a brave new blog

After a rather long sabbatical from the world of multi-media, I have decided to once again venture into the world of blogging.

Harper less than 5 days old with her Big Brother

My last entry was in March of 2012. It amazes me how much has changed since that last sentence was typed. Within the scope of 2 months from that last post my real-life took over and took me away from the computer. Having a baby, then moving, then starting a small side venture, then moving again, then going back to work – it all left me with such little precious time to my little family.

the new home -- FINALLY

And so, blogging had to be put on the back burner. And then it went from the back burner to the kitchen sink. And then my little blog went into the cupboard. You know the one…the one way at the top and to the right. And there it sat and waited patiently for me to come back – when I was ready.

the 1st project I HAD to tackle when we moved in: new mantle & surround, new flooring, new paint --stay tuned for the lovely AFTER



Among the whirlwind of 2012-2013, I kept stalking here and there on all the blogs close to my heart. It amazed me how I still relied on these blogs to inspire as well as entertain me. Whether I was pumping in the wee hours of the night or coming home from a long day of work, I still found myself logging on. Always there and ever present..my friends from afar were still close and still sharing their lives with me. It made me realize I missed my little blog.

Baby Girl in her Downton Abbey hat

After baby girl’s first birthday, I decided that if ANYTHING my blog could be used as a candid journal/reflection. I believe if I commit to this aspect, I will remove the pressures that consumed the enjoyment I found in blogging. This endeavor will hopefully allow me to focus on my trials & triumphs, cute pictures of my children (see above), a home update here and there (stay tuned), and ultimately change the dynamic of "wanting" to post rather than "having" to post. I hope this is a game changer for me.

So with that being said…I welcome you, dear reader to a brave new blog.

Cheers~
e

move in & love me

Our house went on the market less than 2 weeks ago, so I thought I would dive right in and inquire with no shame {maybe a dash of fear} in regards to ---- how do the pics look? Before you ask..yes, these are the realtor pictures. Yes, they are the general pics that may lack a tad bit of sparkle and character, but it is what we currently have online and what the public see.

I am playing with the idea of taking a few myself and see what emotions I can bring to the online page. Afterall being online is not the only key to a successful sale, but having another family truly fall in love with our home.

The front view: I am thinking of adding some black urns and flowers underneath the garage lanterns. Thoughts?

A view of our great room

another view

and yet another view

a view of the dining room & kitchen

another kitchen picture

and yet another.

our hall bathroom

our master bedroom

our little boy's room

another view

I am thinking of exploring giving my home its own website and fill it will light filled photos that take advantage of as many different perspectives as I can.

I just need people to walk thru the door. I think my home will take care of the rest.

I need your thoughts and feedback...I need your help to sell my home.

Cheers~

e

32 weeks...and counting

Here we are...baby and mommy with less than 8 weeks to go. Since our little home is now on the market, I am not planning on creating a nursery in this house. I plan to save that sweet little endeavor for the new home. (I am obviously optimistic that we will be gone sooner than later.)

As for where baby will rest her little head, I have found the perfect solution for our situation.

Isn't it divine? There are so many elements of the bassinet that I adore. I love how sturdy it is and that it has wheels that lock. Perfect for moving baby around to the "quiet" corner of the house. I also heart the peek-a-boo shelf hidden beneath the skirt.

This shelf will be ideal for holding the necessities without running from room to room. I can already see diapers, burp cloths, and a few onesies calling that shelf home.

Cheers~

e

how to get the bathroom countertops clean of clutter

Sorry for being a stranger. Just been working as well as being a mommy to one outside the womb and inside the womb.

Anywho, remember one of my oldest design dilemmas? Visit here and here to refresh your memory. Well I have the perfect solution to achieving a blissful, spa-like nirvana in your master bathroom.

Put your house on the market.

As of March 2nd, our little home is now for sale.

Look how clean that countertop is now! Oh....and yes, the base has been painted. I will update you on all the home decor updates I did in February {I guess you can see if I chose my "selling" elements wisely). Let's just say I have been very busy in preparing for March.

I am excited and terrified all at once.

Cheers~
e

welcome little leo

Amid the whirlwind of living life, it sometimes takes a simple picture to remind you how miraculous life is.

Christine with her two lovely children, Leo and Olivia

Welcome to the world little Leo. I have no doubt you will change the world and make it a better place..afterall with just a simple snapshot, you made my soul smile. 

You have one amazing mom little Leo. She is so strong and beautiful..you are so lucky. Know you are always safe in her arms and will be forever loved. I look forward to meeting you, little Leo.

Feel free to see more of Mr. Leo and Miss Olivia here.

Cheers~

e

thank you pinterest

I rarely buy magazines. Not only are they quite pricey, but the internet quite easily fulfills all the eye candy I can feast upon in an evening (maybe too much sometimes).

Anywho, it was the summer of 2010 and I was starting my pharmacy rotations at a local Krogers. Well on my lunch break I would relish the chance to thumb thru all the home decor magazines..less risky than perusing the candy aisle. Well it just so happened that I came upon an image that stopped me in my tracks.

I think I drooled a tad bit too.

Ok, so I know I drooled because within seconds I was forking over the $5 to have the image.
Fast forward a tad bit (less than a year) and I lost the magazine. Sadly I can find pharmacy notes from my 1st semester and yet this artifact is gone...and so was the image. Only 2 images truly capture the vision I have for my next home and this was one of them. {Oh...here is the other.}

Enter pinterest.

Someone I follow pinned it...and it was a joyous reunion.

from Women's Day Specials - Easy Decorating July 2010

I think I am drooling again.

Cheers~
e

P.S. Come follow me on pinterest...you never know what you could be missing.

elements that sell a home {part 1}

My dad and I have been "house shopping/stalking" for over 3 years now...yes, my dad and me. We came up with this grand idea to find a home that suits my "old" family (mom, dad, & sis) and my "new" family (Mr. B, Thurgood, & Baby #2). We figure you only live once -- why not spend it with those you love. The idea was brilliant and everyone (except for Baby #2) has had their voice/concerns heard. So far..the hunt continues.

Amid the hunt for the next home, I find myself a tad nervous on the sale of this home. Therefore I am dedicating a snippet of my blog to what I need to do to sell my home from what I have seen in homes online and inperson. Better yet, I am hoping that I get a little if not a LOT of feedback and help from you.

Are you willing to help a girl..a PREGNANT girl out? :)

Since dad and I have become gurus of open houses, I have made a list of elements that win me over when I view an open house. Tonight I will focus on 2 specific spaces and tomorrow I will share with you pics of my own home in those given spaces (and my plans for tweeking them if needed).

I want your thoughts, concerns, praises, etc. In the end, I plan to post a walk thru of my home -- a virtual tour for you to see and critique. It is my hope you can help me create a space that will catch a buyer's eye.

Is this a lot to ask? Yes...but I figure you enjoy snooping into homes as much as I do and this is just a way to get that fix. Plus...I also think you will do it because you like me just a tad.

1. Curb Appeal that Stops the Car

from bgh.com

from Home and Harmony

from pinterest

from pinterest

I admit it, I have past many a home based on how they look from the outside. I don't have the time to waste on a house when I am not enticed by what I see from the car. While overhauling the outside exterior can be intense, finessing the front door can be project worth attempting. I think the door and the area leading up to the door needs to be magical and welcoming all rolled into one. The curb appeal should give a sneak peek to what is within the home. The door should open so much more than a home.

2. A Foyer that Promises Great Things Ahead

from Shortycake (via the Nest)

from pinterest

from House Beautiful

from The Old Painted Cottage

from Our Fifth House

There is nothing like the first hello & this is the job of your entryway to any guest (buyer or not). It is the beginning of a beauitful relationship or the beginning of the end. Everything from the color, texture, lighting, and size matter here. Also, the personality of a home can make a cameo here. You have to work with the space and let the space guide you.

So are you ready to help a pregnant, hormonal girl sell her house?

I need to get myself ready...I know I will have some work to do quite soon.

Cheers~
e