Borrowed and Blue FEATURE

Guess what?? Our wedding is being featured over at Borrowed and Blue as wedding of the week! Go check that out ASAP! And if you want to see more of our wedding, head over {here}

I "met" Brielle through her blog Mr. D and Me. And now she has this event planning business and a very cute Etsy shop that even sells blog designs! Whew, I bet she stays busy!! Go on over and say hi to her :) And you can even submit your own wedding to be featured!!!

Goals Update for February (I know....I'm behind)

Here are those goals I mentioned I would be working on for 2013. I've given you an update after month 1, am I doing any better? Let's see!

1. Eat healthier Have to admit that I am not really doing this...its not quite as bad as around Christmas time but I know I can do better (less sweets and soda)
2. Exercise once more Still been trying to get to the gym twice a week. But I got a good workout helping some friends move last weekend.
3. Read 12 books (1 per month-gotta start small) Divergent was my month 2 book. Waiting on the second one from the library. Tempted to just buy it though.
4. Try more new recipes- Still need some new ideas. Trying to not eat the same things weekly/bi-weekly though
5. Make and order our wedding album Yikes...someone MAKE ME DO THIS
6. Be a better friend -yes, however I would love to send some of my friends some snail mail (packages would be better..too bad I'm poor haha)
7. Travel more - Visited our parents, went to Blacksburg and going to D.C. soon. I would say that is plenty for now.
8. Be more active at church -we've been going pretty much every week but I still want to get involved in a bible study. I think this would help me keep God in the forefront throughout the week.
9. Get more organized and get rid of clutter - Need to do some spring cleaning! and get rid of some old clothes when I switch them out. Otherwise we are pretty organized.
10. Do more DIY projects- gonna be soon once its warmer :D already have a few in mind!!
11. Blog more efficiently- This I am doing. I will try and pick down times to just write a bunch of posts and schedule them. And also responding to comments through email is much faster.
12. Do more for others-trying to think of ways to do this...my brides- let me know if you need ANYTHING! I know how stressful that can be!
13. Budget wisely-pretty proud of where we are with this...can't wait to get our tax return to pay off a loan!!

What are some suggestions you have to help me stick to my goals? What are some goals of yours for this year??

Happy Monday!

The Newlywed Game {2}

I'm back for the Newlywed game again! Skipped a week...oops :) Oh well, we really enjoyed answering the questions this week. Hope you get a good laugh or two! If you missed the previous one, check it out {here}

GET REALLY EXCITED for this coming blogging week! Our wedding is being featured on Monday, I am co-hosting the mood board link up on Tuesday(get your's ready), and doing my first group giveaway on Thursday!!

AND don't forget to link-up your amazing home on my blog so it can be featured :)

What is your spouse's favorite animal?

He really likes bears....
She likes penguins the most probably because they waddle.

What does your spouse do..what's their occupation? Explain as much as you possibly can.

He is a graduate student right now in Microbiology. He graduates in May and is looking for a research job.

She's an interior designer. (yes NOT a decorator)

What is your spouse's favorite pro sports team?

49er's and Chicago Cubs
The Colts. She doesn't like basketball or baseball but I guess the Braves if she had to pick one.

If your spouse could retire anywhere, where would they choose?

Probably somewhere in the mountains
She would pick a beach.

What is something on your spouse's bucket list?

To see the Cubs play at Wrigley Field
Go to Europe.

What is your spouse's favorite candy or sweet?

York peppermint patties for sure!
Anything chocolate. Doesn't really matter what it is. (add peanut butter in there too!)

What is something your spouse would love to have in their dream home? Like a specific room they want, etc.

A man cave with all of his sports stuff...so probably the basement area.

A crafting room for your scrap-booking that you never do.

If your spouse could only watch one movie over and over for a week, which one would it be?

He would actually never do that because he doesn't like watching movies more than once or twice!
Bridesmaids

Who chose the wedding colors? Your or your spouse? What were they?

We already answered this in our Valentines day post....here

If your spouse could teach a monkey one trick, what would they have it do?

Probably cook dinner for when I'm not home (too much of a stretch?)

Do the dishes.

Tim was pretty much spot on for all of these! Great job hubby :)

and just for fun....

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If you want to know more about "what we actually do", see this post!

Design in YOUR home

I am starting this new blogging series called "Design in YOUR home". I want to showcase all of your hard work. I came up with this idea a while back and have finally decided to bring it to life! One of my favorite things about finding new blogs is their "house tour" or "home" section. I love seeing all of the unique ideas that people have.

So many of my posts feature spaces that are on Pinterest, in magazines or are staged for photo shoots. You deserve some attention too and I think my readers will enjoy connecting a space to the person that created it!

I will create a link-up once a month that will stay open all month long. At the end of each month, I will choose my favorite space/s and feature them on the blog!

What are you waiting for? And bonus points if there's TEAL!!!

This is my first link-up so please help me spread the word!

Rules:
1) Please follow your host via GFC or Facebook.
2) Please only link up your own home. You can show off a bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, etc. You get the idea. Exteriors/patios are also welcome!
3) Have FUN!

If you do not have a blog but still want to show off your work, you can email me the pictures! samantha.n.shipley@gmail.com

Sara's Mood Board

First of all, this is my 100th post!!! I can't believe it. Thank you for taking the time to read, comment and share my blog! I appreciate you all! My new nav bar is up; what do you think? I also have my first giveaway coming up soon and our wedding is being featured next week! Stay tuned :)

A little over a month ago I signed up for the Bigs and Littles Blogging Network. I got partnered with Sara @ You and Me are We. I have learned so much from her and wanted to repay her for her help. So today I am sharing with you the mood board I created for her living space!

I asked Sara for some info and pictures of her current space and checked out her Pinterest so that I could create a space she would LOVE!

Use of the space:

• "We use the space to spend time together watching movies, TV, and playing games. We also do all of our entertaining in our living room except when it's nice out and we can move to our patio outside."

Elements to incorporate:

• Slipcover for current sofa (preferably grey)
• Accessories/art
• some fun textures (pillows and window treatments)
• blanket for cuddling :)
• storage for games

Style:

• love their current furniture;espresso color (tables and shelves)
• transitional
• chic
• soothing colors

Here are some inspiration pictures from Sara's Pinterest:

Resources:

Curtains: Target Threshold Jacquard Ikat Window Panels
Slipcover: Kohl's Sure Fit Stretch Pin-Striped Slipcover
Pillows: 1) Target Room Essentials Solid Textured Toss Pillow in Sea Going
              2) Target Threshold Lattice Toss Pillow in Beige
              3) Target Nate Berkus Gold Mesh and Tweed Pillow
Throw Blanket: Target Threshold Portobello Ruffle Throw in Green
Mirror: Kohl's Elegant Home Fashions Netheland Wall Mirror
Picture Frame: Kohl's Fetco Portage 6-Opening Matted Collage Frame
Candle Holders: Urban Outfitters Punched Metal Candle Holders
Table Lamps: Target Glass Ball Lamp with White Silk Shade
Vase: Anthropologie Carved Gourd Vase in Turquoise
Basket: Target Home Waste Basket in White
Ottoman: Target Accent Furniture Nailhead Storage Ottoman in Grey
Color Inspiration: Design Seeds

Be sure to stop by Sara's blog and say Hi!

Would you use this as inspiration to redesign your living room? What new stores do you want to see product from?

Linking up with Beth @ Design Your Dwelling

 

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The Ultimate Guide to DIY Art in your home!

Ever walk around your home thinking something is missing? Or maybe you just want to freshen up your space? Did you ever consider to put some new art on the walls? I'm not talking about a commissioned painting (although that would be nice). I'm taking about art that you can make yourself. So what if you don't think you are artistic/creative? Well here are some ideas that are easy, quick and can make a big impact.

Today I am going to give you 5 easy ways to make your walls beautiful!
1) Hang Plates in a geometric fashion, whimsically, or even create a shape.
2) Represent your country, state or city
3) Show off your monogram
4) Use leftover fabric or craft paper and hang in a frame or stretch over canvas
5) Hang vintage finds or memorabilia

Hang plates in a geometric fashion, whimsically or even create a shape.

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How to save money on this:

-buy plates from yard sales/thrift shops

-use old dishes or family/friends old dishes

Represent your state, city or country

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Show off your monogram

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Use leftover fabric/craft paper in frames or stretch over a canvas!

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Hang vintage finds or memorabilia

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Would you add any of this art to your home? What are some other easy ways you add art to your home?

XO Samantha