I started sewing!!

I have been wanting to sew....really....but somehow something just keeps getting in the way. Actually it is that I had no idea what I was doing and tended to get frustrated after the first hour to figure out how the whole process works! My friend Kelly had her husband out of town and decided to have a girls crafty day which was the perfect opportunity for me to finally figure out how to use the sewing machine I got back in January.

Its not like I was trying to make something complicated - just pillow covers - but since I never took home ec the biggest learning process was just trying to figure out how to thread the machine and get it started! I also broke the needle so had to learn how to re-do that too! I did not take any pictures, but lets just say that I got there at 1 pm and between talking, snacking and sewing finally for two done by 6 pm.

I had a couple of pillows from my old decor color (red) that I discovered had zippers to take off the old covers. I then just created knife edge pillow covers (like these ones on Martha Stewart) but I actually used a pattern in the singer sewing book I had. The fabric is from Hobby Lobby. :)

40 under 40

I have a fabulous job that keeps me busy most of the time between my travels, adventure, volunteering and working on the house! I somehow was lucky enough recently to get an award based on my professional life and what I do in the community. The Business Journal in my area like many cities has a nomination process to determine the "40 under 40". Here are a few pics from that event!

Me and another friend that was honored, Nicole!

Updated Family and Living room Pics

About time I placed up some updated home pics! I just realized I had pictures on my side bar that had xmas items in them - oops. Since I had a weekday off for a staycation I decided to take a few update pics of the house. I have been working alot the last month with a new position, so not working incredibly much on the home but I do have a few new editions!

The big change is a new sofa! I watch craigslist regularly and happened upon this beauty a couple of weeks ago. The couple got married and ordered a new sofa. However, so did the inlaws for the wedding  and neither sofa's were returnable so up went one of the brand new sofas on craigslist! Here is the sofa, it is the JcPenney Linden street sectional- got it, extra slipcovers, and the ottoman as well all for half price! It still needs some new pillows....made some new ones this weekend so that post to come!

Did you notice the new garden seat as well? Just got it from Ballard Designs!

Since a new sofa went in the family room, so the furniture that was there went into the formal living room. This room needs some more color, but at least it now looks less empty!

Another new piece from Ballard Designs!

How the entry way currently looks.

Ashleys Wedding

I went to a gorgeous wedding this past week and tried testing out my mad camera skills, or really just my new camera. Still figuring it out, but with the help of picasa and editing managed to take a few good pics.

Here comes the bride!

Gorgeous centerpieces

I have to make this for a future party - candy table!

Just the ladies!



Pottery Barn.....and getting back to the house!

I really intended to post more on this blog….but job always comes first and this last month as been so incredibly busy! There were two out of town trips, two conferences in town where I was away from home and a new position at work. WHEW! I could have taken pictures of all of that, but really how exciting can hotels rooms and conference centers be?? I travel for work but it all blends together as I usually do not go out into the city much. My house had been completely ignored but…… then I had the big idea to have a get together at my place! This weekend is my bday – or the end of the world depending how you see it! So, I decided to have a few friends over to celebrate.

Which then prompted me to do an evaluation of the house…..and have that moment where you think it needs to have STUFF done to it! Of course, this would have been better or about three weeks ago when if I wanted to add furniture I could actually have ordered it in time. Oh well, but at least it got me back to thinking what to do with the place??
In the short amount of time I have had I did make a few adjustments. Thanks to a Pottery Barn gift cards that miraculous had not been used in a year I had several hundred to go play on some things. While there, I discovered that have an in home evaluation service! I have it scheduled so let you know how it goes!

Here a few of the updates - I got some of their lanterns, flower vase, and their drink dispenser.
 from the PB website - drink dispenser, hopefully mine will look as good on saturday!

Formal dining room Table

Lanterns on my makeshift homemade "buffet"