Ross' "Old School" Nursery

Mind you, there are still things to be done . . . but I couldn't be happier! Created by combining roughly 50% flea market finds and 50% new or handmade items, it has certainly become my most favorite room in the house! Grady has caught me, several times now, simply sitting in it and staring for no reason at all! (Let's just hope Ross feels the same way!)

Before I go, I have to thank Grady . . . for not just the painting and hanging . . . but for his patience through this entire decorating obsession I've had the last 7 months. He's been there willing to help every step of the way.

Grady, you are more wonderful than you could ever imagine.

Until next time . . . because, there will be more!

The Nursery . . . almost done.

Okay . . . okay . . . I just can't wait any longer!

I will warn you, there are a few things still not complete. But, like I said . . . I just can't wait any longer! My next post will be the nursery thus far.

Here are a few before pics to refresh your memory . . .

I wish you could feel my excitement!

I'll be back soon!

Dinner for 2 (or 3 . . . or 4 . . . )

We have never been "left-overs" kind of people.

I know you think I'm crazy . . . the thought of not having to cook dinner one night due to left-overs is appealing (especially after a full day of hearing the words "Mrs. Marrrrsh" in your ear approximately two thousand and thirty six times . . . ). But, food is my thing. I love eating it. I love cooking it. And, I love anticipating it. Ridiculous, I know. But, left-overs just doesn't fit into that.

The point is, it's sometimes hard cooking for 2 without leftovers . . . chicken pot pie being one example. Last time I cooked a chicken pot pie, 1/3 of it rotted in the bottom of our refrigerator.

I found these dishes at Crate and Barrel a while ago . . . which obviously allowed me to make individual servings, as opposed to a giant pie dish full. I made my filling as usual, and had plenty left over . . . but it's now sitting in the freezer waiting on the next time I decide to make chicken pot pie . . . instead of growing an unidentified fungus behind the milk carton . . .

Blinds . . . and Curtains

I recently got a question about where I got the blinds in our house . . . I wish I could tell you I found them at some fine shop . . . or better yet, at a nearby consignment store or thrift shop, but I have to admit, I simply found them at Target. I've been quite happy with Target's selection. In fact, if they don't have your exact measurements in the store, they probably have them online.

Of course, I'm always on the look out at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, or Ross for a deal on blinds (or anything for that matter . . . ). It's harder to find more than a couple that match, but unless they're all in the same room, you'd probably never notice a color difference from room to room.

But maybe you have a better source for blinds . . . ?

In response to the curtains question . . . I actually made those out of burlap . . . quite possibly one of the most fabulous fabrics of all time! You'd be amazed how easy it was, really! They're all straight panels . . . no lining. They seem to resemble linen this way. I added orange pompoms to the ones in the living room and attached curtain clips to the tops of all of them. I totally recommend trying it! Burlap's cheap . . . so you won't feel so bad even if you make a mistake!

The Curtains

One of my last projects to complete in the nursery, were the curtains. I found these on Anthroplogie (of course).

$108 a piece . . . that means $108 a panel . . . ONE panel. You can imagine my thoughts on that . . .

Instead, I went shopping for some fabric. (I've been having a hard time finding fun fabric at any stores around here, so I got these from etsy.com and tonicliving.com. A little scary matching up patterns on a computer . . . but thankfully, it turned out well!)

Note: I am no sewing expert! There may be a better and much easier way to do this! This is just how I did it.

First, I created my panel by cutting my top, middle, and bottom pieces to size.

I then pinned and sewed (right sides) together.

Once sewn, I ironed them down right side up. This really pulls it together! I've learned there's not much sewing without ironing!

Once I had my panel made, I cut my lining to size and again, pinned and sewed the pieces together.

My final step was hemming the sides. I folded, ironed, and sewed one side at a time . . . starting with the sides. Once hemmed, iron the entire panel.

And, it came out looking like this.

ALMOST done! ALMOST done!

The Rocking Chair

I was most lucky to discover Fleming had an old rocking chair from the family that no one was using! I finally got the opportunity this week to get it ready for the nursery!

Before

(after a little sanding)

After

I can't wait for you to see it in the nursery!

It won't be long!

The Babymoon :)

Grady and I couldn't have been more excited when my parents got us a weekend away in Charleston for Christmas this year. The Barksdale Inn was fabulous!

There's not much better than a weekend filled with shopping and eating.

(And, of course, we don't visit any town without finding at least one cigar shop . . .)

We were excited to try a couple new restaurants this time . . . one of which we added to our list of favorites: FIG. The menu seemed a bit limited at first, but after taking some great advice from our server, we chose some ridiculously good dishes!

No matter how many times we visit, I don't believe we'll ever get tired of Charleston.

28 Weeks!

. . . Which means we've made it to the THIRD TRIMESTER!

I just can't believe it! I feel like there's now an end in sight! She should be weighing in at about 2 and 1/4 lbs. and measuring about 14.8 inches. It's amazing to think she's blinking her eyes now and even has sweet little eye lashes!

I'm feeling wonderful and have even been able to fit in a little Gilad occasionally (Gilad . . . my personal trainer . . .). I pray I continue to feel this way . . . however, I'm expecting a bit of a change this trimester. It's a bit scary to think, most women gain 11 lbs. these last 3 months . . .

I PROMISE to post pictures of the nursery soon! Grady and I are taking a little trip to Charleston this weekend, and I'm crossing my fingers that I can find a few last minute items. Not to mention, I have a couple major projects planned for my day off on Monday.

Have a FABULOUS weekend!

What's For Dinner?

I decided it was due time to share a recipe!

This one, in particular, came to mind when I realized what a staple it has become in our house. If you know us, we are Mexican fanatics! We won't go a single week without either cooking it or going to get it.

So here's to you Mexico!

Stuffed Peppers

(easy AND healthy!)

1 lb. lean ground beef

1/2 onion

1 to 1 1/2 c cooked rice (I use brown rice. It's healthier and does wonderfully.)

1 15oz. can black beans

1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes

2 green peppers

sharp cheddar cheese

Brown beef in pan. Drain and add onion. Cook about 3 min. Add rice, beans, tomatoes and about 1 cup of cheese (or more, if you love cheese like me). Cook until heated. Cut peppers in half, scraping out the inside. (It may also be necessary to trim stem.) Fill each pepper half with beef mixture and top with cheese. Place all four halves in a 9x9 dish and add enough water to the bottom of dish to simply cover it (about 1/2 c). Cover tightly with aluminum foil. (Note: spray one side of the foil with Pam to avoid cheese from sticking) Bake about 45 minutes at 375 degrees.

Also, you may end up with extra beef mixture. If so, freeze it and save it for next time!

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Over Christmas Break . . .

. . . you'll be happy to know, we accomplished quite a bit on the nursery! I'm about to die to show you pictures, but there's just a few more things to do, and at this point I'd rather you see a finished product.

I have to say, I'm a bit relieved we're almost done, because the count down is on! I can't believe how time has flown! Ross should be almost 2 pounds now (although, surely she's more like 7 or 8 pounds based on how quickly my bathroom scale is rising these days . . . ). She's been kicking up a storm, which I love! In fact, I get a bit panicked when I don't feel her.

I'm in the process of reading about 4 different books on "sleep methods." So far, Babywise seems most on track with Grady and I . . . however, some of the others offer some great advice on nonstop criers (which just thinking about, I might add, has also put me in a state of panic).

I'll admit, I'm a bit sad to be going back to school in a couple days. I'm in full blown baby mode . . . and it seems to be the only thing I can think about right now. But, I guess these last few months of school will make the days go by faster . . . and before I know it, there'll be a sweet , baby girl in my arms . . .