So, I could pay my mortgage or.........buy this?!?!

Ha ha! Um, I think the choice is obvious what $700 will buy me this week, but.........oh wow, this mirror-wall decor thingy-gem would be a boon for the casa 'de TEM! PS, it's from the coolest store ever that I will never be able to afford: Anthropologie!

More summer blooms!

This year, I took a chance and planted some bulbs! I've never planted bulbs before, even if my florals were perennials, I planted ones that were already in bloom and in pots from local nurseries. However, a more affordable (and gratifying!) option was to plant some bulbs!

Well, my lilies came up and one bloomed this past Saturday morning! Oh my, I love the rich pink color of the lily!!! WOW! I cannot wait to see this lily develop and spread out in my garden over time. Next year, more stalks should come back.























I also planted gladiolus bulbs (a lot of them!!!). Come to find out, my grandmother used to plant a lot of these too when my mom was growing up---I guess we have the same taste! So, the stalks are up, but no blooms yet....As of June 27, this is how they look. I will update as the grow!

This is how gladiolus look and they come in every color imaginable!!! I don't remember what colors mine will be---some of my bulb packets were just assorted colors. I know I grabbed a bunch of red ones too!





















These are my stalks right now:

Living Room Changes....subtle, but there!

So, a year after moving in, my living room has evolved over time....

May 2009:


















June 2010: (oh, and the kitty is also new!!! He joined the family late last summer!)

Get excited!!!!!

I loooooove Meet the Parents and here is some hype for the upcoming second sequel, The Little Fockers....

Summer blooms in the backyard!

These babies were all out this morning when I woke up! I love how things bloom overnight!

Lawn Makoever!

I had a major grub problem.....


















In the first photo above you can see the damaged lawn patches from the grubs. Here's what I did:

1. I raked up the dead spots & pulled out the damaged top layer of dead grass and top soil.
2. I sprayed "Seven" insecticide on the lawn w/ a hose attachment & let it sit for a few days.
3. I raked again lightly and added new top soil to the patches.
4. I put down Scott's Patchmaster & Turfbuilder
5. I watered
6. I waited.
7. After a week, I put down a little more patchmaster in empty spots.
8. I waited.
9. The first 2 weeks barely anything happened....a few grass blades started to come up. I was nervous that all of my sweat & money was wasted....

Then, take a look at a month later! Whoa!

Run, Forest, Run!

Snagged this Table Runner for $12.99 at Homegoods today!! Yay!

I like.....

Here are some cute decor items I've spotted online! Enjoy!

A GREY zebra rug from West Elm (8x10 @ $500)






















Overstock.com: Magnolia Wall Plaques ($46.99)























Metal & Capiz Shell Butterfly accent piece ($34.95) from Pier 1



















Oval Candle Sconce by West Elm ($39.00)

Boudoir Updates!

So, I've grabbed a few things over time and have made some updates to my masterful master boudoir!!!

I bought these 3 square mirrors from Lowe's almost a year ago and wasn't quite sure what to do with them yet (Actually, I bought 4, I was thinking about doing a grid of 2 across, 2 down...). So, today, I decided to mimic the look of 3 side-by-side looks like the framed art I have on the opposing wall by putting 3 of the mirrors side-by-side. I was really torn about the placement of my tv. At first, I deliberated getting it mounted on the wall, but what if I ever wanted to change my room and put my bed on that wall (which will probably never happen, but....) Also, I sort of don't like the look of a mounted tv in the bedroom. So, while it's covering the first mirror right now, I'm okay with it--for now!!!

The mirrors were $24.99 each from Lowe's




















Here is a closeup so you can see the fine detailing on the mirrors:



















Then, at Homegoods, I grabbed a few cute storage boxes for that random stuff that accumulates in the bedroom!!! I love them because they are modern and clean looking, but also romantic and feminine, which is what I am going for with this room! (They were all $9.99--$14.99)



































Lastly, I picked up this wire wall art dress form from Pier 1 for about $15.

Need some laughs?

Love these digital short movies from Andy Samberg on SNL!

On a Boat: (warning: explicit language in this one!)




The Ground: