Happy proposal day...

Today marks the three-year anniversary of the day Mr. W proposed to me. The proposal was perfect - he put so much thought and love into every single detail. But most importantly, the most perfect man I could ever imagine was asking me to marry him. I felt like the luckiest lady in the world that day [and every day since] and love hearing proposal stories from others that make them feel that too.

To celebrate our proposal day, I had to share this sweet video from Hellcats. I have been saving it on our DVR for weeks [and may have made our families watch it at Thanksgiving...] because it is just too adorable to delete. Now it can live here forever. :)

200 posts and 200 dollars...

After a bit of a blogging hiatus, I'm back to celebrate my 200th post. :) And to stick with my tradition of celebrating blog milestones with pretend money, we're going to play the game...

I've changed up the rules just a bit this time around:

1) Pick a store.

2) Pick a room in your house.

3) Pick at least ten items (they can be multiples of the same item) to redecorate the room.

4) Be in awe of how cool your room could be with $200. :)

I picked Pier 1 to makeover our guest bedroom and here is what I came up with using my pretend money...

The new "purchases" for the room are:

• 2 blue and green paisley pillows for $22.38 each
• 1 ivory micro dot pillow for $19.38
• 2 large modular storage baskets for $14.98 each
• 2 small modular storage baskets for $8.98 each
• 1 blue and white mosaic glass vase for $26.18
• Scroll wall decor for $19.99

  6 smoke blue placemats for $4.00 each
• $17.77 worth of fresh fig candles

The current bedding in the room is navy with light blue sheets and a sage green throw, so the pillows would fit in well and help brighten it up. The modular storage baskets would be stacked and used as side tables on each side of the bed. I would say adios to the old black nightstand and paint the current headboard and bookcase white.

The vase and scroll wall decor would help fancy the room up a little. I don't know about you, but our guest bedroom tends to get the hand-me-downs from other rooms, so it would be fun to have some pretty new things that are just for it. :)

So, is anyone confused about the placemats yet? ;) I wanted matching art for above both nightstands and had to get a little creative. I have six small canvases at home just waiting for the perfect project. I could cover them with these pretty blue placemats and do some freezer paper painting on them. Maybe a simple paisley or scroll design to match the other new pieces?

I would also hang a pair of white curtains we have on hand to finish out the wall the bed is against. [It is in front of the window.] And my remaining pretend money would be spent on candles.

Yep, I am in awe of the difference $200 could make in the room...now if only I had $200 real dollars. :)

Think pink | printables...

The TomKat Studio created these pink party circles for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Her post truly shows the spirit of why I have been posting so much pink this month. Check it out for the free printable and to read a heart-touching essay from a girl whose mother battled breast cancer.

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | library themed wedding...

It would be pretty much impossible for me to love this library themed wedding [seen at Style Me Pretty] anymore than I already do. Creative save the dates, beautiful flowers, amazing dessert bar, personalized details, incredible stationary...this wedding has it all.

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | and sage green...

Pink and green is one of my favorite color combinations and this might be one of the most beautiful ways I have seen the colors used. The rosy pink and sage green are gorgeous together and the details in this dessert bar are amazing. [Found via Pepper Design Blog]

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | princess party...

This princess party from Glorious Treats is too sweet. It makes me want to call my cousins and play Pretty, Pretty Princess. :) Check out this post for more photos.

These cookies would be perfect for Valentine's Day or a bridal shower...

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | furniture accent...

I love the pink added to this dresser - so fun!

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | and gray...

I love the pink and gray combination - it works perfectly in this living room.

Life and Style has six more great pink and gray decor combos [including one from my posting pink last year]. She also has a really cute pink and gray outfit idea. :)

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | beach cottage...

This beach cottage is just too cute. Check out more pictures at casapinka.

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | fire trucks...

This weekend the Pink Heals Tour came through our town. It was great to see how many people came out for the festivities.

Photos from here



[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | 10 past posts...

Since today is 10.10.10, it seemed fitting to do something pink with the number ten. So, here are ten of my past posts with pink in them. :)

1. Pink pretzels - After this post, these became one of my must-haves for every party / get-together.
2. Wedding memories - Our wedding was full of pink...flowers, candy, decor, dresses, etc. My favorite pink memory was when my grandma mailed me the picture of the pink dress she wanted to buy for the wedding. Pink was her favorite color and she was so excited to have a reason to buy a new pink dress.
3. Sip and see baby shower
4. Marshmallow treat pops
5. Colorful peg board
6. Preteen bedroom mood board
7. Pink taking over our guest bedroom
8. Christmas ideas
9. Paper chain backdrop
10. Cute desk set

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | idea cards...

I love paint chips and looking at the paint combinations on the chips. So, it only makes sense that I think the idea cards on the True Value website are really cool.

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | vintage Barbie...

Seeing this vintage Barbie birthday party was a complete flashback for me. My sister and I used to always have these Barbie doll cakes when we were little!

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | girls bedrooms

I love the combination of pink and black for bedrooms. It was the color scheme I used for my room for a few years in college. It can be fun, sophisticated, girly, classy, cute, etc. There are five fun examples of pink and black girls bedrooms at Design Dazzle...

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | rustic home...

This rustic home featured at at Inspiring Interiors includes lovely uses of pink...

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | beautiful bathroom...

This pink bathroom is absolutely gorgeous. The photos at Velvet & Linen show all of the beautiful details.

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | candy buffets...

I love everything about candy buffets - the colors, the containers, the whole display and, of course, the yummy candy. Here are some great candy buffets with lots of pink candy...

[Setting the Mood]

[Thoughtfully Simple]

[Hostess with the Mostess]

I am particularly fond of the navy and pink one, since it is the same colors we used in our wedding and for our candy buffet.

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Bench before and after...

A long, long time ago, I bought an incredibly ugly bench I found on Craigslist. The bench was 100% covered in ugly floral fabric and Mr. W thought I was 100% crazy for buying it. But I had been wanting a bench for our bedroom forever and saw definite potential in this one. So, I bought it, ripped off all the floral fabric, sanded down the legs and then left it for sitting there naked for months. Why? Because I was looking for the perfect fabric and perfect paint for the legs. After finally making up my mind, I painted the legs a soft shade of gray and recovered the cushion in a pretty blue-green fabric. I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out.

Before...

After...

Think pink | birdie baby showers...

Baby showers are the perfect opportunity for adorable pink details. Here are two cute birdie themed showers...

This gender reveal baby shower has the perfect pink details for announcing that it's a girl. Check out the Creative Party Place for more photos and all the adorable details.

My favorite idea in this second party is the use of pink and green colored water to carry out the color scheme. It is such a simple and inexpensive idea but makes a big impact. For more photos, check out the full post at Swanky Tables.

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | doors...

Could these pink doors be any more fun? I think not...

Found via Design*Sponge



[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!]

Think pink | accents...

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I'll be thinking pink with my posting. Pink interiors. Pink parties. Pink. Pink. Pink.

I love how the pink in this house isn't overwhelming. The pink makes the home feel fresh and clean, not overly girly. Check out Inspiring Interiors for more photos of this home.

The house...

I have officially become one of those women who listens to books on CD while I drive. Yes, I am cool.

I have always laughed at my mom when she had books on CD, but now I am completely hooked. Maybe it makes the drive go faster or maybe the first book I listened to (The House by Danielle Steel) was just really good.

In the book, Sarah (a successful lawyer) discovers her family history, love and a new passion - all while restoring a magnificent old home. It was one of those books where I could truly read listen to the story of her life forever. [Is it just me or do you ever completely dread when a book ends because you are enjoying it so much?] The book made me want to hug my mom, kiss my husband and remodel a home. :)

[Random note - I also loved that the book was read by someone with the same name as my best friend's husband.]

Color personality...

Quizzes are my favorite part of magazines, so of course I love the "What's Your Color Personality" quiz from Real Simple. According to the quiz, I am an Earth personality...

The quiz results seem pretty accurate for me, because I do really love blues, black, grays and brown. But I was not overly fond of the comment that I can "seem reserved, even standoffish." If I have ever seemed standoffish, I am very sorry! And to make it up to you, here are two more fun color quizzes to check out...the Color Quiz from True Value Paint and the Color Career Counselor from CareerBuilder.com. :)

[I just tried the Color Quiz link and it doesn't seem to be working anymore...bummer!]

Mini key lime pies...

In getting ready to move, we cleaned out our freezer [not entirely voluntarily, but that's another long, annoying story] since frozen food wasn't going to make it on a 13 hour drive in the middle of August. With no food in the freezer, that meant no ice cream and no popsicles. So, what's a girl to do other than get creative and make her own frozen treat? And so my frozen, mini, key lime pies were invented. :)

To make them, I crunched up graham crackers and mixed in just enough butter to get the crumbs to stick together. I packed the graham cracker "crust" into a mini muffin pan. Then I filled them up with key lime yogurt and popped the pan in the freezer. They took about six minutes to prepare and just a few hours to freeze. Yum! :)

Another quick meal...

I already showed you my Asian salad that I'm obsessed with, but my repertoire of quick and easy meals doesn't stop there. :) Next up is zucchini and rice...which you can make in eight minutes flat. [Yep, I timed it...it takes exactly eight minutes.]

 

 Ingredients:

• 1/2 zucchini
• Spices / seasonings
• A teensy bit of oil / butter
• A serving of microwave rice

Instructions:

• Add a teensy bit of oil or butter to a skillet on high heat.
• Slice the zucchini into thin slices and add to skillet.
• Start the microwave rice [following directions on the package].
• Add spices / seasonings to the zucchini to taste [I use onion powder, garlic powder and seasoning salt].
• The zucchini and rice should be done at about the same time.
• If desired, add a teensy bit of butter to the rice.
• Put the zucchini on top of the rice and enjoy. :)

Is it bad if...

you like something you see on The Mogg Blogg?

Because, I'm not going to lie...if I saw this puzzle floor in a hotel or store, I would probably think it was pretty darn cool. I wouldn't use it in my house, but I do like it. Call me a nerd if you wish, but I really like puzzles. :)

Missing Mr. W | part three...

Mr. W surprised me one afternoon while he was away and had these beautiful flowers delivered. It was so sweet and thoughtful that it just made me miss him even more. :)

Missing Mr. W | part two...

Sometimes, I not only forget to post a photo or two...but I forget to post an entire series of posts. Mega oops! Turns out I forgot to post the rest of the everyday moments when I really, really missed Mr. W when he had to move before me. Now, I have moved also (well, kind of, but that's a story for another day)...but I'm still going to post some more of those times. And, actually, being in the same place again [finally!] reminds me just how much more fun normal, everyday things are when we're together. :)

Okay, now to the actual point...

Mr. W and I are huge baseball fans, but I don't generally share his need to watch every Royals game on TV or watch This Week in Baseball. But after Mr. W moved, I would zoom-zoom [i.e., watch in fast forward] every game. And I couldn't bring myself to delete any of them.

I also usually really like watching America's Got Talent, but it was no fun at all to watch without Mr. W. So, I didn't watch any of the episodes, but didn't want to delete them either. Luckily, I had no problems continuing to watch Design Star. :)

[Speaking of Design Star, I also kind of forgot about doing the majority of my play alongs. Turns out that is somewhat time consuming, especially when I was supposed to be packing our entire house, working extra hours, and studying. If I ever magically get lots of free time, I'll finish that series too though. :)]

DIY monogram tiles...

Using tiles from Home Depot, a laser printed image and mod podge, I made this monogram tile as a wedding gift...

Using the same technique, I made a set of four coordinating coasters...

The project was very simple and turned out great! Many thanks to the great directions via The Hybird Chick and to Carrie for finding the project. :) Also check out the awesome tiles made my friends here and here.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a "magazine holder"...

Every once in a while, I'll notice a folder full of photos that I meant to post here and forgot about....oops! Now they are a bit more random, but I'm still going to share them. :)

A long time ago, I mentioned our "magazine holder" in our office. It is actually a wine rack, but works great! I did have to tell Mr. W that I "read it in a magazine" to convince him the idea wasn't crazy though. :)

I'm a teensy obsessed with wine racks. This one was a wedding gift and even though we already had four others in our house, this little one just had to have a home too. And using a wine rack as a magazine holder is a great reason (as if you need a reason) to have a wine rack in every room of the house. :) [See, I liked the idea so much I even used it in a Design Star play along room.]

Missing Mr. W | part one...

So, I told you about our upcoming big move, but I haven't told you yet that the move is actually well underway. As in, Mr. W has been living and working there for well over a month already. And I have not. Bummer, huh? Luckily, I have been able to see him a few times recently, but I still miss him like crazy. Since he's been gone, I've noticed that there are a few sort of silly times when I really notice how much I miss him, so I thought I'd share those with you....

Every single day at dinner time.

I am a very lucky lady and Mr. W does 95% of our cooking. [My five percent primarily consists of making cookies. :)] Generally when Mr. W is gone and I have to "cook" for myself, I eat cereal or chips and salsa. But now that it has been a while, I've had to expand my meal choices a bit. So, lately I have been making lots of Asian salad. Yum! And super quick and easy - must haves for me.

Ingredients:

• 2 packages of beef (or chicken) flavored ramen noodles
• 1 package of coleslaw salad
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of vinegar
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• Sunflower seeds

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, mix up the sugar, vinegar, vegetable oil and packets of seasoning from the ramen noodles. [When we make it, we actually use a little more vinegar and a little less vegetable oil, but it's all up to what you like best.]
• In a large bowl, pour the liquid mixture over the coleslaw salad.
• Crunch up the ramen noodles and add them to the large bowl.
• Add sunflower seeds to taste.
• Mix everything up.
• Enjoy.

See, I told you it was easy. And, other than the package of coleslaw, we always have the other ingredients on hand which makes it extra easy.

Speaking of the coleslaw salad, I had another "missing Mr. W" moment the other day when it came to buying the coleslaw. See, Mr. W also usually does about 95% of our grocery shopping. So, silly me, when I had to do it myself, I totally bought the wrong thing and came home with "broccoli salad." Who knew that even existed!? But it still tasted good. :)

Two incredible years...

It is hard to believe that two years have already flown by since Mr. W and I said "I do". And what unbelievable years they have been...I passed the CPA exam, we enjoyed fun vacations together, celebrated the weddings of many family and friends, bought our first home, Mr. W finished his Masters degree, we began our first long-distance move, and welcomed our new nephew into the world. I am so lucky to have shared these exciting times with him.

I am also lucky to share the not-so-exciting times with him...the days we get up early, work late, run errands or even clean the house. Every single moment is amazing when you are married to your best friend and the love of your life. :)

We celebrated our anniversary with a wonderful dinner this weekend and exchanged gifts. As the traditional 2nd anniversary gift is cotton, I monogrammed pillowcases for Mr. W's gift. Considering it was the first time I had ever even turned on a sewing machine, I was pretty excited about how they turned out. :)

[P.S. If you'd like to see pictures from the best day of my life (our wedding, of course!), you can check out all of my wedding posts from last year here. :)]

Cutest nephew ever...

It's been a little quiet around here lately because I have spent just about every waking moment with my adorable new little nephew. I could not possibly be a prouder or happier aunt. :) Congrats again to his wonderful parents!

Bright, fun find...

This fun set of furniture just totally caught my eye. Say what you want about Walmart, but I am loving this set. The three piece set includes a desk, printer stand and bookcase for just $99. Aaaaaand, the glass tops come in lots of fun colors. Yep, I love it. Now, all I have to do is figure out how to convince Mr. W that we need it. :)

[I also love the rug, bins and overall styling in these photos.]

Let's take a closer look at this wonderfulness...

[This little table would look great pretty much anywhere...an office, living room, bedroom, etc.]

[This bookshelf is amazing too...kind of looks like the little sister to my CB2 bookcase. :)]