I'm turning 30!

Wow!  The title alone, is crazy!  Yes, that is correct.  I am turning 30....tomorrow! Now, let me just rewind.  The last time I posted, it was October of 2011.  Can I just say "WOW" again.  A lot has happened since then.  Some really sad and tragic things, and more recently, amazing and wonderful things have happen.   (The details will come with later blogs)  

I've heard many express how upset they were when they turned 30.  My grandmother told me she just cried and cried.  Others have told me when they were in their 30's, it was the best time of their lives.  It might seem a little strange to some, but I am really happy and excited that I am turning 30.  I finally feel like an adult!  I feel like I have grown in maturity, wisdom and understanding.  I'd like to share some of that with you :)

My word for the year is Inspire, from the Latin "to breathe life into".  I have focused most of my life on what other people think of me.  I've let other peoples expectations for me run my life.  Who I am, what I should look like, how I should talk, who I should be or what I should stand for.  As I approach 30, a lot of that has melted away.  Of course, now and then, that beast comes roaring its ugly head...but that should NOT be our focus.  What matters in life is who you are, and what type of legacy you want to leave behind.  I want to be known as someone who Inspires others.  One that encourages others. I want to inspire people to be the absolute best version of themselves as they can be.  The "golden rule" has never rang so true, as it does now.  "Treat others the way you want to be treated."  I never wanted to be treated like I wasn't cool enough, rich enough, smart enough, funny enough, sarcastic enough, pretty enough, that my dreams in life weren't good enough.  But you know what?  It happened.  It happens every day to each and every one of us.  There is always that "negative nancy" that creeps into our lives.  That person who doesn't have enough to do in their own lives, that they feel the need to push their own faults and insecurities onto others.  The ones who love to stick it to you when you are happy, or especially when your down.  Sadly, sometimes its our closest friends and family.

I've learned that the only person you need to prove yourself to, is you!  I am a lover and follower of Christ.  If I know I am living to the standards He has set before me, then that's ALL that matters!  
Don't be a contributor to the evil in this world.  Anytime I had a bad attitude or I wasn't being very nice, my grandmother would always say, "Quit being ugly." She was right!   

Our children need to hear encouraging words from us.  Our friends need to hear how great they are.  Our husbands need respect and to hear "thank you" for the hard work they put into providing for their families.  Wives/mothers need to hear encouraging words for the patience and endurance it takes to raise children as stay at home moms and working moms.  Pastors need you to appreciate them, not to tell them "you sure went long today!" Employees need to know that they are appreciated.  Teachers need to hear that what they do is extravagant! We all need encouraging, we all need to be inspired. We all need love..... Be the love this world needs.

"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." - Prov 16:24

Ohhh Baby!

It seems like its baby season, with all of these beautiful bumps around!  Which means its time for baby showers, gifts, and soon to be baby pictures galore. So, we are all in the mind set of "all things baby".  I want to share with you a great designer and her fabulous creations!

Amanda McIntyre has brought her visions to life with Tutu Adorable.  Its all about babies, with tutus, bows, diaper cakes, diaper wreaths and my absolute favorite tutu dresses!! I will start with those :)

This one is my absolute favorite! I am going to have her make this for my little girl!

Flower girl dress!

Now, check out the tutu's.  Pick whatever color scheme you like, and let her create a masterpiece.  Whether it is for adorable baby/toddler/big girl pictures, or for game day, Tutu Adorable can make it happen!

OMGOSH! This tutu is fabulous!

Perfect OU tutu!

TU!!

Diaper Cakes are the centerpiece to any baby shower! But I NEVER thought of using a Diaper Wreath! This is so creative!

Diaper Wreath! Genius!

 

 

SO cute for a boy!

love it!

Isn't she the greatest! If you can't wait another minute to get your hands on these, don't worry, she is only a click away! Tutu Adorable by Amanda McIntyre

Amanda McIntyre has been designing these fabulous items for 2 years now, but it seems as if she has done this for forever.  Send her an email with details of your vision for an upcoming baby shower, gift item, or for your child's upcoming pictures.  Tutu Adorable will bring your dreams to life!

When all else fails...Do the dishes outside!!

I'm pretty sure that this blog needs to be filed under the "Random Folder".  Yes I am talking about dishes, however, not what you might think!  I'm not picking out designer dishes for you, or telling you about my FAVS... No, I am just letting you in on a little adventure that is in our midst.

If you dont know already, I do Interior Design as well as stage homes!  Well, one of the houses we stage, and currently live in, JUST SOLD! Yay!  This is great! Well, we all know what comes next... Inspections.

The home needs 8 piers and has had problems with plumbing in the house.  The "structural guys" came out, dug their holes, jacked up the house and BAM, the kitchen sink completely HALTS its draining purpose.  Of course, my lovely husband had just finished cooking a GIANT meal.

So long story short, the pipes going under the house have possibly busted. Causing water to stand in the sink for well over a week. Meaning don't use the sink and don't use the dishwasher.  Pheww!

I cannot stand a messy house, let alone a messy kitchen! So as you can imagine dishes are piling up, and it doesn't smell too hot.  Windows wide open, air on full blast.  I think its time for an intervention! So when all else fails... Do the dishes outside! Old School Style! - Now just keep in mind, I am just now getting to the dishes because we were under the impression that for the last 5 days, a plumber was suppose to come...and didn't. 

My version of doing dishes outside include: 2 hampers (to hold the dishes of course), gloves, dawn anti bacterial dish soap, a scrub brush, towel AND the water hose!

Essentials minus the towel

We are just getting started

Dirty to Clean

Time to soak!

By the time I was done, this towel was beyond full!

Needless to say, thank GOD for dishwashers! That took forever and a day.  My back hurts, I think I might have a sunburn and my backyard is soaked! - But like I said.  When all else fails... Do the dishes outside!  All clean :)

All About Walls!

I would LOVE to put paint this on a wall or even make this tile!

White and Gray Stencil is my FAV right now!

Its just perfect...

I absolutely love the blue and gold together!

I am absolutely in love with interior design.  So when  I see these walls I just get ecstatic!  Are you bored with your plain ol' walls?  I think its stencil time!  Just grab one wall in the room you really want to bring attention to, and go to town! This is great for an entry way wall, the open wall on your staircase, a bedroom, bathroom or even a nursery!  Give it a try!

Outdoor Escape!

Oh! So cozy!

WARNING:  This is a potential MAN cave!

Open Fireplace

An Outdoor Fireplace is a MUST!

I believe one of the most beautiful things about a house is the backyard.  The backyard really can make the house a home.  It can change the meaning of your home.  The theme of your home.  Even the way you feel.  Your backyard should be where you can go to relax, enjoy family, and have romantic dinners.  It should be an escape... I thought I would share my ideas of the perfect backyard.

Black & White

Love this couch

W-O-W!! Beautiful

Love this Zebra throw rug

When you have a love for design, most everyday you get inspired by a certain color.  Today, mine is Black & White.

Game Time! = Tutu Time!

OU!

OSU!

KANSAS!

How Adorable are these...?  Tutu Adorable! 

    

That's right! These little numbers are from Tutu Adorable by Amanda McIntyre.    Amanda McIntyre is an inspiring designer sure to be picked up by all major baby boutiques.  Baby Emporium has already snagged her up! From tutus to bows to diaper cakes, Tutu Adorable will dress your babes in style! 

We all know we have a team that we are obsessed with.  It shows on our cars, our house and even our cakes!   Which tutu will your little one be tailgating in for Game Day?!

To contact Tutu Adorable by Amanda McIntyre for more information or purchase, click here.