Inspiration

One of the strangest concepts I think I ever became aware of is this:  What I see in others (whether good or bad) is what I reflect in myself or I would not be noticing it...  I had to really think on that for a good while......

"The awe, inspiration and talent you recognize in others are but a reflection of the same thing in you.  I highly suggest you do not seek the approval or recognition of those you admire but instead cultivate in yourself that which you see in them.   There is a dormant creative genius within you - let them out!"

- Jackson Kiddard, author & polymath.

Forgiveness - So true

If the concept of forgiveness makes you cringe....if it is incomprehensible that people should be forgiven for their destructive and selfish behavior.....then you (like me previously) have much to gain by understanding what forgiveness really is.

First, we have to honor our feelings, not stuff them.  They are real....the hurts were real.....BUT the power in forgiveness is that until we choose to forgive, THEY (they evil, the selfish, the destructive) continue to have power over us......and that should STOP!

I found this quote very helpful during my journey to forgiveness:

"First, we have to face the notion that in order to consider forgiving someone we must have been blaming them for something. We must have anger, resentment, blame, even hatred going on in order to feel the need to forgive. Forgiveness is really an act of letting go, releasing the anger, the hatred, the bitterness, the thoughts of revenge that we have been carrying around. We can do this letting go without even encountering the person we want to forgive. We forgive by releasing all resentment, anger, and bitterness and thus set ourselves free from the negative feelings that weaken us. First we have to get past blame. Then we have to learn to send love to all." 

"Forgiveness is the most powerful thing that you can do for your physiology and your spirituality, and it remains one of the least attractive things to us, largely because our egos rule so unequivocally. To forgive is somehow associated with saying that it is all right, that we accept the evil deed. But this is not forgiveness. Forgiveness means that you fill yourself with love and you radiate that love outward and refuse to hang onto the venom or hatred that was engendered by the behaviors that caused the wounds. Forgiveness is a spiritual act of love for yourself and it sends a message to everyone, including yourself, that you are an object of love and that that is what you are going to impart." 

- Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, best-selling author, speaker and a true inspiration. 

Good friends bring smiles!

Sometimes life can get really really tough.....and great friends know just what to do......

Doesn't everyone need a sock monkey with a tutu?

THANKS KRISTAN!!  You're the best!

Closet Organization - Shoes

It's been a long while since I shared any organizational tips, but I prefer to live an orderly, organized fashion.  Keeps my stress down and life easier!

Since we've moved in the new house, I've wanted something for shoe organization and looked and looked.  Never finding just what I had in mind.  I mentioned this to EngineerHubby a long while ago, and was so excited when I came home to see he found this product at Sams Club and put it together (2 of them).  I LOVE IT!!

Not only are my shoes organized, but I can reach them more easily.  (I have the rest of my shoes in their  see-through containers but the shelves are really tall and they are not easy to see or reach.  Had to make room for my makeup station.....lol.)

I don't know which way I prefer it:

I also need to figure out what is wrong with my iPad camera....the first photo was taken with EngineerHubby's Iphone 4...the 2nd my iPad...it is so fuzzy....any ideas?

I think this is the link to the actual product, although we purchased these at Sams Club for $20 each, FYI.

Total Excitement

You know by know my love affair with Joss & Main?  The amazing online boutique site that has incredible daily deals......and you never know what they will have but you can't believe the pricing?

Joss & Main

Well, I've had this piece of furniture I've been literally drooling over for a year........dreaming of the day

Well......was I super thrilled the day I opened up my daily Joss & Main email to see THAT piece of furniture........over 60% off!!!!!!!!!  AMAZING find!!!!

I am anxiously waiting for it to be delivered...white glove style........it is 108 inches long and is going on my great room TV wall, under the TV and I cannot even express my excitement.

If you are looking for things for your home, you are doing yourself a disservice by not even investigating Joss & Main!!!  Wowza!!!

Evolution of a Shoe Dream

Sometimes when life gives you lemons, you don't have to give up on dreams...just adjust them.   :)))

Once upon a time, I dreamed about these shoes:

And while these were super comfy and gorgeous....I was holding on to something to balance...so...not the most practical of choices considering I only have sensation in half of my feet!

The other day at SteinMart, I saw these and fell in love.....and bonus??  They are super comfy and "safe"!!!

Made by Moda Reflex by Le Chateau, they also came in a brown leopard, but I held myself back....for now!  lol  They were brand new and almost gone...when I saw one more size 8, I snapped it up!

I have some super cute and colorful ankle pants from The Limited and these look great together!

Dining Room - Perfect Table

Oh, the drama of the dining room......

We finally got the correct table delivered...and guess what....it has a problem too.....so I am not kidding....we have had 4-5 deliveries and are still waiting.....last Saturday....the furniture company came again.....and guess what?  No table on the truck.  It is getting ridiculous!!

Good news....Haverty's is making it RIGHT.  Just a lot of bumps along the way.  The problem with this particular table is some divets on one end....and they consider that a replaceable event.

So while we wait...here are the most recent photos, along with my mother-in-law's china.......so pretty!

Hand-Painted Antique Meissen German Porcelain - almost 100 years old

Let me tell you....we are LOVING these hand-scraped floors.....see the texture?  Doesn't show dog dribble, no scratch marks....nothing...and such a gorgeous warm color!

Decorating the Dining Areas

Time is just flying......can't believe I haven't gotten photos on here yet....

Accessorizing and staging is going slow........very slow......so all I have to show is the physical tables......still need rugs, wall decor, etc.   I have decided I am only going to purchase what I desperately LOVE and nothing else...so if it takes me 3 years to put the house together, so be it.  lol

Formal Dining Room:

This room is a work in progress....EngineerHubby cannot decide what he does and does not like (notice normally the wife decides these things????)....so we are in limbo....the table in this photo is going back....the buffet that was finally delivered has problems...several cracks.....going to be repaired/replaced...but his beloved chairs are here....long story......

The light fixture is a dramatic improvement over the light bulb that hung from the ceiling for the last few months!!  Another Joss & Main purchase, I couldn't be happier with my 'regularly $1200 light for $299"....it blends nicely with the other lighting in the foyer and breakfast nook.

Breakfast Nook:

These tables come from the same furniture family.....all purchased because of these chairs......EngineerHubby just LOVES LOVES LOVES the way these chairs feel when sitting in them and NOTHING else would do.

Paint Colors:

Formal Dining Room - Sherwin Williams Peppercorn (dark charcoal gray with blue undertones)

Breakfast Room (and majority of house) - Sherwin Williams Perfect Greige (sometimes beige, sometimes gray)