A new place to lay my head

For a very long time, I have been wanting a pretty, velvet headboard for my bedroom. I looked all over the place online, and even checked out the Ballard Backroom, Home Goods and Marshall's, but just couldn't find anything in the next-to-nothing budget I had set. So, what's a girl to do? 

Well, I immediately went to the blogosphere, and found a handful of DIY instructions on making your own. I figured for around $50 and some time, I could have pretty close to what I wanted. So, the Mr. and I made a trip to Home Depot one Saturday morning, and had a piece of Plywood cut to the size I wanted. 

I had read on numerous blogs in addition to the plywood I would need foam, batting and fabric. Well, did you know foam is really pretty expensive for a girl on a cheap DIY budget? I opted to buy the batting, and picked out a pretty grey velvet, and a package of nailhead trim.

On my way home, I was trying to think of a way to make the headboard a little more plush, when I remembered an old feather bed in the top of my linen closet. At the beginning and end of this project, the feather bed was an excellent idea, but can I just tell you, my living room looked like a feather factory. I am talking feathers everywhere. I am STILL sweeping them up. Since the feather bed was larger than the headboard size (and too thick to just staple back) I had to cut off the extra, i.e. make a gigantic mess. 

After I secured the feather bed, I took an old sheet and stapled it around to keep any stray feathers from escaping. Then I stapled my fabric around that. The nailhead trim was by far the hardest part, and the part that most made me want to give up. I really wanted extra detail, but those things are just really difficult to nail into the wood, especially with a mound of feathers and fabric in the way. I finally opted to use silver nails instead of the nailhead fills, and unless you get up really close, you can't even tell!

So, after a few hours of work, and a lot of sweeping, I had a new headboard. I have to say, I'm pretty happy with the end result!

xoxo!

By Brit with No lovely notes

What if?

Photo found here

What if you spent an entire day doing exactly what you wanted?

What if you...

• Quit your job, and finally went after your dream career.
• Ate that piece of chocolate.
• Went for a hike in the middle of the day.
• Made time to call your best friend.
• Painted your nails.
• Read the book that's been on your list for over a year.
• Sang at the top of your lungs while driving down your favorite street.
• Finally balanced your budget.
• Fixed your hair...or for once, didn't.
• Said no to that event you don't want to go to.
• Watched your favorite movie.
• Cuddled with your honey.

Doesn't that sound refreshing? Sound free?

So, what's stopping you? And for that matter, what's stopping me?


xoxo.

By Brit with No lovely notes

sofa lovin'

I desperately want a new sofa. I've wanted a new one...oh probably since the day we got sweet little Nellie and she shed on it. I mean, sure, the vacuum cleans it up just fine, but our couch has definitely been used, and it's just time for an upgrade.

Of course, I don't want to buy anything new until we get to Atlanta, but I've been browsing, and here are my fave's (as a sidenote...I'd kind of planned to get my new couch from customsofadesign.com, but whadda ya know...it looks like they may have closed up shop. sad day.)

$1,099 from Z Gallerie

I really like the color, and think it would be gorgeous with white armchairs, a sleek glass sofa table and soft gray walls.

$799.00-$1,407.00 (depending on fabric) from Ballard Designs

Mostly I just love the wheels on this one :)

$1,049.00 - $1,543 from Ballard Designs

This tufting is beautiful, but it doesn't look all that comfortable

$1,399.00 - $2,273.00 from Ballard Designs

It looks comfy, and I like the sleek lines.

$999.00 from Home Decorators Collection

This one is actually one of my favorites. I love the blue/grey linen fabric and the price tag is one of the best I've found online.

$1,299 from Home Decorators Collection

I mean...this is gorgeous.

$1,299.00 from Z Gallerie

I really love the look of this one, I just don't love the color...at least not for my living room.

$1,399.00 from Z Gallerie

Gorgeous. I really love this one. Just wish the price tag were slightly less.

Which one is your favorite? And if you have any other sources for great sofas for even better prices (other than Ikea...they just don't have any sofas I love), please do share! 

By Brit with 3 lovely notes

cha cha cha changes...

Big changes are on the horizon for Mr. H and I. I'll spare the exhaustive details, but basically he's getting to switch over to flying a bigger plane, which means a new base, so...we are moving to Atlanta!

It's definitely a little bittersweet, but I'm ready. Last spring we spent a week in Atlanta visiting Kyle's brother and his wife, and I absolutely fell in love with the city. There is so much to do there. So many delicious places to eat. Just a little of everything! And being able to spend more time with them will be a blast!

Our plan is to make the move after my little sister's wedding on June 5. So, in the matter of a month, we have to pack, find a place to live and move our life halfway across the country. It's a big task! But I'm ready. 

Of course, leaving family and friends and a job I love behind is very bitter, but it's going to be a super fun adventure for us. The whole summer will just seem like a big long vacation with so many new things to do! And having Ikea so close?! Love that idea. 

As much as I love the little bungalow we call home, I'm also looking forward to having a new blank slate to decorate. 

So, stay tuned for pictures. I better start charging my camera for the months to come!

xoxo!

Here are a few pics from our trip to Atlanta last year!

Polished-the cutest nail salon

Easter morning

$1 taco night!

Hiking

Pizza at Antico. The best I've ever had!

Art show

Braves game (Kyle is definitely excited about all the pro sports)

By Brit with 1 lovely note

Lovely Little Updates

Happy Spring! I have made a little bit of progress over at my little house! 

1. I rearranged the furniture. I like it so so so much better. Please ignore the patches on the wall, and the lack of wall art. I'm in the process of finding paint to match what's already there, and the big wall on the right is where the stripes and photos collage are going. Can't wait for it to be done!

2. I hung curtains! It's amazing how much of a difference it makes! I wasn't planning on shears at all, but I love how airy they keep everything, and let the sun shine in. Plus, did you know how inexpensive those puppies are?! I have to admit, the price won me over, but I love them!

3. I have been wanting a garden stool since I first laid eyes on one. A couple weekends ago, my mom and I were wandering the aisles of Ross, and there it was! A pretty white one for....drum roll please... $29.99! Wow! I had to have it.

4. I got a patio set! Finally! There are several things the Mr. and I really want to make our little house more of a home. Aside from rugs and a few other touches, outdoor furniture was really high on the list. We have been talking about it since last June, but just hadn't found anything for a good price we liked. Well, today I was spending part of my day off at Marshall's (I love their home stuff) and they had a pretty set for only $139! It was perfect. 

Mr. H comes home tonight from a trip, and I can't wait to show him this little surprise. I even have these cooling to enjoy on the patio...it's a gorgeous night!

Hope spring is treating you wonderfully. I am sorta in love with this time of year.

xoxo!

By Brit with No lovely notes

decorating

I love to decorate. I know I've said it once, twice, 578,893,798 times. But I do. It's my hobby. My passion (beyond my marriage, my family and my cocker spaniel.) I am constantly thinking of new decor ideas, saving inspiration photos and dreaming of what i will do...some day.

See, we rent. This cute little house we live in is not really ours and since I know it's not forever, I am constantly preventing myself from really doing what I want. (Even though I know we will be here a couple more years.)

But it has occurred to me...why exactly am I constantly dreaming and never doing? Our house is just a house until I make it a home. The time has come. I'm tired of wishing. It's time to do.

I have been trying to pinpoint my decor style. What is it that I love?

Well, I bought an e-book written by Layla over at The Lettered Cottage, and it has really helped me hone in on my decor style. She has you make a list of things you love whether it's pizza and movies or green grass and sunshine, and then shows you how you can pull that into your home. 

Between my list and going through my decor inspiration, I've decided my style is beachy cottage. White. Blue. Bright. Clean. Which, oddly, isn't much of anything I currently have going on...but that makes it a little more fun, right? Fun slash more expensive. Ha!

So, I have given myself three "to do's" to get this show on the road.

1. Move my entry console table to a big blank wall in my living room and surround it with a photo collage, like the one John and Sherry at Young House Love posted earlier this week. I love pictures, so what a perfect way to bring more in! Oh, and I'd love to paint stripes on that wall, like these over at The Lettered Cottage.

2. With the entry table gone, I need a new entry way! I just love the look of this! And it's not only cute, but functional!

3. Rearrange my living room furniture, and move the TV to a table on a different wall. Mr. H. - if you are reading this...I'm gonna need your help with the whole moving the TV thing :)

And as a bonus # 4...I need window treatments. We've lived here almost a year, and the windows are still bare! I want something with shades and some flowing white curtains.

Not sure how long these things will take me, but I'm up for the challenge (and searching for the patience.) I've already talked my man into taking me to the flea market soon. Isn't he the best?

xoxo!

By Brit with 1 lovely note

I'm baaaack

Wow, did I drop off the face of the blogging planet, or what?

Here's what I've bee up to:

1. In an effort to fill my free time (not that I have tons of it anymore) I have been spending 40 minutes a day with Shaun T. No, he's not my neighbor or friend or therapist...he's the inventor of a seriously tormenting workout program. See...

I can testify that Insanity lives up to the name. And despite the fact I can't see huge changes yet, Mr. H seems to think he does, so that's good enough for me!

2. My sisters, mom and I had a fun "at home" spa night last night. My mom did facials, Katie massages, Liz painted nails and I did pedicures, complete with the foot bath we got as a wedding gift! It was really fun to spend time with the girls. I would post a picture, but they are all a little silly/embarrassing. Lolz.

3. I've been working. A lot. And I l.o.v.e. it. I couldn't imagine a more perfect job for me. Plus it helps the days just fly by while Mr. H is flying around the U.S.

4. I turn the big two-five in about a week and a half. Eek! How did I get here? I'm excited for 25...I think it's going to be a great year. My Mr. is planning some sort of birthday dinner. I don't know what he has up his sleeve, but I must say I'm pretty excited! I love love love fun dinners with him. I'm just praying for sunshine and weather in the 80's for my day :)

xoxo.

By Brit with 1 lovely note

spring wishes

Snow! Snow! Snow!

We had yet another snow day today. Pure craziness!

The good news is that I was not stuck inside for the entire day. After snuggling with my sweet Nellie until about one o'clock, I managed to brave the cold (and let me tell you, it was freezing!) to meet my best friend and her hubs for a 2.5 hour lunch. It was so nice to get out, and walking the 5 blocks there and back was sadly more exercise than I've had in a while. It felt good to get some fresh air!

Mr. H and I want to take a little trip in late spring. Somewhere warm. Any suggestions? I'm ready for some sun. I'm also kind of in love with this dress from Victoria's Secret and hoping I can get it for spring/summer. I just can't decide which pattern I love more. Maybe I'll get lucky and be able to get both :)

 

xoxo!

By Brit with 4 lovely notes

love letters

Dear Mr. H,

Last night when I laid down to dream, I found a love letter from you under my pillow. It was a perfect surprise. You said such wonderful things that filled my heart with joy, made me smile and made me cry. And then it made me miss you all over again.

The two days you are home go by so fast, and the five in between seem like eternity. I'm glad we make the most of the time we have...every minute is so precious.

I can't wait for our Luby's date next week...you know I love a good LuAnn with a side of strawberry cheesecake. And a cafeteria date with my favorite person makes it even better. 

Until Saturday night, I'll be missing you!

Love Always,

Brit

By Brit with 2 lovely notes

Anyone want to give me $537,283,962,395,869?

I am buried by over 12 inches of snow, and am going stir craaaaaaazy!

So, what have I done with the last 3 days stuck inside? Daydreamed about my future interior decor. I went through all the inspiration photos I have saved over the last couple years, and weeded out my favorites. What did I discover when I put it all together?

Apparently my love of pink and all things feminine has never changed. Pink...flowers...feminine touches...it makes me happy! I sent my collage to my mr., and you know what he said? "I don't care as long as I get a man room." Wow. I love that man!

I also discovered that my dream decor is only going to cost $537,283,962,395,869! I guess I better start saving!

Here's some girly inspiration in case you love white, pink, flowers and light as much as I do!

via Digs Digs

via House of Turquoise and Designed by The Cross Decor & Design

via House of Turquoise

via Digs Digs

via House of Turquoise and Designed by The Cross Decor & Design

Photo from Elle Decor, July/August 2007 / Image via Flickr

Designed by Palmer Weiss Interior Design

via House of Turquoise and Designed by The Cross Decor & Design

xoxo!

By Brit with 1 lovely note

Seth Cohen & Snow Storms

With my hubs being gone five out of the seven days of the week, I find myself with a lot of free time.

Lately I have been filling this time by spending hours reading my favorite blogs, discovering new ones and watching old tv favorites online (oh, Seth Cohen, how I miss The O.C.) Being that this is sorta how my life is going to be for quite some time...aka 40 years unless we decide to make the move to his base (more on that later) I have decided I have to find a hobby.

I came across a post on The Pilot Wives Club that had advice on being alone without being lonely. It said:

1. The gym is your friend (oops, we just cancelled our membership)

2. Read (do blogs count?)

3. Get plugged in at church (we love our church!)

4. Shop (Being that I spend the most time on our budget, I'm not sure I could allow myself to do this!)

5. Train for a 5k (I don't love to run, but have been thinking about trying it out once the weather gets nicer)

6. Volunteer (Could probably do more of this)

7. Find a hobby (Decorating is my hobby, I just need to find a new project. Maybe curtains?)

Some good tips for sure. I think running or some form of exercise is the #1 way I should start filling my extra time, but it's so dang cold. I guess Jillian Michaels and I better become bff again for now.

P.S. The news is predicting up to 10 inches of snow this week with temperatures below freezing until Friday (today is SUNDAY, peeps.) Say whaaa? The most snow I have ever seen was in Washington state a little over two years ago. It was a beautiful trip, but my kitchen is not near stocked enough for a giant snow storm here in good ol O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A.

Say a little prayer it's not as bad as Mr. Weatherman says (unless by some miracle the hubs gets to be here with me.) xoxo!

By Brit with 3 lovely notes

Things I love: Decorating

A friend on facebook shared this link the other day, and it was exactly what I needed to hear, err...read.

I love to decorate. I mean l.o.v.e. it. I sometimes spend hours just perusing the internet looking for inspiration, and I have files upon files of photo inspiration. But at the same time, I find myself in this dilemma...do I spend the money (and time) to decorate a place when we don't own it? (We rent a cute lil house I love, but know we won't be here forever.)

Well, this post from Nesting Place was exactly what I needed. My house is my home whether I own it or not. I have to love it, regardless.

And someday, I will live somewhere as charming as this

this sweet cottage belongs to photographer Stacey Haines

(click the photo for more photos via House of Turquoise)

or this

this whimisical victorian cottage was featured by The New York Times and belongs to Sandra Foster (click the photo for more photos via The New York Times)

xoxo!

By Brit with 1 lovely note

Snow Day!

Today was a snow day, but since Kyle and I were both off work anyway, it just meant we had to stay inside all day instead of venturing to the dog park or finding something else outside (so ready for some heat and sun!) 

We managed to watch three great movies (Catfish, Due Date and Social Network), eat an entire box of Nerds (ok, that was all me), an almost a full box of Runtz and finally pick up our marriage license. That thing had been sitting all by it's lonesome at the courthouse since it got returned in the mail a year and a half ago. We were apparently in no real hurry to pick up that sucker, but it's nice to finally cross that off my mental to-do list.

Yep, it's true, we really are married ----->

By Brit with 1 lovely note

Delish Pear Bread

Photo from Smitten Kitchen. My bread was delicious but not this pretty.

In search of a way to use up the Harry and David pears that have been sitting in our fridge for a while, I turned to my good friend Google last night, and once again he (she? Does Google have a gender?) came through for me. Smitten Kitchen had a pear bread recipe using ingredients I actually had in my pantry! It was the perfect little thing to do while I waited for Kyle to get back into town.

I must say, it is delicious, and I am pretty sure you could use just about any fruit in place of the pears that you want to.

So, in case you have some fruit burning a hole in your refrigerator, head on over to Smitten Kitchen for the recipe here.

By Brit with 3 lovely notes

Motor Mouth

Do you remember this show on VH1 back in the day...Motormouth? Friends, Family, Significant others, etc. would set up their brother, sister, daughter, boyfriend in the car with a hidden camera while they belted out tunes out of key. Here's a clip to refresh your memory...

Was anyone completely terrified they might get set up on the show? (My hand is fully raised in the air.)

I have always been a car singer. Whatever the song, I sing. Despite the fact that I didn't get my sister's amazing singing abilities, I love to sing a tune. Tonight I was driving home jamming out to a little Taylor Swift, and got that thought of "oh no, are the people in the car next to me laughing at the fact I'm just singing away like there's no tomorrow?" (If we are all being honest...I'm sure you've had that thought before too.)

But then it occurred to me...who freaking cares?

And then I sang the rest of the way home.

By Brit with 1 lovely note

Inspiring

I am not a teacher by profession, but I find this video completely inspiring. My sister is really close to beginning her teaching career, and this is such a great insight into the hearts of teachers who really feel a calling on their life for what they do. I know my little sis feels that way.

It really should be that way for all of us, don't you think? We should be so deeply passionate about what we are doing that we hope and pray we have made a difference to someone...somewhere just by being there.

Take 5 minutes to watch this. I promise it's worth it.

xoxo!

By Brit with 1 lovely note

Lovely & Not

The not so lovely:

Thinking this was my Sunday to help with the kiddos at church, getting completely ready, and then realizing it is not my Sunday and I could have slept about two hours longer. wah. wah.

The lovely:

I had time to eat breakfast, clean up the house and cuddle with my sweet Nellie.

As a side note...I'm really missing springtime and am oh so ready to go play in the park in the sunshine.

By Brit with 1 lovely note

Well, Hello

Hi.
I'm Brit.

I love family, life, faith, summer, reality TV, macaroni and cheese, interior design and, most of all, my sweetheart, Kyle.

While he is off flying these

photo credit: APG Photo, flightglobal.com

I'm selling people adorable invitations at a local stationery store. I love my job. Almost as much as I love this guy...

(but not quite.)

We also have a sweet cocker spaniel named Nellie.

Isn't she cute?

this is my lovely life...xoxo!

By Brit with 3 lovely notes