Remembering 9/11

Tomorrow..... 9/11....

I remember exactly what i was doing. I had caught the mono bug and after being hospitalized was being "babysat" by my grandma. I was a junior in high school. I remember watching the tv and being so confused. It showed over and over planes hitting a building. I said grandma look at this. She said "hmm that is some show you are watching". The phone rang. It was my cousin that lived in New York. She was calling to tell my grandma that she was fine and made it home from work safe, but her husband was stuck in the subway. My grandma's face went white and she just stared at the tv.

COULD THIS REALLY BE HAPPENING?

I don't even know what to say.  All these people went to work like any other day, and some never came home. Or called their loved ones to say goodbye. I can't fatham that.

I ran across a blog (Thrifty Decor Chick) that tells a story about 9/11 and also shows lots of pictures from the dedication building that has lots of memorbilia about this day. Heartbreaking. The stories, pictures, clothes, all heartbreaking.

My heart goes out to those who remember today (sept 10) as the last day they talked, held, kissed, hugged, played with their loved ones.

I liked how she ended her post....

This weekend fly your flag high!!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Cheap Autumn Decor

Cheap, AND, easy, AND, cute?!? Yes Puh-lease!

Check out her tutorial!

A Diamond In The Stuff

Sarah Hays

My Sister in Law, Caprice, good friend Dan Shurtz's fiance' Sarah Hays was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer clear cell adeno-carcinoma 2 months ago she is 29 years old. In an effort to help raise money for her extensive medical treatments her family and friends are putting a 5k race sweatin for sarah it will be held next saturday August 28th. She was on ksl last night here is her story, it will touch your heart like it did mine Sarah's KSL Story She is amazing to have the optimistic attitude she does.. if you would like to donate anything at all, the info is on this link Sweatin' for Sarah this is the registration for the race as well I am walking it with a few friends and our strollers :) so, come and bring a friend, husbands, kids... Also you can follow her journey on her blog Haysincharge Anything can help!! Even if you would like to post this on your blog, that would be great too! Thank you!!

Lime Ricki Swimwear

Even though Summer is nearly over...boo... I couldn't help but post about Lime Ricki Swimwear I love how stylish and trendy their tankini's and one pieces are!!

Love love this!

And everyone has to have some zebra in their closet right?

I love the styles and even more the prices!!!

I can't wait to get mine in the mail!!
Go check them out

Can you say...SLLLAAACKER...

I need to start by apologizing. A lot of this has been happening at our house and we are still in boxes since in 6 months we will be yet moving again. So an apology is well overdue. boo on my part. But lets start fresh and why not with some decoratve paint jobs!!!

One thing is for sure, if i don't like something i throw some paint on it before i chuck it or take it to the DI. A different color can sometimes bring life back so a decoration that is slightly outdated.
Check out this white pillow, they added a decorative tree, and look how much life is there.
i love it.

My kids would love this. and what a project to do on a rainy or snowy day. Grab some dishes from the DI or walmart and paint different characters on them. So cute and creative.

Ok OUtdoors theme isn't my favorite, and this reminds me too much of stamping which scares me away... BUT like my mother there are a lot of people that would love this idea. Two in one method: Painting & Wallpaper. Very creative.

Are you short on the moola, but hating your drab wooden floor?

PAINT IT!!! I love this so country.

I picture this in a little girls room and love this. So perfect and unique.


So while we are in a rental and my painting itch maybe slightly restricted I will continue to dream of all these neat ideas to liven up a room, or sad decoration that needs it just dollars.

Need more inspiration???? Head over to Country Living Mag that is where i found all of these!!!

Cassidy

Updating old Grout

This is an amazingly easy way make your nasty looking grout refreshing and just like new!!! Check it out over at {RE}cylced Consign & Design!

Awesome tip!! Thanks Amanda!!

Is there a perfect time?

I have been doing a lot of trade lately. Mostly with photographers (whom i adore, you know who you are), and a couple of friends. While i was researching for some material to make a custom order veil i ran across this blog.

Deb's Photo Blog

She wrote a lot of things that caught my eye. And the Pictures did to. What a story.
Which brings me to my topic.
Is there a Perfect Time in our day to day lives that everything works out to where you feel like you can get a Perfect Family Picture?

Realistically... Probly not.

But does it have to be a family picture?? So why don't we take the time and document these days that fly by so fast? Document the growth in our children? Even the silly things.

That is it.... My new goal. I am making the effort, getting my scrapbooking caught up, taking more pictures, making appointments to get pictures professionally done. Recording our life.

And guess what I know someone who can and will help!!! Her name is Jessica, my partner in crime on Paisley & Thyme, and she is has some amazing ideas and visions to help record those special moments you don't want to forget!!! Her style is unique and she is willing to listen and work with your wants. So come on back and check out Jessica Larsen Photography.

Chicken And Artichoke Cacciatore

Alright, I know, I have been neglecting this blog a little! So, I decided today that I would post the most wonderful dinner recipe you will EVER make. I promise. You know those meals that are so good, that you groan after every bite? lol. Well, here you go....


Chicken And Artichoke Cacciatore

4 chicken breast halves, boneless and skinless
four seasoned with salt and pepper for dredging
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (6 oz) jar marinated artichoke hearts, undrained
1 (16 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, minced (or I always crush mine)
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup sherry, optional ( you want to use it, trust me!!)

** A pan that goes from cook top to oven makes this dish a lot easier, I highly recommend it!**

In a large dutch oven, heat olive oil. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour and brown over medium-high heat. Add artichoke hearts, crushed tomatoes, garlic, herbs, pepper, and mushrooms. Stir then remove from heat. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for one hour. Pour sherry over top and bake an additional 10 minutes. Serve over pasta.

....and I apologize, I didn't take a picture. I was too busy groaning. :) Enjoy!!

Finally

So i painted it grey and it looked horrible. It turned blue.

So I went with old reliable BLACK!!

My cushion isn't all the way done but I love the way it all looks.

Love, Love!!

Oh man...

So many of you are probly wondering why i haven't posted the makeover of my bench. Well I had a catastrophic paint job. Oh i wanted to scream. It was horrible. so therefore, stay continued.... again.