Chalkboard Obsession

Have you guys seen all of the beautiful framed chalkboards on the internet and in magazines?  I just love how the look in homes - it gives a room a modern edge to it, even in the most traditional of decors.  I have seen many bloggers do a DIY version and so I thought, why can't I?  Or, I could spend $150 at Ballard Designs and have it shipped to me. Not!  So, my friend Amy and I went to a few yard sales on a Saturday morning and I scored this beauty for $8:

And after a few coats of primer, chalkboard paint, and antique gold paint on the frame, she hangs in my family room like so.....



Charley, our Elf on the Shelf, has found a use for it already.....messages from Santa! 

20/30 - A Pop of Mello Yello!

As I was looking at my pictures from Sunday, deciding which ones to post, thoughts of Mello Yello kept coming across my mind.   I'm not sure why.   Is there anything in the photos that remind you of Mello Yello?  Is it the wreath in the background?   Is it the gray scarf around my neck?   What?  Oh!   It's the sweater you say!   Oh yes!   That's it, the yellow boyfriend cardigan that I'm wearing!   So this is another one of those outfits that would be totally blah without that pop of color.   I just love this yellow.   Some people are afraid of wearing it because they say it makes them look sick.  Me?  I'm not sceered.....I say bring on the yellow!

yellow cardigan - Loft

jeans - Loft

striped shirt - Loft

(do yo see a pattern here?)

scarf - not sure

bronze flats - Lindsay Phillips

Etsy Gifts for Girls!

Continuing on with my series of Etsy finds, today I am going to show you some ideas for great, creative gifts for girls!

We can't let only boys be superheroes!  These girly superhero capes can be found at The Cosmic Banana.  Aren't they cute!?

What little girl doesn't love to play hopscotch?  This is a great little hopscotch set that any girl would be thrilled to have!  And at $12.75, it's a bargain! Kidn Around Creations

This next item is great for the Mom and daughter on the go!  Little girls love to carry their Polly Pockets and Petshop toys with them, and now they can carry them in a case that folds out into a playmat!  Saffery Moore

For the girl that loves to pretend, this little waitress set would be perfect!  Glissando

Or this princess crown and wand from This Cozy Life

Another great item from Kidn Around Creations is this adorable little finger puppet set.  Kids love to put on a puppet show!

If your little lady is into American Dolls, she will love this matching personalized t-shirt set!  You can purchase this set at Ring Salad



I hope this gives you some good ideas for the little ladies in your life!

19/30 - Gettin' Creative!

Are you guys still stuffed from your turkey dinner?   I swear my clothes have felt tighter these past few days!  Back to the gym this week!   I wore this outfit this weekend when we were getting out our Christmas decorations.   It was loose and comfy - just what I needed!   I am also trying to put together some combinations of clothing that I would not have tried before without the challenge.....here goes:

floral tunic - Kohls

striped sweater - Loft

gray cargos - Loft

clogs - Target

Etsy Gifts For Boys

Thanksgiving is over and we are diving head first into the Christmas season!  To support the small business owners on Etsy, I am going to continue with my Etsy Christmas series.  I started out with holiday decor from Etsy here, and today I am going to give you some ideas for boy gifts.  I have two boys myself, so I am somewhat of an expert on this subject!  These are unique gifts that you can be sure the little man in your life will not already have!   Here we go:

 What boy doesn't love to play superhero!?  Now he can with these adorable capes from The Cosmic Banana.

This next item is great for the little boy who loves to take his cars with him everywhere he goes!  This will not only give him a carrying case, but a road to roll them on too!  By Handmade Therapy.



How about a toy for your little fisherman!  This fishing set is handmade and can be found at Mama Made Them.

My boys would love playing this game on a rainy or cold day when they are stuck inside!  Where's Bugger can be purchased from Daisy9012.

These next 3 items are perfect for the budding artist!

A crayon roll from Mushy Bug;



A crayon/activity tote from Emmi Grace Kids

Travel Artist Case from Our Little Messes.

This next game is great for boys who love seek and find activities!  This game can be found at Invitation Creation.

My six year old boy loves to take little figures like this to play with in restaurants, at church, waiting in lines, etc.  It's a great item for Mom to drop in her purse and have ready when needed!  I love these little ninjas from Busy Being Me!

And finally, this wooden button toy is just the thing boys need to help with their hand-eye coordination!  Linen Kids:

I hope I have been able to help you out a little with some unique gift ideas for the little fellows in you lives!  Happy shopping!







Recuperation and 18/30

Happy Friday everyone!   I hope you had a wonderful and very thankful Thanksgiving.   Our day was great!  My in-laws came over (Mom and Dad in law, brother-in-law, wife, and 2 girls) and they spent the night.   My father-in-law is a beautiful man inside and out, and has unfortunatley been diagnosed with alzheimers.   We weren't sure how this Thanksgiving would be for him because lately the disease has really been rearing its ugly head.   My sweet mother-in-law takes care of him 24/7 to make sure he is kept on a normal routine and to keep him safe.  Well, God is good!  He was perfectly content yesterday and this morning,  and my mother-in-law was able to relax and visit with her children and grandchildren.   For this, I am so thankful!

In my last post, I showed you pictures of some Thanksgiving centerpieces that I looked at to find inspiration for my own centerpiece.  This is what I came up with:

The best part of all was that I only spent $8.50 to make the centerpiece!  I already had the iron stand that the, the candles, and the bird ornaments.  I purchased the moss, mums and pumpkins from Walmart, came home and played around with everything until, voila!  I think it came together nicely, no?

On to my 18th outfit.....simple, simple, simple!  It was a little warm here, so I needed to hang up my outer layers for the day.  You can't get any easier than a white t and a scarf!



Thanksgiving Centerpieces....

We are hosting Thanksgiving at our house tomorrow, so today I will be playing around with my table settings and coming up with a centerpieces.   If you are doing the same, maybe these pictures will give you some inspiration.   Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!

17/30 - I love my boots!

Moving right along with Kendi's 30 for 30 challenge......(if you are new around here you can click this link to find out more Kendi Everyday).   Are you guys tired of these boots yet?   They seem to be my go to shoes during the challenge because I can make them work with just about everything.   It just goes to show you, a small investment in a good pair of boots can really be worth it!   On another note, I kind of wish I had added more shoes in the challenge .  Awwww.....I miss my shoes.   Shoes, I promise to wear you again in 13 days......

striped sweater - Gap

jeggings - Old Navy

boots - Ecco

belt - Loft

15, 16 and we're over the hump!

I am posting two outfits this morning for two reasons.   One, I don't love the first outfit, and two, I couldn't get a good picture of it!   Normally, I would not post this outfit, but I have to show proof of outfit number 15, right?   I mean, if I just said that I wore outfit number 15 and didn't post pictures would you still believe me?  You would?   Okay, in that case, I have worn outfits 15 through 30, they were all great and I can now wear different clothes that are in my closet!   Oh, you think that's cheating?  I guess you're right......on with number 15:

navy dolman sweater - Kohls

skinny jeans - Old Navy

clogs - Target

necklace - Steinmart

I guess the outfit isn't too bad, but the picture quality is terrible!   Sorry about that!   Now this next outfit I really like!   And the cool thing is I don't think I would have put it together without this challenge.   I mean saddle brown boots with gray cargos pants?   Is this a combo you would try?

striped shirt - Loft

gray skinny cargos - Loft

boots - Ecco

necklace - Handpicked

belt - Target

Holiday Decor from Etsy

Do you guys ever shop on Etsy?  You can find the most amazing items on there - things you cannot find in stores because they are either handmade or vintage.  I love the idea of supporting small business owners, especially this time of year when mass retailers are making a killing!  So, I came up with the idea of doing a series this week highlighting items found on Etsy. 

I know after Thanksgiving everyone will start transforming their homes into magical Christmas wonderlands.  If you are looking to add to your Christmas decor, or change things up this year I have some suggestions for you!

This is one of the most unique Christmas decorations I've seen.  It is so classic, and beautiful.  I will definitely be grabbing one of these prints from Winterberry Cottage.

Check out these gorgeous rustic pillows that can be found at Helkatdesigns .  They are so beautiful and could really be used year round, don't you think?

How about this gorgeous and modern tree skirt at Orange Room Shop ?  It could really freshen up your decor!

Holiday subway art?  Yes, please!  Transit Design

Another from GeesZees

I adore these personalized Chrismas ornaments?  Too cute!  Art By Kristi

This banner would look so festive hanging on your mantel, staircase, above your bed.......Bekah Jennings

If you would like something other than a wreath hanging on your door this year, how about your moss covered intitial hanging from some beautiful Christmas ribbon!?  Spotted Leopard

Looking for new stockings this year?  Look at these adorable designs from Designs by Susan2.

This handmade, wooden nativity set can be passed down from generation to generation. Mama Made Them

Gifts adorned with these vintage tags?  Yes!  Crafty Pagan

And finally, I just love these snow dusted candy canes!  Just the kind of unique and diferent touch that I long for!  Heidi Devlin

I hope you have enjoyed these great finds on Etsy!  Please feel free to share the love and support the small business owner!