Beauty in the Attempt View RSS

You Lose it if You Don't Use it....How True Those Words Are 30 Nov 2014 5:13 PM (10 years ago)

A snapshot of a snapshot & a glimpse of my happy little corner of the world

Let's just be completely honest. Blogging is work. And here is the kicker -- {for me at least} -- I already have a lot going on and even fun work is still work that requires more energy than I am sometimes willing to give. I wanted with every fiber in me to love blogging. But -- I hated it. I hated it because instead of inspiring me it was breaking me. In fact, I felt such a freedom when I stopped concerning myself with my blog and the pictures and the content and the dreaded ordeal of having to document EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT.

After all, life is raw. There are no filters or editing. There is no commentary. There is no feedback. There is just a lot of living and that is what I want to capture. It took me a long time to finally see what I want from this blog.

I want to document my life.

I want to document my experience.

I want to capture the moments that will keep me warm when the nights are cold and my memory fails me.

I want this for me and I will do this for me. Is it possible for me to fail again? Absolutely. Do I care? Not at all. So, if you are curious to see what makes me happy in my little corner of the world...you will witness first hand my attempt at living a beautiful life.

The key thing for me at this point is remembering how I actually got here to post something.

Cheers~
e

no pictures..just ramblings 7 Jul 2013 10:00 AM (12 years ago)

I find it amusing that EVERY blog that does a post on how to blog says to post often and with oodles of pics. Sadly I am not up to the snuff in that aspect but here I am all the same. But then again -- this is the real me on my blog and I just need to ramble.

I am in the slow process of creating our home. Like everyone I know, it must come in stages and in steps -- both from a logistics point and a budget point. Yes, we have been in our house a year come August 1st and yes, lots of our home is the same as it was from that day in August, but such is living life. I will say this though. The things I have done are big -- maybe not from a decor perspective, but definitely from a design perspective. I got rid of the dinky so-called fireplace with pitiful built-ins and moved it 2 feet to the left with carrera marble surround and a REAL mantel. Pulled up the carpet and laid hardwoods. Got rid of every column (ick) there was and painted all my walls on the main floor. The purple taupe HAD to go.

I still have much to do. I will take a few pics and share -- just don't expect me to photoshop. I giggle at the thought of me having the time to do so. It is truly though a slow process but I find joy in documenting it. The overall goal that I want in my home is to for it to be fluid in color, texture, and feeling -- inviting, but fun...cozy but stylish. As I did with my first home...I do it the way I want envision it from the beginning. I am not the one who does it one way and then in 3 years changes. I am definitely not a changer. I am very committed to perfection & my vision from the beginning.

a brave new blog 30 May 2013 7:25 AM (12 years ago)

After a rather long sabbatical from the world of multi-media, I have decided to once again venture into the world of blogging.

My last entry was in March of 2012. It amazes me how much has changed since that last sentence was typed. Within the scope of 2 months from that last post my real-life took over and took me away from the computer. Having a baby, then moving, then starting a small side venture, then moving again, then going back to work – it all left me with such little precious time to my little family.



And so, blogging had to be put on the back burner. And then it went from the back burner to the kitchen sink. And then my little blog went into the cupboard. You know the one…the one way at the top and to the right. And there it sat and waited patiently for me to come back – when I was ready.


Among the whirlwind of 2012-2013, I kept stalking here and there on all the blogs close to my heart. It amazed me how I still relied on these blogs to inspire as well as entertain me. Whether I was pumping in the wee hours of the night or coming home from a long day of work, I still found myself logging on. Always there and ever present..my friends from afar were still close and still sharing their lives with me. It made me realize I missed my little blog.


After baby girl’s first birthday, I decided that if ANYTHING my blog could be used as a candid journal/reflection. I believe if I commit to this aspect, I will remove the pressures that consumed the enjoyment I found in blogging. This endeavor will hopefully allow me to focus on my trials & triumphs, cute pictures of my children (see above), a home update here and there (stay tuned), and ultimately change the dynamic of "wanting" to post rather than "having" to post. I hope this is a game changer for me.

So with that being said…I welcome you, dear reader to a brave new blog.

Cheers~
e

move in & love me 13 Mar 2012 4:15 PM (13 years ago)

Our house went on the market less than 2 weeks ago, so I thought I would dive right in and inquire with no shame {maybe a dash of fear} in regards to ---- how do the pics look? Before you ask..yes, these are the realtor pictures. Yes, they are the general pics that may lack a tad bit of sparkle and character, but it is what we currently have online and what the public see.

I am playing with the idea of taking a few myself and see what emotions I can bring to the online page. Afterall being online is not the only key to a successful sale, but having another family truly fall in love with our home.

32 weeks...and counting 11 Mar 2012 12:00 PM (13 years ago)

Isn't it divine? There are so many elements of the bassinet that I adore. I love how sturdy it is and that it has wheels that lock. Perfect for moving baby around to the "quiet" corner of the house. I also heart the peek-a-boo shelf hidden beneath the skirt.

how to get the bathroom countertops clean of clutter 8 Mar 2012 2:00 PM (13 years ago)

Sorry for being a stranger. Just been working as well as being a mommy to one outside the womb and inside the womb.

Anywho, remember one of my oldest design dilemmas? Visit here and here to refresh your memory. Well I have the perfect solution to achieving a blissful, spa-like nirvana in your master bathroom.

Put your house on the market.

As of March 2nd, our little home is now for sale.

Look how clean that countertop is now! Oh....and yes, the base has been painted. I will update you on all the home decor updates I did in February {I guess you can see if I chose my "selling" elements wisely). Let's just say I have been very busy in preparing for March.

I am excited and terrified all at once.

Cheers~
e

welcome little leo 6 Feb 2012 4:35 PM (13 years ago)

Amid the whirlwind of living life, it sometimes takes a simple picture to remind you how miraculous life is.

thank you pinterest 17 Jan 2012 3:00 PM (13 years ago)

I rarely buy magazines. Not only are they quite pricey, but the internet quite easily fulfills all the eye candy I can feast upon in an evening (maybe too much sometimes).

Anywho, it was the summer of 2010 and I was starting my pharmacy rotations at a local Krogers. Well on my lunch break I would relish the chance to thumb thru all the home decor magazines..less risky than perusing the candy aisle. Well it just so happened that I came upon an image that stopped me in my tracks.

I think I drooled a tad bit too.

Ok, so I know I drooled because within seconds I was forking over the $5 to have the image.
Fast forward a tad bit (less than a year) and I lost the magazine. Sadly I can find pharmacy notes from my 1st semester and yet this artifact is gone...and so was the image. Only 2 images truly capture the vision I have for my next home and this was one of them. {Oh...here is the other.}

Enter pinterest.

Someone I follow pinned it...and it was a joyous reunion.

I think I am drooling again.

Cheers~
e

P.S. Come follow me on pinterest...you never know what you could be missing.

elements that sell a home {part 1} 15 Jan 2012 4:35 PM (13 years ago)

My dad and I have been "house shopping/stalking" for over 3 years now...yes, my dad and me. We came up with this grand idea to find a home that suits my "old" family (mom, dad, & sis) and my "new" family (Mr. B, Thurgood, & Baby #2). We figure you only live once -- why not spend it with those you love. The idea was brilliant and everyone (except for Baby #2) has had their voice/concerns heard. So far..the hunt continues.

Amid the hunt for the next home, I find myself a tad nervous on the sale of this home. Therefore I am dedicating a snippet of my blog to what I need to do to sell my home from what I have seen in homes online and inperson. Better yet, I am hoping that I get a little if not a LOT of feedback and help from you.

Are you willing to help a girl..a PREGNANT girl out? :)

Since dad and I have become gurus of open houses, I have made a list of elements that win me over when I view an open house. Tonight I will focus on 2 specific spaces and tomorrow I will share with you pics of my own home in those given spaces (and my plans for tweeking them if needed).

I want your thoughts, concerns, praises, etc. In the end, I plan to post a walk thru of my home -- a virtual tour for you to see and critique. It is my hope you can help me create a space that will catch a buyer's eye.

Is this a lot to ask? Yes...but I figure you enjoy snooping into homes as much as I do and this is just a way to get that fix. Plus...I also think you will do it because you like me just a tad.

1. Curb Appeal that Stops the Car

I admit it, I have past many a home based on how they look from the outside. I don't have the time to waste on a house when I am not enticed by what I see from the car. While overhauling the outside exterior can be intense, finessing the front door can be project worth attempting. I think the door and the area leading up to the door needs to be magical and welcoming all rolled into one. The curb appeal should give a sneak peek to what is within the home. The door should open so much more than a home.

2. A Foyer that Promises Great Things Ahead


There is nothing like the first hello & this is the job of your entryway to any guest (buyer or not). It is the beginning of a beauitful relationship or the beginning of the end. Everything from the color, texture, lighting, and size matter here. Also, the personality of a home can make a cameo here. You have to work with the space and let the space guide you.

So are you ready to help a pregnant, hormonal girl sell her house?

I need to get myself ready...I know I will have some work to do quite soon.

Cheers~
e

happy little shoppe 12 Jan 2012 4:00 PM (13 years ago)

Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamed of one day owning my very own little shoppe. {And yes...I prefer this spelling --- it just looks happier with an extra "p" and an "e"}.

There is just something special about having your own little nook in the retail world whether in mortar & stone or online. In fact, I would vividly daydream about it with one of my childhood friends. We envisioned a store that was divided into a flower shoppe on one side and a bakery on the other. We planned {or maybe I had planned} on calling it Flourpetals.

I still yearn for a little shoppe of my own...and one day I think it will happen. I dream big but I also live large.

I have collected tidbits here and there of the atmosphere I would create if given an actual store:

This little shoppe actually gave me some inspiration outside the divine design scheme...even with all its loveliness -- it inspired me.

It made me think about products. What draws us to certain products? It is the prospect of the lifestyle it hints at? Does it whisper to the heart -- make me yours? What is it that makes you purchase something? For me...I shop with the heart and only buy what I love.

It made me think about artisans/craftsmen. It made me think about empowerment. It made me think otside the box.

Ok...so where am I going with this?

I think I am in the midst of answering that question.

More important...what is your hidden passion or secret? I think 2012 is all about inching closer to finding serendipity.

Cheers~
e

attempting 2012..for real 10 Jan 2012 8:00 PM (13 years ago)

2012 will come and go so I need to make sure that I attempt to finish what I started...even if I started some of these a few years ago. (**pitiful whimper**)

This is a big year to renew and redo the home because Mr. B and I would like to sell our home this year. (yes...for real. Afterall, pharmacy school is now OVER!!)

So here is what I have planned:

Family Room:

• repaint the room but I will be keeping the same color (LOVE SW Whole Wheat)
• add quarter round...oh yes my dears -- look close and you will see it is missing
• add some height to the base trim too

Kitchen/Dining Area:

• repaint the cabinets (It has been almost 6 years since I 1st painted these cabinets. Before blogging & pinterest, I used the insight of my "nesties" to help guide me thru the process. This should be cake 2nd time around..now if only I could have a real life nestie come and help.)
• new microwave (Ours pooped out during the holidays.)
• repaint the dining room table
• new chairs (I have a few in mind that I can repaint and use.)

Master Bathroom:

• a complete, chic, & CHEAP redo (sadly it is still where it was last year)

Hall Bathroom:

• should I or shouldn't I repaint to a more neutral color?? The forever question...thoughts? I need lots of feedback, please.

happy... 8 Jan 2012 5:05 PM (13 years ago)

Thank you for all your wonderful wishes and comments. My little family feels so blessed. I want you to know that I read and appreciate every word you share with me on my humble little blog. I am ever so grateful for you coming to my little corner of the blog world and sharing my little journey with me. I hope I will still entice you to peek more often than not.

It is my hope that my daughter is able experience true happiness, true love, and exceptional confidence..all the things that make a woman truly beautiful. It is also my hope that my blog family and friends help me accomplish those dreams for her...afterall, you make me feel so happy, so loved, and so confidant.


Cheers~
e

anticipation for 2012 2 Jan 2012 6:30 AM (13 years ago)

Our lastest project for 2012:

Cheers~
e

just the beginning 26 Dec 2011 3:35 PM (13 years ago)

My little blog has kept the calendar of posts light towards the latter half of 2011. My little holiday from blogging started as a focus on my family and career. And then for reasons I have yet to fully disclose {mainly due to an upcoming secret that will soon be announced), my blog has been revived. Simply put..time is for what and who you love.

Love also allows the freedom to not feel guilty.

Not feel guilty if I only post once a week. Not feel guilty if I don't have pictures, let alone perfect pictures. Not feel guilty if I am posting about what I am feeling rather than what I am doing.

Why love? Because love helps us see clearly & live more beautifully.

Hoping your Christmas holiday was just the beginning of what the next year holds for you and yours.

Cheers~
e

save the last dance for me 18 Dec 2011 4:00 PM (13 years ago)

7 years ago today I married Mr. B. It was a day just like today here in Louisville, KY. The sun was out shining, it was not too cold at all, and there was a hint of Christmas in the air.

And to keep it real..as I re-promised myself to do on this blog...once you pan back, you get the real image of Mr. B in his natural habitat.

the twinkle of Christmas 17 Dec 2011 3:08 PM (13 years ago)

Amid the hour or 2 of waiting for my dough to rise {I am making Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls}, I thought I would tinker with the settings on my camera to take a twinkling picture of Thurgood trimming the tree (that is..after the cat knocked off an ornament).

Thank you to one of my nestie buddies, Beth, for the tips on creating a memorable Christmas tree photo. You brought that extra twinkle to our family tree...thank you!

Hmmm...I need to take a few more of our Christmas decor and join all the Open Houses while there is still time. I have a few tins of yummy rolls to make.

Cheers~

Are you there blog? It's me, MeganDVD 7 Dec 2011 4:36 PM (13 years ago)

It has been close to 19 weeks since I last posted on my blog. 19 weeks...it has been so long and yet gone by so fast. While I could say I needed a vacation or a break, what I really needed was to refocus myself and my blog. I needed to rediscover my voice because I was not sure who was being the author of this blog anymore.

So...I closed the computer.

And I have had a bit of an awakening.

no socks left behind 28 Aug 2011 4:45 PM (14 years ago)

I love this idea. I find it so adorable....but I have to be honest. It may be only cute with colorful itty bitty socks. I can only imagine what this would look like with my hubby's rather large and sometimes grey hued white socks or his long black socks on a line.

Either way...this is darling for kiddos.

Cheers~
e

a litte nesting to do 21 Aug 2011 2:30 PM (14 years ago)

I have about a million projects/crafts started in and about my home.....and none to show you because they are far from being finished. Well, either that or they need a bit more love {aka tweaking} before they make it on here for their debut party. What I have noticed though is that I am completely drawn to DIY necklaces.

And these little necklaces are so sweet and endearing.

the next chapter 17 Aug 2011 4:00 PM (14 years ago)

My world is spinning. SPINNING. I love my job, but I am more busy now than I have been in quite a while. I am finessing the art of balance from a whole new perspective with this new chapter in my life.

With so much going on, it was kismet that one day I came across a wonderful home for my family that has so much possibility.

As of this moment I have tunnel vision on this home:

Oh how I wish you could see it. Oh wait...you can :)







Thought you might enjoy a glimpse with me. Now..comes the hard part...what to do next.

Cheers~
e

the taste of summer 8 Aug 2011 3:45 PM (14 years ago)

The days of summer are numbered. Now is the time to savor water balloon fights and lightning bugs...and summer foods.

Especially summer fruits...I love fruit and there is something wonderful about in season fruits...it is a small taste of heaven.


One of my best friends, Christine, reminded me of the glousiously unbeatable fruit-sugar-mint combo. She made it for our family get together. Is it possible to have 2 families so close and the best of friends?

Absolutely.

Look at her little girl. She is getting so big. Those big eyes have big ideas just waiting for the world to see.

Christine, I have now made this 4 times this summer and love every bite. Thank you for showing me how to embrace simple sweetness.

Small note if you plan to do this and you should...do this while peaches are still in season, and you’ll hardly need the sugar.

Ingredients:
12 oz Strawberries (throw in a pint of raspberries for an extra burst of goodness)
4 peaches
1/3 cup mint
1 tbsp sugar

Instructions:
Clean and chop strawberries and peaches. Coarsely chop mint. Combine fruit, sugar and mint in a medium bowl and toss to coat. Serve chilled.

There it is...the taste of summer. Now all I need is some sun sweetened iced tea and a water balloon.
Do you have something that tastes of summer?

Cheers~
e

oooh the places you will go 5 Aug 2011 5:45 PM (14 years ago)

There is something about maps. I find them fascinating and inspiring. And now..I am all about repurposing them. Just take a glimpse at all the cute things you can do with maps.

So I think I am going to see if I can spy a few old maps to repurpose...on to the hunt. Do you have anything you are keeping an eye out for?

awaiting the august moon 1 Aug 2011 3:00 PM (14 years ago)

In less than the 31 days of this month, I have lost a friend from HS in a tragic car accident, my mother in law had triple bypass surgery, and I had my 1st full code on my unit that ended sadly.

I greet August with much anticipation.

With August comes my boards and all that business with my pharmacy license, but it also brings the last lingering days of summer.

Hello wonderful August....I have been waiting for you.

Cheers~
e

when i have time 19 Jul 2011 5:00 PM (14 years ago)

2nd sunday in july 10 Jul 2011 4:00 PM (14 years ago)

For me the definition of summer is a good church picnic. Here in Southern Indiana, we have so many, and the season officially starts with my home tri-parish picnic that supports the grade school I went to and the grade school my sister teaches at: the St. Joe Picnic in Corydon, Indiana.

You have not lived till you have been to a church picnic....and mine is extra special. Trust me...after 20+ years of working it and going to other picnics, the St. Joe Picnic is sacred to me. Every sense in your soul comes alive..here is my attempt to capture them for you.