Just Simply Southern

merry CHRISTmas 2011

2011-12-15T11:29:00.002-06:00

may your Christmas be filled with joy, family and love!

In His Name,

The Perrys

hello

2011-04-28T19:12:00.003-05:00

i can hardly believe westin will be 2 months on sunday!

time sure is flying by too quickly!

all i do {everyday} is hold him.

i can't seem to put westin down from the time we drop tristan & deacon off at school till the time we go and pick them back up.

so, i haven't been able to open my computer in awhile.

and his big brothers are loving him too.

i love seeing them show him off to their friends.

so. precious.

i'm going to realllllly try to turn on my computer more often.

this was fun posting...it has been way too long!

well, i better get the boys ready for bed.

have a blessed night

westin is here!

2011-03-14T15:10:00.005-05:00

Westin Tolliver Perry

March 1, 2011 at 6:37pm

7 lbs and 19.5 inches

Our 1st picture as a family of 5:

====
It has been busy {to say the least} around our house since October 2010.

-I had my big Christmas Show with Jr. League in November

-painted furniture for some family friends

-the day after the show ended I raced home to start teaching a 1st grade class until they could find a permanent teacher

-at 32 weeks {middle of January} pregnant I was having tons of contractions {which I had with Deacon & I didn't think too much about it} , saw my Dr. and I was dilated to 1.5cm and 30% effaced

-spend the night in the hospital to stop contractions

-I was put on bed rest and couldn't teach my 1st graders any more

-had to learn to rest and take it easy {couldn't have done it without my sweet husband and family}

-had weekly Dr. appointments

-decorated the nursery

-scheduled to be induced March 3rd

- went into labor March 1st

I have missed blogging so much!!

I am glad to be back

I have so much to post about

Have a very blessed day

happy new year

2011-01-02T16:09:00.003-06:00

we hope you have a blessed and

happy new year!

country market days

2010-08-11T09:12:00.004-05:00

i am so excited to be apart of country market days this year

come out for live music and shopping

look for my booth and say hi

i would love to meet you

don't forget to..

mark your calendar

M.I.A.

2010-08-03T13:55:00.004-05:00

this summer has been a little crazy {to say the least}

-it started off with our 14 day vacation

{that i still need to post about}

- my frames are in an adorable boutique in Oklahoma

- went out of town again

-made frames and more frames

{need to add to my store}

-attended birthday parties

-went back out of town

-decorated my parents house for Fall

-boys started VBS this week

{taken after VBS and Tristan showing off his new headband he made}

-Tristan is trying to get sick on us

- and our house just went on the market..

-i have been so busy!

But, the most exciting news so far..

the boys start school in 3 weeks {wipe my tears}.

so, hopefully I can make it back online soon.

i miss making my posts.

have a blessed day

giveaway at gussy

2010-07-12T19:44:00.003-05:00

giveaway day at gussy

enter to win a customized 4x6 button frame

giveaway runs until wednesday..

go check it out

good luck!

family vacation day 1-2

2010-07-11T19:04:00.009-05:00

i am finally back online!

we have been home for 2 weeks and i have been sooo busy.

{making frames, being cooped up in our house because it is pouring outside for 2 weeks--thanks to hurricane season, not feeling well, trying to catch up from being gone 14 days, turning a room into my office :) and making more frames}

we had so much fun on our family vacation!!

this was the 1st year all 4 of us went

{a vacation usually meant: leave the kids with my parents}

we started our journey to myrtle beach on monday, june 14th

we broke up the looong drive by staying 2 nights in a hotel.

the 1st night we stayed in new orleans, la

the 2nd night we stayed in jacksonville, fl

the boys did great in the car!

they kept busy watching movies and playing games on our iphones

{and never once took a nap..just me}

i am so glad we split up the drive like we did.

i don't think they {or me} could have handled being in the car longer than we had to. my husband loves to drive places

..and take the "scenic" route {even if it takes us 1-2 hours extra}.

i am glad he is like that because i get to see towns/states that i have never seen before. thanks honey!

both days we drove we stopped at rest areas, had a picnic, and let the boys run around and explore while they could.

every time we stopped they pulled out their guns and pretended they were in an army war of some sort {tristan loves army ev.er.y.th.ing! so he always tried to bribe deacon into some kind of army game when we stopped}

every hotel we stayed at we swam and hung out as a family

it was great!

when we were not at a hotel or a rest stop eating our picnic lunch we were dddriving...

and dddriving...

come back to see more of our vacation, decorating ideas, and a giveaway soon

have a blessed day

back to reality

2010-06-28T16:25:00.000-05:00

it seems like ages since i have been online!

i have not had access to my computer for 14 days...

it felt weird, but really nice being away from it.

i have so much to blog about!

i will try and post something tonight after the boys go to bed.

i'll try..

have a wonderful day

family vacation

2010-06-13T23:47:00.006-05:00

we are leaving in the morning for vacation

this vacation is very special because all 4 of us are going!

i am soo excited and can't wait

this means i will not be online for 2 weeks.

i am going to try and post our vacation as we go

but, no promises. i might be having too much fun

that i can't get to my computer ;)

our vacation:

-2 days driving: stopping in new orleans & jacksonville

-myrtle beach- 5 days

-smoky mountains- 5 days

-2 days driving home: stopping in birmingham & new orleans

- then home sweet home

i can't wait to tell you what we did

i better get back to packing

i have a loooong day tomorrow

blessings!

giveaway time!

2010-06-09T14:56:00.009-05:00

head over to Bless Our Nest and enter in the giveaway

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as soon as i get back in town {and before i leave again} i will post my bedroom window mistreatments. school got out last week and then we {me and the boys} came to waco to help my sister decorate her home and get ready for a baby shower at her house. i have been going non-stop for 2 weeks.. and summer just officially started.

on monday,

we are taking our first family vacation with the 4 of us.

i am sooo excited and can't wait!

we are going to myrtle beach for 5 days and

then to a cabin in the smoky mountains for 5 days.

the boys are going to have so much fun!

lets just hope the drive from

texas to south carolina

to tennessee to texas

will be good :)

have a blessed day!

summer sale

2010-06-01T07:22:00.004-05:00

one of my favorite seasons is summer.

to celebrate

let's have a sale.

head over to my store and enjoy 15% off until friday

{enter SUMMER when you checkout}

need gifts for graduation, birthdays, weddings, showers

these unique frames make wonderful gifts

enjoy your day &

happy shopping

mistreatments:: how-to

2010-05-27T07:56:00.004-05:00

i have been struggling for a long time on these 2 windows.

i look at them and i do not know what to do.

i looked in magazines for some kind of inspiration

i shopped my house..

and finally..

they are done!

come back tomorrow and see what i did

GIVEAWAY:

stop over at dang gina giveaways and enter in to win a free frame

have a blessed day!

family photo shoot and a winner

2010-05-25T16:17:00.004-05:00

we had family pictures taken on sunday morning in galveston.

we met at 9:15 am at the seawall & 61st.

the weather was perfect

well, maybe a little too windy {for me}

i was so excited because one of my really good friends, jamie, was taking our pictures.

this was the first time in 5 years that someone {other than my talented sister} has taken our family pictures. i couldn't wait!

i had so much fun trying to decide what we were all going to wear.

i was trying to think out of the box and use color

but.. i kept going back to white and khaki.

the boys outfits were easy to put together

... khaki shorts and a white polo

but, finding the "right" outfit for me was the challenge.

i tried to "be good" and find something in my closet to wear.

i think i tried on 100 outfits before i couldn't take it any more!

so, i got in my car and headed to my favorite shops.

i walked into my all-time favorite shop..

and there it was!

the most b.e.a.u.t.iful outfit

it was perfect!

we took several pictures

and they are all so cute!

we had so much fun.

i can't wait to do this again

thanks jamie!!

mmm...

now, all i have to do is figure out what pictures i want to order...

i'll share more pictures soon

now the giveaway ;)

the giveaway winner is...

celeste

congratulations!

family weekend

2010-05-24T20:49:00.001-05:00

this weekend was so much fun spending time as a family!

this was the first weekend in a while that we did not have a baseball game.

to be honest.. it felt really nice to finally relax a little

on saturday:

we got up, got on our swimsuits, packed our lunch {which we left on the kitchen counter}, loaded up the truck, and headed to the beach.

the weather was perfect and we had fun playing in the water

and spending quality time as a family

i. loved. it!

the boys played together so good

they shook seaweed and found all kind of creators

played on their boards

jumped in the water

i loved watching them play with each other

oh, how i wish they were always this sweet to each other

my precious boys that i love so much

on sunday:

we took family pictures {i can't wait to show you} in galveston, walked by the beach, ate brunch, and rode the ferry {free entertainment}

the boys enjoy riding the ferry across the ocean.

.. watching the birds swoop down and eat fish, looking for dolphins {which we saw several}, and looking at all the different boats around us

...just enjoying each other

-------

walking to get on the ferry

then we got on the ferry and rode it across the ocean

deacon was so tired of taking pictures today

this is the only picture i got of us 3

i love these boys!

thank you Jesus for blessing me with an amazing husband who love me for me and 2 adorable boys that have changed my whole entire life.

i love you

i enjoyed spending quality time as a family!

i can't wait to do this again

{deacon was very tired of taking pictures}

extra pictures...

here is the galveston memorial {great storm of 1900} taken during hurricane ike in 2008

{photo credit}

here is the memorial on sunday, may 23, 2010

have a wonderful day!

take every moment and cherish it

blessings,

birthday boy

2010-05-19T15:50:00.007-05:00

today is deacon's 5th birthday!

it is so hard to believe my little precious baby is 5.

it seems like yesterday that i found out we were having another boy.

today for his special day we met up with a couple of my

friends and headed to the houston zoo.

everyone had a great time walking around looking at all the animals

and enjoying everything the houston zoo has to offer

one big event today at the zoo was the debut of the 390 pound baby elephant, Baylor.

we enjoyed watching that adorable elephant

we also had a BIG surprise while we were watching baby Baylor.

this man took our picture and then told us he was with houston chronicle..

and that our picture was going to be in the chronicle tomorrow.

here is the picture that made it in the newspaper:

{leah and hannah, beth and noah, and my precious tristan...can you see the white blur below noahs fingers? well, that's me}

{my friend beth & noah also made it on the news}

to end the day we rode on the train that goes around hermann park.

the boys had so much fun! they wanted to ride again.. and again.

i was way. too. tired. to ride again!

thanks to all my sweet friends who spent the day with us!

we all had fun and can't wait to do it again.

we will always cherish this day with you all!

I hope you had a fun birthday Deacon!

a-l-m-o-s-t there & a giveaway

2010-05-17T11:00:00.003-05:00

i almost have 300 followers! {smile}

Yeah ~ Yeah ~ Yeah

this blog started out being a place i could come and journal about projects that i have done, share/sell frames i have made, and talk about what's going on in my life. it has been so amazing to see how many people read my little ole blog.

thank you all so much!

i truly appreciate being apart of the blog-land. i enjoy reading other blogs and getting inspired by all these VERY talented women out there. it's great "meeting" other women that have small businesses and enjoy doing what i love doing... decorating!

thank you to everyone who have encouraged me this year with my business!

so, since i am so happy and totally appreciate every.single.one.of.you

let's have a GIVEAWAY!!

to enter:

- tell me what colors you would like on your frame

- become one of my lovely followers

- follow me on twitter

- follow me on facebook

-go visit my store here and here

- for placing an order you get another entry

{giveaway ends friday, may 21st}

-------------------------

since i am so happy.. enjoy 15% off this week on ALL orders

enter: HAPPY at checkout

{i will add more frames to my store tonight}

These make great gifts!!

DON'T FORGET about graduations, weddings, birthdays, showers...

thank you!!

have a blessed day,

~kp

calling all houstonians

2010-05-10T12:39:00.004-05:00

Spring Bazaar at St. Andrew's in the Heights
1819 Heights Boulevard

Houston, TX 77008

May 15, 2010

10 am - 4 pm

{rain or shine}

The Spring Bazaar offer wonderful shopping, food, music and fun! Items on hand will include handcrafted jewelry, accessories and toys for babies and children, unique art and home decor, handmade clothing, purses and accessories, old-fashioned quilts, yard art, gourmet foods, health and beauty products, and much, much more!

Admission is free....so come ready to shop till you drop!

If you can come out Saturday.. stop by my booth. I would love to meet you!

I better get back to making frames :)

Have a blessed day

Need a gift for graduation, weddings, birthdays, showers?

I have the perfect gift for you!

head over here or here

sneak peak..

2010-05-05T19:28:00.006-05:00

i. am. so. excited to finally tell you that just simply southern will be in a magazine. whoo!!

a couple months ago a magazine contacted me to tell me they enjoy my website and were looking for businesses to appear in their magazine {to advertise}. first of all, i could not believe they were asking me. i have been blown away that people read my blog, email me for decorating help, people all over the united states order my frames, my frames are in shops, and now i will be in a magazine. thank you all so much for supporting my business this year! i LOVE what i do and i am so glad my dream is {finally} coming true!

once i got over the shock of a magazine contacting me i could not wait to contact my web designer, lauren. i can not tell you enough that i love this girl! she has designed everything for me and has done an amazing job! i have been so happy with all of her designs she has created for me. she is a joy to work with. thanks lauren!!

here is a sneak peak of my ad:

===============

come back to see what i found at a garage sale.. {my new favorite hobby}

new shop

2010-04-28T11:54:00.003-05:00

i am so excited to announce my new shop!

i am still working on it, but i could not wait to share it with you.

check it out and let me know what you think

blessings,

what a weekend!

2010-04-27T19:16:00.005-05:00

here is a recap of my weekend..

Thursday:

Tristan had a game at 8pm. He is our little pitcher {just like his daddy} and he did an awesome job at this game. We were so proud of him!

After the game we came home... it was 10:45pm.

Once we got home Tristan started complaining his head was hurting. He took his temperature and it was 100.0 -- we gave him Tylenol and put him to bed.

After we got the boys to bed we watched American Idol until 1AM.

When we were heading to bed our sweet dog, Max was limping and moving pretty slow. He had shots this morning and was pretty sore. We put him on our bed and he slept there all night... not moving at all.

Friday morning:

-I got to sleep in a little this morning because Tristan was home sick.

- checked on Tristan.. and gave him some medicine {still running fever}

- My husband got ready for work and walked out the door

This is what he walked out to:

Yep! Someone had stolen the wheels off his truck!! We could not believe it. Apparently these truck wheels are VERY popular right now and tons are being stolen.

- we called the police

- called our insurance company

- called the Chevy Dealership and they sent out a wrecker

- in shock a-l-l day!

Saturday:

- I went to garage sales all morning with 2 of my good friends {can't wait to show you what I found!..coming soon}

- Got home and went straight to Tristan's baseball game

Sunday:

- went to church

- after church we ate lunch and then went on a family outing..

We had so much fun picking strawberries at a local farm. The boys got to pick their own strawberries {so did we}.. and they had a blast! I can't wait until we do that again.

What a weekend!!

We got our truck back Monday. If you drive a Chevy Tx Edition with 20 inch wheels...

GET LOCKS ON your WHEELS!

You can get locks at Tire Stores {Discount Tires, NTB, etc..}

Have a very blessed week!

new items coming soon..

mother's day

2010-04-22T12:11:00.005-05:00

mother's day is in 2 weeks

are you still looking for that special gift for that special mom?

are you ready to mark that off your to-do-list?

these frames are a great gift

and are super easy

to change out your favorite photo

{of the day...week...month...season..}

any mom would love

to set out pictures

of their children, grandchildren,

family, friends, pets..

your order can also be mailed and gift wrapped right to that special mom

AND

you can also enjoy 15% off your order {before shipping}

until Saturday April 24th
so hurry and place your order today

all you have to do is head over to my shop

if you do not see the colors/design you are looking for I can custom make something just for your loved one

happy mother's day!

{enjoy 15% off, put "Mother's Day" in the comments section at checkout}

help! help!

2010-04-19T21:31:00.007-05:00

i need some help reeeally bad!

{all i did was drape the material over the bar}

i have been staring at this project for weeks now

and

i. just. can't. finish it!

i keep staring..

and staring..

i need your help

how can i make some this french door adorable??

what kind of mistreatments?

thank you!

2010-04-16T09:23:00.000-05:00

oh my goodness! it has been so hard to sit down and get on my computer the last 2 weeks.. {it should have been easier because Deacon has been with my parents last week and this week}

i want to thank everyone who came to the barn sale last weekend!

we had another successful sale

this barn sale was fun because there were 6 of us and i got to meet more very talented women. it always amazes me how hollie transforms this {beautiful} barn into a show room! i'm in Awww everytime i walk in!

decorating for this barn sale was fun because it was springtime and we used hay, birds nests, eggs, garden items, and lots of beautiful flowers...{and there was no snow on the ground like last time}

since there were more of us.. that meant more stuff to fill the barn with.

the barn was full.. inside & outside!

besides a little shower storm here and there the weather was nice.

not too hot, not too cold

we are planning another barn sale in september

if you would like to be added to our email list {leave a comment}

i am looking forward to seeing everyone again!

thanks again for supporting us

blessings,

barn sale :: friday & saturday ::

2010-04-07T16:30:00.000-05:00

live in the houston area?

come to our 2nd Barn Sale

you don't want to miss it!

-----

Queen Bee Barn Sale

presents

another enchanting sale at the barn

a vintage inspired flea market...

shabby chic, garden goods, french flea fare,

antique, funky finds & just simply southern frames

Friday Night, April 9th

Wine & Cheese

priority shopping party 7-10pm

$10 admission

{please email me with # attending by thursday}

Saturday, April 10th

9:00-4:00pm

3317 Luella Ave

Deer Park, Tx

{20 minutes from Downtown Houston- mapquest for directions}

---------------------

Look what I've been up to..

{i'm still trying to figure out the design i want for the french door..

any suggestions?? i'm stuck!}

I'm adding more frames this week to my store.

check back soon!

Giveaway at Gussy has a lot to say

2010-04-05T15:18:00.005-05:00

head over {here} for another chance to win $25 shop credit

have a very blessed day!

Our Savior is Risen!

2010-04-04T14:23:00.005-05:00

Happy Easter

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you...
1 Peter 1:3-4

awww.. thanks!

2010-04-03T16:00:00.001-05:00

i always get so happy when my customers receive their frames and love them as much as i do.

i especially love when they send me pictures of where they placed their new frame. the winner {Jennifer} of Beneath My Heart giveaway wrote a sweet post about her new frame. check it out here.

thanks jennifer!

that was very sweet of you

easter sale & gift with purchase

2010-04-01T11:42:00.008-05:00

Happy Easter to You
Two Day Sale!

Thursday & Friday Only
All orders over $30 {before s&h}

will receive a free mini board with your order

15% off

all orders over $50 {before s&h}

:: refund will be given through paypal after checkout ::

---------

hop over here and HOPPY SHOPPING

-------

Don't forget:

Mark your calendar for the Barn Sale

April 9 & 10

bedskirt tutorial

2010-03-30T14:28:00.005-05:00

i have had this fabric stored away for over a year now. i found it at an awesome fabric store in houston on clearance...that i could not pass up. originally, i bought it to hang behind our bed {here}. but, when i got it home it looked a little too heavy behind our bed. i needed something a little lighter and airy-er {if that's even a word} because my mistreatments are heavy and my walls are dark.

so, i decided to make a bed skirt with this adorable fabric that i have been holding on to. it was soo easy to make and it only took about 45 minutes!

-------

here is what i did:

{measured the length of my bed & added another foot or so before i cut}

1) laid down my fabric on my living room floor

2) cut the fabric in half & glued the end together {i loved the frayed end so i didn't glue that end.. the frayed end will be the part that touches the floor}

3) i was too lazy to take my old bed skirt off the bed..so i kept it hidden under the new one

4) i tucked the material under the bed until the length was perfect

5) i added some more fabric and squished it together.. making it look like it is pleated

6) i pinned the 2 pieces of fabric together so they will stay put and not split open

NOW, i'm all finished!

e-a-s-y!

:: the only thing i still have to do is add velcro to the material and mattress so the skirt will not fall off ::

-------

sorry i've been a little m.i.a lately. last week i was trying to clean my house, put out my easter/spring decor, making custom order frames, and get ready for my sister and 3 other couples to come to our house. baylor basketball was playing in houston and they all came to go to the game. i was a little busy and the computer would not fit into my schedule.

-------

well, i better run

i had a sick little boy yesterday and the big boy today..

have a wonderful day

it is b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l outside!!

big boy!

2010-03-23T22:37:00.005-05:00

Last week Deacon decided to take his training wheels off and ride his bike. I was so amazed how quickly he caught on! My cousin came over and her little boy {Zachari} brought his bike to my parents. When Deacon saw Zachari's bike he wanted his training wheels off too! I pulled out the video camera {so we can show Daddy since he was at home working} to capture his first bike ride without training wheels. You would never know this picture was the second time he has rode his bike without training wheels. He is getting so big! Time flies too quick!

Blessings,

spring is here and an easter tree

2010-03-17T21:55:00.012-05:00

spring is here

i had so much fun today making my parents an Easter Tree.

i can't wait to get home and make me one :)

this tree would be adorable to keep out all year..

spring {eggs}, summer {birds}, fall {pumpkins}, winter {owls}

...and this tree is very easy to make.

i went antique shopping today {with my dad}

and found this precious flowerpot

i walked into one of my favorite shops today

and found this amazing. tree. branch!

i found exactly what i needed to make my spring tree

and it was fake... yep that's right! F-A-K-E!

isn't it beautiful

once you find your flowerpot and branch you are ready to put the tree together.

i used foam & green moss from hobby lobby.

first, i cut a hole in the middle of the foam

next, i set my branch inside the hole

then, i laid green grassy moss on top to cover the foam

finally, i set some eggs on top of the grass

once your tree limb is in the pot you can start decorating it.

my mom had some really cute Easter eggs and that is what i hung on her tree.

{i had to take some for my tree too.. thanks mom!}

this tree turned out soo cute

i can't wait to make me one!

Don't forget:

head over to The Nesting Place to have a chance

to win a frame from Just Simply Southern

{I love custom orders}

participating in:

Transformation Thursday: The Shabby Chic Cottage, Blue Cricket Design, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Strut your stuff Thursday: Somewhat Simple, A Few of My Favorite Things, The Colorado Lady, A Soft Place to Land, Beneath My Heart

nesters giveaway day

2010-03-16T09:01:00.006-05:00

I am so honored to be apart of The Nester's Giveaway Day {again}!

Head on over to The Nesting Place for awesome giveaways today and tomorrow.

{You will find me here}

We made it safely to my parents house last night.

I am decorating their home for spring this week... come back to see pictures.

lets play ball

2010-03-12T10:00:00.001-06:00

we l.o.v.e. baseball!

i'm sure it has a little to do with my husband being a pitcher... he played when he was a little boy, got scholarships in college to pitch, and he even played in the texas-louisiana league after college {not to mention he was picked up by detroit tigers after high school and turned it down to go to college --in hopes to be picked up again-- but, he would have never met me}.

last weekend was opening day for baseball

we are on the white sox this year

it's a BIG thing in our town. we had to be there at 7:45am for the parade and opening ceremonies, the carnival, and then the expo game at 3pm. this is the first year for my husband to coach tristan's baseball team.. and tristan loves it.

needless to say this. day. is. exhaustinggg!

tristan is our little pitcher.

it is amazing how hard and far that kid can throw!

i think he is taking after his daddy.

... and deacon reese likes to pitch too..

the only picture we got of the 4 of us..

{deacon was tired of taking pictures and tristan was talking}

tristan's game started at 3pm and they did really good.

i am looking forward to our next game in 2 weeks.

after the game the boys went to an empty softball field to play some ball. tristan was teaching deacon how to pitch and he was taking it very seriously. it was so cute to watch them play.

have a very blessed weekend!

{our spring break is next week and we are heading to my parents.. time to decorate their house for spring.}

making coasters

2010-03-09T10:16:00.010-06:00

I am involved in a bible study that meets once a month. Every month we study the bible, eat lunch, and do some awesome crafts. In February, I could not go because that was my son, Tristan's birthday {I ate lunch with him}. Since I could not go I had to do this months craft at home...with some help from my 4 year old, Deacon.

We used tiles {that can be bought from your local hardware store}, alcohol, cotton ball, and a monogrammed letter.

First, you wipe off the tiles with rubbing alcohol.

Place your monogrammed letter on the tile and press down.

Peel the paper off.

The last step is to spray the tiles with a sealer {i used matte}.

I got mine at Hobby Lobby.

Now, you have some some pretty coasters to display around your home.

{Thanks Deacon for all of your help! I can't wait for our next project. I love you}

participating in:
Beneath My Heart

ETSY

2010-03-03T10:57:00.003-06:00

new items are being added to my store.

check it out here.

giveaway winners

2010-03-02T08:33:00.006-06:00

Thank you all for coming to my site and participating in the giveaway.

I had fun and I can't wait to do this again.

Thank You the vintage pearl, designer blogs, pleated poppy, gussy, and purple lemon designs for being apart of my giveaway!

Here are the winners:

The Vintage Pearl: Living for Him- AmberDawn

Designer Blogs: McNab Girls- Jaime
The Pleated Poppy: (M)2- Mindy

Just Simply Southern: Whimsical Creations- Melanie

Gussy: Captivating Moments- Raylene Nicole

Purple Lemon Designs: all thingz related -Bridgette

giveaway :: ends monday night

2010-02-28T21:55:00.005-06:00

The giveaway ends Monday night.

{Please scroll down and enter before it is too late}

GIVEAWAY:

- The Vintage Pearl

- Designer Blogs

- The Pleated Poppy

- Gussy

- Just Simply Southern

- Purple Lemon Designs

I want to thank these amazing talented women for participating in my First BIG Giveaway. I adore your shops!!

I will announce winners Monday night or Tuesday Morning.

Giveaway Day :: Purple Lemon Designs

2010-02-27T08:00:00.001-06:00

The last giveaway is hosted by Kelly, owner of Purple Lemon Designs. I found her last year and she is someone I completely adore! She has an etsy store you have to check out. Kelly has great customer service, great quality products, and she is so sweet. You have a chance to win a Medium Stamp of your choice from Purple Lemon Designs. There is a variety of stamps to choose from.

stylish address stamps..

wedding stamps..

Business stamps..

Kelly took my business logo and made a stamp for me... my old logo & new logo

She did an amazing job! I love it!

She also designs stationary
I looove this stationery! Joshua 24:15 is one of my favorite bible scriptures. That scripture is above the door in our entry. Look at that beautiful cross!

You can have your very own Purple Lemon stamp too!
medium stamp of your choice to one lucky winner!

To Enter:
1- Become a follower {or already follow} my blog

2- Head over to Purple Lemon Designs and come back to tell me what you would pick

3- Follow me on Twitter

4- Twitter/ Facebook about the giveaway

5- blog about the giveaway {be sure to leave the link}

Good Luck!
Winners will be picked Monday

::::::::::::::::::::::

don't forget to scroll down for more fabulous giveaways
{the vintage pearl, designer blogs, the pleated poppy, just simply southern, & gussy}

Giveaway Day :: Gussy

2010-02-26T08:00:00.001-06:00

Maggie Whitley {known as Gussy} is behind all of these gorgeous ruffles. She is sooo talented and I just adore her! She borrowed her parents sewing machine to attempt to teach herself how to sew and look what she can do!! Head over to her shop {here and here} and see her amazing work. She is always creating something really pretty and ruffly.

i mean look at these ruffles.. beeeutiful!

I asked Maggie to make me a gussy laptop bag {to match my logo} and here it is. My laptop fits in there perfect and it is so easy to carry around.

Now my laptop is pretty.

Thanks Gussy

I. Love. It!

Gussy sews bags, wallets, and pouches of all sizes...

{look at the detail}

i. am.

madly. MADLY.

in. LOVE.

with these bags.

You can have your very own Gussy too!

$25 shop credit to one lucky winner!

To Enter:

1- Become a follower {or already follow} my blog
2- Head over to Gussy {here and here} and come back to tell me what you would pick
3- Follow me on Twitter
4- Twitter/ Facebook about the giveaway
5- blog about the giveaway {be sure to leave the link}

Good Luck!

Winners will be picked Monday

::::::::::::::::::::::

don't forget to scroll down for more fabulous giveaways

{the vintage pearl, designer blogs, the pleated poppy, just simply southern... and more coming.}

Giveaway Day :: Just Simply Southern

2010-02-25T23:34:00.001-06:00

These frames give you an easy way to display your favorite photo. Then, you can change the photo without any hassle.

The frames come in different sizes and they come in a variety of home decor colors.

All frames are handcrafted {thanks dad} so please keep in mind sight variations in the distressing of the wood.

Great for birthdays, weddings, teachers, friends, showers, etc..

$25 shop credit to one lucky winner!

{i'm working on adding new frames in my shop}

To Enter:
1- Become a follower {or already follow} my blog

2- Head over to my shop and come back to tell me what you would pick

3- Follow me on Twitter

4- Twitter/ Facebook about the giveaway

5- blog about the giveaway {be sure to leave the link}

::::::::::::::::::::::

don't forget to scroll down for more fabulous giveaways

{the vintage pearl, designer blogs, the pleated poppy... and more coming.}

Giveaway Day :: The Pleated Poppy

2010-02-24T23:00:00.001-06:00

Lindsey, owner of The Pleated Poppy, is sooo extremely talented! She is behind these famous posy pins you see everyone wearing. I have bought several posy pins from her and i. love. love. them! These adorable things are so versatile. You can pin them on your jacket, shirt, hat, purse, pillow... endless possibilities.

just look how beautiful these are

pedal pushers- another one of my favorites

zippered pouches- great way to get organized!

Covered Notebooks- I can't wait to get one of these

tea towels- i love mine!

Lindsey is offering a $25 shop credit to one winner!

Thanks Lindsey!

Good Luck

To Enter:

1- Become a follower {or already follow} my blog

2- Head over to The Pleated Poppy and come back to tell me what you would buy

3- Follow me on Twitter

4- Twitter/ Facebook about the giveaway

5- blog about the giveaway {be sure to leave the link}

::::::::::::::::::

Don't forget to scroll down for more fantastic giveaways

Giveaway Day :: The Vintage Pearl

2010-02-23T23:50:00.001-06:00

Erin, owner of The Vintage Pearl, makes jewelry that is handmade and designed just for you! Head over to The Vintage Pearl and plan on staying awhile. Erin is very talented and has a wonderful blog that everyone needs to check out. You can also follow her on twitter.

You will have so much fun looking at her shop and trying to decide what to spend your money on. I {heart} customized jewelry.

Good Luck!

{my eyes are on this one!}

One Lucky Winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to The Vintage Pearl!

I'm giving you lots of ways to enter for this giveaway; make sure to leave a comment for each entry.

TO ENTER:

1- Become a follower (or already follow) my blog.

2- Head over to The Vintage Pearl and come back to tell me your favorite item

3- Follow me on Twitter

4- Twitter or Facebook about the giveaway

5- Blog about this giveaway {be sure to leave the link}

:: come back tomorrow {and ALL week}

for more fabulous giveaways ::

Giveaway Day :: Designer Blogs

2010-02-22T23:50:00.008-06:00

Do you need a blog makeover?

I have the perfect designer for you!

I found this wonderful company, Designer Blogs, several months ago and fell in love with them. I absolutely love my blog design {and everything else} that they created for me.

You can check out their portfolio here.

They also create blog buttons, business cards, etsy banners, and much much more.

Thank you so much Lauren for all you have done for me. I love everything!

If your blog needs a little TLC... today is your lucky day.

One lucky follower could be the winner of a Blog Makeover

{$50 value}.

To Enter:

1- become a follower {or already follow} my blog

2- Head over to Designer Blogs and come back to tell me what design you would pick for your blog.

3- Follow me on Twitter

4- Twitter/ Facebook about the giveaway

5- Blog about the giveaway {be sure to leave the link}

Good Luck!

:: come back tomorrow {or all week}

for more amazing giveaways ::

{scroll down for another giveaway: The Vintage Pearl}

giveaway starts tomorrow

2010-02-21T18:43:00.004-06:00

My first BIG giveaway starts tomorrow!

birthday boy

2010-02-16T09:42:00.005-06:00

i can't believe my baby is already 9 years old!

Last weekend Tristan got to invite some boys over and have a sleepover. After some conflicts 2 boys were the only ones that could make it. These 2 boys, Cade & Bennett were our old neighbors that moved almost 2 years ago and Tristan misses them so much. This was the first time we had 4 boys {ages: 9,7,6,4} stay at our house overnight. The boys had fun playing guns, playing star wars on the wii, eating pizza & cupcakes, and watching a movie together. Thanks Cade & Bennett for coming over and celebrating Tristan's birthday with him.

Have a very blessed day!

:: Giveaway announcements coming soon ::

happy valentines day

2010-02-14T16:28:00.008-06:00

Friday Tristan had his Valentines Party at school and we had fun {or maybe just me} getting his valentines ready to pass out to his classmates and teachers. Since he is getting older I am really really trying to get him more involved in these projects that I have always just done for him. I cut out some tags using my cricket, then he stamped thumbprint hearts on the tags, and wrote his name on the tags. {You would have thought he was being tortured... writing his name 23 times was hard work..haha}

I let Tristan pick what kind of ribbon he wanted to put around the lid..adding that special touch. I cut the ribbon and hot glued it on the lid. We filled the jar with M&Ms and tied the tag around the lid with raffia.

{for the teachers:}

{for his classmates:}

happy valentines day!

xoxo

I can't wait to share with you this amazing giveaway I am getting ready for.

My 1st BIG Giveaway week with some amazing talented women!!

silhouettes

2010-02-10T10:24:00.017-06:00

this past weekend we celebrated my son Tristan's 9th birthday. this means that my house was full of family: us 4 {and our dog max}, mom, dad, mrs. marie {sweet lady that my mom watches with alzheimer's}, sister, bro inlaw, creighton, and griffin. i am so glad they could all make it.

i love having them all at our house!

while my sister was down we started a project that was for my mom's birthday... and of course we had to make one for ourselves too. i have been wanting to do one for months now and have not been able to sit down and do one. we have seen several different ways to do silhouettes and here is how we did ours:

1) take picture, print out 5x7, and cut it out

{we sent ours to walgreens.com}

2) trace silhouette on contact paper and cut out

3) pick out a color that you want your silhouette to be and paint your canvas

{we used a pearl white} Let the canvas dry completely

then, pick out paint colors you want to use on your canvas:

4) peel off the back of the contact paper and stick it on the canvas
{make sure you push down on the silhouette edges before you paint}

5) blob on your paint colors on the canvas- not perfect-

{as the nester would say "it does not have to be perfect to be beautiful"}
-- we used brown first --

-- then all the other colors --

6) Let the canvas dry completely and then peel off the contact silhouette

7) now my silhouettes are ready to be framed. i am also going to write the boys name & the year under the silhouette.

{I had so much fun Kimberly! We have to do this again real soon}

participating in:

DIY Day: A Soft Place to Land

Get your craft on: Todays Creative Blog

Fireflies & Jellybeans

Strut Your Stuff at somewhat simple

The Shabby Chic Cottage

The DIY Show Off

Have you done your own silhouette project? Or any project you would like to share with us?

another giveaway

2010-02-02T14:05:00.005-06:00

WINNER:

Jennifer from All Things Pink & Crafty

I advertise on this lovely website and we are having a giveaway.

Head on over to Traci's adorable site, Beneath My Heart, and have a chance to win another one of my frames. Plan on staying there for awhile..she has some amazing projects!

Enjoy 15% off your etsy order this week {just convo me before your order}

=================

coming soon...

1- getting ready for spring...and the Easter bunny

{i have to admit it looks a little odd having my Easter eggs on my mantle and my fireplace going..who knew it would be cold again in Texas}

2- more frames coming soon to my etsy store

:: Want to advertise? contact me for LOW rates ::

giveaway winners

2010-01-29T14:57:00.002-06:00

thank you so much for coming to my site!

i truly appreciate each and every one of you.

Congratulations to these 2 winners!!

1- Seriously, So Blessed

2- Kathy @ Creative Home Designs

Have a blessed day!

just simply southern giveaway!

2010-01-26T08:30:00.008-06:00

I want to thank everyone for visiting my blog, etsy store, customers who have ordered frames and those that keep coming back. I truly appreciate it!

to thank everyone i'm having a giveaway

i want to make a frame Just For You!

i am going to draw 2 lucky winners

how do you win?

1- let me know what colors/theme you like

2- become a follower of my blog!

3- blog about giveaway

4- follow me on twitter
5- follow just simply southern on facebook
6- mention it on facebook

7- enjoy 15% 0ff all frames on Etsy- just convo me before sale

{make sure you leave a comment for each entry}

:: Winners will be announced Thursday ::

good luck!

Anniversary Getaway

2010-01-25T10:49:00.008-06:00

Friday, January 15, 2010

My adorable husband surprised me with a little getaway for our Anniversary.

At midnight {Friday, January 15th} he told me to look under my pillow..and there was the sweetest card. Inside the card was a little note that told me to pack up for one night, my sweet mother-in-law was coming to watch the boys, it was a surprise where we were going, and we were leaving at 9am on Saturday. I was sooo excited to have a little getaway with him {i adore my boys, but i love time with just us}. Oh, and he told me he would take our son, Tristan to school and I could sleep in...what a sweet husband! That was a treat because I get up every morning and get him ready for school, pack his lunch, and take him to school. After John David got back from dropping Tristan off he came in the room smiling... he had another surprise! He took off work!! YEAH!! I was so excited! We had a great time and Deacon was so excited too. We went to an amazing Mexican Restaurant for lunch, looked at our Wedding pictures, I tried on my wedding dress..which it was a little big, and talked about our wedding 10 years ago.

I. Love. This. Man.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

I could not wait for this day. We got up, loaded the truck, and left the house about 9:30am. My mind was turning.. where is he taking me? Austin? The Hill Country? Where?? We drove through Houston..then turned on I10. I pulled out my phone and looked at the map... still trying to figure it out. We drove about 2 hours. All the places I thought we were going were getting scratched through. Finally I asked him "Are you taking me to the Alamo?" He looked at me with the straighted face possible {better than I could have done} and said, "why do you say that?" I know my husband and the places I thought he might take me were not on the route. I knew he would not go through San Antonio to get to these places. So, that only left... him taking me to the Alamo.

We had a fantastic time staying on the riverwalk, eating tons of Mexican Food, walking around, riding the boat on the riverwalk, listening to live music...

and Enjoying Each Other!

Happy 10th Anniversary Love

Thank you for surprising me with this getaway

{This picture makes me laugh! I was trying to take a picture of the room number: the door was shutting, he was trying to catch the door for me, he had no idea what I was doing, he was being goofy when I told him what I was doing...and this was the cute picture I captured}

{John David was not making this picture process easy for me... I had to set the timer every time. I'm laughing at the 2nd try.. I was not mad...haha.. the timer went off and I was not paying attention}

Enjoying the riverwalk:

Visiting the Alamo:

Thanks so much Marie for watching the boys.

We had a wonderful time!

Please Pray

2010-01-22T15:29:00.008-06:00

Please say a prayer for our friends little girl, Kale. She was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis today. She is only 8 months old. She now has swelling on her brain and is waiting for a CT Scan. Pray for Kale, Mom and Dad, and her 2 big brothers.

Please help us pray for baby Kale.

Lord I am lifting Kale to you today.

We are praying for you Lance & Amy.

______________

** UPDATE **

Saturday, January 23

___________

Kale was moved to the PCU {Progressive Care Unit} yesterday where a Nurse only has 2 other patients and she is able to have more intensive care. We are still waiting on the results on the CT Scan. The Doctor will meet with the Infectious Team & Radiologist to discuss the scan and what needs to be done. Kale's glucose in her brain came back normal which means her brain has enough food to continue to feed it...Praise God! That is great news because Kale has not eaten since Tuesday night so this news is GREAT!

Please continue to Pray for Kale. She is still having a hard time getting comfortable and crying out in pain when she is picked up or touched anywhere on her head, neck, or chest. Also, pray for the Team of Doctors that are caring for baby Kale. She is not out of the woods yet and can go downhill again. I will keep updating as I hear something.

Lord Jesus I lift Kale up to you today. I pray for healing on her little body and to give her comfort as she is in pain. I am praying for the Team of Doctors that are caring for her. Be with them as they look over the CT Scan and discuss what they can do to help get this precious baby girl well again. I also pray for the family in this hard time. Cover them with your love. In your precious and Holy name AMEN.

Thank you for all of your prayers!

The family truly appreciates it.

The Power of Prayer!

Hope for Haiti

2010-01-19T13:50:00.004-06:00

Want to help the people of Haiti? After the earthquake, the blog Hope for Haiti was created to raise donations for Compassion International and the Red Cross.

Head over to Hope for Haiti and You can donate as little as a $1 and have a chance to win some fabulous prizes. Every dollar donated gets you a raffle ticket {$1= 1 entry, $20= 20 entries, etc..}. You can also win $50 gift certificate from Just Simply Southern. There are tons of great prizes!

Join in Hope for Haiti.

Help bring Hope to those suffering

Happy Anniversary, my Love

2010-01-15T09:37:00.011-06:00

You are the one that I love, the one I cherish, and the one that I choose to spend the rest of my life loving. Happy Anniversary my Love!

I am so glad God put you in my life on July 4, 1997.

Thank you for loving me unconditionally, for showing me what love is really all about, for being my best friend, for bringing joy to my life, for being a Godly Father & Husband, and for always believing in me. You are the most amazing husband!

Each year I fall in love again with you.

I am deeply madly in love with you.

Happy Anniversary, my Love.

With you by my side, every experience is beautiful!

Life couldn't be any better

Mom & Dad,

Thank you for setting a good example!

I will always treasure the loving home you made for me growing up.

Mom, Thanks for sharing your beautiful wedding dress with me. I will forever cherish it. Words cannot express the love I feel for you two.

{Look how adorable they are! They have been married over 30 years}

{please excuse the picture quality of these wedding photos...digital cameras were not around like they are today..that really makes me feel old}

10 Years Ago

2010-01-14T19:04:00.005-06:00

Ever since I was a little girl I had waited and longed for this special day. Thank you God for blessing me with an amazing man.

It is sooo hard to believe 10 years ago today I was getting ready to marry the man of my dreams.

I remember this day like it was yesterday.

January 14, 2000:

I could not wait to walk down the isle in my wedding dress {my mom's wedding dress}
I was finishing up last minute details for the wedding we had planned for 13 months
enjoying spending time with my family before I moved 7 hours away
getting ready for the rehearsal dinner
making the wedding sign with my bridesmaids
couldn't wait to marry the man of my dreams
finally falling asleep at 1am

I thank God everyday for putting you in my life.

I'm. One. Lucky. Girl!

{Can't wait until tomorrow}

Inspired

2010-01-11T22:35:00.013-06:00

i. love. shopping. my. house.

you see...i have a problem not always being content with my decorations.

why can't i just like the way something is placed and leave it there for a long amount of time? i have always suffered from this. i remember when i was a little girl my side of the room always changed {i shared a room with my sister}. i was forever moving stuff around! then, i got married and i still did it... 10 years later i think my husband is used to it. {i remember he would walk into our apartment after work and say "am i in the wrong home?" haha! he never knew what our home would look like}

well, i have to admit... i did it again.

i went to a garage sale last fall and found this lovely chandelier that i could NOT pass up. it was b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l AND only $35. {i will post about it later}. i knew i could find a home for it quickly! as soon as i got it home i took it into the dining room and it fit perfect.

now i had to find a place for the old chandelier...

it sat in our garage for months...

and

months.

waiting to get a new home...

i wanted my husband to hang the old chandelier in our bathroom but it took awhile {my adorable husband is not a handyman. God gave him other talents.}

well... it finally got hung after a little makeover :) i love reading lindsey's {the pleated poppy} blog. she just redid an old chandelier {here} that turned out amazing! when i saw that i thought of my chandelier and i knew it would be perfect.

the transformation:

{click to inlarge}

thanks lindsey for inspiring me!

i love how the twine gives the chandelier an old-worn feel.

i have not decided how i'm going to add crystals to the chandelier. ANY SUGGESTIONS?? IDEAS?

now my bathroom is complete.

well...

for.

now.

{it's good to be back! my boys were both sick ALL. LAST. WEEK! i am sooo ready for spring!}

participating in:

It's So Very Cheri

The DIY Show Off

Making the World Cuter

Today's Creative Blog

A Soft Place to Land

Reinvented

Hello

2010-01-05T09:48:00.005-06:00

I'm still here!

Today is he first day I have had time to get on the computer...and I really should be cleaning my very m.e.s.s.y house! Our Christmas decorations are still up, our suitcases are still out from being at my parents for the Holidays, laundry needs to be put up, we desperately need to go to the grocery store, Deacon wants to wrap everything he can find and mail it to his Mimi & Pop-Pop {because he says we either do not need it any more or we have 2}, Ice Age is on for the 100th time, toys are every where, I need to mail frames this week, I have a show I need to get ready for in February, and Tristan started school today so we are back into a routine.

Here is a small recap of 2009:

{Tristan turned 8, Deacon turned 4, Griffin was born, beach, pool, Colorado, baseball, parks, school parties, plays, Abilene, Waco,...}

It is hard to believe I have already been home 1 semester from teaching. I have enjoyed every second being at home with my boys! My business has been a lot of fun and its amazing how much it has grown over the past 4 months. I have met so many talented women and had a blast doing shows.

Just Simply Southern in 2009:

{started blogging, opened etsy store, stopped teaching 1st grade, focused more on Just Simply Southern, blog had a big makeover, featured on these amazing websites: Nesting Place, The Lettered Cottage, Fabulous K, Her Southern Charm, Gussy, Deal Seaking Mom, It's So Cheri, The DIY Showoff, and The Design Girl. Participated in several shows: Junior League Christmas Show, Quiant Market Place, & a Barn Sale. Decorated several homes over the past 4 months. What a year!}

This year was filled with many blessings and memories that I will cherish forever!

Looking forward to 2010

Blessings,

Christmas 2009

2009-12-24T11:35:00.005-06:00

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T09:56:00.008-06:00

Welcome to Our House

Our main tree is in our movie room:

Living Room:

{My new find this year at an antique store: $10 Santa Chair}

Dining Room:

Living Room:

Kitchen:

Our bedroom:

Have a wonderful Merry Christmas!

SALE :: 2 days only ::

2009-12-15T22:31:00.006-06:00

Still Need gifts for the Holidays? {me too!}

These frames make great gifts for teachers, family, friends, boys, girls, babies... or for yourself.

Enjoy 15% off your entire order.

Email me and title it SALE

I will send you a new Paypal ticket.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Gifts

2009-12-13T23:25:00.003-06:00

Don't forget:

Order before December 18th: Get it before Christmas

Order after December 19th: I will ship out the week of January 5th

{thank you so much for checking out my Etsy store!}

The Barn Sale

2009-12-08T12:12:00.009-06:00

{This has to be the neatest barn I have ever seen! Hollie you did an awesome job remolding it}

I had the amazing privilege to participate in this Barn Sale with some very sweet, extremely talented ladies this past weekend.

{Liz, Hollie, Joan, and Me}

You would never know by looking at these pictures that the day before the Barn Sale it snowed in Houston! It was so pretty! Where we live the snow actually stuck on the ground and on the roof tops of houses...gorgeous! The snow made us a little worried if people were going to show up for the sale. Well, people did show up and we had a great time!

{a beautiful Christmas Tree was decorated as the guests walked in to shop}

{lovely snacks & drinks to enjoy while shopping}

It was sooo hard not bringing home everything in this barn! I did find some great Christmas presents there. One just happen to be for ME :)

As soon as I walked into the Barn my eyes looked at this b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l brown couch. I immediately started thinking of all the reasons why I n-e-e-e-e-d-e-d this couch! I took a picture of it to take home and really think about it. I emailed it to my best friend and ask her opinion... and continued to dream about it...

Well, it got a new home Saturday morning...yep! you guessed it...MINE! I could not let this beauty get away from me.

{what a great Christmas present from my dear sweet husband! thanks honey}

Thanks Hollie for including me in your Barn Sale! It was so nice meeting you all. I can't wait until we do it again in the Spring.

{I'll post pictures of my new adorable couch as soon as my house is clean, decorated for Christmas, and I take pictures}

:: Better mail out orders today and clean my house up! it's been neglected too long! ::

Merry Christmas!

Another Giveaway

2009-12-03T16:00:00.005-06:00

:: Another Giveaway ::

Don't miss another chance on winning another one of my frames at The Design Girl.

Frame Giveaway

2009-12-02T12:43:00.004-06:00

You don't want to miss your chance of winning a FREE frame..along with other amazing prizes at Fabulous K!

Shopping for Christmas?

2009-11-28T13:45:00.004-06:00

These handcrafted wooden distressed frames make great gifts! Order Soon to get your frames in time for Christmas.

:: Visit my Shop ~ New Frames are available ::

Thankful

2009-11-27T21:14:00.004-06:00

I'm thankful for my loving husband

My Family

It's Finished!

2009-11-21T12:13:00.016-06:00

Remember this desk:

I saw this desk at a local antique store and automatically fell in love. I started thinking of all the different places I could put it in our home, how I could paint it, I could use it for my booths at different markets I'm going to, and how cute it would be decorated...and then..for the holidays... I just HAD to get this piece! I also loved the fact that it was the "perfect" height {or maybe I was just trying to convince myself I reALY needed this}. I walked around the store for about 5 minutes and then bought it! {I'm so glad I had my husband's truck that day}

I bought this amazing paint online that I just HAD to try out on this piece of furniture! I saw it on the Nesting Place and have talked about it ever since. I finally broke down and ordered it. Boy am I glad I did! It's called Caromal Colours: Distress for Success Kit. I bought Peppercorn & Putty. There are several other colors to choose from. This paint reminds me of Pottery Barn furniture...you know the real expensive distressed ones! Here is one for $499.

{Pottery Barn}

So, with that distressed look in mind here is what I did.

First, I painted..or I should say blobbed on the furniture with peppercorn.

After I painted the desk I sanded it. Now it is time to put on the toner.

Now the piece is Finished!

Once the desk was finished I just HAD to do the desk chair.

Since I used peppercorn for the desk I wanted the chair to look a little different.

BEFORE: The chair was already painted white.

First, I blobbed peppercorn all over the chair:

Next, I put the chipping coat over the peppercorn.

Then, it was time to blob on Putty:

After Putty was painted I sanded the chair.

The last step is the toner. Here is my 4 year old, Deacon helping me with the chair. That is one thing that is great about this paint... you CAN'T mess it up!

Now it is all finished!

:: I can't wait to do my fireplace mantle ::

ETSY

2009-11-19T10:04:00.011-06:00

Christmas is right around the corner! These frames make great gifts for birthdays, teachers, weddings, friends, showers... or for yourself

Just added more frames to my Etsy Store.

:: I'm almost done with my desk & chair ::

Secretary Desk

2009-11-18T19:02:00.005-06:00

I finished painting and distressing the secretary desk today. As soon as I get my pictures loaded on my computer I will share with you what I did. I used a new {to me} brand of paint that is Fabulous!

AND.. I painted my desk chair.

My List

2009-11-14T16:42:00.014-06:00

My To Do List:

- post pictures of my Christmas Show

- blog about my newly painted antique secretary desk

- update my Etsy Store with several new frames

- clean my house

- pack up my Fall Decor

- Start putting out my Christmas Decor

- Friday I'm driving back to my parents house to decorate their home for Christmas

We drove {3 hours} to my sisters house today for Creighton's 3rd birthday party {Carnival}. After his party tomorrow we are heading back home. I hope Monday I can get on the computer and mark some things off my to do list!

Have a Very
Blessed Weekend!

Sneak Peek

2009-11-08T20:15:00.010-06:00

I have finished my first Christmas Market with Junior League. It is hard to believe I have worked so hard over the past 3 weeks and it is over. I made 250 frames in 21 days, drove 6 hours on Tuesday, set up my booth on Wednesday, preview party on Thursday 6-10pm, Christmas Carousel was open to the public Friday 10-9pm, Saturday 10-6pm, and Sunday 12-5pm. I am so tired! I had so much fun meeting new people, working with my Mom and my Memaw, and selling my frames. I think we only have about 50 frames left! What an amazing Frirst Show for me. I could not have done this without my Parents and my Memaws help! I am so blessed to have such an amazing family! I am heading back home tomorrow morning.

Sneak Peek of my booth:

I'm heading to bed... posting pictures soon..

One More Day

2009-11-02T09:48:00.016-06:00

{found to use on one of my displays}

This Halloween was a little different for us this year. My parents took Deacon home with them since I have been so busy making frames and getting ready for Market. He has been away all week and I finally get to see him tomorrow! I am so excited!

{kaleb, best friend leah, me, & tristan}

I have so many new frames I need to post on my Etsy store... there is not enough hours in a day for me to do everything I need to do.

Tomorrow I'm driving 6 hours and heading to Christmas Carousel. I have been working sooo hard these past 21 days to make as many frames as my little hands can make. I am excited to say so far I have gone over my goal by 50! Over the past 21 days I have made over 250 frames, several clipboards, some mini's, name boards, and painted a piece of furniture for one of my displays...

{before picture.. of my cheap antique store find-- also to use as one of my displays}

I can't wait to show you what it looks like now.

I will post about it soon.

Thank You everyone that helped me over the past 3 weeks!

Looking forward to My First Christmas Carousel.

Blessings!

New Line :: Amy Butler ::

2009-10-27T09:34:00.015-05:00

I have a new line that is absolutely adorable!

Amy Butler has some amazing fabric, colors, and designs.

Take a look for yourself:

My frames also have a new look. Can you find it?

Look for this new line in my shop soon!

:: have a very blessed day ::

Busy! Busy!

2009-10-25T13:03:00.008-05:00

I have been so busy this past week! I have a booth at a Local Christmas Show the first weekend in November...I have been making frames..and more frames..and more frames! I have only had 21 days to make over 200 frames... So, needless to say the computer has not been on my mind. I had a small problem last week and my Mom & Grandmother drove 6 hours to come and help me. I am soo thankful they came! I could not have taken care of my family, made frames, painted, cut material/paper, made clipboards, etc... if they had not come. My Dad even drove up yesterday and totally surprised me! Thanks Dad! I am SO glad to announce we completed 90 frames!! This morning they loaded up and took 2 car loads back with them.. along with my Precious son Deacon.

Now I have only 100 frames left to do this week...

only...

I need more Diet Coke..

{Bye, Bye Frames...See you in a week}

{Something is NEW at Just Simply Southern}

I will try posting pictures tonight on what I have been doing this week.

Weekend Photo Shoot

2009-10-19T13:44:00.007-05:00

The boys: Deacon(4), Tristan(8), Griffin(2mo.), & Creighton(3)

This weekend we headed to Waco to take {our annual} family pictures. Every year my family {mom, dad, me, and my sister} gets together to take {attempt} family pictures for our Christmas Card. The planning process starts weeks before we actually get together. My sister & I pick out the colors to make sure everyone coordinates and then it's time to go shopping {in each others closets or at the store}. This year I was the one that shopped for the boys outfits and found our colors for the photo shoot. Then my sister and I went shopping for the girls.

Every year it gets harder and harder with all these boys we have in our family... they think ONE picture is "good enough" while my sister and I try to get as many as we can! With me coaching everyone where to sit and my sister snapping away I think we managed to get some keepers... we did end up taking 700 pictures in about an hour.

Even though the boys were ready to leave, my sister getting stressed because she wants the little boys all smiling.. in one picture, my mom talking in almost every picture, and me trying to get ONE more picture. This is what we decided to do...

{My 8 year old is thinking "What is my crazy family doing now"}

Sunday could not have been a nicer day for a photo shoot! There was a cool breeze and the lighting was perfect outside. Here is a sneak peek of our photo shoot:

:: Can't wait until I see more pictures Thanks Kimberly! ::

Real Comfort

2009-10-16T09:36:00.009-05:00

{my inspiration}

When I was at my parents house I finally had time to decorate their middle bedroom. I have been collecting pieces here and there from some {adorable} shops around town... I also picked up some pieces from the Quaint Marketplace.

I have been thinking long and hard on what I wanted to do in this room. The first room I decorated the walls were yellow, had great lighting, bay window...so I made it a little cottage get-away for guests. This room I was working on we painted khaki.. So, I wanted it to be warm and inviting for this sweet lady my mom takes care of {She has Alzheimer's and she has been a part of our family since the late 90's}. I arranged the furniture in the room first. Then I got to do the fun part...Decorate!

Here is a glimpse of the room before:

The room is decorated:

UP COMING POSTS:

:: I finally got my home decorated for FALL

:: I'm in another craft show {a BIG one}.. a Christmas one! So, I am trying to make over 200 frames in 21 days... I've been really busy..{so has my sweet parents}

:: NEW items coming to my shop soon

Quaint MarketPlace

2009-10-11T19:44:00.004-05:00

:: Here are some pictures from the Quaint Marketplace ::

{my booth- I want to thank my sister for helping me pull off my table. I love working with her!! It's so nice trusting someone to decorate and being on the same page. Thank YOU SO much Kimberly!! I love you}

{VERY talented women}

{adorable Cafe where shoppers can get punch & treats}

{Molly B is the designer behind these adorable must have pillows!}

{Rachel from Hope Clothing Co. makes these amazing pillow case dresses..another must have..if only I had a little girl.. You can also grab some great vintage finds from her shop.}

I am so glad I was invited to come! Thanks Jo Carol!!

I had such a great time meeting new friends

Can't wait until next year

Quaint MarketPlace

2009-10-08T14:42:00.008-05:00

I had so much fun this weekend!

I was invited to bring my frames and have fun at the 2nd Annual Quaint Marketplace in Abilene. There were about 20 vendors that participated. It was awesome being surrounded by these VERY talented women! Thank you so much for allowing me to be apart of this fun event

Here is my booth:

I have been so busy making frames and decorating I'm off to bed...

I will post pictures tomorrow..

:: Sale ::

2009-10-04T22:46:00.007-05:00

I am offering 15% off to the next 5 orders on my Etsy Store!!

Email me and we can make a special frame just for you!

{These make great gifts for friends & family...or for yourself...}

Also, you can head on over to It's So Very Cheri Giveaway- FREE Just Simply Southern FRAME!!

My FIRST Blog Award

2009-10-03T19:14:00.009-05:00

I am so excited... I just received my first Blog Award today!

I am honored to receive this One Lovely Blog Award from Kathy at Creative Home Expressions . Thank You Kathy so much! I truly appreciate it!

Here are the Rules:

1. Accept the Award

2. Post it on your blog with the name of the person that thought you have One Lovely Blog with their link

3. Send this "One Lovely Blog" Award to other blogs that you have recently discovered

4. Don't forget to contact the blogger that you have chosen for this award

Here are the blogs I've discovered recently: {in no particular order}

1. Sweet Nothings :: the talented Lauren who created my blog..Thanks Lauren!::

2. It's So Very Cheri

3. Gussy has a lot to say

4. Bless Our Nest

5. Her Southern Charm

6. Holly Mathis Interiors

7. The Blessed Nest

8. Twice Remembered

9. Harrington House

10. Our Cozy Nest

11. Fabulous K

12. Imperfectly Beautiful

13. Red Shed Antiques

14. The Shabby Nest

15. Stuffin The Burbs

16. Imperfect

The are sooo many amazing blogs out there!

Fall into FALL :: part 2 ::

2009-10-03T13:13:00.008-05:00

We just got back from my son's school carnival...the weather is a little cool & breezy, cloudy, and perfect to be outside! The boys just left to go to my nephews football game. I'm finally at home by myself... time to decorate for FALL!! I am so excited...I can't believe it is already October and my FALL decor is still in the garage... I better get to work! I'll post pictures this weekend.

Nesting Place Winner

2009-10-01T10:15:00.004-05:00

I want to Thank EVERYONE {all 1200 of you} who wrote those sweet and uplifting comments about my frames: Just Simply Southern. I am having soo much fun making these frames!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Have a blessed day!

------------------------------------

The WINNER is.....

The Mommy

GIVEAWAY DAY

2009-09-28T15:29:00.007-05:00

:: Comments closed Wednesday night @ midnight ::

Head on over to my Giveaway at Nesting Place!

Check out these great giveaways!

Fall into FALL

2009-09-27T09:08:00.020-05:00

I love FALL!

I love everything about FALL...

the leaves are changing, the weather gets cooler, we are outside more playing, pumpkins, leaves are falling, acorns, Thanksgiving, pecan pie, soup, turkeys, bundles of hay, and filling my house with FALL decor

I drove to my parents house to decorate their house for FALL. I have so much fun going into the shops in my hometown. There are some of the neatest decor shops here. Every time I walk in them it makes me want to open up my own store even more!

I can see it now... Just Simply Southern {come home to comfort}

I'll keep dreaming.. for now...

I am also decorating and trying to get that part of my business up and running. I get to come every season and decorate my parents beautiful home. I have so much fun because it is so different than my home... and I get to shop!

{Here are some pictures of my parents house decorated for FALL}

Welcome!

Come on in and make yourself at home..

This is my favorite thing I added this year...

{A FALL Tree}

{I will post about how I created this FALL Tree this week}

Then I had to do this to both topiarys on both sides of my Dad's desk:

Happy FALL!

:: Shabby Chic Cottage is hosting a FALL party ::

:: A Soft Place to Land DIY Day & Giveaway ::

Frames

2009-09-25T10:18:00.001-05:00

I have been working on more frames... I will be adding more frames on Etsy this week. Check back soon!

Deacon and I just arrived at my parents house last night. I am decorating their house for Fall. One of my favorite time of the year {besides Christmas}.

I'll post pictures soon.

Decorating a "Problem" Wall

2009-09-21T22:40:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had a wall in your house that became a

"BIG problem" when it came to decorating it?

Well... I have/had one of those..

I have lived in my house for 3 years now and I could never figure out this one wall in my living room. I have tried so many things on this wall and I have never been happy with it.
When I start decorating a space I go to magazines/Internet/TV to try and find something that inspires me. This particular wall has make me think...and think...and think...

Last week I went shopping around my house for things that I already own to decorate this challenging wall. {a little something about me...I love to change things up around my house. but, when i think i have found that "perfect" spot it is hard for me to move it} Well, after looking around I put together the NEW WALL...AND I love it!

Here is the wall:

This new wall makes me smile every time I get a glimpse of it.

Here it is...

Here is what I did:

{I took the mirror on my table from my breakfast room}

The Wall:

1- hung mirror first

2- hung the toile plates with plate hangers

3- took these Southern Living Plates from my cabinets and hung them

4-found these adorable plates from Hobby Lobby and strung black/white ribbon through the plates and then hung plates

Have you had that "problem wall?

How did you decorate it?

:: Check out: Shades Of Pink Party ::

{POOR CHURCHILL}

2009-09-18T15:56:00.001-05:00

I am so honored to be a part of this great cause!

I received an email from Her Southern Charm about a sweet dog named Churchill. This poor English Bulldog was set on fire by a teenager...on PURPOSE!.. in San Antonio, Texas. It is going to cost about $10,000 to get him recovered and in a loving home. You can check out Churchill's story here. You can donate and win some fabulous "swag" bundles!

{Yes, a frame from yours truly}

You can go to Her Southern Charm and donate some money to help Poor Churchill...

AND WIN SOME GREAT "SWAG BUNDLES" FOR DONATING!

Here are the Fabulous "Swags" Bundles:

Head on over and Help Poor Churchill... He needs our help!

{click on picture}

{all these lovely pictures are from Her Southern Charm}

{New Blog Design}

2009-09-18T10:33:00.001-05:00

I am so sorry that I have not been posting on my blog lately.

I have been a little busy cleaning my house and getting my Fall Decorations out.

But I do have some very exciting news...

I am getting an amazing blog makeover!!

I found one talented blog designer! Her name is Lauren.

She has created my etsy banner, my cute button, and now is working on my blog.

Let me tell you something....this girl is FAST & AWESOME!

If your blog needs a little "pick-me-up" I would highly recommend Lauren.

She is very creative and a joy to with!

Thanks Lauren for doing a Fantastic Job! I can't wait to show everyone :)

Have a Blessed day!

{Next Post: "problem wall in my living room"}

Decorating with Leopard

2009-09-14T11:23:00.000-05:00

I love adding leopard to a room! I like the way it makes a room feel... warm & well... fun!

In my house you will see leopard in my

bedroom, bathrooms, dining room, and laundry room...and in my frames/name boards. You can use leopard in any room of your house....it's very versatile.

Taking a peek inside My House:

{Dining Room: mistreatment curtains}

{Master Bedroom & Bath}

{Just Simply Southern Frames}

{Just Simply Southern Name Boards}

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Here are some more ideas from 2 of my favorite catalogs:

Pottery Barn & Ballard Design}

They also {heart} leopard

Take a look at this amazing bathroom:

{beautiful & relaxing....and some leopard print}

: Pottery Barn :

{another PB bathroom}

: Pottery Barn :

{What about these fun towels?? I love these towels from PB!}

: Pottery Barn :

::

{Look at this adorable mat from Ballard Design. This would look great in the bathroom, laundry room, kitchen... just about any where. I also love monogramming!}

: Ballard Design :

{what a fun magazine holder}

: Ballard Design :