Pardon My Dust

Please bear with me the next few days, weeks, months. 

I was inspired to try and improve this little blog of mine and am in the process of "practicing." 
101 steps to become a better blogger talks about how to improve all aspects of the blog, some areas are more important than others.

Please know that while posts may become sparser, I am hard at work to make this a more enjoyable experience for you (& me). 

 

Because I am a closet geek I have decided to combine my passion of design and computers and try to create my own blog layout, design, etc.  I am not technically trained in this art so it's a learn as I go event.

I will try to share what I learn with you so that you might duplicate my successes and avoid my mistakes.  So bear with me, I'll try to provide some aesthetic & verbal updates along the way.

 

 

Happy Spicy Friday

So earlier this morning I told you about the closets I'm lusting after - well this afternoon, let's share some of the clothes to fill said closets.

 

Candy Store Closet

Has anyone seen the Special K commercial that touts "a closet that feels like a candy store?"

I can't find the video online for you right now; however,I saw the commercial for the first time yesterday and all I can say is JEALOUS!!!!

The closet in the new house could use some serious help and reorganization but as I'm sure you can imagine it's extremely low on the priority list.  My wardrobe also needs a major overhaul before my closet does.  Good news Beau, we're going shopping this weekend!!!!

Here are the closets I'm lusting after:

 

The Great Couch Debacle

We've had guests the past few days, so I've been off entertaining and showing off our new home.  Now that they've departed, I'm back to fill the void and I can't believe I haven't shared our great couch debacle with you yet. 

A few weeks ago, I told you about our brand new sectional that was to arrive and accompany our newly hung gallery wall.

On the day of it's arrival, I anxiously awaited a comfortable place to sit.  When the delivery truck pulled down the street, I could be found doing cartwheels in the foyer!  As the first major piece of furniture we specifically purchased for the new home, reality of "our home" set in even more.

I supervised as the delivery men unloaded each plastic and cardboard wrapped piece of the sectional.  As they began to de-robe the little presents I was met with shock and horror.  *DUN, DUN, DUN*

The customized sectional with two armless chairs, instead of the standard bumper, was not actually customizable at all.  We did indeed receive two armless chairs, a couch, and a chaise as we had ordered; however, the armless chair, designed to be the end-cap of our sectional, was unfinished. 

The manufacturer clearly intended for the piece to be between two sectional pieces not stand on it's own.  I quickly began to scramble, calling Beau, the furniture store, and halting assembly of the much anticipated addition.

We decided to decline the delivery and send the WHOLE THING BACK!  We knew the bumper would not fit in our space so there was no room for compromise with the original couch.  Thirty minutes later, Beau picked me up and we went back to the store.

Upon entering, our original choice greeted us.  With heavy hearts we walked by her to find the new replacement.  We felt like we had seen everything the store had to offer during the first trip and the excitement of new furniture had waned.  Abusing the tape measure, we finally found a configuration we liked, and felt would fit.  We processed the exchange, and went home with a promise of a sectional the following morning.

I must tell you, much like in life, heartbreak often leads to a deeper love.  Our new sectional is perfect.  It feels like it was made just for our space.  It very comfortably fits the four of us (Beau, Deja, Palmer, and I) at night to snuggle and watch a good movie.

As a teaser, I have more house photos that I hope to share with you later - (I also promise they will be of better quality).

Ask & you shall receive!

Today is...

My Birthday!

Usually, I am whole-heartedly in support of birthdays; however, today's celebration is a little bittersweet. 

Today, I begin my last year as a twenty-something.  This time 365 days from now I will be hiding under the covers refusing to face the world.  Well, that might be a bit of an exaggeration.  The thing that is most alarming about turning twenty-nine is not the end of my twenties but how quickly my thirties are approaching.

I feel like I just turned 21 yesterday.  I am slowly chipping away at the life goals I set for myself; however, my "things to do before I'm 30" timeline is shortening. 

My friend K discussed her approach to 30 very eloquently.  Like her, I am happy with who I am today.  I am more confident in myself than ever.  When I review my "To Do before 30" list, I've accomplished almost everything I have independent control over.

• Graduate from High School - Where I made some of my oldest and truest friends.
• Dive in the Junior Olympics - Where I realized athletics was not my life's calling.
• Attend College - Where I made friends from around the country and learned about life beyond my tiny "big-city" Virginia.
• Join a sorority - Where I expanded my sisterhood beyond just blood (LISK).
• Live in New York - Where I learned the yellow ones don't stop.
• Graduate with a degree in something I am passionate about - Where I learned to blaze my own path.
• Move to a new place - Where I forced myself out of my comfort zone (I've lived in 3 new cities and 2 new states).
• Get a good job - Where I learned happiness at work is what you make of it.  
• Travel out of the country - Where I learned about the world outside of our beautiful and privileged USA.
• Make $x/yr - Where I learned there is no substitute for hard work on the path to success.
• Buy a house - Where I learned if you fail to plan your planning to fail.
• Buy a BMW - Where I learned the seed of love can be planted when you're VERY young.

There are still a few things on my list, so get ready Beau.  We may need to go skydiving in Germany with my distant family after running in a 1/2 marathon. 

I also realize as I look over my list, that the next go-round will be full of experiences instead of a collection of possessions.  I'm proud these accomplishments/possessions because they mean I am setting, meeting, and in some cases exceeding my goals; however, the value in my life approaching 30 is very different than that of a 20 year old.  I can't wait for the experiences that await me in this upcoming year and beyond.  Starting with tonight.....

I hope to be enjoy the experience of a Bourbon Chocolate Milkshake:

{pinterest}

2 oz. bourbon
2 oz. chocolate syrup
1 cup vanilla ice cream
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.


YUMMY!