Drooling over these

Ok, so if you've been following any of my posts on Facebook or on here recently, you probably noticed I've entered a LOT of giveaways.  The reason for this is because, one of the blogs I follow does a HUGE set of giveaways each year.  In order to enter those giveaways (each one valued at easily over $700 each) you have to like all of the participating vendors' Facebook pages.  At first this might seem a tad overwhelming, BUT most of the vendors in these giveaways are small businesses.  Lucky for all of us who liked their pages, they get really excited when they hit big milestones like 2,000 or 5,000 fans.  I would say almost half of the vendors I've "liked"  have done an additional giveaway on their personal pages for reaching these big goals.

I say all of this to say that because of the BIG giveaway, I have found my new favorite online shop.  It's called Personalized From Me to You.  They specialize in custom monogrammed goodies.  I overlooked them at first, thinking this would be just another monogram store, but don't be fooled like I was! They have absolutely STUNNING pieces.  Everything from monogrammed scarves, sunglasses, home decor, and jewelry.

Oh the jewelry!  I'm swooning over all of it!!  Seriously, if you love jewelry go take a look.  BUT be warned, you're going to want to buy every. single. piece!

At the moment I'm eyeing their cut out monogram ring.  I don't typically wear rings, but this one is special, one of a kind, and so cute!!  At first the $70 price sounded outrageous but when I googled other stores I found that $70 is a steal, seeing as how they retail at over $200 at other stores.  I haven't bought it yet, because well...I still don't have a job, but no worries it will be one of the first things I spoil myself with when I can! Here take a look, I'm telling you I've got to have one!!  (Size 9.5 in gold if you'd like to buy it for me.  ha!)

And if that piece doesn't have you drooling, this monogram necklace will!  I've been seeing gold monogram necklaces everywhere, and have entered every possible giveaway I can find for one.  If I don't win, then well I'll just have to buy my own one day or ask for it for a Christmas gift.  They're gorgeous!

Seriously, I'm in love with this shop!! I wish I had an income and could actually afford their jewels!!  For now, I'm going to keep window shopping (via computer screen).  Here are some of my other favorite pieces:

Monogram Candy Bracelet

Wooden Monogram Large

Large Purse with Interchangeable Monogram

eGift Card

How'd that last one get in there!?!  Haha oops ;-)!

Seriously go check them out, you're going to love it ALL!

**All pictures, products, and links are from www.Personalizedfrommetoyou.com, they are not my own!**

Wishful Wednesday

Well it's that time of the week again where I get to share a little taste of items on my wish list this season.  About halfway through college I noticed my wardrobe went from being 75% everyday clothes to becoming 75% business clothing.  The further I got into my college career and my actual career pathway my professional wardrobe really needed to expand.  I fell in love with cardigans, pencil skirts, and great printed tops.  It was shortly after that I found and fell in love with my first blazer.  I've always had trouble finding the right fit in blazers, but I absolutely love how versatile and flattering they are.  I've got two basic neutral colored blazers, but I've been seeing a lot of bright colored ones making an appearance this season.  My absolute favorite is this pink blazer from Old Navy.  It sold out so fast that they are making more, but you have to pre-order to get one!  I haven't pre-ordered, since I'm trying to save money, but oh how I want this blazer!! It's gotten great reviews, I love the color, and am dying to add it to my closet!

**This would make a good Christmas present for all those family members reading this post. Size large should work great.  (How's that for a *hint hint* haha)**

Giveaway Maniac

There have been all sorts of fabulous giveaways on Facebook recently!!  With the holiday season coming up, I have been sure to enter every. single. one.  I can get my hands on!  I love the idea of snagging some free items!!  Just the other day I won a beautiful bracelet and I cannot wait to get it in the mail!

For those of you who may not have seen some of the fabulous giveaways, here is one I just entered and am DYING to have!

Trend Snag is a new jewelry auction that I just found through a blog I follow.  The set up is similar to the Ball + Chain auction, I've told you all about, except Trend Snag features fixed price auctions.  I'm so excited to participate in their first auction coming up on November 15th at 8pm!!  Head to their facebook page for directions on how to register for and bid during their auctions!

For now, I am crossing my fingers I'll win this beautiful custom monogram necklace!! It's valued at over $100 and one lucky winner will get to call it their own!!

For a chance to win this necklace head over to the Trend Snag Facebook Page, click on the picture that says "Jewel-A-Day Giveaway" and enter to win! It's that simple!  Or you can go through the link that I posted on my facebook page for an easier route!

Don't care to win this gorgeous necklace for yourself??  Enter anyways, and if you win, you can give it to me :)!  I'm sure all you lovely ladies will be dying to have it for yourself though!  Good Luck!

Quick Not me Wishful Wednesday

Hows that for a doozy of a title?! I guess I should've kept up with my posts this week!

Any who!

I have not been in a blogging mood this week.  Actually, I haven't really been in any kind of mood lately.  I've just kind of been stuck lately. In a rut of sorts.  An I-have-no-idea-what-I'm-doing-but-I-do-the-same-thing-every-day kind of rut.

Does that make any sense?   Probably not.

Well for other thoughts:  I am so glad the election is over!  While I know the ridiculous whining, complaining, bragging, and everything else will probably continue on Facebook for another week or so, I'm still glad it's over!  I'm glad that the phone calls, annoying commercials, and the constant fighting/debating/complaining about the other candidate every where you look is over.  It'll be great once everyone moves past this and gets back to normal life! When I can look through my news feed and not see people bickering any more...oh that'll be a lovely day!

On another random note: For any of you that haven't been following my facebook statuses, I finally heard back about the position in Greensboro.  They still have not made any decisions as they are still finishing up interviews, so it'll be the end of next week before I hear anything.  I'm still praying constantly, trusting God will take care of it, and hoping that I'll get the position.  I appreciate all of you who are praying for me, please keep the prayers going!

And since it's Wednesday (and I really can't think of a good Not Me Monday or Quick Tip Tuesday post) here is the item on my wish list this week!

I am absolutely in love with these Madden Girl Zappa Booties from DSW.  For all of you ladies out there that have large calves, like myself, you'll understand my frustration when it comes to finding boots I can wear.  The ones that I REALLY want, simply don't fit.  However when I found these, I decided they'd be the next best thing!!  I'm not sure whether to add these to my Christmas list or wait until I get some money in and buy them myself.  I love them and already have a lot of outfits in mind to put with them!  We'll see how it all plays out, but one way or another these beauties will be making their way to my closet!

Oh and for the last random note of the day:  52 days until I'll be back in Haiti!! I cannot wait!!

Well that's all I've got for you today.  I'm going back to my doing-nothing-but-doing-the-exact-same-thing-every-day routine.

New Addition

Two posts in one day....Try to contain your excitement!  Ha!

Any who...I thought I'd share a quick little update with you: I got a new desk!

I have been dying to have a real desk for sometime now.  For years I have had this little craft fold up table that "functioned" as a "desk."  My previous desk foldable table wasn't even three feet long and really limited my ability to use it in any way.  While it worked great for crafting, since I didn't have to worry about paint getting on it, I simply could not use it for anything else.  Not to mention I've been using this huge, clunky, green desk chair that I absolutely hated with that little table.

Yeah it was not a very good combination.

SO when the possibility to have an apartment (in my hopefully very near future) arose, I started looking for some key furniture pieces I would be needing.  That's when I came across this really beautiful desk at a great price! I simply could not turn the opportunity down.  So I emailed the owner, worked out an even better price, and got dad to go with me to pick it up!

The desk is absolutely perfect and exactly what I've been wanting!  The best part however, is when we arrived the owner gave me her previous desk chair for free!  It's a cute little red leather chair.  The red doesn't quite go with my current decor but it's WAAAY better than that ugly green chair so I took it! I loved the shape of it, and red will easily fit in with how I hope to decorate my apartment when that day comes.

Here take a look:

BEFORE: (I told you that chair was ugly!)

 AFTER:

Isn't it pretty?!  The desk is a little large for my current room, but it'll be perfect when I get my own place!

Ball + Chain Giveaway

Ok everyone, here we go!

For those of you who may not know, I am hosting this giveaway in celebration of reaching 10,000 site views on my blog!  This is a big thank you to all of my readers!

Ball + Chain has graciously partnered with me for this giveaway.  For those of you unfamiliar with them, let me share a little bit about their incredible company!

I'm telling you, it's one of the coolest ways to shop!  I participate in their auctions each week, and have never been disappointed with any of my purchases.  Most of my favorite pieces of jewelry have come from Ball + Chain.  This is why I'm so excited to offer you the chance to win your very own piece of Ball + Chain jewelry!

So without further ado, here is the gorgeous necklace you have the chance to win!

Simply use the Rafflecopter below to enter!  You must like Ball + Chain on facebook to be qualified for any entries into the giveaway.  You can also earn up to 7 extra entries by leaving a comment on this post, following my blog, or sharing this giveaway via Twitter or Facebook!

There can only be one winner and they will be announced on Monday, October 29th!

Good luck and thank you again for helping me reach this goal!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jute Creations

After seeing multiple projects on Pinterest and other blogs I follow, I'm beginning to love jute crafts!  I've always loved adding organic touches to warm up a space, and this may become my go-to trick.  From what I've gathered a little jute, hot glue, fabric stiffener, and an object waiting to be wrapped is all you need!  I haven't tried creating anything yet, but a roll of jute is on my next list at the craft store!

Here are some of my favorite applications:

When I graduated from High Point, I went through the donate/trash pile outside our dorm and picked up a few fun shaped vases.  I had planned to paint them white, but I think at least one will become wrapped in jute now :)

How adorable are these???  Adding wooden letters is an easy, cheap, and fun way to add character to any space.  I've got a ton that I've used over the years just sitting unused now.  Usually I paint them to coordinate with my decor, but I'm definitely trying this!  Love, love, LOVE it (especially the little rosette detail)!!

How fun is this?  There are so many chandeliers with hideous or boring shade covers.  This is a cheap and fun way to add an organic touch and spruce up that old chandelier.

Yep, I think I'm gonna have to buy some jute!

Wishful Wednesday

I have been on a bit of a necklace craze lately.  I've always wanted more jewelry to wear with outfits, and I seem to have the best luck finding and using necklaces to accessorize my wardrobe.  This little beauty (below), from Francesca's has been on my wish list for awhile now.  I saw one of my friends wearing a similar necklace and fell in love! This would be a great addition to my Christmas list :)

Love it!

Labor Day Weekend Movie Review

Since I am currently in this on going state of unemployment vacation, and the family left for Grandma's this weekend, I have had quite a bit of alone time on my hands.  A house to myself, with no commitments calling my name, and it's completely my decision what to do next.  Sounds heavenly right?? Well for me....I'm kind of getting worn out from sitting at home.  Sure it was fun for the first day or two, but now I'm itching to get out of the house and get working again.

However, it's Labor day weekend, everyone is out of town or busy doing their own vacationing at home, so I figured I might as well enjoy the quiet and freedom while it lasts.  So, I figured I'd keep Redbox in business and rent some movies.  And yes, I'll go ahead and admit that I have rented and watched 6 movies this weekend.  I know I'm a complete bum.  I did go swimming this weekend, so I wasn't a complete couch potato, but how else is one supposed to fill three 12 hour days??

So since I watched them, I figured I'd give a quick little review on my movie choices.  You know, in case you decide to help keep Redbox in business this weekend too ;-)!

Movie 1:  Act of Valor

Rating: 4.5/5

Rated R

This is a movie about Navy Seals who are on a mission to rescue a kidnapped CIA operative. In the process they discover a terrorist plot against the US and set out on a mission to stop it.  The movie is action packed and gives a very eye opening picture of what our troops do for us each day.  The men in the movie have to balance family life with their mission.  While the movie was shorter than I had hoped, it was fantastic.  I'll go ahead and warn you it's a little bit of a tear jerker near the end, but it really makes you proud of our men and women who serve this Country each day.  I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for a movie that's action packed and you want something both men and women will enjoy.

Movie Two: Think Like A Man

Rating:  5/5

Rated PG-13

I have wanted to see this movie ever since I saw the first commercial.  It's a story of women who discover the book "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man."  They use it's techniques to get what they want out of their men.  When the men find out, they join the battle and use the book to what they hope will be their advantage.  While it may not be the most appropriate movie for a family, it's absolutely hilarious!!  This is a great chick flick that I think even guys will enjoy.  I was cracking up the whole time!  Every one will enjoy this!

Movie Three: The Devil Inside

Rating:  4/5

Rated R

For all you horror movie junkies out there like me, this is a good one!! For those of you that don't like scary movies feel free to skip this review.  However, I LOVE a good scary movie.  I have been wanting to see this since I first saw the preview, but when I heard from a friend it wasn't good I forgot all about it.  Since Redbox is only $1.20 I figured there was no harm in giving it a shot.  This movie is about a girl who's mother, Maria Rossi, murdered three people during her exorcism. Isabella, the daughter, travels to Rome to visit her mother and learn more about exorcisms.  She meets two guys that are practicing exorcists and they begin the journey into her mom's case.  It's suspenseful and an edge of your seat kind of movie. You can kind of see the twist coming, but it's still good!!

Movie Four:  Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Rating:  1.5/5

Rated R

This movie is about a guy, George Smiley, who is forced out of semi-retirement to uncover a double agent in the British Secret Service.  That's about all I can tell you about the movie because I was so bored that I turned it off 30 minutes in.  I thought it was going to be good from previews I'd seen, but I should have read the reviews on Redbox first.  It's got an overall 2/5 rating for being slow and boring.  I'd definitely agree!  Don't waste your time on this one!

Movie Five: Man on a Ledge

Rating 5/5

Rated PG-13

This again is another movie I'd been dying to see!  It's the story of a ex-cop set out to prove his innocence.  All the while, his suicide is attempt is really just a cover for a huge diamond heist that will prove his innocence.  I loved this movie!! It's another great one for couples to watch.  It's got enough action and love make everyone happy.  The action, and suspense are great.  I haven't seen this great of an action movie in a while.

Movie Six:  Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Rating:  5/5

Rated PG-13

This movie tells the story of an 11-year old boy, Oskar Schell, who's father died in the towers on 9/11.  After finding a key in his dad's closet he sets out on a journey to discover the lock it opens.  This is an incredibly heart-wrenching and moving story.  Go ahead and get your tissues ready and prepare yourself for one of my new favorite movies.  It's a great story of healing and finding yourself after tragedy.  I can't recommend this one enough! Go watch it for yourself!

Master Bedroom Makeover

A couple of weeks ago my sister's friend, Janice, contacted me for design help on her master bedroom.  She and her husband recently moved into a new home and wanted to update their bedroom from a traditional frumpy purple, to a cleaner more transitional space.  She and her husband had already purchased a set of furniture but wanted to change up the paint and decor.  After consulting on a paint color and getting the furniture in place, Janice and I set out shopping for bedding, window treatments, and accessories for the room.  She wanted something clean, with texture, and in the blue/grey/green family.  We found some beautiful selections from West Elm (a new favored store of mine that just opened at Southpoint, you should check it out!) and got the room all set up.  I really enjoyed working with Janice.  She was very pleased with how the room turned out, as was I, and I believe it will be a great bedroom ensemble for them to enjoy for years to come.  Here are some before, during, and after shots.  Enjoy!

 This is how the previous owner had the bedroom set up and displayed when Janice and her husband bought the house.

 How I first saw the room. (Sorry for the terrible quality I forgot my camera and had to use my phone)

 The master bedroom connected to their private bath which was painted in a beautiful green they wanted to keep.  We chose a blueish/green gray for the bedroom to tie in with the bathroom.

The finished product.  She has a beautiful wedding picture that will be going above the bed soon.

If you, or someone you know, would like design help on their next project let me know.  I am always looking for ways to expand my portfolio and get more design experience.  

Send me an email for more information on the services I offer, pricing information, and ways I can assist in your remodeling projects. 

allysonhemric@gmail.com

Afraid of Color?

Don't be!

Color is a great way to add a little interest to a space and freshen it up.  Over the last few months I have challenged myself to experiment with bold colors both in design  and in my wardrobe.  As a design student I always believed that a designer's clothes were a direct reflection of their design ability.  If a designer can't match colors, textures, and patterns in their outfits then there is no way they can do it in a space. I also know from my personal experience, how I dress is a direct reflection of my design style.  I typically go for classic pieces with unique accents.  As I challenge myself in design with bolder colors, I have tried to reflect that challenge in my wardrobe.  I've added some great bold jewelry pieces, shoes, and colorful items to my closet.  I try to push myself to try new styles, patterns, and colors each day.  Right now these are some of my favorite color trends in design and style.

Turquoise & Yellow:

Outfit from J's Everyday Fashion (it's a great blog if you aren't following it yet!)

Kelly Green & Yellow:

Orange & Turquoise:

What are your thoughts on color?  Are you afraid to try bold colors?  What's your favorite color combination?

Auction Time!

That's right folks, it's Tuesday!! You know what that means?? I'll be heading to the Ball & Chain Accessory Auction on facebook here in 5 minutes to get my bid on!  You really should check them out, they've got some beautiful pieces up for sale tonight.

Right now I've got my eye on these beauties:

And those are just the pieces they've previewed so far.  I'm sure more amazing jewelry is to come!!

Because of this new found obsession, I am beginning to need more jewelry storage.  I created this little jewelry holder that hangs under my mirror on the wall while I was in college, but it is overflowing and unable to take anymore pieces.  My problem is that while I LOVE jewelry trees, they never have a place to put your earrings or rings.  My holder at the moment doesn't hold rings but it does house all of my earrings.  And while I also like some of the earring holders, they don't hold necklaces.  Soo...I've been trying to come up with an alternative.  On the Thrifty & Chic blog I follow the lady created this beautiful jewelry display (see below). While I would love to recreate it, I simply do not have the space in my room right now. 

(Oh did I mention the Thrifty & Chic blog is what started my Ball & Chain addiction? Yeah this lady's stuff is going to get me in trouble, but it's so beautiful I can't help myself!) 

These are some other options I'm considering.  I want something that is artistic, will house my jewelry, and still looks beautiful when displayed.

I'm not in love with any of these options but I'm trying to come up with something.  I love how on the Thrifty & Chic site she used everyday objects like vases, crown molding pieces, etc to display her jewelry.  The best part is that they're not over crowded so it looks clean and beautiful (two basic necessities in my life).  I need to come up with something similar.

How do you display all of your jewelry?  

Well I'm off to go do some bidding! Go check them out!!!

Not Me Monday

I am always responsible with my money and did not indulge myself in a shopping spree this week.

I would never convince myself I need clothes and shoes for work to excuse the price I was paying.

I would also never tell myself that I worked hard for my money and deserve a treat to remove buyer's guilt.

I am always on top of my budget and never go over it.

And while on this non-existent shopping splurge I did not do a happy dance in the dressing room when the smaller size pants and shirts fit.  I would never be so childish to let clothing sizes get me that excited.

And because this shopping trip, and happy dance did not take place, I most definitely did not brag to my sister about the clothes fitting or convince myself that I had to buy the items because they fit. After all I would only buy things I absolutely needed.

I also did not feel great pride in myself for getting down to a smaller pant size.  I am always humble and never flatter myself through shopping trips.

Nope. Not me.

Burlap Giveaway

One of my favorite blogs, Thrifty and Chic, is doing a giveaway for a $20 gift card to BurlapFabric.com.  If you read through her blog posts she has made some incredible items with burlap and I would love to win the gift card to make my own burlap inspired curtains like the ones she made below:

For an extra entry on her giveaway she asks that we post about it on our own blog.

Go check it out and enter for yourselves!

http://www.thriftyandchic.com/2012/06/giveaway-burlapfabriccom.html

Thursday Thoughts: One Month

In exactly one month from right this minute, I will be an official college graduate.  I will probably be packing up the final things in my room, eating lunch with my family, and heading home.  It doesn't seem possible.  As I worked in Norton last night finishing up the phase 4 part of my Senior Seminar project I just sat in disbelief.  This is the last project I will ever work on in Norton.  The last rendering i'll do at the drafting tables, the last all nighters I'll pull in the CAD lab, the last nights of craziness with the design girls. The last everything.  It's such a bittersweet thing to take in.  As much as I hate working late in Norton and the stress surrounding it, I love all the times I've had in there.  I've loved all of our 2am Diner runs, laughing until we cry, the breakdowns, the dancing, the singing, the joy of turning in projects, and everything else that has taken place in that building.  I've met all of my best friends here at HPU in that building.  I'm living with my roommates now because of design.  It ties us together and unites us all in a way that cannot be understood without experiencing it first hand.  While I will not miss the stress I am going to miss HPU and Norton.

It just does not seem possible that I'm graduating college.  I feel like I'm still the sophomore sitting at the drafting tables thinking there is absolutely no possible way I'm going to graduate in this major.  I remember watching the seniors over the last two years work on their senior seminar and now here I stand.  The senior working on my own final project.  It just doesn't seem real.  Meredith and I keep asking what do we do next?  How do we go about life with no more school?  I've been in school for practically my whole life, what's next?  Are we really ready to be out in the real world and take it on ourselves?  I'm not sure.

I have absolutely no clue what's going to happen next.  All of the plans I came up with in my mind have been rearranged and flipped upside down.  It's no longer up to me where I want to go next, I have to trust God will put me where He wants me.  Right now I believe that's in Haiti.  As I've said before I have no clue how to go about that, but I'm following God's call and going where He leads.  I know it will all come together.  I know He has a plan that will blow my wildest expectations. I know He knows my future and will piece it together perfectly.  I may be scared, but I know He will take care of me.  So for now, while I may not know what happens after May 5th, I know right now my job is to finish this project and graduate strong.  Even though I'm a little terrified.


For now, this is my job:

The last hand renderings I'll do in Norton....crazy.

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."   Jeremiah 29:11

Soldier Shout Out

I just had one of the best weekends ever.  Three of my best friends from home came to HPU to stay the weekend with me.  I had been telling Kevin about High Point for awhile so it was exciting for him to finally get to come visit.  The best part however, is that Todd's 10 days home from Basic fell during this weekend.  I had hoped he'd be able to be here for this weekend, but never actually expected it to happen.  It was SO much fun getting to catch up with everyone, and hang out with Todd for a few days before he goes back.  Our weekend was filled with lots of laughs, games, story telling, and more laughs.  I love all three of them and have so much fun when we get together.  It was a much needed break from design and a well overdue reunion.  It was my favorite weekend this semester, we had a blast.

Saying goodbye today however was harder than I expected. I've never known anyone in the service or experienced having to say goodbye to a friend for such a long time.  I am so very proud of Todd for what he's doing and support him 1000%, but saying goodbye is not fun. We have all gotten so close and it's weird to think we can't just pick up the phone and talk to him whenever we want now.  Once he gets to California he'll be able to stay in touch, but for the next month or so we won't get to talk to him.  My friends mean the world to me and I love to keep in touch with everyone.  Having to say goodbye for such a long time is a new experience for me. However, our Country would not be what it is today without people like Todd.  I'm so thankful for all the men and women who are willing to serve our Country and put their lives on the line for us.  It's a sacrifice I never fully understood until now, and it makes me SO much more grateful for all the soldiers and their families. I'm blessed and honored to call a Marine one of my best friends. I'm so proud of and thankful for you Todd! We are all going to miss you and I can't wait to hang out again! Please be careful and come home safe! We will all be praying for you!

I truly have the best friends in the entire world! 

Senioritis

Well it's official...senioritis has definitely set in.  Thanksgiving break gave me just enough of a break to make me not want to be back at school.  It's hard to believe there is only a week and a half left of classes, and that my projects are all due next Tuesday.  Where has this semester gone?  And why can I not get my brain back in work mode?   I have a TON of stuff due this Thursday and I really need my brain to start functioning in design mode again.  I was talking with Jodi last night and we decided college would be perfect if we could live this life minus classes.  Then we decided every student in a major other than Interior Design does live that lifestyle.  We've all decided we are crazy for choosing this major.  No one warned us going in how hard, time consuming, and stressful it would be.  I've been at it for 3 1/2 years now and my brain is beginning to shut down.  Unfortunately for me however, I cannot give into these senioritis feelings.  I must get back to work and finish these projects.  (I just don't want to!).

Sigh.

I can do this.  I will make it.  I can do this.  Right?  Oh I hope so.
This is what my to do list looks like for the next 4 days:

• Draw 3 perspectives
• Render those perspectives
• Finalize 4 elevations
• Render those elevations
• Draw an axonometric
• Render that axonometric
• Draw my ceiling plan for the Wrenn Room
• Choose lighting and other accessories for Wrenn
• Put all my programming and budge information into a spec book
• Finalize my kitchen elevations
• Draw a perspective of my Kitchen
• Put together 3 boards for my store project
• Present my store project
• Draw my sections and details for the kitchen project

I'm officially stressed out.  Funny thing is, I'm on top of all my checkpoints and deadlines for each project and I still have all of that left to do.  I can do this?????   I can do this.

On the bright side, after I turn all of that craziness in, I will get to spend a relaxing weekend with Cassie, Todd, and Kevin. Along with Meredith's boyfriend Jack, and Jodi's guy Ryan.  Hotel Motel 409 is officially booked with 5 guests, we are no longer taking reservations! Ha!  It's going to be a CRAZY fun weekend in room 409!  (I just have to make it to Thursday!)

Norton here I come!

Friday Five: Must Have Etsy Items (part 2)

If you remember from this post, I told you about my five favorite Etsy finds.  After scouring Etsy and the Fabulous Fun Finds Blog Peppermint Giveaways  I've found five more must have Etsy items.  (These would make great Christmas presents for all you family reading :D along with the other list of 5).  These are in no particular order.

5.  This necklace with an A charm.  This Etsy shop owner made the necklaces we are giving to Dorothy's staff when we go to Haiti.  They are adorable and affordable!  I'd want an 18in chain but they're great.

4. This necklace. I found this necklace on the fabulous fun finds blog during their giveaway.  I love the color and uniqueness of this necklace.

3. This Pillow.  I've noticed lately that I have a bit of an obsession love for pillows.  This is currently top on my must buy list, although there are a LOT of others I can't afford want.

2. This necklace. I also saw this necklace on a fabulous fun find giveaway.  I think it is so beautiful.

1.  This one is a little more tricky because I'm not exactly sure when or if I'll be able to get it. While looking through one of my favorite Etsy shops (pillows :D) I saw one of her pillows laying on top of this blanket.  I fell in love with it and have been looking everywhere for one since. I emailed the shop owner and come to find out, she made this blanket but apparently with the amount of labor and time it took, it's not profitable. Darn.  She is going to try to figure out a way, after the holidays, to make it more successfully (and profitably) and then will let me know.  I'm REALLY hoping she can figure out a way because I'm in love with it! So this is definitely a must have Etsy find, but clearly not a good Christmas present.  Maybe birthday :)

Homemade Delights: Coca-Cola Pork

Thanks to my lovely sister, I now have a crockpot to cook with in our apartment.  Before, I was limited to only two burners and a microwave, but a whole new world of cooking options just opened up!  For our 'family dinner' this week, I decided to try my hand at my mom's Coca-Cola Pork recipe.  Apparently my dad found this recipe a while back on the Coke website (go figure he would be the one to find a recipe that calls for Coke), and it has become one of our family's favorites.  All you need is:

•  A crockpot
• Pork Roast, Boston Butt, Pork Shoulder, or Pork Tenderloin (any of them work fine, I say go for the cheapest!)
• A small bottle of coke

Simply sprinkle salt and pepper onto the pork option of your choice.  Pour Coke into the crockpot until it rises about an inch. For my small crockpot it took around 12oz.  Place the pork into the Coke. The coke will rise to almost cover the pork.  Turn the crockpot on low and let it sit for 8-10 hours.  Once it's finished cooking simply pull it apart and serve!  You can serve it how it is, or sometimes mom will pour barbecue sauce on it.  Both are great and very easy to make!

My first try was a success! Many more crockpot recipes to come soon!

My new platter I painted with Jodi Chesko!

You've got to have some great sides to go along! Clearly my roommates had already dug in before I was able to snag a picture.

Thanks for the crockpot E!



Ps. My babysitting interview is tomorrow! Fingers crossed I will get the job!

Design Inspiration: Mirror Makeover

When I moved into school this year, one of the first things I noticed was the mirror missing in my room.  HPU puts a mirror in each room for all students, but for some odd reason I was the only one in our suite this year that did not get one.  We also weren't given our big mirror for the living room.  When we contacted the HPU maintenance and furniture people, they brought us a mirror for the living room (the size of the one that should be in my room) but not one for my bedroom. They told us they couldn't give us the large size one and were only allowed to bring in one mirror.  It had something to do with not being able to hang stuff unless it was already given.  I don't know, it didn't quite make sense to me, but that is what they said. While, I'm very happy we have a mirror in our living area now, I still really wanted a mirror for my room.  I have a full length on my closet door, but I wanted one that was smaller and in an area with better lighting to use while getting ready.  So I came up with a solution.

The other day, while shopping with Megan Steele, I ran across this really cute mirror at Ross for only $15. It had an ugly wood frame, but I knew a coat of spray paint would make it quite the little charm.  I forgot to take a picture of the original mirror but here's one that is very similar to what mine used to look like.

Ugly right?  Maybe it could be pretty in a traditional space, but it didn't fit my taste.  So after purchasing the mirror, I bought a can of spray paint, grabbed a free newspaper from our Concierge desk, and headed to the back of Norton to spray paint it.

All you have to do is tape around the edges of the mirror and then lay a sheet of newspaper to cover the rest of the exposed glass. Secure the newspaper once the mirror is completely covered, and you're good to go.  I had to put about 3 coats of spray paint on to cover the old finish.  Some of the original finish still shows through in certain areas, but I kind of like the look it gave.  I may do another coat of paint one day, but it works great for now.  This was my final look:

Close up view of the detail.

 Finished product before being hung.

Its final resting place.  To the left of my desk behind my door.

While I wish the wall color in our room was darker to make the mirror pop more, I think it looks pretty good.  It turned into quite a cute mirror. All for under $20!

Mirror: $15

Spray Paint: $4

Newspaper:  Free

Total:  Under $20!