Gobble, Gobble

Tomorrow is brought to by the letter "F"

So I'm sure you've gathered by now, I'm easily excitable, passionate, and love to celebrate with childish exuberance!

I can't wait for tomorrow.

I love Thanksgiving because:

 

What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving?

Does your family have any unique traditions you're willing to share?

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

Faith!

I've been having a rough day, week, month(s).  It happens to the best of us and as always it seems when it rains, it pours.  My troubles are not different than anyone else's and certainly not more significant.

I wondered what do others do to get through their rough times?

Running or working out often burns off some of the pent up anger or energy.  

In contrast, relaxing in a warm bubble bath or with a glass of wine help melt trouble away.  

I've tried, and frequently use all of these techniques; however, my tried and true is prayer. 

Now, I consider myself a religious person but not a shout it from the rooftops, church every Sunday type (although writing a blog post about my faith may lead you to believe otherwise).  I truly prefer to think of my faith as a personal relationship with the big guy/gal upstairs.  

It's been a long and winding path that got me to this point.  From a young age my father made sure I was in church each Sunday.  Much to my dismay,  I sat politely with my hands folded and head down trying to force myself to believe that church was my ticket to heaven.  My sisters and I then filed out of the sanctuary trying to beat the rush to doughnuts and lemonade without actually running.  We would socialize and meander until we heard our father's booming laugh from one of the atrium corners.   

My father's laugh can fill a room; to this day it is often how I locate him in a large crowd.

The three of us would then beg Dad to leave so we could return to a day of "normalcy."

In addition to 18 years of Sunday mornings, I also attended 10 years of parochial school where religion classes were a core part of the curriculum.  Year after year, I sat in a classroom with my closest friends studying bible scriptures, theology, and various belief systems.  My friends and I were often times required to attend mass during the school week.  

I thought to myself, I attend church 2x/week, study theology 3x/week, and overall live a wholesome life.  

I must be leaps and bounds ahead of society. 

It wasn't until I was on my own that I realized how much I relied on that time.  Somewhere in the 18 years, my relationship with church transformed from a requirement to a necessity.  I needed that time to keep myself grounded.  I don't claim to be the perfect Catholic. I still skip church more often than I would like to admit but I always seem to find some time to reflect and pray during the week.

Now, I am most comfortable praying as if I'm having a conversation with an old friend.  Much like friendships change, my relationship with God has changed.  I no longer approach him with a laundry list of things I need/want/must have.

I now ask my old friend for advice, guidance, and strength.

What helps you through the rough patches?  Has this changed over the years?

& SOLD!

My good news for today

Now just a little home inspection, HOA documents, & some packing stand between me and a life in Alexandria, VA.  I am truly looking forward to a shorter commute but will miss a space of my own to upgrade and decorate as I choose.  Now I will just have to get a little more creative about my organization and personalization of a smaller space. 

I'm excited!  I love new challenges.

Why did I wait?

So I haven't gone into much detail about it but I'm selling my precious house.  Much like myself, my townhouse is full of fun and vibrant colors HOKIE orange basement, fresh green kitchen, precious plum dining room, so on and so forth. 

As part of the home selling process I needed to touch up paint, neutralize some rooms, etc.  It's so frustrating when you're finished because it looks so nice and you never took the time to do it for yourself.  So take the time this weekend and check off one of those quick weekend projects off your to-do list. 

Here's some inspirational projects to get you started:

Install a Ceramic Tile Backsplash

 

Give Your Cabinets a Face-lift

Replace a Light Fixture

Paint

‘Tis the Season, almost….

I love the holiday season!

Each year my family and friends have to convince me not to put my decorations up before Thanksgiving. Since I'm selling my house, this year is a little different…I'm not allowed (total bummer). To keep my holiday spirits high & at bay for a little longer, I can start to plan my holiday cards. In the past, I've typically purchased cards from the dollar store, occasionally stuck a shiny new photo inside, and did my best on a budget. This year I'm DEFINITELY using Shutterfly.

I had no idea they had such wonderfully festive card ideas. I've printed pictures from Shutterfly before; however, they just ROCKED my world with their classic and elegant holiday card collection. I'm dying over these classic colors, sweet messages, and crisp simplicity.

Here are some of my favorite ideas:

No Mistletoe Necessary
The very reason I love the holidays so much, everyone LOVES so much more. Could you ask for a better way to send a holiday kiss to each recipient?

Ornamental Holiday Story
I love the idea of sharing what happened this year with your loved ones. This seems like a more practical option than the lengthy "family newsletters" that I'm almost certain no one other than your grandmother reads.

  And here is the card you can most likely expect to receive from me this year:

Shimmer, Sparkle, Shine
I love the simplicity of this card. Since I don't have my own gaggle of children to brag about (yet), I can easily insert a picture of my precious pup without seeming pretentious. It also serves as neutral well wishes to those of any religious beliefs; now I can easily wish my Jewish boss and friends a peaceful holiday season, as well as my Christian cohorts.

They have so many options, for so many types of families.
They even have some great gift ideas such as books, calendars, and stationary.

Bloggers you can even get free holiday cards. Learn More!

What do you think? What are you planning on sending out this holiday season?

Crash & Burn....

Yet another apology from me.

So soon too.

Yup my computer crashed on me.  

Thankfully, I have not resorted to shopping in real stores in my underwear.

I have had the worst luck with electronics this month.  Dropped the iPhone, my contract doesn't come up for renewal until June so I couldn't upgrade to the iPhone 4 (boo).  My computer craps out on me when I trying to start my own business, and just got into the routine habit of blogging again (Ugh).  I'm usually pretty technically savvy, after all I do sell software.  

I've set some pretty intense goals for myself at work and if I achieve them, and in turn receive the commission for them, I plan on buying myself on of these beauties:

That's right folks - I'm going to an Apple only residence.  Enough with P.C's and their Bill Gates mentality.  Steve Jobs and his brilliant marketing & questionably over priced products have won my affection for good, or now...who knows I'm a fickle girl.

In the mean time, I will try to squeeze in some time to blog in the evenings.  I have some really good blogging topics pent up from the past week without an outlet.  

God is a Hokie...

I know this because every fall the leaves turn Orange & Maroon. 

I am spending the next few days in Heaven on Earth, Blacksbug, VA.  

We are here to watch the Hokies beat up on Georgia Tech.

Here are some inspiring photos to carry you through the next few days.

Design Inspiration - Bedrooms

What fun for a young girl!

Love the contrasting pillow, and curtain backdrop.

I love a place to call my own.  I chair in the bedroom to relax and kick off your heels after a long day is perfect.

There isn't a single item in this room that doesn't gush romance.

What a good idea for a small space!

Design Inspiration - Living Rooms

I got to thinking, what would I do if I could create my dream living space.  

Today living rooms inspiration:

I love the gorgeous light blue.  It's the color my living room is currently painted.

I can't have white furniture because my darling Deja sheds more horribly than mohair sweater and she has black fur.  I like the idea of a rustic, textured, and natural fabric couch.

Love the elegance.

So simple, classic, and clean.

I've been dieing for a sofa with Queen Anne structure, especially in this gorgeous blue.

Doesn't this look like the perfect place to curl up and read a book?

 GASP!

Carolina on my mind

So after all this design inspiration and lusting over beautiful rooms I've decided I need to live in the South.

Northern Virginia just isn't built for cute cottage homes and light-filled airy rooms.  I'm actually in Greensboro, NC this week for work before heading to Virginia Tech to watch my beloved Hokies beat up on Georgia Tech's Yellow Jackets.

Here's some BEAUTIFUL homes I'd like to find myself in one of these days.