DESIGNation

Quick Update!

2012-02-14T14:12:00.000-05:00

The chair is waiting for the piano. Patiently.

Also notice the armiore in the right corner. Another project that I am very excited about.

The dining area with our tiny table. A visual lesson on bad scale. It's the only table I have, and what I want to reaplce it is a barn wood rustic table. That'll take time.

Our temporary living area. It's a start. One thing I will do soon, is paint the black coffee table to coordinate better with the room. I think it'll be ivory, but as the wind blows, my mind changes.

The Nursery. Gil loves it.

And a little glimpse outside...

Sheer Madness - Update

2012-02-14T13:41:00.000-05:00

You have to love the creative process. (READ: You have to love indecisiveness)
I started Step one of the process of adding curtains to the living/dining area. I went to IKEA and bought the HEDDA BLAD curtains for $14.99/pair. They aren't very shear, in fact, and make more of statement both up close and far away. I also picked up curtain rods for $7.99 each there too. ($25.00/per window isn't shabby!) I got home and went to work. Here is the result:

huh...Who woulda thought?

I love them the way the are. I don't think I need a valance here, so I'll save my crafting favor for later on for dear Dad. His birthday is coming up, after all. I also considered waiting to add drapes in the dining area and perhaps, hold out on just (2) panels of the Anthropologie curtains that I love so dearly. That'll be a waiting game. If I have the money before they are all gone, it was meant to be. If not, I'll have another project on my hands.

Total project time (FYI):
Trip to IKEA - 1.5 hours.
Ironing and hemming curtains using "no sew" strips - 2.0 hours
Hanging hardware - 1 hour

"Mapping out" the kitchen cabinets

2012-02-14T13:30:00.000-05:00

I have been contemplating getting some heavy wrapping paper at Hobby Lobby to line our kitchen cabinet drawers all-the-while fearing that isn't going to last through the toddler years. Separately, I have been trying to figure out what to do with my 4'-0" x6'-0" outdated map of Mecklenburg County (where I live). I thought about lamp shades, wallpaper, framing it and the list goes on. Suddenly, sitting at my desk I thought.

LINE CABINETS WITH THE MAP.

Perfect!!!

Here's what you'll need:

A vinyl map. (think school maps that roll up and down)
*Most of you may not have access to a map like this, but think of other items in your home that you have that may be a good liner - (left over wall paper, book covers etc.)
spray glue
scissors or an exacto knife
Ruler
laser level
measuring tape
drawers (ha-ha!)

It's as simple as this:
1.Count your drawers and measure them. Chances are, several are the same depth and width. Create a template for each size drawer with a piece of paper. (Yours will probably be a little less wrinkled. My, ehem, assistant is 15 months old)

2.Draw out the bottom measurements on the map.
Cut away.

3.Go to a well ventilated space and spray glue the backs of the map. (Do one at a time. Flimsy paper with adhesive on the back is not manageable en mass)

4.Smooth the map onto the bottom of the drawer. Carefully center it, and align in the front of the drawer holding the edges, then push out from the middle to the edges.

Before:

and the final product looks like this:

And they wipe down!

Sheer Madness and the Curtain Conundrum

2012-02-09T14:33:00.000-05:00

I suppose that since we will be living in the new house, we should have curtains or blinds or some sort of window treatments, huh? I'd like to take my time on all of the treatments to be able to add color where color is needed, or pattern in an otherwise static room, but the front of the house is a big fishbowl and needs some attention.

I started looking at treatments for our living room, which is 3 windows in the front of the house. Since we are short on dough, I figured I'd re-use rods that we already have, and not get the dream curtains that I want from Anthropologie.

I used my shortcomings to get a little creative. I need something special for ~~cheap.~~ within my budget. Thankfully, we have an IKEA here. (this statement will be repeated through this project) This room needs more. It needs more than panel curtains thrown up just to have privacy in the front. So, what to do? Call Dad. That's it!

I called home and asked my Mom if my Dad could make a wooden valance that I could paint gloss black. She said yes, of course, (that's how it works there) but told me that the wood used typically in wood window treatments such as these is not good *wood, so would not take a coat or 3 of paint well, unless we got really good wood (read: $$$). Well that's out, so I had to keep thinking. ( I still don't know if dear old dad knows he is making these yet.)

* The wood used as backer for window treatments is called Luan plywood. It's a strong and easy to work with board. It doesn't typically have the grains so prevalent as regular plywood has.

My design issues for this room are:

1. It's black, white and gray, without a lot of pattern or movement. I need that somewhere.
2. The room will be home to my baby grand piano, so the rest of the space needs to keep up with the style and the little bit of austerity that I posess.
3. I have it in my head that there will be a valence over the windows.
4. I need something kind of quick.

So here's what I came up with:
I'd soon buy the IKEA curtains shown here @ $14.99 a pair (!):

Then, to incorporate all of the list above, I'd add wall paper to the body of the valance. This will give me a little pattern and a whole lotta style. Some of you may be fundamentally against wall coverings, but I promise they can be great, perfect even. Hopefully, I can show you with this little project of mine.

The good thing about this too is, I can see the drapes up (which are sheers), then work the corresponding valance to perfectly compliment them. This is gonna be good. How do I know? I am not the one with the saw in my hand.

About a House - a list.

2012-02-06T17:01:00.004-05:00

Here are some quick tips to think about, make you stay calm and sort through the information and issues that come with that key to the house...

1. THE HOUSE ISN'T PERFECT.
That's a good thing. There will be repairs. Just make notes on the ones you can do your self and the ones that most definitely will require an expert.

2. IT CAN'T BE DONE IN ONE DAY.
I wish that I could have moved in and worked around the boxes and furniture to get it perfect all in one weekend. There will be projects. There will be priorities. There will be husbands that need to paint every surface of the house, including all the trim. (Nope, that's just me)

3. PACE YOURSELF.
Pick a room or a task to do per day. It is pretty rewarding to meet your goals day after day. It's gonna take time, and it'll certainly take love and patience and it'll show in the end. One day, you'll look up from the tool box and sea of sponges and sprays and see all the work you have done is finally paying off.

4. IT'S GONNA COST MONEY.
With the intitation of both homes I have owned (and still own - eesh), I am always surprised where the money goes. If you have never bought a home and you're scared of the down payment, don't be. Sometimes you need very little or nothing at all. The government is all about programs.

What will cost you is the upstart and service of all these new and wonderful things you have. The gas company will cost you to come out to set up the service, the locksmith will set you back $200.00 to change your locks, which I recommend doing. The list goes on. Don't panic.

5. TRY IT!
To save money, you may want to give some home projects a try before hiring a professional. I have found that half of the repairs that needed to be done, I could do. First, read through the directions. If you don't have a tool required, or especially if you have ever heard of it, don't try it your self. I am in the process of changing out the guts of a toilet tank, and it's not that hard. I also install lighting. If you know me, this should scare you.

6. MAKE YOUR INSPECTION FILE YOUR LONG TERM "TO-DO" LIST.
Take your inspection report and make it a to- do list. Trust me, when you first read one, it'll scare the living crap out of you. You WILL be sure that the house will collapse in less than a week. It won't. Well, it probably won't. Just simply make a copy and go through it and cross out all of the items that do not need any attention. Take the remaining items and decide what you can do, and what needs to be done by a pro.

7. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK.
The first example I can think of is, when the gas guys came by to connect the stove, I asked them to look at a room that has no heat or air. The man was nice enough to go into the attic and check it out. He said it may be just a damper that's closed. This, at least gives me an idea where to start. It was free.
You may also have handy friends. I have very handy and strong friends, thankfully! Ask for help or opinions. The worst thing you can do is decide to self diagnose. Have you ever tried to do that on WebMD? It'll be about the same outcome. The world is ending.

8. IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED...
I am speaking about personal choices here. If it turns out your concept isn't as lustrous as you thought, change it. If that paint isn't quite right, change it. If that picture is just too low, move it up. If there is something in the scheme that bothers you, figure it out and revise it. It's that simple.

9. IT COULD BE WORSE.
Just remember that. Just believe that everything can be fixed. ...and also remember this photo. Be thankful that you weren't there.

I hope this list can be helpful to you and your well being. A home is a project. If you love it, it'll love you. Chances are, you aren't the first person that has encountered such issues with a home. You are not alone here. Breathe deep and keep smiling!

Picking Paint without Fear

2012-02-05T15:07:00.000-05:00

I have always had this rule that if you have a small room: Paint something bold. Paint it something that you want, but wouldn't dare paint in a large room because it's too dark, too trendy, too feminine, etc. Don't worry, this post is not only for painting small rooms. Paint is great way to set the stage for any room, and on a budget.

Picking paint can be tricky and I want you to always really examine your mind's eye for what you really want. Sometimes (a lot of the time) people will say, "I want light blue". That doesn't really describe the hue or tone, exactly.

Here are some tips and tricks to get the paint color that you want. Remember, it's your room and you should love it.

1. Visit your room, if possible. It is now your canvas. See what seems the color should be. This is the easiest way to start off, especially if you don't know which direction to go on the color wheel. Ask yourself:

Should the room have a warm tone?
Is it large (or small)? Can it "hold" darker paint well?
What furniture/fixtures do I have?
What is the floor color?
The lighting - Is it dark or bright?

2. What I try to do is look at color wheels, or strips with the colors descending light to dark, so you can see what the "base color" is. That way, you can see if the darker tones turn brown, mauve or olive green.

3. Also, (and very important) inspiration is everywhere, and what you see may make an indelible mark on your psyche. HOWEVER, just because you are a Notre Dame fan, doesn't mean that a navy blue and gold room wouldn't eventually make you go mad. So, what I am trying to say, is once you think of a color, imagine living in it. Imagine what that the color(s) will do for you. Sometimes, this guidance will help you go lighter or darker. That way, when you pick the purple for the baby's room, it won't look like Prince and the Revolution came by and "went crazy". Get it?

4. Once you have some options, bring them with you and look at them in different light. Inside, outside, daytime, nighttime and ... er, in traffic.

5. Bring the sample(s) to the actual room. Look at them. I always think this is the hardest and least obvious step in this process, but it can serve to eliminate a color right away. Think about what will be in the room. In my room, the the fixtures are white, the floor is a medium-light stained wood and my accessories will be black to start. Having said this, black's, navy's and dark brown's can off set bright or light colors to achieve the balance you need.

Alright, so go ahead and pick a paint. Don't be scared, and remember, it's just paint.

Note:
This may be a process. (in this case, it was for me) One of the steps may lead you to one color, then you may not like it once isolated, or in the actual room, etc. That's okay. It's all conceptual at this point.

TIP:
Most hardware stores and paint stores will sell samples of paint for about $3.00. If you are torn between paint colors, or simply cannot decide, go purchase some samples and paint a 3'-0" x 3'-0" square on the wall and step back. Also,these paint samples are great for small projects like painting furniture!

My Project Outcome:

THE START:

BEFORE:

"The wallflower"

AFTER:

"Boom!"

I have a "Pinterest" project in the works for this room, so I'll give you a grand tour when it's complete.

Quick update (in photos)

2012-01-29T20:33:00.000-05:00

Entry

A little wall and trim paint. Also cleaned top to bottom. Literally.

Dining Room

Wall and trim paint and a chandelier installed by yours truly

Kitchen

Paint, scour and of course, the appliances.

Thank you David. H. I don't care what Gil says about you.

Family Room

Wall paint, floor steam and little personal touches.

( A little bit more to go on the paint)

The Nursery

Paint, scour, trim painted and 3,001 holes patched and repaired.

(Not in that order)

The Before - Home Interior

2012-01-26T07:59:00.000-05:00

Front Entry - view from the stairs

Dining Room

Family Room - View from kitchen

Kitchen

Family Room

Family Room - View from Bonus Room

Bonus Room

The Nursery

Master Bedroom

The pictures above are as we toured the home originally. We have been weekend warriors for a little over a month now. We (Nate) painted and I scrubbed everything from windows to electrical face plates. Some lights are installed, and the floors are steamed. Already, it is a huge difference, and I can't wait to show you.

This weekend, Nate will finish the trim in the nursery, and we will start moving furniture pieces over. Our friends are coming over to give us a hand with the dishwasher and microwave installation. Our ultimate goal is to get our bed here, so we can start staying here. I was also promised a trip to IKEA to get a rug to cover the "God awful" tile in the family room.

This home, as it sits, is a big blank slate. I cannot wait to get in, get composing, arranging and adding my touches to give it the character it craves.

Home Stats:

Built in 1995

Vacant for one year

Approx. 2,200 sf

3 bedrooms, 2 .5 bath and a bonus room

We also have a secret playroom, that I have big big aspirations for this room.

The yard is as big a blank slate as the home is @ .33 acres, but I'll get to that in the Spring.

The BIG Project - with little knowledge

2012-01-23T20:39:00.000-05:00

Hello! Now that my 365'er is finished, it is about time that I start another project to share with you.

My husband and I bought a foreclosure, and we have been busy at work hiring people to fix the mistakes throughout the house. Then we ran out of money for the professionals, and have two mortgages for the time being. (eek!) So, this blog is going to morph into our adventures to make this house our home.

To give you our brief background:

I am an interior designer, and I even have my degree. (you may or may not believe this once this project is under way) I don't practice traditional interior design like you may think. I typically upfit commercical warehouses, distribution and manufacturing facilities. The idea, however is the same across the board. Make it efficient, make it work, and do it for ~~cheap~~ what you can afford. I'll add in a little "pretty" here and there, and I promise to never mention a sprinkler riser in the duration of the project. (Well, maybe once or twice) I am laid back, and have the desire to get things done quickly. (Read: impatient, and tends to panic) I can be dramatic, but just a little.

My husband, Nate, on the other hand is patient, meticulous and tentative. (Read: patient, meticulous and tentative) He's a librarian, he does things right, and will take all the time in the world to do so. When we first got together, his apartment had huge white walls with one 8x10 picture (mounted way too high) on a wall. It was neat. It was stark,but he had great art. He worries, can be over dramatic and is meticulous. I mentioned that.

Neither of us have the knowledge to fix anything, diagnose a problem or install anything more than a ceiling light. We don't have many tools, and we learn on the fly. But by God, we will learn.

Together, we make a good team. It can be rough getting tot he final product, but we get there. I hope you enjoy our journey of ordinary adventures and hits and misses. I hope to teach you how to, how not to, and most definitely how to complete a design idea. Hopefully, you'll laugh along the way, and get to see two old friends completely in love, build something together.

We have a whole house to work with (two actually), so let's get started, shall we?

...And on to my next project...

2012-01-22T13:20:00.000-05:00

Baby Shep 2 ("BS2")

Coming to this world 8.02.2012

Day 365

2012-01-22T13:17:00.000-05:00

Day 364

2012-01-22T13:02:00.000-05:00

Day 363

2012-01-22T12:59:00.000-05:00

Day 362

2012-01-22T12:55:00.000-05:00

Day 360

2012-01-17T19:46:00.000-05:00

Day 359

2012-01-17T09:41:00.000-05:00

I started this project with leopard print...

and I am finishing it with leopard print.

Day 358

2012-01-15T18:57:00.000-05:00

Hello green!

I didn't expect the tulips to greet me when I got home, but there they were. Nice!

Day 357

2012-01-14T20:01:00.000-05:00

You light up my life.

Day 356

2012-01-14T19:59:00.000-05:00

It's what's for dinner

Day 355

2012-01-13T09:52:00.001-05:00

My boots. The best.

Day 354

2012-01-13T09:50:00.001-05:00

Five Seconds of Emotion

14 month old style

Day 353

2012-01-12T20:11:00.001-05:00

A glass of water and some 'thank you' cards

Both are refreshing

Day 352

2012-01-09T21:20:00.000-05:00

Little boy in jeans that just won't stay still

Day 351

2012-01-09T21:08:00.000-05:00

Now I lay me down to sleep...

Day 350

2012-01-08T21:35:00.000-05:00

Darkness

I am home. Nate is still working at the new house. It's lonely, and I don't like it, but it is quiet, and I have my other man here to protect me.

Day 349

2012-01-08T21:31:00.000-05:00

Day 348

2012-01-05T20:42:00.001-05:00

Hugs and Kisses - Atmosphere style

Day 347

2012-01-04T20:02:00.002-05:00

Day 346

2012-01-04T11:04:00.000-05:00

Day 345

2012-01-04T11:03:00.000-05:00

In another parking lot, actually. 

Day 344

2012-01-04T11:01:00.000-05:00

Scene from a parking lot.

I have been running, swiping, purchasing and deciding on new stuff for the house. I am getting to know the gulls by name, I swear.

Day 343

2012-01-04T10:59:00.000-05:00

A peek at a home project to "De-brass" the house

Day 342

2012-01-04T10:49:00.002-05:00

Day 341

2011-12-30T09:16:00.001-05:00

"Hey Sabu, can you make a bullshot?"

"Can you make a shoe smell?"

"Very funny, you're alright. Why don't you get yourself a real haircut?"

-From Caddyshack

Day 340

2011-12-30T08:56:00.000-05:00

Airing out our dirty...dishes? 

Day 339

2011-12-30T08:54:00.000-05:00

A place of quiet after the holiday hustle

Day 338

2011-12-30T08:52:00.000-05:00

Elvis will never leave the buidling at my parents' house

Day 337

2011-12-25T14:26:00.000-05:00

Remembrance, peace and a satirist

I love cemeteries. They are a refuge from the chaos and noise of everyday life. They make me appreciate, reflect and hope. Husband and I walked through Woodlawn Cemertary, where we saw Mark Twain's family plot, Ernie Davis' grave and the military section. It was a perfect day to walk around and remember those before us. Those we don't know. The fathers, mothers and children that lay quiet, but are not forgotten.

Day 336

2011-12-23T20:14:00.000-05:00

From me to you...

Happy holidays!

Day 335

2011-12-23T20:07:00.000-05:00

Day 334

2011-12-21T20:19:00.000-05:00

Christmas welcomes us in NY

we made it!

Day 333

2011-12-21T20:13:00.000-05:00

On the road again...

We are ready, snuggled and wide eyed for our overnight trip to NY. Here goes nothin'

Day 332

2011-12-21T20:10:00.000-05:00

oops.

This is my mulligan. Exhaustion set in. My memory faded. My camera lay still. I forgot. This is my mulligan. 

Day 331

2011-12-21T20:08:00.000-05:00

My little earrings

Day 330

2011-12-18T20:04:00.000-05:00

Day 329

2011-12-18T19:54:00.000-05:00

The Gift

It is not the charity itself, it is the talent she possesses. Truly, a gift.

Day 328

2011-12-18T19:44:00.000-05:00

The "Perp"

...and the best part is, this star was playing baby music at the time of the crime.

Day 327

2011-12-15T09:04:00.000-05:00

The Victim

(Yes, he did let me take a picture of it. I made it darker to be tougher) 

Day 326

2011-12-14T10:30:00.000-05:00

You light up my life

...with a "shiner". Gil accidentally gave Nate a black eye tonight with a plastic star that plays baby music. I can't help but to giggle, and feel bad all at the same time. I don't, however, dare ask to take a picture of it. As I lay in bed and gaze up, thinking of how funny it is becuase Nate is so concerned about the fact he's gonna look like a "schlub", here is what I see. tee-hee.

Day 325

2011-12-12T22:21:00.000-05:00

The original Gil

Today, is my father-in-law's birthday. He would have been 63. I never met him,but I know him well. He is missed. He is honored. He is not forgotten. May you rest in peace.

Day 324

2011-12-12T21:33:00.000-05:00

Well hello there, Gil. You make my soul smile.

Day 323

2011-12-11T21:47:00.000-05:00

"Food for thought is no substitute for the real thing."

~Walt Kelly

Day 322

2011-12-09T21:11:00.000-05:00

I wonder if all the rest were "bad pallets"

Day 321

2011-12-09T20:42:00.000-05:00

Too pretty not to post the sky...again!

Day 320

2011-12-07T21:04:00.000-05:00

Lovely scenes from a rainy winter day.

Day 319

2011-12-07T20:50:00.000-05:00

'Tis the Season...

Day 318

2011-12-06T19:57:00.001-05:00

Fresh Eucalyptus

Day 318

2011-12-04T21:18:00.000-05:00

A covered bridge, a mill and a pond

What more could you need on a Sunday morning?

Day 317

2011-12-04T19:32:00.000-05:00

A Saturday Medley...

Day 316

2011-12-02T21:39:00.000-05:00

Break 'O Day

There is a little town in Tasmania called "Break O' Day". It's the best town name I have ever heard of. Ever.

Day 315

2011-12-02T21:20:00.000-05:00

I am the Walrus

(I love this guy. Thank you Amy!)

Day 314

2011-11-30T20:00:00.000-05:00

Solace in the sun

At the end of the day, all is well. Even in the break room, the sun's blazing encore illuminates the middles just before it fades into evening.

Day 313

2011-11-30T16:17:00.000-05:00

Color Contemplations

With the closing of our new house coming up, I stare at paint chips. I don't eat them, but I contemplate them. Maybe I should eat them. To know me is to know I am not a planner and I am not uptight. When it comes to decorating or even buying a new piece for the house, I think. A lot. I have it figured out ahead of time. I can make split decisions during game time because I measure, I look and I know what I want. Here it starts...with the paint.

Day 312

2011-11-28T16:53:00.000-05:00

Bird Watching 

Day 311

2011-11-28T16:47:00.000-05:00

Round 1

The holiday/birthday/anniversary celebrations have come and gone for us this year. (relax, just for a minute...) We are just now entering into full swing holiday time with travel, parties, consumerism and best of all, the faces of family, near family and friends. I heard through the grapevine that my brother's family will be appearing at my parents house this year for Christmas. My heart is lightening perhaps quicker than my wallet this year.

Day 310

2011-11-26T20:02:00.000-05:00

"The sky is not less blue because the blind man does not see it.”

Danish Proverb

Day 309

2011-11-26T15:10:00.000-05:00

A night out in Uptown Charlotte with Nate

Day 308

2011-11-24T19:34:00.000-05:00

Roses - Part II

“The rose is a flower of love. The world has acclaimed it for centuries. Pink roses are for love hopeful and expectant. White roses are for love dead or forsaken, but the red roses, ah the red roses are for love triumphant.”

Day 307

2011-11-24T13:40:00.001-05:00

Two Years (+23)

Hubby surprised me at work today with a dozen roses for our impending anniversary on Monday. I can't believe it has been (only) two years, but yet, it has been a wildly wonderful long, slow journey all at the same time. Nate is my buddy, my husband, and my baby's father, and for that, I am proud.

Day 306

2011-11-22T19:22:00.000-05:00

We all know one.

Day 305

2011-11-21T19:40:00.000-05:00

Here fishy, fishy

I have misplaced my camera. huh. It amazed me that I had the instagram option or a Flip still. Instagram all day, baby!

Day 304

2011-11-20T20:30:00.000-05:00

With death, still beauty.

With death, hope. Hope for another season, another day.

Day 303

2011-11-20T20:20:00.000-05:00

Earring Etude

I had a bunch of shots of these earrings to study my composition and depth of field. I am having some computer problems, so this is all I can post. argh!

Day 302

2011-11-20T17:25:00.000-05:00

Boy on the move

In actuality, there wasn't enough light for the setting I was trying to use, but I think the results are interesting, so here they are. Weeeeeekend!

Day 301

2011-11-17T16:54:00.000-05:00

Found messages

Ah, I love finding graffiti and little notes at site visits. Whether it be on a bathroom wall, or in a warehouse, it's usually a solid source for a good laugh.

The first shot is of the word live as in "live wire", and that is most likely what it was, at one point attached to; a live wire. I took it differently though. I saw it as a message to me. A message telling me to live. It was a little reminder that there is so much good around me, and I need to see it, appreciate it and share it. So, I am sharing this found message with you - LIVE. Take it as you need it. Take is as a pick-me-up, a reminder, or just a reason to take another breath in this beautiful and bountiful world. As for Carlos, he sucks.

Day 300 (how?)

2011-11-16T10:54:00.000-05:00

“to look up and look beyond the treetops.”

~Larry DiRita

Day 299

2011-11-15T22:18:00.000-05:00

A tisket, a tasket...

What is a tisket, anyway?

Day 298

2011-11-14T21:47:00.000-05:00

I was totally "busted"

This kid is such a ham.

Day 297

2011-11-14T21:40:00.000-05:00

One of the best things about this project is...

That I can study and pour over little gifts that I have received over the years, and appreciate every thought and symbol, and time in my life that they all represent. These gifts mean so much to me, and are the backdrop of my cozy little home. They are what make it mine.

Day 296

2011-11-13T08:58:00.000-05:00

Eleri and the Ginko leaves

Today I had a shoot with my dear friends and their daughters. Eleri is the oldest, and I get a kick out of her. She is great and fun to photograph.

Day 295

2011-11-11T23:10:00.000-05:00

Day 294

2011-11-10T19:16:00.000-05:00

Do, do, do lookin' out my back door

Day 293

2011-11-10T19:02:00.000-05:00

Gil opened gifts for his birthday...

one day early because mom and dad were so excited!

Day 292

2011-11-08T20:13:00.000-05:00

A little to the left...and a little to the right

Day 291

2011-11-08T16:25:00.000-05:00

The headache.

Hubby had a headache tonight, and feels like he's getting sick. These little pills will hopefully stave off his discomfort for now. With Winter, colds.

Day 290

2011-11-06T19:23:00.000-05:00

Beautiful. Southern.Country.Sunset.

Day 289

2011-11-05T20:52:00.000-04:00

"For when the wine is in, the wit is out."

~Thomas Becon (1512–1567)

Day 288

2011-11-05T16:45:00.000-04:00

"The Apple of My Eye"

"From Stem to Stern"

Day 287

2011-11-03T20:42:00.000-04:00

Peaceful, quiet, and golden, this pair

Day 287

2011-11-03T11:19:00.000-04:00

a bird in the hand...

is worth two in the bush

Day 286

2011-11-02T19:46:00.000-04:00

I was a little late.

I went out, hoping for a great sunset casting it's smile on the fiery tree in our front yard. Not quite. I missed it. Gil was on my hip, so I wasn't going to get many steady shots, so I went with it. The heart in the third picture is the moon! Love!

Day 285

2011-10-31T21:18:00.001-04:00

Happy, happy Halloween! 

Day 284

2011-10-30T21:03:00.000-04:00

21st Century, hello there! 

I finally got an iPhone, and today, I downloaded Instagram. What fun!

Day 283

2011-10-29T20:30:00.000-04:00

Good-bye Summer, officially

It seems that the summer heat and humidity has soared off on the backs of the wings of a goose, once again. We bundled up a little more, and swung a little less. The sun still warmed our cheeks on our walk around the neighborhood. We can always count on that.

Day 282

2011-10-28T20:17:00.000-04:00

I like to call this one..."Our Total Savings".

Day 281

2011-10-27T19:31:00.000-04:00

Portrait of a tree

I ventured out to shoot some fall foliage, and I did. I had to single this tree out, however. It's mighty, majestic and protecting. It's seen a lot, and continues to grow. It's simply lovely.

Day 280

2011-10-27T09:10:00.000-04:00

Wednesday Giveaways

Every Wednesday on my Facebook page - 'Community Photo by Beth Shephard'. I draw a name to win a picture. It's very fun for me, and it gives me good feedback on my pictures. You should check it out! Giveaways are every Wednesday until Christmas, then...who knows!

Day 279

2011-10-25T18:19:00.001-04:00

Scenes from a warehouse...again

Day 278

2011-10-24T21:59:00.000-04:00

Dance of light

Day 277

2011-10-23T22:38:00.000-04:00

My new Etsy find(s)

I bought these earrings from Sarahbeth Studios, and I wanted to give them a little plug, since they are so charming, cute, affordable and perfectly proportioned. Plug, plug, plug!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SarahBethStudios?ref=seller_info