Saturday, February 27, 2010

Our first "married" furniture!!

Last night, Dr. Dave and I went out to supper. Nothing fancy, just one of our favorite places - The Shrimp Galley. For the first time in quite a while, we didn't have anything we had to do after supper, so on a whim we decided to visit a new furniture store. Well, that one store led to a second one which then led to.......

NEW FURNITURE!!!

We both came to our marriage with some existing furniture which which great, but which is now honestly showing some wear and tear. My parents had graciously purchased a love seat and chair for me when I moved into my first apartment. I have loved these pieces and they helped me feel more like a "grown up". Still, it does get a little tiring to slide all the way to the floor everytime I sit on the cushions!! DH had a recliner that had been loved for quite a few years. You know the type! He never complains, but I know he's been ready for something new.

We had talked about getting something at some point, but had no serious plans. We hadn't even spent much time talking about what we wanted. All I know for sure, was it was love at first sight! As soon as I saw these pieces, I knew it was meant to be!! Now, I just have to wait 2-6 weeks until they come in.
They look like a dark brown leather, but they are actually a treated fabric. Definitely much better for us with a lab around!
Reclining love seat with drink holders!!
Couch that reclines on the end seats.

They threw in the end table for free. It matches our coffee table.

I can't wait to get our new furniture!! (Which of course will lead to new decorating. Once I get going with the decorating, that will lead to new paint! Once I decide to get painting, I will want crown molding! Ha Ha!!)

Friday, February 26, 2010

Great day thrifting!

I haven't written in over a week. Work has been SUPER busy and I've been exhausted by the time I got home. I decided with all this hard work, I deserved to go shopping. So......off to the thrift shops I went!

Look at these beautiful dishes!! They are melamine, and I love them! I didn't take close-up shots because I know I'm going to use them in a future tablescape and plan to take detailed pix then.

Can you see the sweet little butterflies all along the outer rim of the dinner plates? The salad plates make the perfect companion. If I close my eyes just right, I can see my tablescape already!! : )




Can you believe the price??? $2.99 for the set of 4 dinner plates!

$1.99 for the set of 4 salad plates!!

I bought all 8 plates for $5.48!! Whoo Hoo!!


Since I was so lucky at one store, I decided to hit a second. Good thing, because look what I found....


I know the "What Not to Wear" people are just screaming and tearing their hair out, but hey - I'm a Preschool Director!! This shirt is perfect for me. Plus, it was only $3!!!


I also found this great skirt for just $3!! It's originally from Coldwater Creek - DEFINITELY more than $3!


Well, that was all for this trip. Ahhhhh. Now, my challenge is to find the time to use all these treasures!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Mardi Gras!

Happy Mardi Gras everyone! Dr. Dave and I don't really do anything to celebrate this day, but I thought it would be fun to set a Mardi Gras table. I was right - it WAS fun! I hope you enjoy it.
The heavy gold chargers were a gift about 10 years ago. They were purchased at Pier One. The black plates were an inexpensive set of dishes purchased longer than 10 years ago, and I don't remember exactly when or where I got them. I love how the hexagonal shape contrasts with the round charger.

On top are some black cloth napkins with a fun ring. They are actually $.99 bracelets I bought at a party shop. They are basically just purple, gold, and green bells with a few beads in between. FUN!

Yup - those are my same every day dishes and flatware. I barely have room for the dishes I have. I definitely do NOT have the space for all the dishes and silverware I WISH I had. (Not to worry - I'm working on a plan!)

My black tablecloth is new. My sweet mother-in-law gave it to me for Christmas. I know I'll be able to use it for lots of different tablescapes. She'always says such nice things about my tables and it's fun that she's now contributed to a table.

The purple and gold are just strips of fabric. I used to wrap them together as a Christmas tree skirt. As soon as I started thinking about Mardi Gras , I just KNEW they HAD to be a part of this table!

The tall candles usually live around my garden tub. I bought them at Kirkland's about 3 years ago.


This mask was purchased during a vacation to New Orleans - long ago.

Laissez les bon temps roule!!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day

What a wonderful weekend this has been. It started when Dr. Dave had flowers delivered to my office on Friday afternoon. They arrived in an elegant black box and the flowers were wrapped in a soft gold cloth.
These pictures don't do them justice - they are the most beautiful pink!! Roses and gerbera daisies.



We decided to go out for supper on Saturday night. We went to the Olive Garden - it's Our Place! Everyone should have a place. It really does make life that much sweeter. For the 3rd year in a row, we even sat in Our Booth!! After supper, my hubby took me to Sheridan's for a super yummy dessert!

I always used to hate Valentine's Day. I was single for a long time and this holiday just felt like a mean, superficial nightmare created my card and candy companies. It was terrible!! Then, on Valentine's Day 2007, everything changed!! That's the date my honey proposed to me - at the Olive Garden!! It was a complete surprise and my heart, my mind, and my life were forever changed!!
I LOVE YOU DR. DAVE and I can't wait for all the Valentine's Days to come!!!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Signs of Spring

FINALLY - we are starting to see some signs of Spring. My tiny yellow crocus are blooming!!

The daffodils are starting to stretch to the warm sun.

Could that mean it won't be long before the birds will be at the birdbath?

The butterflies at the butterfly bush?

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Valentine's Day tablescape

It's finally here - the Thursday before Valentine's Day! Time to post my Valentine's Day table. I've never done an official Valentine's Day table so I was excited to put this one together. I hope you like it.

I started with a basic white tablecloth. Then, layered on a red/white gingham runner. I wanted a table that was informal but still looked really nice. I think the addition of the runner was just the right touch. Next up are my round, red placemats. The napkins are doubled - red and white. 2 of the places have the red napkin on the outside and the other two have the white napkins on the outside. I wrapped some heart garland around as napkin rings.

The centerpiece is antique - it belonged to my grandmother. It's so versatile and I love it. I use it for pretty much every season. For Valentine's Day, it's filled with ivy and red hearts. The hearts are actually candy containers and they have fun phrases: Kiss Me, Sweetie, ya know - mushy stuff like that. I bought those at Dollar Tree.

After I finished the table, Dr. Dave says, "You could really use some red glasses. Our old clear ones just aren't quite right." Did I tell you how much I love that man???

So, now I'm ON THE HUNT!!

Don't cha just LOVE these adorable salad plates?!? I found those at Ross in early January. I grabbed 2 white and 2 red right away! The white ones are the same - little red hearts with Valentiney sayings. The red ones are both different. One says Be Mine and the other says XOXO. I "heart" them!!



Well, now I'm off to plot my Valentine's dinner with my honey!! You'd all better get back to Susan's place - Between Naps on the Porch. You're sure to see tons of amazing tables!!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Valentine's Day decorations

I got all my Valentine's Day decorations up last week but I'm just now getting the pictures posted.
Our entry table........

Wedding invitation and picture -- Dr. and Mrs. Jenkins!!

Vintage valentines in an apothecary jar - sitting on top of some "love" books.

Entertainment center in the Family Room......

You can see a few of my Longaberger baskets. These were actually part of their breast cancer awareness campaign from several years ago. The fabric is a really pretty pink with ribbons and hearts. I usually keep them in other places around the house but I decided to group them together. I think they are perfect for Valentine's Day.

Love my Cricut!! Cricut + cute scrapbook paper = cheap and fun decorations! Gotta love that!

More decorations made with my handy dandy Cricut!

The hutch in the Dining Room......

I found the milk glass compote at an antique mall. It was on sale for $5 so I grabbed it up! I can easily see some Dove chocolate wrapped in shiny red foil wrappers!! Yum! (Guess I'd better go shopping. Those treats aren't going to show up by themselves - drat!)

More Cricut fun! This time I added a fun black & white polka dot ribbon. I found the vintage hankie at a local antique mall. The bird cage usually lives in our bedroom. I just added the red ribbon and now it's ready for Feb 14th!

I forgot to take pictures of the guest bathoom. There isn't anything special - just a pink heart wreath and a big candle. Just a few simple touches to bring the holiday in to that busy room.

On Wednesday night, I'll post my Valentine's Day tablescape. I can hardly wait!

Well, that's all for the decorations. Thanks for looking!!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

A new haircut!

I am among the world's worst at getting a new haircut!! I hate it! Don't get me wrong - I want my hair to look nice, I am just scared to change it. I am really pretty clueless when it comes to fixing my hair so when I find a style that kinda works, I stick with it.....no matter what. (Including no matter what decade.....) I'm envious of other people who change their hairstyles frequently. Well, I am happy to report that I now have a new favorite cut - one that should last me for a long time!!

We cut about 6 inches off the back, eliminating all the layers. Now, it's just a shoulder length swingy kind of cut. It turned out exactly what I wanted and I LOVE it!!

Now, what can be done about the wrinkles, the "fat" on my face, and those squinty eyes???? When did I suddenly start looking so old?!?

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Happy Birthday, Dr. Dave!!!!


Today is a special day for me -- It's my husband's birthday!!!! It took me a really long time to find "the one" and I say special prayers of thanksgiving everyday! He is such a wonderful man and I am incredibly lucky! He spoils me with all the love he showers on me. Did you know he makes me breakfast and lunch every day? He laughs at all my silly jokes and listens endlessly to all my chattering. (And trust me - that deserves SAINTHOOD!) He makes me LAUGH like crazy and he has the best heart. Can you tell I'm totally in love with this fella??


Baby, I wish you MANY, MANY more years!!
P.S. Mama eagle laid her 2nd egg!! Whoo Hoo!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

The first egg!

One of my greatest obsessions is watching the eagle cam from the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. I'm so excited to report that the pair laid their first egg on Jan 31!! Whoo Hoo!! There's lots of talk about maybe a second egg coming soon. Not sure how any of us really know that, except the history of this pair of eagles. Anyway, the first egg is here and that's cause for CELEBRATION!

They are such amazing, majestic creatures! You can't help but stare in total awe when you see their beauty and strength! It's the perfect bird to symbolize America. I'm always a little surprised at how gentle they are with the eggs and then the hatchlings.

Check it out. Go to www.wvec.com and search for the eagle cam! You won't be disappointed!