Have You Heard?

Maybe I've been living under a rock, but I just heard about this new, about to be released book from Mary Emmerling. I don't know about you, but I think this one will be sitting on my shelf in no time.

All About the White

I have always been a sucker for white slipcovers & since I'm almost ready to move on to my next decorating project, the study, I'm doing my homework. It was an easy decision to do choose this room next because there is so little that needs to be done here. Window treatments and slipcovers. Easy and fast but not inexpensive projects. I'm in the dreaming stages and looking at every picture I can find for slipcover inspiration. I thought you might want to see what's inspiring me. There's more to consider than I realized, fabric type, color is a no-brainer, pleats, length, details, fit and durability are just some that come to mind.

(top 3 pictures from beachdwelling.com, bottom 3 from countryliving.com)

Pretty in Pink

One of my goals this year was to focus on one room at a time and actually finish what I start. I was tired of feeling like nothing got finished and I thought this would be a good approach. Let me tell you, for the rest of you out there with Design Induced ADD, I highly recommed this method. It's actually inspired me to get working. I no longer feel so overwhelmed with to do lists and ideas because I really focus on the project at hand. Which isn't to say that I don't let my mind wander to other projects occasionally, I just don't let myself do anything about them.

I've finished painting all of the furniture in Emma's room. Love the way it turned out. I found the flower shaped glass knobs at The Cottage. Sure wish I could visit their shop in person. The mirror is an antique one that belonged to my grandmother that also got a coat of paint.

Love the way the Pottery Barn sheets work in the room to break up all of that pink-sweetness.

I still have a few art projects to make for the walls and a shelf to paint and install above the closet door. I hope to finish those next week. Then the real challenge begins, deciding which room to focus on next.

The Happiest Place

We're going back to Disney World this fall. It will have been 3 years since we were there last. If we could we'd go every year. My dilemma is this, I have a code that will allow us to stay in a moderate resort cheaper than we could stay in a value resort. We have to book by the end of the month to get this special price but now after seeing some of the special packages they have for spring break, I'm wondering if we'd get a better deal if we waited til fall to book our trip. With the economy the way it is, I think they are working harder to lure vacationers. I'd love to hear your Disney tips, hints and money saving advice.

Jen's Favorite Things

I thought I'd share with you a list of my favorite things, Oprah style. These are things I'm using regularly and loving. Things I think each of you should get for yourself.

1. Sassy new Spring haircut. This is another example of why you should not take your own picture but I wanted to show it to you while you still cared. I'm loving the ease of it. It looks great straight too but I feel more me when my hair is curly.
2. Bath and Body Works Body Cream in your favorite scent. I prefer the ones that just smell fresh and clean. This stuff works great on those winter distressed feet.
3. Monogram mug from Anthropologie. There is a curvier girl version but I prefer this beefed up one.

4. The All Out Of notepad from Anthropologie. I swear this pad has made my list making and grocery shopping easier.
5. 7 Days a Week pad from Anthropologie. Have you figured out yet that I'm a list maker? Love this for having 1 place to plan the whole weeks projects and errands.
6. Method foaming hand wash in Sweet Water. I first tried this at my friend Carrie's house and it was love at first pump. I now have one by every sink in the house. Total addiction. You can find this at Target.

7. Dark chocolate. What took me so long to discover this healthy indulgence? I keep a bag of dark chocolate Hershey Kisses hidden in the pantry and treat myself to 2 of them after lunch almost every day. Savor them. Let them melt in your mouth. Then celebrate making a healthy choice.

8. Great Point Spike Book Light. For those times that I wake up in the middle of the night and can't sleep, now I can snuggle up to Sweet Hubby and read without ever disturbing him.

9. Copco Tea Kettle. Why shouldn't having tea or cocoa feel like an event? There is something about hearing a kettle whistle that gives me instant comfort.

10. Mrs. Meyers Counter Spray in Lemon Verbena. I'm slowly trying to go green with my cleaners. I love all the Mrs. Meyers products that I've tried so far. These smell so fresh and clean, perfect for spring.

I'd love to hear what's on your list. If you post it on your own blog, please leave me a comment here so that I can check out your favorites too.

The Party's Over

This is Emma with her most cherished present. She has been coveting this dollhouse for months. She loved visiting it every time we went near the antique store where she discovered it. She was stunned to find it waiting for her on her birthday. Of course, in true mini-me style, she immediately asked if we could paint the inside and put paper on the walls and get carpet for it. I didn't really consider what a money pit this house would be. I'd love any suggestions on where to shop for reasonably priced little things to turn this house into a sweet cottage for Emma.


The party was a hit but I have to say, I couldn't have done it without Martha. Eight girls in their pj's making button bracelets and paper bead necklaces, eating pizza, decorating cupcakes, playing twister, chowing down on popcorn while tucked into their sleeping bags watching I Carly. They were wonderful.

Even the decorations were courtesy of Martha. Flower pom poms hanging from the ceiling combined with paper flowers created an enchanted garden feeling even while the snowflakes fell.

I'm a bit relieved that it's over so that I can move on to other projects. Parties at home are such work, but worth it when you have a little girl that appreciates them as much as this one does. She's such a thankful kid.

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By the way, Thank you! Your votes counted and I went with haircut #1. It took a little adjusting to, but I love it. I'll post pics soon!

The Long and Short of It

I love Meg. I love her movies. I love her style. I love her ex-husband. But mostly, I love her hair. It looks great no matter what she does to it.

I feel the need for change, likely brought on by the sneak peak of spring we had on Sunday. I'm ready to shed some hair along with those 10 pounds I've lost. Ready for my outside to match the me inside. Sassy. Sexy. Carefree. Confident.

Are you shocked to learn that I am frozen with indecision? No? I didn't think so. Which Meg should I be? My hair has about the same amount of natural curl as hers but also straightens easily enough. That leaves my options wide open.

And although I love the idea of going dramatically shorter, I'm afraid I'll regret it if I can't at least get most of it up in a ponytail while I'm working out, gardening or riding in Sweet Hubby's convertible.

Which Meg would you pick?

Birthday Bash

This little angel is going to be 7 on Wednesday and if you look closely you can see she got an early present. A black eye. She ran eye first into the head of someone in the lunch line. You can be sure she gets her clumsiness honestly. I was hoping that it would be gone by her birthday. Looks like it's here to stay though.

I'm busy trying to get ready for her "Un"slumber party on Saturday. I'm glad that she loves to have her birthday parties at home but there are times that I get so bogged down by the details. I'm trying to simplify this year and to remember how thankful she always is.

I added this fun trim to her recently painted bookshelf. We used white upholstery tacks to hold it up. Super fun and easy. Her room is really coming along. I hope to show you more in the next week.