happy memorial day weekend!

It seems like every time my parents come to town we get things done in the yard. My dad is always up for a project, and my mom just wants to play with Calder, so we finally have time to work outside. Last time Dad was in town, he and my husband planted new sod. Wow. What a difference it made.

This past weekend we planted flowers along in the front. It really needed some lovin' and was looking pretty sad. We just planted simple white annuals and it's nothing fancy, but it's amazing how much happier coming home makes me.

I also planted some colorful flowers in the back yard. I love looking through the kitchen window and seeing bright colors. Cleaning the dishes isn't as bad with a pretty view.

Happy Memorial weekend everyone! We plan on doing a whole lot of nothing and sitting by the pool and relaxing. I can't wait to play with Calder in the water. I just bought some fun floaties so we'll see how she likes it!

Rediscovering a green thumb...

It's officially spring, and that means it's time to get outside and rediscover that long lost green thumb. I love working in the yard and getting my hands dirty. It's therapeutic for me in some weird way. My parents were in town from Chattanooga, so they were watching Calder while we worked outside. Lord knows I need some Vitamin D!

Every year we plant our herb garden — we love cooking with fresh herbs and it just makes everything taste so much better. See last year's post here. So, I decided to tackle it last weekend, and since we actually kept our parsley and rosemary alive from last year (I have no clue how that happened), I only had to replant basil, two kinds of mint (since I have a hard time keeping it alive), onion chives, and oregano.

Bruner was snapping away with the camera. It's hilarious. Ever since we got our new camera with a large lens, he all of sudden loves taking pictures. The zoom is great on the new lens, so you can find Bruner across the entire yard, zooming in like he's the paparazzi!

All I know is I look like Casper the ghost. Someone give this girl some color!

 

I LOVE this time of year, and it's hard to stay inside and work all day long, especially when there's a blue sky staring back at you. BUT, I've been so busy lately, that's exactly what we do. We love strolling outside, but other than that, you can find us here.

Here's my little design buddy. Wouldn't she melt your heart too??

And finally, here's a sneak peek of Calder's baby announcement. I sent them out yesterday (only took me 10 weeks!) but they are D.O.N.E.

Herb Day 2011

Last Saturday morning I went to "Herb Day" at the Mobile Botanical Gardens with my mother-in-law. We learned a lot about local herbs and got try some new recipes. I've posted before about our little herb garden, see here and here — and I'm always up for learning new things since I'm definitely not a pro!

The event had a great turnout and was sponsored by The Fresh Market, Regions, Bruno's, The Delicious Dietitian, Lowes, Winn Dixie and Panera.

The Gulf Coast Herb Society was in charge of the event and they made brown box lunches for everyone. Inside was a delicious Chicken Salad wrap, made with fresh herbs of course.

Both of these delicious dishes were made by Vikki Finch. She spoke about cooking with native herbs, and her husband Bill Finch also spoke about native herbs of North America. Both Vikki and Bill are regular contributors to the Press Register and very active with the Gulf Coast Herb Society.

After our productive Saturday morning, I went home to watch Ole Miss play Georgia...And even Bea was bored with the Rebs! :)

Around the House

OFFICE UPDATE:
Nailheads are finally done! I bought the nailheads at a local fabric store (Cotton Capers). They are originally from D.A.D.S. and the perfect size and color. For only 5 cents each, this custom touch cost me less than $15. Even though it was tedious to do, it was very worth it if you ask me! Click here to see Home Office Round 1 and Round 2 posts. We've come a long way!

I recently had this slipcover made for our sofa. At first, I was hesitant to go with the stark white, but I know I can bleach it if when an accident occurs!

And you know how I love bartering! While Jackie was here measuring the sofa, she mentioned she needed new business cards. I told her that I was a graphic designer, and one thing led to another. So, while she was measuring I designed these little cards, and she left with a CD ready to take to a printing shop. I was quite excited about this exchange, so I had to share that tid-bit of info :) Give Jackie a call if you live around the Mobile area. She is wonderful to work with and did such a great job!

I bought the fabric at Hobby Lobby (yes, HOBBY LOBBY). It is white duck and cost a whopping $7.99/yd. Then, I printed off this coupon, which is available every other week. See below for my custom slipcover on a budget!

Lovin' my new Stray Dog lamp!! It's currently in a little reading corner in our bedroom. The striped shade makes me happy every time I walk into the room.

And finally, here's a shot of our herb garden's growth. Click here to see the before shots...

And Believe me, there are many other rooms in our house that are not "blog worthy" — these are just a few updates we've done recently! :)  Have a wonderful day!!

Springtime!

It's springtime, which makes me want to get outside and get my hands dirty...so yesterday I decided to plant some annuals in front of our house. Even though this wasn't a huge space and not a lot of yard work (like raking leaves!), I am sore today. Sad, huh? The weather was beautiful and sunny, and I have a horrible racerback back sunburn to show for it!

Havin fun yet Bruner?

Love these Tag Team Thompkins’ letterpress prints - check them out on etsy. I'm hoping this spanish proverb is true for us as well :)

So...Speaking of springtime, I am into bright colors right now. Not sure why (since I usually gravitate toward neutrals and more soothing tones)... maybe it's the weather and the season, but here are some images to brighten up your Monday!

How fun is this little girls room?? I'm stashing this one away in case I need to use it!

image credits: Southern Living, House Beautiful, House of Turquoise