God's Little Creations

About a month ago, I decided to learn about photography. In the process, I made the decision to retire my trusty Cannon Point and Shoot and upgrade to a SLR. After hours of research and countless conversations, I took one last picture with ole faithful and purchased my first SLR digital camera. I still have no clue how to use this “complex” gadget; but each afternoon I go straight home, change into my play clothes and practice my new hobby. If only my mom were waiting for me with an afternoon snack!

I wanted to share a few of my practice shots from yesterday afternoon (fellow cameramen go easy on me). After such a harsh winter, these beautiful crisp flowers are starting to bloom signaling the first sign of new life in our yard. I find these pictures so appropriate as we continue to celebrate Holy Week.

A Cottage Kitchen

When it comes to remodeling or redecorating, there are two steps I always try and accomplish up front.

1) Set a realistic budget and
2) Find my inspiration!!!

Jacob and I are currently on step 2 of our third challenge............the kitchen. (For those of you who have just joined us, to date we have tackled two of the laundry list of challenges that await us. Master bathroom...check and the hall bath which is only accessories away from being revealed.....check!) During these decorating obstacles, I have learned my taste tends to exceed our budget. BUT that doesn't stop me. There is always a way to get an expensive look for half the price....it just takes a little creativity! Dream big and shop at discount stores to afford that dream, right?

In the next few months, we plan to transform our current 95 square foot galley kitchen into a slightly larger 150 square foot cottage cookery. To keep with our current theme of "Southern Cottage", we have decided to stick with neutral colors and add wood floors to help create a continuous flow through the house.

Here are a few of my favorites!

Road Warriors

It is that time of year again....warm weather, long days and spring break! It has become a bit of a tradition over the last few years that my nieces, Molly and Lucy, spend a few days with my parents over Spring Break. They usually spend their days in Birmingham playing in the backyard, catching the latest flick at the movies and making delicious brownies. However, this year I was able to convince this brawny bunch to mix things up a bit. That is right........I persuaded them to take a quick 662 mile road trip.

This Old House

And here she is....

In all her glory....

Our first home!

I adore this house. It is in an ideal location with a welcoming front porch and large lawn. My affection for this house is only heightened by its interior character and charm. We still have the original mounted gas heaters (and yes they still work!), hardwood floors and marble window ledges. Great, huh? But.........for some reason the previous owners decided to turn this cozy bungalow into a decorating nightmare. Who puts tile over the original hardwood? And Forrest green tile at that (with dark blue walls)! As a result of the questionable taste of those individuals who once loved our home as we do now, Jacob and I have embarked on a year (or two) long adventure to restore the classic allure this cottage once had. To date we have only re vamped the master bath but are currently knee deep in the restoration of our hall bath. I will return tomorrow with pictures!

Where it all began........

On December 19, 2009, I married my best friend in my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. We were engaged on August 8, 2009 and four short months later, I had left my job and home in Nashville, packed all my earthly possessions in a Budget Rental truck (as well as a car and a truck) and headed to Tulsa, Oklahoma to begin the next chapter in my life as not only a daughter, sister, aunt and friend but also as a wife (and a blogger).

Right after his proposal in Central Park

He headed west with my belongings and I headed south to move in with Mom and Dad.

Our Wedding Day

So here we go.....Lets see where this new journey will take us!