mid early thirties

When I was 24 I was kinda freaking out that I was about to be in my mid 20's.  

I was all, WOAH, stop the bus and let me off...

I may have even bought a book titled something like, Quarter Life Crisis.
Yup, I'm the ONE person who bought that book.

And then the second half of my 20's came and went and something changed.

{or maybe the quarter life crisis just passed on it's merry way?}

Because I actually became EXCITED about turning 30.

Maybe Oprah has something to do with it.  I mean, doesn't she always?

Anyway...

Today I turn 32.
I am officially in my mid early thirties, and I'm actually more excited about it then I was when I turned 30.

I just adore getting older.

Weird, right?

I know that may not ALWAYS be the case, but it is for the moment, and I am embracing it.

And what's really odd is that my 30's haven't been all that easy.

I've had to make some difficult decisions.

I've had to say some goodbye's that were harder than I ever imagined.

I've had to sit with a professional and discuss some issues that weren't easy to face.

I've had to realize that things and relationships aren't always what they have seemed.

I've loved ...

and lost.

But, I think that's what I love about aging, and what has been the great thing about my 30's.

It has brought me courage.

Courage to stand up for myself.

Courage to acknowledge when things need to change.

Courage to say goodbye to what isn't working, and courage to fall forward towards change.

Courage to embrace change.

Courage to face the truth...

even if it's not easy.

I may not a whole lot calmer.
But I am a little.
I may not be a whole lot wiser.
But I am a little.

And that's enough for me.

So here's to another birthday.
Here's to another year.
Here's to getting older.

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"

and it changed again....

I seem to be quite focused on getting my living room in order.  It's absolutely the hub of our home, and since we spend the most of our time here (see, I'm "here" right now hubbin' away), I have this desire to get it just "so" before I attempt to finish any other space.

Having my decorating sister here, who really is the female version of Nate, helped in that she motivated me to make some simple changes that made a big difference....

One of which was helping me peruse craigslist and thrift stores in search of the perfect (and affordable) credenza.

Because while this little table was cute n all, it most definitely did not provide the kind of storage we need in such a small space.

{before}

And find it we did.

The next morning fresh out of bed, we jumped in the car, and in the pouring rain drove to meet some random (but very nice) man and then kinda stole (it was a LOW price!) his amazing piece of SOLID WOOD AWESOMENESS.

What made it even better was that my sister chipped in a portion for my birthday present (December 1st, people, mark it down!)....so it was REALLY a steal.  

Then with one little purchase, the changes have begun and I am feeling confident that my living room will soon be complete.

Until I change it.

Here's the before of the credenza, aka, awesomeness:

And then today after 1 can of primer, and two cans of glossy white spray paint....out came this:

Could you JUST DIE???

I mean....

I'm not so thrilled with the "styling" I have going on right now with the picture frames, but that will all come together in the next week or so I'm sure.  

Also, some new hardware could really spice it up.

thinking, thinking....

And that's just the beginning of the little changes that were made.

Once we clean things up 'round here from the mad week we've had, 

I'll snap some photo's and give you the full view.

In the meantime...

lets ponder what color this chair shall be and what kind of fabric it should be recovered with, 

shall we?

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"

i was the thanksgiving scrooge

I was a grump on Thanksgiving.

A MAJAH Thanksgiving scrooge.

{Ask Jimmy....}

{on second thought, maybe don't...}

I kind of knew it was going to happen, and yet I did nothing to prevent my mood.

I missed my sisters, I missed my dad....and while I tried to prepare myself, 

my heart still ached knowing that I wouldn't hear from the one parent I have left.

I sulked and cried and grumped all the day long.

And while I was busy focusing on all the things I didn't have, 

I absolutely missed out on the focus of Thanksgiving.

I missed out on being thankful that my husband spent hours that morning learning how to rewire our dashboard so that we could finally have air conditioning after 6 months of being without it.

I missed out on my kids excitement that both parents were home on a work day.

I missed out on the sun and the blue skies...

I missed out on it all.

And let me tell you, it was kind of a horrible feeling when the day was done and I crawled into bed realizing all that I had let slip away in my day.

It is SO easy to focus on the yuk, on the sad, on the "it's not fairs," on the why's and why not's....

but can I just say... 

once I refocused it was INSANELY easier to focus on the amazing, and the inspiring, and on all of the incredible blessings.

And as I did that, I was able to end my day with my heart readjusted and smile on my lips.

But because I may need a reminder on the ick days that will most definitely come again, I thought it might be good to write down some of what came to mind.

~my relationship with the Lord, because as much as I have to grow in it, it's still absolutely what gives me hope and joy each and every day.

~my husband who would lay down his life for me and for his kids...a man who is who he is only because of his own personal relationship with God.

~my incredible kids who laugh and love with reckless abandon....kids that inspire me and motivate me to  become a better person.

~my sisters.  They truly are my laughter, my lifelines, and my absolute best friends.

~my "adopted" parents who have been incredible examples to both Jimmy and I...and we can only hope that one day we will grow up and be just like them.  People like them are few and far between, and Jimmy and I feel insanely blessed that we get to have them in our lives.

~and speaking of parents, I don't know where we would be without Jimmy's dad and his wife.  They have been incredible to us, and to our kids, and I will never stop thanking God for them.  They definitely are two of the most giving, selfless, and loving people I know.

~And a'course my best girlfriends. The bond we share, the safety I feel, the love we have....it's more than I could have ever hoped for.  These are the friendships that have stood the test of time....and I hope that I never ever stop expressing to you guys just how much you mean to me.

~and of course there is YOU.  Where would I be without you guys that come here and take your time to read my thoughts and writing.  And then even go above and beyond and leave comments letting me know that you're there...that you care....I don't say it often enough, but it means the world to me.  Each and every one of you, each and every comment and email.  It honestly blesses me more than you will ever know.

~and while things can never top the people, I still feel the need to list that I am thankful for Jimmy's job, our incredible and amazing and adorably cozy house, and last but not least....

~for thrift stores (what?!?  I am though...)....

My blessings don't end there, duh, but the blog post for today does.

I'm sorry I missed the Being Thankful post that was SUPPOSED to come on the actual Thanksgiving day...

but not to sound too Hallmarky...

Tis better to have thanksgiving in our hearts late, than to have never had it at all.

Quick! 

Write that down, that was a good one.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Every day.

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"

shop my closet!

Hey gals!

I've been a busy mama moving around furniture, shopping, buying furniture, more shopping and a little bit of Wii's Just Dance 2 all while my sister has been here.

I've also been working on cleaning out my closet...and of course, that means a shop my closet for you guys!

The link is over there to the right ------->.

First come, first serve....and I'll mark it out when it's gone.

Have fun!

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"

wanna find me?

I'm still here...and will be always.

But, I guess I like to get around, because I'm ALL over the place round these 'net parts.

So you like home decor, fashion & inspiration???

Then why aren't you at my tumblr blog, bookmarks?

Kinda obsessed with just fashion?

Then I think you need to visit me at Chictopia.

I'm working on uploading all my fashion pics there, so they're nice and easy to find, and all in one place.
{ummmm, and while you're there...you could always, ya know...for for my outfits.  just sayin.}

So, my sisters been here visiting and I'm doing my best to pick her brain as far as decorating my home...

I'm hoping to have more pictures to share next week.

In the meantime, get busy visiting me.

You need to get around too.

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"

ff ~ channeling the 60's

What I'm wearing:

dress: lapis, thrifted

socks: tj maxx

boots: charlotte russe, and can you believe they are about 2 sizes too big?  I didn't even care, I was so in love that I bought them anyway and stuffed them with insoles.  And now we go together like...um, socks and shoes?  

watch: brass plum

ring: f21, bestie ring from this sweet lil gal 

bracelet: twisted silver

sunnies: mmm, possibly f21, but I can't be sure.

all that hill behind me?  mine...all mine.  

So, another amazing thing about my house?

I'm even closer to my thrift stores.  

Sa-woon right?!?

{jimmy doesn't think so}

And so last week on my way home from dropping Tay off at school, I decided to visit my friendly neighborhood gem....ya know, just to say hey.

I wasn't going to buy a thing, as Jimmy and I SWORE we wouldn't buy anything for ourselves or for the house....it's just...

It's just that this cute lil 60's of a dress was calling out my name, and since I've been eating everything in sight since the move, the mumu factor of it was to. die. for.

And so I plopped down the $3.50 and made the beauty mine.  Okay, so it was actually $4.50 because I discovered a Missoni sweater in Chloe's size....and what 2 year old doesn't need a Missoni sweater?  

Chloe put that baby on so fast and grinned from ear to ear...she knows fashion, that girl.

And that is story I'm sticking to as to why on earth I broke my oath and spent $14.50 at the thrift store.  

{okay yes $14.50....although I can't remember at the moment what else came home with me.  Whatever it was, I must have needed it so.  Obvy!}

Oh wait.  I remember.

It was a vintage mirror that will soon reside beside our bed.

After it's makeover.

Yup just one more thing to add to the project list....

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"

lifespiration on tumblr

I learned a thing or two when my computer crashed.

Whatever I didn't have saved in the internet world was gone gone gone.

On my babymac I had several folders that held all kinds of pictures and quotes that inspired me.  

There was a tattoo folder, a quote folder, and a home decor folder...just to name a few.

But, I learned a lesson and with such wisdom gained, a new website was born.

I call it bookmarks. For now....title is subject to change, since I'm still in the beginning stages.

I should have known better than to save inspiring pictures for myself.

Who am I not to share?

No more.

From now on there will be no more folders on my computer, rather they will go directly to my tumblr site, bookmarks.

bookmarks is different than Le Musings of Moi, as it's simply pictures and quotes.

Sweet & Simple.

And while it's still under construction, 

(my most fab web designer, Stephanie, is hard at work....what you don't know her???  She is only, like, crazy talented and you need to hire her to makeover your blog or do print work for you.  now}, 

I think I'm ready to share it with the world.

And on another note....

in case you're keeping track:

I posted now THREE days in a row.

I know, like, woah.

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"

your living room questions

Thanks guys, for all your sweet words about the living room!  

While it will always be a work in progress, I'm definitely loving it thus far.

So, to answer all your questions as to where things are from:

{some of the pictures are blurry where I tried to zoom in editing....sorry!  Obvy, I'm no profesh.}

Pop Art:

We got this as a Christmas gift last year from my in laws, and I absolutely love it.  

The website it's from is photopopart.com.  

Rug:

Get this, Walmart.com.  At the time I got it, it was only $99 on rollback.  Died.

Cheetah Chair:

craigslist, and I have the othe half of the pair in Chloe's room.  

Burlap Monogram Pillow:

Etsy.  I've had it saved in my favorites forEVER, and was so excited that I finally had a home for it.

Chair by the tv:

This little gem is from a thrift store that I snagged for $15.  I plan to one day paint and recover it, but I actually kinda like the way it is now for a bit.  

Chevron Pillow:

Etsy.  It was the first pillow she ever listed, and it was $10.  

Obviously she's now figured out she should charge more....

Coffee Table:

Another craigslist purchase.  I love it so.

Couch:

This little baby is one of my most prized possessions that I found for $100 at the thrift store.  I bought it on the spot without even a place for it in my last place.  So sadly, it stayed in storage until we moved here.  I love it so much, I *almost* want to cover it in plastic.  

But, I'm holding back.

Self control.

Big Mirror:

Thrifted for $5.  You can see the before and afters here.

And I think that about covers it....any other questions, let me know!!!

I just realized that almost everything in this room is either vintage or used, which makes every piece extra special to me.  I love that I won't walk into somebody else's house and find duplicates of my stuff.  Jimmy doesn't quite get my love of unique, but I know many don't.

I guess I can thank my dad for that trait of mine....

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"

home tour ~ living room

I feel the need to begin with a disclaimer.  

We've only been in our house for 2 weeks...so while we have stuff placed and things on the walls, it's not necessarily where they will stay.  Or maybe they will, "ya just never know," is actually what I tell Jimmy. 'Cause when he hangs something, he always says, "Now, are you sure this is where you want it for good?"  And I just laugh.  For good?  What does that even mean???  

Ya, so that being said....these pictures show the right now. 

Paint color will come, oh yes, but only when we've recovered from being broke.  

And Christmas.  

Which is actually another term for being broke.  

Buying a house + Christmas = no painting or buying new stuff for the house till the new year.  

Sigh.  

Woah the sacrifices that I make.

My my, kind of a long disclaimer there, but I think I got it all out.

And now....my living room.
I'll show the before (staged pictures), and then the afters with our own stuff.
We decided to ONLY use and decorate with the stuff we already have...
So we are making it work, budget style.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After: 

Ya know, after spending a year in the apartment with a family of 5, we realized that we actually kind of loved being in a small space.  We loved being close, and we loved that we were forced to downsize our "stuff."  

What we didn't love was that the kids couldn't go out to run and play with safety & freedom. 

We didn't love our lack of privacy in that our front windows faced the parking lot, and our living room became a fishbowl for all those coming and going.

It was easy then to determine what we wanted in a home.

A small space with lots of land and lots of privacy.

And, of course, a bathtub with jets.

Duh.

And after a thousand months (felt like) we got it. 

A little home under 1200 square feet with over half an acre.

And we are in love.

More and better pictures to come.

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"

fashion with a view

What I'm wearing:

Dress: Arden B {actually purchased from my thrift store}

Sandals: Steve Madden {TJ Maxx}

Cardi: Target

Necklace: Target

Ring: f21

Purse: kinda like the MJ, but not. Still, I swoon for this lil baby o'mine.

~~~~~~~

I have been working like a mad woman on setting up my new home.

I think in a way it's been a good escape for me with all the stuff, all the changes, that have been going on.

My hope is that by the end of the weekend most of our stuff will somewhat have a home.

But, I've decided to hold off on painting any walls until after the holidays.  

I think I need some time to settle in before doing anything too drastic.

Ummmm ya, so we'll see if I can actually wait that long....

I have a few furniture redo's to do, so that should take away the urge.

Jimmy hopes.

On another note...my babymac is back from the "pros" who sadly could not figure out a way to retrieve my data.

DYING.

He's now in the hands of another genius, and should they not find a way....

it's either pay between $300-1200 to the super big guys,

or say goodbye to the memories.

Not cool.

BACK IT UP, people, BACK IT UP.

Wasn't that a friends episode?

Anyway....last but not least, Taylor took these pictures with my iphone. Kinda fab, right?

And, all the background?

Yup, that's my house.

I'm in MAD LOVE with the views and surroundings...

totally makes up for the small space we call our home.

another sucky thing about my babymac being gone?  

i can't remember ANY of my passwords, therefore i had to create an all new flickr account just to post these pictures.  

did i mention I. AM. DYING????

Dying.

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"