Hmm..

I'm not quite sure what to say today.  While everyone is talking about the death of a terrorist leader, I would prefer not to on here.  I hope that's ok. 

Instead, can I just post a few beautiful pictures?

Images via la dolce vita

Weekend Happenings

Yesterday I had an event (bowling) for work downtown and Brian met up with me to partake in the fun.  Afterwards we strolled around downtown and shot a couple of pictures. 

Today, we drove to the east side and snagged a few items from garage sales.  That red tubeish-looking item is a fire extinguisher, Brian bought it for $5.  We bought a ton of old books, some vintage glasses, phone, blocks, plates(to potentially start a collection), map box, silver tray, and a milkglass vase all for about $30. 

 I nap with Charlie.. a lot...

All for now.  Hope you're having a great weekend!

A few odd things.

I think I've mentioned a few times on here that I broke our camera that we got for Christmas last year.  Well we sent the little guy off to Canon and it came back this week all fixed and (thank you Jesus) apparently the fix was free.  [If you're wondering what I did, I stuck the memory card in the wrong way, too aggressively].  So anyways, I put a few pictures we took with it prior to the break that make me very happy, below. 

After a quick discussion with a co-worker today about how I dream about work/other things and come up with my best ideas when my mind finally has a minute to rest, I came to realize that my mind never really does rest and I am thinking all the time (unless I'm sleeping, but then I'm dreaming so same thing right?..)

So, without further ado here are a few random things on my mind right now (you might think I'm really odd after all this):

• I cannot wait for summer to come so I can wear sunglasses, find a cute romper like this, etc.
• Traveling is making me really pudgy (or pudgier?).  I think I felt back fat yesterday, yeah I said it. I started getting back to my workout routine today.  I hope it sticks.
• Sometimes I feel like a bad wife because I don't coupon.  Will someone teach me how? I don't feel like it would be worth my time.  But I'm currently watching extreme couponing and I'm wowed.
• I really love my husband.  A lot.  I think he has the most incredible heart.
• I want to learn to serve others better.  It's one of those things that takes effort, and after a long week full of busyness, it's hard to dedicate that time/effort.  But, oh how fulfilling and God glorifying it is. 
• Talking on the phone is my weakness.  Weakness meaning I hate talking on the phone.  But, considering I live near almost no one I had a relationship with prior to 2.5 years ago, I really need to learn to start talking on the phone.
• What does Jesus want me to be doing right now?  Tomorrow? 
• I wonder if Charlie is running around the house right this very moment.  
• I think I use parentheses ( ) and commas , too much.
• All for now. If you're still following, see below for some pictures.

 

Have you discovered

PINTEREST?? I just recently have and I'm falling fast.  The inspiration is unending.

Ok, I'm going to take a quick trip to Paris for a cup of coffee now (or actually maybe I'll just pin a board instead)..

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Workspace love.

How incredible are these workspaces? Dreaming of the organization, the pretty colors, all the fabrics..love it all.

Images via rethink design studio, lonny mag, house beautiful

Table de la Lion

I love to see things transformed.

Whether it is a work of art, a home, a team, or even a person.  There is something very inspiring and beautiful about seeing something go from utterly broken to fully transformed.  While what I'm going to write about is just a story about a piece of furniture, there is another story, a more spiritual one about how my life has been transformed.  I'll save that for another day though.

Something else I love - GOOD DEALS :) Which is why you might often find me in a thrift store, flea market or garage sale.  Last Wednesday I was at a thrift store with my buddy Chris; we weren't looking for anything specific but just went because some things were half off. 

By the way, as you may have inferred from my use of "buddy" this isn't Sam, its her husband Brian and I'm giving my first post a shot. 

As Sam alluded to in her last post I found a pretty cool little claw foot table with a lion head drawer, which i think make it look pretty tough.  Only it had a few problems: a really good lean, the paint was yellowing and chipping off and it had only three of the four claw feet remaining; this is most likely why most people walked right on by.  You can't quite grasp it in the picture below because I think I was trying to hide the lean (this was my text to Sam, trying to convince her we needed it).

For $40 I took a chance on it assuming I would somehow figure out how to jimmy-rig it, as I've become accustomed to in some of our recent projects.  Once I got it home I removed the legs and put the table on its top.  I made sure that the legs would now be level when I Gorilla-glued them back together. (see below)

Once I put it back on its legs it was (basically) level, so I took off the hardwear.  Next I gave it a quick sand, and then Sam and I were ready to paint.  I forget the color name, maybe she can comment below with it, I know its from Martha Stewart. I then returned the hardware, but only the front two claw feet since it made it a bit more symmetrical.  All in all, a very quick and easy transformation; here is the final product:

Hope you like it!

[Sam here: I'm giddy with excitement that Brian decided to post on my blog. I think he did a great job :-) . Now for a few comments for those that may be interested: The paint is Flagstone by Martha Stewart in the high gloss.  We were going to put a lacquer over it, but the man at Home Depot convinced us that we wouldn't need it.  I agree with him as it came out very glossy/shiny without it.  He also said the lacquer might yellow (heck to the no on yellowing paint).  Also - "tough", Brian?  hahaha, awesome.  A few more things - remember when I blogged about hats?  I'm now realizing how helpful it is to blog about something I want, because Brian came home with a hat for me from his deal hunting (I cleaned it, a lot, don't worry). We also found the marble horse head bookends at a flea market this weekend for $15. yay! Happy Easter all]

He is risen.

Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice on the cross for our freedom.  I can't imagine bearing the pain and agony, the betrayal, the hardships you faced for our freedom.  It is because of your death and resurrection that we are granted life eternal. 

My mom is coming over for Easter dinner tomorrow and I'm very excited/nervous to cook the meal. Luckily, she's an awesome cook and can help me when I mess up. I'm definitely one of those really unprepared people in the kitchen.  I went shopping tonight (day before Easter) when there was pretty much nothing in stock at the grocery store.. But alas, I returned home with a really big (7 lb.) ham for Brian and my mom (I stopped eating meat about a year ago, and am not sure if/when I'll return to the dark side ;).  Here's to hoping everything turns out; and if all else fails we simply enjoy the company of family! 

Happy Easter everyone - I hope you have an incredible weekend, are able to reflect on what you have been given in Him, and have time to spend with family and friends.

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Also, a sneak peek for later; tomorrow or Monday (putting a picture up holds me accountable to show the rest).. we painted this little gem a pretty gray/green over the weekend.. Can't wait to show more pictures, soon!