Hubby's Birthday

Today is Hubby's Birthday and we are going to celebrate. He really is the best hubby ever. He's hands on with Landon and unafraid of diapers. He often cooks dinner and I don't mean ordering out. He is so handy around the house we never have to call anyone over here! Best of all he makes me laugh. He is so funny. He loves all things Hemingway, sporting, and classic. He is a true renaissance man and I couldn't be luckier to have him in my life.

Fabulous Project- Drapes for the Dining Room

Okay I am ready to get it together. We've lived in the house a year but I have been busy painting, fixing etc. I have just decided that instead of tackling all the rooms at once I need to do a room by room decorating make over. Join me won't you?! I'm starting in the dining room with drapes. The dining room is lemon yellow and living room next to it is lime green. What kind of drapes do you think would look best? Let me know! I have two windows to do and may carry it into the living room (pictured above)? I feel like this is such a commitment! Scary! I'm going to do it though!



What do you think?

Just Do It! What are we waiting for!?

Last weekend hubby played drums in the Church band. I was watching Landon as he saw Daddy do a little rehearsal. The look on his face was remarkable. "My Dad can play the drums?" He was amazed. It really got me thinking. What am I doing in my life that would inspire the same kind of amazement? Like everyone else on the planet, after having Landon I have been very focused on him. I realized that I need to cultivate my desires and passions. Instead of doing this I am annoyed at myself for not going to the gym. I think our children need to see us in our element, whether you are a wonderful baker, long distance runner, or trapeze artist. They need to see us doing these things, and trying new things, so they will learn to cultivate their passions. Brett has cycling, and his music, and hunting....what do I have?
Well, one of my secret wishes is to get into ballroom dancing. I do actually have rhythm and can do a few dances. I am starting to call some dancing schools in the area today. Rather than watching Dancing With The Stars, I want to be the star who's dancing! We'll see how far I take this. Next thing you know I'll be spray tanning myself and wearing a bikini made of feathers. Not really.
So Ladies (and gents too) what are your passions? What can you give yourself that you truly desire for your life? Share!

Sanity Break- Perfectly Pumpkin

I went to Trader Joes and picked up this for the Halloween Dinner party but the truth is I couldn't leave the store with out it! They were giving out samples and I nearly DIED when I tried it. So settle in, with your bowl of Double Rainbow's Perfectly Pumpkin Ice Cream and a little Dancing With the Stars and the Bachelor. A perfect evening!!!

Fabulous Gifts: For the Hostess

My friend Molly needs some hostess gifts for the girls who are throwing her a "sip and see". I thought I'd answer it for everyone! Here are a few things I love!

Iomoi has fantastic gifts. I love that you can monogram as well.

Coasters are $26 a piece
Paperweights are $68

To Be Named has the cutest clutch. Monogram that for the girls, only $30! Get one is every color!


So Pretty has fabulous gifts. How about these gorgeous personalized hand towels for $33.

Or this adorable monogrammed thermal party tub! $49



Snappy casual gifts has this gorgeous sterling silver monogrammed bracelets and other jewelry $50


How'd I do Molly? Anyone else have a hostess gift idea?

Fabulous Fashion- My favorite fall clothes

Magnolia Mama tagged me with the great idea of What I'm wearing this fall! I am not going to let the fact that it's still 80 degrees get me down! I am feeling the fall!!!
I love these pants from J Crew


I also love these Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats. I have silver ones but darn those red ones are adorable!



I love a sassy shirt built into the sweater, and this one from Target was an easy purchase! So french and Fab!


I always need a casual sweatpantsish outfit and Nilla Shields has great things. I am deciding between these.


Last but not least I am OBSESSED with Banana Republic Jewelry. If you haven't checked it out you should! Look at these!



Thanks for tagging me! I tag anyone else with fall fashion picks!

Best Halloween Costume Award

I have to give the award to my friends Tessa and Gerrit for their costume for big boy "The OWL". Gerrit actually made this costume, which alone blows me away, but the fact that it looks so good is just fabulous. That makes him "One Fabulous Dad!" Had to share!

Fabulous Decor- China Obsessions

I'll just say it up front, I am obsessed with China. Not the country, I mean dishes! I remember when I was getting married we weren't going to register for fine china. I thought it was too fancy. Cut to me LOVING it and using it every chance I get! It was my Dad who told me to look at Royal Crown Derby. Thank God I listened to him!!!
I have the Old Avesbury pattern. I had hubby look at a list of ten patterns and we picked the same one! When I picked it Dad admitted it was his favorite too but had compromised with my Step Mom and gotten Old Imari. Too funny. I use this with Gold chargers and it is fierce. It is very colorful but I am glad to have something this fabulous!

Here's my Dad's: Old Imari


For my everyday I use Spode Italian Blue. This is what my parents had growing up so somehow I felt compelled. It really is so nice to eat on every day!


Then I have my alternate every day by Varages. I use this when I get bored or do a luncheon here. It's so french and I love the whimsical little bird on it!

Thanksgiving is on the way and hubby's parents are coming. I will be breaking out the Royal Crown Derby for sure, but I try not to wait for a special occasion! Any day can use a boost with your fancy china! Don't leave it in your china cabinet wasting away!

Fabulous Holidays- Halloween Dinner Party Details

Here are a few specifics:
Plates above are from TJ Maxx haul. I kept the chandelier plates and God mother kept the skulls and these.
Front window below with Big Moon was from Z Gallerie. Love the window display!

Check out the bone candles and white pumpkins with fabric stretched over and black rose glue gunned on! How about those TJ maxx Dracula candle holders!

The octopus went out before the dinner party!

Godmother as Tina Turner and me as pirate wench!

Fabulous Holidays- Halloween Dinner Party

Well God Mother and I pulled it off. Sit down Halloween dinner for twelve! It was a costume affair and everyone had a ball. Yes she spray painted all the center pieces. And yes she is fabulous! I'll let the pictures do all the talking!!