Home

I have been spending more time with my sweet sister since I have been on leave.  It has been great to have some time together before my little bean comes.  We have been thrifting, doing some crafty things and just having a general good time.  Catherine inspires me in so many ways.  The way she has styled her home is really amazing- I get new ideas everytime I go there.  

One of my favorite things is the way she arranges flowers.  In nearly every room in her house she has a fresh arrangement to greet you.  She likes to use vintage vases, goblets and teacups which is so clever.  Maybe we will have to have her give us a lesson in a future post.  Since I have been home more, I have started buying flowers once a week to put around the house and it really does brighten up the place. I'm pretty shy when it comes to fancy arrangements so usually just buy one small bunch to practice with.

Is anyone else intimidated to arrange flowers for your home?

Final Week of Pregnancy- My Essentials

With only 1 week and a day 'til my due date, I am relying heavily on a few things to keep me comfortable.  I am so excited for our little one to make his appearance! Below are some essentials that are making these last few moments a little sweeter.

Last Month of Pregnancy Essentials by shanmariee featuring pink shoes

Miss Tina Women's Waterfall Maxi Dress with Removable Straps
walmart.com

Simply Basic Women's Sleeveless Print Nightgown
walmart.com

Isotoner pink shoes
jcpenney.com

Sandals
dsw.com

Lipstick
covergirl.com

Fragrance
anthropologie.com

Body moisturizer
diapers.com

pregnancy boppy pillow
target.com

M&M's Milk Chocolate, Party Size Pouch
drugstore.com

Orville Redenbacher's Natural Simply Salted Microwave Popcorn, 20 oz
walmart.com

Jockey Classic Full Cut Boxer 4 pack
jockey.com

Downtime

I am officially on Maternity Leave cocooning at home waiting for our little bean to arrive.  Tiny little clothes are washed and ready, diapers have been stockpiled and are spilling from the closet- I think we are set.  The days have been long and sweet, it is nice to move at a slower pace and take time to clean and organize our nest that has been neglected during the busy weeks of the past few months.  When I have time to clean I actually like it.  So I am taking advantage of this now, getting the house into tip top shape.  This nesting thing is pretty crazy, I cannot believe the energy I have at some points.  I can accomplish so much some days, I surprise myself.  It is hard to take the time to rest but I am trying to have a good balance.  I know I will need it.

I have quite a few things that I want to do over the next few weeks.

• Complete a few Sewing Projects (one down, several to go)
• Get the Shops in Order
• Make two months of freezer meals
• Sleep

Anyone have any tips on balancing nesting and resting while waiting for baby?

Winter Things

The days are already starting to get longer - Spring is coming quick.  For now, we are still in the middle of winter, well on some days anyway.   The weather has been strange this year hasn't it?  It has been a bit colder the last few days.  These are some of my favorite winter comforts.

**York the very best chocolate treat Hersheys.com**

**Twinnings English Breakfast Tea Twinnings.com**

**Tic Tac- the fresh maker (I eat one pack in a sitting oops)**

**Beautiful Monogrammed Mugs Anthropologie.com**

**Nivea- my favorite Lip Balm Makes lips kissable** 

**Neutrogena Hand Cream- the only cream that works for overly dry hands**

**H&M.com lovely scarf**

If I have these little comforts the days seem a bit better.  What are some of your favorite Winter comforts?  I would love to know.

Monday Monday

Monday was nice to me today.  It wasn't really an especially great Monday but Mondays can be brutal sometimes.  Luckily today was not too bad.  Even though the dark grey sky poured most of the day it seemed to take a break whenever I was outside (so thoughtful that sky...).  For dinner I was even able to pull off making a delicious Spaghetti dinner for one.  Kev was a a work dinner, so I enjoyed it all by my lonesome- but there are leftovers :).

On a different note, the shops- I have so many new things coming soon.  It is very exciting.  It is hard to part with so many of the lovely things that I find.  It really is... like this sweetest little German pup in the shop now.  Isn't he adorable?

~Happy Monday~

Clutter, Clutter go away

I have the bug to organize- we have been a little cluttered since moving in to our rather small house.  Honestly the house is plenty big for Kev and I- but we have a lot of stuff.  Our home is older and the closet space is a little on the small side.  After moving in over a year ago and spending so many weekends renovating we kind of just went on a huge break from house related things.  We really needed a break- we just got so burnt out. 

It is time now to pick it back up again and make this place more functional.  Some things on my list:

Spend two weekends room by room purging things we no longer use.
Have a garage sale.
Donate.
Sell old books to used book store.
Identify clutter control probs for each room.
Create permanent solutions.
Create an organized spot for mail/ house business.
Make an organized cleaning supply center.

I have lots of ideas actually this list could be miles long- but I will start with this and see how quickly we can get things done. 

Anyone out there have some ideas/ inspiration for one drowning in clutter??

 Image from http://dinarasdavis.blog.com/2011/07/21/5-hints-how-to-clean-an-iron/#more-350

New Year!

Its a New Year and I am really optimistic.  I love the chance for change and renewal each year, don't you?  I didn't really come up with resolutions for this year.  I really just want to live  in the moment and enjoy every day... really cherish little moments you know?   

I added a lot of new items to the shop... click here to see the new goodies...The Shop!

Inspired

This year has been a busy one and I have not felt like myself in months.  Life sometimes has its way of draining the go, go, go from a person.  But,  Im feeling like its coming back and that is a good feeling.

Im excited about the holidays coming up and all the baking, twinkling lights, peppermint hot chocolate and shared moments with family and friends. Heres to staying grounded, keeping steady and enjoying the little things.


~Betty

Oh Carolina

Some Pics from our trip...

And fun times were had by all.....