R.I.P.

I didn't think it would come to this...you were my faithful companion for many years.  I tried to revive you, but you just didn't have any life left in you.  Rest in peace my old friend.

Yup, my old Blackberry finally bit the dust for good!  I took a very brave step today...



I am now the proud owner of an iPhone 4.  Since I HAVE to have a phone, mainly in case my girls need to get ahold of me for emergencies (which with my girls is EVERYDAY people)...well, not true emergencies but what they think are emergencies, I couldn't wait 30 days for the new iPhone.  And, I really didn't see that much of a difference to be honest to justify the wait and the bigger price tag.

I was really worried I would have a hard time texting with the touch screen.  I could text on my BB with the best of them.  To my surprise, I can on my iPhone too.  My girls are very proud!  LOL

I haven't had a chance to set things up on it yet, so for right now I can call out, receive calls, text and receive texts only.

So, what I want to know is...what apps are a MUST have?  Poor hubby...he'll be spending all evening after the volleyball match helping me figure this thing out.

30 Day Photo Challenge-Day 1-7

Hi Everyone!  I am so excited to be linking with Michelle, Ten June, for a  30 Day Photo Challenge.  Several of us recently purchased new cameras and thought it would be a great way to learn to use them!



I did not edit any of my photos, just cropped, framed and such in Picnik.

Our weather has been a bit overcast and rainy the past few days...quite a challenge when taking photos!  Thanks Michelle for encouraging us all to give it a try!!

Winner of the Fashionista Giveaway~

Okay, first let me say...I am an "old fashioned gal"...by the grace of God, I have been able to manage this blog, but I am by no means the most techno savy gal around.  So, with that said...this girl reverted back to the old days...drawing a number out of a hat bowl that happened to be handy.  I had my sweet hubby do the honors.

And, the winner is...#16. My baby girl's jersey number (and yes, she just won 2 matches last night).



Birdie to Be

"Awesome giveaway!!! I love it."

Congratulations!  Please email me with your information.

And, thank you to everyone who follows my blog.  I have so enjoyed getting to know each of you!



Fall Fashionista~It's a Giveaway!

In celebration of reaching my 100th follower last week, I am having my first giveaway.

You guys really didn't think I could keep this all to myself did ya?  Yes, the lucky winner will receive one of these...

the Hobo International clutch I blogged about last week.  My first find for fall fashion.

You know the drill...leave me some comment love, and the winner will be announced on Wednesday!

100~

I am super excited!  I reached 100 followers today. 

I will admit...for me, it has never been about the numbers.  It has been a way for me to express my creativity, share my life experiences, and make some wonderful friends (near and far).   I am so thankful for the opportunity.  Blogland has opened so many doors for me, and I have established many wonderful friendships in just this past year.

So, to celebrate...I will be having my very first giveaway on my blog on Monday. So, stay tuned!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!  And, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so supportive.

I've been featured!

Hi Everyone!

Today I can be found over at Be @ Home, here.  I've been featured under DIY Projects as one of their Best of the Web contributors.

I was super excited that they enjoyed reading my blog, and my diy projects!

Now that school is back in full swing, and volleyball has settled nicely into place I hope to be able to blog more frequently.  Thanks for hanging  in there with me during these hectic summer months!

Have a great weekend! 

Birthday Antics~

Ok, so when you've reached my age...what do you do for party entertainment?  Well, my sweet hubby took me out for a nice dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants, Thorn Tree.  The owner is the best, Lowell Douglas.  The restaurant is full of  taxidermy from the many hunts Lowell has been on.  He even used to work for National Geographic.  Ok, so where is this going, you might ask?  When we were just about finished up with dinner, Lowell stopped by our table.  My hubby mentioned it was my birthday.  Lowell immediately said, we have to celebrate!  He brought each of us a glass of Amarulo (I liken it to an amaretto liquor or Baileys).  He then asked us if we were familiar with the story of the Marulo tree.  To which we replied we were not.  Well, the Marulo tree produces this glorious fruit, and when a bit over ripe, it falls to the ground and the animals in Africa gorge themselves on it.  Apparently, once the animals drink the fruit then begins to ferment in their tummies...let's just say...it ain't a pretty sight...

Lowell said, "go ahead, google drunken elephants when you get home."  I have never laughed so hard in my life.  True or not, thanks Lowell for the chuckle on my birthday!!

It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To...

Well...not really!  It is however my birthday, I am the big 43 today!  Yes, I am willing to admit it...I am already over the hill...so either roll baby roll, or learn to climb this mountain!  Honestly...I'm stuck in between! LOL  Not sure what's in store...baby girl is currently at volleyball camp, and big sis is working her tail off...so that leaves me, hubs, and the dogs...such is life these days.  Good thing I like the dogs! LOL 

I am truly grateful for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon me in the past, and those that I continue to unveil everyday. Each day brings something new.  Never a dull moment, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  While life is taking new turns every day, and sending me in different directions, I am learning to go with the flow.  Maybe I am a bit more adventurous at this stage in the game. 

I am however truly grateful for the many friendships that have been forged due to blogland.  I never imagined the number of beautiful people I would meet!  You all are the best.

And, I promise to eat a really yummy cupcake for each of you (and if I wind up in a sugar induced coma afterward...just promise me that you will all say you enjoyed the ride!).

Guest Posting~

Hi everyone!

Today I can be found over at Michaela Noelle participating in her She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not series.  Michaela is just the sweetest.  I would be proud to call her my own.  Be sure to head on over to check out what I am loving and what I am not.

Hope everyone has had a great first half of the week!!

Versatile Blogger Award

I was so honored to receive the Versatile Blogger Award from Jennifer at dishes and socks.  Jennifer is a new and upcoming coming blogger with a heart of gold!  Thank you Jennifer!!

In order to receive this award, I now have to state 7 random things about myself, and pass it on to 15 new bloggers.  So, here goes...

1) I am very much the perfectionist!  To a fault...if you set something down and can't find it a minute later, ask me...I'll know where it is!!!

2) I tend to be an instant gratification kinda gal...if I see it, like it, I want it right then and there! (I hate back orders!!!)

3) I grew up with 3 brothers, hence why I love my two girls!!!

4) I need my nasal spray EVERY day to survive (especially during pollen season), yes I know, TMI!!!

5) While I love caffeine, it doesn't love me!

6) Turning 40+ stinks!

7) I am a momma bear...do NOT mess with my girls!!!

Okay, so on to new blogs...I am not sure I can come up with 15 NEW ones, but I will list my tried and true, and new!

New...

dishes and socks

a little bit of lovely

alamode
clover lane
ducks in a row
even the sparrow  (this is the mother of a child my youngest coached this season, such an inspiration!)
Gracious Southern Living

Tried and true...
Honey We're Home
A Thoughtful Place
Ten June
Hi Sugarplum
Michaela Noelle
Decor Chick
Maillardville Manor
Serenity Now

Thanks Jennifer for the award...Kara, A Little Bit of Lovely, you're it!!

Thanks for the Shout Out~

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank two of the sweetest bloggers I know for featuring our entryway makeover recently, you can see it here.



Emily



Michelle

Thank you both for the shout out!  I feel honored to be recognized along with so many other wonderful bloggers, and great projects.

A Gift of Verse~

I have a dear friend of mine who over the past few years has presented me with some beautiful tea towels and pillows, with the most heartfelt sentiments on them.  I know a local boutique carries this line, but I recently learned they have an online shop as well.  So, I couldn't resist sharing.  Whether buying for yourself, a loved , or a friend, they have some fabulous gifts to offer!

Beautiful Tea Towels

Pillows

This one I received as a gift!

Wooden Wall Plaques

Burlap Covered Wall Plaques, adorable!

Embellished Gift Tags

Whimsical Journals

Go check out the site...
Natural Life



Stylish Blogger Award~



I am so flattered that these two lovely ladies nominated me for this award, as I really admire both of their blogs!! And, I am sure they are no strangers to most of you.

Cassie of Hi Sugarplum!

and

Michaela of Michaela Noelle Designs

First, I have to share 7 random things about myself.

1) While most consider me a Southern Gal, I was born and raised on Long Island, NY until the age of 10.  So there's a little Yankee in this Southern Girl!

2) I am obsessive when it comes to being organized and neat, much to my family's chagrin.  Don't put that newspaper down for long or you will have to go looking for it in the recycling bin!!

3) I am the only girl out of a family of 4 children.  Can you say, "spoiled daddy's girl?"

4) I never finished college.  I attended Nursing School, hated it, got out, went to work, met hubby, and had our oldest child by age 21!!!

5) I have no idea what my true hair color is, been dying it ever since I can remember.  Let's just say, my little brother 2 years my junior is prematurely gray.  I am sooo not going there!!

6) My house is better dressed then I am.  It is so much easier to shop for!!! LOL

7) I am usually hesitant to try new things, I do not like to fail.

Okay, so now I am to pass the award on to some of my BFF's in the blogging world.  Some of which I know you are already familiar with, some not.

Trina of A Country Farmhouse

Courtney of A Thoughtful Place

Desiree of Coastal Chic Living

Jessica of Craftily Ever After

Ashli of Maillardville Manor

Kristin of My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Londen of Sixty Fifth Avenue

Michelle of Ten June

Megan of Honey We're Home

Emily of Name 5 Things

Kate of Centsational Girl

Danielle of Danielle Oakey Interiors

Shelley of House of Smiths

Brittany of the Painted Parsonage

Chassity of Look Linger Love

Be sure to check out the blogs of these lovely ladies!!  You won't be disappointed.

Guess Who's Coming...

So, hubby and I were out doing a little shopping at our local outdoor mall (a mile from our home).  The center has tons of great shops and the atmosphere is fantastic.  They go all out with the landscaping, especially this time of year!  We had just been in Belk, shopping for mil's traditional Alfred Dunner sweater gift for Christmas...we walk out, and hubby goes asks "what's Home Goods?"



Yes, HOME GOODS is coming to a neighborhood near us!!  2 miles from my home to be exact!!!  I am soooo excited.  We have several near the malls (20-30 minutes away), but this one I could walk to!!!!!!  Hubby, upon my excitement, senses his bank account is now in serious trouble.  I simply stated, "well, it might keep me out of Pottery Barn more."

I've been featured!

A very special Thank You to Vicky, Room Service Decorating~101, for featuring our fireplace surround "Before & After".  What a wonderful surprise on a cool crisp Monday morning!!

The End in Sight...

Okay...have to admit, wish I had that figure!  The hardwoods are finally complete.  We finished the last room upstairs today!  The painters are coming Monday, and then after that...I will be designing my youngest daughter's new room (big sister's old room).  The mini kitchen renovation is almost complete...just need to add the last details/accessories.  It has been a busy couple of months, but we are extremely happy with the way things are turning out.  I will be thrilled when I can finally share all the photos with all of you.  I will be taking a break tomorrow as it is my birthday! 

Calgon Take Me Away~

I'm still around...

since returing from Orlando/Daytona, we have worked on the kitchen remodel a bit more (painters come tomorrow), moved our daughter into her 1st apartment (3 flights of stairs), and started installing hardwoods in her old bedroom (the last to be done)...hence the aching back. 

Might be a good night for the Hot Tub out back!!

Hope to show you all lots of photos soon.