Monday, April 14, 2014

Patio Revamp

Hello there!

It is Easter week and such a beautiful time of year, yesterday was Palm Sunday and even though we had some rain on our way to church there was sunshine when we got out. Saturday, however was perfection so we decided to finish the patio. I have been wanting to spruce it up for sometime. This is place I probably spend the most time in the spring and summer. We eat out here I have my morning quite time and coffee out here and I often nap on the patio as well :) it's our own little vacation spot at home and now it really reflects a peaceful environment. Take a look...


This is the before ...pretty terrible due to winter and the fact that our larger dog had been using one bench for a spring board. Also, we have had this furniture for about 5 years. 


You can see the guilty party standing there in the back. 

And here is the after...



She is still there ;)



So we decided to keep the furniture after we cleaned it, it was in good shape and we found new cushions. Not so easy to do on a budget! 



I also added an outdoor rug to keep the space feeling like an indoor space cozy and grounded. I purchased the cushions and rug at big lots. 


My favorite part is that I painted the ceiling!!! It's a perfect sky blue. This image captures the color the best it looks brighter in some of the others. The blue celiling is very common in southern older homes they had this done to keep the bugs out, apparently they don't fly up there and hang out since they think it's the sky. Also, I heard they did it to keep sprits out and just to extend the daylight and surround themselves with the colors of nature. We will see how it works to keep the bugs out this summer. I love the look of it and you can see it from inside the house. It just really brings it together. Feels so cool and luxurious. I also tried to use all colors in nature with the blues and greens and it just flows great from house to yard.


Some before and during






It looks brighter blue in these images its actually a great combination between bright and soft blue.

The details


I pretty much had everything here just added a plant.


I love this pot I had purchased a couple years ago at hobby lobby. The lanterns were a gift.


I had the lanterns awhile we like them in the evening and this little bar cart I had and decided to use it to hold my plants it was too short for actual bar cart use indoors but perfect as a space for your drink out here.


From the other side



Barbie likes the rug...since she has been banned from the new sofa ;)



I love this plant they had it marked down to 5 dollars at Lowes this weekend and it needs shade. My favorite plants catch the wind and make you feel cool and happy.

Here it is again



I hope to entertain many friends and family and have lots of quite nights here this season! We only have the overhead lights to add.



We also bought this rose bush to start a rose garden. We have several rose bushes already and we are going to make a formal garden section in the back of the yard. I am excited to get started! Coming from Tyler, TX I guess I have rose love in my blood :) 

I hope you like the patio all and all it cost about $150 to redo not too bad and we are very happy with the transformation! My husband wanted to sit out there all weekend and he loved the ceiling being blue he said it made him feel like he was on vacation....ahhh yes mission accomplished ;)

Next we will be working on the yard I will keep you updated.

Thank you and have a lovely Easter week!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Favorite Month of the Year

It's April!!

April is my favorite month of the year!! It's my wedding anniversary, Easter, my birthday and the time everything begins to become green and beautiful again. 

Spring time is so lovely with it's sweet blooms and a green color in the foliage that seems almost electric. I feel the need to be outside as much as possible to enjoy the cool breezes before it turns to the Texas hot summer. 

In honor of my favorite month I wanted to share some spring and Easter decor I added to the casa.


I use these cute little chicks every year they were a gift from a sweet friend and they make me so happy.


I switched to my mothers china sugar bowl and creamer, I love the rose bud on top.


Lavender ball


Bunnies



Spring scent lemon mint


Fresh white linens and summer pillows



And put some blooms out







Spring, we joyfully welcome you!!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

New Natural Products

Hello there, I know it has been a little while since I have posted anything...I think the cold makes me hibernate. I am feeling much more adventurous and energized with the warmer weather approaching!

I had to tell you about these face products I found.


Andalou. You can get them at Sprouts, Market Street or online.

I really wish I had taken before and after photos. The have evened my skin tone and really helped in my wrinkle areas. I turn the big 35 in April and I am all for preventative measures. Plus I really like the idea of not using harsh chemicals on my skin. So let me introduce you to the line up...


This is the overnight cream I am using now it is from their "Brighting" line. It is creamy and luxurious but not greasy. It also smells like citrus. Before this I tried the anti-aging and I loved it!! It smelled like cocoa and felt like I was having an amazing spa treatment each time I put it on, they both do really and I have decided to alternate them...when one is out I buy the other and so on.



This is the perfect day cream with sunscreen. Not too oily and doesn't smell  too terribly much like sunscreen. Light and pretty perfect. I use it on my face, neck and hands! Don't forget those.


I think this little jewel may be my favorite. I have pretty deep expression lines on myforehead  and starting to get some around my eyes. After about three weeks of using this I am noticing a significant difference. 

Any how if you are looking for some vegan face products that are reasonably priced, check them out I have been impressed! 

Here is me with no makeup, close up so you can see my skin well.


My nose and cheeks are always a little pink but the tone over all looks much more even...and the lines on my forehead much better!!! Sorry I don't have a before and excuse the shinny eyes I sleep with Vaseline around them ;) 

I will keep you posted on others in the line I try. They even have a cute little starter kit here if you would like to check it out.

Taking care of you skin will be the best thing you ever do! Don't forget...

Get good sleep
Exfoliate
Drink lots of water
Always wash your face 
Wear sunscreen 
And as my mother would say "don't squint" (this is my problem) 

Have a great week!

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Dog Sledding Winter Adventure

Hello All,

So sorry I have been away for the month but January and me took a little while to get back in the swing of things.

My holidays and Christmas vacation got me thinking about life as usual and what I want, what makes me the most happy. 

Travel is definitely one of my most loved passions. Over the holidays we went on an adventure that has been on my bucket list for a long time and I have to say scratching it off my list was just as satisfying as I thought it would be. 

Dog sledding!! I mean you can't go wrong beautiful scenery and adorable dogs it's a win win!




They are all so cute...we got introduced to them by name. After we met the team they couldn't wait to get started.





It is a majestic back drop and there are times it was so beautiful I thought it was fake.



We stopped a long the way so the dogs could eat some snow and cool off. Apparently 30 degree weather is freezing to us but they prefer it to be around negative 17. The dogs would role around in the snow to cool down.


So cute. 


It was so much fun and we would love to do it again!!


Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer and I felt like I had won the lottery after this trip and here are just a few images of the beauty we captured.






This was our lunch view




Until next time Colorado...we can't wait to see you again!

Monday, December 30, 2013

Travel Uniform

Travel attire for me needs to look cute and be cozy, especially when it's cold outside. I like a sweater or scarf that is loose and warm. A jacket that is large if you are going to a cold weather area I don't have to fit it in my bag. Leggings for comfy warm travel and some boots that are easy to take on and off but keep my feet warm on the cold plane. Also a good carry on bag that can be put on my shoulder and can carry a lot.




I also usually curl my hair the night before so I don't have to rush the next morning but it looks done.  

Some lipgloss, lotion and hand sanitizer and I'm off.

Here are the links to my favorites below:

My sweater:
http://www.victoriassecret.com/clothing/fall-sales-and-specials/the-multi-way-sweater-a-kiss-of-cashmere?ProductID=162908&CatalogueType=OLS

Leggings:
http://m.jcpenney.com/women/lingerie/maidenform/flexees-by-maidenform-fat-free-dressing-leggings---1644/prod.jump?ppId=pp5003130410&selectedSKUId=14160390075&selectedLotId=1416039&ppId=pp5003130410&fromBag=true&cm_mmc=ShoppingFeed-_-GooglePLA-_-Long%20Leg%20Shapers-_-14160390075&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14160390075

Boots:
http://m.dsw.com/shop/product/256230?prodId=256230

Sunnies: Kate spade

Coat:
Old