Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Fun in New Orleans

I recently got to spend the weekend in New Orleans with a few friends. It was a quick, busy weekend to say the least. Oh, and we had a lot of fun too!

Looong bridge over Lake Pontchartrain

The city




 My friend Lauren is an avid runner and has always wanted to run on St. Charles Avenue ahead of the street cars because it has dirt trails. I was up for the experience, so that's what we did early Saturday morning! It was very nice outside. The whole area we were in was very pretty and had lots of shade so it wasn't too hot. We were able to walk/jog approximately 3 miles!

Walking trails off St. Charles...so pretty!




Beautiful Spanish moss trees


Of course we were hungry afterwards-this delicious quiche was our reward!




We then met up with our friends Carolyn and Dave and walked around the French Quarter. There are lots of fun and interesting shops to explore as well as foods to sample. All in all we had a great time!
3 amigas

Apparently there was a sign saying "No pictures." Oops!

I even tried alligator sausage!


Jackson Square

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Love is in the Air!

     Love is in the air! The month of June began and ended with two weddings: My brother, Chad, to his wife Megan and my friend from college, Christy to her husband Jason. Each wedding was beautiful and fun-filled! Congratulations to these newlyweds! May God richly bless your lives together with His love and joy!!!



The beginning of June: Chad and Megan's wedding festivities:

Pre-wedding festivities at Megan's bridal brunch

The rehearsal dinner set-up.
What a wonderful night for Chad and Megan!



Brother and sister before his big day!


What a good-looking couple!



The Groom and his happy Mama!



He was nothing but smiles!



Ready for the big event

Cute decor at the guest's sign-in



Saying their vows

The kiss!
Love it!

Vintage teacups
The Cake!
Groom's cake: Chad made a great catch!
The happy couple!

The getaway car!


I'm so happy for my brother and his new wife! Their wedding was so beautiful and unique and I had fun visiting with all our friends and family!


The end of June-Christy and Jason's Wedding Weekend!


College friends reunited at Christy's rehearsal dinner!
Critter and Bean :)

The bride-to-be before the big day
The Cake!
The groom's  USM cake
Their 1st dance
We stole the beautiful bride for a second!
Friends having fun
Me and Meg!
My sidekicks for the weekend

Fun Photobooth!



We all tried to squeeze in!

I'm so happy for Christy and Jason! Their wedding and reception was so beautiful and FUN! It was also great to visit with all my college friends again!







Thursday, June 28, 2012

A Bedroom Makeover

     Transitioning from college furniture to "adult" furniture takes time when you only have one income. I have taken my time and bought a dining room table first and just recently got new living room furniture. All that was left was new bedroom decor. This also happens to be the most expensive considering the expense of a mattress. I wasn't really in any rush to buy for this last room. Enter my brother, his new wife, and an extra (queen-size) bed they didn't need! I asked him if he was considering making a donation to the Candace-needs-a-nice-bed-fund, and as it turns out he was! He kindly gave me his practically brand-new bed and I am so thankful! As one can imagine, with a new bed comes new decorations! So, I searched the internet and found a bright, fun, yellow comforter that was half-off. Mix in a few more decorations and I now have a vibrant, new room! Thanks Chad for making this possible!!
My bed before

The wall before

New bed!

Ties I made for the curtains

Old window I put mirrors in; antique wash stand

Abacus my dad made for me when I was a little girl

MS wall art I made with a friend!



Maltese print by artist Angela Bond I found at an art festival 
Sweet Effie completes the look don't you think?



Sunday, June 24, 2012

A Little "Poem"

Unfortunately, here lately I have been inspired to write the following "poem." 


Spiders, spiders, everywhere!
Spiders in the sink, spiders in the cabinet.
Spiders looking at me with beady, black eyes.

Spiders, spiders, everywhere!
Spiders on the floor, spiders on the door.
Spiders spinning webs that stick to my skin.

Spiders, spiders, everywhere!
Spiders above the bed, spiders on my head.
Spiders jumping and creepy crawling.

Spiders, spiders, everywhere!
Spiders on the wall, spiders in the hall.
Spiders dive bombing me in the breezeway.

Spiders, spiders, everywhere!
Spiders make me stressed, spiders I detest.
Spiders dying, dying, dying for I have no mercy on them.


Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father's Day!

I am so thankful for my Dad! He is a wonderful man who has worked really hard to provide for his family. When my brother and I were younger he taught him how to play baseball and he taught me how to find ladybugs and catch butterflies, ha! I still love butterflies to this day! Now that we are grown, he enjoys gardening and cooking. He plants butternut squash especially for me because he knows I love it so much. I really appreciate the ways he shows us he loves us. I know that he is there for me if I ever need him. Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Today I Made a Dress!

     One day a few weeks ago as I was playing on Pinterest, I came across this tutorial on how to make a 10 minute boxy dress.

I was immediately inspired and pinned it so I could make one myself! So this afternoon, I dusted off my sewing machine and tried my hand at this cute dress.  It was super easy and fun! I must admit, it definitely took me longer than ten minutes, but I love crafting and learning how to do new things. And the best part about this particular piece is it only cost $7 plus the thread! I had some extra material leftover, so I also made myself a headband that I can wear with a black shirt. So, if you like sewing, go ahead and give this dress a try!


The starting point!



The finished product! :)

































                                                                            And finally, the headband!