tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58618960847816208082024-03-12T21:56:51.378-07:00Design Wanna-beThis is an amateur blogger and design enthusiast's first attempt at capturing some of the beauty of life that inspires me and sharing it with you.Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-64681149987311883042010-10-26T21:20:00.001-07:002010-10-26T21:23:30.917-07:00Best for LastIn my last post--I shared a sneak peak of the nursery. Well, it's been a long time since I posted again because I've been awfully busy because..........we finally adopted a precious baby boy! His name is Jacob Mateo and he's the biggest blessing we could ever hope for.<br />
All of that to say that this is my best and my last post for a while! I don't want to miss a minute with my son, so the blog is just going on hold indefinitely. So, here are some pictures of the finished nursery--and of the most beautiful baby ever!!!! In my opinion :).<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TMeoahPm6NI/AAAAAAAAAu8/RXSxhL3drGc/s1600-h/Speece-6%20%28563x800%29%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="Speece-6 (563x800)" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TMeobrT1jzI/AAAAAAAAAvA/6NW55DZg-d4/Speece-6%20%28563x800%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Speece-6 (563x800)" width="173" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TMeoc22UJgI/AAAAAAAAAvE/qeXwKSFAoRw/s1600-h/Speece-7%20%28800x533%29%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="Speece-7 (800x533)" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TMeodwMesDI/AAAAAAAAAvI/IAvk9lq1dwA/Speece-7%20%28800x533%29_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Speece-7 (800x533)" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TMepDW4PQYI/AAAAAAAAAvs/iB5IOcS7uP4/s1600/Speece-5+(533x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TMepDW4PQYI/AAAAAAAAAvs/iB5IOcS7uP4/s320/Speece-5+(533x800).jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TMeofY3pTdI/AAAAAAAAAvM/W5hQ3Icsp-A/s1600-h/Speece-8%20%28800x533%29%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="Speece-8 (800x533)" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TMeogYulg3I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/OTsCE53LsXc/Speece-8%20%28800x533%29_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Speece-8 (800x533)" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TMeohhbjS8I/AAAAAAAAAvU/eAdZTtwpYWk/s1600-h/Speece-9%20%28800x533%29%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="Speece-9 (800x533)" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TMeoiWyEJ7I/AAAAAAAAAvY/8fxcf5igaY0/Speece-9%20%28800x533%29_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Speece-9 (800x533)" width="244" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TMeojE9kVjI/AAAAAAAAAvc/e9XeseeE3B4/s1600-h/Speece-26%20%28800x533%29%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="Speece-26 (800x533)" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TMeoj5MFgII/AAAAAAAAAvg/aHKh1dytbu8/Speece-26%20%28800x533%29_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Speece-26 (800x533)" width="244" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TMeoku9be2I/AAAAAAAAAvk/5HS4nWfq6Oo/s1600-h/Speece-24%20%28533x800%29%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="Speece-24 (533x800)" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TMeolXYxkVI/AAAAAAAAAvo/sBrUsVgwnwU/Speece-24%20%28533x800%29_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Speece-24 (533x800)" width="164" /></a> <br />
He was born on September 7th, and we brought him home on the 11th. These pictures were taken right at one month. You can also click <a href="http://swparkerphotography.com/blog/?p=8361">here</a> to see his one month photo shoot with Sara Parker (friend and photographer). They are soooooooo cute!<br />
It has been so fun to join the blogging community—and I will definitely continue to enjoy other’s blogs. So, thanks for those of you who have followed me!!!Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-64171295072183943132010-08-17T21:02:00.001-07:002010-08-17T21:02:13.845-07:00Nursery Sneak Peak<p>Well, I promised you all a sneak peak of the nursery (in case you just tuned in, my husband and I are hoping to adopt our first child sometime soon, and are getting the nursery ready since adoption can be a last minute thing)...so here are a few pics:</p> <p>Oh, and we’re trying to keep it gender neutral since we’re open to adopting either a boy or a girl (how are we doing on that?). </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TGtbP0FGujI/AAAAAAAAAuk/A0QEHbzqNqU/s1600-h/IMG_2560%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2560" border="0" alt="IMG_2560" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TGtbQb7n_gI/AAAAAAAAAuo/i0Wl-_dhX0s/IMG_2560_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>This beautiful fabric was the inspiration for the whole room.  Ben’s mom made the crib bedding—this is the crib skirt.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TGtbRMxgZSI/AAAAAAAAAus/QUYX3sLUB7Y/s1600-h/IMG_2573%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2573" border="0" alt="IMG_2573" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TGtbRWQP6SI/AAAAAAAAAuw/y2WAQh7AdoE/IMG_2573_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>My mom gave us this chair which I had recovered, and the pillow is made from a New Guinea flour sack which my in-laws brought back with them when they moved back to the States many years ago.  The alligator is just cute, and we got him at IKEA this weekend.</p> <p>My mom bought us some beautiful animal prints that are currently being framed, so you’ll have to stay tuned for those, and we can’t figure out how to put the crib together, so no pics of that until my brother-in-law comes over to help us (they gave us their old crib).  So you can see that everyone is pitching in to help us out, including my dear friend Stacy, from <a href="http://www.greenseedcreations.com/">Green Seed Creations</a>.  Check out this post on her <a href="http://greenseedcreations.blogspot.com/2010/07/nursery-bound.html">blog</a> to see what she did to an old liquor cabinet, in order to turn it in to a changing table and then peruse the rest of her activities—she has some very cute stuff for sale, and also does custom pieces.  Hmmm, that makes me think maybe I should see if she would help me do my first blog give-away…</p> Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-7473462642606257602010-08-13T23:43:00.000-07:002010-08-13T23:44:18.297-07:00This Life I Live<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TGY4X-I_1HI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/ET1FPSw-nv0/s1600/IMG_2449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TGY4X-I_1HI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/ET1FPSw-nv0/s400/IMG_2449.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Hello friends! Sorry for the prolonged silence. I went to Mexico for a month--one of the perks of being a Spanish teacher is study abroad trips! (more on that soon). I am finally starting to get back in the groove, and get back to blogging! <br />
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But the purpose of this post is to introduce you to the new and improved blog of one of my friends, Danielle. It's called, <a href="http://cevallosadoption.blogspot.com/2010/08/winner_13.html">This Life I Live</a> and it started as a blog about her and her husband's adoption journey--they adopted two beautiful sisters from Ethiopia. But now it's become a chronicle of their lives and all the fun and struggles and joy. She also does some pretty great give-aways (in fact I'm totally bummed that I didn't win this week's giveaway--pics by <a href="http://swparkerphotography.com/blog/">Sara Parker</a>--my favorite lifestyle photographer!). So, check her out when you've got the time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TGY50g8jB4I/AAAAAAAAAuY/jzI4onHMJB4/s1600/Danielleheader3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TGY50g8jB4I/AAAAAAAAAuY/jzI4onHMJB4/s320/Danielleheader3.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, speaking of adoption, I should have a sneak peak of the nursery soon...Ben finally let me really start working on it, even though we're still waiting. Yay! It's gonna be cute, so stay tuned!</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-85333074999444387962010-06-29T19:43:00.000-07:002010-06-29T19:43:16.271-07:00Break the Bank or Budget-Friendly Room?<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I just saw this gorgeous girls' room posted by my blog-friend over on <a href="http://vivafullhouse.blogspot.com/2010/06/girls-room-edition-1-budget-style.html">Full House</a> and couldn't wait even a second to feature it here as well. She did her twin daughters' room for an incredible price, and I really want you to guess how much it was before you check out the full post on her own beautiful blog. Here's a sneak peak--I hope you like it as much as I do. Perfect and precious in every way...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TCqulzt1iRI/AAAAAAAAAt0/qpufmwsz1uA/s1600/Full+House+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" ru="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TCqulzt1iRI/AAAAAAAAAt0/qpufmwsz1uA/s640/Full+House+3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TCquG_utbhI/AAAAAAAAAtk/SrDGxCNSFlI/s1600/Full+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" ru="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TCquG_utbhI/AAAAAAAAAtk/SrDGxCNSFlI/s640/Full+House.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To see the full post click <a href="http://vivafullhouse.blogspot.com/2010/06/girls-room-edition-1-budget-style.html">here</a> but don't forget to leave a comment with your guess on the price before you do!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-6961065508278494362010-06-27T07:18:00.000-07:002010-06-27T07:21:24.074-07:00When the Husband's Away, the Wife Will PlayLast night one of my other decor-addicted friends, Elizabeth, and I stayed up until 1 in the morning playing at our mutual friend Liz's house. You see, Liz's sweet husband is away for the weekend, so we took the opportunity change up a few things in her house.<br />
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Although our main task was to help her think about re-decorating the master bedroom, Elizabeth, who has self-diagnosed Room A.D.D. had us moving furniture in the dining room, living room, and re-dressing the bed in the guest room as well.<br />
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The funniest moment, however, is when we headed to the back room, which is currently a laundry room/art space/catch-all, and hidden away, back in the furthest reaches of the house, Elizabeth spies a large, beautiful, antiquey/whimsical framed map of Italy (a gift from one of Liz's co-workers, reminiscent of Liz's family background) and exclaims with delight, "I love this map! It's gorgeous!" Liz goes on to say how much she and her husband like it as well to which Elizabeth responds, "Oh great idea Liz, take the cutest picture in your whole house, and be sure to hang it where no one will <strong>ever</strong> see it!" Poor Liz, they thought they had found a nice place of honor for it, (behind the kitchen on the way out the back door). So, we decided to place it in the M.B. and we think it should become the inspiration piece for the rest of the room.<br />
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Now to decide on a new paint color for the walls...we suggested a light grey, but Liz was worried about gray evoking thoughts of prisons. So, here are a few pics (via <a href="http://www.houzz.com/">Houzz</a>) that I hope will change her mind about gray.<br />
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<div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/57997/grey-walls-Turquoise-bedding--bedroom-"><img alt="grey walls-Turquoise bedding bedroom" border="0" height="500" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/57997_0_8-5378--bedroom.jpg" width="500" /></img></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/bedroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">bedroom design</a></small></div><br />
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<div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/35795/Guest-Room-Redesign-traditional-bedroom-dc-metro"><img alt="Guest Room Redesign traditional bedroom" border="0" height="333" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/35795_0_8-5384-traditional-bedroom.jpg" width="500" /></img></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/bedroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">traditional bedroom design</a></small></div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-1160668978112174982010-06-20T23:21:00.000-07:002010-06-20T23:21:32.187-07:00I'm Back!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Hello friends! Sorry for such a long silence, but we've been on a rather extended vacation. Since the end of May, I've hit the big city (NYC), the beach (Outer Banks) and the mountains (Asheville). What a treat! I'm not bragging, I'm really just thankful that I get some time off in the summer, and so I try to take full advantage of it! Anyway, since we just returned from the mountains, I thought I would post on one of my favorite stores in Asheville....<a href="http://www.screendoorasheville.com/">The Screen Door</a>. They have the most interesting and unique collection of incredible art and antiques! I try to go at least once every time I'm home--but this week I actually found myself there THREE different times! I know--I'm addicted.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So here are some pics (you all know that photography is not my gift!) that I took of my favorite booth! I'm getting some inspiration for the future nursery-to-be...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TB8DfPagtzI/AAAAAAAAAtc/CF4QjEUNEFk/s1600/IMG_7252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ru="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TB8DfPagtzI/AAAAAAAAAtc/CF4QjEUNEFk/s400/IMG_7252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TB8ChvFtpGI/AAAAAAAAAtM/3QukTuj_kI0/s1600/IMG_7250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TB8ChvFtpGI/AAAAAAAAAtM/3QukTuj_kI0/s400/IMG_7250.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TB8BzyGytKI/AAAAAAAAAtE/7S_er_YuLP8/s1600/IMG_7246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TB8BzyGytKI/AAAAAAAAAtE/7S_er_YuLP8/s400/IMG_7246.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TB8DE_u1v_I/AAAAAAAAAtU/HWt5aOJUgoo/s1600/IMG_7251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/TB8DE_u1v_I/AAAAAAAAAtU/HWt5aOJUgoo/s320/IMG_7251.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I know it's not particularly babyish--it's just the over-all impression that I like--certain elements of the room. So, what do you think? Could these goodies lead to a nature-inspired nursery that's fun, rough and sophisticated all at the same time?</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-43449506070446994352010-05-09T23:16:00.000-07:002010-05-09T23:16:32.157-07:00A NurseryWell, the semester has ended, and I'm back to my fun with design...<br />
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As most of you know, Ben and I have been on a bit of a journey to start our family. We've finally been approved with our adoption agency, and are now officially waiting! Ben has wisely decreed that I must not purchase anything for the nursery-to-be until there is actually a baby to bring home, but...that does not mean that I can't go ahead and decide exactly what I want so that when we get that phone call, I'm ready to go! So, I convinced him to peruse some kids rooms on <a href="http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/home-tours?page=13">Ohdeedo</a>, and below I've posted my top picks and his top picks. What do you think? Any favorites? Any ideas of how to combine some elements from each? Any other suggestions?<br />
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A few of my picks:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S-eisuRHiCI/AAAAAAAAAsU/t5bNVN3eDns/s1600/2009-11-norah_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S-eisuRHiCI/AAAAAAAAAsU/t5bNVN3eDns/s320/2009-11-norah_sm.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S-eizCcxNRI/AAAAAAAAAsc/eD3SQxJQHWU/s1600/2010-05-levinorah1_rect540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S-eizCcxNRI/AAAAAAAAAsc/eD3SQxJQHWU/s320/2010-05-levinorah1_rect540.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S-ei99p2v5I/AAAAAAAAAs8/uApeGJYXRNQ/s1600/lp001_rect540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S-ei99p2v5I/AAAAAAAAAs8/uApeGJYXRNQ/s320/lp001_rect540.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I really like the yellow and aqua.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S-ei1eATFHI/AAAAAAAAAsk/s9hFxlizthQ/s1600/052909Reid-Nursery-View-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S-ei1eATFHI/AAAAAAAAAsk/s9hFxlizthQ/s320/052909Reid-Nursery-View-A.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ben's picks:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S-eioTkpFAI/AAAAAAAAAsM/vVaHSxuyAFI/s1600/2009-04-easton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S-eioTkpFAI/AAAAAAAAAsM/vVaHSxuyAFI/s320/2009-04-easton.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S-ei4JK1lCI/AAAAAAAAAss/ZbBOy7myAtw/s1600/coopersroom%25203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S-ei4JK1lCI/AAAAAAAAAss/ZbBOy7myAtw/s320/coopersroom%25203.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">In this one he just likes the car art.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S-ei6ZRBqeI/AAAAAAAAAs0/2wLR8LJuGM0/s1600/davidsroomtour-TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S-ei6ZRBqeI/AAAAAAAAAs0/2wLR8LJuGM0/s320/davidsroomtour-TOP.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Here he likes the green.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">So--what do you designies think?</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-79839020803744693172010-04-27T22:03:00.001-07:002010-04-27T22:03:44.638-07:00DIA<p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:20e17d79-03fb-4e06-91c5-f45f5578bad7" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-f133f3b1168e0259.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=F133F3B1168E0259!108&ct=photos"><img style="border:0px" alt="View DIA 2010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S9fBsOhbZtI/AAAAAAAAAsI/I4S3Mnzulwg/InlineRepresentationbb5986be-9e34-4d4d-8188-aec72a77fd21.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:340px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-f133f3b1168e0259.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=F133F3B1168E0259!108&ct=photos">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p>Well, DIA has come and gone, and it was  a great success!  I’m waiting on some more pictures, and a video, but these will have to do for now.  My favorite part of the whole celebration really was the diversity—we had all ages, shapes, sizes and colors.  It was great!  Nothing better to celebrate than children, culture and books!  We had some fabulous performers, and my students did an excellent job with the bilingual story-time.  Bravo!</p> Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-54449825145791118012010-04-10T19:36:00.000-07:002010-04-10T19:36:30.431-07:00South of Market<div style="text-align: center;">I went to Charleston last weekend for the day with my friend Elizabeth, and we had a lovely time. We mostly just walked around town looking at the beautiful houses and gardens, and imagining what it would be like to live like that. We also happened upon two beautiful stores on King St. The first, <a href="http://southofmarket.biz/">South of Market</a>, was gorgeous! I wanted everything in the store--but it was a bit out of my price range.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a small sampling:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S8EyWmmJKjI/AAAAAAAAArk/yt-UxDoYUgk/s1600/IMG_1520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S8EyWmmJKjI/AAAAAAAAArk/yt-UxDoYUgk/s320/IMG_1520.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S8EzfYiCylI/AAAAAAAAArs/ClostUURndA/s1600/IMG_1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S8EzfYiCylI/AAAAAAAAArs/ClostUURndA/s320/IMG_1516.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S8E0IC_EgEI/AAAAAAAAAr0/yme6U_JhxBU/s1600/gray+bird+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S8E0IC_EgEI/AAAAAAAAAr0/yme6U_JhxBU/s320/gray+bird+print.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via Sou<a href="http://southofmarket.biz/category/pillows?page=3">th of Market</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The other shop, <a href="http://www.lilycharleston.com/">Lily</a>, doesn't offer a lot yet on their website, but they do have a cute <a href="http://www.lilycharleston.blogspot.com/">blog</a> that gives you a taste of her classic and fabulous style.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S8E1fReOQZI/AAAAAAAAAr8/B-iDdtZJiWY/s1600/lilyhat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S8E1fReOQZI/AAAAAAAAAr8/B-iDdtZJiWY/s320/lilyhat.jpeg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, next time you're in Charleston, be sure to pop in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-6915239508030387552010-03-26T20:53:00.000-07:002010-03-30T20:56:35.662-07:00Spring is in Swing!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I will try to get some pictures of my own pretty flowers (I now have 9 tulips, 6 irises and several beautiful knock-out roses), but until tomorrow, when I will be planting the discount roses I bought for Ben, this beautiful shot will just have to do.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S62AalrCCkI/AAAAAAAAArc/7BPkj1Cmb0s/s1600/spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S62AalrCCkI/AAAAAAAAArc/7BPkj1Cmb0s/s320/spring.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via <a href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/">House of Turquoise</a> via <a href="http://www.bellemaison23.com/2010/03/quote-of-week_15.html">Belle Maison</a></span></div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-30339404465974410462010-03-24T15:28:00.000-07:002010-03-24T15:28:44.364-07:00DIA Design Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S6qQ8Rx_mGI/AAAAAAAAArQ/hwci-S8cNrY/s1600/dia_project_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" nt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S6qQ8Rx_mGI/AAAAAAAAArQ/hwci-S8cNrY/s320/dia_project_final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here it is...the big design! I'm so excited about our event! See below for details:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Also, check out the new preliminary design for our new website! I love it! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://leer.mjinteractivedesign.com/">http://leer.mjinteractivedesign.com/</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Please check out <a href="http://www.mjinteractivedesign.com/">MJinteractive design</a>--she's amazing and works so quickly!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Calling all Columbia area kids and their families!</span> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Join us for DIA (Diversity in Action)—a free, fun-filled festival celebrating children and culture through books. Enter the Storybook House or “Casa de Cuentos” for an afternoon of adventure. Your children will participate in interactive storytelling in English and Spanish, as well as dancing, music, crafts and food from many different cultures.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>It will take place on April 24th from 1-4pm at the Keenan House in Columbia, SC (801 Wildwood Ave. Columbia, SC 29203). For more information on the event or if you would like to participate through song, dance, storytelling or crafts, contact Shelley Whipple at shelley.whipple@columbiasc.edu<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Presented by: Columbia College Division of Languages and Literatures, L.E.E.R. Family Outreach, Palmetto Luna and Maria Palito USA </div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-84084800283628721762010-03-11T16:36:00.000-08:002010-03-11T16:36:24.679-08:00Asheville ArtThanks goodness it's Spring break! The winter doldrums are starting to clear as I have one daffodil blooming and one iris! There are many tulips popping up as well, but no blooms yet. As inspiring as the Spring weather is, you all know that I'm always inspired when I get a chance to head up to Asheville for a little visit back home. Not only is it refreshing to see my family (and my most adorable nephews!), but I always try to hit a few art galleries while I'm downtown to keep an eye out for something fresh to post here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And my last trip did not disappoint. I found two artists that I really like. The first, <a href="http://maggiehopper.com/home.html">Maggie Hopper</a>, has made it difficult to copy pictures from her website, so the little bitty pics will have to give you a taste until you can head on over to her site to check her out for yourself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S5mIiAesDbI/AAAAAAAAAqw/vcvn3p3Svf8/s1600-h/shimmering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S5mIiAesDbI/AAAAAAAAAqw/vcvn3p3Svf8/s320/shimmering.jpg" vt="true" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S5mIgysBl_I/AAAAAAAAAqo/xUCDb1J41xw/s1600-h/october.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S5mIgysBl_I/AAAAAAAAAqo/xUCDb1J41xw/s320/october.jpg" vt="true" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S5mIfnKXFfI/AAAAAAAAAqg/AuNWWnNmNPk/s1600-h/hollyhocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S5mIfnKXFfI/AAAAAAAAAqg/AuNWWnNmNPk/s320/hollyhocks.jpg" vt="true" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S5mId6KA3rI/AAAAAAAAAqY/5eJoVvNlppA/s1600-h/branch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S5mId6KA3rI/AAAAAAAAAqY/5eJoVvNlppA/s320/branch.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And for the second <a href="http://kristitaylor.com/">Kristie Taylor</a>, I don't believe the photos do justice to her work, so I'm only posting two shots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S5mJxyrubRI/AAAAAAAAAq4/9ntnQ3-5fYg/s1600-h/on+the+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S5mJxyrubRI/AAAAAAAAAq4/9ntnQ3-5fYg/s320/on+the+wall.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S5mJzwdNWwI/AAAAAAAAArA/Wi5W0XgeaNA/s1600-h/with+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S5mJzwdNWwI/AAAAAAAAArA/Wi5W0XgeaNA/s320/with+chair.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They look better in these shots from a distance, than they do in the shots up close, but seeing them in person would be better. Oh well, at least you get the idea. What do you think--are their stars on the rise? I hope so. Enjoy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-89975518619112010792010-03-05T20:50:00.000-08:002010-03-05T20:55:36.933-08:00Maria PalitoI've just discovered the cutest little website. One of my students and I are planning an event called <a href="http://leerfamilyoutreach.blogspot.com/2010/03/dia-diversity-in-action.html">DIA</a> (Diversity In Action) to celebrate diversity, children and literacy. A friend has connected me with the designer of this website <a href="http://workshop.mariapalitousa.com/">Maria Palito</a> who does all her own graphic design, and sells super cute stuff for kids! Jewelry, dolls, illustrations and more. She's amazing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S5HWD6tOqOI/AAAAAAAAAqE/FrD0AccFDig/s1600-h/NuevoMariapalito.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S5HWD6tOqOI/AAAAAAAAAqE/FrD0AccFDig/s320/NuevoMariapalito.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via <a href="http://www.mariapalitousa.com/">maria palito</a></span></div>She's creating the design for the posters and flyers for our event so I thought I'd give her a shout out here. I can't wait to post the design--it's going to be perfect! Check out her site and tell me what you think. (And her jewelry is 100% eco-friendly.)Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-68869598843321392562010-02-23T21:43:00.000-08:002010-02-23T21:43:04.364-08:00Lacking Inspiration Where Design is ConcernedI'm trying to post something, but I just have nothing creative and inspiring to post regarding the design world. Right now my mind is swimming with thoughts of Performance Based Assessments for my students, the 50 compositions I still have left to grade, and the inspiring, yet difficult topic of Critical Race Theory.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Will you all abandon me if I begin to rant about some of the injustices I'm learning about as I delve into the world of language and literacy, looking at how power and position-even with regards to something as seemingly simple as language--affect our public schools and society at large? I imagine you will, therefore I will just briefly mention this book.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S4S7N1Z7NLI/AAAAAAAAAp4/E8_ldtvfVqI/s1600-h/all+god%27s+children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S4S7N1Z7NLI/AAAAAAAAAp4/E8_ldtvfVqI/s320/all+god%27s+children.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Racial inequality is not a topic for the faint of heart, but this book has caught my attention! Each time I pick it up and begin reading I think, "Critical Race Theory--where have you been all my life?!?" And why aren't we talking about it more and thinking about how to solve problems of racism in our country? </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, that's all I'll say about that. Thanks for humoring me. I'll try to make my next post about something pretty!</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-15353752260993278252010-02-17T20:07:00.000-08:002010-02-17T20:07:42.826-08:00A Good Cause<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S3y637jwuOI/AAAAAAAAApw/lNCXwZcOHLA/s1600-h/Wreath+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S3y637jwuOI/AAAAAAAAApw/lNCXwZcOHLA/s320/Wreath+1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://waldenhouse.blogspot.com/2010/02/wreath-fundraiser-and-cool-family.html">http://waldenhouse.blogspot.com/2010/02/wreath-fundraiser-and-cool-family.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you may remember, Ben and I are in the process of trying to adopt. And while we are excited about this, there are many challenges along the way, one large one being the financial aspect. Thankfully, our money is already provided for, but we have some good friends who are also trying to adopt. Our pastor's wife, Stacy from the blog <a href="http://waldenhouse.blogspot.com/">Blessed Chaos</a>, is making these cool wreaths to raise money for their adoption. They are only $15.00 and the money goes directly toward Kenny and Meredith's adoption fund. I've already ordered mine, so if you want one too, just click on the link under the picture and follow the directions.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-51210613132406185952010-02-05T20:30:00.000-08:002010-02-05T23:06:31.180-08:00The One That Got Away<div>Have you ever missed a golden opportunity to be on the cutting edge of design before anyone else? You were flipping through a magazine and thought, "I saw a (fill-in-the-blank) just like that two years ago! I should have gotten it when I had the chance." Well, that doesn't happen too often, but these chairs:</div><br />
<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0QZ17noJ8I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/Oa56qRlMm34/s1600-h/vintstyleseating_123009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423488265588582338" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0QZ17noJ8I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/Oa56qRlMm34/s400/vintstyleseating_123009.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 286px; width: 343px;" /></a></div><br />
<div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via </span><a href="http://www.sundancecatalog.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">sundance</span></a></div><br />
<div></div>I see them everywhere!<br />
<br />
<div>Let me just tell you. In the first house we ever rented. Our landlord was a homewrecker. Literally, he tore down buildings for a living, and often got to salvage whatever happened to be left in the building before destroying it. He also stored many of these "treasures" in the shed in our backyard/junkyard. He must have had 50 of these cool aluminum chairs he had gotten when one of the state mental hospitals closed down (creepy, I know). Anyhow, we thought they were the coolest and used them in our house. When we moved out, I wanted to keep some, but in the hustle and bustle, never got around to asking him (although I highly doubt he would have noticed if a few had gone missing.) </div><br />
<div>Well, now that I keep an eye on what's in style, I kick myself every time I see one of these chairs in a designer magazine! Oh well, c'est la vie. </div><br />
<div></div>What's your one that got away?<br />
<br />
<div><br />
</div><br />
<div></div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-56610970119778447092010-01-30T07:31:00.000-08:002010-03-11T15:44:10.669-08:00Hand-Painted Lovelies<div style="text-align: left;">I was browsing one of my regular reads, <a href="http://bloesem.blogs.com/bloesem/">Bloesem</a>, when one of her ads actually caught my eye. She always posts the most unique and beautiful things. So I clicked on the <a href="http://bookhou.com/">link</a>, and found the piece that had caught my eye, this adorable Victorian Row House storage container.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S2RN9th5EtI/AAAAAAAAApI/KeQz7F47W8M/s1600-h/victorianrollhousestorage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S2RN9th5EtI/AAAAAAAAApI/KeQz7F47W8M/s320/victorianrollhousestorage.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I put it in my cart and contemplated where I could use it in my house, then I went to default, when I can't justify buying it for myself and thought, "Who I could buy it for?" (Because gifts don't really count when you're spending money, right?) Then I remembered one reason I started this blog. Because I don't have a lot of space left in my house, so instead of buying the cute things I see, I could start posting them for others to see and enjoy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, happily, and with animal shopper's instinct under control, I continued to browse and found these other hand-painted fabulous finds. Perhaps I can tempt you to purchase one for your home...or maybe you could buy it as a gift!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S2ROdNtwQnI/AAAAAAAAApQ/b-wwiEspbDw/s1600-h/victorianrollhouse-det_000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S2ROdNtwQnI/AAAAAAAAApQ/b-wwiEspbDw/s320/victorianrollhouse-det_000.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S2ROhroi_VI/AAAAAAAAApY/elgP_Mduc-E/s1600-h/sprig-storage-container.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S2ROhroi_VI/AAAAAAAAApY/elgP_Mduc-E/s320/sprig-storage-container.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S2ROmDx6ZuI/AAAAAAAAApg/rcNd9rqlOlE/s1600-h/pine-pillow.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S2ROmDx6ZuI/AAAAAAAAApg/rcNd9rqlOlE/s320/pine-pillow.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S2ROq8COT9I/AAAAAAAAApo/KOraKfBP0NA/s1600-h/birdpillowwithseeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S2ROq8COT9I/AAAAAAAAApo/KOraKfBP0NA/s320/birdpillowwithseeds.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">images via <a href="http://bookhou.com/">bookou</a></span></div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-90176632243805978022010-01-27T06:57:00.000-08:002010-01-27T06:57:43.038-08:00The Yellow Wallpaper<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Okay---here it is.....the dreaded classroom with the yellow wallpaper. Please tell me if I'm being overly dramatic, but can you imagine being able to pay attention in this room?<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S2BP6VSNXdI/AAAAAAAAAo4/5Fis-nd6R4U/s1600-h/IMG_1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S2BP6VSNXdI/AAAAAAAAAo4/5Fis-nd6R4U/s400/IMG_1500.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a close up of the windowless room.<br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S2BQKfVLSvI/AAAAAAAAApA/WyYwDpc6vYY/s1600-h/IMG_1501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S2BQKfVLSvI/AAAAAAAAApA/WyYwDpc6vYY/s400/IMG_1501.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div align="center">And here you can see how the back wall is nicely slanted in so that if feels like it's closing in on you!!!<br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left">Now, I would hate for anyone to think that I'm opposed to wallpaper. You can check out this <a href="http://designwanna-be.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html">past post</a> to see some examples of good wallpaper.<br />
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</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-55198057069006105172010-01-18T19:27:00.000-08:002010-01-18T19:50:25.748-08:00School's in!<p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S1UrJ-WTVsI/AAAAAAAAAow/GoaMSOVYPPM/s1600-h/keeper.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428292376220358338" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S1UrJ-WTVsI/AAAAAAAAAow/GoaMSOVYPPM/s200/keeper.JPG" /></a></p>Well, it's officially back to school for me this week as teaching started today and learning started last week (although I do just as much learning when I'm teaching, as I do when I'm supposed to be learning). And let me tell you, there were a few serious impediments to my learning last week! Stay tuned, and I will post a picture of the most horrific classroom I have ever seen!<br /><br />I hope I won't be disappearing like I did last semester. I'm going to try to post at least once a week so my few blogging buddies don't forget all about me! <br />Hasta pronto.Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-9518947687491259162010-01-15T08:46:00.000-08:002010-01-15T08:58:36.012-08:00Back in New York!Who else is excited about Project Runway's return to NYC? I thought it was a pretty good show last night and I'm excited about some of the designers. <div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S1CcOaybuFI/AAAAAAAAAoI/7Ez-nByl5zQ/s1600-h/pr7-ep1-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427009322504403026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S1CcOaybuFI/AAAAAAAAAoI/7Ez-nByl5zQ/s320/pr7-ep1-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>Two questions for you: what's the best part about them being back in NY?</div><br /><div></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S1CcmjJlcrI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/gS6TV6ibdSk/s1600-h/pr7-ninagarcia.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 171px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427009737065853618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S1CcmjJlcrI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/gS6TV6ibdSk/s320/pr7-ninagarcia.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S1CcmhMh88I/AAAAAAAAAoY/BEYc2XSQcEY/s1600-h/michaelkors.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 171px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427009736541336514" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S1CcmhMh88I/AAAAAAAAAoY/BEYc2XSQcEY/s320/michaelkors.jpg" /></a><br /><div> </div><div>And, which designer did you like best?</div><br /><div></div><div>As far as design goes, I liked the winning garment:</div><br /><div></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S1CdGBmDaWI/AAAAAAAAAog/OuXPZ0CVDAg/s1600-h/PR7-ep1-emilio-portfolio.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427010277814266210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S1CdGBmDaWI/AAAAAAAAAog/OuXPZ0CVDAg/s320/PR7-ep1-emilio-portfolio.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div>But as far as personality goes, I really liked Anthony! He's hilarious!</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S1Cd_bmre_I/AAAAAAAAAoo/ZHWoK4Sgx14/s1600-h/pr7-bio-anthony_0.png"><img style="WIDTH: 151px; HEIGHT: 153px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427011264048757746" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S1Cd_bmre_I/AAAAAAAAAoo/ZHWoK4Sgx14/s320/pr7-bio-anthony_0.png" /></a></div><br /><div>What do you guys think?</div></div></div></div></div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-4224874129029811502010-01-13T20:10:00.000-08:002010-01-13T20:22:21.760-08:00A Garden For Your FeetMaybe you don't have a green thumb, but with these slippers, you could have a green toe! <div><br /><div><div><div>One of my friends just got a pair of the cutest slippers for her birthday and she sent me the link--<a href="http://www.twinkleandwhimsy.com/womensgoodygoodyslippers.aspx">Twinkle and Whimsy</a>. I thought I would share them with you all because although they are indeed cutesy, I also think they are really cute! She got "Persimmon"<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S06aWoveSAI/AAAAAAAAAnY/E4TTo3gTk24/s1600-h/persimmonslipx400.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426444314712360962" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S06aWoveSAI/AAAAAAAAAnY/E4TTo3gTk24/s320/persimmonslipx400.jpg" /></a><br />I also like Camelia,<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S06aWz87hvI/AAAAAAAAAng/uPUPqCAtmRs/s1600-h/cameliabest_x400.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426444317721593586" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S06aWz87hvI/AAAAAAAAAng/uPUPqCAtmRs/s320/cameliabest_x400.jpg" /></a><br />Summer<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S06a8i_Z8RI/AAAAAAAAAoA/alrAkCUfk6I/s1600-h/summer400.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426444966003601682" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S06a8i_Z8RI/AAAAAAAAAoA/alrAkCUfk6I/s320/summer400.jpg" /></a></div><div>Sun Lily<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S06aXlWpO-I/AAAAAAAAAn4/ETlkf_OUTf0/s1600-h/sunlilytouchupx400.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426444330982783970" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S06aXlWpO-I/AAAAAAAAAn4/ETlkf_OUTf0/s320/sunlilytouchupx400.jpg" /></a></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S06aXfF6TWI/AAAAAAAAAnw/NOu-ORMUDXA/s1600-h/summer400.jpg"></a></div><div>and Peony!</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S06aXLFwDWI/AAAAAAAAAno/3JXWbtVoAIk/s1600-h/peonyx400.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426444323932605794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S06aXLFwDWI/AAAAAAAAAno/3JXWbtVoAIk/s320/peonyx400.jpg" /></a><br />These delightful little slippers seem like they would cheer you up on a cold dreary day and make you think of Spring! Hope you enjoy.</div><div></div></div></div></div></div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-46872392612988152392010-01-05T20:45:00.000-08:002010-01-08T09:23:10.086-08:00Charlie HarperAny Charlie Harper fans out there?<br /><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0QWOQzJboI/AAAAAAAAAmo/omrg1w3OR6M/s1600-h/A%2520Good%2520World.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 174px; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423484285544394370" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0QWOQzJboI/AAAAAAAAAmo/omrg1w3OR6M/s400/A%2520Good%2520World.jpg" /></a></div><div>I'm becoming one.</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0QWOgYBE4I/AAAAAAAAAmw/dnBO49U5KrI/s1600-h/Birdie.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 146px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423484289725567874" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0QWOgYBE4I/AAAAAAAAAmw/dnBO49U5KrI/s400/Birdie.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0QWO7IB0BI/AAAAAAAAAm4/YJw15cb4SaY/s1600-h/Coniferous-Cardinal.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 144px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423484296906264594" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0QWO7IB0BI/AAAAAAAAAm4/YJw15cb4SaY/s400/Coniferous-Cardinal.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>I first noticed his art on a set of alphabet flash cards I bought at Anthropologie for a friend's baby. Now I see he was quite prolific.</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0QWPXiRnbI/AAAAAAAAAnA/rvoOTmgP2rQ/s1600-h/Ladybug-Sampler.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 112px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423484304532544946" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0QWPXiRnbI/AAAAAAAAAnA/rvoOTmgP2rQ/s400/Ladybug-Sampler.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>Those of you with kiddies might want to get this book:</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0QYibMm2fI/AAAAAAAAAnI/dILmVo0pth0/s1600-h/51CbEr7m6RL__SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423486830956173810" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0QYibMm2fI/AAAAAAAAAnI/dILmVo0pth0/s400/51CbEr7m6RL__SL500_AA240_.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Just a thought.</div></div></div></div></div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-32979563263217533792010-01-04T09:09:00.000-08:002010-01-04T11:06:58.400-08:00On the brighter sideMy last post was a little heavy, and now I'm kind of embarrased that I shared so much. So, this next post is a little "lighter". <div></div><br /><div>In Florida for Christmas, my mother-in-law was inspired by my <a href="http://designwanna-be.blogspot.com/2009/09/im-no-longer-ikea-virgin.html">IKEA post</a>. She decided that my gift would be to take me to that glorious heaven of Scandanavian design for the day (and not rush me like some people did!) and give me $100.00 to spend. What a great gift! The closest one to them is in Tampa, about an hour away.</div><div></div><div>The main thing I bought was this light which I'm planning on putting in our office (which will hopefully become our nursery one day).</div><div></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0IibK-U78I/AAAAAAAAAmg/gvHlZLzRsBw/s1600-h/office+light.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 250px; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422934751505084354" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0IibK-U78I/AAAAAAAAAmg/gvHlZLzRsBw/s400/office+light.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><div>So my question is this: is it weird to put a light like this in an office/bedroom? What do you design-junkies think?</div><div></div><div></div><div>The funny thing about our trip was that we took our time, looked at everything upstairs, ate lunch, looked at everything downstairs, and then when we had completely had our fill of IKEA, we got ready to go. We headed out to the car, parcels in hand, and I couldn't find my keys! So, we went back in, I went to lost and found (and those of you that have been there, know that there's no quick and easy way to get around--that place is HUGE!) </div><div></div><div></div><div>After finding no keys, and climbing onto the hood of my car to try to see if my keys were anywhere visible in the car, we got my brother-in-law to call Triple A to see if they would come (just hoping they were somehere in the car so my husband would not have to drive out an hour during rush hour traffic to bring me the spare key). We went back inside, got a frozen yogurt and a tray of cinnamon buns, and waited. Thankfully, when the Triple A man arrived and broke into our car, they were sitting just where I'd left them, underneath the IKEA catalog!!!</div><div></div><div></div><div>Needless to say, I got more than I ever wanted of IKEA--but we had a great time and we enjoyed our adventure together. Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it!</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-32409341799087473152009-12-31T19:42:00.000-08:002010-01-02T22:11:31.781-08:00A Journey of HealingGenerally my blog is all about home decor, and not too much about me. But today I felt like sharing what's really going on and why I haven't felt like posting lately. I suppose it's very strange to post personal things on a website that anyone can read, but I'm hoping it will be somewhat therapeutic, and maybe some of you out there can relate.<br /><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div>My husband and I have been trying to start a family now for what feels like forever, and other than our two beautiful dogs, have had no success. </div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0Aen-ChM2I/AAAAAAAAAlo/C3GxrzHY3KA/s1600-h/183.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422367623371371362" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0Aen-ChM2I/AAAAAAAAAlo/C3GxrzHY3KA/s400/183.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>We've finally decided to move forward with adoption, but after the disappointments we've faced so far, that is a huge step for us and a giant leap of faith. Although mentally I am excited about the prospect of adopting a beautiful child, inside I'm still grieving the heartbreaks and disappointments we have encountered along the way.</div><br /><div>Since I have a month off between semesters (one of the many benefits of being a poor teacher!), Ben and I traveled down to Florida to see his family, and then made the trek up to Asheville, NC to see mine.</div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0AhRTCxFiI/AAAAAAAAAlw/EKz1eocoFv4/s1600-h/IMG_1363.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422370532407449122" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0AhRTCxFiI/AAAAAAAAAlw/EKz1eocoFv4/s400/IMG_1363.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div>While we were in Asheville, I had determined to take a personal retreat. Last fall, my brother took me to a beautiful chapel somewhere in the mountains called <a href="http://www.quietreflections.org/">Quiet Reflections</a>, and I knew that would be the perfect place to get away. So, I took off up the mountain, even though there had been a foot of snow the week before, and I didn't know the conditions of the roads, or if it would even be open. On the way I enjoyed the beautiful lakes and rivers, chilled by the remaining heaps and drifts of snow. As I neared my destination, I realized that the roads were not as clear as I had hoped. And when I turned onto the steep, winding dirt road that would lead me to my place of quiet retreat, I began to notice snowy, icy patches. Still, I persevered! Not far from the top, I spotted a man up ahead who looked like he was taking care of the property (truly the quintessential mountain man, long bushy beard, over-alls, banged up truck and all). Fearing the worst, I rolled down my window and shouted to him, "Is the chapel closed?" He assured me it wasn't, but that I would probably want to park at the retreat house, and then walk the rest of the way up to the chapel. It was then that I thought about the shoes I was wearing...</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0AlQl_zxMI/AAAAAAAAAmA/XOhvo4zSIoQ/s1600-h/IMG_1474.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422374918361957570" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0AlQl_zxMI/AAAAAAAAAmA/XOhvo4zSIoQ/s400/IMG_1474.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>I suppose I hadn't truly prepared for my journey. But nothing was to stop me this day. I needed to kneel before God and seek healing for my pitiful, tired out heart.</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0AlRCEuggI/AAAAAAAAAmI/RKZ910kEH-E/s1600-h/IMG_1472.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422374925898777090" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0AlRCEuggI/AAAAAAAAAmI/RKZ910kEH-E/s400/IMG_1472.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>As I slogged my way through the mud and snow, the crisp mountain air and the chilling wind began to invigorate me (even as the snow and ice was quickly numbing my toes). And as soon as I reached the chapel, I knew it would be worth it. It was just as humble and majestic as I had remembered. As you approach the door, it appears to be nothing more than a tiny, unassuming, log cabin. </div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0AlRfMy5aI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/FFABFKJxTYw/s1600-h/IMG_1476.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422374933717247394" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0AlRfMy5aI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/FFABFKJxTYw/s400/IMG_1476.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div>But as you enter through the heavy wooden doors, you are greeted with majestic splendor. A giant window overlooks all of God's creation as if to remind you of your own profound insignificance. I bowed in awe and worship, and what followed was a time of deep sadness, and great comfort. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0AlR_rqT7I/AAAAAAAAAmY/6lNGHEIY1dI/s1600-h/IMG_1478.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422374942436642738" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/S0AlR_rqT7I/AAAAAAAAAmY/6lNGHEIY1dI/s400/IMG_1478.JPG" /></a><br /><div> </div><div>I can't say that I truly understand how comfort, even the comfort of the Lord is a blessing, in light of the pain of mourning, but I do hope to one day understand. And although my heart still aches for ungranted hopes, dreams and desires, in that small mountain chapel, in the face of all creation and majesty, I once again gave these dreams back to the Lord, for He knows me and cares for me. </div><br /><div></div><div>It is my prayer that He will surprise us with blessings beyond what we can imagine, ("I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11. But in the meantime, I continue this journey, often troublesome and wearying, but sometimes full of beauty, wonder and delight.</div></div></div></div></div></div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861896084781620808.post-61229585120995202052009-11-25T20:48:00.000-08:002009-11-25T21:14:24.725-08:00Nina Campbell<div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/Sw4K6MgA92I/AAAAAAAAAk8/idrLYy1ez9s/s1600/NEW%2520NC%2520HEAER.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408272197422741346" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/Sw4K6MgA92I/AAAAAAAAAk8/idrLYy1ez9s/s400/NEW%2520NC%2520HEAER.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This is the coolest wallpaper from Nina Campbell's Spring 09 collection. Amazing designer, and marketing genius, she has her own line of wallpaper, furniture, home accessories, etc. And it's all lovely. See for yourself.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/Sw4K6ZEGy-I/AAAAAAAAAlE/HAXZpXJqQ2Q/s1600/damask.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408272200795343842" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/Sw4K6ZEGy-I/AAAAAAAAAlE/HAXZpXJqQ2Q/s400/damask.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/Sw4K6uZOUCI/AAAAAAAAAlM/5T3JZPLoetM/s1600/leaves.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408272206521061410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/Sw4K6uZOUCI/AAAAAAAAAlM/5T3JZPLoetM/s400/leaves.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />I know it's hard to do wallpaper well, but her designs make me want to at least try! She has translated many of her wallpaper designs into fabric--great idea for those less inclined to try pasting something to your wall.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/Sw4MvVbfpkI/AAAAAAAAAlU/2UBczcTQWKE/s1600/Delphine.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408274209864394306" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/Sw4MvVbfpkI/AAAAAAAAAlU/2UBczcTQWKE/s400/Delphine.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/Sw4MvohaOUI/AAAAAAAAAlc/-FCUAItY_aU/s1600/Sylvania.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408274214989478210" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LcGFKtiYaA0/Sw4MvohaOUI/AAAAAAAAAlc/-FCUAItY_aU/s400/Sylvania.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><div><br /> </div><div>I guess my penchant for fabric and patterns really comes through in this post, but I just love her bold, unique designs. Yummy to my eyes!<br /></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">images via </span><a href="http://www.tangletree-interiors.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">www.tangletree-interiors.com</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, </span><a href="http://www.ninacampbell.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">www.ninacampbell.com</span></a></div><div> </div></div></div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402453964420103030noreply@blogger.com7