I Love You Because...

Quilt Retreat 2013

Seriously, I just had one of the best weekend's of my life. You know the moments when you feel like the stars align and miraculously nothing goes wrong?!? I know, I sound completely annoying but this was a MUCH needed break for me and everything was perfect. 

Last Tuesday night I took a late flight out to SLC and met up with Mom and Spring (and 48 other women) in Midway, Utah at The Homestead Resort for a Quilting Retreat. It was so inspiring and so much fun! We quilted all day, every day from at least 8am-11pm. We chatted, we ate yummy food, we enjoyed the scenery and we got soo much done! (collectively, I mean. Personally, I didn't get as much done as I should have. :) ) I got to meet my Mom's friends and soak in the glow of thier crazy, CRAZY talent. When I grow up, I want to be them. 

I got to go to a few cute quilt stores and stock up on supplies that they just don't carry here in the South (supplies for 6 quilts and a Block of the month club!!). It was wonderful to see two of my favorite people on earth all weekend and I was lucky enough to be able to spend Saturday afternoon/evening with my neices and nephews. (It made me wish my kids lived closer to thier cousins!) before flying out Sunday night. 

While I was off on my own, Husbandface was expertly taking care of things here at home. He took on role of teacher, cook, chouffer, Lego designer, maid and builder ON TOP of being  WORLD'S BEST DADDY... Wednesday morning I woke up to these texts... It totally set the tone for a PERFECT weekend knowing I had nothing back home to stress about. 

(Thanks Babe, for the most perfect birthday present ever. You're the best.)

Dreaming of fabric,
Joanna  

Fantastic Finds

This week I've been a little off. Everything has been different with Husbandface out of town for the last 5 days and I was in a little bit of a funk missing my man. So Wednesday morning I went out to run a few errands and decided that I needed to cheer up both me and my house for the season by going shopping. October 1st was fast approaching and I wanted everything decked out this year for the season. I stopped in at my favorite decorating store, which happens to be in our little town and was sooo sad to find out that they were going out of business. I have loved that place over the last year. I've bought so many unique gifts and decorations from them over the last year that it was really heart breaking to see everything moved out. But, 5 minutes into my mourning I was okay. Because the prices were unreal and I kinda went crazy!! 
I bought this awesome bracelet for 2 bucks! and the HUGE basket in the back was another 2. Oh and the silver platter under it was a splurge at $4.  

 This gem is going to be a teachers gift. It's a HUGE canvas bag that I'm dying to embroider and fill with school goodies. I think after the 75% off on top of the original markdowns I walked away paying $4. I also bought a couple sterling silver cake stands, a few fun Christmas stars, a wrought iron coat rack and a few other jewelry pieces for gifts. 

 I had been eyeing both this vase and another like it for months at that store but couldn't justify spending the $45 on it. They are my new favorites!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. I brought them both home this week for $3 each. ... did I mention how much I really do love these? 
   
Oh yeah and the best deal of the day? My new China Cabinet. It's huge and I love it. I love the curved glass and silhouette of it, I love the stain finish, I love the vintage drawer liners still in it, I love everything about it. But the best part? I bought this baby for $106. Yeah... it sure made my day!! (and don't my driftwood vases look awesome in it?!) Seriously, I LOVE IT!  I can't fit my entire collection in it but, I did at least de-clutter my other curio cabinet. My Brother In Law and Niece picked it up for me Wednesday afternoon and I swear it felt like Christmas had come early! I can't wait for Doug to see it. So while I didn't get the house decorated for halloween... yet I still was able to cheer myself up and change up the decor a bit.

Maybe I'll put a pumpkin in it.

 

(oh, and check out the home decor the kids made this week for their little kitchen area... they are so cute!!)  

Valentine's Wekend Recap

Friday afternoon Doug surprised me... big time. We had some close friends of ours ask if the kids could sleep over and we took full advantage of some time to ourselves. Doug took me to my favorite restaurant Blue Ridge Grill. (Easily the best food in Atlanta!) We enjoyed all three courses and wished we had room for more. Just thinking about it now makes my mouth water! After that we drove downtown and checked in at TWELVE. Doug had wanted to take me shopping around Atlantic Station but since the freak snow-storm all the shops closed insanely early (at 6pm!) So instead we went and saw Valentine's Day! It was adorable! We enjoyed every minute of our private time together and surprisingly, I was able to actually let go and just enjoy the moments together without thinking about the 'what-if's' and the 'if-only's'. I could focus on the movie, on the food, on the conversation. So I guess it's true. Baby steps in the right direction really can change your destination.  

Saturday morning we went and picked up the kids and headed to the Outlet Malls. We were armed with Tax Returns and a list a mile long of all the new clothes everyone needed (and wanted!). It was a LONG day but really productive! 

Sunday morning I gave my Relief Society lesson, which I think actually went pretty good. Then came home and took a 3 hour nap! Nope, that is NOT a typo! It was heavenly. Then we set the Valentine's Table with our Valentine's plates and some presents for the kids and ate heart pizza with valentine's cookies. It was such a good weekend. Nothing, and I repeat, NOTHING around the house was accomplished and I did wake up to a mountain of dishes but, really who am I to complain after a weekend like that?! 

I'll post picts. soon, I promise!