Sarah's House

Sarah's House.  Seriously, y'all.  My new fav TV show and we just cancelled our cable :(  (It gets turned off on May 10th, so we have a few more weeks to enjoy).  We decided that money was better being put towards saving for the adoption.  I LOVE the work she did in her most recent episode on the farm house.  This style is EXACTLY what I want for our house...trying, just not so sure I am suceeding!

The Mud Room

The red doors.  The "antique" chest.  The prints.  Everything about this room I LOVE.  I've never been a fan of ALL shabby chic, but I like elements of it.  So this room truly captures my style. 

I love the watering cans.  Isn't it amazing what accessories will do for a room?

The lighting is amazing.  I wish that I wasn't so afraid of taking old things and making them work for me.  I am just always afraid the price is going to be TOO much!

The Master Bedroom

I love the color scheme.  This girl just really knows how to pull a room together.  MR.P and I's bedroom is similar in color scheme and this is really where I am trying to end up. 

I love what she did with the windows.  I mean really.  Who ever thinks to do just 1 curtain panel to really frame the windows?  Love the reading chair and the bench at the bottom of the bed :)  Such a  happy room!

It's the simple things like a stack of books with some pretty flowers :)

Bedroom

Our living room color scheme are these exact colors.  Glad to have some inspiration on some prints and such I can do!

This sitting area is just precious. 

Main Bathroom

Ok, y'all.  This bathroom is honestly where I am just dying.  I am totally and completely smitten with this bathroom.  Isn't it just SOO happy??

I love the yellow tub obviously.  And the curtains are just too cute.  I love prints :) 

The white is great.  We just so Happen to have white cabinets and counter tops :)  I could totally do this!

I could just take a bath and enjoy some reading!!

And I will definitely trying this little project out to give some depth to our stairs.

And this little nook.  Just love it.  So warm and welcoming!

Ok, so there we have it.  I think I've finally found my fav designer and my style.  I'll just keep looking at her pics for inspiration!  I bet I can still do this on a dime!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Waiting is Tough

I haven't posted in a while and I guess that's ok.  I haven't done much of anything to our house lately so I haven't really felt like blogging.  But, I decided I should talk about what's actually going on in my life!  MR.P and I decided to switch adoption agencies from Bethany Christian Services to Americans for International Aid for Adoption.  We just weren't getting fast enough responses and we are ready to move fast!!  But, sadly, we have to wait until June 1st to fill out any paper work.  You see, we are adopting from South Korea and their regulations state you have to be married for 3 years in order to adopt from that county.  Our anniversary is July 13th, so this new agency is letting us start a whole month and a half early!  We'll fill out their preliminary application and then wait on the BIG paper work.  Then hopefully get started on our home study.  We hope and pray to get all of that stuff done quickly.  It will be tough, but so worth it in the end.

Here's what I'm going through.  FEAR.  I fear that it won't ever happen.  I guess I feel that way because we are in waiting mode right now.  Not really able to do anything.  I fear that we will get our hopes up and that this isn't really the Lord's plan for us.  Right now, all we can do is trust that the Lord has his plan for us and that he'll show us what to do.  I fear that we'll get pregnant.  This agency says that you can't adopt if you get pregnant!  Crazy that I feel that way, but I do.  I want to adopt, but I want to have our own child in the future too!  There are a lot more fears, but I know that they aren't healthy or good for me. 

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

I learned this verse when I was 10 years old.  I pray that I can do a better job of holding onto this scripture. 

Things I am rediculously excited about.  I can't wait to start this process.  I dream about the face of our sweet precious little girl or little boy.  I can't wait to pray and grow closer to Matt during this.  I can't wait to see God's hand in all of this.  I am praying that I will truly understand the meaning and picture of adoption.  It's a really BIG picture to grasp.  I can't wait until the day we get a call that we have been matched to the child the Lord picked for us from the beginning of time!  And I REALLY can't wait until we can travel to go pick up our baby!! 

On a lighter note.  I can't wait to decorate his or her room.  A little snap of the fabrics I like ;)

(gender nuetral without being blah!!)

I have so enjoyed talking to my family about our adoption.  They have been incredibly encouraging to us.  I LOVE having sisters.  They have each been so sweet to ask me about our process through out all of this.  It's so fun to talk about the future with them.  They each have children and I can't wait to share in that joy with them.  My mom...so sweet to share with me her initial reaction of why so young?  Then sharing how happy she was for Matt and I to not waste any time :) My dad...helping to ask me all the legal questions.  He works for homeland security, so he knows ;)  My in-laws...helping me with additional info and talking about how excited they are for us!! 

And Matt.  Sharing with me everything that goes through his head about this process.  Loving this time...but lets get to JUNE 1st now baby!!!

These are some blogs that have really encouraged me lately.  I read them EVERYDAY!!!

Gazing Upward - Scott and Kelley just adopted a precious little girl named Virgina Grace.  I'v been able to read since right before they met her for the first time.

By God's Design - Emily and her husband adopted a little girl name Lia Kate in January.  Such a precious video on her gotcha day! 

Seeds of Faith - This is actually our friends Kim and Joe who are also adopting from South Korea.  So encouraging to see what is happening before us!

The Froehlich Family - This sweet family adopted a little boy from South Korea.  So precious to see pictures!

Reading these blogs give me such HOPE!  A tangible thing that I can see.  I know my hope should be in Jesus and it is.  But for some reason, seeing these other stories come to life, brings me back to my hope in Jesus. 

What I Wore All Week - Friday

As you all know, I headed to Hilton Head with my friend Anna on Thursday night!  We had a bit of a rough road trip.  First the GPS decided not to work.  The battery was dying.  Then her iphone was running out of battery.  But, not to fear...we still had my iphone.  10 minutes later mine decided it would die too!!  So thankfully we found a safe gas station and plugged the phones in.  By the time we got there we were quite ready to see our men!  It was so nice to see our husbands! 

On Friday I wore this:

* Old Navy bathing suit while on the beach - I have been searching for a cute tankini for about 2 years now.  This is the first one I actually like!!  I bought a few pair of printed bottoms to go with it!

Then because I can't wear a bathing suit out to eat I changed for dinner :)

*J.Crew cardigan - bday present while shopping with my mom.

*Gap green tank top - bday present a few years ago while shopping with my mom.

* J.Crew navy shorts - bought those a few years ago on sale for $20.  Good deal for J.Crew shorts.  They are my fav bc they are like a burmuda short, but shorter!

* Jasmine Filigree Earrings - from my Stella & Dot Collection.  I wear these earrings ALL the time!

MR.P and I had a great time in Hilton Head.  I am so blessed to be able to go visit him while he is on a work trip.  Thankful for a company that promotes family time!! 

After Anna and I got there we all went straight to bed.  We got there around 12:30 so the boys were definitely tired.  The guys had to work on Friday, so Anna and I enjoyed some beach and pool time.  I felt so spoiled to be at the beach on a work day!  I live such a plush life ;) 

On Saturday we just enjoyed the beach and the pool again.  Then we headed to the outlets and then we cooked out.  It was a nice relaxing night.  We also threw in an episode of Lost that we all missed and 2 episodes of Friends.  We're all big fans. 

Sunday, Matt and I ventured out to the golf tournament, The Heritage.  It was so fun to enjoy things that MR.P loves.  To be honest, we usually do my fav things and not a ton of what he loves.  I challenged myself to be a little more selfless and think about what he needs.  And we had a GREAT time!  We even had a date afterwards to The Salty Dog Cafe!!

Then, sadly, once we got back, Anna and I had to be on our way home.  The drive home was great though.  Fast, easy, and painless.  We even got ourselves a Jamocha milkshake from Arbys...nice way to end the trip! 

What I Wore All Week - Thursday

Today has been super busy and STILL IS!!  I didn't have time this morning or afternoon to take a pic.  So I ran into the bathroom at work and took this one :)

* Jacket is from J.Crew outlet at 40% off. 

*t-shirt is also J.Crew outlet for $5.

* Necklace - Stella & Dot

* Jeans

Tooo much to do today!  I am heading to Hilton Head to see MR.P who is there for work.  Hope everyone has a great weekend! 

What I Wore All Week - Wednesday!

I know you've all been biting your nails waiting for me to post ;)  I tried taking a picture this morning, but my lighting in the bathroom on the potty just wasn't working for me.  I guess that's what I get for just using my iphone all the time...oh and standing on the toilet.

So instead of trying again at home I went to try on a pair of jeans and realized I could use their mirror!!  I have wanted a new pair of sevens.  So I ran to Off Fifth where they sell them for really discounted prices.  I found the perfect pair.  Then I used this discussion to talk myself out of it. 

Me:  Do you really need these?

Me:  Nope, not one bit.  Just want them.

Me:  Ok, so decide.  Do you want a baby or jeans? 

Me:  You're right.  I want a baby way more. (referring to saving money for the adoption fees)

So I proudly walked out without them.  It was TOUGH though.  I LOVE me some jeans.  Especially sevens!

So here's the outfit for today. 

* The necklace is from my Stella & Dot Collection.  Wear this sucker all the time.

* The t-shirt is from the gap outlet about 3 years ago.  I got it for $5. 

* The jacket is also from the gap outlet.  I ended up getting a whole searsucker suit for $30.  I guess I just REALLY like searsucker. 

* The jeans are from gap 3 years ago. 

* The shoes...well, we just won't go there again ;)

What I Wore All Week - Tuesday!

So this is todays outfit.  Confession - this is definitely a go to outfit for me (I wore it on Sunday too!)

I mean its so easy to grab.  Navy t-shirt from J.Crew outlet for $5 and my navy searsucker pants (yep, searsucker 2 days in a row!  Gasp!)  My shoes are from The loft about 3 years ago.  I think I got them on sale for $20.  That's a steal for a pair of wedges with an ankle strap.  Yeah, I usually need ankle straps on my wedges so that I don't break my ankes.  I am not so good with heals ;)

What I Wore All Week - MONDAY

So Lindsey Cheney of The Pleated Poppy did a post on what she wore all week long.   I loved how real she was!  I decided to join in.  Now she is a stay at home mom and has the freedom to dress casual.  I do not have that same freedom sadly.  But, it's ok!  I make sure to wear really comfortable clothes in order to feel casual!

I'm being real with you by doing 2 things:

1.)  I am standing on a toilet...how much more real do you want me to be??

2.) I took this AFTER work.  That means the make up has faded away and the hair has totally gone flat.  

The skirt is about 5 years old.  It's red searsucker, which I am a major sucker for!  Definitely got this on sale.  Can't remember deals from 5 years ago though.

The shirt was a b-day present from my mom.  It goes with everything.  Navy turtleneck with short sleeves is a definite wardrobe essential for me.  FREE :)

The belt I got for $15 last year.  Worth every penny.  I have started wearing it with everything!

Shoes were practically free from my friend Savannah!  

Stay tuned for tomorrow.

Bringing out the Spring/Summer Clothes + a Little bragging!

Do you switch your Summer & Winter clothes out of your closet?  Until now, I never did.  This was the first time I have had extra closet space to be able to do that.  While living in apts in college and our first few years of marriage, I had to stuff it ALL into one closet.   Now that we don't have any kids, I can use the extra closet space to put the clothes we aren't wearing away.  Less CRAMMED CLOSET = more space and an easier time finding things to wear which also = less clothes I am tempted to buy!  I really struggle feeling like I have nothing to wear when its all crammed into a tiny space.

My closet does NOT look like this...so I have to be creative.

And it definitely doesn't look like this!

I do wish I had this many pair of jeans though.  Don't need them, but it would be fun :)

Honestly, when I look at these celebrity closets I would love the clothes, but that's what what I am coveting after.  I really covet the organization.  It's a struggle for me, but that's the cold, hard truth. 

Ok, though, really.  Now back to the point of my post today.  I think switching your winter and summer clothes out of your closet can be a GREAT way to feel like you have new clothes.  Most weather changes, I feel the need to buy a few new pieces.  I was very surprised this spring that I haven't felt that need!  Bringing all my spring/summer clothes back downstairs really made a huge difference.  I felt like I had all new clothes!!  They weren't hanging in my closet for months in front of my face.  I know girls, its all in my head.  But, seriously, whatever it takes to save some money!!

Now this is actually what my closet looks like. 

It took all I had in me to not fix all the hangers in the closet...this is the real us ;)

MR.P and I were so blessed by the previous owners of our house.  They left their organized closet stuff for us!  We have really enjoyed having specific places for our shoes :)

Ok, now I am just plain bragging.  I was over at my sweet, sweet friend Savannah's house and I asked her if Tori Burch shoes ever went on sale.  I had wanted a pair of gold ones, but these are just not in our budget...and probably won't ever be!!  So she said she actually had a pair that didn't fit her right.  Well, to my surprise she had the exact pair I had wanted!!  So she practically gave them to me!  I was soo excited!  They have barely left my feet ;)

Savannah is always cleaning out her closet and having sales.  If you are interested let me know.  I can definitely help you out!

Partners!

Hey Blog friends.  I think I am going to start calling you my little entertainers...because that is exactly what y'all are for me!  Sorry for my absense.  I have had a rough week.  But all is better now!  God is good and knows exactly what we need, even if its not my favorite choice. 

              I wanted to do a post for all the girls I have partnered with!  But first a NEW Partner.          

 Anna Hatcher Design!

She is amazing y'all.  Anna offers fresh and compelling designs that leave you feeling excited, inspired and connected. Anna is a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor of fine arts in Graphic Design, and she founded Anna Hatcher Design in 2008. Through her boutique graphic design studio, Anna offers personal design support through custom stationery and invitations. She also offers a wide range of design services from brand development, collateral production and advertising solutions for businesses who value their design style. Her inspiration comes from vintage textiles and modern furniture. Anna has a passion for utilizing typography to add an unexpected and creative flair to her designs, and she also loves exploring with color and patterns.  Please go visit her site and tell her I sent you!

I even got to meet her!  Definitely be jealous ;)

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Savannah Duncan of Hearts of Style is a personal stylist based in Atlanta. 

This girl is amazing.  She is one of the most genuine people I have ever met.  I absolutely love her!  Savannah offers personal shopping, wardrobe consultation, and wardrobe auditing.  Her passion and desire is to help her clients to be THEIR most fabulous self through pieces that truly depict who they are.  Please contact Savannah if you are interested!! 

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Thanks friends for baring with me while I took a little blog break.  I hope to be back Monday with more fun projects, inspiration and such on Monday.  Have a happy weekend!

Alright.  So I don't remember where I found this photo (I do apologize!!!) but it perfectly fits the colors of our living room.  We have couches that are a bit darker and  I had always wondered what our house would look like with lighter ones!  Now I know!  I think I like it!  Couches are not on the agenda for a good long while, but it's nice to be able to visualize.

I love that they put pops of orange in.  I would have never thought to do that.  I tend to stick with safe colors.  Like reds, just different shades for depth. 

One day we will have nice pretty couches.  I think I'll wait until we have kids and they are grown to have nice ones :)