Spellling Bee...

For some reason I have always been fond of letters. I've always wanted to spell a witty remark out on my walls. Unfortunately some have taken that a bit to far and now there is no shortage of signage for sale - everything from menus to wishes for a good night's sleep. These Anthropologie letters, however, I find charming for one's initials or to spell out a short direction or label.



But, since I refuse to spend $12.00 at the moment for one adorable fabric covered letter, I tried to find a way to make them myself. I didn't have to look far! I found paper maché letters at Hobby Lobby for only a few dollars. Some I covered with fabric and some I painted. So for those of you who would rather spend $48 on a pair of shoes, try making these yourself.

DIY! Got to love it!

I have always considered myself to be a pretty "crafty" person. This has come in handy while trying to decorate on a budget. I received a beautiful buffet for my birthday that was just screaming for a mirror to hang over it. I knew what I wanted..something along these lines.

However, since I can't afford this one...I made this one!


I inherited a huge mirror with an unfortunately ugly brown frame and happened to find this fabulous paint called Modern Masters. It's a line of metallics that aren't obnoxious. They have a great color called "warm silver". It's not quite gold, but not quite silver.

After two coats of paint and a clear finish I have a pretty decent copy-cat!

Yesterday's Near Tragedy

Yesterday's weather was absolutely gorgeous so a group of us decided to spend the afternoon out at the Reservoir. We came armed with quilts, a Frisbee, books and even a bottle of wine (which we forgot to drink). Anticipating a warm day in the sun I brought my favorite Nalgene Bottle filled with filtered water (it's not a good idea to drink the water here) and placed it in my bag along with the usual camera, ipod, day-planner, phone, book, etc... you get the point. Up until yesterday I believed all Nalgene products to be 100% leakproof...that is not true. After about an hour of springtime bliss I reached into my bag to retrieve my book and found it floating. Thanks to quick-thinking and helpful friends nothing was permanently damaged, although my day-planner is now wrinkled from April to June. This morning I looked up my favorite bottle and found that because of it's great design "this easy, one-handed access means the OTG can't be 100% leakproof ". So while I agree that this is a great buy, you should follow the advice of the folks from Nalgene and "don't put it upside down in your backpack".

Dream a little dream...

of me!

As I was cooking the other day my mind began to wander (as it does every day) to the glorious kitchen I may one day own. A dishwasher that doesn't require pre-washing, a floor that actually looks clean after you clean it and granite and butcher block counter tops...oh how lovely! Until then I am stuck in the rental kitchen that, although large, leaves much to be desired.

I came upon this picture a while ago and it has become the muse for all of my kitchen dreams...except my version will have a couch in it so you can talk to me while I cook!

My favorite thing about it is the rounded wall of windows...Leslie - please hurry up and graduate so you can design this for me!

Southern Survival Guides

Since moving to a state that defines the phrase "steeped in tradition", I have tried my best to learn as much about these social rituals as possible.

While browsing a favorite book store I came across

this book

as well as this one.

They are quite useful in understanding the societies in this state and they are quite hilarious!