For Love of the Game (and Other Happenings)

Every now and then my job gives me the opportunity to spoil my husband. I'm always thrilled when that happens. I found out last fall that one of the artists I work with had the chance to perform for the Indiana Pacers. Upon sharing the news with Todd, he quickly pulled up the Pacers schedule for 2010. We then found out that the Pacers would be playing the Cleveland Cavaliers, which...

view post

Wide Open Spaces

Remember the Dixie Chicks hit "Wide Open Spaces?" Who doesn't know what I'm talking about Who's never left home, who's never struck out To find a dream and a life of their own A place in the clouds, a foundation of stone - She needs wide open spaces Room to make her big mistakes She needs new faces She knows the high stakes That song can sum up my thoughts and feelings about 90% of the time. I...

view post

Guest Bedroom: Before & After

We started designing our guest bedroom last summer and I'm finally ready to reveal photos of its new look. It has become my favorite room in the house because one, it's the only room that is actually "done" or done enough and two, we were able to stick with our budget and because we did a lot of the work on our own (we made the headboard, repurposed furniture we already had, etc.) I don't...

view post

Southern Flourish

I had a surprise in my inbox this morning. At first I thought it was spam, but I'm glad I took a closer look. It was an invite to check out a new online magazine, Southern Flourish, that just launched its first preview issue.  It took all of 5 minutes to get me hooked on this new publication. The first issue is a 40-page preview, (it's being used as a tool for advertisers)...

view post

Notecards & New Recipes

We live in a digital age and I'm personally a fan of digital communication. I've never been a phone person. E-mail, Facebook, Twitter and text messaging have been wonderful for me. I have met new friends and renewed friendships with people from my past. But as great as those things are, I love getting a handwritten note. Knowing that someone cared enough to take the time to write a note, lookup...

view post

Not Just For Looks

I just got back from my first work trip of 2010. I spent a couple days in North Carolina to help with Winter Jam, but I was also able to visit my mom and my sister. It's not really much of a visit when I'm working the entire time, but it was still good to see them. Plus I got my Foster's Market fix! When it comes to traveling for work, I'm always torn. I hate leaving Todd. Hate it. I don't like sleeping...

view post

Cleaning Out the Clutter

The past few days my mind has felt like a jumbled mess. I've had a hard time processing my thoughts on just about everything. Without getting into details, this year has been off to a rough start. The people close to us are hurting. Really hurting. I'm trying so hard to be a good friend, but I have found myself swallowed by my own hurts and fears. This isn't how I imagined 2010 beginning. I called...

view post

It's A New Year!

A new chapter is beginning. It's crazy to think we're beginning a new decade. I woke up this morning feeling different. I can't really describe it. I just sat in my bed wondering what this year would bring. While many things will stay the same, a lot will change too. I have a love/hate relationship with change. I love it when I'm the one changing things, but the unknown scares me. I think...

view post