Tying Up Loose Ends

Whew! Y'all - I have been some kinda busy these last few days! No matter that it's the weekend, it turns out this is my last weekend living back at home with my wonderful, sweet, loving family + it's back to my BigCity on Monday.
Momma & I road-tripped on Friday to find an apartment for me - which I had easily made appointments to see each by the priority they stood in my "likes" category. Amazingly enough, God had just let it work out that the first place we stopped, was my favorite {from online photos and reviews}, and had just been made available that morning from a law student who had chosen to attend a school elsewhere. They had the apartment ready for her on Monday, the 8th, which worked out perfectly for when I needed to move up, attend orientation for work, and get settled in to life. After a quick tour of the actual apartment I'll be moving in to, we signed paperwork, turned in funds, and checked off one very big "To Do" from our list.
Then it was all fun & games. We had lunch at a local Italian / pizzeria, scored some cute little knobs from Anthropologie {for the trash-dump-treasure entertainment center}, checked out & scored at Pottery Barn, and then went along our merry way back to my Hometown.
Once back home, it was back to finishing up {quickly, now} the projects I had leisurely started.

• The dresser / entertainment center got her final coat of paint on the top and her accessories {knobs&faceplates} painted. The DVD drawers were lined with scrapbook paper & modpodged to stay.

ModPodge Drawers

Dresser+Baskets, Missing Cabinet Door

• The 3 small canvas sea-life prints I had started, had to be finished up.

 

Free Hand Acrylic Paintings by Moi!

•  The bronze wall decor had to be painted.

 

Before

 

 

 

 

After

• $7 Ikea Lazy Susan Facelift

Getting Her Stripes On

 

 

 

Finished Lazy Susan + All New DIY/+New Fabric

Whew! And most of that, y'all, was done today. I just haven't stopped.Then Lulu {sister} & Chief {her husband} came by the house & we all went out to eat and visited back home. I'll really miss being only 40 minutes from Lulu. She's a lot of fun :)

Oh, and I went to my Mama and Papa's house to score Mama's old soon-to-be-curb'd computer desk and a white plastic drawer storage bin thing. {photo+DIY project to come}

I'm tired just thinking about it all!

More info within the next few days... for now, I need to finish going through boxes of "stuff", re-packing my clothes {didn't I justttt do this??} and get a good nights sleep. Tomorrow Dad & StepDad will load up the U-Haul. We leave Monday.

....It's sort of bittersweet. I came home knowing it was temporary, and it ended up just being the perfect "summer vacation" - bettering myself, my health, my relationships with family... overall, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect way to start fresh this fall. I feel rejuvinated, my faith has grown stronger, and I'm more prepared than ever before, to face what is to come.

xo

B

Family Affair

Hey Y'all ~

 I wanted to share a bit with you from Momma's birthday surprise - but first, a little background...

Now, every year since my sister Lulu was born, Momma has made sure to get our portraits done professionally, every 5 years {since we're 5 years apart}. The first was when Lulu was just at "zero" & yours truly, was a wretched 5 year old, attempting to adjust to life with a baby sister around.

As the years have gone on, we've been photographed in coordinating plaid satin dresses, coordinating nautical/sailor themed dresses, polka dots & stripes, and later in life, more refined photos in nice dresses, always achieving the look that "Oh, sister, how I love thee" - when we were probably just shy of maiming each other an hour prior.

But honestly, it's always been a fun way to document our family every 5 years, and quite fun to see how different we were at each others' ages. Now that we're both adults {& not just "18", but like, fo'real grown up, married off & payin' ya own bills kinda adults} Lulu & I decided we should surprise Momma with our 20&25 year portraits. Momma loved Lulu's wedding photographer, who had since moved away. She gave up her dream of being able to have us photographed by V, and figured she would just have to settle with any ol' photographer. Well, V happened to be coming in to town one weekend in July, so we snagged her for a family session, convinced the Stepdad to help coerce Momma into the surprise photo sesh, and off we went about our little scheming selves!

So, last Friday Lulu, Momma & I ran around antiquing and finished up purchasing all the decor for Momma's breakfast nook re-do... we had an amaaaazing lunch at this local Italian eatery "Baci" {Italian for "kiss", yes, I did know that & didn't need to look it up} and then brought Lulu back up to our house to "hang out until dinner". Yes! We had gone all day and Momma still had no clue what was to come. We get home & Mom says "I'm not doing anything tonight. I'm whooped tired & that's it." {Enter: momentary freak-out} ... so Lulu & I continue to get ready while Mom attempts to catch a cat nap... finally, we had to break the surprise to her, or else she wouldn't get up and cooperate !?

Well, we told her about the surprise we had planned, and that it was not only for our Sister Portraits, but also for a family photo session, seeing as how for the last 9 years we had managed to go without having a "formal" photo of the 4 of us. And plus, now Lulu is married and our family has grown. So, the tears come from Momma, she asks "when? how soon? I need to pick out my outfit" ... which we had already done based on what we were wearing.

I think Lulu and I did a really great job at a surprise gift, and Momma cherishes nothing more than photos of her family {past+present}... So, Happy Early Birthday Momma {1 month from today}. Love you lots!

Family faces are magic mirrors.  

Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future.

A Mother's Love

Happy Mother's Day Weekend Y'all!


I'm not a mom {yet} but I am so thankful for all of the beautiful women in my life who are mothers to those I love so much! I am blessed to have two wonderful grandmothers, a mother of my own, and Ry's sweet mother!

momma+me: day 2

This year, more than any year before, I have realized just how much work and self-sacrifice goes into being a mother. Perhaps my job with the Terror {Lil'One} has brought me that much closer to appreciating all my own mother has done for me, while putting her own needs and desires on the shelf for a while. Or perhaps, it is my maturity, at nearly 26, to know that one day, my life will not be solely about what I want to do, but instead to care for my own family.

Either way, I am so incredibly blessed that God chose my momma to bring me here, raise me, keep me fed and in clean underwear, that taught me manners and etiquette, how to be true to myself, how to be a reliable friend, a Christian example, who showed me strength when it would have been easier to give up, and most of all, who showed me what unconditional love is.

momma+me: day 7,840 {approx}

I think being a Mother is a frightening thing for those of us yet to experience it, but I can rest knowing that my momma didn't have a Ph.D in child psychology or all the books in the world on "how-to raise a kid" but she did it through love, discipline {thank you} & a self-less manner. She is my best friend & I am so thankful for her!

Thank You Momma!!!!

xoxo
your beetle

All My Love, New Orleans

It's Sunday, Y'all! 

Today's blog is devoted to New Orleans. The city I first visited just 6 months post- Katrina. The only city where I could eat my way around and never have enough. The city where live jazz music floats through the air. Where the soul of its residents never fails. And every day is reason for a party.

My very first trip to NOLA as we lovingly call it, was for the city's annual Jazz & Blues Festival. Forget that Hurricane Katrina attempted to devastate the city, and that more than half its residents no longer would come back, the people of New Orleans carried on. And so it went, Jazz Fest 2005. I ate foods I've never had before, such as "craw-dads", crawfish etouffe, andouille sausage, authentic po'boys, Abita, Zapps, and the list goes on and on. I could write a book on the foods in the Crescent City ((but, plenty of others have and are more equipped to do so!))
My girls and I explored Uptown, Midtown, the French Market, Magazine Street and the Garden District to name a few.

Undoubtedly, I would return.
Come 2006, my very first Mardi Gras in NOLA. Such a fabulous time, and was so thrilled to see that there are places ((plenty)) in NOLA to enjoy a wholesome Mardi Gras parade. Where children sit atop ladders in wooden boxes to catch beads from local krewes and their floats. Where you campout, as if a tailgate, for a day or so to get a good spot, near a good restaurant, and where you have access to a bathroom! :)

If you had told me, 5 years ago that I would have been to that city more than a dozen times, and on the most recent trip, met the Love of My Life, I'd have believed it. The Joie de vivre ((zest for life)) is truly contagious. New Orleans ((and its blessed humidity)) sticks to you.

Naturally, every year, after the Ephiphany and before Ash Wednesday, Carnival is celebrated around the world. The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is so lovingly known as "Fat Tuesday", and of course, this is when this little Bean gets to cookin' her favorite food. Bring out the cast iron skillet, the stockpot, ingredients ranging from Andouille Smoked Sausage to the "Holy Trinity" of Cajun cooking ((onions, green peppers + celery)). Its time to make gumbo, dirty rice 'n beans, and invite over friends to wear authentic Mardi Gras parade-caught beads and share the love for NOLA.

This year, I'm doing it low-key. Due to recent hectic work schedules I am disappointed to say, I am not hosting my annual Fat Tuesday Dinner party. It will just be Prince Ry and myself. And the d-o-g. In true Southern fashion, we're still going all out in the way of food preparations. Although I did cheat this year and buy my King Cake, which in the past I've made. Next year, we'll do it up big. So be prepared to get your green, gold and purple invites in the mail next February. I won't let you down! :)

xoxo
B

Grocery and Romance ?!

Hey Ya'll ~ 

Whew! What a week this has been... I'm anxiously awaiting Friday afternoon, when I meet a close girlfriend of mine from high school to catch up on life and enjoy some delish food. And a weekend. Of relaxing.

On my recently concluded "Trip Around The State" - which found me in staying in 3 different cities in the span of 24 hours, I ran over hundreds of highways. And I passed numerous billboards. But just one stuck with me. Publix. I've always been a "Publix gal" - since before I knew of such gourmet groceries as Fresh Market & Whole Foods. The billboard simply stated:

"Publix Aprons School: Where Dates Happen"

photo to come: found one of us at Honeymoon Island !! 

As a sucker for trendy, unique packaging and a fresh approach on marketing, this billboard just brought back a super sweet and favorite memory of mine. About a year ago, Handsome Man & I were coming back from a day out at Honeymoon Island, and decided a lovely fresh dinner would be the perfect way to wrap up our date. So we headed to Fresh Market ((I know, you were thinking it would be Publix, but sorry!)) for ingredients.

Perhaps it was the dim lighting, the classical music, the abundance of gorgeously wrapped foods, wines and cheeses ... but either way, I found myself as giddy as a young girl, laughing my way through the isles of the grocer with Him. Then it hit me, we had only been dating for about a month when I realized that everything we did together was MUCH more fun than it had ever been before, prime example of grocery shopping. 

And this was the beginning of it all ((romantic sigh)). My grocery shopping trips have never been the same, week after week, usually on Sundays, we hold hands through the store like the cute little 80 yr old couples you see that make you stop and realize "Love doesn't grow old". Then you smile and carry on with your day. 

For those of you hoping to find a craft, cool blog about a project, or anything OTHER than romantic grocery store jabber, I apologize. Blame it on Publix's fresh take on billboards, but I'm a sucker for a fabulous grocery trip with my very own Handsome Man. Hope you find a smile in a something simple this weekend.

xoxo

B

For The Past 6 Months

My feet have been off the ground for the past half a year.
I've finally found what was waiting for me.
And it was certainly more than worth the nearly 24 & 1/2 years I had to wait to meet him ...

Farewell City on the Gulf

Well, this weekend was my last while living here on the West coast of FL.
I'll be sad to move, but seeing as how none of my *bests* will be living here much longer, and I have amazing opportunities awaiting me on the other coast, I shouldn't be terribly sad.
We all know there will be weekend trips to visit and plenty of fun to still be had!
 I got to lay out this weekend, get a nice tan for the upcoming weddings, and pack. And pack. And buy more storage containers. Ugh. I'm really looking forward to not moving for the next 3 years!!!!
Between all my packing, the Love of My Life and I got to chatting about future plans in our new city, and somehow his pup Izzy came up in conversation. Izzy was rescued from a dumpster when she was little bitty and Ry has had her ever since. She's the most obedient, loving, cuddly, 75 lb. lab I've ever met <3 Love her dearly! Since we don't know her exact birthday, we gave her one. September 23. That is when we're throwing her her FIRST EVER Paw-ty!! We have a couple of friends in our new home that have a pup we've been dying to introduce Izzy to. I'm looking forward to another excuse to throw a fun party, making a "pupcake" for Iz and Charlie, as well as cupcakes and drinks for the humans :)
Below is a fun board I just threw together:

Enjoy the last fleeting moments of your weekend. I'm dreading tomorrow as a workday, but I'll welcome it as a break from packing!!!

xoxo
 b

Always An East Coast Girl

Well,  I haven't blogged in about a week or so. But *big* changes are coming soon!! 

I'm very excited and blessed to announce that I will be moving back to the East Coast of Florida, and further North ... which means more seasons, cooler weather, and closer to cities I love like Savannah & Charleston. And I'll be a "same-city girlfriend" to the Love Of My Life. We have been long-distance nearly 4 months by the time I move!! :) 


On Labor Day, I interviewed with a family for a full time - live out nanny position. This job is taking care of an adorable and polite (yet, very DIVA-ish) 4 year old little girl, and being a "Mother's Helper" on 1 of the days during the week. This is a Monday-Friday gig, and a tremendous blessing for getting a large pay raise (compared to grueling hours for little pay in Minor League Baseball).  I'm thrilled to have my weekends back to myself and the Handsome Man. I will start there late September, and hope to sign a lease after my sister's wedding week!!  :) 

While in my last post I wrote about my *creative* brain explosions ((too many hours of brain storming + day dreaming led to a lot of motivation to get started on my own business)) ... I wanted to find a way to help others while developing my talents in events ((start small)).
I did a bit of research for children's hospitals in my *New City* & I followed up on how to get involved in them. I am starting to volunteer for one hospital, get to work with pediatric patients who are in long-term hospital settings, and hopefully pass out some business cards to the families who stay there also. My first small-step dream for doing events, is to build birthdays and holiday parties for pediatric patients who have to be hospitalized during a special holiday. I want to alleviate the stresses on the parents, siblings and other family members by just going in and decorating the room, providing cupcakes or cakes , banners, balloons, etc. all in a whimsical - take-me-away dreamy occasion. Every child deserves to have a birthday that's memorable, and if they can't get away, I want my parties to take them elsewhere. If only for a few hours. 
When I mentioned my idea to the Love of My Life, he said that was a great idea ((supportive; as ALWAYS!)) and he wanted to sign up to volunteer with me. I'm excited that I will be using my "free time/ me time" to help others. It's only a few hours a week ... but what a blessing this could be to let God use us to share our happiness with others! 
 I'm very excited, as well, to be joining the Women's Board at one of the hospitals. They host two large events per year, that are known as some of the best cultural fundraisers in the city. I can't wait to make new friends, display my talents with others, and raising money for the hospitals. 

A lot to do once I move and I welcome it all :) 
God is good and He answers prayers! 

xoxo 
 b 

Imma Bee ...

Inspirations for the store I will one day open :)

Sadly, I'm working *AGAIN* this Saturday, baseball is almost over!! Must bee off !

xx
 B

Same Adventures - Different Cities

This weekend was a long awaited visit for girls-only time with my awesome roommate from college. It's hard to believe that nearly six years ago this fall, we both moved into Reynolds Hall dormitory on Florida State University campus ... took one look at each other ... and thought "Oh Boy!"

(Photo 2004 & Photo 2010) 

We were complete opposites from our clothes (her vintage chic style & my preppy wardrobe) ... the music we listened to (her indie-rock & my pop) ... but then there were our similarities of antique shops & vintage stores, cooking + baking, laying out, beach trips on the weekend + bonding over Sex &  The City dvd's each night of our second semester in the dorm.
Needless to say, after 1 summer apart - we realized how much we really had found a friend in one another and six years later, I can say I'm truly grateful to have C as my awesome and "randomly chosen" college roommate! I don't think God is "random" & he knew what we would both need!

Okay, enough babbling  ~ so C decided to make a trip down south where I live and hang out. We spent all day Saturday catching up on life while I chauffeured us to all my favorite local antique / home decor / and vintage shops. When the 2 of us get together, we can do some AMAZING decor idea brainstorming and spend some serious $$ !! ((not this weekend, though!)) We even stumbled across a "new" store that had been on my little roadmap of shoppes for 6 years!! Check it out ... Morgan @ Belleair ... I scored the most chic + girly headband there & will probably be inspired to make my own version for another option!! Grey satin ribbon and a beautiful cream rose-y flower!


So - we have lunch at a local fish market & then I'm craving to take her to The Cupcake Spot on Central Ave. for a gourmet cuppy!! C scored a red velvet + this Queen B had a Buckeye ... chocolate cuppy with peanut butter frosting with a nice dollop of chocolate in the middle!!

We were quite shopped out at this point, so it was home for a nap, then dinner with Legs at a local bistro! C and I are camping in a few weeks with friends, so we're both already excited for another visit so close together! I'll be sure to snap some fun memories while camping up north of here!!

All for now ~ Hope ya'll have a fabulous week ... I've got some great things going on :)

xxxo - b

Easter Is More Than Eggs

I just wanted to share the reason we remember the walk of Christ down the Via Delorosa, the brutal death of our Savior Jesus among thieves on the Hill at Golgotha, his burial in a tomb covered with a stone, and 3 days later, rejoice in His holy resurrection.

That He has gone to be with His Father... Our Father. The perfect Father. He didn't have to do it, He wanted to, so that we all could have the choice to spend eternity in Heaven with Him.

Below are the powerful lyrics to a song written & performed by Phillips, Craig & Dean "Saved The Day"

The darkest day in history was over

All was lost on the cross Beaten, battered, bruised beyond description You gave it all, what went wrong? This couldn't be the end of Heaven's story 'Cause You came to save, to beat the grave Three days and now they're looking for Your body But You were gone, and now I know You saved the day The day You rolled the stone away The empty grave is there to say You reign You saved the day You tore the holy veil away You opened wide the prison gates You saved the day Rescued from the shackles of my failure In the dead of night, You shined Your light Your gift of love is hope that springs eternal And because of You, all things are new You saved the day The day You rolled the stone away The empty grave is there to say You reign You saved the day You tore the holy veil away You opened wide the prison gates You saved the day Oh God, You rescued me From my iniquities Your gift of love is hope that springs eternal And because of You, all things are new You saved the day The day You rolled the stone away The empty grave is there to say You reign You saved the day You tore the holy veil away You opened wide the prison gates You saved the day You saved the day The day You rolled the stone away The empty grave is there to say You reign You saved the day You tore the holy veil away You opened wide the prison gates You saved the day

Luke 24:6-7 He isn't here! He has risen from the dead! Don't you remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again the third day?"

You Are The Everlasting God

That's Who I Am

There are just certain things that make me "B".

• Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, & Ol' Blue Eyes Frank Sinatra
• Hydrangeas, Azaleas & Magnolias, especially when they bloomed outside my window!
• Sunsets at my new beach, on the West coast!
• Small antique stores by the side of the road, scream "Come In!" to me.
• The Florida State University
• My love for kitchen gadget stores
• Decorative birds
• Anything Southern

Plain Jane

Well, I have tried in the past to create blogs, based on crafts I am doing, places I travel, and well ... they just didn't stick! So my hopes for this blog, are that I will be able to blog whatever beautiful things I see or feel on the current day. Topics will vary. Tastes will change. And that is part of the fun of being who we are, the ability to change our likes & dislikes, what inspires us, and dreams we have. Here I am, plain Jane blogger. Just me. B