Color of the Year

When January hits, I am always ready to bring out bold, vibrant colors. Spring is only two months away and the thought of green grass and warm nights is enough to make me want to wear flip flops in the snow.

The color for 2014 is helping me make the transition from black to something brighter. I am wild about this year's color because not only does it go great with my skin tone (I am a WINTER) but it will transition easily into every season.

SIDE NOTE: My sister always finds out the color of the year early and lets me know how I should plan for the upcoming year. She is my fashion Sherpa, if you will.

This year the color is Radiant Orchid and I am kind of in love with it.

Just soak it in, people, because you are going to see a lot of it in 2014. It is everywhere!

If you are wanting to dive into this year's color trend, here are a few of my favorite orchid-infused things.

This darling pillow from Joss and Main:

For your tootsies:

As an accent wall, a bedroom dresser or the interior of your kitchen cabinets:

 

 

 

Some arm candy from Michael Kors:

 

 

To tuck you in at night:

As a way to celebrate your big day:

 

To accessorize anything:

 

You can even buy a net for your face...if you want a net in your face:

 

So, there you go, purple-lovers! This is your year! Live it up.

And if you want more ideas of where you can find Radiant Orchid, Pinterest has an entire board dedicated to it!



A Pinterest Confession

I have a complicated relationship with Pinterest.

Pinterest is one of those tools that is so completely simple and brilliant that it makes me wonder how I ever came up with a creative idea on my own. Of course I did have a ghetto version back in 1993 when I actually owned a bulletin board with various ideas and dreams pinned to it. But who has the time, space or available cork to have an actual real one these days?

Unless, of course, you get the idea from Pinterest to buy a real one and put it on your wall.

I have spent so many otherwise productive hours pinning everything I could ever possibly want for myself, my home, and my life. The fact that it is so easily available on my phone makes even the DMV enjoyable.

It is truly a modern miracle.

However, I have a confession about Pinterest: I have a severe lack of follow-through.

This became the topic of conversation between Rachel and me the other night. And we both agreed that there is a lot of pressure to be a Pinterest All-Star, when in reality, I am more of a Pinterest Bench Warmer.

Believe me, my intentions are pure. I want to make all of those things. I want to be the kind of person who not only bakes a mean salted caramel brownie, but can also make her own pillows, apply her own amazing eyeshadow, wear the most amazing clothes without looking like I tried, do the latest thigh-trimming workout, and plan my wedding all at the same time.

Oh, and wear killer high heels while doing it.

The fact is, I have only made one of the sixty-one recipes I have pinned.

The fact is, I have planned my wedding without having a groom.

The fact is, I don't even own a house to make-over.

The fact is, I really suck at applying eyeshadow.

And who in the world wants to spend time trimming their thighs?

Exactly.

So, dear readers, let the world know that all of those amazing ideas that I collect and admire are only just ideas at this point.

I am just thankful there is an app to hold them all!

The World of House Sitting

You guys, I am house sitting right now. Growing up, I was not aware of this concept. This is probably because people in rural America do not "sit" other people's houses, they just tie a pit bull to the front door and go on vacation. But in suburbia, it is all the rage.

The house I am sitting is wonderful. It is comfortable and close to work and it is around the corner from a Pei Wei. I heart Pei Wei. But this house is also home to a cat. I am not a cat person. I once lived with a cat in college who was literally the spawn of satan but thankfully this cat is a bit sweeter. This cat does not crawl into the dryer and pee on my clean clothes.

Yes, that happened.

However, there is a unique tension to house sitting. You long to be comfortable but you are also keenly aware that the couch you are lying on is not your own. You use their kitchen but can't find the paper towels. You park in their garage but you don't know how far to pull in. You sleep in their house but you are unfamiliar with every creak and groan and beep in the night.

Your senses are also heightened to an alarming level. You double check turning off your curling iron. You second guess how to properly turn on the dish washer. You wonder if the cat will eat your socks if you leave them out. It can be quite exhausting. However, sometimes the stress gets the better of me. Thus far, I have managed the following:

Left the garage door open overnight.

Set off the security alarm in the house which I am sure could be heard in a five-block radius.

Wrongly assembled the kitty water fountain/drinking dish and it leaked on the kitchen floor.

Incorrectly turned on the TV/entertainment system and have no idea how to watch cable.

Found a cat hair in my peanut butter.

Now that last one just about sent me over the edge. Nothing, and I mean nothing, should ever touch my peanut butter except for my spoon. And cat hair makes me gag. Oh ugh. Totally gag.

So, all that to say is that I still have one more week at this home away from home. Please pray that I do not burn it down or kill their cat. Seriously, those are my goals. I try to keep my expectations low. And if you have any house sitting tips, I am all ears!

Happy Friday, peeps.

FC Flashback: "Bountiful"

My parents still have this bowl, by the way. It makes the best chocolate chip cookies.

They do not, however, have the wall hanging.

Amen and amen.

An Overdue Home Tour

Do you remember waaaaaaaaaaaaay back in August when I discussed my need to redecorate yet had absolutely no skill or money to do so?

Or do you remember when my 50 pound mirror did a back-flip off the mantle and nearly decapitated my sister?

No?

Darn it.

Well, just click on "Casa Bonita" on the right if you need a refresher.

As a way to bring some closure to this process, I thought I would give you a few snapshots of our newly redecorated pad. I know you have needed closure. It's why I am here. It is what I do.

First, I started off by printing some of the 8,340 pictures I have taken in the past year (again, big kudos to the man in short brown shorts). I love them. The frames were some I reused and others that I found on HUGE sale at Michael's.

This was my most expensive purchase of the extreme home makeover. We have this huge wall in our house that was empty, therefore a big honkin' piece of art was in order.

SIDE NOTE: "Big honkin'" is a technical term I like to use often. It makes me sound more professional.

Then came the mantle. Mantles give me 17 different kinds of anxiety because they are usually such a focal point in your home. I avoided decorating ours until the very end. But once I found a fabulous lamp that fit perfectly, an owl statue that makes me smile and a few framed photos that I took in Petra, my vision came together.

I love this guy.

Next up: accessories. Any good home needs them. Noah took this picture of the three of us this summer. That kid is a genius, I tell you. And the peace sign? Well, that belongs to the Seester who has a hidden hippie alter-ego. I think it works.














My favorite find of this process was this table on Craig's List. The listing price was $50 but they sold it to me for $35. Did you get that? $35! It was one humdinger of a deal! It is in excellent condition and comes with a leaf. Seriously.

And here is a view of our "dining room," which actually isn't a "room" because our whole floor plan is wide open except for bedrooms.

SIDE NOTE: I make all of my recipes on this table because of the natural sunlight. Subsequently, this means that I haul  my bowls, spoons, measuring cups, ingredients, mixers and tripod over just so my pictures come out pretty. Obsessive much?

Yes.

So there you have it. That is just a glimpse into my home. Thanks for letting me share with you. If you would like a full tour then you will need to make an appointment. Hopefully no mirrors will fly off the wall to attack you.

My Tuesday Night List of Randomicity

1. I love my new table and chairs. LOVE THEM. You all are invited to dinner. I'll send you directions.

2. I accidentally ate half a loaf of chocolate chip zucchini bread tonight. I am not sure how that happened.

3. I just bought a new pair of Levi's jeans. I haven't owned Levi's since I was 11. A lot has changed in 19 years. Trust me on this.

4. I saw two bats tonight. Did you get that? TWO. BATS. I think I will wear a turtleneck from now on.

5. I still need help redecorating my home. I have hit a wall. No literally, I hit a wall trying to move furniture. But I am also at a loss as to what pictures I should frame. Between the 3,000 I took of the Middle East, the 4,820 I have of Noah, combined with my 40,201 cousins and a handful of pictures from Yogurtland, we're talking lots of options, folks. So, who would like to come sort through all of them with me?

Anyone, anyone?

Bueller?

6. I am peg-leg rolling my pajama pants to avoid another near-death experience. I am pretty sure the trend will catch on.

7. Speaking of trends, can someone please explain to me how to wear a pair of "jeggings?" You know, the jean/legging combo that would make me look like an ice cream cone?  I am so confused. Wasn't 1984 a couple decades ago?

8. And speaking of 1984, that was the year that I had my tonsils taken out. I don't remember much from that procedure other than wanting lots of ice cream. Hmmm...maybe there is a correlation somewhere in here?

9. I have a strong desire to be in a musical right now.

10. I told someone today that I am closer to 40 than I am 20. Why did I have to say that? Why did that thought have to pop into my head? Where's the other half of that zucchini bread?

11. I still heart Chuck. Just in case you were wondering.

12. I realize that my chances of finding a cowboy in suburban Denver are slim to none. But thankfully I serve a God who is bigger than demography, geography, biology, psychology and bovine-ology.

13. I really love that so many of you comment on this blog. It makes my day. Truly.

14. The End.

Redecorating Is Not My Spiritual Gift

I thought I would give you a brief update on the Home Makeover: Frustrated Cowgirl/Funky Little Sister Edition. It has had its highs and lows in the four days that it has been underway. There has been laughter, tears, frustration and apathy. Frugality is running amuck and gray hairs are growing with wild abandon. In other words, it's like any other week at my home.

Here is a rundown of my complete lack of talent in the interior design world:

1. I love the new picture hanging on our wall above our staircase. It is big and brown and has all the names of the subway stops in New York City. It just screams "Get on a plane and come see me, Sarah!" I love talking art. But more than that, I love talking art that tells me to travel. We think it fits our taste perfectly. And if two girls who have degrees in International Something Or Other doesn't scream "travel" to you, then I don't know what does!

2. I have decided that everything I ever bought to decorate with (other than the aforementioned picture) is completely worthless to me right now. Worthless in the sense that I covet new things and wish the words "too expensive" never entered my vocabulary. And I know that everything that Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware have in their stores right now would be absolutely perfect. So, who's up for sponsoring me and this project? I promise I will bake for you.

3. I am continually grateful for my couch. Last summer, when my darling roomie Melanie moved out because she was marrying the man of her dreams, she also took her couch with her. The nerve! However, God is good and He knew that I was/am still paying off the above-mentioned degree in International Something Something and he connected me with a guy who was giving away an almost brand new couch for free.  FOR FREE, people! And it's not just any couch, it is a sectional, with big pillows and comfy cushions, and a ginormous coffee table/foot stool that went with it. And it fits perfectly in our condo. And did I mention it was free? No? Well, it was. Entirely free. I am still in awe of how God works, especially when it comes to interior decorating.

4. I have also discovered that I now need two more lamps. I am not sure how this happened because last week my condo had plenty of light in it. What does that mean?

5. Additionally, we have learned that flying wall hangings can be deadly. On Wednesday, Claire had the morning off and just as she was settling into our comfy couch with her breakfast shake, ready to take on the world via Facebook, a mirror, that weights approximately 893 pounds, fell off of its hook above the fire place, hit the mantle, did a complete 360 mid-air and crashed on our wood floors. Needless to say it was no longer in one piece. After checking her exposed body parts for shrapnel, Claire called me in a grave voice, saying:

"Sarah, I have some bad news."

I hate those words. Especially on the phone.

"Okay, what is it?"

"Your mirror just took a nose dive off the fireplace and is currently spread across our floor in a million pieces. You'll want to make sure you wear shoes."

Thankfully she was not hurt because it very well could have killed her. Or at least maimed her severely. And I just discovered that Lowe's has replacement mirror for $10. That is doable.

But you still may want to wear shoes when you come to my house.

6. I am in love with Craig's List. And do you know why? It's because I found this table and chairs for $35! I am going to see it right after work. And my gracious co-worker even offered to pick it up for me. I love people who have pick-up trucks.

So, there you have it. That is the rundown of our redecorating madness. Our place looks like a bomb exploded, leaving picture frames, lamp shades, odd pieces of furniture and random socks, bobby pins and piles of lent lying everywhere. You are welcome to come over but I will need you sign a liability form first.

And on that note, I hope your weekend is shrapnel free!

I Could Get Used To This

Oh friends. Thank you for all of your fabulous suggestions. I loved them all. And not one of you mentioned hiking as an option. It's why I like you so much.

My day off was glorious. I could very easily make a habit of it. Like a weekly habit. I will be happy to give you my boss's address so you can write a letter to him requesting that I get more time off. Just make sure you mention that it needs to be "paid" time off.

Thank you and I am sure he will love hearing from you.

So, as a recap, my day started like any other day: alarm blaring, hitting snooze, alarm blaring again, hitting snooze and so on. It was during my fifth snooze cycle that I realized that my work calendar was completely empty for the day, no appointments, meetings or deadlines. Additionally, I realized that I could use an additional 17 hours of sleep. I could tell my body needed it. And on top of that, as if I needed another excuse, I really needed to deep condition my hair and eat some of the large amounts of fruit that were in my refrigerator.

Thus, the vacation day was born.

From that moment on, my morning consisted of napping, checking email, checking Facebook, eating oatmeal with cinnamon, watching Hulu, drinking coffee, eating fruit, blogging for ideas on what to do on my day off, talking to my mom, eating more fruit, walking outside to my deck to check on my basil plant, drinking more coffee and deep conditioning my hair.

In other words, it was a perfect morning.

Around noon, I rallied and cleaned the kitchen and my bathroom. I know I said that I didn't want to deep clean, but it had to be done folks, HAD TO BE DONE.

After I had tried on all the clothes that I hadn't worn in six months, I finally decided on my favorite pair of jeans, sandals and t-shirt and hit the wide open road to Super Target.

Let's take a minute and think about all the things we love about Target.

I did a quick detour to the dry cleaners to drop off my down comforter because as much as I am in denial about cold weather coming, it's going to be here and this cowgirl does not like to be cold. I also ran by the bank to make a deposit, where I happened to drop the canister, causing it to roll under my car because I may or may not have been on the phone at the time. I hope all the bank tellers enjoyed me squeezing out of my car door and crawling around on the ground to retrieve it because there is no graceful way of doing that, folks. I blame poor engineering and Wells Fargo.

Finally, I descended upon Super Target where I spent the next two hours trying on anything that was remotely cute or trendy or fun or fabulous. I worked up a sweat and an appetite so once I gathered up my new wardrobe and finished my shopping, I headed for the golden arches for my new favorite snack: McDonald's ice cream cone.

Now, I know this may be a shock to all of you because McDonald's has been around since 1378 and the only flavor they offer is vanilla, but I KID YOU NOT, it is creamy cold perfection. And, on top of that, it is good for you, relatively speaking. Here are the stats:

For those of you counting calories: 150
For those of you counting points: 3
For those of you counting fat grams: 3.5
For those of you counting your pennies: $.64
For those of you who don't care: I can't help you.

My next stop was Cost Plus, which is a dangerous place for me because I want to buy one of everything in the store and two of their shower curtains. I really love their shower curtains. If you are in the market for one, I would recommend going there. After coveting the jewelry and their selection of European chocolate, I bought a huge piece of art that is now hanging in my condo.

I rounded out my day by having dinner with my mom and beginning the grand redecorating of my home. There is just something about the middle of August that screams "I can't stand this place another minute, I must redecorate immediately!" Or something like that. It is a huge project that Claire and I are working on while trying to be as frugal as possible. If you have any fun decorating tips, or would like to donate your interior design skills, or want to sign me up for HGTV, just let me know.

By 9:30 I realized I needed a nap. So after my 38th serving of fruit and re-trying on all the clothes that I brought home from Target, I went to bed and dreamed of future vacation days.

In conclusion, I would like to state for the record that vacation days are indeed a necessity of life. And if you can combine that with a weekend, it makes a four-day work week a little more doable. And if you combine a vacation day with a weekend, in the middle of August, then you know that you have another three-day sabbatical right around the corner: Labor Day.

Long live paid governmental holidays.