another me at 23

Ooo wee, it's been a minute since I posted, but this is a good a reason as any to get back on the horse.

My friend, Laurel, accepted a demand for me to guest post for her Another Me at 23 series, and I'd love for you to read it, especially you anglophiles out there...you know who you are. And while you're at it, swing on over to her Etsy shop and get some of her rad paper goods. This clever Jackson Metro poster has some prime real estate in my office!

I'll be back soon, darlings!

art love round-up

I fancy myself a bit of an amateur artist (emphasis on "bit" and "amateur"), and I'm always perusing Pinterest and Etsy for inspiration. I'd love to share a few of the things I've found recently, if you'd like to see...

I'm crazy about the colors on this one. That blob of hot pink has my heart!

This one would be super simple to recreate in your own home. And in any color combo.

The glassy texture on this piece makes it look so glam.

I don't think about orange and purple together much, but it totally works!

There's just something about a big, ole piece of art, isn't there?

What defines art is definitely in the eye of the beholder. If you'd like to see more, please check out my Pinterest board.

From where do you take inspiration?

Have a creative weekend, darlings.

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* Clean hair. And for me not to have to dry it myself.

* Jenny is making me want a claw foot tub. Don't you just love them?

* Nothing is more summery than a seersucker swimsuit!

* Obviously Grace Coddington cares little for frizz serum, but I can't live without mine.

* Prayers and love to all those injured or devastated by Monday's horrible weather!

What's your wish?

in her bag

So, do y'all remember Tuesday?

I don't really either, but I do remember my feature on The Lovely Bee about what's in my bag. Well, the Queen Bee herself has so kindly agreed to make an appearance here too.

Give her a warm welcome, darlings!

                                                                  *********************

Hey, Olive You Darling readers! How’s the week going? I’m honored to be here with y’all today. It’s been way too long! I’m not sure if you saw, but Mary Straton recently shared on my blog what all she totes around in her “pocketbook,” as her dad says! So today is my turn to share my “pocketbook” with her/you guys! I’m afraid my bag isn’t quiiiiite as interesting as hers is, but it’s different! So there’s that!

Before we get into what’s actually in my bag, allow me to introduce you to my bag itself. My bag. My wonderful, multi-purpose Mellie Bianco bag (or purse, or satchel, or whatever…) from Arco Avenue. Oh, I love this bag! I carry it everywhere… It’s a chameleon of a bag because it’s black with gold hardware. Classic, yet so now. AND, I can wear it as a cross body, messenger style, or I can use the handles and wear it as a shoulder bag. It’s big, but not too big. Just the right size to carry all of my necessities!

So you might be wondering what it is I carry around in this bestie of mine. (I say bestie because… I don’t know where I’d be without it! Where would all my stuff stay?)

It does change from week to week, depending on what I’ve got on the agenda at the time of course, but for the most part, I’ve always got most of what you see here in the ol’ carry on.

Step into my purse with me, won’t you?! :)

What’s in my bag:

1. My set of keys. It’s pretty hard to get around without my keys, considering that we live miles outside the city! Walking anywhere other than to the neighbor’s house is out of the question. To make my set of keys extra useful, I keep a mini tape measure on the keyring at all times. When you work in the interior design biz like I do (part-time), you quickly realize how important it is to have a tape measure available at all times! But it has also come in handy for reasons outside of the interior design realm. Like the one time my friend Anna wore a locket to a party that contained no pictures. In order to give her a picture of myself that would fit in the locket, I whipped out my tape measure to see what size I need to shrink my face down to! See? Very useful.

2. Hand lotion. Of various and sundry varieties. My hands are always in need of some moisturizin’. Plus, I love snagging an extra lotion or two whenever I pass a hotel housekeeping cart… I know I’m not alone, here…

3. Wine corks. For the collection. We keep a big jug in the living room and fill it with wine corks. About half of them have the occasion and date written on them so one day we’ll be able to use that jug like a scrapbook! A "scrapjug" if you will…

4. About 15 old grocery lists. Who has time to sort through random purse papers and throw away old ones? (My hand is not raised.)

5. Washi tape. What can I say? I’m obsessed with that stuff

6. My mini bag-o-tricks. I keep all my cosmetic assistants in a little pouch! A Sephora mirror, my lipsticks, a million bajillion bobby pins, a little Rockin Rio perfume, the Tide To Go pen… (This is mainly for my husband Price. Can we say messy eater?)

7. My wallet. To keep up with the monetary essentials, you know, as well as my drivers license, which waiters are asking for less and less these days… Am I really starting to look over 21?! This cannot be!!

8. Writing utensils. I’ve got that old fashioned pencil in there for nostalgic purposes

9. Gum. All green gum, at that… I’ve surprised myself! I though I liked blue gum best! Guess not…

10. A way late thank you note. Sorry Avery!

11. 15% off at Deep South Pout. Anybody want that?

12. Neenah paper samples. I got these at a local printer and they’re so pretty that I whip them out and look at them when I’m bored in a doctor’s office or something. Actually, I just haven't taken them out and put them in my office yet… 

Not Pictured: Lots of trash… Like, more mint wrappers than I can even count…

And that’s what makes the rounds on my shoulder with me all day every day! Such exciting stuff! (Only, not really… But thanks for reading anyway!)

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* That I'd picked up that vintage tufted couch I saw yesterday on the side of the road.

* This petite crossbody is a perfect springy eye-catcher.

* Eleanor would love this pillow in her room!

* Who wants to paint my bedroom? I'll make you a tasty detox dinner!

* I haven't had a pedicure since before my wedding in 2006. Who thinks it's time for an encore?

What's your wish?

in the bag

Do please check out my post on The Lovely Bee this morning! This image makes an appearance:

Enjoy your Tuesday! And come back on Friday to see what's in the Lovely Laurel's bag, too!

detox - day one

Happy Monday! Christos Anesti!

How was your Easter? Our little family hosted some friends for lunch, and we all celebrated Resurrection Day by eating (too much) together and after that, taking naps in a clean, quiet house.

{image from here}

Down to business now. I've started the Arbonne 30-day detox program, and I'm really excited to clean my body of all the yuck building up since Eleanor was born. I never really committed to getting back into a healthy eating pattern, and the time has finally come. Yay!

The program lines out a lot of "avoid" foods, and that of course means you have to tweak a lot of recipes you currently use and look for new ones. So naturally, I started a Pinterest board of detox recipes. What else does a girl do in 2014?

I made this Quinoa Avocado Spinach Salad this weekend, and it's a keeper! Follow the recipe as-is, or sub lemon juice for the vinegar like I did.

Feel free to send strong, healthy vibes my way. I'll keep you updated on my progress and share recipes as I audition them.

Bon appetit, darlings!

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* That I painted more. I need to make time to try some pieces from my Pinterest art board!

* These shoes make me wonder if I could pull off an ankle strap.

* I'm loving kelly green bottoms these days, especially this skirt!

* Ice cream. Right now. At my desk.

* The happiest of Easters to you all! Over two thousand years ago this Sunday, Everything Changed.

What's your wish?

thrift store terrariums

I love succulents.

LOVE them. Maybe it's because they're petite, maybe it's because of their fat little leaves... Who am I kidding? It's because they're basically fool-proof.

You may recall my post on Friday about my trip to Goodwill, but my real reason for going was to find some objects that could be upcycled as teeny terrariums for those precious, teeny succulents. I think I succeeded!

I snatched up a cocktail glass, a round vase and a little white cup or something. Still not sure what that one is, but I think it might be my favorite!

Making these your own is simple: stuff the plants into their new homes, add a little potting soil, and you're done! I like them grouped together, but they are pretty on their own on a desk or end table as well. In fact, the hardest part was keeping these chubby little "helping" hands from yanking the leaves off...

Do you love succulents? How do you display yours?

long time, no post...

So...

You've probably been wondering where I've been these past four months or so. Really? You have? Aww, you're just saying that...

Anyway, I'm back! I've got a new job now, and a refreshed sense of creativity and drive. Don't you love it when that happens? I don't really know what's sparked it, but I'm just really excited to be back on the ole blog again. Sometimes, certain things just disappear off your plate, making room for the treats you really loved to begin with.

My new office is near Goodwill, and I decided to take a swing by there today in hopes to find a few items for a weekend project. And I scored!

It may look like junk now, but I have big plans for the $6.96 I spent today. I can't wait to share the completed versions next week!

Have a crafty weekend, darlings. See you soon (I promise!).

Eleanor is one!

Holy shnikeys! I just noticed it's been TWO MONTHS since I last blogged! What up with that?

Well, I can't think of a better update than to tell you that our little cupcake is one year old today!

A friend of mine once told me that the days are long, but the years are short. I can vouch for that. Still wouldn't change a thing.

And what's a birthday without a party? I'd love to share with you some details of the big day!

I decided months ago on a balloon theme. Not sure why, but it entered my mind, and I ran (or blew) with it. Here's the invitation:

 

Very simple to make. Just blow up a balloon, write your message (carefully - I popped several) on it in Sharpie, and deflate. Tie it to the invitation of your choice, or just make one using some scrapbook paper and sparkly washi tape like I did. That's eat! Easy and inexpensive and really makes an impact.

And obviously there was food involved...

Hot ham and cheese mini-sandwiches

Bacon Ranch roll-ups

Pop Chips

"Baked" beans

Iced sugar cookies (just plain cookies and this recipe and tutorial for icing)

Cake Pops

 

Can't forget the cake! I made it myself from a box mix (still just as good as scratch to me), some homemade frosting (kicks canned frosting booty), and a little fondant heffalump holding a paper balloon. Here's a tip for smoothing out the frosting: wet your offset spatula or bench scraper and smooth away all the parts you don't like. It works!

 

The decorations matched her room; pink and blue have kind of been the theme for her first year of life, you could say. This tassel garland was also really inexpensive, but it takes a little time. Still, you can make it to match your scheme perfectly.

But I think my favorite decoration was the party-hat-picture tree I made.

Print out some of your favorite pictures of your guest of honor, cut them out and give them little party hats with more scrapbook paper. Hot glue ornament hooks, and decorate a "tree" of spray-painted branches from your back yard. Ta-da!

Here's hoping all the pictures and DIY and recipe links will go a long way in you forgiving my absence. Is it working?

Have a great week, darlings.

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* These leopard wedges complete me.

* Mirrored furniture may be on the outs, but I still love it.

* Been looking for a little fox ring in rose gold? Found.

* I'm crazy for the pom-pom trim on these stockings!

* Please write a letter or two to The Big Thank-You! Give some love to our brave troops!

What's your wish?

delicious dish

Happy Monday, Darlings!

It's been quite a while since I posted a Delicious Dish recipe. Too long, I think!

I made these lovelies for a football game this weekend. Fortunately, they were more enjoyable than the game itself.




image and recipe from Annie's Eats

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls
Yield: about 2 dozen egg rolls

Ingredients
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles, drained
4 green onions, chopped
1 tsp. ground cumin
½ tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
1 package egg roll wrappers (about 24 total)






Directions
In a large bowl, combine everything but the egg roll wrappers. Mix well to blend. Lay an egg roll wrapper out on a work surface so that one of the corners is pointing toward you and place ¼ cup of the filling in the center. Fold the tip closest to you up over the filling, roll a bit, then take the points pointing outward and fold them in toward the center. Continue rolling into an egg roll shape until a small part of the remaining point is still free. Dip a finger in water or beaten egg and lightly brush on the edges of the free corner. Finish rolling and press to seal closed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Preheat the oven to 425˚ F. Lightly oil a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the sealed egg rolls on the baking sheet seam side down and spray the tops of the egg rolls with cooking spray. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly brown, turning halfway through baking. Serve warm with salsa.

Enjoy!

my favorite room on The Lovely Bee

Please visit The Hive today to see my post about Eleanor's nursery!

If you still want to know more, you can look back to this original post before the little nugget's arrival.

Happy Thursday, darlings.

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* I love this lion costume for Eleanor's first Halloween! But $50 for a baby costume? Have mercy!

* Putting this barware in a cabinet would be a crime. It's ready to mingle!

* Anyone would love getting these random notes of appreciation.

* Is anyone else loving this cool snap?

* These ankle boots go with everything!

What's your wish?

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

image from here

* These little apps would delish for breakfast, no?

* I've never wanted a real tat before, but I love the Tattly ones!

* Have you see the new Target Phillip Lim line? I looked for this dress in my store, but it was MIA...

* A lifetime supply of Welcome Matte would be wonderful, thank you.

* Throw pillows totally make a room, and this one would be pretty almost anywhere!

What's your wish?

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* I could probably eat my weight in these.

* This skirt would be an easy way to jump on the big leather trend!

* A little less humidity, please?

* I had a tapestry on my wall in college, but it wasn't as cute as this one. Cut one in half, and make it into curtains! Booyah!

* A win for my Bulldogs this weekend! Eleanor is dying to have a reason to ring her cowbell!

What's your wish?

grace under pressure

Darlings, have you heard this story?

Antoinette Tuff is a school bookkeeper in DeKalb County, Georgia. A mentally ill 20-year-old, with intentions of mass murder, entered her school with an AK-47 he'd taken from a friend. After firing one shot into the floor, Ms. Tuff called 911.

But what could have been another Newtown or Sandy Hook or Aurora soon turned into an opportunity for one woman to show the kindness, empathy and love that Jesus teaches us. She told the shooter she loved him and that we all go through things in life. She even offered to walk out of the school with him so the police could see that he didn't try to harm her.

Do you think Antoinette Tuff woke up on August 20, 2013 thinking she was going to be a hero? Because of her, hundreds of children, faculty and staff are enjoying this Friday morning.

Be ready! God could use you next!

wish list wednesday - desperate for fall edition

What am I wishing for this Wedneday?


image from libbystory.com

* These jeans. For when I'm feeling dangerous.

* I can see myself wearing this sweater nearly every day!

* Not that I want it to rain, but I'm always up for a chance to wear my wellies!

* Who says yellow isn't fall-ish?

* Y'all know I love a Panama hat.

What's your wish?

wish list wednesday - union jack edition

If you're anything like me, you haven't been able to get the Royal Baby out of your mind. I keep thinking about London, posh accents and tea, so this week's WLW is dedicated to the Union Jack, one of the most recognizeable flags in the world...

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* I want this chair for my office. I do work with international tourism, after all...

* You're telling me this awesome pillow is from Wal-Mart?

* Have a Pimms in one of these glasses.

* I love that this guy's name is Winston.

* Not sure how Liz would feel about a pink and green version, but she could store some of her bling in this.

What's your wish, guvna?