Knock knock...anybody out there?

I thought about doing a big update post on what's been going on the last 9 10 months (I started this post back in January. Sigh.), but I'm too lazy to edit all those pictures it was too hard to think of everything.


So, I'm using this post as a fresh start!


Around the first of the year, I was thinking about all of the stuff I want to do and what I want to be when I grow up. As luck would have it, the interweb was full of ideas on how to make the most of 2014. Too many ideas. To the point where I just tuned it all out. Until I came across Tsh's post. It wasn't really about resolutions, but more about keeping it simple. It was just what I needed. I also re-read Tell Your Time.
(I have a confession to make. I like to think of myself as a spontaneous, go-with-the-flow, free-spirit. I mean isn’t that what “creative” people are supposed to be?  But the truth is, I’m kind of Type-A. I like things neat and tidy. And lists. And instructions. And plans. And organization.  So, reading stuff like that helps me to focus.)
After digesting them and making a few notes (yes, I took notes), I realized how much I miss blogging. It’s fun to write about what’s been going on at our house. It’s not like I’ve stopped being crafty. I’m still making pillows, spray painting lamps and changing stuff around the house. I just stopped writing about it. So, I'm going to try to balance it with all the other stuff we've got going on as a family, and hopefully I can make it work!

Wish me luck! Say a prayer! Keep your fingers (and toes) crossed!

There are a couple of little things that I do want to share. I just can't help myself.

I was the "photographer" at my brother's wedding last fall. It was outside and soooo pretty. Here are a few of my favorite shots.




And, I made a cute little printable while on Christmas break. I did search for Irish blessings and then used the PicMonkey free design feature (it rocks!)for the graphics piece.




P.S. Did you notice the new blog header? What do you think?

Home Goals for 2011

When The Nester asked what people had for home goals in 2011, it didn't take me long to know what mine were.

As I've posted before, we bought a new (to us) house back in November. Since then we've been tearing it apart.  I see it as a chance to start over with how we approach decorating and make it our own.  As a result, I only have one goal for this home in 2011.

Don't fill it up with things we don't LOVE

In the past, we've had a tendency to buy things because they matched our decor or they were a good deal, not necessarily because we loved them. I want to change that with this house. If it takes us a year or two to finish all the rooms, so be it. I'd rather live with an partially finished room we love than a finished room we just kinda like.

The whole remodel process is new to both of us. We've done some sprucing here and there on houses we've had in the past, but this is the first time we are tearing up floors, tearing down wallpaper and tearing down fake cedar ceiling beams (Yes, I said fake cedar ceiling beams...they were everywhere!)

All of the possibilities that come with starting from scratch are a little daunting, but I can't wait! Here's to a fabulous "new" home in 2011.

Happy New Year! What is 2011 going to bring?

I'm not usually big on New Year's resolutions. They don't really fit me. I'm also not very good at setting goals.  I have things I'd like to do, but never write them down. If I write them down, then (horror of horrors) I might actually have to do something about them!


But, 2011 seems like a good year to try! We had some big changes as a family in 2010 (moving back to North Dakota, new baby, new house) and those changes have given me a new perspective. I'm ready to take some more risks and live life to the fullest. I think I've been a wuss when it comes to living life so far. I want to start changing that in 2011. I'm not saying I'll be jumping out of airplanes, but I think it's time (I'm 35 for crying outloud) to start putting myself out there more.

So, here we go...my goals for 2011.


1. Get back into shape

I lost 50 pounds last year before I got pregnant. I felt great and want to get back there. I figure now that Baby Peach is 4 months old, it's time to get back on that horse. I've signed up to run a 10k in May to give me a kick start.

2. Take my blog to the next level (Inspired by Life Your Way)

I'm going to post at least once a week. I know that many post every day, but that's just not realistic for me. Once a week is doable, especially with all the remodeling we've got going on at the new house. (Pics coming soon!)

3. Learn to take great pictures 

I've had a Nikon D70s for 4 years. And haven't used anything but the auto setting. Horrible, I know. A great camera going to waste. So, I'm going take a picture a everday in 2011 (365 Project). I'm hoping this will help me not only learn to take great pictures, but also teach me to use my camera!

4. Live greener (Inspired by Life Your Way - Green Goals for 2011)

I'm going to start using homemade household cleaners. It's all stuff I have around the house anyway. And, I found some Orange and Peppermint essential oils that I bought a while ago. So, I'm ready! I'm also switching to Dr. Bronner's soap. We've been using antibacterial for years, but I've been convinced to change! These are small steps, I know, but I can't bring myself to use soap instead of shampoo.

5. Do something that scares the shi crap out of me.

I'll be honest. I have no idea what to do here. I think I'll know it when it comes up. I'm hoping I know it. And when it does, I'll take a deep breath and try not to ignore it.


Ok, that was scary. It's out there in web land for everyone to read and ask me about. Sigh. I guess I'm committed now!