Quotes for Spring

"Expect to have hope rekindled.  Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways.  The dry seasons in life do not last.  The spring rain will come again." -Sarah Ban Breathnach

"It's spring fever...you don't quite know what it is you DO want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!" -Mark Twain

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." -Anne Bradstreet

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn." -Hal Borland

It's a Small World After All

This has been my view for the last 6 months:

Pretty boring, huh?  I still get out once a week for Fun Day and have only had to cancel a couple times.  Besides that and going to my parents every couple weeks, I don't get out 

much.

I go grocery shopping about once a month, sometimes I stretch it out more.  I stay pretty 

isolated to protect myself, especially after my bout with pneumonia in November.  

The TV is on almost all day because after a while the silence is deafening.  When there's 

nothing recorded, I rely on Wendy Williams to entertain me.  And sometimes I'll even sit 

through the back to back judge shows that plague daytime TV.

This is where I fold my laundry, take naps, read, edit photos and surf the web.

My last chemotherapy treatment for my ABVD regimen is Wednesday.  Hopefully, the last 
one I'll ever need.  Right now, I don't know what my future holds, but I hope it includes lots of energy and a strong immune system.  

Coming Soon

Over the next few days I will be adding some vintage goodies to my etsy shop.  Here's a sneak peek:

Already listed: here

How cute is this itty bitty guy?

Happy Friday and I hope you have a great weekend!  <3

Quick Little Update

Ella looking fabulous.

Survey from Flower Patch Farmgirl, go check her blog out!

current guilty pleasure:  mind-numbing reality tv

current nail color: Wet n' Wild silver with The Gap silver glitter on top.

current playlist: Breaking Dawn Soundtrack

current read: "The Winner" by David Baldacci

current drink:  home-brewed Starbuck's with Bailey's caramel creamer, yummm

current food: chocolate cake

current favorite show:  The Vampire Diaries, Once Upon A Time

current wish list:  a normal day with lots of energy

current needs:  lunch

current triumphs:  getting through chemo number 11, almost done!

current bane of my existence: steroids+chemo=me feeling like I'm going to jump out of my skin

current celebrity crush:  Ryan Gosling

current indulgence: Urban Decay Naked palette..I got it for Christmas and it is heavenly!  You can do no wrong with this palette.

current blessing: Not having to drive around in the snow.

current outfit: Leopard print PJs with a big white fluffy robe, so sexy.

current excitement:  Vacation in June

current mood: antsy & unsettled, again with the nerves.

current link: pinterest

Words

Flea Market Style Fireplace Mantel

The tree and Christmas decor is down, and I've got my mantel setup until I switch it up for spring/summer.  I kept it light and airy with a vintage twist to keep it interesting.  I love to hit up garage sales and antique stores for neutral pieces so that I can mix it up throughout the year while still maintaining a cohesive look (and my budget).  The key to decorating with neutrals is to layer different textures and heights.

Josh & I found the mirror propped against a neighbor's trash while taking a walk one day.  We  snagged that bad boy and slapped on a coat of antique white paint.  I am not too proud to take someone else's trash and turn it into my treasure.  Consider it "green".

I got the mercury glass finial in a TJ Maxx clearance aisle for a couple dollars.  The large glass cloche came from Marshall's and is a staple in all of my decor.  The candle in the glass vase came from a boxed set of decor that included a glass pedestal and river rocks.  Not exactly my style together, but I've re-purposed the pieces.  The glass pedestal now lives in my kitchen and holds my salt & pepper and olive oil.

I purchased the vintage style clock from HauteLook with a referral credit that I had saved.  The metal finial came from a thrift store that I used to love, it's since turned a bit junky.  :(

The "dream" sign was a Christmas gift from etsy last year.  I posted about it here.

I found that old little bird at a garage sale for less than a quarter.  He was a little chipped, but I couldn't pass him up.  The mini cloche that is over him came from an estate sale and I think it probably was meant to house a round of brie.  The large hurricane and candle came from my mom's house.  I'm also not too proud to accept a family member's castoff.  ;)

The white chippy candle holder came from a garage sale and the candle is just a cheapo from Walmart.

I don't know who this lady is, but I adopted her frame and all from a garage sale for less than a quarter.  She used to live in my bathroom etagere but I decided she should be displayed on my mantel.

Goals for 2012

I have a lot of high expectations for 2012.  After this past year, it has got to be good.  There were a lot of projects that had to be put on hold after my diagnosis in July, but I hope to tackle them in this new year.  I've learned that I need to take the time to enjoy life, and not just tackle my to do lists.  I finish my chemotherapy treatments at the end of January, and after that here is what I will be up to:


1. Take the time to read a book a month.  I have a list started, but if you have suggestions, leave them in the comments! 

I just finished this one after Christmas.

2. Simplify and declutter.  I have already started a list of donations as well as a list for Craigslist.  I'm tired of digging through a closet of old clothes I don't wear (and I'm talking some pieces that I've had since high school, I know, I know...).  Books I've read, home decor that is no longer my style, etc.  I take good care of my "stuff" so sometimes it sticks with me longer than it should.


3. Something I've wanted to do for a LONG time, is transfer all of my pictures onto CDs.  I haven't done this in years.  It's going to be a huge undertaking.  Also, filling all of my empty picture frames. 

August 23, 2008

4. Eat for my health.  There is something about being told you can't have something that makes you REALLY want it.  I dream of salads and grapes...and sushi...  I want to eat more fresh foods and cook at home more frequently.  


5. Exercise more.  I don't love cardio.  But I am going to at least get down with my Just Dance game and take walks when the weather is nice.  If I forget to close my curtains and you see me flailing around my living room, keep driving...  I have a lot of work to do to build my endurance up to what it used to be pre-ginorm chest tumor.

6. Spend more time on Fancy, even after I go back to work.  It has been a great outlet for me these last few months.

7. Blog once a week-ish.  I'm not going to make any promises.


8. Finish the second floor of our home by the end of 2012.  This will mostly be a Josh thing, but I am hoping to help more when I am done with treatments.  He has been very diligent and working up there when he has time.  




9. Have a little vegetable garden.  I started one last year right before my life turned into chaos.  Needless to say, that didn't last long.


10. Dig up the monstrosity that is my backyard.  The previous owners left remnants of their pool and surrounding plants.  Time to rent a bobcat and dig it all up.  It's seriously a jungle by July.


11. Do a daily devotional or read the bible daily.  I already have the book on my nightstand, just need to stick with it.


12. After all of the people who reached out to me these last several months, I really want to spend more time helping others, outside of my job.  




Happy New Year and be safe!

Christmas Tour 2011

Here's just a little sneak peek around my house.  I only did one tree this year, and left a lot of old favorites tucked away, just not enough energy.

Would love to find some burlap or linen stockings.

Closeup of the mantle.  

Closeup of the sofa table.

Hanging above my stacked suitcases.

Still on the hunt for an old sled.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this special time of year.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year I am so thankful for all of my friends and family that have supported me through this crazy time in my life.  So if you've said a prayer for me, sent a card, brought me dinner, etc. I am thankful for you!  I couldn't fight this without you.  Enjoy time with your families today and put aside any problems, because you never know what could happen.

Thanksgiving Tablescape