Escape

Two weeks ago we took a trip down to go and see Casey's family. 

While we were there we escaped for the day to sneak over to my most favorite place in the whole wide world... destin, florida.

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We did some much needed shopping and bought the hubs some new work shoes.

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Then hit up one of our fave hangouts and got about 2 hours of beach time in.

We used this moment while we waited as prime photo op time.

this was her favorite thing...

digging her hands way deep down in the sand and then flinging the sand up in the air. 

pretty sure i scrubbed her scalp forever trying to get all the tiny grains of sand out...

she had a blast playing on the swingset.

but like most good things, they must come to an end so we packed up and headed home to Mimi's.

Can't wait to go back again.

Egg Hunt

How am I just now remembering to post these pictures??
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We went up to the school where I teach for an egg hunt and unfortunately this is the only one we made it to this year.

It was unbelievably cold this day;

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but we didn't let that stop us from having a good time.

things started off great with the hunt.

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I loved how they actually age divided and it wasnt a parents competiton for who's kids could get the most eggs.

(you have met this type, i have been known to be this type at children's clothing consignment sales. shh dont tell)

pawpaw came in town for the weekend and was able to offer some pretty sweet pointers.

then we found a pretty sweet stash in some ivy.

we tried to take a family pic and this was as good as it got.

you know a little gleeful dance for a successful hunt. 

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then a boy asked for some of her eggs.

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how rude!!

jk we gladly shared.

I did manage to squeeze in a little smile at the end.

Ziggity Zag

One of my many new years resolution's was to teach myself to upholster.

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disregard the feet... they look like they are waiting on the flood... literally.

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and no... the painting is still not quite like I want it. maybe next week when we are out of school.

My mom gave me this chair when we moved into our home. I knew it had tons of potential but it was one of those way way down on the to do list.

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Unfortunately I did not document this adventure.. (i know i know i should have) but there were alot of bruises, hang nails, curse words,  bummed fingers you know the usual when you are learning something new...

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I did however get to borrow my friends staple gun to adhere the new fabric!! yahoo!!

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Did I mention it took me 2 weeks to get the old fabric off?? far too long. 

notice my cute little side table??

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I found out about her through Three Men and a Lady

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She found this table at Kohl's Who would have thought??

isn't her room to die for??

I loaded the top of the table with only some of my fave's.

the elle mag a friend got me on her trip to paris. thanks kara!

and that candle is HEAVEN, its volcano from anthropologie.

Update:

Since taking this picture in early march,(yes I am that behind in blogging) the chair has found it's permenant perfect home at the foot of my bed. Can't wait to show you!

Most Expensive Wall in my House

See the picture of my super cute hallway??

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Notice anything that looks really pricey??

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Look again.

well it just so happens we FINALLY got our diploma's framed and hung on the wall.

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It feels so good to have both of these hanging. 

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Lots of blood sweat and tears were shed over these 8 x 10 pieces of paper. 

Naptime Bookshelf

Any of you ever visit Ana-white.com??

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One of you sweet readers Anonymously told me about her site.

{i would love to know who you are so I can personally come and hug your neck!!! seriously!!!}

Soon after finding out about the site

I spent way way too long scouring the site for things we could build.

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About that time we were in the market for a bookshelf to go in lil bit's room.

Loved PBKids and $119 wasn't too bad in my book.

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But hubby was determined to build something on his own.
{here is the link to the plans}

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We printed off the extremely detailed plans, took our list to Home Depot and purchased everything on the shopping list. 

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I went to work and hubby took baby to nap @ my parents. 

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In a little over an hour and a half he had a complete copy cat of the PB Shelf. 

Their Shelf

$119.00

Our Shelf

$46.00

materials 39.00

paint 7.00
still torn on whether or not to paint the shelf white.
thoughts??
I am linking up with Primitive and Proper on painted furniture.

My second home

Last night a monstrous tornado ripped through my college town of Tuscaloosa, namely the street I lived on for 3 years.



The tornado was reported to be almost a mile wide and a f-4 tornado.
Last I heard there were winds up to 200 miles per hour.



This is a pic of 15th street someone posted last night right after the storm. My dear friend heather and I loved the Japanese restaurant that was on the right, Hokkaido may you rest in peace.



Here is a before and after of Mcdonalds on 15th. To the right hand side you can see the hospital in the distance. The hospital is reportedly running on backup generators and can do so for up to 15 days.



The next few pictures show such destruction the area is completely unrecognizable to me.









This is the side of an apartment complex.



Here is another angle.






Another small apt complex at two different angles


These were the sidewalks my husband and I would walk our sweet puppy on.


Another view of the hospital.

Not too far away (maybe 3 streets over) is a very small section 8 housing community located near the hospital. I don't know at this time how severe their damage was but my heart is aching for these low income families.



This is 15th later this afternoon.

I have called all my friends still living in ttown to check on them and did not reach them via phone but have seen them check in via Facebook and twitter.

For the families of the ones who lost their lives I am lifting you all up in prayer.


Alot of these homes were inhabited by college students (I am sure not many had renters insurance and lost almost everything)


A current student posted these pics tonight around 5 pm. This is the base of a massive powerline. Notice how large the hole around the pole is. Apparently these poles were swaying like palm trees and the winds knocked them loose from their holdings.



Schlotzky's deli nearly demolished.



A students second floor apartment.



A home completely removed from it's foundation and replaced by a car.

What a powerful and mighty god we serve.

I hope each of you will join me and lift the lives of each affected in prayer.

I also didn't realize until today how much Tuscaloosa had of my heart.

If you would like to help you can "like" crimson cares or toomer's for Tuscaloosa on Facebook and find out where physical items an manpower is needed most.

My husband and I are hoping to go down next weekend and help in any way possible.

Feel free to comment if you want to join, we r in the process of booking hotel rooms in Birmingham now.

If you would like to give a monetary donation:

You can #donate to the Alabama chapter of the #RedCross by texting "REDCROSS" to 90999 $10 will be added to your next phone bill.

The news i read/ heard today was:
To my best knowledge roads from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa are still blocked and the National Guard has been brought in to help control the crowds at this time. UA has ended the semester without exams, graduating students will walk in august.

All displaced students can go to the student rec center for shelter and the university is offering shuttles to the airport and encouraging all students to head home due to extensive power outages.

Tuscaloosa holds such amazing tradition, pride, and so many precious memories for so many people.

Give an extra kiss and hug to your loved ones tonight. We will prevail!!

The Breakup

Ever had that feeling when you walk into a store

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You know...

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The one where real life kinda stops, you get lost in the music playing, the perfectly orchestrated displays and the sea of color around you?

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I used to do this with a local shop. 

I could walk in and dream of what I would hang above my couch, where I could find a place for that lamp, why I needed a little "ditty" to come home with me. 

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Well.... I took the plunge and bought local.

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Actually something I rarely do. I usually shop online for just about everything.

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On a random evening I happened to be in the part of town this store is located in and I stopped in and on a whim took the plunge and bought the runner I had been dying to have for my entry way.

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I left overjoyed, elated... sooo excited my new runner would be with me before I knew it. 

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I waited, and waited, heard nothing from the store, so I called to check on my items arrival date (after all they did have to order it for me) 

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"Good girl" I told myself, "way to support local businesses"...

After 17 days I decided I would pop in the store to check in and see if they knew how much longer, It was the week of my birthday, I was treating myself to a little something with some birthday money I had received.

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The usual girl who helped me barely noticed me, not even a usual hello.

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I proceeded to purchase myself a necklace, and my two yr old behaved exceptionally well this day.

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When I inquired about my {larger than normal} purchase all three people snubbed me and told me it takes a while. 

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Actually I knew what they were doing, they charged me shipping on the item and were waiting on other special orders so they could group them all together and not be charged shipping and pocket the extra fee.

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I got a haughty "sorry not here yet, should be here later in the week"

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I left slightly upset to get 3 street lights away for one of them to call and say, "oops, it was in the back, and has been for a while." {remember 17 days.}

So I actually picked up the phone and called the company. ahem... Dash and Albert. If I had ordered direct I would have had my item in 5 business days, paid $20.00 less for the rug, and been charged no shipping. essentially saving almost $50.00.

{how about them apples}

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I considered contacting the store owner and letting her know of my little dibacle. 

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When I saw her out I thought to mention it, but she happened to be so snobby and rude I decided it was time for a breakup.

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I will miss the displays, and the music.

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I will feel guilty for not supporting local businesses, but now I know I get my item on time, it can be returned, I won't be charged shipping, and hopefully deal with a nice person in customer service... and who doesn't love opening a beautifully packaged item??

Ever had to breakup with your favorite store??

What happened?