a guy, a girl, and two dogs

Living Room Mock-Up

2010-10-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

So I am loving this West Elm Beaded Diamond Dhurrie rug from The Fashion Police on E!:

The rug is on clearance at West Elm and I was able to get an 8 X 10 for under $200. Holla! My mom picked it up for me in Orlando, so I don't get to put it in the house until after Turkey Day:(

And apparently when your husband is gone and you can't fall asleep you spend alot of time on Polyvore.com:

Living Room Take 3 by Em Pink

View From The Couch by Em Pink on Polyvore.com

Can't wait! Any exciting deals and steals lately???

No Seven Year Itch Here!

2010-10-28T17:49:00.001-07:00

I met my husband 7 years ago this week. Craziness. I never believed in love at first sight until I met him. Read about how we met here.

The night we met October 29, 2003

At my brothers wedding September 4, 2010

(Pure Photography)

Stephan is in Afghanistan and I am a sad bunny:(

I ran out of silver leaf but should be picking some up on Sunday as well as the mirror inserts on Monday. So those should be donesies soon. Updates soon. I'm having this weird desire to rearrange furniture in the bedroom.

High and Tired

2010-10-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to make these $24.99 mirrors from HomeGoods...

Look like these $425 Silver Nikita Mirrors...

I first painted them and didn't like them, and now have been attempting silver leafing. I spray painted them black and spent two episodes of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (2 hours) last night and two Project Runways 3 hours today. Oh, that was 1 mirror, by the way. I'm tired and the adhesive gives me a migraine and makes me feel high.

Trying to take my mind of my husband deploying this weekend...

I'll show you the finished product when I get them up and running. Oh, and I need to buy new mirror inserts. We broke both taking them apart. Is that 14 years bad luck or how does 2 work???

Hopefully when it's done it will look like this...

updated bedroom by Em Pink on Polyvore.com

Any projects making you crazy, high, or tired this week???

Look For Less

2010-10-11T03:06:00.000-07:00

You know my love for all things mirrored:) 1 or 2 things per room, or its out of control! Stephan would beg to differ and say zero per room.

Borghese Mirrored Buffet $1,099, Z Gallerie

Hayworth Mirrored Buffet, $799, Pier 1

It's not on their website but I saw it in store. Good solid alternative to the Borghese. On the look out for it to be on sale!

Dining Room with Charcoal Curtains by Em Pink on Polyvore.com

Still working out the details. Can't decide on art and rug...

That's Chicago

2010-10-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

We were in Chicago this past weekend for Spring 2011 Bridal Market choosing new dresses and accessories for next season. I've never been to Market or Chicago, although it was a whirlwind trip and we didn't get to sight see much, it was fun!

We stayed at Hotel Sax which had AMAZING decor:

Yes, that is a faux snakeskin desk chair. If I could have fit it in my carryon it SO would have come home!

Cool Morroccan room divider

Our room. tufted headboard, mirrored nightstand. Oh, and loved the sconces!

Silver foil damask wallpaper in the hallways. Yum!

In the background there are chanderlier silhouettes etched on glass panels and columns of mother of pearl tile

Victorian furniture, sexy lights, and moody damask wallpaper??? Yes, please!

Lounge

These chairs are AMAAAAZING and in front of the biggest mirror EVER! Anyone know what the style is???

Lobby had a collection of crystal in the counter. Didn't get it but why not!

Our view at the lounge on the 96th floor of the Hancock Building

Stephan is deploying in a few weeks and has to grow a beard. It has gone past the sexy point into homeless territory

He forgot to have a Chicago hot dog so had one at like 10am at the airport

P.S. A little tip about Spring 2011 bridal gowns, if you don't like ruffles, flowers, and feathers, you are screwed ;)

Am I First?

2010-09-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure we all read alot of the same blogs. So you probably don't want to here about some of the recent collections that have come out at Target, etc.

BUT to my knowledge I haven't read/heard anything about the ELLE DECOR line at Kohl's. Yes, Kohl's. I was shocked too. I was there today wandering. And I stopped dead in my tracks, peed my pants a little and started taking I-Phone photos like a weirdo.

You MUST check it out. It's a little Jonathan Adler, a little Nate, a little Z Gallerie, a littlle...well... ELLE DECOR-y.

Everything is acutally pretty nice quality. Nice and heavy with great details and a luxe look.

Gold Leaf Tray Original $34.99 on sale for $26.24

Antique Pillar Candleholders, Original $24.99-34.99, On Sale for $18.74-26.24

Horse Figure, Original $59.99, On Sale for $44.99

Can you imagine the horse painted a glossy white??? It would be SO Jonathan Adler!

Beaded Decorative Pillow, Original $49.99, On Sale for $37.49

STUNNING sequins in person.

Faux Fur Pillow Original $49.99, On Sale for $37.49.

Add a little faux fur to our bed, maybe???

Metal Accent Table, Original $149.99, On Sale for $114.99

You know you've seen this tabe in plenty of editorial yumminess!!!

Check it out at Kohl's. You will be shocked!

P.S. Stephan got about 95% of our fence built over the weekend (happy dance)!!! And I've had some very lucky HomeGoods finds the last two weeks I want to share with you this later!

Curtain Dilemma

2010-09-09T14:08:00.000-07:00

I was always sure I wanted a nice silk (faux silk) lined curtain in a off-white in all the windows in the main living space to kind of unify everything since it is an open floor plan.

Then, I started looking at my zebra ottoman inspiration pic a little closer and LOVED the Pewter/Charcoal curtains. They are so glam, dramatic, and formal! So now I have been on the hunt, and buying samples (totally annoying my husband) to figure out what way to go.

Decor Pad

This is my call for help. What do YOU think?

First pick. JC Penny Faux Silk Thermal Panels:

Makes it light and airy.

Next up, Walmart Faux Silk Charcoal Panels

I think they are way too dark. They almost come off as brown in person. I stared at them for 5 minutes in the store convincing myself they were even gray.

This is Stephan getting annoyed.

Last sample are the super cheap Target Faux Silk Panels in Pewter. I think the fabric is too thin and kind of tacky. But the color is most like the inspiration photo. Not too dark or light.

Stephan is officially pissed at me about here.

I ideally would like to have the Z Gallerie Gala Panels in Charcoal. But they are way out of budget at $139 EACH.

I'm thinking these might be the right fabric weight AND color.

Faux Silk Dupioni Panels

This may help so you can actually see them with our stuff that isn't out in the living room yet:

Dining Room with Charcoal Curtains by Em Pink on Polyvore.com

Updated Living Room by Em Pink on Polyvore.com

PS Think I'm leaning toward making the mirror GOLD...

A Zebra Can't Change It's Stripes, But a Zebra Ottoman Can Change It's Legs!

2010-08-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

I like animal prints. It's one of my "signatures", if you will. Tasteful and luxe animal prints, of course. I got a fab deal on a zebra ottoman from a very unexpected place. Here's the story:

Inspired by this...

Decor pad

...I found this...

Z Gallerie Huntington Ottoman, $599 aka Too Much

...But then found this for $79...

Walmart Alisha Ottoman (no longer available, kids)

Then it went on sale for $49.99. Word.

Ordered it Site to Store (free shipping)...

...Spray painted the legs black (why were they even brown in the first place???)...

Introduced it to the Pier 1 sunburst mirror. They really hit it off!

Sorry for the crappy Iphone pic. Stephan is out of town with the camera and I can't find the backup camera...

Now I just have to frame our old master bath mirror to lean behind it. The question is, go GOLD framing like the inspiration photo, or BLACK, or WHITE?????

What's your vote?

Coming Soon

2010-08-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Zebra.

Curtains.

Sunburst.

Chandlier.

Floor Mirror

Tufted Bed.

Guest Bathroom.

Faux Bamboo.

Stencil.

Metallic Paint.

Just a few of the things going on around here. I've sick and busy and watching Bravo! . And maybe being a wee bit lazy. More to come on all the fun we're working on!

Winning Doesn't Suck

2010-06-28T13:16:00.001-07:00

So I have recently won two blog giveaways and thought I would give a shout out to the lovely bloggers who are responsible!

First off, I won a cute vintage inspired bracelet from Especially Brides from Gator Bride. Gator Bride is my real life bestie and blogger extraordinaire:

Today I got an email from Casa Brasi that I had won a $50 gift card to CSN. Yeah! There is a rug or bench in my future!

Check out their awesome blogs!

P.S. There will be some happenings around the house soon since my manslave is coming home from training on Saturday! Unfortunately for him he is going to come home to a long to do list. But Gator Bride and her hubby are coming this weekend so twice the manslave labor!

The Day You Thought Would Never Come

2010-06-14T11:07:00.001-07:00

So I totes forgot to show you my finished bamboo dresser. It was a long haul. We, unfortunately don't have the spray paint skills as Get It Girl (who I mimiced for how she re-did her bamboo dresser). In total it got painted about 3 times. It just wasn't drying/covering right. I give my hubby major props for working so hard to make it perfect for me. I am not easy to please (curse of the perfectionist) but he re-did it as many times as I asked!

The last time we had Sherwin Williams color match the spray paint and we rolled it. I hate the guy who works here. He is for sure a sexist and every time I ask a question he gives me attitude. But is super nice to my husband. And he has tons of gray chest hair overflowing his shirt collar. But I put up with him because I love their paint and he always gives good advice.

Here it is before. In case you forgot since it was a millenium ago.

Before

After, much more polished!

Original handles spray painted by me!!!

The dresser and chair are already besties!!! The mirror next to it is our old master bathroom mirror that we are going to frame and make a floor mirror. Super psyched about it!

My Present

2010-06-12T17:22:00.001-07:00

I told Stephan I wanted a present from his trip to Texas for training. He went to Six Flags in Dallas today. This is what he texted me was his present to me. He was so excited he even wanted to FedEx it to me instead of just bringing it with him when he comes back. Yeah. Not quite what I had in mind...

What a catch. I think this furthers the fact that I will NEVER get a cartoon drawing of myself!!!

Bedtime Stories

2010-06-10T18:16:00.001-07:00

I've been eyeing this tufted bed for month! And believe it or not, got a coupon code for it from watching Game Show Network (?) I know, you're asking why were you watching Game Show Network? My brother had it on. And I find Family Feud semi-entertaining.

Anyway, we got 15% off of it at csnstores.com! And it will be here in the next couple weeks. It will be amazing to have a bed, we have been sleeping on the matress and box spring. And I'm sick of waking up with Diesel's big fat german shepherd head in my face.

Skyline Parchment Tufted Bed, $445 (or $378 with coupon code "CSNGSN")

5 Things to Keep Me Entertained in June

2010-06-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately Stephan with be running around for training during alot of June, but there's plenty of TV premiers to keep me busy. So excited!

1. Bethenny Getting Married?, Thursdays (My favorite housewife! What's with the question mark?)

Source

2. Design Star, Sundays (An hour a week of me making comments like "I've never seen that before!" and "I could do better."

3. Color Splash, Sundays (My original design crush)

4. True Blood, Sundays (Total guilty pleasure! One word this season. Werewolves.)

5. Kathy Griffin, My Life on the D-List, Tuesdays (I love you Kathy!)

What will you be watching this summer?

Floors. Done. Finally.

2010-06-07T12:26:00.001-07:00

The floors are finally done! We have been staring at a pile of wood for 6 months and it is finally where it's supposed to be. On the floor! Long story short, when I was moving all my stuff from my mom's spare room she uses for storage, I stumbled across a ton of left over hardwood floor from when she built her house. Since Stephan is completely shameless (he's mortifying at restaurants if something isn't good enough), he asked if we could have it. So we bought the rest and finally saved up enought to put it down. Some times DIY's are about knowing your limits. Our limit was time on this one.

We (as in Stephan) did DIY by removing all the old carpet, therefore saving us at least a couple hundred dollars.

The first things he brought in the room were his tv and leather chair. Yeah. Bentley is totally photo bombing this pic.

It's amazing how the same wood can look so different just switching up the paint!

Yeah that's me in Stephan's gym shorts trying to watch 9 by Design, begging him not to get me in the photo. P.S. My goal in life is to have kids as intelligent and artsy as their kids.

Oh, did I mention I ordered some chairs from Overstock.com? They are copies of the Martine from Restoration Hardware, and with a coupon were half the price of the real deal. I (when I say "I" I mean Stephan)do need to paint the legs, but small price to pay.

The place is finally presentable enough to have visitors! Hoorah!

When Your Dogs Are Your Children

2010-06-05T00:37:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when Stephan goes to Wal-mart alone. I come home from work to find a pool and umbrella... for the dogs. He contemplated getting a bigger pool. Why? So he could sit in it...WITH the dog. Yeah...

Can you believe how big he's gotten?

Dear Acrylic Coffee Table,

2010-06-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

I know I made a promise to you, that you could move in with me and we'd live happily ever after. We really connected... BUT, I've met someone else. I wasn't looking, it just sort of happened. I'm so sorry, I hope we can still be friends. Love, Emily

Former Flame, CB2 Peekaboo Acrylic Coffee Table, $249

New Love-ah, Nate Berkus Mirror Top Bamboo Coffee Table, $279.95

I adjusted a few things recently about the living room plan, changed the mirror to vintage gold to make the coffee table work, changed some accessories. It makes the colors feel a little richer now. Freaking love that coffee table!

Updated Living Room by Em Pink on Polyvore.com

Sex-y Sets

2010-06-01T01:11:00.000-07:00

In honor of Sex and the City 2 finally premiering, some shots of the fabulous home decor. So much inspiration!!!

Me + Wallpaper Everywhere = Love

Pics from Elledecor.com

Have you seen it yet? Did you loves it?

Guess What's Happening Today!!!

2010-05-31T07:55:00.001-07:00

P.S. Happy Memorial Day! I LOVE MY SOLDIER!

Don't Give Up On Me Yet!

2010-04-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

Hey all 10 readers (actually 9, because one of you is my husband who I made follow me, but doesn't ever read any posts) I just have a few things:

1) We are out of money. Like whoa. That is why all projects are on hold. After our appliances, bedroom carpet, paint, back yard clearing, we are out of house money. Despite how I come off, I would rather prefer to eat than have a mirror from Z Gallerie.

Trust me, I have everything planned out. Just waiting another month or two to start up again...Sigh.

2) I really don't even know where to start, I guess room by room??? Preferrably our bedroom...

3) We have been battling with the dang bamboo dresser for several weekends. After many paint attempts we can't get the top to get an even finish. Grrrr. So hopefully the "Dresser is Finished" post is fast approaching

The main point of this post is: DON'T GIVE UP ON ME/ THIS BLOG YET!!!! I'm serious about documenting my house makeover, I was born for this kind of design challenge. I do realize that I can't further the blog until I put my money where my mouth is. But, trust me, my money and my mouth are BFF's.

I promise I will knock your socks off. Period.

Zac Attack

2010-04-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

No, this isn't a post about Saved by the Bell, silly bunny, it's about the Zac Posen for Target collection.

I've literally been counting down since I heard the news months ago, and the, I actually decided to have a life yesterday and completely forgot to set my alarm to be at Target when it opened at 8am.

When I turned on my computer I gasped (Stephan thought I was insane) I just kept screaming "Oh my gosh, Zac Posen, we have to goooooooo!" So I ordered what I could online praying it would fit and threw a dress on and headed to Target sans make-up and hair.

I don't know why I was so rushed, Ft. Walton Beach isn't exactly the fashion capitol of the universe or anything. No one probably even knew or cared but me in the whole city.

Here are the favesies (and of course I have a reason/occasion for EVERY one):

For work:

Ruched skirt $34.99

For my brother's college graduation:

Polka dot Dress $39. Freaking 99!!!

For our vintage-y photo shoot we won:

Red Ruffle Dress, $79.99

The ruffle skirt comes off to reveal a chic cocktail dress. So you could wear the skirt with a tank a'la Sex and the City opening credits, just the dress or skirt over dress.

For bestie's bridal luncheon?

Tiger Print Sailor Dress, $39.99 aka PRACTICALLY FREE

Bought this. I look better in it than this model. Just saying. Print is so Diane von Furstenberg, cut is so Blair Waldorff

For giggles:

Bravo, Selma Blair! Tried this on at the store. Heavenly. Period.

Having an "Aha" Moment

2010-04-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

One place I've been struggling for ideas is the large, high wall in our living room. It's massive. I want to not have too much negative space and be the right scale for the wall without being bulky.

Awkward, massive wall. Design totally takes away from the fireplace.

I thought I would have to succumb and get a dreaded oversize entertainment center (so not my thing) or like a tv stand surrounded by some sort of bookcase.

Liatrop System

Then Colour Me Happy saved me again. She showed a great before and after in her post with a tv console with stacked horizontal art with a very tall vertical branch-y arrangement all working together to:

1)Draw the eye up to show off the height, and
2)Take up negative space in a non-bulky way.

Flaw-less, Maria.

I heart it and will be stealing it. Next to it I want an oversized mirror with a bench in front of it...

I think I've seen Candice Olsen and David Bromstead do similar wall treatments in loft/high ceiling rooms.

Possible media consoles:

Trollsta Sideboard. In love with the bottom, drawer placement not so much...

In love with this console from Brocade Home

Now just to decide if I want to do painting or fabric. My husbands oh-so-helpful suggestion was one painting of him in a speedo laying on a couch and another painting of me in a bikini laying the opposite direction. This is why I'm the visionary and he is the braun. His idea of art are those pics of James Dean, Elvis and Marilyn Monroe playing pool... Yeah...

Gross.

You Never Know Where Your Next Inspiration Will Come From!

2010-04-14T20:06:00.001-07:00

At work I was looking up a Prom dress for a customer (can't wait for prom season to be O-VER), I couldn't help but fall in love with these mother of pearl pillows in the background. A-MAAAAZING!

These pillows = drool

Gotta keep your eyes peeled! You never know what might strike you!

$52-$78. Ouchers

Still looking for cheap options!

Peacock Bleu

2010-04-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

Not gonna lie, kinda loving peacock blue right now.

With turquoise and orange? Amazing. Can't help thinking about Tory Birch guest judging on Project Runway saying orange and blue don't go together

From the new Lonny Mag via Decorpad

Peacock tufted headboard? I die

Kyle at Knight Moves got me into the colors with this number (gotta love a graphic series of objects, too)

Wish I could think of a way to incorporaate these Liberty of London pillows into the house. Totally got the frame and mugs though!

They're Coming

2010-04-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

I got chills. Literally.

Too Much Shabby, Not Enough Chic???

2010-04-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

We took the trek a few weekends ago to Mobile, Alabama to pick up the beautiful chair I saw on Craigslist. It is beautiful, but I keep staring at it wondering if it needs updating.

That's our new Mohawk recycled carpet on the floor, it is made of recycled water bottles! So now that the new carpet is in, all the furniture is in the spare rooms (explanation for all the chairs in this photo)

Gray blue damask fabric

You can't fake aging like this!

I'm thinking a medium gray velvet with Heirloom White trim... What do you think???

Inspiration piece

Gray velvet

Now I have to go about finding an Upholsterer (is that the job title or what?) to trust in the area.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Help, I'm winging this design thing here!

Get a Hobby, Jill

2010-04-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

I'm am L-O-V-I-N-G Real Housewives of New York this season! Bethenny's happy, Ramona is bipolar, LuAnn is annoying, Jill is Jill, Alex is just there, and Kelley in Playboy (?). Amazing-ness.

I was watching last weeks episode and was kind of entranced by Jill's apartment that she had made over last season. I can't decide if it's too much, but it definitely has the flamboyant fingerprints of her gay husband all over it. I like some of the elements and color palette. But I'm not really sure... Is it perhaps trying too hard, or do I like it... It's not like I'm afraid of full on in your face glamour, but I can't decide. Hmmm. Here's some pics from the photo shoot she did last season for Traditional Home. Definitely a HUGE change from the Before shots!

Before living room

After living room

Mother of pearl tables? Yes, please. Man-art? No, thank you.

Before kitchen

After kitchen

Before master bedroom

After master. Amazing upholstered bed. Matching bedding? Not sure...

Ally's Room. Love everything but the rug and chair. Ghost chair calling.

Glam or tacky? Or both?

I can't talk about the New York Housewives apartments without mentioning Kelley's life size horse in the living room. I think her apartment sort of gives a glimpse of what it must be like in her brain. It's not that her apartment isn't cute (it totally is) but the horse, really?

An Officer And A Gentleman

2010-03-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I will officially be married to a Staff Sergeant. Last Thursday we went to his ALS graduation ceremony (it's like a required class about being a supervisor, blah, Air Force talk, blah). Boring but I got to dress up (anything involving dressing up and I'm there!) and see my man graduate.

Doesn't he look handsome? I love my man in uniform! He's worked so hard the past 4 years (oh, goodness, 4 years??? has it really been that long???) for this.

Congratulations! Barbie loves her GI Joe!!!

Look at all his "flair"!

Sale Alert!!!

2010-03-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Z Gallerie is having a Drapery and Rod sale starting today. Up to 50% off. Just in time, we are sick of being woken up by the bright sun in our bedroom on our days off!

I am hoping the get the Boulevard Panels in Oyster for the bedroom. Now to decide on a length.

Check the sale out! A few good deals! But they still need an accessory sale STAT!

Accessorizing The Dresser

2010-03-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

No, we didn't get to paint the dresser this weekend due to time, weather (rain followed by crazy wind not condusive to spray painting), and my husband's general laziness. We did buy the supplies, however and Stephan has promised me his 3 day weekend coming up will be fruitful.

This is my Sarah Richardson inspired vignette. If you don't know you she is you haven't fully lived. She is a great designer on Design Inc. and Sarah's House (where she buys a house and completely remodels in fabulosity). I die over her designs, adorable assistant, and general perfection. I dream about fabric shopping with her!!! I know, I'm lame...

Are you loving it???

View from the Bed by Em Pink on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Z Gallerie - Bling Lotus Sconce, $70
IKEA Vaser & blommor Vaser SALONG Vas, $4.99
Home Faux Fur Throw Disco - Silver (50x60") : Target, $25
Louis Ghost Chair by Kartell at OfficeDesigns.com
Gold Leaf Nikita Mirror

Can you imagine the circles mirror across from the Darcy circle wallpaper accent wall??? Or possible stencil of the pattern (maybe a summer project with the bestie?!?). I love subtly carrying themes... Ugh, loving it!

What's Your Main Ingredient?

2010-03-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

This cracks me up!!! I love and fear Martha, and I love that she's showing her sense of humor!My favorite moment involves brownies (you'll see). Hilarious. Bravo to whoever wrote this!

What's Next For The New Dresser

2010-03-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday my Hollywood Regency bamboo dresser from Ebay arrived! It is stunning! We are planning to paint it either this weekend or next weekend.

Excuse Bentley's butt...you know what it's like to try and take pics with little furry shadows...

I think I'm going to use the same products as Get It Girl used on her similar dresser. It will be a vintage white with the handles sprayed silver like hers!

Hopefully it looks this good!

Last week I saw an awesome dresser makeover on Young House Love where they lined the drawers with wrapping paper from Ink and Paper. So I had to have a looksy at what else they have and found two possibilities.

Young House Love finished product

Peacock Feathers!!!! My fave-sies!

White Baroque

Which do you like????

Oh, I'm also thinking of spray painting these old Target tables a shiny silver. Ever since I saw the silver spray paint at Lowe's I've been dying to use it!

Here's the inspiration from Z Gallerie

Golden Eye

2010-03-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

So while I was getting ready for work today, I caught an episode of How Not To Decorate on BBC America. It is an amazing British home makeover show with a duo of fabulous gay men and to scantily clad blonde assistants (weird combo, I know).

Anyway, the did an accent wall in, get this, gold leaf. Freaking amaze-balls (as Perez and Kim would say)!!! I tried to tell Stephan about it but then he just started singing the theme song to the James Bond movie Goldeneye...yeah, did I mention this was in the middle of Target? So since he didn't see the beauty in it I thought you might.

I tried to find a pick from the episode with no luck, but HGTV has a how to and I found some cool inspiration photos.

Sterling silver leaf fireplace

Kinda awesome

Silver leaf ceiling

From HGTV

Sorry i couldn't find better pics or the one from How Not to Decorate, but cool concept nonetheless!

Say Yes To The Job

2010-03-12T18:43:00.001-08:00

I know I've neglected my blog (for all 7 of you followers). Actually, 6 because one is my husband who I forced to follow me. He only looks at the pictures, that's why I say anything I want about him (trust me, I've tested it many times).

I have rejoined the workforce once again! I've done retail management for years but am so over the schedule. I'd really love to do something with wedding/event planning or interior design (both of which I only have very raw talent and no actual training) I've been job hunting for 2 months not finding anything interesting or in the driving distance I want.

I saw on my BFF's bridal consultants website that their was a job in their Gainesville, FL bridal store and encouraged her to apply. (I live vicariously through people)

But then I thought that I didn't have to live through her on this one...so I started calling around to bridal stores around the area. The first one I called needed someone and long story short, I'm now a bridal consultant.

It's not glamorous, by far (if you've seen Say Yes To The Dress you know it can be brutal)

But I'm excited and love it! AND the icing on the cake is that they are closed Sunday and Monday and close at 6 weekdays and 4 on Saturdays. Retail heaven. Mmmmm.

I heart Randy :)

Underestimating My Hubby

2010-03-08T07:22:00.001-08:00

I was gone for 4 days this weekend and didn't know what to expect when I got home. You see, my husband has never been alone in the new house with both dogs.

I did laundry, dishes, and left him leftovers, expecting him to play videogames in his underwear the whole weekend.

But, he surprised me. He:
-Cleaned any doggy presents from the yard
-Hung master bathroom fixtures
-Spray painted and hung the mirror we bought for our guestbath
-Replaced our light fixture in the guest bath
-Took both dogs to the vet

I was impressed. When I asked him how we figured out how to replace the light fixture without electricuting himself he answered:

"Because I'm a man. It's instinct."

What do you think? The mirror was $29.99 on clearance from HomeGoods. It was brushed silver but pops with a glossy black spray paint. The light fixture is from Lowe's, and the square bathroom fixtures are from Target.

I now need some sort of black and white damask shower curtain, maybe some zebra accent washclothes and handtowels, and to hang my Marilyn Monroe picture.

My only complaint was that he didn't take ANY before pictures...

Living Room Love

2010-03-04T09:31:00.000-08:00

Here's what I'm scheming (I don't plan, I scheme) for our living room. (Oh, and I discovered how to custom crop items so my layering looks ALOT better, totally embarrassed by all my previous Polyvore.com attempts).

I wanna do creams, whites, blues, and a touch of brown. Lots of textures (silk, faux fur, velvet, mirrored, lucite). Kind of a Parisian/Hollywood Regency kind of vibe.

We already own the chair, couch and loveseat, mirrored side tables and lamps, but that is IT. All the rest needs to be purchased or replaced. So I have the bones but need to accessorize. My Target tv stand is going to look like poo next to this...

Not bad for an amateur, don't you think?

Side note: Why are rugs so DANG EXPENSIVE??!?!?!?!

Living Room by Em Pink on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Faux Silk Lampshade : Target, $12
wall decor, mirror, mirrors, ruffle edge, wood frame, white, $700
Dwell Upholstered Storage Bench - White/ Charcoal : Target, $200
Glass Accent Table - 25.25" : Target, $90
Tray Table : Target, $40

Stephan and Kim aren't so so proud of me it's not all black and white?

Remembering I Do

2010-03-03T02:17:00.000-08:00

There's so many cute things to commemorate your big day around your home. These are my favorites. They'd make great anniversary gifts (cough, Stephan, cough).

One thing I did get was my bouquet preserved with from Keepsake Floral. I mailed it in, they took it apart, dried it and put it together again in a shadow box. The flowers dried such beautiful colors.

What about a fashion sketch of you in your dress??? Just like the celebs get for custom dresses. This one is from All About The Dress and is a steep $425. But I've found similar things on Etsy here and here.

I love all the letter/number art I've been seeing. So funky and special. You can even add pics and dates and names. Maybe I can give these for upcoming weddings I'm a bridesmaid in...hmmm...

Art of Whimsy on Etsy.

Frame the Date (Young House Love has discount codes sometimes)

You could definitely do something stunning with this keepsake. And you can personalize them with anything you want (they show them for baby keepsakes, too). Only $32. It's handmade solid pewter.

Pewter Heart Keepsake

This shows actual size a little better.

I need to do something like this with my caketopper that I bought from Toppers With Glitz.

Knob Kabob

2010-03-02T07:05:00.001-08:00

Does anyone else find it weird when cabinets don't have pulls/knobs??? Why do they do that? It's obnoxious to open and looks unfinished! It's like wearing a fabulous dress and no earring!

I saw some great ones on sale at Target, but they only had like 2 each and are still full price online (when are you going to get it together and match up your store and online prices, Target?) If you knew how much I've spent with you in my 24 years you would listen up!

Aren't they so Anthropologie/vintage???

Side note: Did you see the episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians when Scott shoves a hundred dollar bill down a waiters throat and Kourtney calls him a "drunk slob-kabob??? It was crazy and now drunk people will always be drunk slob-kabobs to me :)

Where To Sleep Next To Ryan Reynolds

2010-03-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon a tour of Scarlett Johansson's Spanish style villa in LA. It is stunning. I knew we had more in common that full lips, big butts, and an attraction to Ryan Reynolds. You must check here for even more photos and stats!

I die for those velvet Chesterfield sofas!

Love the wallpaper

This is where Ryan and I would brush our teeth together

Only in a Spanish villa can this tile and cabinet work!!!

Indoor atrium. Insanity.

Stunning wallpaper. Waking up next to Ryan here would be heaven:)

Portrait Of A Wedding

2010-03-01T01:36:00.000-08:00

Some of our favorite portraits.

Just Married...Finally

2010-02-28T01:38:00.000-08:00

Here are our favorite pics from our reception.

I Do, I Do, I Do

2010-02-27T01:37:00.000-08:00

Here's some favorites from our ceremony:

Tiffany bracelet from Groomy

About to walk down the aisle with my mum

I know it looks like he's whispering something romantic. But he's really telling me that he has a wedgie :)

Pretty in White

2010-02-26T02:35:00.000-08:00

I thought finding my dress would be the easiest and funnest planning aspect of the wedding. WRONG. It was the hardest. I think I tried dozens and dozens of dresses on at many, many bridal shops. I was thinking something completely ruffley at the bottom but my mom and maid of honor weren't in love with it.

One day Stephan and I randomly drove by Brides by Demetrios in Altamonte Springs, FL. I ran in and Stephan stayed in the car. And there it was THE dress. AND it was on sale!!! It meshed together two designer dresses that I loved but could never afford.

Inspiration:

From Inside Weddings, you guessed it! Obsessed with the sweetheart neckline and the beading.

Kenneth Pool

I also loved the back of this dress from Inside Weddings. As well as the cathedral length veil. Pure drama.

Reem Acra

Real Wedding:

Doesn't my groomy look handsome? Keep in mind that my dress was over $1,000 and he called me one day that he had found his tux at a used clothing store on base called Airman's Attic. Yeah...

Sweetheart, check. Beaded bodice, check.

Beading and gathering, check.

Cathedral veil, check.

Finishing touches:

I saw these Kate Spade shoes in Inside Weddings and HAD to have them. I got them off bluefly.com like a year before the wedding. I also had just some vintage-y studs from Express, a beaded COMB (NOT tiara) from a local shop, and a custom shimmer veil also from Demetrios. I had them make the cathedral part detachable so I just had a short veil for the reception. Lastly, I had found a vintage bracelet when I was in London from my "something old."

Kate Spade Illude

Yeah stole my hair from Inside Weddings, too:)

Source

Have Your Wedding Cake And Eat It, Too

2010-02-25T04:36:00.000-08:00

Our cake was fabulous and yummy. Our baker was Mary Grace of Bella Donna Cakes. Both my cakes were based on ones from magazines/online. We alternated Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese filling (my all time favorite) and Chocolate Angelfood Cake with Chocolate Truffle Filling. In the grand Southern tradition of a groomscake, we had a Plain and Chocolate Swirled Cheesecake With Raspberry and Chocolate Buttercream. Yum. We still talk about how yummy the cake was! We also did a faux styrafoam layer to make it look taller but save $$$ and not have too much extra.

Inspiration:

The inspirations cake was also from Inside Weddings. It was completely covered in pearl dragees. That means each one was hand put on with tweezers. We priced that out and it was double what the pearlized icing would be so we went with icing. Also Stephan had to talk me down on it because it wouldn't really be edible like that, you'd have to take them all off or do faux layers. So after I saw this a sketched up a little drawing to take to her (literally turned out EXACTLY like my sketch)

From the same wedding as our centerpieces

Real Wedding:

Mary Grace added little brooches out of fondant, dragees, and rhinestones. She got me:)

We rented a silver antique cakestand, bought a monogram custom topper in the same font as our invitation from Toppers With Glitz, and added fresh flowers from the florist.

In the military tradition we cut the cake with a saber; One of Stephan's highlights

No, I didn't let him shove it in my face! Hello, RED cake...and my make-up was too fabulous!

Groom's cake tasted even better than it looked!!!

When In St. Augustine

2010-02-25T02:40:00.000-08:00

My brother and his fiancee, Rich had their engagment photos done a few weeks ago by Lindsay of Pure Photography. She is a rockstar photographer and I am in love with these pics!!! They are the cuteness and braved the 40 degree weather in St. Augustine, FL for these great shots. You can look at the whole preview here. But here are some of MY favorites:

How to Design a Big Fat Southern/Military/Baptist/Glamorous/Old Hollywood/Country Club Wedding

2010-02-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

Yeah, it's a long theme, but it describes the decor and feel of the wedding to a "T." If you think I'm creative, stop right there. I basically took 3 weddings I saw in a magazine and edited/meshed them together. If you are engaged you MUST buy Inside Weddings magazine, or at least go on their website. They feature very glam (and expensive) real weddings perfect for inspiration. I think real weddings are most inspiring, and I also think that you can recreate the feel of an expensive wedding by using the most impactful ideas.

Invitations/Programs:

My beautiful invites were from Inviting Smiles, and I saved $$$ by getting them unassembled. That was alot of ribbon to tie...

Platinum Elegance

I copied a program from Inside Weddings and designed them myself, bought square paper, and printed them at Kinko's. We then added rhinestones to all of them, as well as the print your own placecards from Target, and our homemade menu cards.

Decor:

I completely copied Marissa and Matthew's wedding for my decor. It was chic, glowy, and glam. For colors I did shades of whites and cream and champagne. I wanted glowy/glam elements like pearls, crystal, and diamonds. Since my color palette was so muted, I needed lots of textures, and shapes (hence square vases, rounds flowers, etc.). I also did lots of monograms (I AM a good southern girl) and FEATHERS!!!!!!!

For the church I kept it white and simple, but still different than other weddings.

I wish I had gotten these in silk to keep :(

Just a little something for the aisle candles

Centerpiece Inspiration

Over all look inspiration

Real place card table

Real table

Real overall look (sorry there's people eating...awkward)

Bridal Flowers:

Inspiration for bridesmaid dresses and bouquets, and flower girl pomander

Yeah, yeah, My name is Emily and I'm a copycat

Up close bouquets

Bridal bouquet inspiration (I nixed the expensive phaeleonopsis orchids to save $$$)

Not as bold feathers as I wanted, but still fabulous

Can't forget the feather getaway. Did not tell the club I was doing this:)

You've Got Mail

2010-02-24T09:13:00.000-08:00

My Ebay Bathroom sconces came today!!! AND a box from my mum with an anniversary card and really, really soft yummy towels!!! My mom is always on top of birthday, anniversaries, and holidays.

So this is what a $300 light fixture looks like...Gotta love Ebay!!! These are moving with me when we move one day.

Softest towels I've EVER felt (Chaps for Kohl's if you wanna get a feel)

Location, Location, Location

2010-02-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

There were two things I knew when I planned my wedding:

1. I wanted it to be FABULOUS

2. I wanted it to be different that anyone elses that I'd been to

We looked at many hotels, country clubs, churches and these were the only two that felt right:

Ceremony:

The church we picked was First United Methodist Church of Winter Park . It really had that grand, old (in the good way), European look that I longed for. And that aisle was heck-a-long to make my grand entrance (it felt even longer when the pre-recorded organ music for the entrance ended when my maid of honor was only 1/4 way down the aisle). It also had great stained glass, and a great courtyard. The only downside was no pics during the ceremony so all our ceremony pics are from the balcony :(

Reception:

We fell in love with the Lake Nona Golf and Country Club for our reception. Even though it was a solid 1/2 hours drive from our ceremony. It was worth it. It brought the Scarlett O'Hara out in me! You gotta love the perfection that is golf course grass. And BEST wedding food EVER.

Can you believe this is the back???

Craigslist Stalking FINALLY Paid Off!!!

2010-02-23T02:18:00.000-08:00

I go on Craigslist multiple times a week looking for vintage finds and never seem to have the kind of luck other bloggers seem to have (so jealous). Well, I finally hit the jackpot! I great vintage french provincial chair in perfect condition that doesn't have to be recovered or fixed up in any way!!! It will be perfect in the bedroom!

Only one minor set back. It's in...Alabama 1 1/2 hours away. First of all, when I've ever gone through Alabama I don't even want to stop, much less go shopping. But considering we have been driving 40 minutes to eat bagels at BagelHeads in Pensacola every Saturday, what's another few minutes???

I schlepped Stephan around last Saturday because I've been dying to hit up some antique shops in Pensacola! So fun!!! And get this, he actually got into it when he discovered antique knives/swords/military uniforms, etc. In fact, I had to drag him out of the first place because he wanted to play with every single weapon they had.

No lucky finds on this trip, but the chase is part of the fun! I can honestly say it was one of the funnest Saturday mornings I've had in a long time (mostly because we weren't painting the house)!!!

I'm going to maybe mix it with something super shiny and modern to keep it fresh, and add a few things in the pale blue throughout the room to bring it together.

1950's French Provincial perfection

Here are some things that might cool it up:

Maybe a little reading nook???

Z Gallerie Alu Accent Table

Z Gallerie Zoe Table Lamp on the Hollywood Redency new dresser???

Where I Bathe

2010-02-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

I had a big win on Ebay last night! I got 2 builder's overstock Vienna Full Spectrum crystal bathroom light for a steal. They are worth $285 EACH but I got 'em for $60 each. SO excited. So here's the bathroom I'm building around it. We bought a similar jute shade from Walmart already, and all the towels are on sale and on there way from West Elm (I've been hitting their sale section HARD). The rest are all wishlist items. Those mirrors with mirror trim are impossible to find on the cheap! Z Gallerie needs an accessory sale STAT. I swear that their accessories were always on sale UNTIL I moved into the new house and wanted to actually buy.
Of course...

Do you design a room around one great find or have a concept that you find things to fit into???

Glam Master Bath by Em Pink on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Z Gallerie - Arno Mirror, $130
Blue Cloud Vase Z Gallerie, $17
A7-405/1 Chain / Rod Pendants CHANDELIER Chandeliers, Crystal...
Wall Decor - Panels & Placques Z Gallerie, $70
Sparkle Chrome 23 1/4" Wide Crystal Bathroom Light Fixture ..., $190

Whose Blog Is It, Anyway?

2010-02-21T11:20:00.000-08:00

In the countdown to our 2 year wedding anniversary on March 1, I'm doing a few recaps on our Big Fat Southern/Military/Baptist/Glamorous/Old Hollywood/Country Club Wedding. Why, you may ask???

Well, for 3 reasons:
1. Because I can
2. It was timelessly fabulous
3. Either the wedding blog thing wasn't as big in the two years I was planning or I just was oblivious to it (I like to think the first since I was all consumed in the wedding industry for 2 years)

I'm just going to show some fave pics and inspirations. I really loved planning my wedding, and would be happy doing it professionally if I knew how the heck to get started! It was the most creatively fulfilling experience I've ever heard (house scheming is a close second).

Let the wedding posts begin!

Love Always Wins

2010-02-19T02:24:00.000-08:00

Remember my mushy post about Valentine's Day a few days ago? Well, I entered it into a Love Story contest for a complimentary photo session with an AWESOME photographer that my BFF and I know, Jaime, of Sweet Serendipity Photography out of G-Ville.

Well, guess what? WE ARE ONE OF THE WINNERS!!! So we get to plan a G-Ville trip to see the bestie AND get a photo shoot. We have been wanting new photos for like a year.

Jaime and I are already scheming about something vintage-y or glamorous (she knows me too well). SO excited... now what to wear!!! I don't know when we are doing the shoot but I will keep you updated!

Maybe vintage-y "Officer and a Gentleman" military theme???

Adorable

Here's some pics from one of Jaime's recent Engagement photos:

I love a good ring shot!

You know we need to hit up this location

When Ugly Lights Happen to Pretty People

2010-02-18T02:53:00.000-08:00

We really don't like ANY of the light fixtures in our house. They just aren't our style. Here's my wish-list of replacements (please excuse the close-ups of our ugly popcorn ceiling)

Breakfast Nook

First of all, this light is WAAAAY too high, it is also ugly and cheap (I wrote in an earlier post that I had seen it on Overstock.com for $37

The replacement will be this drum shade/crystal chandelier. The crystal ties it with the rest of the house but the drum shade makes it more casual to me.

Overstock.com Chandelier, $135.99

Entrance:

Ugly and cheap

The replacement would be much chicer. I've just been wanting a way to incorporate this piece.

Belvedere Hanging Lamp, $79

Dining Room:

That Tuscan style that is oh, so popular. Just now OUR style.

Replacement will be crystal with some black shades to pop the other black accents in the dining room.

Crystal Chandelier with Shades, $149

Master Bathroom:

I really want a little something something to hang over the tub.

Another piece of just been trying to incorporate. I like the small size of it.

Chandelier Pendant, $99

Or maybe even this badboy:

Capiz Hanging Lamp, $69.99

Bedrooms:

This is my view from bed every night. Yuck. Really not a fan of ceiling fans. Especially gold and brown ones. These are in all the bedrooms.

The master bedroom replacement would be something luxurious.

Venetion Chandelier, $175

And something a little funkier in a shiny black for the guest room.

Bel Air Black Chandelier, $249

Living Room:

Don't know quite what to put in place of this. Maybe a brushed steel fan? I think a chandelier would have to be HUGE to work with the high, pointed ceiling. Really stumped on this one.

Oh, and it doesn't show up in pics, but this has a really weird multicolor light to it. Kind of like crazy disco parties happened here...

If you haven't noticed, I obviously am not very good at "casual"...

Now if only money grew on trees and I could find a job in this hick little town.

Right on Target

2010-02-17T09:52:00.000-08:00

I discovered some lovely new bedding collections from Target.com today. Have to go check these out sometime this week! (Not that I need one, but you know how it is)

Mandala Coverlet, $69.99-79.99

It's very Anthropologie-esque and instantly reminded me of this room:

Yummy colors

This one would have been exactly what I was looking for pre- Fieldcrest purchase.

Thomas O'Brien Blue Bedding, $19.99-$109.99

It reminds me of the fab Young House Love master bedroom:

Young House Love

There's something fab about this, kind of trellis pattern like, which is always a winner.

Dwell Studio, Casablanca $24.99-$79.99

Well, done again, Target, well done.

Thank Goodness!!!

2010-02-16T00:07:00.000-08:00

We are finally ordered our appliances on Saturday!!! Our house didn't come with a fridge so we have been living out of my college dorm mini-fridge. We go to Publix basically ever/every other day and it's embarrassing. We also don't have a microwave yet so we are reheating leftovers (we try to not have any, but it happens) in the oven...lame.

Pathetic, isn't it??? (Also notice that Stephan made me put it in the garage because he didn't want to have to move it out of the kitchen once we got our permanent one)

At first we were waiting for our First Time Home Buyers tax credit, since our current appliances are white and I long for stainless steel chic-ness. And I'm not really a mix and match kinda girl and would rather do it in one she-bang. Then we thought we'd wait awhile and were going to be given a temporary fridge from a friend (which didn't pan out). Basically instead of going a few days to a week without important appliance we have ended up being without them almost 5 weeks.

The big gaping whole that mocks me daily

We have looked at Lowe's, Best Buy, local stores, etc. And decided to go with Frigidaire Energy Star. I think the key to most things is to not buy the cheapest thing, but rather the second or third cheapest. Things like hotels, appliances, etc. I think I get scared off by the things that are the absolute cheapest (especially after the hotel I stayed at in Paris a few years back).

Best Buy surprisingly had some good deals, but we were too impatient for the shipping times they were quoting. Instead we got our local store Art's Appliance Superstore (found by me, of course) to match the price/models of what we had picked.

As luck would have it, the store also sells scratch and dent appliances and had a fridge that had been $1,800 which we got for $1300 AND the flaw had been fixed so it was good as new!!! Gotta love a man who you ask to buy something and calls and wants to buy you something nicer and more expensive!!!

Can't wait to cook on my new stainless steel lovelies!!! So we definitely have to finish painting before they come on Thursday!!! And maybe order some aluminum or stainless steel backsplash tiles, oh and desperately need a stainless sink... Oh, does it ever end!!!

Can't wait to go to the grocery store ONCE a week and be able to heat up my leftovers!!!

AND now I won't be embarrassed if Martha Stewart stops by for dinner :)

Frigidaire Model #FEF366EC

Frigidaire Model #FMV152KS

Frigidaire Model #FDB1100RHC

Frigidaire Model #FPHS2687KF

HomeGoods Goodness

2010-02-15T19:11:00.001-08:00

We stopped by HomeGoods this weekend (I haven't been since we moved, before that I was going once a week). Silly me, I forgot Stephan literally can't handle the place. He rushes me, whines, huffs and puffs, and is all around annoying.

Anywhere we are with furniture he just goes around and sits in leather chairs. I think his butt has been in every leather chair on earth.

Although I was rushed and when I wanted to buy something he said:

"Oh... I didn't know we were BUYING anything..."

He doesn't understand that you have to snatch up what you find because you will never again find it.

We found a tufted (you know how I feel about tufting) leather (I think it's faux cause I did the smell test) ottoman for his Christmas present, leather club chair.

$39.99, I've seen these for over $100 online.

I found some crystal lamps for our bedside tables. They need white drum shades and I'm still deciding if they are too tall or not. Here's Stephan's helpful lamp comments:

Stephan: "What do we have, like 10 lamps now???"

Me: "Ummm, we don't live in a one bedroom apartment anymore..."

Stephan: "I know, why don't we just take shades off some other lamps and put them on the ones you want..."

Me: (Well, there were no words...)

Too big? Or no? Pier 1 Hayworth Nightstand

Lesson learned, going to HomeGoods sans Stephan.

The Valentine's Day Proposal

2010-02-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is extra special for Stephan and I because it is the anniversary of our engagement. 4 V-Days ago Stephan asked me to marry and spend the rest of my life with him.

I knew he had bought a ring that summer before when he sold his old truck (he would talk about how my ring was half a truck) and that he had had several "business meetings" with my dad. Every anniversary/holiday I wondered if I would finally get to look inside the little black box he had been carrying around (literally) and showing to family and friends. It was 8 months of pure torture!

On February 14, 2006 (a boring Wednesday) Stephan came to visit me in Tally where I went to college at FSU. I went to classes like any other day and came home to find dozens and dozens of white and red roses all over the apartment. Stephan was nowhere to be seen, but there was a gift bag in the middle of the floor. I think it had a framed picture engraved with "Love is Never Ending" and Godiva chocolates. He came in the room and got down on one knee and I finally got to see what was in the little black box!!!

After he proposed he gave me a card that started "To My Fiancee." Then he showed me his sad attempt to make chocolate covered strawberries (not sure how he messed them up, but he did...gross). Then I realized my fly was down and I freaked out knowing that I had been proposed to with my fly down. I made him re-do it. It had happened so fast I made him propose over and over randomly through the night slower each time.

Unfortunately I had a project to finish so we ordered a pizza while a worked... SO romantic. We waited until the next day to call people because there was something special about knowing that we were the only two people in the world who knew about it. We had a 2 year and 2 week long engagement so I could finish school, but we finally made it to our Big Fat Southern/Military/Baptist/Glamorous/Old Hollywood/Country Club Wedding

Now 4 years later, we've been through: 2 deployments, 2 bases, 1 wedding, 2 dogs, 1 house, too many happy memories to count, too many fights to count :), and through it all he is still the only 1 I want to share my life with.

In our first dance song, Better Together, Jack Johnson says:

"It's not always easy,
And sometimes life can be deceiving,
But I tell you one thing,
It's always better when we're together."

That very much sums up our love for each other then and now.

I love you, Stephan! Even though you suck at making chocolate covered strawberries! Happy Valentine's Day/ Engagement Anniversary!

This is at a wedding about 2 weeks before our engagement. It is also the pic he put in the frame he got engraved for me for the proposal.

One of out official engagement pics. Taken 2 years after our initial engagement and only 2 weeks before our wedding. Better late than never!

I don't think there is any other picture of us ever looking this in love.

Look-y What I Got!

2010-02-11T15:21:00.001-08:00

I've been searching for a Hollywood Regency bamboo trimmed dresser ever since I saw one on Get It Girl Style a while back. Well, something finally popped up on Ebay (that may even be the same dealer as hers) and since I'm a Buy It Now kinda girl, I emailed them to see what they would sell it for for a Buy It Now (it was in the listing that you could do it, I was still within my Ebay manners). For only $100 and then shipping charges, it was well under my $250 vintage dresser budget!

Here it is:

From TS and Company out of Gainesville, FL

And this is what it will look like with some white paint action (with instructions provided from the post)!!!

Get it Girl Style's fab finished product (I kinda like how mine doesn't have tiny drawers better)

I've never ordered something like this off Ebay, we'll see what happens. Unfortunately it could take a few weeks to arrive, but it will be exciting when it does show up!

I'm also debating this one from a local antique shop. I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who would ever look twice at it for the great bones it has! Not only is the pink scary but it may or may not have some sort of floral crap on top... It's much smaller and lower, but I'm thinking tv stand for the living room??? MUCH chic-er than the current Targ-et one we currently have, and only $40- doll-ah holla-h!

I also like to think that buying second hand/vintage furniture makes us a little "green."

What A Difference Some Paint Makes

2010-02-10T07:22:00.001-08:00

By popular demand (as in two people) here are some post-paint pics! We have done our entrance, main living, dining, hallways, and guestroom. We still have the kitchen, master, bathrooms, and laundry room. Hopefully we will finish on Stephan's 3 day weekend...

Living room (Sherwin Williams Essential Gray):

Look at how the fireplace pops now! (Still hate that brown tile grout) and the light fixture HAS to go.

Dining Room (Sherwin Williams Essential Gray):

Excuse the mess. We are living off a few little piles since all our furniture is in the garage.

Breakfast Nook:

Unfortunately we have a wall that continues from the living to the kitchen so we had to carry over the Essential Gray.

Guest Room (Olympic Gray Beige)

I think beige is the hardest color to pick. There are so many and so many undertones. We just held a bunch up to the bedding to pick the right one. (I forgot to take a before pic...oopsy)

This is where you will get to stay if you come visit!!! I know the color might seem disappointing, but the overall room WILL be fierce!!!

Guest Rooms Hallway:

Master/Laundry Room Hallway:

I will say that we definitely could tell the difference between the Sherwin Williams and Olympic. The Sherwin was thick and rich and the Olympic was thin and watery and made bubbles. Go Sherwin if you're not sure. The extra $$$ is worth it.

Last but not least, here is what it looks like when everything you own is in your garage:

The rest of our wood floor should be in this week or next and then once it adjusts to the temperature of the house we can have it installed along with some new carpet in the bedrooms (I'm thinking maybe doing the Mohawk Green Carpet that's made from recycled water bottles)

And if you're wondering how big The German has gotten, here you go:

Yet he still wants to sit in my lap...ugh.

For The Birds

2010-02-09T02:14:00.000-08:00

If you attended or have seen pics from our March 2008 wedding, you know there was a bit of a feather theme. I got alot of weird looks when I would tell people I was having feather accents, but, trust me, I REALLY REALLY restrained myself :) I've always loved feathers. I think their whimsical, glamorous, and beautiful. Now I've been finding some cute feather home accents for the new digs.

Wedding Feathers:

Feath-ah Bouquet

Kate Spade Illude Pumps (Bought on Bluefly.com waaaay before I even had a dress)

Feather Send-Off

(I so didn't tell the country club we were doing this; Easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. I like to think they specifically banned feathers after me!)

Pillows:

I heart me some etsy.com!

Peacock Feather Cover, $16

Feather Pillow Cover, $17

White Peacock Cushion, $16

Dinnerware:

Anthropologie Peacock Dinnerware, $14-20

I've been lusting after these forever. Stunning. They will be mine, but I will probably only have a 4 place settings.

Pier 1 Yellow Bird Plate, $5 (Can you say BARGAIN???)

I think these might be super funky mixed with the dishes I got for my wedding (below). It'll bring that pop of yellow to the table since I'm digging that for my kitchen right now. I think it'll loosen up the black and white.

Target Damask Dinnerware, $49.99

Wallpaper:

Remember the Peacock Feather Wallpaper???

So cute I had to show it twice!!!

How Could I Forget???

2010-02-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

Somehow I forgot to include this wacky wallpaper in my wallpaper post...silly girl!!! Here's the Birch Tree Wallpaper from Anthropologie. It is alot of fun. David Bromsted used it in an episode of Color Splash, and you know how I feel about him!

Color Splash Birch Tree Wallpaper (Can you spot the Ghost Chairs???)

A more subdued way to use the wallpaper (The blogger that I got this image from called this wallpaper "so last year" haha)

If you have $198/roll laying around you can buy it here at Anthropologie, It cracked me up that the one and only review for it on the website they used it in their mudroom...$198/roll on your mudroom???? Who are these people????

I Bow At The Altar of Tufting

2010-02-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

I L-O-V-E tufting. There's something luxurious about it. I love it on chairs, headboards, benches, couches... I would cover a room in tufted fabric if I could! Even thought it would sort of resemble a padded room in a mental hospital...

Beds/Benches:

After I saw this I've been searching for a budget friendly tufted headboard or bed.

Kim K's Bedroom (again)

So I found this lovely from Z Gallerie (Still a little too expensive):

Victoria Sleigh Bed, Z Gallerie $1799

But then, I found this that comes in a bed or headboard:

Skyline Tufted Arch Headboard or Bed, $249-472

BUT they price match and I saw the bed at csnstores.com for $445 and the headboard for $236. I would buy it from cymaxstores.com and do the price match, though, because you can add on a 5 year warranty for $89 with them. I have seen this bed for $600+ around the internet.

Skyline also makes a matching bench for the end of the bed. Not sure about the match-matchy maybe I could get a cover made in another fabric like Kim K's ( think hers is a velvet). But it might work. The bench is the cheapest at Target.com (waiting for another 15% off and free shipping)

Skyline Bench, $219

Couches/Chairs:

Chesterfield Tufted Sofa + Jonathan Adler chair + Bamboo and glass tables = Perfection

Tasteful, Styled, But Very Real and Achievable

Hollywood Regency with unexpected colors

Here's the the budget friendly one we got at Macy's with a matching love seat that was

H-E-L-L to get to the new house:

Chloe Sofa, $899 (on sale for $699)

And here it is after Stephan white-trashed it up:

It's painful to look at...

The most affordable tufted chair I found:

Curves Hourglass Chair, $269

Saving up for my bed!!! Then we'll move our black sleigh bed to the guest room! I love me some tufting!!!

To Wallpaper Or Not To Wallpaper...

2010-02-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

I know what you're thinking: borders of fruits, country motifs, old lady florals... But honey, this isn't your mother's wallpaper! The new-school of wallpapers are graphic, or metallic, or even, dare I say...modern???

The Inspirations:

Graham & Brown Darcy, $60 (My fave)

Brocade Home Foil Wallpaper, $189 (METALLIC!!!!!!)

Peacock Feathers (Obsessed with all things feathers)

Mmmmmm

Celebrity Inspirations:

Tori & Dean (Very semi-tacky vintage)

Kim K's Powder Room (The "old lady pattern" as Stephan says)

Accent Wall Only: (Something I would so do)

I bet they never have nightmares

I love the whole idea of what wallpaper has become! I would love to do the Darcy in the bedroom as an accent wall. I don't have the "balls" to do a whole room.

Here are my concerns:

-The whole putting it up process

-Resale value/showing when we sell (5-10 years down the road but Designed to Sell makes you think about these things)

And I need to choose my decor battles with the Mister...

Sheer Genius

2010-02-05T13:59:00.001-08:00

Ever since I started my "hobby" (ummm, obsession) with home decor I've discovered one very disturbing thing. I've discovered that everything I fall in love with that I think is so different and up and coming is already... popular. Just when I think I'm being different... I realize I'm...just...like...everyone...else (at least in the decor world, the masses will probably not get some of it).

One of the things I'm just mad for is lucite/acrylic furniture. It's very Hollywood Regency meets modern.

Here are the holy grails of lucite furniture:

DeBarry Cocktail Table, $4,600 (GAAAAASP)

Kartell Louis Ghost Chair

Yeah, the coffee table made me want to pee my pants... crazy. And if you haven't been to theparisapartment.com, you don't know what you're missing; it's literally everything I could ever want. If Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn shared a flat in Paris, they would buy everything from there. That is basically how I would some up my style, too.

I haven't convinced you yet of lucite's gloriousness? Maybe if I set the scene:

Ghost Chair Wedding Reception (Chiavari Chair, who???)

Coffee table

Vanity/desk

LOVE it with a bench underneath it!

Mixed with my fave West Elm Overlapping Squares chairs??? Yes, please!!!

Venetian mirror and ghost chair together, two of my favorites together

Here are the more budget friendly items I've found:

CB2 Peekaboo Coffee Table, $249

CB2 Peekabo Console, $349

Set of 2 Acrylic Chairs, $349

I'm thinking of the coffee table in the living room, the chair in the bedroom as a "reading nook" and the console in the kitchen...cuteness!

Burlap Envy

2010-02-04T10:42:00.000-08:00

Are you watching Project Runway this season??? You better be or we can't be friends (just kidding, of course)! Well one of my all-time favorite challenges a few weeks ago was Season 7, Episode 2 "The Fashion Farm" has furthered my fascination with burlap.

Remember the episode of I Love Lucy where the girls are lusting for french high fashion and the hubby's scheme to save money by literally putting them in grain sacks???

Ooh, lala

The Good:

Amy's Masterpiece

The Bad and the Ugly (all in one):

Ping's Butt-Out Crazy (I've had enough of her crazy...)

This episode really made me come back to these awesome pillows from Etsy.com:

French Grain Sack Pillow

Chateau Marmont Pillow

you & me Pillow

I love mixing textures so I really think they could add another layer of contrast with the velvet, silk, and leather.

Christmas in February

2010-02-04T09:31:00.001-08:00

I know the holidays are as over as we all are of them (especially us retail chickys). But I found a little something in the Sale section at West Elm that I couldn't pass up for next Christmas... Yes, that's $9.99!!!!!!!!!

Chunky Sequin Stocking, West Elm

I just got the stockings in the mail today and they are not as flashy as the pic. They have a mix of cream and silver sequins not just silver. Now I just have to stalk Ebay for the tree skirt that matches! Yeeeeee!!!!

Kitchen Inspiration

2010-02-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

Here's the kitchen inspiration from Polyvore.com. Believe it or not I put the whole room together after finding the Dwell Studio kitchen dishtowels, oven mitt, and potholder on clearance at Target. I'm actually not a yellow person, but I loved the towels so much that I couldn't resist!

Seems like the kitchen is going to end up more mod than the rest of the house. The top right corner is a stainless steel tile backsplash that I'm currently obsessed with. And I put both rugs that I like because I can't decide which I like more. The neutral one mimics the chair backings and gives an organic color to the mix. The black and white Ikea Stockholm rug is super graphic and ever since I saw this pic I have wanted to find a place to use it:

John Jacob Interiors

I love seeing how interior designers decorate their own homes!

Any thoughts on which rug are appreciated!!! I can't decide if I want it to blend or stand out...

Kitchen Inspiration by Em Pink on Polyvore.com

Don't you wanna have breakfast with me in this room???

Current Obsession: Polyvore.com

2010-02-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to figure out an easy, Emily-friendly way to make mood boards. I'm very visual and I really wanted to show the bloggers what has been floating in my head! I figured most people use Photoshop, but I'm in no way proficient with it!

This morning I woke up and checked my email in bed on my iPhone (morning ritual). And I had an email from my Bestie about Polyvore.com. I've seen it many times but it never occured to me for home decor. But it is basically amazing. You can basically save everything you see on the internet (except freakin' Etsy...I need to write a letter about this travesty!) Then layer it together and size the items so they are all proportional. You can do it with home decor, fashion, or even "artistic expression." I'm guessing that means like odes to Michael Jackson and what not.

If you wanna check me out my name is Em Pink, occupation, Glamour Girl (haha, sounded better than currently-unemployed housewife). Here is my masterpiece of a master bedroom:

Master Bedroom by Em Pink on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Seville Upholstered Bed Parchment Quee : Target, $600
Pier 1 Imports - Hayworth Nightstand, $200
Pillows | Bedding and Pillows | Z Gallerie, $50
Simply Shabby Chic™ Crystal Candlestick Table Lamp - Tall : Target, $45
A46-U/384/5 Murano Venetian Style CHANDELIER Chandeliers, Crystal..., $150

Obviously it won't all be smushed together and I'll add in things that I couldn't add on to polyvore.com. I'm really obsessed with using that wallpaper sample as maybe a focus wall but I'm scared. It's so freaking gorg, though!!! And a little glamour reading nook with a little Audrey???

But at least you know sorta get the idea! Remember the inspiration photo???

Kim K's condo

A little over the top, but over the top is always more inspiring! Stephan hates my "mirrored crap" so obviously I wouldn't do a mirrored armoir or antiqued mirror wall panels. But I think the essence is in it!

Oh, and have you already forgotten the paint??? Gray Beard and a darker ceiling once the popcorn is gone!

More to come on the kitchen, dining, and guest bath! Smooches!

House Tour Part Un (That's French for One for the Less-Cultured

2010-01-29T13:56:00.000-08:00

I know you're just dying to see the new house aren't ya??? Well here's the main living, dining, and kitchen area. It has good bones and I'm excited to decorate!

This is from the ad for the house. The grass is brown and dead now...

Entrance

Dining room, ugly chandelier

Fireplace and awesome windows!

Breakfast nook. I saw this light for $37 on Overstock.com. I don't know why it is hung so high up...awkward.

Kitchen, that huge gaping whole on the right is where a fridge may go some day (sarcasm).

I HATE the brown grout it is way too high a contrast with the tile and I'm looking into ways to some how make it light!

Curtain Call

2010-01-29T09:51:00.000-08:00

The previous homeowner of the house was ever so kind to leave us her BEAUTIFUL drapes...not. You know that was the first thing the I had the man slave take down! (I can pretty much say whatever I want on the blog because one thing I've noticed is that he doesn't read it; he only looks at the pictures.)

I could stare at that view all day ;)

I've taken fabric classes and I don't even know what these were made of...Can you see the icky dull gold leaf rods??? In regular lighting they are gold and pee yellow mixed together.

Curtains are super important to any room and I wanna keep things fresh and simple with some texture. I've found a few possibilities online! I wanna go formal with a silk/faux silk. I also think it will add another texture to the room. I'm all about mixing lots of textures!

Gala Panels, Z Gallerie

Boulevard Panels, Z Gallerie

I love-y the Z Gallerie ones but they are a bit expensive considering they are 100% silk. So I've been looking for faux silk options and found these at (of all places) JC Penny.

JC Penny Antique Satin

The JC Penny ones are faux silk and lined. They are supposed to be "energy efficient" and keep cold/heat out/in. Obviously would go with the cream color. I'm thinking about ordering a trial pair to see the color and if they look cheap. They are a good alternative to the Z Gallerie panels...or I'll be waiting for a 20-25% accessories email from Z Gallerie! Or maybe just splurge on the quilted for the master bedroom.

I also have these damask curtains from Target from our apartment. I am pretty much obsessed with anything damask. Stephan calls damask "that old-lady pattern" but what does he know, he wears camouflage. I always think that damask is pure glam and that Marilyn Monroe's curtains were so totally damask! I can put these in the guest, maybe layered with my old black velvet ones like David Bromstead on Color Splash does (I'm pretty much convinced we would be best friends!)

Waverly Damask Curtains, Target

Once the paint is actually done I can order and hang some (err, have Stephan hang them; I'm the brains he's the brawn)! Can't wait to see the ivory against the Essential Gray!!!

Gray's Anatomy

2010-01-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

So we were blessed and cursed with all white walls in our new house. Blessing because we have a fresh palette to imagine whatever we want, and curse because being surrounded by white walls is rather like being in a mental institution.

Asking an artistic person to pick out colors is to say the least difficult. For an artist there isn't just blue or green, there is turquoise or celadon and thousands more with, warm or cool undertones. And you dissect colors and pick out what colors were mixed into it, like if there's green or blue in the gray. Basically your head turns at a mile a minute. Another thing an artistic person relies on is first instinct.

I did two things to help visualize the colors both Sherwin Williams' website and Olympic's website. have color viewers that you can either download pics of your rooms or use stock photos to view the color on walls. I had tons o' fun with this!!!! Then, Stephan and I picked an enormous number of samples and put them on the mantle. We (I mean I, like a crazy) took pics of them at different times of the day in different lightings. And I noticed I had picked basically the same colors from 2 different brands so I knew instinct told me they were right. I then held these up to tile, countertops, linens, and furniture. Here's the inspiration and the plan:

Sherwin Williams' Color Visualizer Screen Shot...I'm not computer savvy but you get the idea

Our collection of samples

Master Bedroom and Bathroom: Kim Kardashian's bedroom is my inspiration. Love the grays and the light walls with dark ceiling. (Olympic Gray Beard with Sherwin Essential Gray on the Ceiling)

Guest Bedroom: Something neutral to go with our bronze-y bedding, black and white (still haven't found the right one)

Baby Girl Room aka Man-Entertainment Room (I'm not pregnant but in Stephan's career field there is a "Romad Curse" where they always have daughters so just to bother Stephan, I've started calling the 3rd bedroom the baby girl room): I think it will stay white until it becomes a nursery when it will be a beautiful turquoise with red and white accents (sounds weird, but I saw a wedding the the palette and it was fierce!) (Sherwin Reflecting Pond)

Living/Dining: I nice medium shade of gray with warm undertones to not be too sterile. I also wanted warm so as not to come off as purple or blue in certain lighting. (Sherwin Essential Gray)

Kitchen: Same light gray shade as the master bedroom. It will have white, black, and tiny bits of yellow accents. (Olympic Gray Beard)

Guest Bath: Same gray as living/dining (Sherwin Essential Gray)

When we went to buy the paint last Saturday I had priced out the Sherwin William and it was a good $6 more than the Olympic at Lowes. So I picked the closest shade, regretfully. As they started to mix the paint I had a mini panic attack and made them stop (luckily they had only done the lighter shade that we knew we wanted). And changed my mind to the Sherwin Williams, had to trust those first instincts! We got 10% off at Lowe's for their military discount and 10% off at Sherwin for joining there loyalty club. Totally worth it for no regrets and peace of mind. Stephan just rolled his eyes at me and apologized for the crazy lady he was married to.

We bought Gray Beard similar to Sherwin's Snowfall and was going to settle with Gray Marble before the panic attack.

Bought the Essential Gray happily!

I'll show some before and after pics soon!

Sleepy Puppy

2010-01-25T11:56:00.000-08:00

His life is SO hard. Love that he fell asleep with his toy in his mouth. Is it creepy that we take pics of him sleeping???

A Guy, A Girl, 2 Dogs, 2 SUV's, And A Uhaul

2010-01-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

AKA...We've moved in to the new house!!! After 8ish hours with stops in G-ville and Tally we finally made it!

We were roughing it with no cable til last Thursday and internet today. We also are still using my old dorm size fridge and are going to the grocery store every other day...it's getting embarrassing. The dogs love the new house and run around in circles. It is still empty due to the fact that we are doing a mini top to bottom overhaul with our tax credit. We are:

-Scraping the popcorn ceilings off (adds $3-5 for every $1 spent)

-Painting the ugly white walls

-Putting some wood floor in the main living room and hopefully new carpet in bedrooms (the current was installed very poorly and is stained beyond repair...and we also found a dozen boxes of wood floor in our bonus room, but that's a later post)

-Clear and fence the backyard

Basically it will just be pretty empty for a while after we pay for this crap. But we will be here a long time and it's much easier to do these things with the house empty.

I'll do a full house tour soon (when it looks clean enough to take pics) but here's what's been going on so far:

-We took down the fugly curtains left by the previous owner (future post)

-Done a mailbox makeover for under $20 (future post)

-Picked out some paint samples

Do you love that my manslave is doing most of the work in these pics???

I'll leave you with this pic of the new couch. I asked Stephan to grab a blanket to throw over it and left the room. This is what I came back to. His mission in life is to "white trash up" everything nice I have...le sigh.

Yes, I sleep next to this man every night... So proud...

I'm Leaving The World of White and Black...

2010-01-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

And rejoining the world of color!!! I'm excited to start my new life with Stephan but will miss all my girls at White House Black Market! I had some great times with some great girls!

My last day was also my Store Manager Ashley's last day (we also had our first day together so it was kind of an end of an era.) The girls made a big deal and decorated the back room with streamers and pics and posters. Then we met up after work... I heart them all!!!

We were banned from the back room and came to find this!

We loved this part of the poster! We were both quitting for our hubbies so they pasted a pic of them together (It kinda looked like they were a chic gay couple)

Iris, Veronica, Me, Ashley, Dawn, and Barbara XOXO

Devil Dog

2010-01-07T19:22:00.001-08:00

Notice anything weird about this picture? This was either a really bad angle or Bentley was temporarily posessed by the devil. The best part is Diesel looking like a dumby who doesn't even know what's about to hit him:)

Anatomy Of A Christmas Card

2010-01-07T11:50:00.000-08:00

I wanted to send out a little Christmas card this year and kept waiting for all four of us to be together. My friend Kim took a photo of us by the lake behind our house. The only problem was the extreme wind. Bentley looked like he was in a wind tunnel in the majority of the photos. Of course Diesel still looked perfect! We ended up picking the first photo we took and then downloaded it the the Walgreen's photo center and were ready in about an hour. I also used a coupon from retailmenot.com.

My lack of preparation kicked me in the butt though. I started a 6 day work stretch and had no time to get them out on time. Then I had to hunt down addresses (hard to go off a two year old wedding guest list). And the address labels I wanted would take 2 weeks to come. Grrrr.

Here's the pic we used:

And the card design:

And what the address labels would have looked like (le sigh):

New Year, New Life

2010-01-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! I'm excited for 2010!!! This is the year we move into and fix up our first home together, have a new second puppy, and celebrate two of my best friends weddings!!! My BFF Kim and her fiance Kyle and my brother Matt and his fiancee Rich are both getting married this year...and I'm a bridesmaid in both! Looking forward to this year and glad a year of moving and deployments is over!

My resolutions:
-Pray more
-Spend more time with Stephan
-Have a hobby that doesn't include watching tv or shopping
-Learn all the words to "Don't Be Tardy for the Party"
-Work on lots of home projects
-Be more involved with church
-Be nicer and more patient
-Tone up (two bridesmaids dresses comin' up)
-Wear more red lipstick
-Shop less, save more
-Eat out less, cook more
-Treat the people that matter to me like they matter and make sure that they know they matter to me

"I Like To Work with Leath-ah"

2010-01-06T05:54:00.000-08:00

So Stephan has always longed for a leath-ah chair. (Ever since the season of Project Runway with Stella I will never say leather normally again...)

I don't exactly understand men's obsession with leather furniture but Stephan did have a valid point that it would add a masculine element to the living room. And I agreed that it might be a nice contrast with the velvet, fur, silk, mirrored more femme stuff.

So for Christmas I decided to find a leather chair...for under $250. Not easy at all. I was thinking more club chair than recliner. We looked at Home Goods, Target, and IKEA. We found one at IKEA that was very sleek AND comfortable. It was the JAPPLING chair for $249 (under budget by a dollar). So I rushed over on Christmas Eve after work and picked it up (with lots of lifting help, trust me) and the best part was that I had some gift cards from there too!!! I hid it in the garage and told Stephan his present was a small bag I brought in when I came home (actually a gift from my boss). Gotta love Christmas mind games.

It is staying packaged up until we move, and I can't find a pic on their website but I found one on google.com so these images will have to do for now. Stay tuned for the big reveal!

Source

Ice, Ice Baby

2010-01-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve we went to church service with my family and then headed over to ICE! at the Gaylord Palms Hotel. If you've never been it is basically a convention center that is filled with ice sculptures and did I mention it's 9 degrees inside??? It is also yet another thing for people from other states to make fun of Floridian's for (other states who live in this in winter don't find it as entertaining, I'm sure). Living in the Kansas winter last year, the thing that made it much more bearable was that there isn't any wind!

Here's some pics of the ice-y fun. Can I also say that going as a family group of about 15 proved to be difficult, especially when you are all in the same sexy electric blue coat!!!

The gang's all here!

They hated on my faux fur accessories but gotta do what you can to make that coat look glam!

Creepy Santa!!!!

Diesel in ICE!!!!!

Nativity!!!

Don't Be Tardy for the Birthday Party!

2010-01-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

So I turned 24 on the 18th. Weird. A few months ago I had a conversation with Stephan about it that went a little something like this:

Me: So I'm having a hard time with the turning 24 thing...
Stephan: Why?
Me: It's just starting to sound old...even Lady Gaga is younger than me!
Stephan: What does Lady Gaga have to do with it???

I worked on my birthday (because adults asking off work for their birthday seems silly to me) and then Stephan took me for a romantic dinner at The Boheme and the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Downtown Orlando. The hotel and restaurant are both fabulously glamorous!

The Boheme had a pianist and singer and, my fave part...light up menus!!! The pics just don't do them justice!!! We had yummy bread, fried green tomatoes, salmon with mac and cheese and lamb with green beans. They were nice enough to give us a slice of cheesecake for my birthday as well!!! Loves it!

I was even more impressed to learn that Stephan had actually planned it two weeks earlier even going as far as calling my best friend Kim for advice. He still owes me a trip to the movies to see the new Hugh Grant movie (when we actually have time!!!)

I also got wonderful gifts from my mom and Bff Kim who came for shopping and birthday fun. Kim even made me my fave red velvet cupcakes. Too sweet!

I also looked up some celebs that have the same birthday as me:
Brad Pitt
Katie Holmes
Christina Aquilera
Steven Spielberg
Keith Richards
Betty Grable
and last but not least Joseph Stalin??? If you can call him a celebrity...

Thanks for all the birthday love I got via Facebook or by text!

My gift from Kim (Z Gallerie lovelies)! Had to show the custom tag!

Coulda, shoulda, woulda used some Spanx!

Do you ever look at your husband and see a little man-boy? This is one of those moments.

What should I order off my light up menu???

Fried Green Tomatoes with goat cheese??? Yes, please.

Me on the lounge singer "Here's hoping she skats!"

The B.F.F.'S

2009-12-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

Bentley and Diesel have finally met and are best friends already! Stephan didn't make it home until 3am so it wasn't the ideal meeting but they are already getting along great!

They love to play...constantly. Ugh, can't wait for that backyard!

I got out this huge dogbed for Diesel to use but he insists on flopping his fat German Shepherd but into Bentley's teenie-tiny bed. Sometimes they both try to sleep in the small bed...hilarious. I think we have about 20 pics of them both in the bed. They also both try and cuddle in the crate together.

I just can't wait for them to have more room to run and play! They are "the cuteness."

Diesel's First Snow

2009-12-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

This is why I hated Kansas. Keep in mind it was like in the 70's in Florida while this snow was happening. But this did mark Diesel's first snow:) Too cute not to share!

What Happens At The Office Christmas Party, Stays At The Office Christmas Party

2009-12-21T18:35:00.000-08:00

I went to visit Stephan for one last long weekend in Kansas (single, glistening tear) and we went to his squadron Christmas party. It's kinda lame, but any excuse to dress up and I'm there!

I was having a Carrie Bradshaw in the final episode of Sex and the City moment. I rocked my BCBG corset seemed strapless dress and dressed Stephan in a velvet blazer and tweed pants and no tie (going rebel). He is my Ken Doll. But that is another post altogether.

We had fun despite the prom like atmosphere, the white elephant gift exchange, lame games like 2 Truths and a Lie and the Newlywed game, mediocre food, drunken debauchery, and the fact Stephan somehow got put in charge of taking pics.

At least we have some new cute pics!

Girl Meet Diesel, Diesel Meet Girl

2009-12-21T18:20:00.000-08:00

I finally met Diesel!!! So excited! He is the cutest thing ever, is growing like crazy (I think he might actually be mixed with horse or something). He is very sweet, quiet and well-behaved. He breathes so heavy and it cracks me up! He also "talks," he never really barks just whines and talks to us. So cute! He is all front paws and ears and will have to grow into them. He is so in an awkward stage and like trips on himself and looks like he is walking with flippers on. Can't wait for him to meet Bentley.

We also discussed his registered AKC name and ended up just being silly about it on the 2 hours drive from Kansas City to Manhattan. Things like Kerstone's Diesel McDiesel and Sir Diesel von Dieselson... yeah... we were way bored.

I have lots of nicknames for Bentley:
-Bentley Bear
-Mr. Bentley
-Punkin
-Bentley Boy

So I had to start making some for Diesel. So far I have:
-Diesel McDiesel (too catchy to pass up)
-D-Bomb (cause it's awesome)

Tufted Goodness

2009-12-13T18:02:00.000-08:00

Here's the new couch and loveseat!!!! Obsessed with tufting...so vintage and glam! It was 33% off over Thanksgiving weekend!!! And it passed the man-comfort test. Stephan had to do the ol' sit-er-oo test and it passed. First piece of the living room puzzle that I just can't put together...

Chloe Velvet Sofa and Loveseat

I'm having one heck of a time getting this thing, though. I seamlessly ordered it over the phone with Macy's (because I went to the store twice and no one would help me so there was no way I was giving them my commission!). And was so impressed with the customer service. And then, long story short, I've been on the phone back and forth for a week with Macy's and Discover card. Grrrrr. They keep trying to double charge and blame each other. Then they wouldn't deliver to the new house zipcode...lame. Eventually they made an excpetion but only for a day that no one would be there...ugh.

I had to ask my friend who already lives in the area to go to the house to let them in. She is preggers with two toddlers and lives over 30 minutes away which officially makes me a bad person. ANYTHING FOR MY COUCH (crazy look in the eyes)!!!!!!

Just imagine some mirrored side tables, blown-up black and white wedding photos, sunburst mirrors, faux fur throw, crystal lamps, zebra ottoman, parisienne burlap pillows...maybe I do have the beginnings of a room in mind... I DIE!!! Can't wait to sit my butt on it :) NO SHEPHERDS ALLOWED!!!

Thanksgiving!!!!

2009-12-11T13:43:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! On Thanksgiving day we ate with my side of the family (couldn't hit both because Stephan booked his flight too last minute and ended up arriving at 3:00pm). And then did a dinner with Stephan's familia on Friday night.

We ate and had fun and I was asked to tell my story about the customer that shopped in my store for 8-hours (you don't wanna know). All the girls ended up making a dessert so we had to have a family bake-off. Here were the contenders:

Mom: Pumpkin Cheesecake torte

Me: Chocolate Pecan Pie (Martha Stewart's recipe, of course)

Matt's girlfriend Rich: Coca Cola Chocolate cake

Nate's girlfried Dianna: Oreo Balls (they need a new name, I know... I'm thinking Oreo Truffles)

Austin was the judge since he was not biased by dating or being married to any of us:)

He gobbled them all up.

Then we had our traditional Thanksgiving photo shoot for the Christmas card picture. No matter what we always end up by the fireplace:) And my mom was amazed at the use of the self-timer on the camera:) Oh, goodness, there were more outtakes than actual good shots though...