A Little Bit of House Updating

When I bought my house, I knew I was going to enjoy decorating for a long while.  Unfortunately, I didn't realize how long.  It's a lot more work to furnish a house with two extra bedrooms, an extra bath, and a formal living room.  Luckily, I had a ton of furniture in storage in my Dad's basement leftover from my first home that helped me get started.

I'm following up on my own personal tour of home posts, and this time it's the family room, which was the biggest decor project I've ever taken on.  I know I've posted about it before, but I wanted to give everyone a look at what I started with and where I finished.

I think I've finally gotten to a point where I'm happy with every part of the room and am ready to focus on another space.  

So here's a look at what the room looked like before I bought the house.  Keep in mind, the sellers had already moved most of their stuff out.

I thought I was going to use a grey theme through out the house, until I painted this room grey.  One problem was that I painted it the wrong shade of grey.  Because the room was so big, it totally washed the whole space out.  

I also forgot that I am not a neutral wall person. I love color.  And if you had ever seen my first home, you would understand what I mean.  My master bath was such a bright color of pink that it glowed on the side of the house next door when the light was on.  I loved it!!!

Anyway, back to the family room.  I had planned on incorporating navy and kelly green into the grey room, but the pops of decor weren't doing it. Plus, a navy couch and a very blonde hairy dog were not going to mesh either.  So I conquered my fear and bought 18 samples of navy paint.

I'm not even kidding. It took 18 shades of navy for me to decide on one that was perfect.  There is so much light in the family room that the color changed depending on the time of day.

Here's what it looks like now.

Ugh. Grainy iPhone photos.

I also did some major rearranging of the shelves. I found a pin for some help, and I feel much better about the whole space now.  I also recovered numerous pieces of furniture, bought a new couch, a ton of throw pillows, and added some new pops of color.

So here's the final product. Notice the handsome blonde dog in almost all of the pictures.  He did not come with the house.

Seriously bad iPhone photos.

Okay, so that stupid built in shelf isn't completely finished with knick knacks, but I'm not worried about it. Or maybe I'll just get some more movies. Just not that awful one on in the background. So dumb.

Bar area and green themed shelf. See what I mean about the wall looking different in various lights?  I swear it's not that royal blue. I blame the camera.

Dining area and back wall.  And yes, I do set the table for impromptu dinner parties. And the linens change every so often when I get bored.

Blue shelf.

I'm still slightly torn about the two different couch colors, but I'm not changing them anytime soon. Let's see how long that light beige couch stays clean. Ha.

Anyway, I'm glad to be finished with this room. At least for a long while.

What do you guys think?

The Overdue DC Trip Post

So over three weeks ago, I promised a post on the girl's weekend I spent in Washington, DC.  And here it is! No procrastination at all. Ha.  

Anyway, our trip started with a nice country drive on the way to the The Greenbrier, courtesy of my car's GPS system.  We arrived only about half an hour later than expected, and still had plenty of time to spend touring this beautiful hotel and former Presidential retreat.

I highly recommend a visit, even if only for the day.  It really makes the drive through West Virginia a little more pleasant. Also, traveler's note: pepperoni rolls are the state snack.  Google it.  I promise.  Moving on...

The premise of the trip was to use a sailing trip on the Potomac River that I had won at the Concrete Ball (hint, hint: we auction off awesome prizes, you should come next year). I parlayed that into a much needed mini-vacation and dish session with my friend Courtney.  It was awesome!

Our three hour tour boat for the evening.

On Sunday evening, we did the most touristy thing I have ever done; we took a guided bus tour.  I'm not gonna lie, it was worth every penny of the $37 it cost.  We got to hit all of the spots on the bucket list that one would want to see in DC without all of the hassle.  

The previous statement is proof to the fact that I'm getting old. I'm okay with it, though.

Regardless of my age, we still had plenty of time for drinks and food over the course of the weekend.  I highly recommend Old Ebbitt Grill for dinner and drinks.  It's a DC must, I've been told.

Back tracking a bit to Saturday, we visited the International Spy Museum in the morning.  It was a great exhibit, however we rushed through the last part because we were starving and couldn't spend another two hours without food.

If you do go to visit the Spy Museum, I don't recommend paying for the Special Ops experience UNLESS you have kids.  It was a bit cheesy for adults, but would be absolutely perfect for inquisitive and adventurous kiddos.

Our new pal.

I had to.  It's kind of required, right?!? Side note, we were running late to get back on the bus, so it's not completely perfect.

There are about a thousand different things I still want to see and do in DC, but it was cool to get to knock some of them out with one of my very best friends.

Plus, it's nice to go on a trip with someone and know that you have a pretty identical agenda.  We spent the perfect amount of time sight seeing, shopping, eating and drinking, and (wait for it)…..getting our fortunes read!!!

So, we were just walking around Dupont Circle on Sunday afternoon and passed by a palm reader sign on the street.  Courts and I kind of looked at each other and said, "If you will, I will."

But first we searched for a reputable tarot card reader. Obviously.  It didn't happen to be the one we passed, but one a couple blocks down.

I will say this, it was highly enlightening, entertaining, and somewhat optimistic. But if I end up with three kids and no father in the picture (like the lady said I would), I'm going to jump off a cliff.  The two boys and a girl can follow suit. (I'm kidding, please don't send me hate mail.)

Anyway, it was a hoot.  It'l be a trip Courts and I can always look back and have a few laughs about.  Anyone else have opinions on great things to do in DC?

Lack of Posting

It has been over a week since I posted last, and this one isn't much better.  I'm tired and I keep forgetting download my DC pics from my camera to my computer.  One day...

Anyway, here's a photo dump for your viewing entertainment.

Enjoy and happy Tuesday!

{Just my luggage. For a three night road trip. I pack a lot}

{Fried green tomato sandwich at the Greenbrier.  So delicious!}

{Crab, mango, avocado salad for lunch on Saturday.}

{Drinks before dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill}

{Black bean burger at a hipster gastropub that's name is currently escaping me...}

{More Greenbrier photos}

{Concrete ceiling in the Metro}

{Courts and me!}

{The International Spy Museum was super cool.}

{Worst service at a yummy breakfast spot on Sunday.}

The end, see ya soon!

Washington, DC or Bust!

This Friday, my girlfriend Courts and I are heading to the nation's capital for a little boating, boozing, and camaraderie.  I've been adequately preparing by finishing the second season of House of Cards after work this week.  Can you believe the ending????  I won't give any spoilers, but holy cow!!!

We only have a few things set in stone to do while we're there.  Here's what we've got planned so far.

1. Road tripping from Kentucky to DC will take us close enough to make a slight detour to visit the Greenbrier!  Neither of us have been, so I know we'll really enjoy the visit!

Anyone have any must see spots while we're there?  Maybe the best lunch stop in the hotel?

2.  Saturday evening we're heading out on an evening sail on a chartered boat on the Potomac with a picnic dinner and some champagne.  Sounds pretty romantic, right?  Too bad it's just us gals.  I have no doubt we'll have a blast, despite the missing Y chromosomes!  Maybe even more, teeheehee.

3.  Brunch with Courts' college friend and her sweet baby boy.  It's been along time since they've gotten to see each other, and a really long time since I've seen her too!  We're both excited to meet le bebe, as well!

Other than that, I think we're going to hit up a few museums and definitely some restaurants and bars.  I've heard that the International Spy Museum is awesome, has anyone been?

Any recommendations for things to do are welcome!

Happy Hump Day!

Friday Fives!

It's Friday, and as you read this, I am in the car on my way to Washington D.C.  So this week's five revolve around taking a trip and travel in general.  Plus a little bit of funny!

Thanks to link up hostesses, April, Christina, Darci, and Natasha for hosting for another week!

1.  Packing Light.  I really tried to pack light for this simple 4 day trip we're heading out for this morning.  I sort of succeeded.  I even went to the trouble of going through my pins to find advice on packing light. 

 This post from Travelista  is a good start.  FYI, I chose navy to be my main color because, duh, everything I own is navy.

2.  I finally get to wear my clothes made for boating on an actual sailboat!  I'm going with something like this (found here):

I actually have that purse in navy!  Woo hoo to finding something on Pinterest that isn't already sold out!

3.  I'll be checking this app to find some cool places to eat.  It costs $0.99, but it doesn't include chain restaurants, so I think it'll be worth the money just to not have to sift through all of that!

4.  Books to read in bed.  I love reading in hotel beds for some reason.  I think it's because finding time to read is such a luxury these days, and often times free time only comes when on vacation.  Here's one of the books I'll be reading this weekend!

I'm also reading a couple other books, including A Dance with Dragons, the fifth in the Game of Thrones series.  It's pretty intense, so I like to take breaks and read something a little quicker paced.  I might as well take my time since the 6th book isn't even written yet.   

5.  And here's a little e-card funny.  This one tickles me.  Enjoy!

This pretty much describes the beginning of my week to a T.  I blame Mercury in retrograde.  Anyway, by Wednesday things turned around and the rest of this week was great!  

I hope y'all have a great weekend and get a chance to do something fun!  Cheers!

Baby Shower for Beth

This past Saturday, I hosted a baby shower with two of my friends for our friend, and my BFF,  Beth.  She's due just a few days after my birthday, so it was the least I could do for such an awesome birthday gift.  Ha ha ha, I'm hilarious! Beth, are you reading?  Isn't that funny???  I cannot wait to meet the little one this July and loved that we spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon celebrating his or her arrival, as well as the momma to be!

Since Beth and JD aren't finding out the sex, and aren't sharing the name, I went with a multi-color theme for the invite and decor.  Don't get me started on not being able to monogram seersucker in blue or pink yet.  Let's just say that July is going to be a good month for baby stores and embroidery shops.

We had a fairly simple menu, but as per my usual, we made way too much food!  I'm still eating leftovers (yummmmm!).  Check out the pictures below.

{Appetizers of cheese and more cheese.  And pickles and olives. And chocolate covered berries.}

{The main course.}

Crudite, Mini Caprese Skewers, Fruit Skewers, Benedictine and Pimento Cheese Sandwiches, Mini Cupcakes, and a special cake topper!

The lovely staff at Homeade Pie and Ice Cream Kitchen put the elephant from the invite on the cake.  Too cute!

King's Hawaiian Turkey and Ham Baked Sandwiches.  Here's the recipe I've used from Pinterest a few times.  These sandwiches are a huge hit every time I've served them!  Word to the wise, make extra, just not as many as I did...

We had a candy bar in lieu of favors.  I made up the rhyme myself.  Don't laugh, that's as clever as I get.  A professional, I am not.  I still absolutely love the invite in the back the best.  So stinking cute!!!

{Chalkboard Pennant}

{The paper goods.}

{Beverage Station, complete with champers!}

{Balloons on the porch and lining the driveway.}

{Baby swag!}

The beautiful momma and her beautiful momma!

Oh my gosh, this onesie was so adorable!!!

Some great gifts from some veteran mommies, grandparents, friends, and clueless friends (that would be me)!

We made Beth cut the cake, straight up wedding style.  Like Gangham style, but cooler.  Or something.

Not pictured is the bar for the boys in the "man cave."  We set up chairs and plenty of drinks in the basement so the guys could be included but not overwhelmed with baby stuff.  

One of these days, I'll have enough guts to share pictures the "man cave."  It's…well…interesting.  Let's call it kitschy.  Yeah, kitschy.  But the roomie loves it, and since he vacuums for me, it's the least I could do.

It was a great afternoon, followed by the Belmont Stakes (but not a Triple Crown, boo), and the Murder by Death show.  Needless to say, Sunday was spent lying on the couch binge watching Orange is the New Black.

It's been a busy week already, but I can't wait to share this weekend's agenda!

Happy Tuesday, y'all!