It's white and I'm not even sorry!

Sarah, this post is for you!  May I introduce you to the lighter side of my living room!  Good-bye dark and uninspiring:

May I introduce light and welcoming:

Am I done? Of course not but it's going to be just fine for the folks and in-laws headed our way for Christmas.

As for the practicality of a white sofa?  There is no practicality but I love it!  This is a room that will see little true living action and if it did, it's a sofa from Pottery Barn the has custom slipcovers available so if needed, I can cover it.  I got it at the outlet and I'm calling it a WIN.

Sarah, you should really should come over.  It's  much more charming in person. ; )

You're gonna need a pen

This recipe is D. Lish.  Not kidding.  The only requirement is that you are a vinegar fan.  Big Daddy, I know this will take you out of the running but for the rest, please enjoy.  This crock pot recipe doesn't require the entire day to cook which is a win for me as I often don't think of dinner until someone asks.

So I'm going to pass along this recipe but encourage you to visit the blog I got it from as this lady seems to have some other treats that I'm eager to test out: oatmeal cookies made with raisinets-what?!  Here's the Balsamic Chicken recipe.

4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 onion chopped
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tsp dry Italian seasoning

I mix all this in the crock pot and then add the thawed chicken last.  Her recipe calls for olive oil and salt and pepper but I've never added them and haven't missed them.  Also, she recommends hers over spaghetti or angel hair pasta. 4 hours on high and this chicken comes out cut it with a fork moist!  See her official recipe here.  Bon appetit!

Interpretive dance......

meet interpretive Princess Barbie and Ken.

Ascot and all.  Way to go, dad! : )

Halloween in the burbs...

When you grow up in rural Louisiana, trick or treating usually means getting in your parents car, driving to both sets of grandparents' houses, sometimes rating a gift vs candy and then returning home just praying at least one person will ring your doorbell for candy.  Okay, so maybe this wasn't the case for everyone but this was my reality.

Fortunately for Jane this is not what her father, TBW, thinks of when he prepares for Halloween.  Tonight the talented Mr. TBW free handed some pretty frightful looking jack-o-lanterns and lit them up for all the neighborhood to see.

As for costumes, Jane has decided to go as Barbie.  This is simply code for getting to dress up in a hot pink dress that is frankly a hot mess and accessorizing like there's no tomorrow.  As for TBW, he'll be   going as Ken of course.  And while these two are out hitting the streets, I'll be entertaining back home all those that care to stop by for a treat.  

A trick would require far too much preparation.

Have a safe Halloween, all!

one last shot of the happy Halloween duo!

It was a great day....it was a super waaaay

To spend some time together.  For those of you unfamiliar with the viewing preferences of 3 and 4 year olds, the title is reference to a song sang on one of Jane's favorite shows,  The Fresh Beats Band.  Just think Kids Incorporated from the 80's and you're getting there.

So this weekend was spent with family in a place close to my heart, Oxford, Mississippi.  It was great.  Weather beautiful, town abuzz with football fanfare and the Ole Miss campus was just stunning.  The campus has changed a lot since TBW and I attended 15 years ago but the spirit is all the same. Cliche I know but felt like coming home.

I will now proceed to bore you with pics. In addition to the fam, pictured is also one of my dearest friends, Kerry who if I hadn't shared my Ole Miss experience with, the time wouldn't have been filled with nearly as much fun or laughter.  Kerry is now what we call, faculty.  He's smart like that.

As for my Rebels, we're just chalking this up to a rebuilding year.  Let's just say I'm happy not to be the wife of Houston Nutt.  Being the coach is tough but being the wife that loves the coach, painful.  Routing for you Ole Miss football, Hotty Toddy!

To Footloose or not to Footloose, that is the question.

Original recipe:

or Extra Spicy......

Janet, I'll wait for your cue on this.  I'm sure the opening weekend will provide enough feedback to decide if this is a "must" or a "must not".

Starbucks has got my back.....

We're a Starbucks family.

Part of TBW's routine is to stop by Starbucks in the evenings for his grande Americano in a vente cup, double cupped, 5 splendas, extra half and half and my tall Mocha Frappuchino light.  (Please note the complexity and simplicity of these orders.  I think this is telling.) Well, the last two nights I've requested a Chai Tea Latte  and apparently, Starbucks is becoming a little suspicious. Evidently no one's actually said anything but TBW has noted the hesitation with the order.  I'll probably do a drive thru latte order tomorrow just to reassure the SB crew that the Jacquins are fine. Seriously, no worries necessary until he stops ordering the second drink all together. That's a true sign of trouble.

Thanks Jason and crew for having my back but don't worry, that latte's for me.  : )

I'm mixing things up.....

And by "things" I'm talking about the look of the blog.  I felt like I'd been gone so long that it was time to update things.  It's been about a year since I started this journal and truthfully even though I haven't posted in a while there's something about knowing it's still there that's comforting.  Is that weird?  Blog=Comfort?

Either way, I hope I can get back to this more regularly.  There are things going on around her that sometimes get me a little frazzled.  So many projects I want to accomplish and between time and budget, very few are getting done. I keep moving the same two rugs around the house hoping I'll get inspired to give them a permanent home only to move them again a week later.  That's a true story.

On a side note, is anyone else finding the J Lo/FIAT commercial a little hard to follow?   I mean, she looks great, don't get me wrong but I think the connection between the two is reaching.....AT BEST! Check it out here to decide for yourself.

Things coming in future blogs....we're getting a new cabinet made for our downstairs bathroom, I've gotten rid of the green sofa and wait till you see the replacement and I've made use of some natural goodies to spruce up the house for fall as well as an apple cake recipe I've now made twice and easily consumed 75% of between the TWO. I'm not proud of it, okay.

Have a great week everyone and by "everyone" I mean those I send these posts to automatically. No permission asked. Thanks...; )

Awkward Family Photos

What a JEWEL!  This website, www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com, came into my life about a year ago. I don't visit the site often but it never disappoints when I do.

We had our own awkward photo a few weeks ago when Jane was handling the shot.

It immediately brought this pic from AFP to mind. Click here for link. Please, enjoy!

I highly recommend you carve a good 20 minutes out of your day/evening to just immerse yourself in the site.  Laughter is good for the soul!  And, please, feel free to let me know your favorites. Would love to laugh with you even if it's long distance.

We rebounded with TBW managing the camera......: )

To my friends....

If I did not care about you at ALL, I wouldn't even bother with this post.  But I do and I just can't stop myself.

The New Rules for Love, Sex and Dating was a series Andy Stanley presented several weeks ago and IT. IS. GOOD.  They sort of packaged it for singles but I think this is information married folks need to hear too if for no other reason than to make sure we do our kids right by making sure they know all this stuff!

The first part is linked in here.  Do it.  Listen to it. Seriously.

Another slice, please.

I wanted to share with you Nettie and Big Daddy's slice of Heaven in Virginia: a beautiful coral hibiscus that's so perfectly complimented by the aqua blue of their inviting pool!  What they're not showing you is the majestic mountain range that barely escaped this photo.  They have the most beautiful sunsets that hopefully they'll share with us on another occasion.  Hope you're enjoying your slice, Nettie and Big Daddy!

Wow...long time, no post.

MIA, I know.  Not sure exactly where I've been but I'm sure I was busy.

Hope everyone is well and feeling inspired by something.  Or, if not inspired, content with life as they know it.  As for myself, the wheels are always turning as for new things to be done in the home like buy a new sofa, finish painting the trim I've threatened for 3 years, paint the garage any color but white, etc. however I can say with great satisfaction, the waiting game is not bothering me.

Lately, I've found much gratification in the blue cone flowers blooming on my back patio and in appreciating them, I've found a few other things to peacefully enjoy.

For instance, we have a great patio that for the first time in four years is in full bloom.  I don't know how many of you have visited a nursery lately but flowers and plants in general are expensive.  So, looking at it now as the flowers I've transplanted, purchased or been gifted gradually take their turn showing off, I'm just proud.

In their bloom, I've realized we have quite a little haven just steps out of our back door.  A small stacked stone waterfall compliments of the previous owner and several raised flower beds that make showcasing flowers a cinch have made for an oasis that's easy on the eyes.

I had coffee out here a few days ago and usually, outdoor coffee is something I only do on vacation but as I sat here and watched the sun come up and highlight each leaf and tree in its path, I realized that my outdoors is worth relishing.

It's the perfect place for my quiet time as Jane is usually preoccupied with something on Sprout, our latest pre-schooler addiction, and with the birds chirping and the air still a couple of hours before reaching an unpleasant temperature I'm taking on a whole new appreciation for our little slice of suburban heaven.

God is good as is this life.  Here's to your little slice of heaven right where you are.

Summertime Classic

google images

Ahhh...the birthday/pool party!  It's as American as apple pie.  Jane and I were invited to such an event last week and we were psyched and ready to go.

Family friendly bathing suit....check!
Age appropriate gift pried from Jane's hands with the recommendation that maybe Santa could get her something similar for Christmas....check!
One age appropriate gift placed in the status quo gift bag with accompanying burst of tissue paper....check! (yes, I'm a gift bag mom. I realize those moms that wrap get extra credit and those that wrap and include decorative craft ribbon win.  I'm okay living at the bottom of the ladder.)
Briefed on directions prior to departure...check! (I kinda "feel" my way through life so needless to say, I was 40 minutes late reaching the destination due to the aforementioned way of living.)
Red headed, fair skinned Jane sunscreened up daring any harmful ray to penetrate this protective barrier...check!
One speedy departure when realized that party is NEXT Saturday...NOT today.....yeah.

We'll see you NEXT Saturday, Rowan!  We just wanted to get a test run out of the way so as not to miss one second of real party time!

Don't you love getting inspired?

You know when you have those seasons where you are doing your best to just keep up and then all of a sudden something changes and you're motivated/inspired again.  Sometimes it's the weather, sometimes it's people, a piece of fabric you love, a magazine, someone's home...you get the idea.

Well, I've returned to the season of inspiration.  My cousin Janet, who is my most dedicated blog viewer, is looking at plans for a new kitchen and she's been kind enough to let me in on the project.  Sure, it's a remote kind of involvement but I'll take it.  Next are my fabulous girls at work!  Kathy took me to her home this week and we just had the best time talking about wishes, plans, paint, rugs, wallpaper...all the things that make my heart sing.  Sarah and Anne have even been so kind to discuss the occasional design dilemma with me.  Are you thinking what I'm thinking?  HELLO, clients! (even if it's only in my mind)

Since visiting Kathy's house, I've been a little obsessed with all the ideas rolling around in my head. Let me tell you a little about her and then I'll show you what I'm thinking. She's a smart,  beautiful Southern woman who loves her family and loves her home.  She has a sharp sense of humor and never takes her self so seriously that she won't laugh at her own expense from time to time.  She wants a County Living look with an element of drama here and there.  She's not afraid of color but appreciates a home that flows easily from room to room. She's a lover of toile, birds, the hand made not the mass produced and fabric that tells a story.

So, when I left her house we decided we'd start with the bedroom and go from there. Since then, I've thought of nothing but her DINING ROOM!  What is the deal?  Anyway, take a look.

Below is a dining room that accomplishes drama but maintains enough rustic charm with the chandelier and antique (?) buffet that I think it would marry nicely with a more casual home.  Also, I love these gold accents with the white and grey incorporated in the framed collection.  As for the shot of lime on the table...gorge(ous)!

Another dark dining room with gold accents and a super glamorous light fixture.  The gray zebra print table cloth is awesome even though I'm not really a table cloth kind of girl.  Take that fabric and cover the cushions from the first picture and I'm listening. Even if you just used it as an accent on the back and did something solid on the front and bottom cushion...I'm flexible.

I saw these mirrors at Ballard's Backroom this afternoon and thought they would look great on a dark charcoal grey wall with the gold accent I'm loving so.  Also the mirror would keep the light reflecting and prevent the room from getting too dark.  Kathy also has a couple of fabric swatches that are ivory and quince (cross between lime and yellow) silk that would soften the room and add a fun pop of color just like the lime did in the first pic!

Just some ideas and with this dark charcoal already an element in her house (did I not mention that?) I think this has potential.

Anyway, just some good, clean decorating fun!  Welcome back, inspiration!

Sucker for a "before and after"

It's been a while since I've lost myself in the "blogosphere" but it's so nice to go back when I have a chance.  I checked into Holly Mathis Interiors and she's just so good with giving before and after photos, paint colors and where to get them, little tricks of the trade and presenting it all in such an obtainable way.

I think we would get along well.

Just wanted to give you her link and encourage you to take a second and see some of the stuff she's done.  TBW is out of town this weekend and I might just have to paint something......

image via Holly Mathis Interiors

Back to reality.....

Why does there have to be a post vacation time of mourning?  Okay, that's extreme but we have just gotten back from the beach and it has taken a good 48 hours to snap out of the "I wish I was still at the beach" mode.

It was beautiful weather and time with family is always good.  My brother-in-law, Adam, deserves a do over because of back issues that had him bed ridden most of the week but he's a trooper and felt well enough the last couple of days that he actually made it to the beach a couple of times.

As you are aware, Rosemary Beach is my decorating everything. Gas burning lanterns, natural materials, light colors,  all put together to create sophisticated and comfortable.

I took pics of the house we had this year and it was wonderful! I'd rent again in a heartbeat!  Have a look and escape to the beach for a second or two.

Entrance from the street

Walk to the back entrance of the house

Private pool

10 foot doors with gas lanterns....LOVE!

one of two master bedrooms-muted palette

Upstairs living area with adjoining dinning room

Day at the beach

Dusk at the beach....ahhhhhhh.

We rented through VRBO.com and the owner is Terri Johnson. She couldn't have been any easier to work with and her staff made sure we had everything we needed during our stay.  Even a recommendation for urgent care!  Thanks, Carson.

For the record, it is for sale.  Anybody want to guess the price?  

Have a great night, all!

Not your typical Sunday morning sermon....

The New Rules for Sex, Love and Dating is the new series starting Sunday (11am and 6pm eastern). In trying to find an image to put on the blog I found out that Andy went on a very popular radio show, The Bert Show, in Atlanta to do some field research. This is big. I'm actually listening to it now and you can listen here if you're so inclined.  I was nervous for Andy, I'm not gonna lie but turns out that Bert, the show's lead, goes to Andy's church in Buckhead.  So I put my guard down, slightly.  No doubt it's going to be relevant and insightful!

"No appetite is ever fully satisfied." "You grow an appetite by feeding it."-Andy Stanley (listen to the second interview and you'll see what this is about.)

On a side note, I know since Wednesday,  there are so many that are living a reality that is so unfamiliar to them.  The tornadoes that ripped through the South this week were no doubt life changing.  However, no one perseveres through a nightmare the way a Southerner does with a great sense of gratitude in a time when thankfulness would seem the hardest to muster and with a heart felt respect and reliance on our Heavenly Father to lead them through the unfathomable. There's something to be said for the humility and quiet peace that's exhibited by some of those who have lost the most.  It provides a certain level of awareness that keeps the rest of us grounded and appreciative of even the smallest things.

google images

Here's hoping you all spend some time this weekend with the people you love and appreciating the most mundane and routine aspects of your life.  It's often the everyday that is most precious.

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." [Proverbs 22:6]

If you have asked me at any point over the last couple of months, "How's school going for Jane?", you know that we could not be happier.  Her teachers, Ms. Annie and Ms. Beckah, have been outstanding.  They are the ying and the yang of any effective pairing with one handling the structure and routine that every 4 year old needs while the other contributes the flexibility that allows the day to keep moving, even with the unexpected.  All while providing loving discipline and the enforcement of manners that you pray will last a lifetime.

Aside from this are the Biblical truths they pour into Jane everyday.  They learn a Bible verse every month and to hear our 4 year old reciting scripture is a blessing to my heart. Some of the other truths are more subtle but their classroom functions with each child knowing the "rules" which include things like manners, exhibiting self control and in general, practicing how to treat others they way they want to be treated.  Ms. Annie and Ms. Beckah do a beautiful job and it's clear that God had this room with these kids and these teachers specifically in mind for our growing, absorbing, challenging, smart, spirited little girl.

Below is a video that was made at school of Jane reciting her latest Bible verse, Matthew 28:1-6.  In case you don't get it all, the verse says this:

"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look for the tomb.  There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.  The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; He has risen!"

Jane's does her own substitutions here and there but the best is ".....three I know that you are looking for Jesus...."  For/three, it's all numbers anyway, right? God love!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ooe7euAjmTA

This happens to my heart every time I hear her!

http://youtu.be/i4F6b_199dQ

Happy Easter, everyone and thanks for the week of parental indulgences.

Save yourself!

This is a post only a mother, father, grandmother, grandfather or aunt would find interesting.

This post is dedicated to our 4 year old, Jane!  Today was our girl's birthday and cue Eddie Murphy because we "Partied all the Time".....ALL DAY LONG!

There were gifts littering this place.  Inside, outside, upstairs, downstairs, places she was sure to look, places you'd think she'd never look!  All were found and all were relished!  We've never done that before but it was really fun.  Several hours after they had all been discovered, she casually mentioned we should look for more gifts.  Nice try.

She was showered with attention today from family and friends through gifts and calls and emails and texts.  It was a beautiful day and no doubt she enjoyed it.   Thank you, everyone, for so generously making this day so magical for Jane.

I've got more pictures to organize but these will give you a good taste of the day!

Cinderella DVD that got this party started!

A reversible Cinderella dress from Paw Paw and Gran

The "other" side of the dress and the new soccer net.

Dress from Aunt Lindsey, Uncle Adam and Maddy

New Jammies!

Talking to Nettie and Big Daddy

Plastic princess shoes-she couldn't have been happier!

She wanted pink cupcakes with her face on them.  Here you go.
Thanks, Bailey, Sarah and Ryan.  They were a hit!

She was shocked.