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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Home Tour 1: Meg

I have some VERY talented friends! I want to do a "home tour" of some of their creativity.

My friend (since kindergarten) Meg and her husband Scott bought a home that needed some renovations; they did an incredible job!! Check this out:



master bathroom

master bedroom


They installed hardwood floors.

before and after of master bathroom:

before and after of living room/kitchen (very open floor plan & her couch is awesome!):


before and after of laundry room:


before and after of kitchen:


another before and after of kitchen:


before and after of guest bathroom (I LOVE THE CABINETS!):


before and after of breakfast area (love the bar stools!):


Saturday, January 30, 2010

Valentines Decor

Happy Valentines Day!
I realized that I don't have much to decorate with for V-Day. I need to find some things on clearance later in February.

This is my sofa table that's the first thing you see when you come into my house. I like to decorate it for holidays.


I found this vase for $0.50 at a yard sale.
I LOVE fresh flowers! These tulips came from Walmart.


Valentine M&Ms! :)


I don't like the taste of these (Ava does:), but I think they are so cute. I got this vase at Goodwill for $2.


I've had this heart-shaped silver bowl for a long time. I got these cute heart napkins at Walmart last year.


I had to include Ava's balloon in this because she was so excited about it!!


And last, but not least, Ava's Valentine outfit from Target. We played dress-up last night and took some pictures in front of our fireplace. The rocking chair was given to me by my grandparents 26-ish years ago.



Saturday, January 23, 2010

January

I've been getting back into the swing of things the past few weeks. I went back to work for three days before having a LONG weekend due to "snow." Here's a picture of Ava at her first movie! We had so much fun- it was a great mommy/daughter date:) She loves popcorn!


My hubby is an Alabama Crimson Tide fan. I got him this shirt for his birthday (31:).


Ava loves to help with present opening, of course.


It was finally cold enough for her to wear this coat and hat to church.



Sunday, January 3, 2010

Brooke's Bargains 15 & Random Stuff

Goodwill, Christmas Cards, & A Few New Things Around the House:

I bought this blue vase at Goodwill for $2. I like the shape of it. The green glass one was my grandmother's.


My sister had this made for us for Christmas. It's a nice addition to my "M" wall.


Goodwill rain boots for Ava: $4


Ron hung my $2 yard sale curtain in our guestroom. I bought the decorative rod at Walmart- their Better Homes & Gardens line has cute stuff.


I didn't get a good picture of my new chalkboard. I'm so forgetful about doing before and after pictures too! This was a mirror that's been sitting in my garage for 6 months. The frame was silver. I wasn't sure how it would turn out because I first spray painted it, and it didn't look good. Next, I painted it white and sanded it so that the green spray paint would show through...



I bought these three plates for $3 (Goodwill).


This was a wreath from my grandmother's house; I hung it over my yard sale shutters ($1).


My sister gave me these shutters; she found them at a yard sale. I haven't re-decorated this area since I took down my Christmas decorations.


I LOVE picture Christmas cards!
Here's my 'fridge:


More Christmas cards:


Hey! I'm taking a three week break from blogging/internet stuff. I hope y'all have a wonderful start to the new year! Be blessed in '10! :)

I'm linked to Reinvented & Goodwill Goodies & Thrifty Thursday & Trash 2 Treasure Tuesday.

Friday, January 1, 2010

2009 Reflections & 2010 Resolutions


2009 Reflections:
  • I'm thankful for a closer relationship with my husband. We've focused more on our life together. We're truly best friends!
  • Watching Ava grow from a baby into a little girl has been amazing (and bittersweet). She is JOY!
  • I started a part-time teaching job at the local community college in addition to my full-time job, which is an answer to prayer, because it opened a door of opportunity and hopefully, a full-time job in my NEAR future:) I was also blessed beyond words in my full-time teaching job.
  • Ron & I started a REAL budget, and we've stuck to it- what a difference that makes!
  • I've been able to do lots of decorating in my home throughout 2009. I still have lots to do, but it is looking good considering we've only been in it 2 years- it just takes a while (especially when on a budget:).
  • I learned the art of thrift shopping- yard sales are my favorite hobby! It is such a blast to get a deal and do it with one of my favorite people in the universe-my sister, Brittany!
  • More than ever I learned that good health is a gift from GOD and can never be taken for granted. I watched as my 84 year old grandmother quickly went from a healthy, independent woman to very sick and dependent. She went to be with Jesus in August. I also witnessed how horrible cancer is when my beautiful, 30-year old friend lost her battle in November and left behind a loving husband and precious daughter. Health is truly a gift. Don't take it for granted.
  • This year I was once again reminded of the healing power of the Lord when the 10th anniversary of my mother's health crisis passed with her still here!
2010 Resolutions:
  • Spend more time in personal Bible study and prayer time (put it first over blogging, Facebook, ...)
  • Pray as a family daily.
  • Well, this one is super-predictable: Lose 20 pounds! Do it through eating healthier and smaller portions and exercising 4 or more times per week. I want to run the half-marathon with my sister next December- boy, do I have a lot of work to do!
  • Continue with our budget system and getting out of debt!!
  • Do more for others.
  • Finish home decor projects/wants: curtains, buffet, armoire, ...