Coastal Living

So I found a Tumblr the other day that made me daydream about living on the beach. I've always wanted to be near the water, same goes for the boyfriend, and I think someday, we'll more than likely end up there, for however long. There are just so many appealing things about living somewhere with waves and sunshine. Sigh. Someday.

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 We could live somewhere like this...

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Or this...

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 Or somewhere like this with a cute little shop downstairs!...

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 And we could eat food like this...

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And this...

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And we could go on road trips and picnics by the sea with Duke like this...

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And I could dress like this...

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And eat my lunches outside on the deck like this...

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And this would be my new mantra...

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And we could dress up the baby like this... (haha I'm totally kidding, but this was too cute not to throw in).

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And we could finally get a working boat...

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And I would ride on the boat like this...

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And we'd have steps from the backyard leading down to the beach like this...

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And we'd have a hammock on the porch for naps like this...

And life would be very good.

Someday...

Mani-Pedi time!

With the cold front that came in, also came one last opportunity to cover my man-feet with super cute boots. But now that spring is here and summer is right around the corner, it's time to make our fingers and toes presentable again. Which means nail polish! You may remember when I became infatuated with nail art, to an extent (some people have way to much time on their hands, haha no pun intended). I still have a few things I'd like to try, including polka dots and stripes! Here's some nail inspiration to get at least one part of ourselves ready for this warm weather!

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 How cute are these for working at a lake? So many color options too, or add glitter stripes!

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This is genius. I'm so doing this today.

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Can't beat the classic French manicure.

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 Simple heart on one nail for contrast.

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And here's how to do it!

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And finally, some pretty toes. 

Better go get started, while Duke's sleeping...

Sitting/Reading/Blogging Chair

So we've got a bit of wasted space in the living room that I would love to fill with one or two comfy chairs to take advantage of at the end of a long day. I've been looking for and finding inspiration for a while.
Here's what I've got in mind!

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 Love the length of this one- def enough room to put your legs up and curl up with a book. Or puppy.

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 The blue and white of this one are prefect for the decor and wall colors we already have.

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 Black and white stripes- can't beat this classic, and bold look.

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 I like the ottoman with this one, looks just as comfy as the chair.

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 I really like the low arms on this style of chair. And they gray of the two chairs is stunningly subtle.

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 Love the circular shape of this one.

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 Here's where my love of chairs and a half begins. Genius. Not quite a bulky as a loveseat, but offers enough seating, and room to spread out a bit.

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 Isn't this just calling your name for a nap?!

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 Again, with the low arms. I really liking that style.

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This one actually looks like a corner chair, which can work in space other than corners, and can act as a space definer, which is something we need to sort of close off the living room.

PS- Duke experienced his first thunderstorm while I was writing this. I actually had to stop for a bit because lighting struck so close (so brightly and SO loudly), we lost power and the town fire alarm immediately went off. Duke, however, loves the sound of the rain and wasn't phased at all. He cuddled up to me during the brunt of the storm, but is already back to playing. So brave. :)

Little chilly...

Our weather went from high 70s to 24 degrees last night and 40 degrees today. I'm wearing a turtleneck, for goodness sake. Not real impressed. Especially if anything happens to our brand new plants!
It's supposed to warm up tomorrow, and stay fairly warm the rest of the week. Guess we'll see.
Here's where I'd much rather be, reading some magazines, drinking something good.


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Monday Motivation

So the other morning, I had to run to a neighboring town 45 min away to do some errands. It was then that I really saw how much time I have in the morning during the week! Since the boyfriend has gone back to work and has to wake up at 6:30am, I have quite a bit of time to kill before I roll into work at 11am. With all that being said, I've decided to use this time more wisely then sitting around drinking four cups of coffee and go for jogs/walks at a park about 5 min from here! I went the other morning and felt amazing afterwards. And Duke loved it (wasn't too crazy about the leash, but really loved when we jogged-he ran the whole time!). I was focused all day at work, my legs had an incredible soreness and I stayed up later than I have in a loooong time. In the interest of losing weight in time for summer, I've also started trying to eat five smaller meals a day, instead of three huge ones. I'm also trying out meal replacement shakes for one of my extra two meals and fruit or veggies for the other. And I'm drinking 80 oz of water per day. Since last week, I lost two pounds. Which doesn't seem like much, but if I keep going at this rate, I'll be able to lose these 30 pounds I lazily gained in no time!
Here's some motivation to keep us going and healthy this week! (Sort of like last week's Motivation, but with our health in mind!)

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Brick

I love old homes and buildings that have lasted over the years because of their brick structure. But what I love even more is when then allow the brick to be exposed in the interior spaces. On my checklist of things to have in a house one day is definitely exposed brick. These are some of the spaces I've admired and dreamed about having one day...

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 Love this massive chandelier too.

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 What an entry way! Would love to come home to this every day!

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 An alternative to classic red brick.

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 I like the lighting against the brick. I bet it looks magical at night.

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 Look at those doors and windows! Sigh. Not sure how I feel about the bathtub in there though...

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 Brick flooring?! I don't know how it would feel on the feet, but it sure is beautiful and reminds me of old brick streets.

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 This chandelier might beat the other one! And that natural light those windows let in- gorgeous!

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Bricks up the stairway with candles. Amazing.

Spring is Here!

Yesterday was the first of spring y'all! And I am so excited, especially since this weather has been crazy mild- we hit 80 last week, twice! It's almost tanning weather! But in the meantime, here are some things that mark the beginning of spring for me. What means spring has arrived in y'all neck of woods?

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 Trees and flowers in full bloom! My drive to work has become very colorful- I love it.

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 Picnics by the lake! With the boyfriend and the puppy. Favorite kind of meal.

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 Flips flops! I'm also getting into fancier sandals too; tried my first pair the other day and fell in love. I need a few more pairs. For sure.

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 Leaving the windows open and making window boxes! The boyfriend made some for his mom- I'm so next in line!

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 Farmers markets! We have several in neighboring towns that I can't wait to get to.

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 Fresh cut flowers, whether they're in the flower boxes or in vases and jars all through the house!

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I just love this picture. Even though we don't have little kiddos to take outside to pick flowers, I love the barn, the wagon, the flower field. Sigh. And I love spring.