Gallery Wall

Did I mention that I am happy?  Because I am!  Life is pretty dang good . . . although it's far from perfect . . . it is good and it is full!    

When I am happy . . . I get things accomplished. 

A while back, I decided that I wanted a small gallery wall going up our stairs.  Originally, I thought (and purchased) 4 - 14"x17" West Elm Gallery Frames with the intention of doing colored photos but after much contemplation and planning via Pinterest I decided that I wanted the clean and modern look of black and whites.  So glad I did!

I went back to West Elm (so very much my favorite store right now) yesterday and exchanged 2 of the frames for 1 - 13"x13" square and 1 - 9"x11" . . I did it because I like the different sizes of our personal photo prints and it saved me a good little chunk of money. 

On a side note - West Elm's frames are a must.  Simply, for the fact that they give you a perfect wall mounting pattern.  Saved me so much time in the long run.

Each photo is something that has been very special to us throughout our marriage.  It reminds us of the good that we do have in our life!

Farewell Elder CJ Holden!

 Last fall, I had mentioned that my immediate Holden family had some very BIG news!  Most of you know via Facebook and Instagram that my youngest brother, Christopher, will be serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He will be serving in the Oslo, Norway mission where he will be speaking Norwegian! So cool!

Back in October, when my parents were here for my Mom's birthday weekend, we were able to Skype with my brother as he opened his call.  Lots of tears of joy were shed because we have a long line of Norwegian ancestry.  As my dad put it, "You get to go back home!"

Now, I realize that I probably should have formally announced this awhile ago because it has been an exciting process the whole way through, but I wanted to post about it when the time was right.  Since I am about to embark on my journey (solo - wish me luck!), up to Utah for my final farewells before he enters the Provo MTC; I have so many mixed emotions - many of which are pure peace and joy.  I know he will do great things!

Christopher is the type of guy who - when he sets goals for himself, he achieves them . . . almost effortlessly.  He is kind, supportive, easy to be around.  He is one of the good ones.

At 22 years old (older than most departing missionaries), I am confident that he will be great!  He achieved his college degree and knows that this is the next step that he needs to take in order to become the kind of person that he wants to be.  As the oldest and his only sister, I am beyond proud.

Last night (back in Rockford), after my brother was set-apart as a missionary (he's official!), my family and some friends got together for a final send-off.  Christopher won't get to see our sweet little niece for two years. She will be so big by the time he gets back! And maybe, just maybe . . . . he will have a new niece or nephew to add to the clan!

I want him to have a keepsake of the photos, letters, and memories that he collects over the next two years . . . so I started a Smash Book for him!  I tried to go with the most masculine one there was to be found.  I love the idea of being able to collect all of your little treasures along the way, and figured that this was the best way to go about it.

If you'd like to read weekly updates from Elder Holden's mission, he and I have started a blog about his experiences:

ElderHoldenNorway.blogspot.com

Treat Bags, Photos & Our Christmas Cards

We started to get our act together around here Sunday afternoon . . .

I made this Peppermint Crunch Puppy Chow as gifts for the women that I visit teach.  They were a warm up for the big holiday baking day that I have planned for next week!  You better believe that I'm going to have an evening dedicated to Christmas treats!

We also took some pictures for our Christmas card.  Isn't this pup a gem? The red bow just kills me!  

I'm a little excited to get my printed cards back.  This year I ordered from Invitation Box . . . I snagged a good deal on Groupon and am anticipating their arrival!  I'm hoping to send them out SOON!

BTW . . . I LOVE this time of year due to all of the Christmas cards received.  I've enjoyed every single one . . keep them coming!

Christmas Shopping

I made a good little jump start to my Christmas shopping!  The Vegas outlets are fabulous and with the great prices PLUS coupons, they can't be beat.  So yay for some progress in the Christmas shopping department!

I also wanted to share that our Christmas decor is up and running! Besides the fact that we need a normal size tree . . . we'll wait until the good ones go on clearance; things are pretty merry around here!

Caitlin Wilson Textiles Giveaway

Remember how I said that I did some rearranging and that I moved my Caitlin Wilson Textiles Navy Fleur Chinoise Pillow over to my bed?  It's still there and I'm still in love!

I actually want her pillows galore throughout my house! That would be lovely!

   4 Men 1 Lady is doing a pillow giveaway!

Head over here!

Desk Reveal!

So, MANY years ago, I inherited this beauty . . . or rather, not so beauty.  But it's solid wood and I liked the size and shape and I told myself that one day, I would refinish it and turn it into my own little crafting/sewing space.  

The day has finally come my friends, and I couldn't be more pleased!

The key to painting wood furniture is using both an oil-based primer and paint.  I used the same paint used on my kitchen island a few months back.  I also used a paint gun (I hate brush marks!)

Paint - It's a pure white by Sherwin-Williams
Knobs - Anthropologie
Drawer Liner - found this cute pattern at TJ Maxx

A very special THANKS to my friends Emily and Laura for helping me choose the hardware while shopping at Anthro.  So many options, but I am pleased with what they helped me choose!

First Weekend of Fall!

I'm back with current postings!  It's the first weekend of Fall and I couldn't be more thrilled!  It doesn't really look like Fall in these parts, but the feeling is there.

 Fall is:

My Birthday

Pumpkin everything!

Orchards

Warm Smells

Coziness

Soup Season

Cider Nights

I saw this photo on Pinterest and I can't get it out of my head.  Everything about it is perfect.  The mix of new and old.  The white with pops of color.  Perfection.

Source: Ginger-Snapped

Today, Steven and his Dad are doing tile in our powder room.  So excited to get that little room finished!  I'm going to finish painting my desk.  I'll post on the finished results this week.  Some good things to look forward to!

Oh, and I moved my Navy Fleur Chinoise pillow from Caitlin Wilson Textiles  onto our bed.  I had been looking around for something to add as an accent and I just feel like it works.  As I was trying it out, Steven said, "Good call on the pillow upstairs."  Originally, I was thinking something more subtle, but I'm liking the 'pop'.  I'll replace the other one downstairs.

Happy Weekend!

Steal of a Deal

I know that it's extremely tacky to leave the clearance sticker on my mirror, but I needed evidence of the amazing deal that I snagged!

While picking up a few desk items at Lowe's, I thought I'd check in on the mirror that I've been coveting for our powder room reno.  

Lucky me! There was one left and it was over 50% off of the original price!  

This little beauty has been on the back of my mind for a few months now.  This may have made my month!

Road Trip!

My lack of posting is due to the fact that we have spent the last week traveling and are now in ILLINOIS! Yay! 

One of the benefits of us both working in the education system, is that we get summers off!  Just like the old days.  So we loaded up the car. . .Bear in tow. . .and are now crashing with my family for the month!

We stopped in Utah for a few days to visit with family and friends; many of which we realize, are truly missed! 

Things I'm Looking Forward to This Month. . . 

My Mom's Cooking

All-American Style 4th of July

Visit Family/Time Spent With Family

STL Cardinals Game

Chicago

Sewing

Time With Friends

Lake Time

. . .and Much More!

And, luckily, my 'dumb phone' died and I have now been forced to join the club. . .

Finally!

Souvenirs From Maui

I'm really slacking on posting photos from our vacation.  I'm trying to touch up a bunch of them before they are all uploaded for my free Shutterfly book.  I love it when I get those coupons - it happened to come at the perfect time!

Readjusting, has also thrown me into a kind of a funk. 

 I remember back in 2005, calling my mom after she had just gotten home from a month-long stay in France; and she seemed like she wanted nothing to do with any of us or just life, in general.  At the time, I was kind of hurt because Steven and I were seriously dating and I was hinting towards my parents meeting him.  I sent her a text on Wednesday morning, letting her know how I completely understood her frustration with coming back to real life...especially when it's crappy (she was under a lot of stress at the time).

Wednesday afternoon, I didn't want to think about my next doctor's appointment or dropping a large chunk of change on four new tires.  Who knew that tires were so expensive?! Yikes!  Reality slaps you in the face. . . quickly.    

That's life and I know it. . . we could have it a lot worse.  It just makes me realize how grateful I am for good vacations!

A few of my favorite things that we brought back from our trip. . .

Steven's new wedding ring!  We renewed our vows. . .kidding. . .but we kind of renewed our spirits.  It's Titanium (good for him - he hates the weight of jewelry) and koa wood.  I think it fits him!

All of this goodness - minus the pineapple. . . we're having that beauty tonight.  Hopefully, it lives up to the Maui Golds!

Emails On A Friday Afternoon.

Since we both work for the school district, it's easy for me and Steven to email back and forth!  Here is our conversation this Friday afternoon...

Me:  I'm having terrible anxiety today...help me think of good things...what are we doing tonight?

Steven:   Uhmmm...I need new shoes. Shopping tonight for Hawaii?

Me: Sure! For you!

Steven: Both

Me:   haha....I dont need anything! honestly! Just a vacation.......with YOU!!!! Love you!

Me:  Outlets?

Steven:  Sure...did that calm your anxiety?

This boy knows me too well!

As I got off of work and gave him a quick call, he proceeded to tell me that he is a genius.  His plan is to let every stressed out woman go and shop, with the assumption that they will automatically feel better.  No therapy, just shopping and everyone will be cured.  And everyone will believe that he just made a breakthrough in human psychology!

I said, "Steven, no!"  "This is known as negative coping!"

This might actually work for me! Oops!

So.....We went out for dinner and shopping!

Dinner at Dickey's BBQ Pit - Pretty Tasty!

Steven scored at the outlets - I may have snuck one thing in!

                                                                

**I am beginning to LOVE outlet shopping in all it's good deals and glory!