Thrift Stores - Not Junk Stores

Growing up my Mama always LOVED to go into thrift stores and antique shops (I always called them "junk" stores). There were few things at that age I hated more in life than going to a "junk" store and looking at all the crap other people wanted to sell so they didn't have to look at it anymore. I just didn't understand the logic.

Now, at the age of 24, I can officially say - I get it Mama! The other weekend I went, what I now call "thrifting" with my friend Megan. I just moved into my apartment a couple of weeks ago and have no interest in spending tons of money on furniture. So, I went thrifting and found....

This coffee table that I use as my TV table. It was an ugly beat-up wood color. I spray painted it the teal color to match my decor and added the baskets underneath for functionality. 

TV table.

Close up of TV table.

This little table that I use as my entry table. It was also an ugly wood color. I spray painted it the same teal color and then painted the key/mail/organizer above it gray, something I had in my room growing up that is now useful once again! The table still needs some love in terms of decor on it, but we will get there.

Entry table.

All in all, I'm pretty proud of my finds. I forgot to take before pictures, so you will just have to imagine how ugly it was before the new paint. I learned from the best growing up and can't wait to find more treasures to add to my home!

Here's the breakdown of what I spent:

TV/Coffee Table = $25

Entry Table = $15

Spray Paint = $6

Meet Oliver

Ever since I was in college and had to give up my dog Boozer because my apartment wouldn't allow him, my life has been missing something. I then moved to New York and couldn't exactly fit a dog inside my tiny apartment with me. So, when I got my own place this time I decided that I absolutely had to get a dog. This week I went to an adoption center called Pets, Inc. and found the something I had been missing. He is a full blooded Lhasa Apso and he is 4 years old. Please meet Oliver.

Oliver.

Oliver sleeping at home.

Boozer.

I'm so excited to once again have a dog and a constant companion/friend, and I can't wait for Boozer to meet him. They HAVE to be best buddies.

As for Boozer, he now lives a very good life at my parent's house with several other doggie friends and lots of attention/love. We still have an unbreakable bond...we will love each other forever, no doubt.

A Heritage Weekend

This past weekend I went to Hilton Head Island where one of my best friends lives. A group of my friends all went down to go to the Heritage golf tournament. We had such a great time...even though we didn't even go into the tournament. We just hung out in the tournament area all day Saturday.

I then ended the weekend by meeting up with my sister, brother-in-law, and niece at the zoo. It was such a great end to an awesome weekend. Getting to see my sweet girl get excited over the animals was great! It doesn't get any cuter than my girl. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Heritage Weekend.

Brunch.

Quarterdeck.

The 19th Hole.

Heritage.

"Grace...where is the iguana?"...she is a genius.

Off to see the fish.

A Very Happy Easter

I had a great Easter weekend with my siblings and their little families as we celebrated Easter at my sister's house. Little Grace got to hunt Easter eggs for the first time. She caught on pretty quickly thanks to help from the boys. My whole family then got to spend the week after Easter in Dobson, North Carolina at a house on the Mitchell River. I was lucky enough to be able to join them on Thursday for a long weekend. We had a great time hanging out, reading, fishing, eating, and playing with the kiddos. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures with my camera...I left the picture taking up to my mom. Maybe I will share of those pictures later. In the meantime, here are some Easter pictures.

On a side note, I get the keys to my new place on Friday! Let the moving begin...(ugh I hate moving).

Grant helping Grace hunt Easter eggs.

"Where are those eggs..." 

The Wall Family.

My Sweet Girl.

My kiddos. Being an Aunt is the best.

Candy!

Sweet Boys.

The McCurry Family...minus Ben (he had to work).

Silly boys. Boys will be boys.

Making Moves

Well...I'm back! The past year I haven't quite found the inspiration I was looking for when it came to my blog. Not that I haven't had wonderful inspiring things happening in my life. I can't complain. I have had a great year spending time with my family and friends. Watching everyone grow. But, I am looking forward to sharing more on my blog. Exciting things are happening. I got a new job and have moved back to the city where I went to college. I will soon be moving into and getting to decorate my new apartment (expect pictures and DIY projects to come). Life is good. I have my family and friends...and of course my sweet niece and nephews running around. I can't explain the love I have for them. Anyway...Here are some pictures from the past year to catch you up a little.

 

 

 

 

Another Year

2011. What a great year. It’s crazy to think how fast the years fly by. It seems like not long ago we were ringing in 2011. But 2011 has been an exceptional year. By far the best thing that came out of 2011 is definitely my amazing niece. I had no idea how much love I could have in my heart for another being until she arrived. She is such a blessing from God.

So, as we look back on the past year of our lives, let us also look forward to the future. Each year seems to get better and better. May we all continue to add life to our years, and may we have many more years to come. I’m excited to see what 2012 has in store…Happy New Year!

Leaving Soon

As I prepare to soon leave New York City, I have found myself somewhat sad of what I will be leaving behind. It truly has been a great year. Not that there haven’t been moments where I really missed my family and friends back home, but I believe that living here has helped me to grow up. I have grown professionally and I have grown as a part of a new family I found here up North.

My Aunt and Uncle took me in last year when I moved here and made me part of their family. I didn’t know them very well then and we didn’t exactly have a relationship. However, now they are not only my family, but my friends as well. A relationship I plan on keeping up – coming to visit them and having them come to visit me. Not only did they take me under their wing, but also my Aunt’s entire family adopted me as though I was one of their own – and I now consider myself just that.

So when I say how excited I am to be moving back closer to my family and friends, there is a hint of sadness as I leave behind my Northern family. I will truly miss them and being able to be apart of all their family gatherings. I thank them for opening their hearts and homes to allow me in – they are forever part of my life now.