Branson 2012

 For as long as I can remember, my mother and I head out on a girls getaway every October. Our destination is normally Branson, MO. (Yes, Branson the land of: Silver Dollar City, old people on tour buses, and outlet shopping) My aunt, Karen, and her niece, Crystal, travel from St. Louis to meet us. So Branson is a good half way point for everyone. We have made this a yearly tradition. This year marked our 21 year anniversary. Its always a fun weekend filled with great stories, good food and better wine, shopping, and most important love and laughter.  Here are a few pictures to recap the years.

2009

 

 

2010

 

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 

2012

Lighting Update

When Mister R. and I purchased our home, I knew that I wanted to replace all the light fixtures. Here is the before lighting in our dining room. Once again 1990's called and the want their brass light fixture back.

My mother graciously offered to let me use this vintage chandelier that had been living in her attic. She had rescued it from being destroyed many years ago. My childhood church had purchased a older home that would be torn down for a church expansion. Pam (my mom) bid/ made a donation to the church in exchanged for 2 chandeliers. Lucky for me that she had stored them all these years and never hung them in her home.

It took some effort to get the beaut hung. I had to replace a few light bulbs, clean off the cob webs, and get rid of the caked on dirt. Most importantly I had to convince Mister R. that I desperately needed him to install this beauty immediately if not sooner. I am patient to an extent but when I have a vision, I want my vision to come to life right then and now. Waiting is not my strong point. 

 

 The vintage chandelier is perfect for our dining room. The crystals provide a softness and airiness that help balance the hard angles of the table. My style is very eclectic; so I really enjoy pairing unexpected items together. Remember that changing lighting is an inexpensive way to make a big impact in any room.  

Before and After Wood Highchair

 Do you guys remember me saying that I found the best wood highchair? Well I almost fell over when I came across this gem at a local rummage sale. I scooped it up faster than June Dog eats her treats (that's super fast and messy). You get the idea, I used my elbows to fight off elderly grandmas. I take bargain shopping very seriously.  I'm kidding. No one wanted this sad old chair but me. I could look past all the scratches and flaws to see the potential.

So after I cleaned it up, I sprayed it a fun sour apple green. I could not be happier with the way it turned out. Now I have to decide whether to sale it at my "be." booth or keep it for my unborn child that might not come to live with me and Mister R. for many many years.  What to do? Decisions, Decisions. 

Hope you guys have a great weekend. I am spending the weekend with some of my favorite family members on a girls getaway!

Before and After Bookcase

I scored this shelf on Craigslist. I liked that this bookcase wasn't your normal square boring bookcase. It has character and unique details. I can't get enough of bookcases or shelves. I love having my possessions (pictures of myself) organized and displayed at the same time. This bookcase would be perfect for a nursery, bathroom, bedroom. Okay, really it would be great in any room.

I wanted to spruce it up with a more modern color to make it less sweet.  The color is a fun blueish gray.  I love the way it turned out. What do you guys think? Are you guys working on any do- it -yourself projects?

Baby Love

My bestie had her sweet baby girl today!! Lass and I have been friends since our freshmen year in college.

 We have lived alot of life together, 9 years worth of life. We were roommates for 3 years and then started working on being young professionals and entering the real world. Later came engagements, marriage, and moving new places to start new adventures.

We have been friends through it all. I know that I can always call my sweet friend and she will be there. She was the maid of honor in my wedding. 

I went to a church shower for my sweet friend a week ago Sunday. She is all ready for Baby Olivia to arrive. Here are a few pictures from her beautiful nursery. Lass did a great job decorating the nursery. I love the fun colors and that she used in the room.

I can't wait to see my friend excel in her new role of motherhood. Baby Olivia is one lucky girl. Olivia is absolutely perfect. She is a beautiful newborn. (which is rare) She has a head full of dark hair and beautiful skin.

It's official - I am an aunt. I can't wait to spoil her rotten. Congrats to the Ashley and Daniel!! Call me when you need a babysitter. I will be there in a heartbeat.

Target don't fail me now..

So today is the day that I have been waiting for: Nate Berkus + Target. I have been a fan of Nate for a couple of years now. If only I could win the lottery and stay home all day eating bon bons and watching The Nate Berkus show. (ahh the good life) Okay enough day dreaming, back to reality. Nate is working with Target and his line is in stores as of October 21st. This evening I was resting on the couch and it dawned on me that today is October 21st. I jumped up and booked it to my local Benton Target. I rushed into the store expecting to see my fellow shoppers scooping up the Nate Berkus products. Well to my surprise the store was empty, just an average Sunday evening. I asked a worker where the Nate Berkus collection was located and she just stared at my like I was speaking Chinese. The point of my story is that my target does not have one item from the Nate Berkus collection.  I know that I live in Saline County but we deserve nice things too. I am hoping that the lost delivery truck will be able to find its way to my target by the morning.

You know where to find me on my lunch break tomorrow.  I need want one of everything shown above.

Inspired by Erica

Hope you guys have been enjoying your weekend. We have had a busy couple of days. Last Thursday Mister R and I were invited to Erica's Birthday Dinner. I love birthdays and couldn't wait to celebrate my dear friend Erica.

Erica is always the hostesses with the mostesses.  I always take notes when I go to Erica's house because she has the best presentation. She thinks of everything and makes it look effortless.

 All the food was absolutely delicious. She served chili with all the fixings: bake potatoes, corn bread, fritos, cheese, and ect. It was a fabulous dinner with great company and lots of laughter. Best of all were the delicious desserts. Erica really out did herself!!  

 Erica used a small cupcake holder for the baked potato toppings. What a smart idea.  Inspired by Erica: I have been using cupcake baking pans for my jewlery for a couple of months. It's a great way to organize jewelry.

Inspired by Erica to use everyday things in extra ordinary ways.  I pinned a few other fun ways to use cupcake holders on pintrest. Get inspired to upcylce your old cupcake holders. Enjoy yourself!

Going to the Chapel

My sweet friend Courtney exchanged vows with her groom yesterday. It was a great weekend full of wedding activities. Friday night we had the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. All the girls had a slumber party at Courtney's. It was fun to spend quality time with Courtney before her big day. Here are a few pictures:

The Bride and her maids

Sweet Bride to be..

  
Saturday was full of excitement. The bride to be was absolutely breathtaking. I loved her dress; it was figure flattering, timeless, and classic. She was the picture perfect classic bride. Here are a few pictures from the reception.

 Side note: Courtney told the D.J. to play rap songs from the early 2000's. You better bet that I was out there shaking my tail feathers to "to the window to the wall" and "it's getting hot in here". I was having flash backs to 2002-2004. I love dancing but the downside is I have absolutely no rhythm. The "sprinkler" and "the shopping cart" are two of my go to dance moves.. kidding. No really, I am a horrible dancer.

My MR.

Erin, Court, and I = Deltas

Funniest Bridesmaid Award goes to Lindsey

My heart

Congrats to my sweet friend and her lucky groom. We had a wonderful time at your wedding and wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Prayer Request.

Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Hey guys, I am asking for prayers today. Mister R.'s cousin is having a brain tumor removed today. Can you please pray for her, the doctors, a smooth recovery, her family members, and for the good Lord to wrap everyone in his arms and provide the comfort, peace, and love they need to make it through this difficult time. Thanks so much.

1 Chronicles 16:11  Seek the LORD and his strength;  seek his presence continually!

Romans 12:12  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Happy Fall Ya'll!!

If you are anything like me you were counting down the days until fall arrives. With the blustering heat this summer, fall could not come fast enough for me. I love everything about fall: football, chili, snuggling up with a blanket, beautiful foliage, and an excuse to drink hot chocolate and pumpkin spice lattes. I started putting pumpkins around our house September 1st. (can you say over eager?) Here are a few of pictures to show my fall spirit.

 Pumpkins make me happy.. love all the different shapes, sizes, and styles. I enjoy them all.

pintrest project.. dryer hose and pumpkin

Moving on the the dining room.. Its probably my favorite spot these days because its one of the only rooms that is complete. Everything in our house is a work in progress. Here is my fall table-scape. 

I wanted it to be interesting from every angle. I used fresh gourds, mason jars, natural elements, mix matched plates, bowls, candles, and candle holders. The table is defiantly busy but I love everything that's happening. Go shopping at home and mix and match what you have in your cabinets and closets. You will be pleasantly surprised with how it turns out.
We have started to have a few cooler fall temps and the leaves are finally changing around our house. Yay!! I have made two new recipes that have involved pumpkin!! I pretend that anything with Pumpkin is semi healthy. I made pumpkin pie fruit dip.. Can you say amazeballs? It was delicious... I would highly recommend it for a easy dessert or party food. 

 Pumpkin Pie Dip
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 12 • Size: 1/2 cup • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts
Calories: 102.9 • Fat: 0.1g • Protein: 1.8 g • Carb: 27.7 g • Fiber: 0.9 g

• 15 oz can pumpkin
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or more to taste)
• 6 oz fat free Greek yogurt (I used Chiobani)
• 8 oz cool whip free
• cut up apples to dip (extra points)

Mix pumpkin with brown sugar, vanilla and spices, blend well. Mix in yogurt. Fold in cool whip and chill in refrigerator until ready to eat.
Makes about 6 cups.