We're Home!

We finally got moved in! Sorry for the lack of posts (and that I left you which such a downer one to hold you over). We won't get internet until Thursday so until then, my posts are going to be limited. Plus, I don't have any good pics of the new place so these posts are going to be kind of boring anyways.
Things have been beautifully hectic. We're eating meals on the living room floor, sleeping on an air mattress because our bed won't fit upstairs, I've thrown away even more crap that we've unpacked and our clothes are everywhere. But we're happy. And luckily, I was able to stay home for a bit this afternoon before having to come into work and in those 3 and a half hours, I got more done than we've been able to do all week. There's still a ton to do; tomorrow we're visiting the greenhouse and Wednesday, we both have the day off so we're going to furniture shopping (!!!). We can't wait. I now have a much better idea of what we can and can't do, which somehow still hasn't cut down my time spent daydreaming and collecting these pictures that I share with y'all.
In the spirit of decorating and designing our home, here are 5 decorating mantras that I came across that I think everyone should keep in mind, whether decorating professionally or like us. My parents (who have always had amazing taste) taught me most of these but  thought I'd refresh our memories. 
More updates and pictures to follow! Happy Monday!

Mistakes.

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I have made mistakes. 

Quite a few. And I have admitted to making them, do not deny them (any longer) and have, over time, learned from them. 

Most importantly, I have let them go. They are in the past. They are done. They no longer matter. I will not let them affect my current life or where I am headed. No matter what.

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People will always try to bring you down or get to you, one way or another, for whatever reason. Do not let them. Hold your head up high, know that you have made it through a lot (and I mean, a lot) and be thankful for those who stood by you, came out on the other side, still on your team. Cherish these people. And cherish where you are now. Keep going, keep growing, and keep getting stronger. And above all else...

Moving Day Countdown!

So we found out today we can close on the house and move in on Wednesday! Which means I'm going to share some more of what we plan on doing because it's just about all I've been able to think about since we got the news this morning. It finally feels real!
I spent most of today outside where I attempted to get some color, and painted my nails. Which got me thinking about how nice it's going to be to have an outdoor space of our own. Here are some pathway ideas we'd like to put around the side of the house and in the back. And I threw the fire pit in because I just love it (and it costs under $30 to make-it's been added to the "to do" list).
PS- Sorry for the lapse in posts again- work took up most of my time, energy and mind last week. This week will be even busier, but it's good busy. :) Can't wait!

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Happy Monday!!! (It really is!)

One Year down, Forever to go.

Today marks the one year anniversary with the love of my life. We met here at the resort last year in June through a mutual friend/employee. We were inseparable from the first time we actually met each other (there was a lot of elementary school "well, he thinks you're cute") and hung out. He even drove 2 hours to be with me in the hospital at my parents house when my gallbladder surgery didn't take. I will never, ever forget the night before we became a couple- we spent the entire night, and morning together, talking, laughing and just being. When we stood on the bridge over the lake in the wee hours of the morning as he held me, I knew I didn't want to be in anyone else's arms ever again. They always said "You just know". They were right. I've never been more sure about anything in my life. When everything is going wrong, he is the one constant that keeps me going (and sane). He saved me. I am a better person because of him. I love him more than anything and have never been happier. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my days and nights with him.

Happy Anniversary Poke. I love you. Forever, and Ever.

Could be worse...

As I sat here and complained to my (poor) mother about how things with the house are taking longer than expected, that I want a home cooked meal more than anything and I'm so sick of being without a place of our own, I'm reminded of how good I really have it. There are people all around me that have much bigger problems and things to deal with, and they're handling it waaay better than me. I'm in awe of how they are able to hold things together, while I whine about not having a pasta dish in two weeks. I'm ashamed, really. And inspired, all at the same time. These women are truly inspiring.
It is a reminder to be thankful for all that we have, and all that we don't. So, in light of this, please take some time out tonight before laying your head on the pillow to thank God for what He has blessed you with, what trials and tribulations He has brought us through and will bring us through, and what glorious things He has in store for us. And pray for those around us who are going though trials and tribulations of their own.

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Bathroom

Of my ba-jillion projects I want to get done when we finally get to move in (whenever that is), one of the first I want to tackle is the bathroom. It has amazing bones and a killer layout. But it's a lavender color at the moment (the whole upstairs currently looks like an Easter basket). I want to paint, and add some storage in this nook across from the ca-mode, as well as some new hardware. Here are some of my inspirations.

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 I love the look of stripes. I think I'd only do it in the bathroom- it's so visually stimulating.

(great for mornings)

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 I'd want horizontal stripes though, as opposed to vertical. The bathroom has a sort of vaulted ceiling and already draws the eye up; no need to confuse it.

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 I love the look of the linens stored this way. Even if we make built in shelves, it looks so nice and clean.

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 Again with the baskets. I just love them for storage. Love the mirrors too, and the flowers. :)

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I love this idea. I'm going to be on the hunt some old molding now, just for this project.

Pillows

As I sit here in my boyfriend's parents living room, listening to the kids playing with Legos, I'm thinking of how much more productive I can be when we're in the new house. I have SO many projects that I want to get done but don't have the means to do just yet. One I'm really looking forward to is making some new pillows for the living room, bedroom and office/possible guest room. My mom makes amazingly comfortable pillows (and should really be selling them) so I'm enlisting her for help. Here are my inspirations.

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This, and most of these are probably way too girly for the style my boyfriend's going for. But I still like it.

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Love the buttons.

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 These are my favorite, and almost identical to what my mom does.

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 So many possibilities! With more neutral (manlier) colors.

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 My mom does stitching like this too- she did flowers for one of my favorite pillows we have.

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Now these I could probably get away with. :)

New, and Improved Style.

So I finally went shopping at a "real" mall yesterday with the boyfriend and didn't find a thing! If you remember my earlier post regarding my ridiculous shopping urges, you'd understand how devastating this was for me. I just couldn't find anything I really liked. And I what I was drawn to was either way out of my price range or brought my boyfriend to say things like, "You don't wear any of this stuff." (He did say I'd look good in it but I don't wear it haha) And he was right. I don't wear it, yet. I know I've mentioned "maturing" my wardrobe before and I've gotten pass the step of giving away all of my childish clothes. Now comes the part where I replace them with more mature things. Which honestly, is all I'm into these days. Here are a few of my inspirations- maybe I'll have better luck shopping next time.

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I want some new shoes, still sandals to wear in the summer ad to work, but something a little more interesting than a flip flop. Love the simplicity of this outfit, ps.

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I'm getting really into florals, and dresses. They're so comfy! (And I love this fellow PA native, Miss Taylor Swift.)

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Love, love, love the yellow! And the cardigan. I want some for work. 

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Shades, necklace, shirt/possible dress and 'tude. Love it all.

(This is very close to the outfit I was looking at when my boyfriend noted that I don't wear things like this. YET.)

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Here I go again with the florals. And I really need a belt like this for dresses too. Phew- so much to do! :)

Cook

I really, really want to cook something. Anything. I haven't been able to in I don't even remember how long... and it's killing me! I love cooking for me, my boyfriend, my family, and for my friends and co-workers. I think food is one of, if not the best gift you can give somebody. I found some amazing recipes today and already made a grocery list of food to put in a house we don't even live in yet. It's getting bad. Anyway, here are a few of my favorite places to find new recipes to try out. Hope you have as much fun testing them as I will. :)
And of course, here are some visual inspirations. (Wish they could be smelly/tasty inspirations)

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I've been promising my boyfriend an ice cream cake since we started dating and he took care of me while I was in the hospital (for 2 weeks, during 2 surgeries at 2 different hospitals-he slept in his Jeep when he wasn't allowed to stay in the room and sleep in those awful hospital chairs) and I've been on the search for a homemade one forever. Now I have it. :)

Looks promising

So we had a few hiccups with the house but it looks like things are moving along now. In the spirit of getting the heck into this house, here are some more bedroom/bed/headboard inspirations.
Hope you had a lovely weekend!

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 I really want to make (and by that I mean have my boyfriend make it lol) this bench for our bedroom.

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Ps- I'm really into canopy beds now. These are why. Ooh, and I love that mirrored dresser. SO classy.

I wanna be on a boat!

Working at a lake has it's ups and downs. I get to live nearby which means that I'm literally 10 minutes from lake activities. It also means I get to check people into our resort and hear about them enjoying the beautiful weather while I sit inside, at a desk. I've seen a lot of boats recently and cannot wait until we can get out on one, whether it's my boyfriends (after it gets fixed) or one of the pontoon boats that the resort rents. I just want to be out on the water. And in the sun.
Here are some of my inspirations/ridiculous expectations. Enjoy the rest of yall's weekend!

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 I'd like this patio set for my actual deck, doesn't have to be on a boat.

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This is the view from when we took a boat out last year- and exactly why I want to get back out there this summer!

Happy.

I'll keep it short and simple today- in the midst of everything, I'm realizing that the little things mean the most, and are generally what keep me going. Whether it's playing with the sweetest dog I've ever met, holding my boyfriend's hand on the way to work, laughing with friends at work, texting my mom and exchanging pictures, I need to do more of it.

If you simply...

... ultimately, you will be happier. Which I am. 

Happy Friday.

Shopping

One would think that just graduating from college and getting ready to move into and furnish a brand new house would be reason enough to be saving every last penny one makes. But lately, I cannot crush my urges to go shopping! And not just for the house; I want clothes and shoes! It's bad. I've done pretty good and haven't made any trips anywhere to indulge. I keep reminding myself that I'll want that money when we get into this house and I want new couches or a new bed, etc. So, in the meantime, I can dream about the outfits I'll wear when I finally do get to treat myself.

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 Love this outfit- I've got to go shopping so that I can go shopping in it.

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 Love the shopping partner, Love IKEA.

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So cute and comfortable! And easy to put back together after trying things on.