanket for the foot of our bed.  I love the soft, wrinkled, goodness!
New curtains.  The other ones where a bit short, and while these are tab topped, I like the subtle texture and sheer breeziness.
Small bedside lamp for our dresser.  Now I can turn on a light from the doorway.  I love the white, seedy texture.
Adjustable lamp for the living room.  I thought I purchased the one with the cream shade, but turns out I got the dark gray one.  I still like the woven goodness just the same.
White pitcher vase.  I can't wait to put some fresh flowers in it!

I also purchased a dresser for Princess.  I enjoyed my first trip, although I didn't get to enjoy any Swedish meatballs.  I guess I will have to save that for next time!  Anyone else have any Ikea deals to share? 

7.15.2011

Living Room Update

We've been working hard on making the living room, well, livable.  All cardboard boxes have finally been banished.  Accent chair ordered, one floor lamp purchased, and even a picture on the wall.  Wanna see it?
Ok, so that cardboard box is technically in the dining room.  I promise.

Plastic box doesn't count.  Neither does the pink sippy cup.


So far, I'm pretty happy with it.  I think it looks good for one month post-moving day.  I love the natural light that comes in during the day, I love the chocolate floors, the high ceiling, and my bookshelves.  The room normally doesn't look like this.  Usually, it has toy-puke all over and pillows on the floor.

Now for the to do list:
  • purchase accent chair
  • purchase throw pillows for appropriate season fabric and color
  • hem curtains (waiting for momma to bring her iron)
  • add more curtains for fullness?
  • put up more pictures/artwork
  • disguise ugly cable outlet somehow
  • accessorize shelves
  • replace computer chair
  • add functional end table and lamp?
Wow, that seems list is getting rather long.  I think I'll stop for now.  Any ideas for disguising the cable outlet?  It's puzzling me.

7.14.2011

I'm a Big Kid Now

I took the plunge.  I purchased this:
Sweep Chair, West Elm
I have purchased furniture before, but this feels different.  I feel like its an adult purchase.  I'm not sure what separates it from other furniture purchases; maybe the wait?  It's not an instant gratification chair, that's for sure.  I have to wait 8 to 10 weeks!!!  I can hardly wait to curl up in its sweeping arms and read a good book.  The only thing I have left to do is find the perfect accent pillow, or four.

Have you had a similar experience?  Anyone else finally purchase adult furniture?  What is your defining piece?

7.12.2011

Can't Wait

My stomach is in knots.  I can't wait.  I've been waiting 10 years for this.  And I can't go.
I have to work.  Friday AND the whole weekend.  Anyone want to come babysit on Monday?  Mom?  Baby Brother #1 or #2?  I'm not sure I can wait three weeks for the next planned family visit.  Trust me, hubby and I are scheming as to how to see it sooner.  Phone calls have been made.  We are approaching desperate measures here.  Of anyone else sees it before me, I don't want to hear about it.  I guess I'll have to settle for re-watching Part One on Netflix.

7.06.2011

Thankful

As much as I have complained about my life the last few weeks, I really am very grateful for the opportunities I've been blessed with.  Yes, my job is hectic and stressful.  My daughter doesn't want to sleep in her own bed.  My children are whining incessantly.  I am quicker to anger than usual.  My house is a disaster most days.  My husband wants a convertible AND a motorcycle.  However, the air I breathe is sweeter.  My house is full of natural sunlight.  I live two blocks from breathtaking views.  I can walk to the grocery store,  doughnut shop, coffee shop, numerous restaurants, and the beach.  I recently discovered how to cold brew coffee and make the most delicious iced coffee known to man and woman.  I have lots of shopping opportunities within minutes.  My parents and in-laws are within four hours drive.  I am thankful for these things, and pleased to be able to give my kids these experiences.  The best things in life aren't simply handed to you, you must work for them.  I don't learn by watching, I learn by doing.
So, today I am thankful for iced coffee, walks on the beach at sunset with my family, and the promise I can do it all again tomorrow.  What are you thankful for?

7.03.2011

Happy Third of July

Since I will be working late tomorrow night, I am celebrating our country's freedom tonight.  Celebrating is a rather loose term.  Really, I am vegging out in front of the computer, bummed that Pinterest's site is currently down, enjoying a mixed drink, and relishing in the fact my kiddos, hubby, and house guests are MIA.  Hubby wanted to go out for seafood tonight for an early birthday dinner.  So did everyone else in the city, plus their uncle, uncle's dog, and the hitchhiker on the side of the road.  After nearly being in a car sandwich trying to turn into a parking lot, I decided to head for home and live to see another day.  Apparently hubby and crew had better luck ( I was supposed to meet them after work)  Instead, I went to Food Lion, bought a chef salad, and made a drink of the slim pickin's I have around here.  So here is my crudely altered Third of July cocktail.

1/2 glass premixed red Sangia from a box.  Purchased from Target.
1/2 can Dr Pepper.
Don't bother mixing, just sip daintily.

It is loosely based off of a calimucho recipe I learned from a pharmacy foreign exchange student.  I don't remember his name of where he is from, but I remember this drink.  Horrible of me, I know.  Anyway, a calimucho is basically 1/2 cheap red wine, and 1/2 Coke.  Yes, it sounds gross, but trust me, it is an amazing fizzy drink.  Especially for me, a girl who loves sweet girly drinks.  Just don't drink them too fast.

How are you celebrating your holiday?