fess up friday - my notting hill

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWA53kVzdjA-wCSql62Zrk04XSQXRiGartCQ594xsCpu7CgO4UgZCNZxFSS31Yy6PzTErJww-6CHkj58zxjcVp98kt9wIS6XRyrLKlvXRLNRe0LhdokFRog1a0R9czUMqhHYvawbt-UJTy/s1600/FessUpFridaylogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWA53kVzdjA-wCSql62Zrk04XSQXRiGartCQ594xsCpu7CgO4UgZCNZxFSS31Yy6PzTErJww-6CHkj58zxjcVp98kt9wIS6XRyrLKlvXRLNRe0LhdokFRog1a0R9czUMqhHYvawbt-UJTy/s1600/FessUpFridaylogo.jpg" /></a></div><br />#TG&TF y'all!<br /><br />Thanks to each and every one of you for your sweet comments and emails about our <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2014/10/refresh-magazine-feature.html" target="_blank">feature in Refresh Magazine</a>. And what better way to celebrate than to bring back a little Fess Up Friday action! Wahoo!<br />Today we've got Michele from <a href="http://mynottinghill.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Notting Hill</a>. I've been a long time fan of Michele's and I learn something wonderful and design related each and every time I visit.  So Michele, fess up!<br /><br />Elizabeth - thanks for the invite to Fess Up Friday!  They say a little confession every now and then is good for the psyche.  You know, releasing the pent up anxieties that come with trying to keep hidden one's foibles, and all that. <br /><br />Well first I was going to fess up about my addiction to design but then realized in the world of bloggers and people who read blogs it's not all that unique. Besides, that pretty much gets chronicled on a weekly basis on my blog anyway.<br /><br />So here goes my confession- I still use my Motorola Tracfone <u>from 2008</u>!  It's an old school flip phone and I kinda love it.   Yes, it is pretty much good for only two things:  calling and sending simple text messages, which by the way can take me forever to do on this key pad.  At one point my kids (now almost 21 and 16) said, "Mom, why do you keep spelling out numbers when you text us?" Sad truth - I didn't know that if I pushed one extra time I'd get to the number part…  That tidbit of info sure did save me some time.  I love that it's narrow and long and feels more like a real phone that stretches from your ear to your mouth. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHLjPeGSRxYuSR7Iq3rWe2yHrP-3GTVZHCNfjpZHMDLCMlpewCW9xdJjSgCqzoP_JBOYCvilPpK0olTGgq86XXSfD3pj1bSliE-1zFTqeRifX72o2y0e3xfnj8EynNcyBJgId7o1fB5Px/s1600/DSCN5720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHLjPeGSRxYuSR7Iq3rWe2yHrP-3GTVZHCNfjpZHMDLCMlpewCW9xdJjSgCqzoP_JBOYCvilPpK0olTGgq86XXSfD3pj1bSliE-1zFTqeRifX72o2y0e3xfnj8EynNcyBJgId7o1fB5Px/s1600/DSCN5720.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I love the little mirror feature and use it to help me put on my lipstick.  I also love the fact that I only spend about $100 bucks a year total on minutes and that I'm never tempted to look at it when I'm walking somewhere because, let's face it, there's not much to look at. I haven't even changed the screensaver pic in over 6 years.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDcMxbPK2BiDzXfcaXxvrayyc9PiG-WJKYGw5GDZ9NftIKq7fbihZuI2aW5KlLN49UigAvEzYZCeT2m1pLNJiXPSe2SIrz7SCiJwqobe-ceKHMHGEVWNs2P5u7h1jZihFJG0abgs9SMdx/s1600/DSCN5722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDcMxbPK2BiDzXfcaXxvrayyc9PiG-WJKYGw5GDZ9NftIKq7fbihZuI2aW5KlLN49UigAvEzYZCeT2m1pLNJiXPSe2SIrz7SCiJwqobe-ceKHMHGEVWNs2P5u7h1jZihFJG0abgs9SMdx/s1600/DSCN5722.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Just recently I went on a long weekend with college friends.  They couldn't believe I still had "that friggin flip phone."  I always tell people the same thing, "Oh, when my minutes expire, I'll finally get an iPhone" <u>but I know that's a lie</u>.  I plan on keeping this thing until it dies.    xo Michele<br /><br /><br />

fess up friday - my notting hill

#TG&TF y'all! Thanks to each and every one of you for your sweet comments and emails about our feature in Refresh Magazine . And wha...

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fess up friday - short and sweet

Today is a good day for three reasons. One, it is Friday. (duh) Two, Alexa is here. And three, Kirby is here too. Kirby and Alexa, better known as <a href="http://www.theshortandthesweetofit.com/" target="_blank">Short and Sweet</a> are a daily must read. One of the things I love best about their blog is that they are aces at mixing it up. Beauty posts, lifestyle, design and shopping - they cover it all but it is always original and relatable. And their fess up today is no different. I'm so glad they are here to wrap up Fess Up Friday for the summer. So ladies, fess up!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-0LTcmpQpN07Nh4TjxWa_drbjxXRXOKuOznAOyfvFKlNvtXZYBUxUdv754NqMKg-3btIhFKW3q0nyWY6s1Y3WZvtYMVQwvExKgfUhKDsnnkFgSo023gbDGTvb3Hg7av8V5EDJc8-nZgZ/s1600/FessUpFridaylogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-0LTcmpQpN07Nh4TjxWa_drbjxXRXOKuOznAOyfvFKlNvtXZYBUxUdv754NqMKg-3btIhFKW3q0nyWY6s1Y3WZvtYMVQwvExKgfUhKDsnnkFgSo023gbDGTvb3Hg7av8V5EDJc8-nZgZ/s1600/FessUpFridaylogo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We are not fashion bloggers.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So much of the blogging world is aspirational. It's fun to see the way some of our favorite bloggers style the items sitting in our online shopping carts, but it's hard to take fashion photos in our real lives. We both have jobs. We each have a dog, and Alexa has a toddler and a baby. To be honest, outfit posts take a lot of time! First there's hair (are we the only ones who wear top knots 90% of the time?) and makeup (more makeup for photos is better), then there's the clothes, shoes (in case you didn't guess from the title of our blog we're both short), and lighting. The best photos are typically taken in the daylight, but we usually blog in the early morning or late night hours. Here are a few outfit post outtakes that didn't make the blog.</span><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Vo8AscQA2lO6B-ef2JDd72W0HSQSLK2GgiPaCc58N-oGrO67A8B_mBSmykmKpsFQyBk2kDagWm39lVFh0SymjGOABzhsbo6Xyjkbo17PMkFbpdCux901hv3k3vgJYF09kg4OH5dtVNg/s1600/KirbyOuttake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Vo8AscQA2lO6B-ef2JDd72W0HSQSLK2GgiPaCc58N-oGrO67A8B_mBSmykmKpsFQyBk2kDagWm39lVFh0SymjGOABzhsbo6Xyjkbo17PMkFbpdCux901hv3k3vgJYF09kg4OH5dtVNg/s1600/KirbyOuttake1.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The lighting here is all wrong. All we had to do was cross the street to take better photos for the <a href="http://www.theshortandthesweetofit.com/2014/05/wear-wedding-guest.html">final post</a>, but it took some trial and error.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaURsc8Wa5bIQdJAuy5MsrHFbsouv2UJ71alabMdOcUsBAMx9RkmUG9F-mRQzFSvKX-LNCuz33mT-wYZdZcW62LcFEINOLip8pOkttKKq3FFqm5sYR6fh00_MwswM0isKoGHtxk80nbjg/s1600/KirbyOuttake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaURsc8Wa5bIQdJAuy5MsrHFbsouv2UJ71alabMdOcUsBAMx9RkmUG9F-mRQzFSvKX-LNCuz33mT-wYZdZcW62LcFEINOLip8pOkttKKq3FFqm5sYR6fh00_MwswM0isKoGHtxk80nbjg/s1600/KirbyOuttake2.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is Tank. He gets worried whenever the camera comes out and runs into the shot for a quick cuddle. Who can resist that face?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAmVdKOxo-aSldQNlRMZcNmkQ58WZpwSG6hd_7YQDYpgbEpSkSMctXLN-a6vSz0RSRbWOjbXNC3sci6djqJu9v9u9BjerEZhuqRwh7jKDSnzPXJy-Lx_WBEWTlI5R5wQEXSaqh7_QdrA/s1600/KirbyOuttake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAmVdKOxo-aSldQNlRMZcNmkQ58WZpwSG6hd_7YQDYpgbEpSkSMctXLN-a6vSz0RSRbWOjbXNC3sci6djqJu9v9u9BjerEZhuqRwh7jKDSnzPXJy-Lx_WBEWTlI5R5wQEXSaqh7_QdrA/s1600/KirbyOuttake3.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is what happens when you wear something to brunch and try to take photos later. Even Photoshop can't fix those wrinkles.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkkFdUeV7lixWk_Gg46q1Op1rGdo8vdBtx8r5jWCZUHTnppQUE0BDj2MT_PhFTq_KEyctzGXtA7m5Vh7VadI8tbb8tJH1yyDS-A34egninspRv9TO8sPpGMDurKYOrAcNVHFwDHhjvn0/s1600/Short+and+Sweet+Outtakes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkkFdUeV7lixWk_Gg46q1Op1rGdo8vdBtx8r5jWCZUHTnppQUE0BDj2MT_PhFTq_KEyctzGXtA7m5Vh7VadI8tbb8tJH1yyDS-A34egninspRv9TO8sPpGMDurKYOrAcNVHFwDHhjvn0/s1600/Short+and+Sweet+Outtakes+2.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is so much going on here I'm not sure where to begin. Notice the random string of yard draped across the lawn. That was there for probably two weeks. As were the egg and doll house furniture. The baby was at a height of consternation at this point (as you can tell by his clenched fists).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYJVamXX6WCooiHGcDd0HPs-vjaFKWixqD7iXM3f-UkM7wquZDtcJacvggaS_zMYjmaWAgx-08TlaK7m2N8XicEUDDVA3n2E5ndsph7ot8KGxzNGzFfzhFQh_aLA6DhkpzBJhW2_AqLw/s1600/Short+and+Sweet+Outtake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYJVamXX6WCooiHGcDd0HPs-vjaFKWixqD7iXM3f-UkM7wquZDtcJacvggaS_zMYjmaWAgx-08TlaK7m2N8XicEUDDVA3n2E5ndsph7ot8KGxzNGzFfzhFQh_aLA6DhkpzBJhW2_AqLw/s1600/Short+and+Sweet+Outtake+1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Mommy's taking a photo right now. Yes if you're good you can have a chocolate chip afterwards. Ok two chocolate chips. Ok three. Ok, why don't I just bake you two dozen chocolate chip cookies?" Also, notice the bandaid on my forefinger. No idea what that was from.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But, it's all in a day's work, right? At least for a blogger. ;)</span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thanks for having us Elizabeth!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>

fess up friday - short and sweet

Today is a good day for three reasons. One, it is Friday. (duh) Two, Alexa is here. And three, Kirby is here too. Kirby and Alexa, better kn...

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fess up friday - the zhush

Fess up Friday is here again already? Man did this week go by fast! But luckily it did because I've been looking forward to today's guest for quite some time. The ever so lovely Sue from <a href="http://thezhush.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Zhush</a> is here today. I know, exciting right?! Sue has the classic and bang on style that every girl aspires to, and <a href="http://www.zhush.com/" target="_blank">her store</a> is chalk full of goodies that I'd love to have in my own home. (hint hint hubs!)<br /><br />Sue, fess up!<br /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB641J5ltBcdA3t7DgLVOvme-xqHqn8CTQGgMTKbw2MqXTXMEdmkBnNPm5HsdVS4jekdRcM2kedqM04wDH0WSEnC06cvz77h733NTTeG-0Mi6v_ltCoA9orOyLN4S0C7rnX6H_ey0cLo/s1600/etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB641J5ltBcdA3t7DgLVOvme-xqHqn8CTQGgMTKbw2MqXTXMEdmkBnNPm5HsdVS4jekdRcM2kedqM04wDH0WSEnC06cvz77h733NTTeG-0Mi6v_ltCoA9orOyLN4S0C7rnX6H_ey0cLo/s1600/etsy.jpg" /></a></div><br />These "Fess Up Friday" posts are a lot of fun...probably because they are all so relatable.  I'm hoping some of you can relate to my little confession here today...I'm obsessed with flowers! I blame <a href="http://instagram.com/zhush#" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/sued/" target="_blank"><b>Pinterest</b></a> and <a href="http://thezhush.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>blogging</b></a> for this pricey little habit.  Before I started my blog, I loved flowers just as much as anyone, but I certainly didn't know a Parrot Tulip from a French Tulip, and as for Ranunculus, I couldn't spell or pronounce these beauties, mostly because I didn't even know they existed!  But now, over fours years into blogging, and thanks to the visual feast that is social media, it seems I can't go a week without finding an excuse to visit a florist or two.  With Peony season in full swing, it's only getting worst...I need to start growing my own!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI9hpwA2RaHdUcZEpdarp0308u4A0-M7kMZFrXyBLevhRqZPwpU8iwfTwFilMR26tGFRUCiVEQPiWXpk5IE-_Nkr68pXuV-dJhQW3b8uik9tGti87mhIcH89Z7rghyqNJ9P4HP7X1W2s/s1600/bb01c3ceb27a11e1a8761231381b4856_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI9hpwA2RaHdUcZEpdarp0308u4A0-M7kMZFrXyBLevhRqZPwpU8iwfTwFilMR26tGFRUCiVEQPiWXpk5IE-_Nkr68pXuV-dJhQW3b8uik9tGti87mhIcH89Z7rghyqNJ9P4HP7X1W2s/s1600/bb01c3ceb27a11e1a8761231381b4856_7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICrKk3Bu_DZly_DsKPGorYu5KuBEimCMC92XQEdVyZtz7VYQvFMywcUbMCQAjLtP_axLFRpdjX0e5kBts3HHRBGV_15XXtl-9JcC70mQRFGjW69hCyeZD8L3kI_VUQ9NqjujbIgSVmBc/s1600/10401771_241757692689802_689606434_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICrKk3Bu_DZly_DsKPGorYu5KuBEimCMC92XQEdVyZtz7VYQvFMywcUbMCQAjLtP_axLFRpdjX0e5kBts3HHRBGV_15XXtl-9JcC70mQRFGjW69hCyeZD8L3kI_VUQ9NqjujbIgSVmBc/s1600/10401771_241757692689802_689606434_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x_cXZLLFp3m8ZGpamCJwf0X_wflJZvAkh8jsoDVFIJtQaOBMnwnWYFqti27CZjO9Fx8GpkPZwGFo98L4irweBA9krPCQkASj6ERcWGHNUBiGXLZoJogj5W6HDXNPHngzWPTUDuMYbio/s1600/lucite-coffee-table-styling-vignette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x_cXZLLFp3m8ZGpamCJwf0X_wflJZvAkh8jsoDVFIJtQaOBMnwnWYFqti27CZjO9Fx8GpkPZwGFo98L4irweBA9krPCQkASj6ERcWGHNUBiGXLZoJogj5W6HDXNPHngzWPTUDuMYbio/s1600/lucite-coffee-table-styling-vignette.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR757hIAXHztrLWjAaI2bSp_FqrvCxycN5oLbOltEkRDu6dWS9HSddVLeAu-FNh2QtQpuUDCiQH38ikmsNpboiNfd00cIR6SEyY6NtwuG01urf456aNQltUhgVJrLQ7cWnw4-4GTT8TbY/s1600/925250_1493848767497528_2037897110_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR757hIAXHztrLWjAaI2bSp_FqrvCxycN5oLbOltEkRDu6dWS9HSddVLeAu-FNh2QtQpuUDCiQH38ikmsNpboiNfd00cIR6SEyY6NtwuG01urf456aNQltUhgVJrLQ7cWnw4-4GTT8TbY/s1600/925250_1493848767497528_2037897110_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Every room I pin, every Instagram I snap, nothing looks right or stylish to me anymore unless there are some beautiful blooms involved.  Perhaps it's just spring fever after a long miserable winter...tell me I'm not the only one!<br /><br /></div>

fess up friday - the zhush

Fess up Friday is here again already? Man did this week go by fast! But luckily it did because I've been looking forward to today's ...

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fess up friday - recently

Happy Friday one and all! I am off to do some swimming and then watch my little in her first swim meet but first I have a great treat for you. Emily from <a href="http://www.recentlytheblog.com/" target="_blank">Recently</a> is here and I couldn't be more thrilled. I've always loved Emily's blog and even though she hasn't posted in a while, I had to ask her. I'm so glad she said yes! So Emily, fess up!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxclYM5InJLHRh7MD1JQDbSNqg5wWo6MCOWkgwEBlwYPX5nmMaZAVxcDzAzAQtrbnXcnqC_yFDmOCubXqOTiWIMRz6UgAlz8xayHQnTFpHdI_7LxlJjmuc0DaHr6nP0ysAez2I9dtb3uIe/s1600/FessUpFridaylogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxclYM5InJLHRh7MD1JQDbSNqg5wWo6MCOWkgwEBlwYPX5nmMaZAVxcDzAzAQtrbnXcnqC_yFDmOCubXqOTiWIMRz6UgAlz8xayHQnTFpHdI_7LxlJjmuc0DaHr6nP0ysAez2I9dtb3uIe/s1600/FessUpFridaylogo.jpg" /></a></div><br />Hi everyone, I'm Emily, from <a href="http://www.recentlytheblog.com/" target="_blank">Recently</a>, here to fess up on this lovely Friday!  I have mixed emotions about this post, mainly because- to get straight to the point- I haven't blogged in eight months.  Yep, I'm fessing up about being an absentee blogger, or, as I like to call it, an on-the-fence blogger.  I haven't posted in forever, but I still maintain my site and keep telling myself I'll get back to blogging someday.  Here's a little of what I used to be up to...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbPXrvfNfk2ECelB4Badm2fWw0b20Kk2oO7NfIA2TWoxy-DwCcFfbM6t0ysk9kIAK4kODmQdqnjLzpQcYxRGQOnxFVwkykpTtm1lsrhHaAkvq1MGlhNkh2_bGwz1OsaddQuIZaklLPeoz/s1600/desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbPXrvfNfk2ECelB4Badm2fWw0b20Kk2oO7NfIA2TWoxy-DwCcFfbM6t0ysk9kIAK4kODmQdqnjLzpQcYxRGQOnxFVwkykpTtm1lsrhHaAkvq1MGlhNkh2_bGwz1OsaddQuIZaklLPeoz/s1600/desk.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvDbou3SYCd28M9kxFEZj683B5xJj9S_OSlOYPzGxPJj3mcQ5B39fg5YUUCntc-pJd9cbG463GQNLIkeB7i6l8lGs1zo2uNiJsLvOMdXXNA4aC7jywYgFlxGJ5E_dIZb_MIY3fQG7Go7i/s1600/furbish-pillows-entry-bamboo-mirror-gold-lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvDbou3SYCd28M9kxFEZj683B5xJj9S_OSlOYPzGxPJj3mcQ5B39fg5YUUCntc-pJd9cbG463GQNLIkeB7i6l8lGs1zo2uNiJsLvOMdXXNA4aC7jywYgFlxGJ5E_dIZb_MIY3fQG7Go7i/s1600/furbish-pillows-entry-bamboo-mirror-gold-lamp.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Those were the days.  Now, here's what I've been up to lately:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgJ9KslxPnVZvtnnd1bM689aXCtvq_nUxsQdm00w_XY7ZqZg8luPHBPnlO78HF4Y4e_3boDogm98tdf23DMVcI1EBdxTDW4L85zJasDcnm6UqIPvzQ5tBD9jPj55YZyCwG1w3DFZdxjt5/s1600/lovesapphires+17web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgJ9KslxPnVZvtnnd1bM689aXCtvq_nUxsQdm00w_XY7ZqZg8luPHBPnlO78HF4Y4e_3boDogm98tdf23DMVcI1EBdxTDW4L85zJasDcnm6UqIPvzQ5tBD9jPj55YZyCwG1w3DFZdxjt5/s1600/lovesapphires+17web.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwqQPcfsn-xZmjeCSCgq9M8j0AvdfWISC4_hPVx86kPbvr9C2rxoObLzwnXTWtureZxn5vVvorFAZRbNWct_Rtvn3Zez5TB1CoWlX7oXJSrrKYcygXIiylriRw0bsuKxg9AfzqWjh3gDD/s1600/lovesapphires+38web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwqQPcfsn-xZmjeCSCgq9M8j0AvdfWISC4_hPVx86kPbvr9C2rxoObLzwnXTWtureZxn5vVvorFAZRbNWct_Rtvn3Zez5TB1CoWlX7oXJSrrKYcygXIiylriRw0bsuKxg9AfzqWjh3gDD/s1600/lovesapphires+38web.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><br />No, that's not me, but I did take the photos. :)  I started a photography business called <a href="http://ninaandbphotography.com/" target="_blank">Nina & B Photography</a> (named after my grandparents) and I've been loving every moment of it.  I'm way too busy right now to keep up with my blog, but I'm hoping to incorporate it into my business very soon.  I haven't decided if I'll retire the name "recently," but I hope that I can keep part of the blog that means so much to me around for a while longer.<br /><br />It's definitely been hard to be away, so thank you Elizabeth for having me today!<br /><br />PS: That adorable gal in the photos above is Laura from <a href="http://www.loveandsapphires.com/" target="_blank">Love and Sapphires</a>.  You should check out her style- it's incredible!

fess up friday - recently

Happy Friday one and all! I am off to do some swimming and then watch my little in her first swim meet but first I have a great treat for yo...

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fess up friday - design indulgence

Today is a real treat as we have one of my all time favorite designers and funny ladies, Sherry from <a href="http://designindulgence.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Design Indulgence</a>. Sherry is my neutrals idol. No one can do white and black better than this lady and she also just happens to be one of the nicest and funniest ladies I've met in this little corner of the world (wide web). So Sherry, fess up!<br /><script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-17695208-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pHxVdPL5zTC9gEjDGhFOofKrLNME7epOpET8Sm1lb9TyuHMxkLCWSxqgnWJd30kqKEod3MvciKXIFUSI2Baj0P7tWkxzEmh1jJn1wOboA2uNHX9GFTcsdIpWW_vg4C01IgR-jEYV3lrA/s1600/FessUpFridaylogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pHxVdPL5zTC9gEjDGhFOofKrLNME7epOpET8Sm1lb9TyuHMxkLCWSxqgnWJd30kqKEod3MvciKXIFUSI2Baj0P7tWkxzEmh1jJn1wOboA2uNHX9GFTcsdIpWW_vg4C01IgR-jEYV3lrA/s1600/FessUpFridaylogo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Elizabeth.....<i>you funny girl</i>...thanks for asking me to join in on "fess up friday"....I think:)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I thought about all kinds of things I could confess to..... like I have a couple of hairs on my chin that seem to grow 4 inches in one night.  Seriously one day nothing and the next day <i>Rapunzel.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Or that I <i>HATE my curly hair</i>....it has always been a pain in my ass.  </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVKSmeiXIRvMD41WirSK0jy3hyphenhyphenCSGPqDs7WAuR_28YGkTIBfQussiSDUee1i60Y4uyiP2bNVVIBBjfqqb7qph5OuOuPQsafuHv3FSYxuV0SMD72qRJjRKVaOBRfQBjF8Xzb36L0l0kg/s1600/5136_106847897937_8174843_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVKSmeiXIRvMD41WirSK0jy3hyphenhyphenCSGPqDs7WAuR_28YGkTIBfQussiSDUee1i60Y4uyiP2bNVVIBBjfqqb7qph5OuOuPQsafuHv3FSYxuV0SMD72qRJjRKVaOBRfQBjF8Xzb36L0l0kg/s1600/5136_106847897937_8174843_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">That is me [25 years ago] with <i>Gene Simmons </i>hair.  Ridiculous.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Or....I am <i>totally petrified beyond anything</i> of spiders...large or small.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGWKLe_IDpfKDSCHsKPmjWNQVjL3hsyq_HVgoA6z_YRbc6x89g932hdzSsonvIqy3Il9eEKJ__ZRfNzoKV9wHJopJAJ0_GWw81uMOmag4C3iteA0NXVxO_iimSOWi-Js10r8mUNMbcQ/s1600/255374_10151061106762938_343235263_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGWKLe_IDpfKDSCHsKPmjWNQVjL3hsyq_HVgoA6z_YRbc6x89g932hdzSsonvIqy3Il9eEKJ__ZRfNzoKV9wHJopJAJ0_GWw81uMOmag4C3iteA0NXVxO_iimSOWi-Js10r8mUNMbcQ/s1600/255374_10151061106762938_343235263_n.jpg" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">But I guess the real thing I am confessing to is this....how scared I get when I post about a <i>design project</i> I have completed or <i>share pictures of my own home.  </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Seriously people I feel so vulnerable....<i>"is it OK....are people thinking WTH is THAT?"</i>  She needs to keep that mess to herself.   It's like I have that syndrome where someone can't recognize faces....only I can't recognize if it looks good or not.  Epic fail?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">On the one hand people tell me they like it..... but what if they really don't know?  We have all seen when someone leaves the house thinking <i>"BAM....I look good!"</i>  And....you wonder </span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">what.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>were. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>they.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>thinking.</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Whoever<i> </i>said <i>"I like it and I don't care about anyone else's opinion"</i> is a liar right?  <i>Of course we care or we wouldn't keep changing it.  </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">So there....it's out.  I have stood on the mountain [like Moses] with a bullhorn and hollered <i>"it's a crap shoot over here:)".</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Keeping it real.....Sherika</span></div><div><br /></div>

fess up friday - design indulgence

Today is a real treat as we have one of my all time favorite designers and funny ladies, Sherry from Design Indulgence . Sherry is my neutra...

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fess up friday - comfy cozy couture

Thank god for Fess Up Friday, or I would have not even known what day it is! I'm still in a bit of a <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2014/05/rest-and-relaxation.html" target="_blank">post-vacation</a> haze. I'll update you on all the vacation fun next week, but for today I'm happy to focus on the oh so lovely Dominique from <a href="http://comfycozycouture.com/CCC/blog" target="_blank">Comfy Cozy Couture</a>. I've long loved Dominique and long envied her style - girlfriend knows how to work it. When that winning lottery ticket lands in my lap, I'm calling Dominique for some hard core styling advice. Let's hear what my dear has to share today - Dominique, fess up!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDI8TPkoYL97E8uE4rB_4COzxDs5aRGEQMaIIerefwJjZNuKbRQCEn61NzyRmkAqabYuugx_0hbuBBkagpnSQnN7IqFpIwvZw0zwtss4qZOf1zOoyX0HWnraCl5qgxgoJ9NSR71_z7w9J/s1600/FessUpFridaylogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDI8TPkoYL97E8uE4rB_4COzxDs5aRGEQMaIIerefwJjZNuKbRQCEn61NzyRmkAqabYuugx_0hbuBBkagpnSQnN7IqFpIwvZw0zwtss4qZOf1zOoyX0HWnraCl5qgxgoJ9NSR71_z7w9J/s1600/FessUpFridaylogo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Hey lovelies, Dominique here from <span style="color: #ffcc99;"><a href="http://comfycozycouture.com/CCC/blog" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffcc99;">Comfy Cozy Couture</span></a></span>! Thanks to Elizabeth for having me over today for "Fess Up Friday!" I've always loved Elizabeth's crazy good style and ability to complete a fabulous DIY right before our eyes! Oh and the fact that she's hilarious is the cherry on top!<br /><br />Okay, so I can't drag it out any longer...it's Fess Up time. Now I will admit I was so excited when Elizabeth emailed me about participating but that was immediately followed by nerves. Like omg, what am I going to fess up about but if you follow along with <span style="color: #ffcc99;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.comfycozycouture.com/ccc/blog" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffcc99;">CCC</span></a></span> you know that I recently announced the Mr. and I are expecting a baby in December.<br /><br /><img alt="Comfy Cozy Couture | Baby DeLaney" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3676" height="450" src="http://comfycozycouture.com/CCC/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Comfy-Cozy-Couture-Baby-DeLaney.png" width="600" /><br /><br />And since "fessing up" is all about being honest well I'm <em>terrified</em> about this baby...not about the labor or how this said baby will come into the world (I'm pretending like the stork is going to drop it off for now) but more about what's going to happen to my body and that I will be responsible for another human being. Don't get me wrong I am so thankful that God blessed us with this baby as we tried for many many months and I think pregnancy is a beautiful thing! But as I try to prepare for the crazy changes that are about to happen to my body or the fact that my hormones are on a constant roller coaster ride...and the numbers on the scale are going to start creeping up I can't help but feel anxious and vulnerable.<br /><br />But I'm vowing to put my negative thoughts aside and try to embrace this pregnancy thing along with all of the changes because I know in the end it will all be worth it or so I hear! Alright my confession is over...Whew, I feel better. Thanks for having me, I hope some of you readers can relate...tell me you can? I'm not alone here right?!<br /><br />

fess up friday - comfy cozy couture

Thank god for Fess Up Friday, or I would have not even known what day it is! I'm still in a bit of a post-vacation haze. I'll updat...

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fess up friday - crazy wonderful

Raise your hand if you are thrilled it is finally Friday! Now get ready to raise the other hand up and do a little dance because today Shelley, from <a href="http://westermanfam.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crazy Wonderful</a> is over for Fess Up Friday. Double Wahoo! Shelley is one of the sweetest women I've (virtually) met and I have loved following her build and move into their new house. So Shelley, Fess up!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9TOeIcgdTf4V2quZZP-39DyqnBVHaAng1T0Qd4hN-tNPQCxd_9pR_EK0tgHwIlPTNUMWha6LWvwywaWfu3sFdhlBguQCtR79hgA1-LYb_gWiN0cZ2WQtlCie-eVaMjfd4e_VEbed7MMN/s1600/FessUpFridaylogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9TOeIcgdTf4V2quZZP-39DyqnBVHaAng1T0Qd4hN-tNPQCxd_9pR_EK0tgHwIlPTNUMWha6LWvwywaWfu3sFdhlBguQCtR79hgA1-LYb_gWiN0cZ2WQtlCie-eVaMjfd4e_VEbed7MMN/s1600/FessUpFridaylogo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">Hey guys!  My name is Shelley, and I blog over at <a href="http://westermanfam.blogspot.com/">Crazy Wonderful</a>.  I luuuurve a good <a href="http://westermanfam.blogspot.com/p/tutorials-test-page.html">DIY </a>and am currently in the process of making our new house a <a href="http://westermanfam.blogspot.com/p/house-tour.html">home</a>.  Once you're done reading this you'll get a better sense of the "crazy" part of wonderful.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">It is sooo easy to get caught up in appearances.  Especially in Blog World.  You may read a blog and think, "Wow.  She really has it together.  Her house is perfect, children are perfect, blah, blah, blah...  And, I now feel like crap about myself."  Yuck.  Ok yes, I'm sure there are <strike>weird</strike> people out there that have it all together.  But those people are few and far between.  I certainly don't have it together.  And the last thing I want is for someone to feel that way when they read my blog.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">For instance... my living room.</div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBfU3OeX71sJORSuZOJmSZViKekJpLBt3xS7H5eM2025aM0vaVfQdxXdUFQlcE0efhxbwBojmNXDLM3etVQleN5MboD7aD0WrCgCF8mX5kLsH2JXM3RccL0yumOPJMq-2LzRBXps-JfV-/s1600/bamboo+roman+shades+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBfU3OeX71sJORSuZOJmSZViKekJpLBt3xS7H5eM2025aM0vaVfQdxXdUFQlcE0efhxbwBojmNXDLM3etVQleN5MboD7aD0WrCgCF8mX5kLsH2JXM3RccL0yumOPJMq-2LzRBXps-JfV-/s1600/bamboo+roman+shades+1.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXAmOclFQMGPOk1oBIJSLznLq9qvryos8ctv1_k94dt4H023YDO4FuODWahsOecpIsb_HYtJlqKBI3aTAPGJ5Z7sahtsNGOFS7ymDKEzc34n8fjHKBh6Lye_Coc6NleZCIl2xhdUOd8uk/s1600/black+and+white+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXAmOclFQMGPOk1oBIJSLznLq9qvryos8ctv1_k94dt4H023YDO4FuODWahsOecpIsb_HYtJlqKBI3aTAPGJ5Z7sahtsNGOFS7ymDKEzc34n8fjHKBh6Lye_Coc6NleZCIl2xhdUOd8uk/s1600/black+and+white+living+room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Really looks like this.  Toys and pillows tossed around.  A collection of remotes hanging out.  A still uncompleted gallery wall with random frames leaning against the top of the TV (can't believe it hasn't fallen yet) and paper taped to the front of another frame.  Leftover sippy cup from last night.  And more likely than not, a few Cheerios smooshed into the rug.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyqDI4823RYNSiSvsfWQNl_LMoiNVd-3Err9lGCU5MsMgZgUwlLx9evo8kfR9tJKuMIqWS9HfoywLFEYtp4vb7zSbTeJO_oZBSoB2vGu5p40Ak5wtLyb7Zdh7wAyv-NhflLcpA-rJgKDQ/s1600/living+room+mess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyqDI4823RYNSiSvsfWQNl_LMoiNVd-3Err9lGCU5MsMgZgUwlLx9evo8kfR9tJKuMIqWS9HfoywLFEYtp4vb7zSbTeJO_oZBSoB2vGu5p40Ak5wtLyb7Zdh7wAyv-NhflLcpA-rJgKDQ/s1600/living+room+mess.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I do have some pretty striped candles hanging out on my fireplace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQDMRcvwv5XRuHdLIT0fEy9F_7j6OKKlOkrQtsSqk064WTkHPVaE3GU6mJFZNs0bS28KsskgwqPxFMarYNd2hWzQ0-jYQqqLY4un_IktwkAk1XZjGPgz96Qhd45icNmq-2qdXDeDDQ9B4/s1600/striped+candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQDMRcvwv5XRuHdLIT0fEy9F_7j6OKKlOkrQtsSqk064WTkHPVaE3GU6mJFZNs0bS28KsskgwqPxFMarYNd2hWzQ0-jYQqqLY4un_IktwkAk1XZjGPgz96Qhd45icNmq-2qdXDeDDQ9B4/s1600/striped+candles.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But if you were to see the backs you'd notice the stripes are actually pieces of washi tape.  I was trying it out to see if I liked the look before buying<em> real</em> striped candles, which I do, but honestly I'll probably just leave them as is.  Nobody needs to know but us girls ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS1OGIj1KO5nzX3TGfAkBdeQHJ280ZjCYfPFatn9DWhTLQ3Yrl4GOcFVcgHxTle0tgibvfAwmZC__Iax-60PNSWHGlqUZ60dYureBRPpXT3bh9JpQwUyUdj8PiWKq5UjOZMrrtmeXGdy2/s1600/candle+backs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS1OGIj1KO5nzX3TGfAkBdeQHJ280ZjCYfPFatn9DWhTLQ3Yrl4GOcFVcgHxTle0tgibvfAwmZC__Iax-60PNSWHGlqUZ60dYureBRPpXT3bh9JpQwUyUdj8PiWKq5UjOZMrrtmeXGdy2/s1600/candle+backs.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's see what else...  Oh!  So do you want to know why I haven't posted pictures of my kitchen that I love so dearly yet?  It's because there is a constant crap pile that hangs out on the counter.  I can feel my blood pressure rising as I look at this picture.  Drives me INSANE.  Insane, people!!!  I've tried cleaning it up, but this thing breeds when I turn my back.  One of these days I will tame it.  One of these days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFTFGJKp-VdGlyD82SWbG_M0AmHWUi_Ry_mhMZOjlmSxzul4jJc4FGQDTRj60UXmdRhIVNzlBCYjeHoYH-EnPTPS-gj0vrEivJZbwjpRB75spNIhVEPZh3JB9HT9-UV10nsSbG6ppabNq/s1600/kitchen+mess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFTFGJKp-VdGlyD82SWbG_M0AmHWUi_Ry_mhMZOjlmSxzul4jJc4FGQDTRj60UXmdRhIVNzlBCYjeHoYH-EnPTPS-gj0vrEivJZbwjpRB75spNIhVEPZh3JB9HT9-UV10nsSbG6ppabNq/s1600/kitchen+mess.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made this really cute art out of plastic animals for Sam's nursery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipA4xsvA3PAaSWg6tQSXmQsDx_kAzHuXmM4p9WkT7RwtWI_p_B5X-mkXNj1YUs3cIP8zbvymVbmU2MEnxKH5d2g6ULGjM0_geE6aMNwC4FUSuyUEcW-tSekD7niq3n_4Dqy6DaCfSxQ-T5/s1600/IMG_5504-edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipA4xsvA3PAaSWg6tQSXmQsDx_kAzHuXmM4p9WkT7RwtWI_p_B5X-mkXNj1YUs3cIP8zbvymVbmU2MEnxKH5d2g6ULGjM0_geE6aMNwC4FUSuyUEcW-tSekD7niq3n_4Dqy6DaCfSxQ-T5/s1600/IMG_5504-edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRTODUuSpCH7dsfYeL92zMznf4pz3nJ4lAKGPylUYXnJLl4WaKBzbH10vxvJwMpABB8B_CeQV7UcPxTO2HNSRsNkvLGFNg23mdS8Wjxdba9l985x_6V2Ls8zrrVvxVAD9sFP-9BgEiooI/s1600/nursery+photo+collage+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRTODUuSpCH7dsfYeL92zMznf4pz3nJ4lAKGPylUYXnJLl4WaKBzbH10vxvJwMpABB8B_CeQV7UcPxTO2HNSRsNkvLGFNg23mdS8Wjxdba9l985x_6V2Ls8zrrVvxVAD9sFP-9BgEiooI/s1600/nursery+photo+collage+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fast forward 18 months to a little boy who likes to stand while he gets his diaper changed, and you get this.  Not so cute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtNVMMIl18AVVAC7_5wpnk_-n1ghcYpqfSA4Ge9a5fss3lYUsA4bh0zoBMj1bYkk-dr1JYExy8h6jdwDmFsW9Kq0XfKpbZ4E3n3GUpE3byv4b5FS2OvKEWjfRLp5RiOS98W_bA3oQLsWQ/s1600/IMG_1185-cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtNVMMIl18AVVAC7_5wpnk_-n1ghcYpqfSA4Ge9a5fss3lYUsA4bh0zoBMj1bYkk-dr1JYExy8h6jdwDmFsW9Kq0XfKpbZ4E3n3GUpE3byv4b5FS2OvKEWjfRLp5RiOS98W_bA3oQLsWQ/s1600/IMG_1185-cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is just something about me and incomplete gallery walls.  A few weeks ago I started one at the top of the stairs.  Not only is in not done.  It's literally falling apart.  And it will look like this for a good long while before I get time to deal with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKaHMQoOomO5UMrK2queobhTmGkk453pGfcu9eN99xKjDSJaeh5q6_tZcCeWFw4rNHZeGQYQmRXX8Bg31-fiv-69bbYMnfGeAp1t0nfBrozmyvcW7NZDdoATvX5_kOPbMQNnOczz1tj2K/s1600/messy+gallery+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKaHMQoOomO5UMrK2queobhTmGkk453pGfcu9eN99xKjDSJaeh5q6_tZcCeWFw4rNHZeGQYQmRXX8Bg31-fiv-69bbYMnfGeAp1t0nfBrozmyvcW7NZDdoATvX5_kOPbMQNnOczz1tj2K/s1600/messy+gallery+wall.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this nightmare is currently happening in my bedroom.  Awesome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-kv2DVHk0Jd3W2PSG5IY8iwYcn1nl15Q8axtWifiPq6OoNx5evukyocq8PctFhBSrBTc2UDn3GDekPamtmL0xzzk7LVmgpR4GOPX7EIzI1iO99nAyhzWX3Tdb7J2iDnG3cz4MzHbLV9-/s1600/curtain+nightmare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-kv2DVHk0Jd3W2PSG5IY8iwYcn1nl15Q8axtWifiPq6OoNx5evukyocq8PctFhBSrBTc2UDn3GDekPamtmL0xzzk7LVmgpR4GOPX7EIzI1iO99nAyhzWX3Tdb7J2iDnG3cz4MzHbLV9-/s1600/curtain+nightmare.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I assure you this is just a taste of the norm around here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Despite what you see here, I love making things pretty.  When I post a project on my blog I assure you that it really does look like that.  It just only looks like that until Sam's nap is over, Izzy comes home from school, I start in on another project, or life kicks back into high gear.  But hey, that's life and I wouldn't have it any other way.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok, I could do without this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlBcSCyDqgG7QV5nnHOYWUTgonlRGZHtWyayHKAzYfiOJasn9PK7czwDB3dMeurJ4od0PXUuoKiJ754BAtGb5xCg_hz0Ii3u-AkVbw1-a2BdM3Yl5PkdySc_OVAZZUS8Ihp8rgA4Hwgsb/s1600/eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlBcSCyDqgG7QV5nnHOYWUTgonlRGZHtWyayHKAzYfiOJasn9PK7czwDB3dMeurJ4od0PXUuoKiJ754BAtGb5xCg_hz0Ii3u-AkVbw1-a2BdM3Yl5PkdySc_OVAZZUS8Ihp8rgA4Hwgsb/s1600/eyes.jpg" width="578" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did you see that?!  That thing is eyeing me ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you so much for having me over to fess up today, Elizabeth!  It feels so good!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

fess up friday - crazy wonderful

Raise your hand if you are thrilled it is finally Friday! Now get ready to raise the other hand up and do a little dance because today Shell...

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fess up friday - kim macumber interiors

Before we get to today's Fess Up I want to thank each and every one of you who visited on reveal day for the One Room Challenge and each of you who commented. I was so overwhelmed by all of your sweet comments. You do a girl good my friends!<br /><br />Today's Fess Up Friday guest is my lovely friend Kim from <a href="http://kimmacumberinteriors.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kim Macumber Interiors</a>. I always love my conversations with Kim because she is such a calming and supportive force in this little blog world we live in. Those qualities on top of her amazing design career and her eye for style is why I'm excited to say, Kim... Fess Up!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhNgu0T5kr1b2CB5RSPsTxLiBfp77O9NXecsIvHQk4hNuQispI4j77TgSwo6g_NRtYaJm_NrGjJdSsGgbZS0Lla_EhGDJZ_VpQz-vMr1QtehsOLf9gx27hSz2aBBVLgquKKtBlf0imCIy/s1600/Reality2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhNgu0T5kr1b2CB5RSPsTxLiBfp77O9NXecsIvHQk4hNuQispI4j77TgSwo6g_NRtYaJm_NrGjJdSsGgbZS0Lla_EhGDJZ_VpQz-vMr1QtehsOLf9gx27hSz2aBBVLgquKKtBlf0imCIy/s1600/Reality2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Friday my friends … I am thrilled that Elizabeth asked me to join in on Fess Up Friday.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's about my struggles with Illusion and coming to terms with why I blog!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, okay … here you go.</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why do you blog? Don asks me occasionally.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don: Do you get business from it? Me: mmm. No.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don: Does it make you money? Me: mmm. No.</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don: It's a lot of work … what do you get from it? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me: I like the friendships and inspiration.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will go out on a limb and state that I am probably not the only one who feels this way.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOV0sNF7o69yatgAIkpbxXAaqvluhaMcPimuHQuZfuyky5lubagXx-cgBDed_XdIY_Wqt8dIlnheck3NGlbqN77OLuPsYOQAyvj7EJlTgrwTVq61eOfhpiyYClihmkMuLfcC5_USZ0ist/s1600/plaidsofa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOV0sNF7o69yatgAIkpbxXAaqvluhaMcPimuHQuZfuyky5lubagXx-cgBDed_XdIY_Wqt8dIlnheck3NGlbqN77OLuPsYOQAyvj7EJlTgrwTVq61eOfhpiyYClihmkMuLfcC5_USZ0ist/s1600/plaidsofa2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blogging has given me a network of like minded women and men.  Who love design, to change things up, to create a beautiful life … for ourselves, our families and our clients and readers.  Also, working for yourself sometimes is lonely.  I feel as if I have a team with me on a daily basis through blogging.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So then the real question to myself.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Am I:</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1.  A Blogger who Designs?</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">OR</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2.  A Designer who Blogs?</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me: </span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am a designer who blogs, which took the ownness off of having to blog everyday. … so I have given myself a little leeway and sometimes only get one or two posts up a week.  My goal is 3.  But it is a self - inflicted goal.  No one is judging me or paying/not paying if I don't. Incredible amount of freedom if we let ourselves believe it.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I will tell you … It's the Behind the Scenes that I have enjoyed and find most fulfilling.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everyone posts such gorgeous photos … but there is so much more going on in the background of all of our photos and lives.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6zCU2NT3W71IimKb6sPcvFwcMWeFIavvizAi8eecHCS2hkcgQ7CcBHYPwb1ulLb9nRGSNOAKd5MkvzCuTSDvFkO48GgTgaFhOrs6EKwhUxyUGmfVRdQJl9r-yITUv16vn-7dyUl3bi0b/s1600/Nightstand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6zCU2NT3W71IimKb6sPcvFwcMWeFIavvizAi8eecHCS2hkcgQ7CcBHYPwb1ulLb9nRGSNOAKd5MkvzCuTSDvFkO48GgTgaFhOrs6EKwhUxyUGmfVRdQJl9r-yITUv16vn-7dyUl3bi0b/s1600/Nightstand.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I happen to be in the Sandwich Gap.  Taking care of my 87 year old father, which could be a full time job.  Taking care of our four children.  Erin just out of college.  Callie in her first year at College.  Christopher about to head into his senior year in High School and Sammy beginning High School next year.</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You all can relate to the prayers and time and effort to keep these people safe, making right decisions, keeping them healthy, hoping the guidance you gave them will ring in their ears when they are on their own.  Not being able to fall asleep at night until you hear the last one come in and come to say goodnight.  And a Father who now needs me physically more than the kids do … Doctors appointments, dentist appointments, medical needs, things I couldn't have imagined.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SjePl44Ai9IHFJFdM92wE2h_96sfi2p59ixr52xxBYBjLpUtg7AwlHmgdWdwbcOfrd6E8aZ-0C8QyJwYua08FKFkFNJSu-39CXuU7V8jiDlLJokgquKloziFahBjQ_19CqIjFn1YXGsG/s1600/Reality5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SjePl44Ai9IHFJFdM92wE2h_96sfi2p59ixr52xxBYBjLpUtg7AwlHmgdWdwbcOfrd6E8aZ-0C8QyJwYua08FKFkFNJSu-39CXuU7V8jiDlLJokgquKloziFahBjQ_19CqIjFn1YXGsG/s1600/Reality5.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And through the Behind the Scenes lives of bloggers (like me) it might in reality look like this …</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYdVrkSGTSbFgFTm5pvxY5DK8ogbiRWghsy0ryHAcv_5hFSv2QigzFK-x7Kh9SOTpWHOLnl-Z2Y9td5Th6CDxXZJQqAiQktDy6FK1uy2SJ_Uzvgh8wywV5Azd_-SWpQNFsKFdUFFiEC74/s1600/Reality1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYdVrkSGTSbFgFTm5pvxY5DK8ogbiRWghsy0ryHAcv_5hFSv2QigzFK-x7Kh9SOTpWHOLnl-Z2Y9td5Th6CDxXZJQqAiQktDy6FK1uy2SJ_Uzvgh8wywV5Azd_-SWpQNFsKFdUFFiEC74/s1600/Reality1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But we carve out a special vignette.  Just like we all carve out a special moment in our day to live and soak in the blessings.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A vignette that delights our senses and keeps us moving.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwLpQo-8JVfMsxFl2REak1L7mdHHETlvD7GFs-064xMtN4oEnwtzZfZ0MlGmVQXtH17EIqfYXd4tc0boefm5JuXeDKkadfP1BzRPJZm5YZJoKsIC-dTs_m_kgRn5Uy1YIMbkeZkIou_yk/s1600/RED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwLpQo-8JVfMsxFl2REak1L7mdHHETlvD7GFs-064xMtN4oEnwtzZfZ0MlGmVQXtH17EIqfYXd4tc0boefm5JuXeDKkadfP1BzRPJZm5YZJoKsIC-dTs_m_kgRn5Uy1YIMbkeZkIou_yk/s1600/RED.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's the client projects, the rearranging of furniture and painting kitchen cabinets and Challenges like Linda's <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/">ORC</a> that keep me sane.  The friendships that develop through commenting that connect me to beautiful people like Elizabeth. </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blogging has saved me time and money in a therapist office … through my projects, the pretty vignettes and the friendships along the way.  So when the real vision isn't quite so pretty … I know where to go to feel refreshed.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That, my sweet friends, is why I blog!</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Making the World More Beautiful.  One Room at a Time.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">xo,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">kim</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br />Here here Kim! So well said. So, if you are a blogger, why do you blog? And if you are a reader, why do you read (blogs)?

fess up friday - kim macumber interiors

Before we get to today's Fess Up I want to thank each and every one of you who visited on reveal day for the One Room Challenge and each...

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fess up friday - the hubs

It might be the hysteria from all of the One Room Challenge drama, but I'm trying something a bit different for Fess Up Friday today. The hubs and I were laughing about something the other night when he said, "I have plenty to fess up about!" Well, I will take that Pepsi challenge sir. Let's see what you've got! So without further adieu, here is my better half (this oughta be good). Ok Luke, fess up!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEs-J8IA1nWIU0U1D1FpK9DslTYeYMyIfNlohxS20JK_J368fZWSABscjBNnLNoqnPz-Ix7V7PdbyZI12dvW1BcsAaZqwwvoE8EwZMAb1pzzvC5rjK3GPO9Otybo-eiDNWsRS5_GhpGA5/s1600/FessUpFridaylogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEs-J8IA1nWIU0U1D1FpK9DslTYeYMyIfNlohxS20JK_J368fZWSABscjBNnLNoqnPz-Ix7V7PdbyZI12dvW1BcsAaZqwwvoE8EwZMAb1pzzvC5rjK3GPO9Otybo-eiDNWsRS5_GhpGA5/s1600/FessUpFridaylogo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Hi all -The Hubs here...aka Luke.  You might recognize me from some of my photo's! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA71oB0bBWuqYkOGtt-llwa5rUTfxCuq4aR09v8ZDTq4Z1IGJaIa9Qabf0GWt9yGX_69TK5_C0_ucYHL_mARkupx366Pp6w9x_qPo8axNDOCphBtlQ7X3ctUHLlf8yov2BBebs5eFmah0/s1600/P1022924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA71oB0bBWuqYkOGtt-llwa5rUTfxCuq4aR09v8ZDTq4Z1IGJaIa9Qabf0GWt9yGX_69TK5_C0_ucYHL_mARkupx366Pp6w9x_qPo8axNDOCphBtlQ7X3ctUHLlf8yov2BBebs5eFmah0/s1600/P1022924.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Like <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/search?q=gallery+wall&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">Here</a>...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_QOIjBkeF8g4zNKszGvZynseHCW9OnKPwG6hMlmQPO0Hu5M92J80eC_sUxWyqXUL_C2S4zID8Et4tHIoQ3u95q6zm1ila6TuUzRJ8QTtwHe12iordjqnvrQxND5aeF6k3ZvFUAVYBjz3/s1600/cutfabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_QOIjBkeF8g4zNKszGvZynseHCW9OnKPwG6hMlmQPO0Hu5M92J80eC_sUxWyqXUL_C2S4zID8Et4tHIoQ3u95q6zm1ila6TuUzRJ8QTtwHe12iordjqnvrQxND5aeF6k3ZvFUAVYBjz3/s1600/cutfabric.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><br />Or <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/search?q=cane+chair&x=0&y=0">Here.</a>...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhCm0f3hkySXqK1pw6xBMX6lR0XDrZzf60TEw3WqQsI6lqYaltQYRK3WYschcwCb-6COVhHCg1bWql9pMYIS2Rqy6824hLx30VzGH3a7qpZ6w9452hBGqQmU6uoUfaZD1BKZJlBuLJU_v/s1600/IMG_1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhCm0f3hkySXqK1pw6xBMX6lR0XDrZzf60TEw3WqQsI6lqYaltQYRK3WYschcwCb-6COVhHCg1bWql9pMYIS2Rqy6824hLx30VzGH3a7qpZ6w9452hBGqQmU6uoUfaZD1BKZJlBuLJU_v/s1600/IMG_1513.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><br />And my <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/search?q=console+table&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">personal fave</a>...I call this one "the double hand"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEWGucuuUvQWpvL9mE1l8h14UPgMSij9LEJ3qhyphenhyphen8sKyvKFT13j7OpNOcFafOLvPctfTs99Q9CrPSJGwx1SQbi_1Jh1C1O_G5DohoKt6noJKEBQbC3ZsY4otCF5_n3jIx2Q2kiE59CUdhf/s1600/lukeinflorida.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEWGucuuUvQWpvL9mE1l8h14UPgMSij9LEJ3qhyphenhyphen8sKyvKFT13j7OpNOcFafOLvPctfTs99Q9CrPSJGwx1SQbi_1Jh1C1O_G5DohoKt6noJKEBQbC3ZsY4otCF5_n3jIx2Q2kiE59CUdhf/s1600/lukeinflorida.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />But this is what I really look like... I actually do have a head!<br /><br />I am here to Fess Up for me and the husbands out there. I honestly have NO IDEA what Elizabeth is talking about 90% of the time. I really try to keep up, but her brain moves much faster than mine. From what room she wants to makeover (why do we need to makeover another room again?) to weekend plans, Elizabeth takes care of it all. I just kinda follow her lead. Once I was out with her and her lady friends and I swear they were three conversations ahead of me. We try ladies, we really do... but here are some examples of not being able to follow the bouncing red ball:<br /><br />When Elizabeth says Blue & White, this is what she means:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZAG8c8Mcps6r0PjNGLdzcevLKQ9-74oUZaCxD_lJmgx34XhCamFbQbYw3KccTSv8_HjMz0ptRRK2JichGzepjqjIE1HI9IRNrPLRqkHmD4hMFwrw9-4RFC1qoTOnkqwUouQrIQQUuvGm/s1600/ff032d2a5a86ec2b0e847cebf1b14fca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZAG8c8Mcps6r0PjNGLdzcevLKQ9-74oUZaCxD_lJmgx34XhCamFbQbYw3KccTSv8_HjMz0ptRRK2JichGzepjqjIE1HI9IRNrPLRqkHmD4hMFwrw9-4RFC1qoTOnkqwUouQrIQQUuvGm/s1600/ff032d2a5a86ec2b0e847cebf1b14fca.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />This is what I think:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTzOwKrrNctqeSrrLCnf-Tsa0qDpfXZ6vaNJAyJpbEuS7uK3nwDQSCKNkFnDxbvZAq3BkUIATrURP76z9nWp-TyrOb130VdEXivHi5efSr5-YIbnwLqELBpyWhWQ9WQaEweRUnPxBtf-c/s1600/842c1e9e951a9f9bb7cd0ae6e5357aa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTzOwKrrNctqeSrrLCnf-Tsa0qDpfXZ6vaNJAyJpbEuS7uK3nwDQSCKNkFnDxbvZAq3BkUIATrURP76z9nWp-TyrOb130VdEXivHi5efSr5-YIbnwLqELBpyWhWQ9WQaEweRUnPxBtf-c/s1600/842c1e9e951a9f9bb7cd0ae6e5357aa2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />When Elizabeth says Foo Dog, this is what she means:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYhQwm6Hfz26Oujga3d_GV8irkti9FBNQJKLIPmElwkNmqh-iSHTV9ir4KpeiZ9-RFPT0isnIR3wPqFO5yQL3IVYayoRhRtSNI9yp1OXf2jVyzQtgsWUh1C6WD81zWJUhOtej1a6RV6qL/s1600/f1308ee4f6c509294a6280932e83a20f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYhQwm6Hfz26Oujga3d_GV8irkti9FBNQJKLIPmElwkNmqh-iSHTV9ir4KpeiZ9-RFPT0isnIR3wPqFO5yQL3IVYayoRhRtSNI9yp1OXf2jVyzQtgsWUh1C6WD81zWJUhOtej1a6RV6qL/s1600/f1308ee4f6c509294a6280932e83a20f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This is what I think:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIX1KkBEysQHOo3CbamhEPBjOGO3Ne0K5unNqYXnN5Lx-xHZdzNmWd3NO_pSMPydgxbB51_rC6JVNJrszvqThSFrS6_ZLeHYBp1DsePphQ0mVwAcAdQEufccJLv9zEJOkVGLt8LMRA74U/s1600/fooddog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIX1KkBEysQHOo3CbamhEPBjOGO3Ne0K5unNqYXnN5Lx-xHZdzNmWd3NO_pSMPydgxbB51_rC6JVNJrszvqThSFrS6_ZLeHYBp1DsePphQ0mVwAcAdQEufccJLv9zEJOkVGLt8LMRA74U/s1600/fooddog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span id="goog_605246812"></span><span id="goog_605246813"></span><br />When Elizabeth says Chinoiserie, this is what she means:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtG6FjXn8UivpslgR1ApuyC8-YLvLC5hKjKNpkUX6yxfzIGHx6yvIofpJblxQfuCAtZZc9xtz_Tpv_O8wrLHv4PHjRnXiCG_eU34kbMEZvd8vFHUZThNCAa6uUbTo_OrWi-WQnX8vKahI/s1600/fd4d71f4a7f409668f8445f0f81b512f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtG6FjXn8UivpslgR1ApuyC8-YLvLC5hKjKNpkUX6yxfzIGHx6yvIofpJblxQfuCAtZZc9xtz_Tpv_O8wrLHv4PHjRnXiCG_eU34kbMEZvd8vFHUZThNCAa6uUbTo_OrWi-WQnX8vKahI/s1600/fd4d71f4a7f409668f8445f0f81b512f.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />And honestly, I still don't know what that one means:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6Y_tr7m8uPZwAhmgw7aENgaTLFwYbPmi7Y3E69EKiSpu9k1a0cC8LvlVlILUTClMyW_zLJBDo1bDKODFC366p3M3ASbIXRNFkmxj15DMHTYa2BNsR5z_H7B4afjJoU8627O2VV-7mHOj/s1600/e7060877117eb6687c22fdf43b6b551d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6Y_tr7m8uPZwAhmgw7aENgaTLFwYbPmi7Y3E69EKiSpu9k1a0cC8LvlVlILUTClMyW_zLJBDo1bDKODFC366p3M3ASbIXRNFkmxj15DMHTYa2BNsR5z_H7B4afjJoU8627O2VV-7mHOj/s1600/e7060877117eb6687c22fdf43b6b551d.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><br />As you can all see, we usually start out at opposite ends of the spectrum.  But I always put on my listening ears and try to get where she is going.  And she hasn't steered me wrong yet.  Just ask her about the plaid couch of 1998, she will be all to happy to tell you about it.  However...there was that one time, Honey...**wink**wink.<br /><br />On the bright side she didn't marry me for my design acumen. She DID marry me for my cocktail mixing skills.  I was a bartender in college, so I kept her tipsy most of the time I was trying to win her over. I STILL keep her tipsy, but that's for another fess up.<br /><br />OK, I'm going to stop this right here. Thanks Luke for playing along. What about you? Does your partner understand what you are talking about each night at dinner? Do they nod and smile or just stare blankly?

fess up friday - the hubs

It might be the hysteria from all of the One Room Challenge drama, but I'm trying something a bit different for Fess Up Friday today. Th...

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