12/26/12

Things I learned in my early 20's

My Back Story
Before I met Chris I had been single for 3 years. I had gotten married when I was 18 and then separated at the tender age of 19. I didn't know how to date. I began dating my ex-husband in highschool when I was 16.  I was in a new world and not very tech savvy. I began talking to guys on the internet. I was not a whore by no means but I began seeing a pattern in these "men". I finally figured out what I wanted by the time I was 21. I wanted to be in a HEALTHY and LOVING relationship with a man who treated me with RESPECT, but first I needed to RESPECT myself and LOVE myself. With that I needed to work on myself, instead of talking to random guys on myspace, I deleted them ALL and stopped adding people. By the time January of 2008 rolled around I was beginning to love and respect myself, I was content with being alone and didn't find most guys attractive because of the way they acted. Chris sent me a polite message, I looked at his page and saw that we had tons of friends in common....I went on about my business without replying or deleting the message. I got to work and looked at his page again and finally sent him a message back. We talked all through the month of January only online either through messages on myspace or on yahoo messenger. He never once told me I was "hot" or "sexy" he used the words "beautiful" and "pretty". By the first of February he had asked me for my number, we started off texting and then talking on the phone. Seven short days later I invited Chris over to celebrate my 22nd birthday with pizza and Tim Burton marathon. He came over and that night we watched movies, giggled and talked. We stayed up late because I was getting ready for my mom's wedding. He didn't want to go home and to be honest I didn't want him to leave. He ended up spending the night with me. He laid beside me in my bed FULLY dressed and on top of the covers while I laid under my covers in my pjs. The next morning we said goodbye and I went to Tennessee to my mom's wedding. Ever since that night we have been attached to the hip. If I would not have loved and respected myself I wouldn't have found the man of my dreams. This past September we were married. Now on to what I had originally wanted to write about douchebags and hit & quit it guys.

 If you are talking to a guy you have NEVER MET face to face these are telltale signs he is one of the above...at least in my experience (like I said before I was not a slut it was just things I noticed and immediately steered clear from them)

1.) If he calls you a pet name such as baby, sweetheart, princess, etc. He isn't the one for you.
2.) If he promises you the world and makes a future for you....DO NOT GET SUCKED IN.
3.) If he says you are hot or sexy he is only in it for sex.
4.) If he is very possessive/jealous...its not cute or sweet...LEAVE
5.) If he says he wants to cuddle...he doesn't know you...GET FAR AWAY
6.) If he makes sexual comments...he's a hit it and quit it type of guy..he doesn't know you and that is disrespectful.


Douchebag looks:
1.) Pencil thin beard.
2.) The pictures of himself half naked showing off the "guns".
3.) Ed Hardy/Tapout clothing.
4.)Wearing his hat cocked to the side.

If I think of anymore factors in the douchebag world I will update....if you think I am writing about your life maybe you need to think about your choices. This is all my experience as a single girl in my 20's and I have been itching to write this to hopefully help girls out there that are struggling with loving themselves. There is someone out there for you, you just need to love and respect yourself first. I know that is a cliche thing to say but it is the truth. To quote one of my favorite movies, The Wedding Date, "Every woman has the exact love life she wants." Let that sink in....

Here is a link for 10 signs you are dating a sociopath...it mentions some of the qualities I have mentioned above.



7/25/12

Mid Century Modern

I am on a Mid Century Modern kick lately. Chris' dad gave us a green chair a few months back. Then the next piece I bought was a dresser that we are using as a media cabinet for our tv.

ignore all the crap in the foreground ;)


When I got the dresser, the night stand was thrown in for $5 more...heck why not? It is currently sitting in my living room with a lamp and a key basket. I also was given a mirror that went with the dresser...I love it...it is HUGE and HEAVY...trying to find a use for it now.

My third piece I have bought is a beautiful ottoman. It opens up and has storage inside! For only $7 it was a score! :-D



I can't wait to decorate with this piece and mount our tv so I can decorate the dresser top!  :-D Until next time ( and hopefully not two months) XOXO!

5/15/12

Wedding Details

I think I have driven myself mad with wedding details lately. The other day, I took on the task of practicing my wedding hair and makeup. I wanted a vintage/pin up look for the pictures.

I like it for the most part.




Then I started playing with my clip in extensions....

Chris hates them lol


I also started my brooch bouquet, its not complete and what I did finish took me a few hours to assemble. 


I gotta hide the pink flowers, reshape it and reinforce some of the brooches. 


Next I gotta figure out what my bridesmaids are going to carry and the boutonnieres for the men. I've been trying to come up with flowerless ideas but none seem to fit. At least we figured out our invites. I am so excited about them :) I can not wait to order them and mail them out. Now gotta collect addresses..that,I'm sure, will be a large task. 

4/30/12

House Stuff

For the last 5-6 months we have been living with our kitchen half finished. It sucked. Bad. When we moved in we had originally thought that we would paint all the rooms and get them finished before we moved in....we couldn't wait any longer because by the time we moved in it had been super cold and we had no heat at our other house. So we opted to just go ahead and move in and finish up the kitchen little by little. Yeah that didn't happen we just let it go until this weekend. Well yesterday to be exact.

A few weeks ago I was out thrifting, not really looking for anything just wanted to get out of the house. Then I stumbled upon a baker's rack. It was huge. It was awesome. It was $75. Deflated I thought to myself "I don't have any where for this so don't feel bad". Just so happens my mom calls me on her way to go get my sister from school and I of course tell her about the bad mamma jamma (aka the baker's rack) she surprises me and stops in to look herself. She bought it for me and gave me the idea to put it in the laundry room where there were two shelves I already used as part of a pantry. It just so happened it worked. So, back to this weekend...my Christopher sprayed the baker's rack for blue to crisp white. Don't get me wrong I liked the blue it just didn't go with the soft tealy-green I have in the laundry room.

Before

After


Now to the kitchen.

My Vintage Plate Collection
Wooden Fork & Spoon Set

Chris also put up our cabinet doors. Now our kitchen actually looks like a kitchen.

We also straightened up my craft room and the game room. Those are not ready to be photographed.  Until next time XOXOXO

4/23/12

One Year.

It has been one year(4/21) since my Aunt Tammy lost her battle with cancer. Before she underwent surgery I had already been planning our wedding and was so excited(even though we weren't engaged officially) and we were talking about my ideas. She could see where I was going before I got there. I miss her terribly. After her death I didn't plan anything, I put it off. It wasn't fun for me any more. This will be the first large wedding in our family she didn't have her hand in.  Her name is still on my guest list, it's too hard for me to take it off. I wished I had been around more, I wished I had went to visit her more...or even called her. I did love her, probably more then she knew. I hate I didn't share that with her.....


Drive



"Sometimes I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear 
And I cant help but ask myself how much I'll let the fear take the wheel and steer 
It's driven me before, it seems to have a vague 
Haunting mass appeal 
Lately I'm beginning to find that I should be the one behind the wheel" 



I love this song. Who hasn't let fear "drive" for them? But there comes a time when you have to be the one to drive and let fear take the backseat. So inspiring. <3

4/11/12

The RC

Yesterday after work I went around to the local thrift stores to find a few things for our dinning room. I have been obsessed with yellow lately and when I spotted a cheery yellow lamp I knew it had to come home with me. I also picked up a framed, historical Rutherford County Map. I also picked up a tray with a sparrow and two nifty jars with cork tops!



I love the happy yellow up against our soft gray walls. I can not wait until I get this room completed! Til next time XOXO

3/28/12

I do....plus more


So I haven't updated it awhile...oops...work has been keeping me busy, most of the time I don't know the date. Anyways....shopping has mainly consisted of buying for the wedding (surprise surprise).

2 brass birds, 2 black clutches,faux pearls, lace napkins, lace tablecloth and my  fisherman

8x11 frame I am going to put an engagement photo in for the ceremony/reception


We all know I am cheap. I LOOOVE these Stella & Dot earrings, but I am not about to pay $30 for ONE pair of earrings. So I went to Cato's(now it will be called the kitty store) and found FOUR pairs of knockoffs. WOOHOO!


That's all for now...til next time XOXO :) 

3/6/12

Stroll

Went for a stroll downtown and stopped in a local antique store.

Found out where all the milk glass has been hiding.
Ended up only buying this ring which now is known as My Precious.

Fin.

Victory


Since I didn't post a video last week for Music Monday, I have decided to post another today.

 "There's victory in the Lord I say, victory it the Lord."

3/5/12

Whenever, Whereever



When I first saw this video it was in Spanish and I was enchanted with Shakira. As soon as it came out in English I knew I HAD to have this cd and I was not disappointed in Laundry Service. She even made my hardcore metal head brother stop and listen. :)

2/29/12

A little something up my sleeve

Remember these two beauties from my last post? They are getting a face lift tomorrow! I am so excited to see how they turn out...now off to find my staple gun...it's in one of the boxes I have yet to unpack.

'Til next time, XOXO

2/25/12

Project!

Chris bought me these two vintage lovelies for $3 ea. I will be painting these beauties and reupholstering. I foresee a trip to Mary Jo's soon! Check back for updates.

2/21/12

Vintage

I got this lovely vintage leather coat this weekend for only $14...I am in love with it.

2/17/12

Reveal....Well Kinda...

I got to spray my new desk chair today. Chris and I picked up this Ikea beauty at Value Village for 8 bucks.  Mine was a hideous maroon/brown color that someone spray painted horribly. My first step to fix it, I sanded it. I hate sanding. It unnerves me, I literally get chill bumps...I can not stand it. But because of the of the runs I had to sand.  After I sanded I wrapped the bottom of the chair with a contractor bag and painters tape.


Then I got to spraying, using thin, even coats to cover the chair. I chose to use Krylon spray paint in Watermelon(Pink).  

In Progress


I love the pink, and I think it will look awesome with my desk in my craft room :)

2/16/12

It's Not Even A Question



I love this song and how it celebrates everyone's uniqueness. But enough about Aerosmith. The real reason behind this blog...yesterday I hinted at a refashion...I didn't get to do it because of the horrible weather but I have given another hint...with the above video. Give up?! It's.....PINK! Here is another clue for ya!


More to come ( as soon as the weather clears up) and I am sooo excited to start this! :) Until next time! 

XOXO :)

2/15/12

In The Works

I have a remodel I will be working on tomorrow[if the weather is nice]...so stay tuned! :) But until then...enjoy this video!



2/7/12

Crazy Love



For someone who can't ever shut up, I am lost for words. Words to describe what the last four years have meant to me. Every time I write something it just doesn't do. So I am going to do what I always do when I am at a loss for words....I will use someone else's. Happy Anniversary to the love of my life. 

"And this crazy life, and through these crazy times...it's you, it's you, you make me sing. You're every line, you're every word, you're everything." ~Everything by Michael Buble' 

2/6/12

Somebody That I Used To Know

Hey lookie there I actually posted Music Monday on Monday!  Christopher found this band on ebaumsworld.com. They are fantastic, not only are they playing ONE instrument but they are taking turns singing! LOOOVE it!

2/5/12

Oh Joy!

I never and I mean NEVER find milk glass at local thrift stores. This weekend I found 15(!) milk glass bud vases for only $15! I could not believe it and I thought to my self "these will be perfect for our wedding!". Chris on the other hand asked me what I was going to do with so many...lol.

Speaking of wedding and flowers...Chris' boss and our friend is growing all of our flowers! I knew he gardened anyways and I asked if I could buy some from him when the time came near...he told me not to worry about it that he would just give them to me! OMG Do you know how much pressure that takes off of me? Chris and I have been very fortunate while planning our wedding and I could not be more thankful to those who have volunteered and have given us things. THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!  Till next time XOXO

1/31/12

Up to my old tricks



It keeps getting better....

It's a bust.

This weekend, while avoiding the moving mess we went to Gastonia to the 321 flea market. I love flea markets...I love seeing all the junk and the crap. I especially love the search, the search to find that special piece. I love that our things in our house usually have a story behind them. I, however, did not love the 321 flea market. This flea market had almost all NEW items, it was also a bit cold out and they had the ceiling fans going. I was a popsicle when we left. I was so disappointed. But while we were in Gastonia we made the most of it and decided to explore. I had just bought a GPS and we let here do the leading. BIIIIG mistake. She apparently was not the newest model and really needed her map updates. Too bad we didn't know this information before hand. She lead us all through town...to the wrong locations. Luckily I knew where a few things were and L.F. helped us out as well. We hit up a few thrifts and did not find a single thing. I really wasn't in the mood to look either. I was bored while we were there. I don't know what is wrong with me. Maybe I am burnt out? Who knows, but I enjoyed spending wasting the day with Chris. To end a wasted day we stopped by Krispy Kreme, unfortunately the hot light wasn't on.

I will be back later with Music Monday(on Tuesday) and if I feel like it...a fashion post....*gasp*

Til next time XOXO

The only rule for today is do not kill me..

Reader Beware: This blog really isn't about thrifting...just me writing about life. :)

L.F. and I have been internet friends for as long as I can remember. She started dating(and eventually married) a Myspace friend of mine and friended me as well. Recently we started talking more and more...I soon began to realize this chick is a lot like me...which as we all know...I'm pretty fantastic..haha I kid.. So we decided to meet up and go shopping together...she took me to some stores I have never been in such as Ikea(I know I'm lame) and Anthropologie(again I'm lame and sheltered). Chris was not happy I was driving to Gastonia to meet a stranger from the internet. He was worried about my safety(how sweet for him to be concerned). He actually asked me what the heck was I thinking meeting people from the internet..I suppose he forgot I met him thru Myspace as well..LOL.   During our Charlotte shopping spree we also visited Goodwill I ended up getting some things for me and a few for Chris. We shared some giggles, stories and fun. As we get older it becomes harder and harder to find new friends but you can make friends as adults. :)

Other news, I had a job interview the other day. Apparently I impressed him and he is sending me on do another interview. YAY..He did mention social networking while we were talking. I am not sure what rules they have in place for social networking but I may not be able to write my blog if I do get this job. It's a sacrifice I will have to make but hopefully it will not come to that.

Til next time, XOXO!

1/23/12

Feelin' Good


It's Michael Friggin Buble'. End of story. :)

Powerful Stuff


I love this song and so did the marketing people at Subaru. What's not to love? I love his voice, the guitar...pretty much everything about this song. Enjoy! :)

Consumed

I have been consumed with all things wedding the last week or so I completely forgot to post a finished picture of our yellow dresser. My bad. Also I got slack on Music Mondays, I will be back later with that post as well.
Thar she blows...
Now I need to take down the temporary flower curtains(that belong in my craft room) replace with our pretty black curtains, hang our large mirror and actually decorate the top of the dresser instead random items scattered across it.

I am going to be laying off the thrifting trips for awhile. We are saving up for our wedding so the next posts will probably be related to wedding stuff, house stuff or budget friendly meals...and possibly an outfit or two.


Speaking of wedding stuff and of course thrifting..our latest trip I picked up several things to make cake/cookie/cupcake stands. I am so excited I will be showing those off when I have a day off and it isn't rainy or cold. I do have to spray paint them. I also picked up some random vases I plan to spray paint a glossy white to imitate milk glass. I am also excited that I will be meeting with our photographer, ever since we got engaged I have wanted to work with this local photographer. :)

Til next time XOXOX

1/11/12

Take me down to the little white church..

Errr big brown clubhouse? Either way we booked our venue for our wedding...The Rutherfordton Clubhouse. It isn't huge but it will do and it is gorgeous! Now to book my photographer..will not give that one away just yet. I have to find some cheapy decorations and since we can't use open flame candles those are out...booo hiss..  I just hope every thing will come together, I am most concerned about the food. Food is so expensive and we will be making most of it so I have to have come up with things that will be easy to make or can be in the fridge for a day or two and still be great. Along with the wedding cake I wanna do some other alternatives such as pie and cookies...oh the ideas I have!  But follow along as I do my wedding...the thrifty way :)  'Til next time XOXOX ~Jess

1/10/12

We're a great pear :)

I picked up a ceramic pear today from Big Lots. It was from the Jessica McClintock Home Collection and for $6 not a bad deal. Chris has been sick and really out of it but he found my little pear today and started questioning where and when did I get it (hehe) Some days I wished he wasn't so in tuned to my spending habits.  OH well...at least he pays attention. While I was there  I also picked up four black curtains for $12 ea ...which made cheapo me cringe. I will admit for $12 per panel is not bad but it's not great either. I do however think they will do the trick in our room.

$6 pear

Other news..I put a fourth coat on the dresser...and it keeps sucking the paint up *UGH* but I keep lying reminding myself that it will be totally worth it. Chris actually LIKES the dresser color...surprise surprise...I didn't even have to talk  convince him that it would be totally awesome. I am just ready for it to be done. I am so impatient when it comes to painting stuff...I suppose that is why I love spray paint so much. It goes on it 5 minutes and drys within 5 minutes. You live & you learn ( and then get Luvs--haha).  I will post more photos of the dresser as soon as it decides it will let the paint stay in place. ' Til next time XOXOX ~Jess :)

1/9/12

Music Monday

The other day I started singing this....and my sister said she didn't like this song. I scoffed at the idea that any one could not like this song...maybe it's because I grew up with it...who knows.. Word to ya mother.

Bumble Bee

I am in the process of painting my freebie dresser. I love this dresser because of the squares on the facing of the drawers...I also hate this dresser for the same reason. Painting it sucks. I should have spray painted it but I decided to do it the old fashion way with a brush.

BEFORE
Process

But so far I love how it is already starting to look.  Next I want to spray the hardware...which I actually like...just not the color.  I will probably spray them on Thursday as long as it is sunny and warm.




Lately I have really been trying to get my thoughts together for our wedding..I have a few appointments for the photographer and venue but things are coming together...slowly. I did start working on my brooch bouquet.



But to finish it I need a few more things like a glue gun...but hopefully it will be done soon! Keep checking back for updates.  'Til next time XOXO ~Jess

1/3/12

I'm in love with a thiftstore...


Yes the title should be sung and in the tune of "I'm in love with a stripper" ..... I was singing that today while rummaging through my closet...Chris told me to hush. I suppose the poor boy is tired of hearing me sing. EVERY DAY. The most random things. I have a lost cell phone song. I wont sing it  for you guys but he hears it at least once a day ('cause I "lose" my cell at least once a day). ANY WAYS. Since I am trying to cut back on all the thrifting I have to do something in my free time... can we say PINTEREST? I love me some Pinterest. I waste countless hours at work (SHHHH don't tell my boss...er mom...) trolling the latest pins. Earlier tonight I was on Pinterest and a friend of mine who makes incredible jewelry(There And Back Again Studios ) pinned some interesting ideas...which got me to thinking about zipper bracelets...I was looking up DIY and then I found one for a fork bracelet. It seemed pretty straight forward. Supplies: Cheap fork (CHECK) Pliers (CHECK) Needle Nose Pliers (CHECK) and some good old fashion elbow grease.  With a little bending I made a bracelet...YAY me!  Is it perfect? NOOOO!  Do I like it? Yes. 



I have some more cheapy forks that I had bought for another project to try this out on....maybe one that isn't a statement piece but more of an every day piece...and flatter...lol

1/2/12

Sh*t Girls Say...

...is hilarious...Kendi at Kendi Everyday posted the first episode on her blog a few weeks ago...since then they have made two more episodes. IT. IS. HILARIOUS. No lie. Watch for yourself!





Music Monday

Growing up music was a major part of my life, I took chorus all through middle and high school, I  even lettered(several times). With that being said I would like to introduce you to Music Monday. Every Monday(as long as I remember) I will post a youtube video just for fun. Sometimes it will be up beat others not so much...I am a big sap and tend to be drawn towards ballads...the sadder the better. In no way does any music posted here a reflection of my personal life(such as a broken heart)...just something to let you guys get to know me better. Without further adieu...

Adele, with her power house vocals has got to be one of my favorite artists at the moment.  I chose Rumor Has It because who hasn't been in this type of a relationship? I can total identify with her music and see myself in her shoes when I was younger.

1/1/12

Liebster Award

The sweetest blogger around, Serene from The Elegant Bohemian, gave me the Liebster Award!




Here's the skinny: Liebster means "dearest" in German, and this award is given to bloggers with fewer than 200 followers.  All that's asked is that the recipient do the following:

1.  Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2.  Reveal your 5 blogger picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3.  Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4.  Hope that the people you have sent the award to will forward it to their favorite bloggers.



Nearly all of the bloggers I follow have a bazillion followers so I can not pass this along but here would be my votes if they didn't have more than 200 followers


1.) Serene from The Elegant Bohemian( link above). She is effortlessly chic with a modest flair. Mixing thrifted vintage pieces into her wardrobe and working it!  She is the only blogger listed that I know personally from work but have gotten to know her better through the blog...funny how that works! 


2.) Shey from Modesty is Pretty. Much like Serene she is uses thrift store finds and makes them look chic all while being modest. I have never spoken to her but I love reading her blog and her style.


3.) Vanessa from Big Girl. Small Budget. Tiny Town. She truly is a role model for me. Much like her I do not have the fashion model body but I love how she isn't afraid to wear short skirts while mixing patterns and bold colors. 


4.) Kendi from Kendi Everyday I love her style, it's simple and not over done. I have a mad girl crush on her...but not in the creepy, stalker kinda way.


5.)  Donna from Soul Pretty. She is a New York interior designer who shares her daughter's story about Sickle Cell Anemia. She throws in some very inspirational wardrobe and interior photos along with her own home she has decorated. She also makes fantastic handbags using hardware from her old bags.


So there you have it my favorite five bloggers to read who have tons of followers and rightly so!

There are no fleas at the flea market!


Chris and I went to our local flea market this morning to scope it out, we haven't been since they changed locations. I was relieved to see that there are some open spaces inside to sell my clothing. I don't think I could manage standing outside with the wind and the nasty weather I am sure we will have in the next three months. But while scoping the place out we stopped by and talked to my friend P.Diddy and grabbed a bite to eat....the Bone Yard Grill located in the flea market is really good by the way. We also perused around and my darling, sweet finace' bought me two rings. One I have found out was a 1972 Avon Cameo Ring- I have been wanting a cameo ring for awhile now and the other was a emerald set sterling silver claddaugh ring. I am in love with it. When we first started dating I had a simple claddaugh ring and it broke :(...but I am so glad I found this one and he was willing to buy it for me! :)

We went by Rose's to talk to his manager about the ring because he was in the jewelry business for awhile. Although we didn't get a deal on it (I didn't think we did i just really liked it) we didn't get ripped of either (whew). I also picked up some silver jewelry cleaner to clean this bad boy up...and it looks so much better!

Til next time XOXOX ~Jess