Creepy, Cuddly & Just Plain Mad

 

She’s probably going to kill me someday for posting these, but I know other moms will appreciate the Halloween photo that wasn’t meant to be.  I tried to get a group shot before heading to the Fall festival this past weekend, and it ended up being one of those moments that makes you want to cry while it’s happening but laugh hysterically when you look back. . .

 

I’ll just call this series of photos “DJ Lance Throws a Hissy Fit”:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be honest, I can’t even remember what she was so mad about. . .

 

Framing Windows with Paint

 

I recently came across this bedroom (via this month’s BH&G) and thought this was a pretty clever solution if you have windows without moldings.  They simply “framed” out the windows using a darker shade of paint (very similar—or maybe the same as—the crown molding).

 

 Lesueur Interiors

 

 

Along the same lines, here’s another example of how paint was used to frame out a bare window.  Of course, this would only work for those lucky few who didn’t need shades for privacy.  Interesting idea for bringing in a little color, nonetheless:

 

Better Homes & Gardens

 

 

 

PS—Hope all of my readers who are feeling “Sandy” are okay!   Just really windy in Charlotte.

It’s Official. I’m Three.

 

This week marks the third anniversary of blogging for me. In a way, this blog is like my (sixth!) baby, so I guess that’s why I’m feeling a little sentimental. I’ve never been one to keep a journal, work out or even take a vitamin on a regular basis. So, to stick with blogging is a personal feat :)

 

source

 

Want to take a little walk down memory lane? 

(Humor me.)

 

I wrote my first post late one night, never thinking I would even tell my family about my blog.  It was wordy with a really cruddy little picture, and it makes me cringe a little to look at it.

 

I think I told my friend Katie first, and remember being completely sweaty nervous about it.  I also spent tons of time at night reading and commenting on other blogs.  And, when I finally got a comment on one of my posts, I thought I had hit the jackpot.  Someone (besides Katie, my husband and my parents) was reading this!  Amazing.  (I’m still amazed, by the way.)

 

Each little milestone has felt like a celebration.  I remember checking my blog in Katie’s kitchen one night a few months after I started, and jumping up and down because I had hit 20 followers—9 of whom I didn’t know.  My husband became my 1000th follower a little less than a year after I started :) 

 

(I know the whole concept of “followers” is a little weird, but I think all bloggers get excited about this—even if they won’t admit it. It’s just a little reminder that people are interested in what you have to say--and everybody likes that.)

 

 

Looking back at the last 3 years. . .

 

I’ve changed blog headers. . .

 

 

 

 

And houses. . .

 

 

 

I’ve had babies.

 

And meltdowns.

 

I’ve started a business. 

 

And, made a really good decision to quit.

 

Our family (and home) ended up in a place I never imagined.

 

And, I’ve made some really great friends.

(most of whom I’ve never seen in person)

 

 

This is starting to sound like an acceptance speech, so I’ll end by saying that I really, really do appreciate each one of you who read this blog every day, every week, or just every once in a while.  So, to celebrate this milestone, I wanted to do something fun for you all.

 

I’ve asked my sponsors and several blog friends to be part of a huge “Winner Takes All” anniversary giveaway.  ONE very lucky reader will have a chance to win a LOT of prizes--total value over $1000!  I’ll share more details when the giveaway goes live this Thursday, Nov.1st. 

 

 

Until then, here’s a little look at what’s up for grabs:

 

   

 

 

Thanks for celebrating with me!  It’s been a fun three years.

 

A Saturday Project

 

Meet our piano.

 

We’re spending our Saturday afternoon taping off stripes.  Don’t be jealous of all the fun.  (If you want to see the progress, you can follow along on Instagram @emilyaclark.)

 

 

We Are Family

 

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that my sister has an Etsy embroidery shop, and she just added these fun family portrait pillows that make great anniversary, housewarming or Christmas gifts:

 

(Looks like the Richters are having as much fun as the Clarks.)

 

 

They’re totally customizable—just pick your family :)

 

 

 

 

Being her sister has its perks. . .  Here are some pillows she has embroidered for me (and my clients) over the last few years:

 

 

 

 

You can find her on Etsy:

 

 

 

 

Lists for My Lists

 

My to-do list seems a little overwhelming this week.  Does yours?

 

free printable can be found here

 

 

Even though we use an online family calendar, and I put reminders in my phone, I still feel the need to write it all down and make lists.  I guess it’s that gratification of marking through it once it’s done. 

 

 

 

 

I also have a deep affection for Post-It notes. 

 

 

image found here

 

 

How do you stay organized? 

Are you a list maker, or have you managed to go completely paper-free?

 

Office Space (in the kitchen)

 

 

 

I’ve decided that working in the kitchen is not for me. 

 

I booted myself out of our home office last week so I can decorate and photograph it for the project I posted about here.  I used to think I would like a desk area in our kitchen, but it seems like being in the “hub” of the house doesn’t make for a very focused work spot (for me, at least).  And, I find myself checking email even more than usual since it’s right there. 

 

Do you have a workspace in your kitchen?  Does it work for you?

 

Food on the Wall

 

Chris Barrett via House Beautiful

 

If you’re lucky enough to have a little wall (or shelf) space in your kitchen, I recently came across some beautiful food photography on Etsy.  I love the soft colors and organic feel of these prints.  They would look great in a grouping, or you could frame a single one to lean on a countertop to distract from a blah backsplash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(These photographs can be purchased here.)

 

 

Do you use artwork in your kitchen?

 

Succulent + Driftwood Centerpiece

 

I recently borrowed one of these hollowed pieces of driftwood  and this idea from my friend who’s a local floral designer and made a simple little centerpiece by stuffing it with succulents:

 

 

 

I mixed live succulents with some fake ones from Hobby Lobby.  Can you tell the difference? (Me neither—I think I’m going back to Hobby Lobby for more.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More pretty examples I found online using this same combination:

 

Clockwise: #1, #2, #3, #4

 

20 Minutes of Fun & A Big Mess

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any pumpkin painting fun in your plans this weekend?