She Loves life

Reviews on What's for Dinner & a DIY before and after

2012-01-18T11:44:00.000-08:00

MMM- good!! That's what we've got to say about the Sweet Baby Ray's Crockpot BBQ Chicken that we had for dinner last night and I blogged about yesterday. I highly encourage you to make it...super easy to make and tender chicken. We shredded it and had it over lettuce and it was the perfect salad. The chicken really was moist and flavorful.

Okay, enough about that now onto what I'm working on today...with the help of my lovely parents I have been getting our basement set up into three defined zones. 1. play area for little buddy boy 2. "play area" for my husband 3. office for me. I've also kind of made it a priority to use things I already have on hand which brings me to the image below.

Now there really isn't anything wrong with the orange colored hanging file folder but it just didn't go with my concept for my office space. Since I had them already, I just simply took a can of this hammered metallic paint

from my orangized paint shelves (thank you dad!!!!!) in the lower level and sprayed away.

I think they look great, don't you?

It's amazing what you can do with spray paint isn't it? What have you done with paint to transform an item or the look of your home lately?

It's what's for dinner tonight~

2012-01-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe on pinterest and thought I'd give it a try~

This recipe is directly from the blog Stick a Fork in it.

Sweet Baby Ray's Crockpot BBQ Chicken

4-6 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (i threw them in frozen... even easier!)
1 bottle BBQ sauce (sweet baby ray's all the way!)
1/4 c vinegar
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 c brown sugar
1/2 - 1 tsp. garlic powder

mix BBQ sauce with all ingredients listed under it. place chicken in crockpot. pour sauce over it and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. you pretty much don't even have to stir it... how easy is that!?

Can't wait to share with you how this turned out!

The List

2012-01-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

With the start of the new year I made a few new little lists... one of them being my punch list for completing the office in our basement.

With the help of my wonderful, wonderful parents I have been trying to put the lower level of our home back to working order since this happened. I created the list a few days ago and have already gotten some major things accomplished...

1. spackling imperfections in drywall from the first time spackling

2. sanding it all back down.

3. washing the window wells and window down ( thanks dad!)

4. washing all of the spackle/drywall dust off of everything again

Tomorrow if the day goes as planned, I'll be prepping a bit more before the painting begins next week!

Oh and better late than never...

one of my favorite pictures from Christmas 2011 ~

oh and just after this post checked one of my favorite blogs and she has a free download of a beautiful and very functional list/intentions page. Check it out for yourself here.

shine~

2011-12-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

just a little reminder for me today ~

source

DIY Decking the Halls Wreath

2011-12-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

I originally saw something similar to this on pinterest and of course marked it under my idea file...well, this is my version hanging the hall of my home. I think it turned out pretty sweet (no pun intended :))

Want to make one too? Here's the det's!

Start with some dollar store peppermint disks.

Form purchased at Michaels with 40% off coupon.

It's pretty easy, just hot glue the peppermints onto the form without burning the prints off your finger tips.

I used a black satin ribbon that I had on hand so that was free but it would look even better with a grey or red and white print ribbon.

Total Cost of Wreath = $3.46 Yay!

$1 for the peppermints

$2.46 for wreath form with 40% off coupon

Free ribbon from my supply on hand

Overall, a fun, super easy holiday wreath you could even do with your kiddo's( if you handle the hot glue gun!) and I think it looks pretty sweet~

Run and jump it's Christmas time

2011-12-15T11:25:00.000-08:00

Rather than continuing to let the time fly by before the celebration of our Savior's birth, we're taking some time to prepare gifts to give. It's been a morning of popsicle sticks, beads, buttons, pipe cleaners and glitter glue, all the supplies appropriate for a four year olds artistic masterpieces.

Little buddy boy and I have had a blast!

It's amazing to me how easily the thought to give comes to him at four years old. I know that I've tried to teach him from the very start that is better to give than to receive and what a gift it truly is to be able to give to others but it still blows my mind that at four he understands.

We have had Christmas music playing non stop since December 1st and it is so much fun to hear him sing along to Bandaid in his own words..."feed the children, run and jump it's Christmas time" It really is that simple isn't it?

little buddy, thanks for reminding me to "run and jump it's Christmas time"~

How can it be

2011-12-14T06:01:00.000-08:00

Really? How can it be that Christmas is only 12 days away? 12 days! It seems like December 13th has come so fast! Even with all of the big boxed stores having had Christmas music and decorations out since October it seems like it has come down to it much too quickly. You see the time beginning with the day after Thanksgiving up until Christmas Day is much like eating a gourmet chocolate for me... I love to savor each taste and morsel to the last drop, I haven't really gotten to savor the preparations for Christmas yet this year. We only just put the ornaments on our Christmas tree last night.

I guess I better start savoring every moment from here through celebrating Christmas Day because it's coming whether I want it to slow down or not :)

A wall cracking cough

2011-12-10T14:15:00.000-08:00

It's been one of those weeks when the four walls of your own home seem so very confining. They seemed to be closing in starting last Sunday when I began coughing like a chain smoker and no I don't smoke...never have and never will. The coughing hasn't stopped and the walls are closing in each day more and more. I made it out of the house to bring little buddy to school and back on Wednesday and then out on Thursday for a VERY exciting trip to the doctors office for some med's to stop the coughing and walls closing in....Seriously, I have a severe case of bronchitis and cabin fever!!! even with meds thus far the coughing hasn't decreased and I think the walls are only closing in at a faster rate now and maybe all of my coughing is cracking the walls...

Am I getting a little

crabby??? You know it's weird being sick has made me grateful for my health and that I'm not deathly sick and the walls closing in....just happy to have them in a home that is warm and toasty~

three little buddies

2011-12-01T06:01:00.000-08:00

Did I tell you? I got this recently....

so I brought it along to the park.

Only coats, hats and mittens on the last day of November in Holland, MI, not too shabby! So glad we don't have any snow yet that's for sure.

Nothing better to a four year old than a day at the park with friends.

We are blessed~

Smitten

2011-11-30T14:06:00.000-08:00

Can you tell I'm smitten with these sweater mittens?

Do you get it...sweater + mitten = smitten.

I'm a dork I know, but at least I make myself laugh right?!!

Lots of new styles and selection for you to choose from here. Oh and they make great gifts too!

thankful

2011-11-26T19:34:00.000-08:00

thankful for family and silly times, silly faces and laughter

thankful for the joy I see in little buddy boys face each day

What are you most thankful for?

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 100:4

One of those days

2011-11-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

here

Ever have one of those days? You know those days...the kind of day where everyone is pulling at you and your little buddy boy has tested your every. last. nerve. and your sweet little boy, who the teacher raved about just last night as being one of the polite -ist little boys she's had in a class in a long time, has sassed you from here to Timbuktoo and back ? It's one of those days for me today... and then I just prayed for the Lord to just get me through to bedtime(and got to go to the bathroom by myself!!!yip- yip- yippeee!!!) and a short time later little buddy boy ran up to me and out of the blue said "mommy, I love you so much" and it made today into one of those days, the kind of day when even though it's been one of those days you wouldn't trade it for the world because you got to be there for that little guy testiness and all. Thank you Lord for being there on those :( days and those :) days and giving me rest when I am weary.

the weekend and "three chainsaws"

2011-11-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

This is Little Buddy Boy trying to be like daddy and grandpa he had it all planned out the night before....he told daddy he had to have his ear muffs, safety glasses and chainsaw so he could get to work ~ It was a great weekend and it wasn't just the weather :)

Warm Hands, Warm Heart

2011-11-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

Warm hands, warm hear.... that's how the saying goes right? Well let me warm those hands for you ~

Come pick out your fav's here.

They're perfect for those friday night football games and walks in the woods~

Halloween

2011-11-01T06:27:00.000-07:00

That's one happy monkey!

Happy Monkey = Happy Momma :)

New to my etsy store

2011-10-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Warm, cozy and perfect for the Fall and Winter weather.

You can purchase yours here

Pumpkin Painting

2011-10-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

Creativity and Cardboard

2011-10-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about the blog o sphere is the inspiration it provides others for creativity and the sharing of that creativity. Look at what was made from cardboard. Who knew an afternoon with cardboard could provide so much fun!

For the kiddo's

Source: declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com via Tara on Pinterest

Source: None via Karen on Pinterest

For the Momma's

Source: 346living.com via Janna on Pinterest

Source: None via froggymama on Pinterest

Source: None via Gina on Pinterest

I'm off to find some cardboard, how 'bout you?

Love you to the Moon and Back

2011-10-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

New to my etsy shop, grey and white 8x10 print of one of my favorite little sayings to say to my buddy boy. you can purchase yours here.

Cottage Living Halloween

2011-10-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

source

This? This is just another reason I LOVE Cottage Living magazine and am so sad that it is no longer in publication. Isn't this just the most fun, cute and DO-able porch? Yup, Cottage Living had it right with the porch too bad the publishers went so wrong in my book and cancelled the publication.

Over the river and through the woods ~

2011-10-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

To grandma and grandpa's house we go...

aren't they so cute?!

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu

These are just a few of my gifts given by God to me :)

She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Proverbs 31:15-17

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there. ~Barbara Bush

I agree Mrs. Bush, I agree indeed~

Art time

2011-10-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

Little buddy boy has been at home sick for the last two days with a mean cough and double ear infection. Don't you just hate it when your kiddo's are sick? Poor little guy had to miss his special helper day at preschool yesterday too. Well, he's perked up some today and because I refuse to let him watch tv all day (like he'd like to do) we got out the art supplies. Little buddy loves anything with art...

drawing daddy at his easel

Today was painting. First he started painting at his easel and after painting a picture of his dodgball he got for his birthday, some fruit and a cow he was onto something with a bit more dimension.

I had an empty oatmeal container so I taped some paper around it and let him paint away while I unloaded

the dishwasher.

All of a sudden he says "momma, you see this? this cross? it means I love Jesus and I painted two so you know I love him alot".

I have to say this is one of my proudest momma moments thus far. I mean he's getting it at four years old and he's seeing and hearing that we love God in our family. I am blessed ~

Weekend Whimsy

2011-10-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

sitting on the back deck with my two favorite guys.

playing around in the woods out back

walking stick on the front porch

Minus the ending, double ear infections for little buddy boy, a lovely weekend~

Mary Poppins

2011-09-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

I just had my own little scene from the Mary Poppins movie today while trying to put down my deck umbrella. You know the one, she floats away with her umbrella in the sky. I could hear the music in the background from the movie the whole time I was just about to be sucked away by the wicked winds of the midwest today. Chim - chim- hery, Chim - chim - her- ry, chim -chim cheroo ~

I think it just might be the perfect windy night to rent Mary Poppins with the family ~

Happy Birthday

2011-09-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

source

to me :)

Not just a basic white tee

2011-09-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

So my little buddy boy started preschool this month and when I was going through his closet to see what fit, what was too small and where I needed to fill in the gaps. As far as school clothes go I realized I didn't need to buy a ton...yay!! I needed to purchase some things and I certainly didn't want to spend a bunch of money but I wanted him to have some fun, individualized clothing. The white long sleeve tee shirt was a Meijer find at $5 and I made the sailboat on this shirt with some repurposed fabrics.

I simply took old shirts that he no longer fit into and used them for my fabric. ( the rusty orange with the medallion fabric was a new purchase though) I love to repurpose old clothing that my little buddy boy no longer fits into a give it some new life.

Preschool has definitely whipped little buddy boy out.

County Fair

2011-09-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

We had some fun at the county fair one day this week visiting with all of the horses, goats, sheep, baby chicks etc.

It melts my heart that my little buddy boy loves animals the way he does. I was looking around and went to glance down at him to make sure nothing had nibbled his little fingers off when I saw him hugging this goat.

We didn't do the carnie rides because that's just not my type of fun. Little buddy boy thought sitting on the John Deere tractors was like opening gifts on Christmas morning.

He had to stand in the scoop after hearing a story from Grandma D. last week. Her dad had a tractor with a scoop and she used to sit in the scoop and he'd lift it up and down like a ride for her. How fun!

Little buddy boy and his two best bud's.

Snack time in the cattle auction stands.

Old fashioned merry go round. Kiddo's highlight of the day!

I had some fun just photographing a few of the sights.

Fun time, good friends, lovely day....I am truly blessed!

Make it a good day today!

She Loves Life

Tomato's

2011-09-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

Tomato's, tomato's everywhere = homemade tomato sauce.

I made this tomato sauce from tomatoes and basil that I grew in my garden. I didn't use a recipe.

I hardly ever cook with a recipe. I think I learned recipe-less cooking from my mom. I just look into the cabinets/refrigerator/freezer and can combine goodies with the perfect amount of spice and turn out some lovely items like this tomato basil sauce. I'm not sure if my mom knew I was watching her cook when I was young but it is something that I am greatful for her teaching me because it has resulted in fearless cooking. Some people I know just don't dare cook a thing without a recipe but I'm just not like that and I love it because cooking is much more carefree and fun for me. I think if I had to follow a recipe for everything I made it would remove a lot of the fun I have cooking. What about you? Do you have to follow recipes to a tee or are you more carefree in your cooking?

First of many Firsts~

2011-09-12T06:49:00.001-07:00

Today I walked my little buddy boy to his first day of preschool. He rode his bike and was a little tenative holding my hand on an off while we made the journey. When we were almost there he said "momma, I really am happy about school". It was like he knew momma needed to hear it or more like God knew I needed to hear it and gave him the words.

I tend to be one who doesn't truly recognize my feelings or put them into words until after the fact. I guess I'm just that kind of girl who has to really think it through. So while I was walking back home by myself after I left little buddy boy with his teacher I started to think about it all. It's hard to explain but it feels wierd that after the last four years of being his primary teacher that I would leave him to have someone else now be his teacher. I know we made the right decision to send him where we do but to a momma it's like sending her little birdie out of the nest for the very first time and watching him fly....

Light up my life~

2011-09-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

I think this light is so cute and love for it to light up my life or at least my a room in my home:)

Source + How to here.

September 1 ~

2011-09-01T16:03:00.001-07:00

It's September, yay!!! My favorite month of the year...why, you ask?

Well let me just tell you...

source unknown

~ most of the time you can have the beach to yourself because everyone else is in that back to school mode and don't bother to go anymore.

~ fall scented candles...yummy!

~ this guy's famous apple pie...definitely the best I've ever had and I look forward to it all year long!

~ apples, apples and more apples... which means a lovely afternoon of apple picking with my two favorite guys.

~ pumpkins, gourds and indian corn

~ fall decorating

~ hot apple cider!!

Oh I could go on and on but as it turns out this September 1st happens to be the HOTTEST day of all summer in Holland, MI ...what's up with that?!

Oh well, I guess it's just more to look forward to and pine about :)

source the graphics fairy

Free, Five Minute Makeover of a Lamp

2011-08-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

So a while back I showed you here how I updated a lamp in my house for $6 using a few rolls of ribbon and my hot glue gun. Well now I've updated that lamp again only this time it was FREE! I used a remnant of fabric left over from a project I helped a friend with and my hot glue gun and got this.

I simply folded over the top and bottom of the piece of fabric, pleated it for additional character and simply hot glued it to the frame of the lamp shade. Viola, a new lamp shade for my master bedroom.

Linked to:

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Curbside to Cottage Chic

2011-08-25T00:01:00.001-07:00

I picked this up on the side of the street for FREE. I love me some FREE!!! Yup it wasn't pretty when I got it ( once again I forgot the before pictures, sorry!!!) but I love how a little scrubbing and some fresh white paint can transform a solid wood piece of furniture from curbside material to cottage chic. It's not a fancy piece of furniture but I think it will do just fine for my husbands side of the bed. Ooh and I can't wait to show you how I transformed my lamp in the bedroom yet again!

Hoot. Hoot. Hoop Art

2011-08-24T00:01:00.001-07:00

I just love hoop art, don't you? This little owl combines some of my favorite materials, linen, polka dot fabric by Amy Butler and buttons. You can find this lovely available here. This would be a super cute addition to a nursery or playroom. Hoot hoot, don't pollute ;)

Hoot - Hoot.

Black to White

2011-08-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Since I forgot to take before pictures (oh I hate it when I do that), you'll have to just trust me on this one...

I updated this little lady from a dark black color to a fresh new white dressing. I love the transformational power of paint, don't you?

This little lady is just part of the update in our master bedroom and I can't wait to get the rest done. I'll be share to add pictures when it is finished~

Linked to : Perfectly Imperfect Linky Party #9 and Miss Mustard Seed's linky party

Not your basic white curtains anymore~

2011-08-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get our nest fluffed up a bit and this little addition (thanks Mom for sewing!) to a basic pair of white grommet curtains from Target is one of my latest favorites. I found some great indoor/outdoor fabric at Joanne's here in town and had it added to the white curtains. Now the curtains weren't bad just white but I wanted to fluff them up a bit, bring that extra bit of style to them and I'm so glad I did!

linked to: primitive and proper

Four.

2011-08-08T17:04:00.001-07:00

Happy Fourth Birthday to the sweetest little boy ever! God gave us the biggest blessing the day you were born.

Anthro & Coffee, good to the last drop~

2011-08-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

anthropologie

It's just one of those days when you need an extra cup of coffee or seven. While having family visit from CO is fun, it isn't when it means everyone in contact with them has received the stomach flu. Yesterday my husband was the latest victim of this nasty, nasty bug.

Doing everything I can so that I don't get it means I slept on the floor of little birdie's bedroom. = NOT a good night of sleep. Let me just say, MAJOR doses of caffine are needed in my world today. I think this pretty cup would make that coffee and later today tea all that much better in making this one a happy day.

Maps, Globes, Color & Whimsy

2011-07-29T17:19:00.001-07:00

Isn't this the cutest playroom? I added this to my idea/inspiration file for fluffin' up our nest. I'm sorry I can't credit but if you know where it's from and would like to let me know I'd be oh so grateful to pass on the deserved credit for this one. I just love the colorful yet bright whimsy of the space. It's full of lots of my favorites, maps, globes, color, brightness and whimsy.

brides first dance

2011-07-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have it when you sit down to create something and you just know it's gonna be good? Oh, you're probably sayin' her she goes tootin' her own horn again but those who know me know that is something I hardly EVER do. I'm as humble as humble comes but tonight when I sat down to relieve my creative tension my fingers were just twitchin' to make these elegant beauties come to life. I adore the simple elegance of these earrings and can picture them gently swaying like a new bride dancing with her groom on their very first slow dance.

Oh, what's that? You say you want them, can't live without them, won't ever dance again unless these are swayin' from your lobes? Don't worry, you can purchase them right here but don't wait too long honey.

Smitten

2011-07-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

I'm just smitten with this new jewelry I just created & listed in my etsy shop. Toot toot... oh, I guess that was me tootin' my own horn. :)

Love this quote ~

2011-07-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

The happiest of people don't have the best of everything, they make the best of everything.

After- Nope.

2011-07-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

This isn't the "after" picture I promised of the frumpster dumpster dresser from yesterday's post because my heart feels called to spread the word about this little guy who needs to be brought home to his forever home.

Nope, I don't know him or the family personally but sometimes God just puts things in your path for you to help spread the word and that is exactly what I want to do here today.

This is how his Momma describes Davis. "my davis boy. sweet little monkey. wild, brown-eyed, keeper of my heart. oh how i love him so. i want him to come home. i want him to be with us, his family. i want him to be able to start living the file that's waiting for him. i want to see him thriving. in order for him to do that, we have to step out of our comfort zone and ask for help."

Amy describes this as being one of the hardest things she's had to do but can't you just feel her love for him? I can so identify with it being hard asking for help as I'm not one that finds it very easy to ask for help with certain things either. Sometimes there are just things you can't do on our own and I know she needs our help. Stop by her website One Day at a Time and read her post, Keeper of my Heart for yourself and if you feel called to help please do so, this little guy is one of 147 million children who needs a loving home. She has a loving home and just needs some assistance in getting him there.

Know something you can do that doesn't cost a thing but a few moments of your time? Add them to your prayers! Prayer of many is a powerful thing.

Before...

2011-07-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

Just a day, just an ordinary dresser ... but tomorrow you can see the frumpster dumpster dresser in her big reveal! Ooh, I love a good before and after!

Fireflies

2011-07-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

Not just fireflies but a night of pure fun for the whole family. I love simple things like this and I can't imagine never having seen fireflies in my life but some people never may. I'm so glad we got to show little honeybee these, he was SO excited! No matter whether you call them lightening bugs or fireflies the magic and whimsy of these beauties on a warm night is just pure Michigan entertainment :)

For sale to a good home

2011-06-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't this 18 x 24 vintage paint by number be so cute in your house? It's your lucky day because it's for sale in my etsy store. It's a super cute paint by number that has many of today's most popular home decor colors and has a beautiful winter scene depicted within. Stop by my store to check it out and bring it to your lovely home.

There's just something about vintage paint by number paintings, don't ya think? :)

Just sold - yay!

love, love, love!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Can you be in love with a rug?...because I am with this one!!!!! I saw this photo out in blogland but I have no idea where it came from. Do any of you know where this rug is from? This inquiring mind wants to know :)

New to my Etsy shop

2011-06-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Just listed in my etsy shop is Dottie- a funky fabric flower pin made with Amy Butler grey and blue polka dot fabric and topped off with a vintage flower brooch.Perfect for adding a little style to your summer tee's or ponytail~

our first garden

2011-06-20T08:32:00.001-07:00

Garden plans courtesy of my Dad & Mom who found them in Mother Earth News Magazine.
Never would have been able to do this with out the help of my wonderfully, awesome parents.

This has been such a cool tool for teaching my little three year old about where vegetables come from. Now he says all we need for "Grants Garden" to grow is God, sun and water. Amen little man! Amen!

Stop, drop & roll

2011-06-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

Today we stopped by our local fire department for a tour and fire safety lessons.

Gear in the fire station.

Fireman Bram showing us and "pink anna" how the thermal sensing tool works.

Little Buddy Boy & "Pink Anna", two junior fire fighters

Three happy little kiddo's!

One of the Coolest DIY's I've ever seen~

2011-05-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I think I've found one of the COOLEST DIY projects out there and I've added it to my idea file to try...oh that list is getting long!! Anyway, check out Mint Love Social Club for all the details on their DIY bubble chandy and a big thanks to them for sharing with all of us out in blog land!

I adore West Elm - Bathroom Edition

2011-04-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I shared a few of my favorites if I were in the market for a bedroom update. Today I'm making selections for an on suite bathroom selection featuring all my favorites from West Elm. Now, I know if I were really redoing my bath I wouldn't be purchasing all of my items from one store but for those who just don't know where to start and feel they don't know how to coordinate items to put a complete idea together, this one stop shopping may just be what you need to take plunge.

shower curtain & rug

bowls for hair accessories, cotton balls, etc.

tumbler's

I think I'd add a mustard yellow set of towels with a white swirl design to add another punch of color & a little visual texture. What do you think?

I adore...West Elm - Part One

2011-04-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

West Elm. These items would be my selections if I was in the market for spiffin' up the bedroom.

Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware used to be among my fav's but I'm now just diggin' all of the straight lines and natural influences among West Elm's furnishings, decor and accessories.

all images from West Elm

Stop back tomorrow to see my West Elm bathroom selections~

Just listed...

2011-04-08T18:32:00.001-07:00

I just listed this print to my Etsy store. I think I'm gonna need to have one of these for myself too! It's the perfect reminder and looks stylish too~

I love...

2011-03-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

I love this necklace from Lisa Leonard. It even has a great name...."My treasure".

What I've been working on lately...

2011-03-11T12:14:00.000-08:00

Drawing dresses..Creating business cards... Photographing dresses....

Creating promotional materials....

and designing a website... http://www.adrianasboutique.com/

Why you ask? Well a family member just opened a boutique in Holland, MI and needed some help...so here I was! If you live in the West Michigan area stop by her boutique and tell her I sent you :)

Flowers are Blooming II

2011-03-01T12:24:00.001-08:00

Dottie the flower pin is blooming today at my house. She features Amy Butler polkadot fabric in the perfect shade of grey and is fashioned with blue polkadots and is adorned with a vintage red button and white square bead.

While she lacks any scent, she can brighten your mood like a fabulous bouquet of flowers brought home by your other "just because". What, you mean that doesn't happen very often at your house? Then here's to treating yourself to Dottie, a flower that will never fade. Dottie can be found at my etsy shop.

Enjoy!

Flowers are blooming ~

2011-02-28T12:07:00.001-08:00

Flowers are blooming....Well here in Michigan those flowers would have to be blooming inside as we are currently still covered in 3 feet of snow. Here is one of the flowers "blooming" inside at my house right now and it's currently listed in my etsy shop if you want to make it your own.

Because Sometimes I need a Reminder ~

2011-02-21T11:45:00.001-08:00

New to my Etsy store

New to Etsy

2011-02-18T13:56:00.000-08:00

I just added this to my etsy shop and I'm going to frame it and put it by my back door so that whenever I leave I'll be reminded that each day can be a bright sunshiny day no matter the weather outside ~

Happy Valentines Day Love~

2011-02-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

source

All you need is...

2011-02-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Now for sale in my etsy shop ~ because Love isn't just for Valentines day it's all year long~

Recent additions

2011-02-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love quotes. Just one little sentence can change your thoughts, make you think about something a little deeper, or just make you smile. So it was only logical for me that I add some of my favorite quotes to my Etsy store. I will continue adding my favorites so I hope you stop by, shop and enjoy! I think they make a terrific gift for housewarming or hostess gifts too!

There's a Blizzard a Comin'

2011-02-01T15:54:00.000-08:00

Well, Mr. Weatherman says there is a blizzard coming and its the blizzard of the century. I think I'll believe it when I see it but just in case we did make a trip to the library for a stash of reading materials today. We wouldn't want to get stuck without a stack of our favorite reads. I mean, crack open a book and we could be sitting in a pumpkin patch, building sandcastles on the beach or stompin' amongst the dinosaurs instead of sitting and watching the snow. Just gotta say what a treasure it is, our local library!

images from Amazon .....

but if you have a local bookstore I highly recommend you shop local first!! Off to snuggle in with our books and start our reading adventure~

I'm a Winner~

2011-01-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it I won my first giveaway from another blog and to top it off, it was from a really great idea! Sarah at Sweet Pea & JoJo was having a giveaway of sorts... She made seven handmade pouches and wanted to pay it forward to the first five people who commented on her facebook post on January 4th.

Then she hosted a giveaway for another pouch and I won!!! The coolest thing...as the winner I have to pass on one handmade item to someone to Pay it Forward. I LOVE IT!!! This is such a great concept and totally fits with the Pay it Forward theme my terrific town is doing. You can read about it again here if you missed it in my earlier post.

Stop by Sweet Pea & JoJo for some terrific reads, inspiration, laughs and to put a little twinkle in your day.

What can you do to Pay it Forward?

i heart...Etsy junior edition

2011-01-19T14:22:00.001-08:00

via

Pay it Forward

2011-01-18T12:25:00.000-08:00

I just have to say it...I live in one of THE COOLEST towns in America and it's not just the second happiest one either :) Check out this cool campaign my town is doing promoting random acts of kidness and paying it forward.

It all began with an interview by Diane Sawyer and proceeded from there with Ramona Scott, a woman from Brooklyn sending a check to our Mayor in the amount of $250. Her instructions were simple just give it to those in increments of $25 who you feel could use a boost in these tough economic times. Ms. Scott's generosity was a catalyst for others to send money to the Ramona Scott fund who eventually formed Pay it Forward Holland.

How it works is that through the site you can order Pay it Forward cards which are to be given out with random acts of kindness. The receipent of the card is then instructed to visit the website and register their location and act of kindness received. The goal...to see how far a random act of kindness can be carried. I just ordered ten cards and can't wait to get to gettin'

Visit the site and encourage your town! Pay it Forward Holland, MI

I linked this post up to Life Made Lovely Monday at the Blessed Little Nest Linky Party.

Beauty for the Eyes & Glutus Maximus

2011-01-13T12:15:00.000-08:00

Love this chair featured on Design*Sponge today... Susie from Mend definitely has a terrific eye. I mean really how fun is that fabric!

Both Images from Design Sponge & Mend

I have my eye out for some fun chairs that need a bit of loving at the moment and this was perfect inspiration to keep me going along on my treasure hunt.

Thanks Design*Sponge and Mend~

Practical and Stylish~

2011-01-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, I am in love with these totes from Jo's Totes. I have one on my wish list along with a new digi SLR Canon Camera inside. (hint, hint honey :) ) So practical and oh so stylish all at one time~ I just had to share because I knew you'd love them too~

Fireplace Makeover ~ After

2011-01-05T12:33:00.001-08:00

I have to say it again...it is so amazing what a simple can of paint and a little time can do. Don't you agree?

Let me refresh you ...

Now I just need a few accessories for the mantel to liven it up a bit. I'm sure I can do some "shopping" around the house now for just the right things.

Fireplace Makeover

2011-01-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

Well, my first item checked off from the 2011 list was the fireplace makeover.

BEFORE

during

What started off as 90's oak nastiness has been transformed into something clean, white and bright and I can't wait to show you the after photographs tomorrow.

"The List" 2011

2011-01-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

Do you have a "list" for 2011? Some call it making resolutions, some call it the bucket list but I prefer to put together a list of things I'd like to do by season for 2011. At the start of each season and the beginning of each year I put together a list of random items I'd like to do, see, think about, accomplish or grow toward some are just for me personally, some for my family and some just for fun with who ever wants to come along for the ride. I'll begin to share my list for 2011 but I thought I'd like to show you a couple of my favorites on my list from 2010.

First up... My kitchen transformation, yup it's only paint but oh it makes me so happy not to be looking at 90's brass, glass and oak anymore!

Before

After

One of my other items checked off my list for 2010 was attending my first Country Living Fair and we had a great girl time and would definitely go just for the girl time I got with my friend!

So those are just a few of my fav's from the 2010 List and I can't wait to share what I've got in store for 2011. What's on your list?

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

Cheers! It's a toast to you and all that life will bring in 2011. Blessings!

Welcome the New Year

2010-12-30T15:21:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't it be fun to arrive at a New Years Eve party under an arch like this?

One of my favorite winter images from Cottage Living Magazine just makes me wonder again why Cottage Living didn't do an e-zine.

The Known or the Unknown~

2010-12-27T15:21:00.001-08:00

I may have the opportunity to visit Ikea tomorrow and would love to add these lovelies to my home. If the three hour trip to Ikea doesn't happen it would be a day of treasure hunting through vintage stores, antique stores and whatever crosses our path. The known or the unknown...guess we'll decide over coffee in the AM~

Naughty or Nice....

2010-12-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

Don't be naughty this year or Santa might leave you ....

the Jeggings in your stocking...

I totally cannot decide which is worse, the Jeggings

or the photograph of CoCo in the Jeggings.

Speechless~

Notice of Immediate Eviction

2010-12-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Bad Germs,

Now please know that my momma taught me if I didn't have anything nice to say just to keep to myself, but you have outdone yourselves this time and I must not remain quiet. This is your official eviction notice you are unwanted, vile and unwelcome. Please vacate the premises of our household and bodies immediately. You nasty buggers have been scrubbed and cleaned out of our humble abode so come out of hiding in our bodies and present yourselves to the Lysol can, I double dog dare you!

image via

(No, I'm not paid by Lysol for promoting their products I'm just one mad momma who has had everyone in the house sick twice now in the last month but I would like to thank the people who have invented items such as these for our world...they really do make our lives so much easier and safer)

Giveaway + Following =

2010-12-17T06:04:00.000-08:00

the winner of these

Thanks One Language for entering the giveaway !

Make sure you check out One Language's lovely bags.

I've added one to my Christmas wish list :)

Remember there is still FREE SHIPPING at Anne Overbeek Designs ~Happy Friday!

Oh how I love Anthropologie~

2010-12-15T13:21:00.000-08:00

I could really make an entire Christmas List just from Anthropologie, couldn't you?

This is just a "few" of my fav's~

These are my favorites...did I forget anything?

Don't forget to make Anne Overbeek Designs a favorite on facebook or become a follower of my blog for your chance to win these lovelies winner will be announced on Friday~

It's a Giveaway & Holiday Traditions~

2010-12-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

Wow isn't it amazing how fast Mondays roll around each week? Hope you and yours had a lovely weekend full of laughter and memories. My little family and I finally got the tree up at the house and it was so fun to bring it in from the cold, stringing the lights (only one non-working set this year) and then building up the anticipation for our three year old to help put the ornaments on the tree.

Explaining to my wee one that all of our ornaments have a special meaning or event in our lives really made me think it is one of my favorite traditions that I'd like to nurture a love for with him. He was so excited to get each one out of the box and ask us about each one. Many of the ornaments had been given to us from friends and family as gifts. I love this tradition...

What about you? What's your favorite holiday tradition?

Leave me a comment with your favorite Holiday tradition and you'll be entered in a giveaway for the Evelyn earrings from my etsy store. 1pt
2. Become a facebook fan of anne overbeek designs 1pt

Want to increase your chances to win these little lovelies?
Become a follower of my blog for an additional entry. 1pt
Blog about this giveaway for an additional 3 entry's. 3pts

Good luck and the winner will be announce on Friday!

2011 Pantone of the year announced~

2010-12-10T12:42:00.000-08:00

The pantone of the year was just announced...so what do you think?

Like it, love it or leave it?

Make sure you check back Monday for details on my giveaway!!

Today

2010-11-22T17:26:00.000-08:00

A Giveaway you wont want to miss!

2010-11-10T16:20:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Kelli at Green Bridge White House! Kelli is having a giveaway to celebrate her birthday!!! Go visit Kelli and leave her a comment letting her know you favorite color and why and you'll be entered in her giveaway to win these lovelies!

Cottage Living Inspiration~

2010-11-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

So anyone who knows me knows that I have been longing for Cottage Living Magazine to come back into publication...I puruse through old issues weekly. I have come to the conclusion that they disbanded the magazine because there was TOO much good stuff in each issue. What you say? Now think of it from a publishers standpoint...If you get rid of a terrific magazine that has all kinds of good stuff in it and put a little bit in a bunch of different mag's the average jane ends up purchasing more mags right? More money for the company... Well i have been searching the blog o'sphere for substitutions for the magazine and I am starting to compile a list in my daily reads. Now I'm not saying that these are Cottage Living Mag. by any means but their blogs that I love for their style, inspiration and just plane fun individual insights from their authors. The two blogs I've listed below give me a "feeling of Cottage Living Magazine" and maybe they'll give you a little feeling to satisfy your loss too. So without further ado I'd like to introduce a couple of new daily reads I've stumbled across that I have added to the list and I'd like to share with you ~ By the way, I'm grateful to the authors of these blogs and want to personally say thanks for feeding me visually, inspiring me and for the fun you provide me daily through reading your blog...incase you haven't heard it today...Thanks!!!

a beach cottage

Can you tell I need a tutorial on how to add buttons to your blog??? ;) Help!

Momma Me A~

2010-11-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

I have officially been a stay at home mom for one week now and I am absolutely loving it! I have to say my little buddy boy is loving it too. I think God knew it was exactly what I needed when I needed it. You see since April 1st I have been working at a job that has literally been hell in a hand basket and it has taken the utmost endurance and guidance from God to get me and many others through it all. I feel like right now I am being the best momma I can be by being there all the time for my little guy and that I love. I love life and all that God brings, and all that means~

featuring...dyptichs

2010-11-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

Check out this cool treasury on Etsy featuring dyptichs.

What's even cooler...one of my designs is featured!

Thanks for including me Stacey with CreaShines

i love ~

2010-11-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

Check out one of my new favorite daily reads and be inspired~ I know I am! Can't wait to see the final reveal of the Holtz's bathroom renovation. Here's there sneak peak...

Stop by Green Bridge White House for lots of innovative design products, ideas and reno's from Interior Designer Kelli Holtz.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T16:41:00.001-07:00

accessory for life

2010-10-28T18:36:00.001-07:00

I designed a new button for my Etsy store...what do you think?

Etsy Handmade Christmas Part Deux

2010-10-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

Today while window shopping on Etsy for my Christmas Gift Giving List I stumbled across this WONDERful shop and wanted to share it with you too~

Terrific photography for all of their products, all organic and they plant a tree for every product sold. How lovely is that! I think the camera is definitely on the list for my little one!
I think Little Sapling Toys are lovely and I hope you do too!

Love this~

2010-10-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

The best thing to hold onto in life is each other~ Audrey Hepburn

It's Gonna be a Handmade Christmas~

2010-10-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Making my list and marking it twice...for giving that is! I can hardly grasp it but I'm already thinking about the Christmas gifts ( so unlike me... especially since having a child!). I think Ravenhill's shop on etsy will definitely be on the list for my handmade shopping Christmas gifts to given to my lovely loved ones.

Be Good To...

2010-10-15T16:57:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt one of my favorite songs right now ~

Meanies listen to your Mother~

2010-10-14T17:21:00.001-07:00

Let anyone who comes to you go away feeling better and happier. Every one should see goodness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile. Joy shows from the eyes, it appears when we speak and walk. It cannot be kept closed inside us. It reacts outside. Joy is infectious.

~Mother Theresa

Birthday Weekend

2010-09-28T06:24:00.001-07:00

This was the year...the year that after talking about it for five years we finally did it. My friend and I went to Colombus to the Country Living Fair for some serious fun, relaxation and a freaky moment or two (not associated with the CL Fair) just our hotel. Anyway, I'm happy to say that we finally did it and we had a great time. It was a happy birthday to me weekend from my husband and I adore him for that :)

Oh and while I'm saying thanks... a HUGE thank you to the women who left their 3 day passes at the desk of the hotel when they were finished on Friday. The hotel passed them on to us saving us a total of $50 and when we were finished on Saturday afternoon we brought them back to the hotel desk so that someone else could use them and the hotel clerk, a very kind young woman said she'd been wanting to go and was so grateful that she could use the unused day on the ticket too! Payin' it forward and kindness all around...now that's what I'm talking about :)

Just one of the wonderful lovelies of the day ~

Got me even more in the fall mood ~

Love this quote

2010-09-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

"Crying is not a sign of weakness but a symbol of being strong for too long."

Halloween 2009

I just came across this quote on Pretties and Posies and LOVE IT!!!What do you think? Do you keep a list of your favorite quotes, words of wisdom or bible verses?

Inspiration

2010-09-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

Love this Image

1st trip to Mackinac Island

2010-09-22T16:08:00.001-07:00

Considerably good mood since he was a few days without a nap!

Summer

2010-09-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite images from this summer~

Memory Walk

2010-09-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

I'm more than proud to have this wonderful group of students( Hope College Women's Golf Team & Men's Swimming Team) in my community. I think their parents should all be proud of the individuals they have raised because they taught them to think beyond themselves. Wish I could have been their to participate for my dear Joan. A phenomenal woman, kind soul and true dutch american princess :) Go Team DAP!!! The Dude and I love you!!