I was looking for a chalkboard for a client of mine, and I wasn't finding the size I wanted so I decided to make my own. It was super easy, and I love how it turned out. Here is what you need for this project: 4 pieces of wood for the frame (I used a 1 inch frame ) 1 large piece of wood (mine was 48 in. x24 in.) chalkboard paint stain (or paint) for frame screwdriver corner brackets wood screws I put on a good movie, and got to work in the basement. I did do 3 coats... Continue reading

I didn't want to go on hormone replacement after my hysterectomy, so I opted to go the natural route. This product has stopped my nighttime sweats, and I only have a few during the day. I went weeks without sleeping through the night, and the last 2 days I have finally slept all the way through to the alarm...it was heaven! I've only been on them about a week and a half...yay!!! My doctor says the magic ingredient is black cohosh...who knew! Just thought I would share! Continue reading

I spent my day watching Gracie and Caroline dance. I wasn't able to video Gracie dancing, but here are a few of Caroline's dances at SLUH tonight. (Gracie was in charge of the video taking...why she didn't turn the phone sideways is beyond me ha)!!!! Hope you had a great momma's day... Gracie also had her school play Friday and Saturday this weekend...she did such a great job. They performed Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She was a hoot! Continue reading

I finished working on the reception area at Caroline's school today. I love how it turned out! The most surprising thing is I was able to make 8 women happy. They all have different styles, and I can't believe I was able to please all of them so easily. YAY!!!! I can't believe how much warmer the space looks!! Continue reading

Just finished reading Fly Away by Kristen Hannah.... It is her follow-up book to Firefly Lane, which I loved. I enjoyed finding out the backstory of some of the characters which you fall in love with in Firefly Lane, but it is super depressing!!! The agony these characters go through after a loved one dies is almost unbearable!!! If you loved Firefly Lane, you have to at least read this book to find out the background stories, but just know it isn't a "feel good" read. I'm off to find a more uplifting book now (ha). Happy reading. Continue reading

We had such a fun trip to San Diego even though it was chilly! I can't believe it was warmer in St. Louis than California...crazy weather!!!! I didn't take a ton of photos since there was a professional photographer there. I will share the video he compiled of our whole trip when we receive it. I will recap some of my favorite moments of the trip starting with my favorite drink....it was called Orange Crush, and it was heaven!!! I started out with a 90 minute massage which was needed after surgery.... Our views from the hotel....GORGEOUS!!! One of the... Continue reading

Caroline got her license and a new car...happy day!!!! After watching her parallel park during her test, I wasn't so sure she was going to pass (ha)...thank god she did great on the rest of the test!!!! So proud of her!!! Continue reading

I can't believe my baby is 16 today...where has the time gone??? We are taking her to get her license today after school, hopefully...keep your fingers crossed!!!! Caroline's bestfriend, Alex, made this video for her, and I can't stop watching it. It is the most priceless gift ever!!! Continue reading

I'm trying to figure out what to take to San Diego, and I'm not doing a very good job...case in point, my closet.... I have so many outfits, and can't decide what to take. Weather will be 70's and lows in the 50's. Mike doesn't understand that I need different shoes/clothes in case it is chilly...men don't get it (ha)! Oh, well, check out these cute shoes I found to go with one of my outfits...aren't they the cutest!!! I'll try to post some pics of San Diego...can't wait!!!! Continue reading

Caroline had a rough night Saturday night, but I am so proud of the woman she is becoming. She has amazed me this past year with the changes she has made internally. She is stronger and believes in herself more and more every day. She has overcome being incredibly shy, and has really begun putting herself out there. She is the most beautiful soul inside and out, and I am so proud to call her my daughter. She has a better head on her shoulders than I had at 16 (which she will be on the 25th of April)...I can't... Continue reading

Gracie had her first competition this past weekend. They received 3 double platinums and 1 platinum...not too shabby! She amazes me with her talent!!! Can you tell she is shy from these photos (ha)...NOT!!! These photos describe her personality to perfection...she is a case! Continue reading

Caroline had her spring dance last night. We found the dress last minute, but the shoes were so ADORABLE! We couldn't believe we found sea-foam green shoes to match the lacy part of her dress....I just wish we wore the same size so I could steal them. :) Continue reading

Caroline's school is having a mini-marker day....all girls ages 5th-7th grade can come check out the school with their sisters. Gracie is so excited to go to school with sissy today. I can't wait to hear all about it this afternoon. A good time was had by all. Check out little peanut in chem class...too fun! Continue reading

I am always talking about adding moulding to my house...here is a little inspiration... Traditional Entry by Brighton Architect VanBrouck & Associates, Inc. Contemporary Hall by San Francisco Architect Winder Gibson Architects Traditional Hall by Toronto Photographer Peter A. Sellar - Architectural Photographer Traditional Dining Room by Chicago Interior Designer Michael Abrams Limited Traditional Kitchen by Minneapolis General Contractor John Kraemer & Sons Traditional Kitchen by Boston Kitchen And Bath Venegas and Company Traditional Family Room by Johns Island Design-build Solaris Inc. Continue reading

I've been looking at some French cottage bedroom designs for a client of mine. Here are some of my favs that I found around the web.... Continue reading

I could totally move right in to this house...with a little tweaking, of course (ha)! It reminds me of Restoration Hardware....love the rustic nature of the decor. Continue reading

I started digital scrapping again after trying Project Life for a year. I honestly didn't realize how much I would miss digital scrapping. I enjoyed Project Life, but it just wasn't for me. I did notice they have Project Life for digital scrappers....I might have to check that out. I love the concept of Project Life, but I wasn't finding it to be creative enough for me. After looking through all the scrapping kits I had on my computer, I realized I needed to shop for some new stuff...all of my kits were so outdated!!!! I found a lot of... Continue reading

Does anyone else watch Homeland on Showtime? My girlfriend told me to watch it while I was recovering, and I watched the first 2 seasons this weekend...OMG, it is so good!!! If you haven't watched it, and have Showtime, you have to check it out!!!! Continue reading

With nothing but time on my hands, I have been online browsing for new clothes for our trip to San Diego. Mike says I should just wear what is in my closet...what fun is that though (ha)???? Mike is thinking the weather will be around 60's/70's. Here is my wish list...just can't decide. I know I'm getting this for sure for one of our dinners.... with these earrings and shoes... I also love this dress for one of the evenings... Here are some other cute items I found.... cute, right???? Continue reading

we are heading to San Diego, California in April. My sweet hubby won the Drummer's Trip again this year...he amazes me! Thank God I had my surgery in March...I should be totally healed by April. We come home right before my baby turns 16...thank goodness...I could never be gone for one of their birthdays!!! I have always wanted to go to San Diego though...can't wait!!!!! Continue reading

Surgery went well...I'm so thankful it is behind me. Thank you for thinking of me...now is my time to heal and rest. I'm reading a lot, and watching Downton Abbey! Thank goodness my mother-in-law had seasons 1 through 3...am on the second disk of season 3, and absolutely enthralled in all things Downton at the moment!! I'll keep you up-to-date on my recovery. xoxo Continue reading

Gracie had dress rehearsal last weekend, and she is such a hoot on stage. I swear this child is in her glory when she is entertaining everyone. I can't wait to watch her during competition season. Here are a few pictures...I was too far away to get good pics though.... Think of me on Tuesday...I'm having a hysterectomy....I will be so happy when it is over!!! I will be popping in once I'm back home...I'm taking the whole month of March off so I will have plenty of time to blog!!! xoxo Continue reading