DIY Beauties
12 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Decorating Tips, DIY, Home Decor, My Favorite Things
I hope you are having an AMAZING week so far! If you’re not, I hope that rest of your week goes well.
I wanted to share a few fun DIY home furnishing finds. I’ve been on a kick. ;)
I love the headboard! Fabric with a fabulous pattern can always make things beautiful!
I LOVE this look...New Paint & fun fabric will spice up your old dinging room chairs.
Hope you enjoyed these creative ideas as much as I have.
Happy Thursday!
Feliz de Decoración
04 Jan 2012 1 Comment
in Decorating Tips, DIY, Home Decor, My Favorite Things
Feliz de Decoración…
If you don’t speak spanish, you’re probably asking yourself, “What does that mean?’
It simply means, Happy Decorating!
Do you ever look around your home & say to yourself, “There is so much more left to do.”
I do, quite often actually. I feel like I still need to find a few more accent pieces or that perfect piece of furniture for that little nook. I move things around over & over til’ I feel like that specific item finds it’s little home. Crazy, I know. I feel like everything has it’s perfect place & you shouldn’t buy something or hang something if you really don’t LOVE it & if it doesn’t make you feel happy.
In my opinion, your home should invoke positive emotions on the inside of you when you come in or sit in the living room sipping your coffee or tea or whatever you fancy. ;)
I love my home & I love decorating, so maybe that silly feeling will never go away for me. I asked my husband the other day if it was normal. (Probably a silly question) He didn’t really have much to say…must not be his thing. Ha!
I’ve been browsing around the stores for the after Christmas sales & I’ve come across a few things that I will put on my “I’ll think about you for months list.”
I almost hardly ever buy anything full price, especially furniture, so I stay patient until I feel like it’s worth the purchase.
Two of my favorite home decor stores are Pier 1 Imports and Kirkland’s. I feel like these 2 stores best capture my home decor style.
Here are a few things I have my eyes on:
LOVE this bookshelf from Kirkland's. I want to put it in my entryway. I think it's classy & fun!
Option 2 for the entryway: I love this "tree hanger" from Pier 1. It also comes in Antique White if that's more your style. It would be nice to throw your bags, coats & keys on when you walk in the door. A little less dressy than the first option. ;)
I have had my eyes on this bad boy for months! I would love this in my dining room area to use as a buffet table or even in my guest room to be used as a dresser.
I love this look for my guest room as well. I bought a bunch of paint to cover all of my dark brown furniture that is presently in my guest room, but that project has not been started. ;( Someone encourage me!
This traveler's chest would be perfect for my guest room...It's kind of a world theme from a lot of the countries we've visited on mission trips. This piece is from Kirkland's
Here is a similar, smaller chest from Pier 1.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on my choices. Where do you shop for home decor/furniture?
Feliz de Decoración/Happy Decorating!
Fabulous & fun Centerpieces
29 Dec 2011 2 Comments
in Baby Showers, Birthday, Bridal, Decorating Tips, DIY, My Favorite Things, Weddings
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve last blogged. December was a busy, busy month for me. I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! I had a great time with my family in North Carolina.
I’m glad to be home and relaxing. Today I was piddling around online and found a few inspirational photos I’d like to share with you; especially you brides that are planning, planning, planning. 
Great look for ANY winter party. I love this look if you are wanting to invoke feelings of romance!
Easy, inexpensive & an all around lovely centerpiece. via Remodelista
Planning a party for spring? This would be gorgeous!! You could also do this for the winter season with lighter shades of floral. Whites, blush & even greens. via EssEmmBee
Hope you feel inspired the way that I do.
I look forward to sharing with you in the New Year!
I think she is FABULOUS!
01 Dec 2011 3 Comments
in Birthday, Bridal, Fashion, Funnies, My Favorite Things, Weddings
Well, today is the birthday of one of my dearest friends. Today she is turning 30! I want to celebrate her on my blog today!
Here goes:
Tina D’Ariano. Her first name is actually Diamantina. I think it’s beautiful! A few of us tease her that no one can pronounce her name right, so it never sticks! ;)
I met Tina about 4 years ago at our church. I remember her big, curly, fabulous hair & of course her cute clothes. She is a fashionista for sure. As a matter of fact she has quite an elaborate shoe collection.
Shortly after meeting her she came to the young adult ministry my husband & I pastor & I got a chance to invite her to my small group. She always had things to say & add to the group as we met, but she was still not completely sure about the whole church thing & the whole Jesus thing. We joke that she would come to group/church and then go wild after she left. I loved her all the same. Slowly but surely she became more & more serious about her relationship with Jesus. I was so proud of her.
There is really so much I could say about our journey/friendship together, but the bottom line is that she has grown so much in so many areas of her life. She loves Jesus, she loves her family & she loves to give to others. There have been countless times that people from the church have needed a place to stay and she ALWAYS has opened her home. Whenever someone was throwing a bridal shower, birthday or baby shower she would always volunteer her house. I remember when she moved into her new home she said that she wanted to use it to be a blessing to other people. Tina is so unselfish. She is always thinking about others.
Tina is super determined. When she sets her mind to something she is going to do it! Sometimes her determination has made me laugh about certain things she has been “determined to do.” We won’t go there on the blog today.
Tina & I have had our ups & downs, we’ve shared happy times and sad times, we have sat with one another and prayed with one another, we have celebrated joys & successes, we have recognized failures & defeats together & I can truly say she is one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. I love doing life with her. I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to share my life with her & her share hers with me.
Some of the things Tina does that make me laugh:
She buys things and then returns them like nobody’s business. She always finds something “better” or “just what she was looking for.” I remember the first time I went with her on a “return spree” I looked in the car at all the bags & thought to myself, “this chic is not playin’ !”
She spends so much time accessorizing. Not just with her clothes but with her home too. I will never forget the day I went shopping with her for a birthday outfit. HILARIOUS! She spent HOURS toiling over the perfect accessories for her ensemble. Don’t get me wrong, I love accessorizing, but she is one of a kind! Even with her home….One week certain vases or pictures will be in one spot and the next week they will be in a totally different room. It’s hilarious!
Some things I appreciate about Tina:
When I got engaged, she was there in NYC with me. What a special moment. I’m so glad I got to share it with her & another dear friend, Elishya. She celebrated with me and shared in my joy. You don’t always find that in every friendship. It’s easy for jealousy or discouragement to come in. This is not the case with Tina though.
Tina was there with me through some of the planning of my wedding. She was such an encouragement through the whole process. She was always excited when I shared wedding details with her, you know stuff us girly girls love. Even when I was sick right before my wedding her & a few other friends came and wrapped all my candy apples favors while I laid on the couch. She celebrated with me at my bridal shower & picked out an amazing Diva handbag cake (I still think about that cake), then when my husband & I bought our first home & so many other exciting life events. She’s a friend that is there & truly shares in your joys. I truly believe Tina is going to reap all of those things back to her because she has sewn so much love, joy, goodness, kindness & encouragement into so many people’s lives.
Tina is sensitive. She is sensitive to how others feel. She is really good about noticing when people are down or need a hug. That is such a great attribute to have.
Tina teaches & leads ladies in our young adult group, she is an example to so many. She is passionate about helping others & there have been countless times that her acts of service & her ability to lead have brought me to tears. (Yep, I am crying now) I’m not here saying Tina is a perfect person, but I’m saying she’s am imperfect person who strives to do her best! Tina is what I’d like to call, “Real.” I love “real” people.
I really could go on & on but I don’t want to make my other friends sad. Haha. Just kidding.
Today I celebrate Tina’s life. I celebrate the woman that she is. I celebrate the life that she gives to so many around her.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FABULOUS TINA!
If you know her & she’s impacted your life in some way, show her some birthday love & leave a comment at the top of this post (under the date)
A little bit of my Thanksgiving
25 Nov 2011 1 Comment
in Cleaning & Organization, Decorating Tips, DIY, Fall, Family, My Favorite Things, Yummy Recipes
I decided to stay home and miss out on all of the Black Friday Hoopla. I slept in, relaxed, watched movies and ate leftovers. I must say, it was BEAUTIFUL! I’m waiting on my love to get home and we’re going to dinner and to get our Christmas Tree.
I wanted to share a few pics of my Thanksgiving with all of you. It’s been awhile since I last blogged. I spent a great week on a Caribbean Cruise. One word: RELAXING!
We all filled out the leaves & hung them on the tree while we shared what we were thankful for
Place settings
little favors
I love this woman!
So thankful for these two!
My dad's leaf
My brother's
Ron's leaf...at least he has his priorities straight...HAHA
CUTE
Silly
Sooo good!
Let’s just say we were stuffed…we didn’t even really enjoy the dessert…lol
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I sure did! Have a GREAT weekend!!
Mix it up
26 Oct 2011 1 Comment
in Bridal, Decorating Tips, DIY, My Favorite Things, Weddings, Yummy Recipes
Every year our youth group holds an event called “The Mix”
The Mix is a night to celebrate many styles of music and forms of worship by uniting with churches from around the community to make a larger impact for Christ! It truly is awesome to see young people from all around Palm Beach County come together and praise God! Over 77 people gave their life to the Lord. God is awesome!
The theme of the night was “Refresh” and it truly was a refreshing for everyone involved.
I wanted to share a few snapshots of the hospitality room with you. I had so much fun getting the room ready for the bands and everyone who performed. It was a place for them to rest for a minute and grab a bite to eat.
You don’t have to have a huge budget and a ton of decor to add some fun to a blah room. Use your creativity and some things that you have sitting around your home or office.
It’s Fall Y’all!
21 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Decorating Tips, DIY, Fall, My Favorite Things, Yummy Recipes
Finally! The weather is getting cooler. I was getting concerned. Ha!
Tuesday night my ladies small group came over for homemade chili & a white chocolate pumpkin spice cake ( I featured the recipe on my blog last week). It was DELISH! Here is the final product…One word: HEAVENLY!
The drizzling on top is Godiva White Chocolate…mmmmm
We also carved pumpkins for Fall. It was a great time & I’m so thankful for each one of those ladies.
Here are some snapshots of the night:
Tia & Maria, the new mommy's
Angela & Tina
Nadia & Diane
My sweet sis-n-love
Keepin' it classy!
"Hola Amigos"...cute
Maria would write "Merry Christmas" on her pumpkin @ a "Fall" party
Michelle was serious! She has never carved a pumpkin before
Takin’ it Back to the Old School
17 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Decorating Tips, DIY, Fashion, Funnies, My Favorite Things
Last night we celebrated one of my dear friends birthday’s. Her name is Pia & we love her!
Here are a few snapshots of the Totally Rad night!
Videos of the 80′s Bash will be up later this week on the blog!
Are you a dreamer OR do you sit on the sidelines?
13 Oct 2011 1 Comment
in Business, DIY, Dreams, Faith, Family, Life Lessons, My Favorite Things
Are You a Dreamer OR do you sit on the sidelines?
I ask myself that question frequently. You see, my husband is quite the dreamer. In fact, it often scares me (makes me nervous) how often he dreams. I admire that in him though. He is a visionary. I always say “I’m more of the type to help carry the vision out.” I am the more organized, calculated, cautious individual. I think it’s important to have balance with the two.
This morning was a little different for me. I was dreaming about the future! It’s so important to do that so that you have things to look forward to, things to work towards, goals to set & attain & accomplishments to look forward to.
Awhile back, a friend of ours gave us an idea of making a “Dream Board.”
Have you seen one before?
When he told us about it, I had never seen one. Basically you glue a bunch of pictures (your dreams) to this huge board and hang it up somewhere that you’ll see it quite often. You can clip the pictures from magazines, the computer, wherever you want, really. Ron & I made one for our life together. On the board we have goals, things we’d like to accomplish, business’ we’d like to start, things we’d like to own one day, places we’d like to visit, etc. It’s so exciting to look at, especially as a young family.
It’s so cool because it keeps the vision in front of you. Sometimes it’s so easy to forget about our dreams or get discouraged when things don’t look like they are going to pan out. We have to constantly remind ourselves to NEVER GIVE UP! If God gave you a dream to start a business, START IT! If you have a desire to own a vacation home, DON’T FEEL BAD ABOUT IT! If you want to go on vacation to Tahiti, GO, GO, GO! (and take me with you) If you want to adopt a child, DO IT!
Don’t let the busyness of life just keep you “busy” and never really accomplishing anything. Don’t live a mundane life; 9-5 blah, blah, blah. I believe God has called us to live a life of purpose, a life of passion, a life full of dreams & visions.
I want to share a few shots of my dream board with you. Obviously, not all of them, because a lot of them are personal or under wraps. ;)
With that being said, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t share your dreams with everyone. Share them with a few people that you can trust and that will pray with you and offer you sound advice. There are a lot of “Dream Killers” out there. They will shoot your dreams down in an instant. The reasons for this are vast: jealousy, defeat in their own life, negative attitudes, etc. Stay far away from the Dream Killers.
So here are just a few of the shots from our Dream Board:
We want to have a few kiddos. My husband has red hair, so I often imagine them running around with strawberry tops
A Present Goal: Remodel our master bathroom & do some nice landscaping in our yard
A few of our vacation spots
I want a big pool one day that my whole family can enjoy!
I want my event planning business to be a great success & bless others!
God had put the world/missions in our hearts. We love to take mission trips & lead others on mission trips around the world.
I want to encourage you today to DREAM BIG! If your dreams scare you or make you a little uncomfortable that’s probably a good thing. Living a “comfortable” life is not fun; there is no risk involved & everything is just “expected.” Don’t get me wrong there are times where you don’t have peace and you need to be sensitive and obedient to that, but everyone that accomplished something great had to take a risk, had to be willing to fail a time or two or three. DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL! If you’re failing, please remember, you are at least trying. Too many people sit on the sidelines of their life bored & miserable with their life because they are scared to take a risk.
If you’re feeling brave & you like the idea of a dream board, take some time to sit down and make one. ;) Fill the whole thing up! If you’re not all about cutting and glueing than at least write them down somewhere and look at them often.
Too Good, Not to Share!
05 Oct 2011 1 Comment
in DIY, Fall, My Favorite Things, Yummy Recipes
Happy Wednesday!
Last night my ladies small group met at my house and we were planning a nice Fall dinner & activity for the next time we meet. I have been wanting to make some sort of spice cake, so I volunteered to make that and homemade chili with all the fixin’s.
I came across a simple, but yummy recipe for a spice cake that I want to share with you.
White Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Cake
(sounds so delightful, doesn’t it?)
1 pkg. Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix
3 large eggs
1 C. pumpkin
2/3 C. evaporated milk
1/3 C. vegetable oil
1 C. white chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 12-cup bundt cake pan. Combine cake mix, eggs, pumpkin, evaporated milk and vegetable oil in a large bowl. Beat at low speed until moistened. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes; stir in chocolate chips. Pour into bundt pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 25 minutes; invert onto wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle HALF of glaze over cake; serve with remaining glaze.
WHITE CHIP CINNAMON GLAZE:
3 T. evaporated milk
1 C. white chocolate chips
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Heat 3 T. evaporated milk in a small, heavy-duty saucepan over medium heat just to a boil; remove from heat. Add 1 C. white chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Stir in 1/ tsp. ground cinnamon.
I can’t wait to taste this & of course share it with my girlfriends. Let me know some of your tasty Fall recipes. I’d love to add a few to my arsenal.
