Picnic under the trees...

As the clouds start to part and the sun peeks through,

I can't help daydreaming about the spring.

Slowly but surely the weather is warming up.

I look forward to eating under the trees.

It's only a matter of time.

And for you caught in the blizzard of all blizzards...

hang in there.

Spring is on it's way!

A Fabulous Feature: Jones Design Company

Hello my darlings!

It has been a little while since my last post.  Lots going on these days.  I'm

sure I'm not alone ; )

I've missed you so.

Anyhoo...

I came across the most spectacular blog!  Not only is the blog itself gorgeous but

the designs that come from this creative duo are superb!  Hence the blog name...

Emily and Ryan are design geniuses! 

They have an amazing kitchen remodel that I just HAD to feature.

Now as many of you already know, I have a weakness for kitchens. 

I myself, am in the planning process for a kitchen makeover.

Boy have these two inspired me.

Take a look...

Here is a before picture.

This is a photo from before they actually moved in.

Then they had this...

Which is still nice.  I loved the huge chalkboard and dining set in rattan.

After some creative planning and hard work they came up with this...

Oh my heavens!!

I absolutely love the way it came out!  Just look at those shelves!

They extended the island.  What a great idea!

They built the cutest bench that fits the entire theme beautifully.

Each little detail is perfect.

Sigh...a farmhouse sink.

It's just remarkable and worth an honorable mention.

So one more time...

Before

and after

 Great job you two!

Please stop by their wonderful blog Jones Design Company

and say hi. 

sigh....

Gulp...

I found this kitchen.

It's perfection.

Enough said.

via 

Yum!

A chandelier

 

One of the first things that I'll have to do in my home

is change out my chandeliers.

They resemble something like this...

YIKES!

I know...

and it sits right over my formal dining room.  Ughh!

I also have something on a similar but smaller scale hanging over the entrance.

So starts the deliberation.

What kind do I get and what color do I go with?

The options are endless.

Now I have heard of picking one up on ebay, 

but Pottery Barn and Lamps Plus (Kathy Ireland Edition) seem to have nice choices.

For instance...

Do I go with pendant lights instead of a chandi?

I do know that a pendant will most definitely go over the entrance.

 I could go with the highly coveted version...

The finish will be something to decide on as well.

pewter?  Black metal?  Or white?

I like the idea of something different too.

Like this whimsy little piece.

It's growing on me.

via

What I do know is I'll be going with the light bulb version.

No candle lighting for this gal.

Developing style...

I have been blogging for a little over 6 months and I

have been bombarded with inspiration from near and far.  I am one who sits back

and dreams of the decor I'd one day like to see my own home filled with.

My taste is one that collaborates looks from many different styles.

I can honestly say that my style has not changed much.

I have held true to what I have always loved.  It is now just a little more refined.

For instance...I originally envisioned a purely coastal look for my home.  The fact that I live in Las Vegas, NV makes this a little difficult to pull off.  The "shabby chic" style was a little too eclectic for me although I like the crisp whites and vintage crystal chandeliers.  The all french decor is a little too fancy, and the country look is a little too crafty.

What have I learned?

Mismatched furniture works.

Old and new can be combined.

Dark and silver accents work wonders in a house of white.

Vintage glass adds character and elegance without breaking the bank.

You CAN have a kid-friendly beautiful space.

The more light you let in...the better.

 You can pick a ton of stuff up on ebay, craigslist, and etsy.

The pictures don't HAVE to be of you, and they don't have to be new.

You can have everything you love in your home.

via 

It's a combination of you, and there are no rules.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Perspective...

Hello my Darlings,

I'd sincerely like to thank you for your outpouring of love and support. 

It has been phenomenal.

 via

Though it has been very hard,

I find comfort in the fact that she is in a much better place

where there are no tears or sadness.

She is just as happy as can be.

I will see her again.

It is funny how it takes something like this to happen

to make you realize just how much you have been taking for granted.

I am learning a lot about myself and the things I'd like to change.

It has made me realize what is important.

Family, friends, health, happiness.

And above all else, The Lord.

Time is short...