Shoestring Sweetheart

Hilton Head - Beach, Bikes and Beyond

2009-10-05T12:07:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posts... was seriously sick last week and had to mad rush to get everything ready for vacation. Well we are here, and it could not be a more perfect vacation. Just wanted to share a few pictures... more to come.

New Bedding

2009-09-19T13:09:00.004-04:00

I want new bedding. My husband and I treated ourselves to new mattresses for our three year, and now I want new bedding.

I am not a huge online shopper... like to try things on and feel the different materials. But a bed spread is probably something I could take the plunge on. I found these on Overstock.com:

Hilton Head Look No. 1 - Dinner with Husband

2009-09-18T16:28:00.007-04:00

We leave for Hilton Head, South Carolina two weeks from today... yippee! It will be the three Dohns along with the three Davenports. The best part about going with another couple and child is that we will be able to trade up family members for special couples dinners, mommy shopping trips, and daddy golf excursions.

Now is the time to throw myself into the laundry I have been avoiding and begin the packing process. Pre-trip shopping is not in the budget this year, but if it were this is an outfit I would love to purchase for date-night with my husband.

Dinner in Hilton Head by Meg Marie featuring DKNY

Items in this set

DKNY Silk tank dress
$275 - net-a-porter.com

White Cardigan
$48 - urbanoutfitters.com

Dune Hobart Ball Detail Flat Sandals
$90 - johnlewis.com

Leather Metallic Bag
$41 - topshop.com

80's Cat Eye Sunglasses
$5.80 - forever21.com

Helena Elastic Bead Bracelet
$4.80 - forever21.com

Fashion Life Support

2009-09-14T20:34:00.006-04:00

I have been very blah in my attire lately. I just haven't felt like putting the effort or the laundry hours into coming up with cute outfits... not to mention that my shopping is at an all time low now that I have a toddler. So, the time has come to visit my favorite blogs to revive me.

Here are some of the fashion blogs I turn to when I need some inspiration:

Fashion Fusion
Fashion Under $100
frugal fashionista
The Budget Babe

Pumpkins, Pumpkins and More Pumpkins

2009-09-10T12:34:00.004-04:00

I really love pumpkins... and can't wait to try some of these decor ideas! Click on the pictures for How To's!

9-9-09

2009-09-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today marks three years of marriage. Time flies, things change, but love remains the same. It is so easy to take your love for granted. So easy to focus on the small insignificance's of life, but evey time I flip through our wedding album tears glaze my eyes. All those emotions come rushing back and the reasons for our unity shouts loud and clear. We're not perfect. We're us.

No fancy plans this year. A picnic in the park as a family tonight and a viewing of our wedding video after putting Lizzie to bed. Oh, how things have changed, but I wouldn't change a thing.

I love you Eddie. I love the life we have.

Outdoor Dining

2009-09-07T09:24:00.002-04:00

I want this to be my backyard. Via Belle Maison. One day.

Patio Update

2009-09-06T19:07:00.003-04:00

We are updating our covered front porch this weekend. Our wicker rockers are going to be traded in for some new seating, but I cannot decide what just yet. I was drawn in by this indoor salvage made outdoor focal point on Coastal Living (here)... unfortunately this does not solve my seating issue. Who am I kidding my seating problem will be solved by whatever I find on sale. I will keep you posted, and just maybe I will find a fabulous old chest to reinvent along the way!

Striped Sweater Dress

2009-09-03T19:26:00.008-04:00

I love this striped sweater dress from Old Navy, and at $34.50 I won't feel guilty about the purchase. It will also be a piece I can carry into winter with some leggings and boots.

After August

2009-08-30T20:19:00.004-04:00

I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year.

I love the cool nights and sunny days. I love opening the windows and letting nature and the sounds of cars on the street and kids playing enter each room of the house. I love knowing football tailgating is right around the corner.

I hate that theses beautiful days mark the end of the summer. I hate that long days are becoming shorter and shorter. I hate kissing another summer good-bye.

This time of year always makes me feel a little panicky. Like I didn't take full advantage of my favorite season. I didn't have that picnic at My Old Kentucky Home. I didn't take Lizzie to play in the fountain at Tyler Park. I didn't read enough on the deck swing. We never had that summer party with bocce ball and grilled corn.

How come summer comes and goes so fast? I will have to take comfort in the few days we have left. Maybe I can swing a picnic with the family in Tyler Park? I will keep you posted.

Summer, I will miss you till next year.

(Summer Time Pleasures by Levi W. Prentice, this painting and other work can be found here)

Hydrangea Bouquet

2009-08-30T20:13:00.002-04:00

Got to carry this beautiful bouquet in my friend Andrea's wedding this past Saturday.

I love weddings and this one did not disappoint.

La Maisonnette Obsession

2009-08-23T20:27:00.004-04:00

Okay, so fellow blogger Stephmodo and her family are in Southwest France renovating this little gem, La Masionnette. I am obsessed and must rent this little cottage sometime in the near future. I have my mother and husband on board for the trip... any other takers?

See more about Stephanie's awesome life adventure at her blog.

Fine China

2009-08-20T21:02:00.011-04:00

The Indian Tree, Late 19th Century - Maternal Grandmother

Opal Innocence, Lenox - My wedding china

I have a soft spot for china. It most likely steams for the many Easter, Birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners that were spent eating comfort foods off various patterns belonging to family members. I have been quite lucky to inherit two different sets, along with an almost complete set from my wedding registry... and one day I will be the host to family members scraping their forks over my china.

Beach Babes

2009-08-18T14:33:00.002-04:00

How sweet are these pictures? I can't stop looking at them, it brings back so many memories of growing up with my sister Heather. This is why when people ask if I would like a boy or a girl next I always reply GIRL. Some people question why I don't want a boy... I would love a boy, but I would also love a sister for Lizzie. I love my sister.

Little girls playing together on a beach.
Location: Atlantic Beach, FL, US
Date taken: June 1954
Photographer: Lisa Larsen

More of these photos on google image search

Fall Must Have

2009-08-17T21:46:00.007-04:00

REALLY love this Gap Sweater. This one is going on the list. It will also be perfect for early morning walks on the beach in October.

p.s. I am not trying to wish away summer. I love summer. I just really need a vacation and that is not going to happen until October. Plus, this cardigan has perfect little pockets for seashells.

Nashville

2009-08-16T02:31:00.002-04:00

Had a great time tonight. It was one of my closest friends, Andrea's bachelorette party. We had a really great time. Brought back memories of my own bachelorette party. I had seven bridesmaids and only 4 made the Nashville treck... but we had a blast. Thanks for the memories!

Camping

2009-08-14T08:44:00.002-04:00

Now, this is my kind of camping. I absolutely adore everything French... even majored in it just for fun. Check out more on this beautiful French countryside camp ground on Belle Maison's fabulous post.

Great Project

2009-08-13T20:00:00.001-04:00

Check out this great post from Design*Sponge for these trash to treasure wine bottle torches! Absolutely love this idea.

Eddie's Trip

2009-08-12T19:44:00.004-04:00

Beautiful girl who visited the clinic.

Kenya hut.

Home visit.

Eddie has returned from his medical mission in Kenya. Here are a few of his pictures... what a rewarding trip. It is so easy to get caught up in life that we forget how lucky we truly are, and how much we have that we don't really need.

Shower Curtian Love

2009-08-06T23:10:00.002-04:00

Kinda in love with this Anthropology shower curtain. I don't think I could use it in our bathroom now, but I do have a daughter who would love it... maybe for her one day bathroom. Yes, said daughter is only 19 months old, but I already know how she feels about home decor.

Checkout other cool shower curtains at Anthropology.

Where is this kid?

2009-08-05T21:54:00.004-04:00

So, I just finished mowing the lawn at 9:30pm. After running out of gas, semi-breaking the mower, and having to recruit my best friend's husband over to trouble shoot the backyard is mowed. I am a little embarrassed that I know so little about lawnmowers and yard cutting, but it has been one of those chores I have simply boycotted. We shall see how the front yard does tomorrow... can't be any worse. I am sure I left plenty of mohawks in the back that will need touched up, too. I think I need a lawn boy for when Eddie is away. Do kids even do stuff like that anymore?

picture from here

Baby Shower

2009-08-03T22:54:00.003-04:00

I am having a baby shower at my house this Saturday. Lindsay the mom-to-be and I have been friends since the 6th grade. I am so excited for her and John. Look at these beautiful settings I will be stealing... I mean borrowing from!

Sweet Baby Room

2009-08-03T22:02:00.003-04:00

I have an antique baby bed that I purchased when living in LaGrange, KY right after college. I have wanted to turn it into a settee... but this is calling Lizzie! It will be the perfect toddler bed.

Kenya

2009-08-01T20:39:00.000-04:00

Eddie is on a medical mission in Kenya, Africa for the next couple of weeks. Miss him already, but to pass the weekend I am visiting with my sister and her family. While I don't know exactly what the village Eddie is camping in looks like... I hope he gets to see some of Africa's beauty that surrounds the poor and destitute he will be treating.

Bess Eddie and all those he meets.

Bike

2009-08-01T20:32:00.000-04:00

To be in this moment. Doesn't she look carefree beautiful and so completely uncomplicated?

One day this will be me again... via

Farmers Market Flowers

2009-07-18T16:55:00.000-04:00

Got this pretty little arrangement for $2.50 at the Farmers Market. I bought one to take to my friend Andrea's bridal shower that would match her wedding colors, too. They are so cute in their little paper cups and really brighten up any space.

On My Mind

2009-07-17T16:45:00.000-04:00

Things I love right now...
Summer nights on the deck
Potted boxwoods
Sangria
Lizzie's pink Mary Jane style jellies
Visits to the park
Sundresses
So You Think You Can Dance
Carnival Rides

Henry Clarke

2009-07-15T20:28:00.001-04:00

I purchased this print from the Musée de la Mode et du Costume de la Ville de Paris when studying abroad. I adore this print. My husband thinks it is a bit girly but lets it hang proudly in our living room. Henry Clarke's work for Vogue and the fashion world can be describe by one word...magic. The way some people can see things seems so out of this world.

Wharton, TX

2009-07-14T20:31:00.000-04:00

"Joseph A. Hamilton purchased this home in 1885 from R. E. Vineyard and moved his family into the existing one-story frame house. In 1907 the home was enlarged by raising the original structure and building a new addition underneath. The home has been continuously occupied by five generations of Hamilton descendants.

Some of the exquisite features this home possesses are: arched front entrance with beveled glass detail, grand stairway with Victorian beveled glass windows in lattice style overlooking the second floor, two gas log fireplaces with intricate detail, fourteen foot ceilings, wood trim with unusual beading and forty three feet of glorious porch space both top and bottom. Over 1.6 acres with pecan, oak and fruit trees. Sense the past; see your future!!"

I love old homes, and I love projects. I have dreams of picking everything up one day and moving to a place I have never heard of before just for a beautiful house like the one above. I have no idea where Wharton, Texas is but I just might be willing to go. I could sit on that porch all weekend long watching Lizzie run around the yard... oh, dreams how they can change so quickly. I'll see how I feel about Wharton in the morning.

http://www.historicproperties.com/detail.asp?detail_key=scwha001

LeBluet

2009-07-11T21:03:00.000-04:00

Check out this Mod child size coat. Lizzie would look tres chic! Not quite winter yet, but just couldn't resist posting it. Check it out here.

Daybed Dreaming

2009-07-11T16:04:00.001-04:00

I am a sucker for a daybed... this probably stems from having one my entire adolescence. I have been dreaming up Little Lizzie's youth room for when we move and loved this room on "Before and After" from Design*Sponge. I don't think I could go as rustic as two pallets, but The over all charm is really beautiful. I really love the overhead decor and art grouping.

Blue Ceiling

2009-07-08T12:38:00.000-04:00

via

Love this room. I really wanted a blue ceiling for my kitchen... isn't it beautiful?

Hilton Head

2009-07-07T22:33:00.000-04:00

Well, I am way over due for a vaca. Really, really, really way over due. But I will have to settle for a free stay in Hilton Head during early October (and a couple of long weekend trips to the lake before). So to get me through this I will dream of this, the beautiful Hilton Head beach, a house two blocks away, and a bike with a child's seat ready for the daily trip!

Thanks Aaron and Amanda! We can't wait.

2009-07-06T21:41:00.000-04:00

Really love this idea. If you know me I love a project, and this one would be a lot of fun. It would be great for a kids room or a small office. I have no need for this anywhere in my house, but I will have to keep it in mind. Click the picture for the original post on apartment therapy.

The Perfect Summer Dress

2009-06-29T21:36:00.000-04:00

Eddie and I scored two free tickets to Holiday World, thanks to my fab co-worker/friend Natasha. We had a blast with her and her husband at the family friendly park... and you know I was scoping out the cute swimwear and park attire. I saw someone with a dress like the one above and I really liked it. I do try to avoid sleeves if hanging out in the sun all day, no farmer tan on these arms! It is just such a simple dress, you could wear it for years, great for Saturday at the farmers market or as a cover up at the pool. Might just have to order this one from VS while it's on sale.

Must Have Dress

2009-06-23T18:36:00.000-04:00

Love this dress from Charlotte Russe, and you can't beat the price. This could be a must have for the summer. I could wear to to a wedding and work!

Weekend Project

2009-06-22T18:58:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to share some before and after photos of my Friday night project. This was a little school chair my neighbor gave to Lizzie when cleaning out his garage. I picked us a half yard of fabric and can of spray paint to rework the piece. It turned out really cute and was very simple. The entire project took less than 2 hours to complete... there was drying time involved but that doesn't count. I will have to use this technique again on another abandoned ugly piece of furniture.

Lemonade Needed

2009-06-19T21:50:00.000-04:00

My husband is away at a retreat to better prepare him for a medical mission trip to Africa. And I am still recovering from the horrible sore throat that has been bothering me for about a week now. Since Friday night television is a little drab, I got inspired to start a little project I have been planning... your dining room table? You might think this from previous blogs, but sadly, no. This is a chair refinishing project for my little girl. So at 8:17 this evening I stepped outside to 90 degree heat and began my project. I have completed what could be done without out the day light and have moved inside to an almost equally HOT home. I think we need to replace our filter? It's times like this that I wish I had a nice cool pool to plunge into, or even one of these lemonade jars that I have been to cheap to buy... so I just stare at them with envy every time I pass one along a store isle. I may have to break down this year. Does it not make a cool glass of lemonade look even more enticing?

(This one is ONLY $18 at Sur la Table)

Vacation Dreams

2009-06-18T21:04:00.000-04:00

Well, it has been a while. I have been super busy and a bit under the weather as of late. I have been fighting a bad case of pink eye (in both eyes) and severely soar throat for the last two weeks. Having a 18 month old does have it consequences. I also have came back from the lake with some poison ivy on my arm, and best yet... TIP OF MY NOSE! Slightly embarrassing, but that's life. At least I have been saving time in the mornings since makeup is a no-no with both cases.

So through my maladies, I have been thinking that I really need a vacation. I just can't decide where I want to go. I love the sun and beach... but should I do something outside the box can't decide yet. But the beach does seem to be calling... I have always wanted to go to Barbados. Who wouldn't?

(photo from Allamanda Beach Hotel Barbados)

Pretty With An Edge

2009-06-05T16:40:00.000-04:00

I have recently fallen head over hills for a new blog... Cupcakes and Cashmere. I just love this CA girl's take on style and will have to emulate some of her cool outfits. In fact, I got a floral dress this weekend and will attempt something like the one above.

Dining Room Dreams

2009-05-29T16:15:00.000-04:00

So, this would be my dream dining room. Big, bright, and beautiful. I love the balance all the framed prints have and the how the room is formal without being stuffy. Now, to find a house with a dining room like this in my budget. I am a great thrift shopper and know I could replicate... the felling anyway. My dinning room table setting is still a work in progress. I will post once I get it finished. See the other rooms in this beautiful house here.

Photo from Veranda

Pretty, Pretty Things

2009-05-23T20:21:00.000-04:00

Don't you love this handmade ring... some people are so creative and talented. There are some really pretty pieces where this came from... check it out! OliviaClare.etsy.com

Some beautiful rings on Etsy. I also love this one that I found on a recent post from one of my favorite blogs, A Room Somewhere. I was lucky enough to inherit my grandmothers wedding set and have been wanting to get the engagement stone reset. This would make a really stunning right hand ring. Check out the other great jewelry on bmjnyc.etsy.com.

Contrasting Colors

2009-05-23T09:37:00.000-04:00

Found this dress here on Etsy. Isn't it beautiful... the green with the orange is striking, fresh and fun. It would be fun for a wedding or even derby next year with a really fun hat.

Summer Tablescape

2009-05-21T21:58:00.000-04:00

I rework my dining room table every couple months, and the time for change has come! I really love the tablescape from Better Homes and Gardens, I have a set of provincial placemats with lemons that could defiantly be put back into rotation. I will have to take a picture when I am done... I will keep you posted.

Garden Party Cont.

2009-05-18T22:12:00.000-04:00

Or check out the post from Absolutely Beautiful Things that Anna shared... It will make you want to break out the lantrens and summer fare!

Garden Party

2009-05-18T21:52:00.000-04:00

As the weather gets warmer images of outdoor entertaining float about in my head. Don't you wish you were one of the guests in this beautiful painting Garden Party by Jay McPhillips (http://www.jaymcphillips.com).

Remember These?

2009-05-18T21:18:00.000-04:00

I am reliving my childhood as I watch my daughter, Lizzie grow. I stumbled across these on Etsy today and really want to order them. They bring back such good memories, I always loved spinning the little lace collar on the little girl. I wonder what toys Lizzie will remember when she is grown?

Check out Etsy shop66 for other cool vintage toys!

(http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5438344)

Sunday Morning

2009-05-17T11:10:00.000-04:00

My two favorite things on Sunday morning:

1) Hot mug of coffee

2) The Sunday Courier Journal... especially the ads

Speaking of coffee, there is nothing better than a favorite mug. I just got the mug pictured above from anthropologie on a recent business trip to Boston. I love the shape of the handle and contrast of the black letter on the white ceramic.

(http://www.anthropologie.com)

House Hunting

2009-05-16T22:22:00.001-04:00

Our little family is currently searching for a new place to call home. Though we love our quaint Gunnison Home in the Highlands, we have just out grown it! Needless to say I am OBSESSED with online house hunting and room interiors. I have hundreds of rooms already played out in my head and can't wait to get decorating.

While dreaming of a life abroad and a bank account with lots of zeros I stumbled upon this estate in the Herault region of France. It is located 30 minuets outside of Montpellier where I spent my junior fall semester studying abroad.

I can just see my family enjoying dinner at the large table, eating local goat cheese, sipping Merlot and talking until we are so tired we can barely make it up the many stairs to our beds.

(http://www.prestigeproperty.co.uk/property/120153/House-in-Herault-Herault-34-France/)

Getting Started...

2009-05-16T20:49:00.000-04:00

Wow, I am finally starting MY OWN blog. I began following several blogs about a year ago and have wanted to start my own for about as long. But having a career as a graphic designer and spending countless hours at my work computer desk has kept me from doing so at home. That's when Eddie, my wonderful husband, knowing how much I wanted to start a blog, surprised me with a new laptop for Mother's Day.

So here is goes... I have no outline or true plan for this rambling. It will be something I will figure out as I go along, but you can count on it being eclectic, random and maybe even ordinary. I am not afraid of being ordinary. I am what so many others are. A wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.