Karen and Sharon's

So last week Tara and I had a WHOLE day together...no kiddos, or anything. We decided to stroll up Hwy 98 in search of some non-patio patio furniture for my new back yard redo. We were also in search of any other fun, vintage, cheap finds that would make us giggle.

In the past we have had great luck at Scavengers in Rose Mary Beach (found my bathroom vanities there.) Sure enough I found a table that reminded me of a farm table (my requirement) and was sturdy enough to sit 6 people around (Jeff's requirement.) Some previous owner had decided it needed the three panels in green, yellow, and pink...not good.

There were major shenanigans getting the table in the car and we ended up stealing a bungee cord from the butt head shop owner who was useless. Anyway, after I paid for the table I asked the butt head if there were any thrift store or junk shop where I could find some cheap chairs. He pointed down the street and told me I go try "Karen and Sharon's" which was right down the street at the next light. We took off for the shop and couldn't find it anywhere. We pulled over and asked another guy who gave us directions, but in the other direction. Still no luck, so we pressed on to Beinvue... another fav place. On the way out we asked the guy if he knew how to get "Karen and Sharon's"..."you mean like the thrift store Caring and Sharing?" Ha! We are a ding dongs! We laughed so hard we snorted all the way to lunch. Caring and Sharing... makes perfect sense.

These totally girly days will not be commonplace after Tara moves in six week and it bites. I am planning a wicked fun party for her going away and we have about 4 projects she has to help me with before she leaves. The pic above is what I think her party will "feel like." Have a I mentioned I LOVE to throw a party? Just ask my staff at work. I'm going to start early so it will be stress free.

Spring is in the air

There is something about the warm weather that makes me want to take the curtains off the windows, change rugs, cover my furniture and act like I am at my beach house. A quick trip to JoAnne's tonight landed some new fabric, ribbon, and foam for the chair that has been sitting unfinished in my living room. I think a few changes will add some new life to the living room. Did I mention that Tara can't leave the state of Florida until she sews a new slipcover for my couch. How do you think Porkchop will do with the new white slipcover...I've lost my senses.

Below are a few rooms that are inspiring me right now...enjoy.

This old house.

Recent conversation with Jeffrey Alan...

Me: All I want is an old house.

Jeff: Your house is old and getting older every day.

I don't think that is funny.

If you know me, you know I love old things...old houses, old fabric, old furniture, and other random old things. In fact, there is very little in my house that was bought "new." Don't get me wrong, I don't have "antiques" because I don't have the budget. But, I love junk.

The desire of my heart is to own a home built between 1920 and 1940. I love the character and the charm...I wouldn't even mind losing a few hundred square feet to do it. But, now is not the time to sell and people keep reminding me that as the kids keep getting bigger I will appreciate my space. Probably true. Jeff says when the kids graduate I can have my very own cottage...just a few short years. In the meantime I will continue cruising the MLS and conducting the occasional B&E (breaking and entry) on old houses in the area and day dream. On Friday I was able to spend the day in Eufula with Mum, Ora, and Elisa adoring homes. Now, I realize that technically I live in the south. But, Eufala is like the quintessential southern town. The people, accents, restaurants, and streets are so charming. How did Panama City so entirely miss the boat on charming?

Here are some pics of Eufala...the town that puts the "Southern" in "Southern Belle."

All you ever say is "no."

I'm home from work and I am spent like the rent. Nick is mad and let me know that all I ever say is "no."

Nick: Can we got to Wallgreens?

Me: No

Nick: Can I sign up for this website?

Me: No

Nick: Can I beat on this drum Uncle Joe bought me right here next to your head?

Me: No (thanks Joe)

Maybe tonight all I have is a bag full of "no." He got mad, got spanked, got sent to his room, and then pouted. He definitely didn't appreciate me sneaking up on him to get this stinky Nick pic.

Dinner, baths, and bed...that would be my plan, but the kids are on Spring Break so this evening won't quiet down as soon as I would like. I think I could use a time out.

Coordinating kids make me happy. Really happy. In fact, I'm considering make them match every Sunday this summer. What do you think? I only make the boys dress alike one day a year- Easter. And they really are pretty good sports about it. Although, when getting out of the car at church I heard Jay say to Nick " just make sure you stay at least 20 yards away from me at all times and no one will know." I think he said it more because he thinks he should care more than he really does...does that make sense? Yeah, clear as mud I'm sure. Nicholas still thinks it is pretty cool to match his brother.

I love Easter. It is like all the fun of Christmas, but without the stress. It is quickly becoming my favorite holiday. Next year I plan on going all Martha Stewart on the holiday and make some from scratch and dye designer eggs...a girl can dream can't she. These are pictures from this Easter and last Easter. Does anyone look like they have gotten any bigger this year? Maybe a smidge.

New friends, old friends, my friends.

It's Easter. What a beautiful day. I am thankful for a risen Savior. I am thankful to live in the time and place I live. And I am thankful for my friends.

Today I was able to spend time with some of my favorite ladies.

This Easter marks 10 years ago I met Ora and Mike. Even thought they spent a few of those years in Texas they made their way back to Tyndall Air Force Base and us! Ora is one of the most genuine people I know and being her friend makes me want to be better. I love that about her. There are things I want to for her so horribly it is as if I want them for myself.

My new friend Brandi is a joy to me! Her funny southern accent makes me giggle and I love her family. Her kids are becoming a part of our family and we are blessed to have such great new friends. I feel like she has been placed in my life right now for a reason and I am anxious to start figuring out what that is. I look forward to many, many more fun weekend shenanigans with them.

Tara. Tamafreaka. Tamareaka long toes. My partner in crime for redecorating when Jeff is out of town, shopping, and doing just about anything. She is moving in a just a few short months and I am doing my best to not think about it right now. Am I in denial? Okay, maybe a little bit. Who will I call when I have a burning desire to visit Target at nine at night? Who will I talk into sewing for curtains for me when I can't sew straight? Who will paint and repaint my house with no compalining (actually, she does complain.)Who will make fun of my horrible driving? I'm not prepared to talk about this right now...so enough about that.

Last but not least, my Mum! Although I don't tell her or show her near enough she is really is the reason I am who I am. She is also the reason my kids get to skip school. My Mum says she was to "liberal" in our rearing. I hope she doesn't think of that as a mistake. I couldn't have asked for a better childhood. I was taken care and loved. I was taught to be creative and laugh. I was taught to love God and be kind. Maybe I didn't have to wake up early to milk cows or anything of the sort. But, I was taught to be responsible. I love my Mum for making me feel like I was special and far more talented than I actually am.

I hope Caroline grows up to have beautiful, smart, and caring girlfriends who are part of her life...there is nothing like it!