Our Southern Front Porch

Wild Wild West

2011-11-10T14:27:00.000-06:00

We just returned from a long weekend trip to Arizona!

And let me tell you, this time of year is perfect!

Our quick visit was to help our dear friends celebrate their marriage!

And who doesn't love a good party?

The Bride and Groom

The big day!

The beautiful bride!

Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Briggs!

isn't my husband cute?

Our picture perfect moment......yep.....

J and his college buddies.

J sleeping while we were chatting....

Mother and Son

Father and Daughter dance....so sweet!

What a wonderful wedding!

and Arizona is kinda wonderful too!

Meet the new addition

2011-11-08T14:57:00.000-06:00

to our family.....

Miss Libby Rose!

The few hours leading up to her arrival were spent texting.....

making each other smile,

playing quarters (a very fun made up game for children under 5 and adults over 33)

and finding each other's nose.

Libby and mom are doing great!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father... - James 1:17

I love this ......

2011-10-21T13:49:00.000-05:00

purse!

(via)

In the words of my dear friend,

I am very good at finding things that I love...(and) that I can't afford!!!

Have a great weekend!

Speaking of changes....

2011-10-20T15:54:00.000-05:00

I would like to show you our master bath!

(please, excuse the quality. they were taken with my phone.)

It has gone through a few phases....

This is what we like to call phase 1 or pre-demolition.

Now we advance to phase 2, the actual demolition.

Have I mentioned our neighbors love us :)

after sawing the tub in half!

Stage 3, the clean up phase.

The 1949 newspaper found under the tub!

our fabulous cast iron tub!

And currently, stage 4. The bare bones stage!

The new looks adds character. Don't you agree?

And the winner is.....

2011-10-18T12:44:00.000-05:00

Remember this room?

It was/is in desperate need of a fresh and updated look.

I decided a fresh coat of paint might be the key to starting this little transformation process.

27 samples later, I found our winner.......

Martha Stewart's Bedford Gray

I had the paint; I had the helpers (????)....

and finally, I had the finished product.

Mark your calendars!

The Fireplace Renewal Project of 2011 is slated to begin on November 7th!!!

Gray vs. Gray

2011-10-17T15:35:00.000-05:00

Picking out paint is a serious ordeal in my opinion.

But when it comes to picking out GRAY paint........... I usually want to run my head into a wall.

(source unknown)

It's amazing how the same color of gray paint can transform from a green to blue hue simply depending on the lighting!

(via)

I mean, one would think picking a gray paint would be simple, right? After all it is just black and white mixed together.

(via)

While deciding on the perfect gray can be somewhat of a tedious task,

(via)

I always feel like the end result makes the challenge worthwhile!

(via)

(via)

(source unknown)

(via)

I love this.....

2011-10-14T13:03:00.000-05:00

yummy treat!!!!

(via)

A dozen of these bad boys, a tall glass of milk and my comfy couch are calling my name!

Have a great weekend!

We are back!

2011-10-12T18:21:00.000-05:00

After a few week sabatical, we are back on American soil!

I may have left a little piece of my heart in Spain, but there is nothing like home!

Toot Toot

2011-09-14T10:46:00.000-05:00

the plane is leaving for Spain!

Be back in a few weeks!

I love this.....

2011-09-09T12:16:00.000-05:00

watch!

I think I am approximately a year behind on this trend, but I am ok with that because I still love this look!

Have a great weekend!

Do you Zara?

2011-09-07T12:54:00.000-05:00

I do!

If you live in a town where trendy-moderately priced-fabulous shops like Zara don’t exist, then you will definitely appreciate my next little tidbit...............they now allow online purchases!

That is right...Zara International is now an online retailer!

I kinda love their fall lineup....

Did I mention we are going to Spain next week? Did I mention that there is a Zara next door to our hotel? What a coincidence........

Need a Break?

2011-09-01T15:17:00.001-05:00

Then watch this!

It has left me with a full heart and a smile on my face!

(via plush palate)

Love you J!

Bare

2011-08-31T13:10:00.000-05:00

Remember this wallpaper....

and how seem to never end!

Well one weekend and five trash bags later,

our walls are as bare as a babies bottom!

Shew! So much better!

What Lies Beneath

2011-08-29T14:08:00.000-05:00

Carpet or Hardwoods?

What do you prefer?

As for me.....

I am a hardwood kinda girl.

So as soon as we signed our lives away, we had to figure out what was beneath that carpet!

The Commitment Stage....

The Revelation Stage.....

The Euphoria Stage....

and finally, the Worn-Out Stage!

Clothes were washed immediately following this picture!

I love these.....

2011-08-26T12:07:00.000-05:00

hair ribbons!

(Sephora)

One of my wonderful sorority sisters introduced me to these bad boys, and oh how they have changed my life. Since I wear my hair in a ponytail every single day, I ALWAYS sported the wonderful hair crease when I got home. Thank you hair ribbon for ridding my life of those awful creases!

Have a great weekend!

Welcome....

2011-08-25T12:35:00.001-05:00

to our new(ish) home!

I am happy to report we have FINALLY moved in!

Would you like a tour?

Good!

Our Foyer -

Dining Room -

Formal Livng Room-

Upstairs Hall and Quest Room #1 -

Quest Room #2 -

Master Bedroom -

Overgrown backyard -

Now let the demolition commence!

Going Once, Going Twice, SOLD!

2011-08-17T14:28:00.000-05:00

Yep, we finally sold our house!

Although we closed two weeks ago, I wanted to give you one final tour of our refurbished bungalow!

I hope the new owner enjoys this home as much as we did!

Where we've been

2011-06-22T16:30:00.002-05:00

Since we last talked, J and I have been busy.
We have purchased a house, put a house on the market and sailed the wide open sea!

Today we will keep it simply and just focus on life at sea!

So do you remember how Dad had a BIG birthday this year?

Well this was his gift.....

Yep...we bought him a ship.

Go big or go home, right?

Day 1 was packed with events.

First, we boarded the "boat" wearing these sexy shirts!

(everyone BUT dad thought the shirts were cool????)

Next, we had a few grueling rounds of chess.

Finally, we attempted to take really sweet pictures.

It didn't work so we just took pictures of the sunset.

Day 2-
we mastered the wind blown look,

while others modeled hats,

and Lucy sipped refreshing smoothies!

That evening we dressed in our Sunday finest,

and showered each other with love.

the power of advertising.....

Day 3....

we played in the crystal clear ocean,

listened to the pirate ship blast sensored Cee lo,

smiled,

stared down tiny birds as they stole food from our plates,

and protected ourselves from the sun.

That evening we took mug shots

and the 2011 family Christmas card photo.

Day 4 - Nassau

We visited the Pirates Museum,

and ran into Anne Bonny and her gang.
(if you are not up to date on your pirate history, you may want to review this.)

We eventually escaped, knocked back some H2O

and figured out directions.

Then daddy wanted to make sure we saw the shells,

Molly ate a treat and

Lucy had a little cry.

This is Molly talking Lucy off the ledge.

J and I decided to ditched the group and rented this bad a bike!

Yeah, I agree, he looks fierce.

Can anyone find waldo?

We explored the island and pretended we were in a motorcycle gang.

That evening, we ate with the locals.

Day 5 - Race Day

Molly looks terrified.

and on the final night, we took a nice Family Photo!

what a great trip!

I am truly blessed with a wonderful family!

OH yes...one more thing.

As we are walking of the boat, I see this!
I had no clue he had taken it. If only I had found it sooner it would be framed hanging on our wall.
Isn't he handsome. It is that award winning smile if you ask me!

Lifting up

2011-04-28T12:21:00.000-05:00

sweet home Alabama.

My thoughts and prayers are with the communities that have been affected by this terrible, terrible storm.

I am thankful for the safety of my family, and pray for those who have experienced the tragic lose of loved ones and the protection of their homes.

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD - Isaiah 54:10

What once was.........

2011-04-11T12:59:00.000-05:00

a cold,

drafty,

dark,

dirty garage,

has been transformed into a clean

well lit

laundry room!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

2011-04-01T10:26:00.000-05:00

So you may have noticed that I have been a little absent for the past couple of weeks.

And the reason why is .....

we are MOVING!

May I have the pleasure of introducing our new casa....

I find that at 85 years old, she is still very charming!

Editors Note: Small Pomerania to the left of the house was not included in purchase price.

Only a mother and a college roommate can truly understand

2011-03-01T15:00:00.001-06:00

Nine times out of ten, I ~~hate~~ strongly dislike dogs.

Especially dogs in the bed!

Disclaimer: It is my distinct auditor awareness that allows me to assume that this photo was staged while I was sleeping. However, at the time of blog posting no confessions had been made by the guilty parties!

ps...Sue - I hope you can look at me the same!

Party Animals

2011-02-22T13:06:00.000-06:00

The Venue

The staff: Molly, Vice President of Interior Design

and J, Vice President of Production

The set up

The staff goofing off

and goofing off some more!

When did my Molly grow up?

Take 1....

Take 2....

Party Planning Board of Directors

Apparently, Molly made every picture taken that night

Waiting for the guest of honor....

a few of the party goers

SURPRISE!!!!!

(Dad is currently saying..."Hey Pat,look who is here." He still has no clue)

Moment of recognition!

Saying hello to his fans.

President of Party Planning and a member of the Board

Listening to some GREAT stories !

One guest decided to return a drill bit that he borrowed when he and his family moved in next door to my parents in 1982.

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY DAD!

(he was ready to eat cake)

The entire family!

Dad and his closest friends!

All in all, I would say we DEFINITELY pulled one over on him!

I love these.....

2011-02-18T23:20:00.000-06:00

gloves!!!!

I realize that it was close to 70 degrees today!

But this beautiful weather can't fool me!

As always, we will have another cold snap!

And when it hits, I want these fancy gloves! The textured material on the index finger and thumb even let me navigate touch-screen devices'.

Have a great weekend!

Once upon a time,

2011-02-17T11:03:00.000-06:00

this was my kitchen.

It wasn't pretty. And looking at it made me sad.

So one day, I bought some pretty fabric as inspiration and convinced J to give this dreary-yellow room a LITTLE face lift.

Four months, gallons among gallons of paint and a few sewing disasters later, TAA-DA!

Sorry....someone wanted a close up!

To say the least, I am very pleased with the results!

36 years

2011-02-14T12:07:00.002-06:00

today!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

I love this

2011-02-11T12:23:00.000-06:00

dress!

(Karmaloop)

I love it so much, I may have bought it!

Happy Valentines to me :)

Say it ain't so.....

2011-02-10T14:58:00.001-06:00

my dad is turning the big 8-0!

Happy Birthday Daddy!
You are loved more than you know!

(Pictures from his surprise birthday party coming soon!)

The old homeplace

2011-02-09T16:22:00.000-06:00

This gorgeous house was built in 1895 by my great grandfather.

25 years later, this photo was taken.

You see that baby sitting on the front porch?

Well, that is my dad!

He was born and raised in this house!

Although 80 years have past since this photo, the house is still standing.

Its not as majestic as it once was!

But for this little boy, it hasn't changed a bit!

ps - Did I mention I am dying for the current owners to put it on the market :)

I've been dreamin

2011-02-08T18:01:00.000-06:00

I love fires.

But I really love fireplaces.

Especially, old dilapidated ones!

This winter we have definitely put ours to use! I guess that is what happens when a city (especially a "southern" city ) experiences subzero temperatures!

(may God bless Northerners with warm boots and heavy coats!)

Last night as I hovered over the hearthstone, I realized I wanted something more for this open recess in my wall!

I sat back and began to dream............

I dreamt of fresh flowers,

(Country Living)

and urns surrounded by pebbles,

(unknown source)

and cool owls with fire-engine red berry branches,

(H&G)

and boards,

(designmom)

and tables,

(Bazaar)

and firewood,

(designscouting)

and books,

(unknown source)

and more books,

(unknown source)

and coral,

(domino)

and vases,

(House and Home)

and chandeliers,

(unique unique desgin)

and fire-proof urns,

(unknown source)

and birch,

(Real Simple)

and mirrors!

(source unknown)

But for the time being, I will enjoy the warmth!

I (normally) love this

2011-02-04T13:05:00.001-06:00

sight.....

but two and a half feet and -6 degrees later (ps this is our smoker. it is not a missile)......

I have decided I prefer these warm-wearin-type-of-clothes better!

(via Instyle)

And did I mention these clothes will be at Target starting May 1?

Have a warm weekend!

January

2011-01-24T11:35:00.000-06:00

What does this month mean to you?

As an accountant, it means ~~the end of a social life~~ busy season.

I miss blogging ....... and weekends!

Be back soon!

Ice Blue

2011-01-12T17:28:00.000-06:00

This week has been cold and icy! Because of these bone chilling temperatures, I have been dreaming in shades of blue.........and a little turquoise.

(via colour lovers)

Here are a few of my favorite blue inspirations. I attribute my affection for these rooms to the elegant and feminine use of this color. Call me crazy....but there is just something chilling about these pictures. (Yes that was word play.)

Now where is my paint brush!

This seriously is the last one!

2011-01-11T15:30:00.000-06:00

In case you happened to miss the game last night, I wanted to let you know Auburn won that little scrimmage I have been blubbering about.

(via Birmingham News)

In other words,

AUBURN WON THE 2010 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

What an incredible 2010 season!!!! I sure do love my Tigers! WAR EAGLE!

Seriously, tomorrow = NO football talk! I swear!

Going on a Duck Hunt!

2011-01-10T15:35:00.000-06:00

WAR EAGLE!

Today is the day!

Regular, non-Auburn related posts will return tomorrow.

Thank you for being patient while I go crazy for my Alma mater!

I love this.....

2011-01-07T12:45:00.001-06:00

sight!

Did I mention my Auburn Tigers have a BIG game coming up?

Although, I wish I had scored one of these,......

I will settle for watching a lot of these!

Only 3 more days!

WAR EAGLE!!!!!!!

Our Southern Christmas!

2011-01-05T16:22:00.000-06:00

After an amazing Christmas break, J and I are back in Tulsa. We spent a little over a week in God's country and had a wonderful time being with friends and family. Now its back to reality *yawn*

So what did we during our 8 day soiree in Dixie?

Glad you asked.......

We loved on our dog,....

and our nieces.

We attempted several "girls" photos
(and this is the best we could do...eeks!).....

and ~~destroyed~~ built a gingerbread ~~tee pee~~ house.

We danced in the kitchen......

and got really excited to celebrate someones 10th birthday!

We found it hard to go to bed in anticipation of Santa's arrival......

and woke up REALLY early to learn that Santa did pay us a visit. But let me tell you, that jolly man is smart! He decided to leave all the gifts in the large living room so we grown ups could nap on the couch while presents were being opened.

We drank an abundance of coffee.....

and ate oodles of food!

We watched our sweet, calm dogs decided they didn't like each other......

and watched ~~in amazement~~ as our father agreed to smile for yet another picture (this is NOT normal folks!).

(Still smiling!?!?!? We decided it was a Christmas miracle)

We witnessed our first "white" Christmas in over 100 years (yes, you read that correctly....100 years!).....

and immediately went outside to play.

We built a really dirty snowman......

while Nana watched from inside the house.

We attempted to take a group photo.....

which started a HUGE snowball fight,

(Seconds before Molly pegged me in the face with one!)....

and finally resulted in us ganging up on J.

We made funny faces....

and had deep conversations.

We played board games......

and enjoyed each others company.

Did I mention we had snow?

I even got a family photo without having to beg!

We love you guys!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T08:00:00.001-06:00

From the Odom's!

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

A holly, jolly Christmas

2010-12-22T13:30:00.000-06:00

(Pier 1)

(Mud Pie)

(BHG)

(Candy Cane Cake)

(unknown source)

(Trendy Trees)

(Christian Louboutin - unavailable)

(Southern Living)

(Country Living)

(Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies)

(Modcloth)

(Shelly B Home and Holiday)

(Country Living)

(unknown source)

(Shelly B Home and Holiday)

Only 3 more days!

To my best friend....

2010-12-19T23:14:00.000-06:00

Happy Anniversary!

I love you J!

I love this......

2010-12-17T14:37:00.000-06:00

PJ set!

(Ann Talyor Loft)

Now, I just need a cozy throw,

(Restoration Hardware)

a warm fire and

a good book!

(Emily Giffin)

Have a great weekend! Only seven more days til Chrismtas!

The Grinch(es) that ALMOST stole Christmas!

2010-12-16T16:19:00.001-06:00

You see that lovely tree?

Yes, the 35-foot tall Norwegian Spruce that is erected every December in the middle of downtown Birmingham, Alabama?

Well, a couple of copper thieves decided to torch it yesterday!

They decided to set the tree on fire with gasoline in order to separate the copper wire from the Christmas lights plastic casing. It is estimated that the wire stolen was worth less than $20.

The city said they would not replace the tree.

BUT the story doesn't stop there............

In less than 24 hours, the community pulled together and replaced the $7,500 Christmas tree!

The tree was dedicated this morning while local elementary students hung ornaments!

Now, that is what I call the true spirit of Christmas!

My Christmas gift.....

2010-12-15T13:04:00.000-06:00

was the construction workers leaving!

Yep, that is right, they are done! Our remodeling adventure is complete!

Now, I just need to get busy and unpack!

So, without further ado, I present our "new" non-decorated study!

The lovely before view (please take note of the dog crate).....

and the awesome after view!

(please, excuse the half decorated bookshelves, the rugless floor and shadeless windows.)

Cody's new dog house!

He was happy to show it off!

You like the lone vase?

One vase down and this to go..........

Kitchen pictures are coming your way!

A Christmas light post

2010-12-13T14:12:00.000-06:00

Deck the halls with boughs of holly

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

'Tis the season to be jolly

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Don we now our gay apparel

Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la.

Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.

I love Christmas (and my Auburn Tigers).

WAR EAGLE!

What is stuck in your head?

2010-12-08T17:10:00.000-06:00

Here is what's in mine....

Yes, I am a gleek!

Christmas Wreath

2010-12-07T16:51:00.000-06:00

I wanted a Christmas wreath for our mantle.

So, I pulled out my glue gun.

$5.78 later, I was finished!

I hear Glendale is lovely in January!

2010-12-04T23:25:00.000-06:00

WAR EAGLE!

Have a great Sunday!

I love this.....

2010-12-03T12:01:00.000-06:00

seasons glittery gold shoes!

Whether you wear them to jazz up your holiday dress,....

(Christian Louboutin - Pigalle Pump - no longer avaliable)

to snazz up your staple black work pants.......

(Steve Madden - Kinnetic)

or spiff up your comfortable grocery store skinny jeans,

(Toms - Gilded Herringbone Women's Classics)

these fun ritzy shoes will complete any outfit!

Have a great weekend and WAR EAGLE!

A heap of holiday bliss!

2010-12-01T21:34:00.003-06:00

I have a confession.............it is a tad bit embarrassing.

But I want to be honest.......

So, here it is.....please don't be to harsh!

I put my Christmas tree up three weeks ago!?!?!?!?

I seriously CAN'T help it! (Insert J rolling his eyes here) I am not sure what has gotten into me......maybe it is just the Christmas spirit! But now that the Christmas season is officially upon us.....I can talk about decorations without shame!

So today.....I bring to you........9 of my favorite Holiday China patterns!
(Yes 9....Holiday China can be very hokey!)

1. Accent Salad Plate and Dinner Plate by Lenox.

2. My personal favorite (as this is my Christmas China)!

Accent Salad Plate and Dinner Plate by M. Bagwell.

3. Dinner Plate by Noritake and Charger by Target.

4. Accent Salad Plate and Dinner Plate by Kate Spade.

5. Accent Salad Plate and Dinner Plate by Oneida.

6. Accent Salad Plate by Demdaco and Dinner Plate by Crate and Barrel.

7. Accent Salad Plate by Demdaco and Dinner Plate by Target.

and finally,

9. Accent Salad Plate and Dinner Plate by Williams-Sonoma.

Have a good evening!

Payson

2010-11-29T17:39:00.000-06:00

This past weekend, after the turkey and cranberries had been put away, J and I headed to Payson, Arizona to visit our friends Stephen and Lorrie!

We had amazing weather during our visit and were able to do some intense quad riding!

Let me introduce you to our dear friends, Lorrie and Stephen

I got to drive the quad, and I drove really fast......

on flat land.

Then we switched drivers.

You see that little clearing to the right of that bush? Yes, the "trail" of rocks. The trail of rocks that go downhill at a 180 degree angle? Well........that is why we switched drivers.

Watching Stephen and Lorrie take the first half of the mountain.

Then the camera was promptly put away. I had to hang on for dear life.

And we are back on flat land!

We played lots of cards

and made funny faces!

We even got snow!

We eventually had to say our good-bye's.

But we love these two very much and look forward to seeing them soon!

Thank you Lorrie and Stephen for a great weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T00:35:00.000-06:00

From our family to yours! May this song bring you great laughter and not ruin your Thanksgiving!

Gobble Gobble!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

- Psalm 136:1

My move west

2010-11-24T11:59:00.000-06:00

Last year, J and I celebrated Thanksgiving in Birmingham with my entire extended family!

We ate tons of turkey.....

and enjoyed family time!

On Friday, we headed to Nashville and spend the day packing! 8 hours later, my entire life was in the back of a 16 foot Budget truck and headed west!

We said our good-byes....

and realized the next time we would see each other, we would be standing at the alter!

I'm (still) in Rue!

2010-11-22T23:52:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Rue Magazine launched its second issue. If you are not familiar with this incredible online interior and lifestyle publication, you should definitely check it out! I must say this issue is pretty incredible!

Enjoy!

(images via Rue Magazine)

I love this......

2010-11-19T18:18:00.000-06:00

this outfit!

A little imagination and a Thanksgiving Table

2010-11-18T23:09:00.000-06:00

Last night, I stumbled across an amazing candelabra from West Elm. After being properly introduced to my new love, I immediately began imagining it in the center of my dining room table! So in honor of the upcoming "Day of Thanks' and, of course. the inspiration of today's post, the candelabra, I decided it might be fun to create my on Thanksgiving table!

Imaginations are necessary for today folks. So lets begin! Working from the center of the table out...............

To create my Thanksgiving table, I decided to begin with the table runner. Since we can all make table runners, I just borrowed my idea from Pottery Barn. Thanks PB!

So to start, lets just use a white table runner from Target and stain it with tea to get a beige appearance and then create a burlap table runner slightly smaller in width as an accent overlay.

(image via Pottery Barn)

Next, (drum roll please..............) the candelabra! Yeah, I know! It is pretty incredible! So, lets just add that on top of our table runner.

(image via West Elm)

Moving right along.

Lets now place some fresh autumn flowers around/through/under/above (any place a mouse can go .... how is that for a literary reference!) the candelabra. Imagine these flowers spread the length of the table perfectly placed around the branches of the centerpiece! Imagine Roses, Tiger lilies, Calla lilies, Gaillardia and of course some twigs! Imagine wonderful burnt orange and red hues!

To finish the centerpiece, lets sprinkle all the bare spots with tea lights!

Now ..... the place settings. I really try to follow the rules of Emily Post when setting a table. However, I hate putting the salad plate to the left of the fork. This hatred could be caused by space restrictions on our dinner table or it could simply be due to the fact that I personally think a the salad plate should sit directly on the dinner plate. Sorry Emily.............

First, the twine charger.......

(image via Pier One)

Then ole faithful, Pottery Barn's Great White Traditional Dinnerware..............

(image via Pottery Barn)

Next, lets go ahead and top off each dinner plate with a decorative salad plate. In white, please................

(image via Pottery Barn)

Then a touch of Tuscan print napkins..................

(image via Pottery Barn)

accented with homemade napkin rings........................

(image via The Mother Huddle)

and finished off with fun place cards for our guest!

(images via Timeless Paper)

Thanks for imagining with me!

This is a really lame post

2010-11-16T21:51:00.000-06:00

Seriously, this post is pretty bad. There is no decorating inspiration. There are no funny stories. There are no pretty pictures....well, there are a few pictures, but they are of a dog. So here is your chance........

...............

If you are still with me, today's post is dedicated to my friend Cody. I am not real sure why I felt compelled to write about him; but last night, as he lay beside our bed snoring, I decided I needed to introduce the sweetest member of our family.

Cody came into the J's life 6 years ago. At the time, he was 6 weeks old.

Younger J and Cody

For 6 years, it has just been these two boys. They slept together, watched tv together and dined together. They were buds! Man and his best friend!

(I know this picture is kinda gross)

Present day..........I move in and things slowly begin to change. For unknown reasons, J and Cody no longer sleep together. They no longer waller on the couch. Cody no longer eats off the floor. Life changed for Cody. He had no warning.

So here is to my friend! I am sorry I have kicked you out of the big bed, but I am glad you still love me!

I promise relevant post to come soon!