Back to Black

I'm so happy that it's Friday, but aren't we all?

I hope to get in some swimming to kick off the last bit of summer. We went over to some friends of ours last weekend and swam in their pool, which is wonderful. They have such a gorgeous home and patio that it's just stunning to sit outside, swim and relax. Plus they are so fun to be around. My brother and sister-in-law were there too, and they are always a riot. 

We also went to the mall. Cadence had to make a wish and it was just too precious of a moment not to share. Mind you, she thinks long and hard about the wishes she makes.

We're still having sweltering heat here in the south, but August is tomorrow. August, although most people associate it with the start of Fall as schools are starting back and summer breaks are coming to an end, is one of our hottest months, but the other night after a thunderstorm there was a bit of chill in the air. Nothing major, nothing that required a coat, just a slight chill that I had to go put on jeans.

Seriously though, Fall can come anytime now. I will gladly welcome her with open arms!

Every year once spring arrives I always want lighter hair, so I put a lot of highlights in it. After the highlights grew out to where the roots were showing badly, I died my hair all over with a medium brown color because I wasn't quite ready to be back to all black (my natural color).

Well as of Wednesday I was ready. Let me tell you something, it feels good to be back to black...

I've tried so many hairstyles and colors, but in the end, I always like my natural hair the best. I'd say I'd stick with it, but I know come next March I'll want a lighter hue...

As I've said here before I'm dying to re-decorate our house, or the rooms that we have left to decorate. Two rooms are screaming to be re-done more than any other and right now that's Cadence's bathroom and the living room. Currently we just don't want to spend the money on new living room furniture and transition from the brown leather sofas we have now, to a neutral colored sectional, but that still doesn't mean I can't paint the walls and the coffee tables. 

Our living room wall is the largest in the house and it will require a lot of time to paint it. It's just not something I want to do right now because Tarl hates to paint. He'll do anything else I ask him to do, but he will not paint. 

I can't blame him!

So this weekend, I think I'm going to start small. Who says everything has to be done at once?

I'm going to paint our living room tables. We have one side table and one coffee table. 

That'll be quick and easy. 

Cadence's bathroom is tiny and it won't require too much time painting it, so I think I'm going to try and tackle that this weekend too.

We've decided to paint her walls an off-white color and do decorations of pink and gold. Something simple yet classic. 

Happy Friday folks!

NYC | Myths & Facts as a Tourist

I've wanted to visit New York City as far back as I can remember, but the want got real when I turned 17 and got big into Sex and the City, and then it amplified even more when Gossip Girl came on TV.

Fast forward to Christmas Day last year when Tarl surprised me with a trip, and negative thoughts started to creep in. Sure I was excited and beyond ecstatic to travel to the big apple, but everyone always says that New Yorkers are beyond rude. The city is filthy. It's not all it's cracked up to be, etc...it kinda bummed me out. What if I imagined this glorious city just to arrive and realize it's crap in reality. 

Well as an SC born and bred country bumpkin, I'm here to tell you the Myths & Facts as a true tourist travelling to Manhattan.

one...New Yorkers are not rude. Everyone working in the airport was nice and helpful. Our driver into the city was polite, asked questions, told us must-dos and told jokes on the way. He lived in Brooklyn. Our concierge who lived in Manhattan most of her life was a true joy, especially when asking questions. She never once got irritated (and trust me, we asked a lot of questions!) We took an Uber twice while we were there. Both drivers lived in Manhattan and both were super nice and hilarious. While looking at the Subway maps, random strangers would walk up, ask us where we were headed and told us just what train to get on and tell us about something where we were headed (hey, check out this restaurant while you're there type thing). I never once met anyone while we were there who was rude. Not once. Not saying there aren't rude people, as there are rude people in every state, but that whole "NY people are rude" isn't true! Myth.

two...getting a cab is not hard. Movie after movie. Show after show. We see countless actors struggle to get that NYC cab. My NYC bucket list had 'hail a cab' on it, so on Friday night while headed to dinner, I was ready to hail that cab. I lifted my hand and one quickly pulled up to the curb. I was kinda bummed but relieved at the same time. I had anticipated waving my hands around like a crazy person or yelling or whistling, but nope, not once. I hailed three cabs the following days and just like before, they pulled right up to the curb. We never waited over two minutes trying to get a cab. Myth.

three...the city isn't dirtier than any other. Yes, in certain spots of Manhattan there are trash bags piled up on the sidewalks and to be honest, it's right there on the corners of Times Square (tourist central). It may be just the places that we visited, but 90% of the city was pristine, gorgeous and well maintained. Greenwich Village was stunning. The financial district was well maintained too. The upper east side and the small parts of Central Park that we saw were just as they are on TV. I think NYC, like most cities, has it's good parts and bad parts. Most tourists won't visit the bad parts. Myth.

four...the weather is different. I've heard time and time again, that the weather, although the temperature may be the same on the thermometer as it is here, will feel different. This is no joke! When we landed at JFK, it seemed as if though all moisture from my face seeped out as soon as I stepped off the plane. My once oily skin was dry as a bone and I never carry moisturizer because I have naturally oily skin. My eyes were so red and dry by dinner that I wore my glasses while walking around Times Square. Mind you, I can wear my contacts here at home all day with no bother, but up there the air is much dryer. Our 75 degree weather is pure perfection. All that is required is a long sleeve tee and tall boots at best. New Yorks 75 degree weather can some times feel like 60. In the South we have humidity. In the summer (like right now) it's brutal. In the fall, the humidity starts getting lower, but it's just enough to require nothing more than some sleeves. New York has hardly any humidity, so their 75 degrees may feel a lot different then ours. Fact.

five...the city's not that big. Everyone told me that it wouldn't be as big as I thought it was. They were wrong. So wrong. It was even bigger than I had anticipated it to be. Bullshit. Myth!

six...this may be one that you haven't heard of, but while planning our trip out before we went I asked a lot of my FaceBook friends what they thought about the Empire State Building. All of them told me it was a must do, but to plan a day for it. They said the line wait would be hours as it wraps around the block and you'll spend at least half your day just waiting in line and travelling to the top. I'm not saying this isn't true, I'm just saying for mine and Tarl's experience it wasn't true. It took us 45 minutes, total. That is buying the tickets, waiting in line, travelling the two elevators to the top, hanging out up top, taking pictures, and then back down outside of the building. A total of 45 minutes. That's it. I'm not sure if it has a bad wait time in the mornings or at nights. When we went it was mid-day, but there was no long line, no waits. It was easy breezy. For us, this was a Myth.

seven...the hot dogs are great. I heard from several people, including my boss, that the cart hot dogs by the street vendors were a must do. Well, we did, and they were terrible. The hot dogs are no bueno! Myth!

eight...New York is expensive. Good gracious did I hear this while planning our trip. No explanation needed. It's just down right expensive! Fact.

nine...there is a Starbucks on every corner. Lucky for everyone, this is a Fact!

ten...once you visit NYC, you'll want to live there. Fact!

New York Plans

Ahh...New York. Only a 1 1/2 months away now. 

Mind you, my sister and I planed this getaway two weeks ago, and those have been the slowest two weeks, however we've got our list finalized and everything mapped out.

Here is what we want to see. I know it's a lot, but most of these are just for pictures sake, not necessarily to go inside and look around, just to say, yeah, I've seen that!

Some of these I saw last time, but I'd love to see again, and of course, Angela wants to see them. If I've already done it, it's in bold.

The ones *starred* are more or less photo opportunity's and things we want to take pictures of.

Cake Boss Cafe (Tarl said it's a must for me to bring him back a lobster tail)

Tiffany's on Fifth

Dylan's Candy Bar

Carmines (I told Angela, this restaurant is a must for us, delicious!)

Bloomingdales

Juniors Cheesecake (another must!)

Henri Bendel

Tory Burch

Kate Spade

Chanel

Dolce and Gobbana

The Met**

Belvedere Castle**

Bow Bridge**

Bethesda Fountain**

Museum of New York City (School that was on Gossip Girl)**

Serendipity

St. Patrick's Cathedral**

Rockefeller Center**

Grand Central Station

Magnolia Bakery

Chrysler Building**

Laduree Macarons

Empire Hotel (Chuck Bass' Home)**

Palace Hotel (Serena's Home)**

Nate Archibalds Apartment**

Blair Waldorf's Apartment**

Christian Loubitin

Saks 5th Avenue

Manolo Blahnik

Macy's

Herald Square**

Empire State Building (still not sure if we're going to go to the top)**

Flatiron Building**

Washington Square Park**

Friends Apartment

Chelsea Market

China Town (gotta get them handbags!)

Tribeca

Balthazars (world famous croissants)

Statue of Liberty (not taking the ferry, just viewing it from the dock)**

Freedom Tower-9/11 Memorial**

Little Italy

Dominique Ansel Bakery (world famous cronuts)

Brooklyn Bridge**

I've loved Gossip Girl from day one. I'm almost 30, but I still love it #dontjudgeme

My sister shares the same gossip girl passion I do, so we have tons of gossip girl places on our list :)

On Friday we have dinner reservations at Carmine's, but we're still up in the air on where to eat Saturday night, so if you have any recommendations please let me know. I'm all ears!

Is there anything that we missed? This is going to be a completely different trip for me as going with my husband and sister are two different things. Again, any advice is welcome!!!

xo

shit happens

Like that title post? It's a classy one, isn't it? #sarcasm

Seriously though, it happens...shit just happens and I cannot stand cookie cutter blogs whose homes are perfect. Children are always well behaved. No bills in sight. Closets are color coordinated. Endless handbags, shoes, perfectly manicured hands and toes. Well you get my drift and I just realized this is sounding like I'm a jealous woman. 

Well I won't lie, I may be a bit envious of their perfectly manicured hands and toes. I bite my nails. It's horribly disgusting but an unfortunate habit I've had all my life. My toes are painted with cheap Walgreens nail paint, but I am loving the hot pink color I currently have on my "piggies" for the summer (I'm ready to ditch it though for a dark coral #fall) I may also be jealous of their never ending clothes, shoes and handbags, well, because, what girl wouldn't be?! #keepingitreal

However, I'm not jealous of their cookie cutter blogs because my life isn't perfect. I have bills. Cadence, although a well behaved child, still has an attitude every now and then. My home is far from perfect, but it's still my home. Our home. And I am so blessed to have a roof over my head when I lay down each night. I'm not jealous because real life stuff goes on. Real life stuff happens every single day (it does to me anyways), and sometimes it's boring reading about the same ole stuff. Am I right? 

As far as today's post goes, there will be no Friday Favorites or a list of five things today, I'm going to keep it real and let you in on what happened to me this morning.

I handle four bank accounts. Tarls. Mine. Ours together and a savings. From day one of combining our lives, Tarl and I have always had separate accounts and it works for us. Bless his heart, Tarl is not one to keep up with every dime he spends and about three years ago he asked me to take his account over. Pay bills out of it, and give him whatever was left over in cash. 

It's worked great. I'm that girl who pays my bills before they're due. That's just me. 

I truly have a super high credit score and that's something I take great pride in.

Tarl is the opposite, he waits for a bill to come in the mail, sets it on top of the microwave and will eventually get around to paying it. Drives me insane!

After having finance charges in the past (because he forgot about them being on the microwave #gofigure), he gave me his account 3 years ago and all bills have been up to date since.

He has loved this. It works for us. We have money in the bank. Bills are paid. We have a little extra to spend. All is well. But, we all screw up, and apparently, today was that day for me!

He got up early this morning and asked how much money he gets after Bills. I told him, he grabbed the card to go to the ATM and get his cash out because he wanted to get myself and him a Red Bull from the gas station. About 20 minutes later I hear him pull up and he comes running in the house with a frustrated look on his face, saying that there was $250 missing out of the account.

My stomach drops and I immediately think that someone has gotten our card number. So we go online and check the account and all is fine, accept there is $130 in overdraft fees.

Turns out, we got groceries a few weeks back and I forgot to deduct that out of the checking log, then add $130 in overdraft fees on top of that, you have $250 missing.

I teared up. He was angry. And we both left upset and pissed off at one another.

He was pissed at me for screwing up. He was pissed at me because he knew that he had to take his spending money and put it back in his account because of my mistake. 

I was mad at him because he was mad at me.

Through it all, he still got me my red bull. Through it all I couldn't imagine myself with anyone else. 

Through it all we are still meant for one another.

Twenty minutes passed by and my phone dinged, it was Tarl, with a heart felt apology. He apologized for getting angry over money. He told me it was hard enough to keep up with one account and doesn't know how I manage to keep up with four and have only made this one mistake in three years. I too said sorry for getting angry. I was just upset at myself because $250 isn't cheap! That kind of money goes along way in our household.

I just wanted to let y'all know that my life isn't perfect. Shit happens. I'm not perfect. My life isn't perfect. We argue but we always love. 

Happy Friday folks...xo

This & That

I have been so busy at work the past two days that I've barely taken a lunch break. My index finger hurts so bad from all the mouse clicking and typing...to be honest though, I don't hate it as the days have flown by.

In my spare time (which has been few and far between) I've pinned some pretties, wanna see?

Follow Miranda | Life in the Lowcountry's board Decor on Pinterest.

I'm so sick of our living room. Tan walls, brown drapes, brown curtain rods, brown furniture...I'm over the brown! I'm wanting to completely revamp our entire living room. Furniture will have to wait as that's a rather large expense that I'm not willing to spend right now, but I'm thinking of painting the walls a very light gray (almost off white) and adding long white drapes with oil rubbed bronze curtain rods to give it the contrast it would need up against the walls. A large area rug and re-doing our brown coffee table in white chalk paint to give it that antique feel.

I feel this project is in my near future, now to get Tarl on board, which I think will be an easy task because even he has told me he's sick of the brown!

This is my inspiration. Swoon.

(via)

Cadence has had her second Vacation Bible School this week. She goes to the one at our Church (which was earlier this summer) and goes to another in town where a lot of her school friends attend. She thoroughly enjoys it, and as I've said before I'm so glad she loves learning about Jesus and His never ending love for us. As always, if you want to learn more about Christ, feel free to email me. I may not be a perfect Christian, but he is my perfect Lord and Savior and I'd love to talk to you about it.

While Cadence has been at VBS, Tarl and I have had a lot of one on one time together and it's been nice. Don't get me wrong. I love Cadence. He loves Cadence. We adore her, but every now and then it's nice to be able to catch up, just the two of us. 

Last night we were riding the golf cart when he looked over at me and said, "are you getting excited about Disney?" I responded with, well duh, but I'm so very ready for New York at the moment. He understood but then said, I really wanted to stay at Disney's Riverside resort. I honestly could not believe my ears. You see, Tarl isn't the planner. I am. I do all the planning, hotel, dinners, scheduling our times accordingly. He just shows up and has always had a great time.

Well earlier this year when we had anticipated going this September, we had planned to stay at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside resort. It's this beautiful moderate resort that Disney has that's covered in magnolia trees, located directly on a man-made river that surrounds the entire property. The hotel looks as if it's a big southern mansion, or you can choose Alligator Bayou rooms which resemble true Louisiana style homes. You can also take a boat from the resort to Downtown Disney at no extra charge. We were sold. 

But then we cancelled and decided to go in April instead. When I booked our April trip I booked us at a value resort. Art of Animation, which is colorful and bright and fun, but not as pretty and close to the rest of Disney like Riverside is. Well last night, Tarl told me he really wanted to stay there, so we called Disney and upgraded. I'm so excited and cannot wait to stay there for 8 nights come April :)

via

via

This is my current mood...

Not going to lie. I went into the storage closet again last night and eyed my Fall decor container. I was so tempted...it's like crack y'all. I love orange, pumpkins and leaves! Plus it means Christmas is coming and y'all know how much I love Christmas, and on that note...

(this Friday will actually make it 19!)

I thought this beautiful cake was worth sharing. Pink and gold, need I say more?

via

New York is now less than two months away. I am so ready to be back in that wonderful city. My list continues to grow each day. I want to see different things than I saw the first time I went back in March, but there are a few repeats that I have listed. If you have a must-see or must-do, please comment and tell me! I love the ideas! Angela and I have considered having High Tea once we arrive at a little cafe on the upper East side. They serve tea, with sandwiches and scones. Sounds all fancy :)

Still not sure, but it may be fun, and then we'll totally un-class ourselves, get on the subway, head to Chinatown and buy some fake handbags! #gottakeepitreal

Happy Hump Day!

Junky Weekend

This weekend I cleaned out our back room. I'm not even going to lie and say that it was just stored with items, because it was just full of junk!

Items we have accumulated over the years and didn't want to part with at the time. Broken picture frames that I had anticipated repairing but never did...just pure junk!

You couldn't even walk in there! I'm not a hoarder. Point blank. I cannot stand clutter. Period!

I like to be able to walk in a room, even if its a room in my house that rarely gets used, so on Saturday I made it a point to get the room cleaned out from top to bottom, even the closet!

Over the past few months Tarl has been saying he was going to do it. I love him to death, but like a typical man it never got finished. So I changed into some sweats and an old t-shirt and went to work on that bad boy at around 10am on Saturday. By 3 it was clean. Everything that needed trashing got trashed. Every thing that was still in good condition but that we no longer used got put into a pile to sell and every thing that we decided to keep got put into a storage bin, labeled and then we placed it strategically in the closet, organized.

It looks so good and now I can finally see the floor again!

I will say though, I have made my New York spending money by selling off all the items we no longer used or needed. I'm not going to have to dip into my commission check at all for spending money. That's the great thing about organizing and cleaning out those closets (or in this case, an entire room!) you can sell items you didn't even know you had and make some much needed cash!

//

While cleaning out our spare bedroom this weekend, I saw my most favorite storage container, my fall decor! I opened her up and pulled out my pumpkins and faux leaves that sit atop our mantle come late September. I truly can not wait!

I asked Tarl and Cadence if they thought it was too early, Tarls reply was, "Miranda, you do realize it's only July." Well damn!

Seriously though, who else is ready for pumpkins and tall boots and cozy sweaters?!

//

This is great, and true.

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Happy Monday!

Five on Friday | Huge Sale

Bless it y'all, that was one slow work week! The time just seemed to drag on and on and I'm so happy it's finally Friday! Without further adieu let's get to today's post...

-one-

If you are visiting my blog for the first time and didn't see my post this week, I'm heading back to the big city! This time I'm travelling with my sister, Angela, rather than my husband. This will be my second trip to New York and Angela's first. 

Angela and I have discussed the big apple for years and years. She's always wanted to see it as badly as I have and when I got to go this past March, she vicariously lived through my vacation with the hundreds of pictures that I posted. Now this time she will get to experience it for herself, and I cannot wait to go back. Plus, let's face it, going with your girlfriends and going with your spouse are two totally different trips. You do certain things with one, and certain things with the other. 

I know Tarl didn't want to lug around Macy's and Henri Bendel's with me, so we skipped those stores on our visit. Well Angela is on the same page as me and I cannot wait to window shop around New York.

What we are currently doing to prepare for our trip is making separate lists. She's making the places she wants to go and I'm doing the same. We'll compare the two and make a strategic plan to ensure that we get to see most of both of our lists.

I don't think we'll have any issues, because when she and I spoke this morning with what we had written thus far, 98% of our lists were identical, which sure does make it easier.

At this point, I'm just so happy and blessed to be going back to the city, and so quickly! I can't believe I'm going back again this year. It's just a true blessing that things worked out the way they did. Cheap tickets, which Tarl paid for as a birthday present. A good commission check through work for the quarter will be my spending money and doesn't affect any other money out of my regular paycheck for bills and day to day living, and the hotel costs were split down the middle. 

Sure, we may not be eating at Jean Gorge or Tavern on the Green, but a New York slice is so delicious and works perfect for us (not to mention a slice is about $3)!

I think the hardest thing for us is going to be packing. We're only taking carry ons since it's a weekend trip and I don't feel like paying extra for checked luggage. However, we're going in September and September weather in the city can be tricky, with gorgeous 70s in the day, but dropping down in the 60s at night...#struggleisreal

-two-

I shared this video on my FaceBook page earlier this week, and I've listened to it twice, both times respecting this gentleman more and more! Everyone needs to take the time to watch it and truly heed his words.

I also shared this, and feel like it needs to be shared here as well...

-three-

Now is the time to buy for your little ones! Especially if they have an up-coming birthday, or for Christmas! DisneyStore is having their annual Friends and Family sale, now through Sunday. You save 25% off your entire purchase using code DISNEYPAL.

Everyone is going on and on about some Nordstrom sale, and I'm over here like what about Disney y'all!? :)

Seriously though, it's great and a huge money saver. I bought Cadence the Cinderella dress and four nightgowns for our trip. Nightgowns are currently $17, but if you buy two, then they are only $14 a piece, so I bought 4, knocking $12 off right there. My total was over $130 and if you spend over $75 you get free shipping. With all the discounts, including free shipping, it knocked my total to around $75...can't beat that!

-four-

At six years old Cadence has gotten grounded for the very first time in her life.

I've noticed within the past week or two that she seems to be brushing her teeth rather quickly. Well this morning I payed very close attention to see if I heard her bathroom faucet running and sure enough I didn't. As I was putting on my makeup, she came walking in my bathroom. I asked if she had brushed her teeth and without a hitch she told me yes ma'am. 

I knew good and well she hadn't, so I asked her again and that's when she knew that I knew. 

Cadence wears her heart on her sleeve and just realized that I had caught her in a lie. I then asked her if she has been lying the past couple weeks about it and she confessed.

Through the tears and sobs I explained to her that we must brush our teeth. Good oral hygiene is very important and protects us from getting toothaches and cavities. I explained to her that I was most upset that she lied to me and that lying is never a good choice or acceptable. 

Her favorite show at the moment is Teen Titans Go. Lord help me I don't know why that child loves that show, but she does, and a new episode comes on every Friday. Well her butt is grounded from TV, including Teen Titans Go. That sent her over the edge, but she understood the consequences from her actions.

Raising kids is no joke y'all!

-five-

Happy Friday folks!

Woo-Hoo!!!

So ever since we left New York back in March, I've had a yearning to go back. 

Clearly, that's no secret. 

The city was everything I had dreamed of and then some.

However, the city can be quite costly and I assumed it would be years before I had the opportunity to go back, until yesterday. 

Yesterday I received an email showcasing low flight costs, but of course, like most anything I was certain there would be black out dates and stipulations. Turns out, there wasn't.

For two people, round trip, it was only $250! Which is a steal!

I immediately texted my sister, Angela, and asked her if she could afford a quick weekend trip to the city. We would eat cheap pizza and window shop but I would finally be back in the city and she would finally get to see it herself for the first time. She said yes and the planning began!

I sweet talked Tarl into giving me an early birthday present by buying the flight for me, done and no cost to me and the best birthday present that he could give me!

My sister and I agree'd that we would each pay for one night of our hotel stay. We're only staying two nights and we got a hotel in Times Square for $230 a night. A bit steep for our taste, but NYC isn't cheap and we wanted to be sure we stayed in the center of Manhattan so we can see as much as we can in the 2 1/2 days we're there. 

Thus far, I've only spent $230 bucks out of my pocket and I have a couple months to save for some spending money. Our lists have begun and to say I'm excited is a HUGE understatement.

See ya in a few New York...

More details to come...xo

Weekend Recap | DIY | New Toy

Damnit Monday why'd you have to come so quickly?!

Oh well, let's get this week started, shall we?

My mom gifted me this hutch about 10 years ago and I love it. 

It was given to her a long time ago and when they moved from their house to where they are now, she gave it to me as a gift and I love it. 

It's always stored picture frames and sentimental things and it's real wood with oil rubbed bronze hardware and heavy as all get out! I've been wanting to paint it for a while but I wanted to make sure that my mom was OK with me changing it up a bit. She had no qualms at all and I went to town searching around Pinterest for ideas for the back board.

I knew I wanted the hutch itself to be white, with some dingy looking parts to it to give it that old antique, patina feel, so I chose chalk paint.

Annie Sloan, although I've heard nothing but wonders about it, is just out of my price range so I went with Valspar Chalky Finish Paint, which I purchased at Lowe's. I also purchased the sealing wax. 

They also have an antiquing wax but it was too brown for my taste and the chalk paint already leaves some cracks to give it the antique look I was going for so I went with the standard sealing wax to give it a little bit of a shine, nothing major, but something to keep it from being too matte.

For the hutch itself I went with Kid Gloves and for the back board I used Trousseau Blue, which is a gorgeous blue/gray color.

I started with my first coat after taking all of the doors and backboard off. 

The great thing about chalk paint is the fact that you don't have any prep work. No sanding. No priming! Another perk is until you seal the paint with the wax, it comes off easily, so if you accidentally get some on your floor or glass, it comes right off! (the hutch was just too heavy to move outside to paint)

While painting I noticed Miss Priss oogling her crowns. 

I couldn't resist snapping a pic!

This was after the first coat.

The paint dries quickly, I'd say in about an hour, but they recommend letting your first coat sit overnight. So before I went to bed, after painting the first coat, I shined up the hardware.

A scrub brush and toothpaste gives old hardware a perfect shine!

I've always used this for things and it works like a charm.

I woke up on Saturday morning and put on the second coat of paint to both the hutch and backboard and then put on the wax. I put all the parts and pieces back on and it turned out so wonderful!

Even better than I imagined!

Here's a side by side...

Tarl was pleasantly surprised. He always gets so nervous when I have a paint brush in my hand, but he loved the way it turned out. He even got a wild hair up his ass and painted Cadence's bathroom cabinets with the leftover. Again, it turned out so well! We have plans to do our kitchen cabinets with it, in the near future.

//

I sent these two snapchats this past week...

A girl can dream, right?!

I love a lowcountry sunset!

My little family of three always plays a game when we walk in the door. Where is Sawyer?

We've done this for months now and we always look forward to walking in the house and seeing who can spot him first. Cadence gets a kick out of it and Tarl and I being so competitive, well it makes it fun to say the least! This Saturday he hid in a new spot - he can hide in the darndest places!

Cadence came running into my bedroom on Sunday while I was mopping and said, "mom, hurry, come take a picture". She was right, this was definitely picture worthy :)

Nala & Sawyer

//

Tarl's 30th birthday is in just a few short weeks. We thought about going away for the weekend, but he works out in this heat all day, every day and said that he really didn't want to do that for his birthday, so we splurged and I caved and this is his big 30th birthday present.

Carolina Gamecock colored golf cart. We're also going to get a South Carolina Gamecock decal on the front of it after we get it registered and get insurance on it.

He loves it. I love it. Cadence loves it.

Heck, even my parents love it!

We had a golf cart three years ago and ended up selling it. We always regretted selling it, but we knew eventually we'd get another one and that when that time came, we'd get one we really wanted, with Carolina colors, a lift kit and some nice tires. I'm glad we waited and got this one!

We drove it around all weekend long on our property and once we get it registered and insured we can drive it all over our little community. Hope to get all that paperwork set in place this week!

How was your weekend?

xo

Friday Favorites

image via

I'm a sucker for up and coming artists. To me, I adore them so much more right before they make it big. I had been listening to music by Jake Owen and Florida Georgia Line long before anyone hardly knew there name. Michael Ray is the same and now he's blowing up big time.

I have had Kiss You in the Morning on repeat. Seriously, even if you don't like country music, do yourself a favor and listen to it! #obsessed

(Plus he's super easy on the eyes! - I guess I'm also a sucker for dark hair and tattoos)

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Tarl and I have talked more and more about houses lately. We don't know yet if we want to build or buy when that time comes, but I do know one thing, if we build, I definitely want exposed beams in my house somewhere. I love the look they give and in my opinion, they make a home look so much more 'homier'.

image via

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While we're on the subject of decor, how cute would this wallpaper be in a master closet or powder room?

image via

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Last night I purchased everything I need to start a weekend project. I'm not divulging any details because I want to make sure that it turns out OK. Even if it doesn't, I'll be sure and share that way you don't make any of the mistakes that I possibly might make, but I'm hoping it turns out the way I picture it in my mind. #fingerscrossed

I'll give you a hint , chalk paint...shhh...

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I changed my blog look around a bit and went back and noticed that a lot of my old posts no longer show the pictures in them. I honestly have no clue why that happens, but if you know please tell me. I'm going to try and start posting pictures to my blog a different way and maybe that will make the difference...here's hoping!

Anyways, speaking of pictures/images. Here's a few I want to share with you on this wonderful Friday!

This picture pretty much sums up perfection to me. No shoes, short shorts, fresh blueberries off the vine while sharing stories about old times with my family and my parents. Honestly, what else describes the Lowcountry better than some blueberry pickin'??

I read this, cried, realized how true it is and thought it was definitely worth a share!

And I'm sharing this with y'all, well because...it's 100% true and I can't freaking wait!

Happy Friday friends!

xo

Christmas in July | Olly | Elf on the Shelf

Oh Olly, our precious and well loved, Elf on the Shelf. 

He brings so much joy and fun to not only Cadence, but Tarl and I too, all throughout the month of December. Not gonna lie, it's hard finding new places to hide him or new things for him to do, but thanks to Pinterest it's gotten a lot easier, there are so many ideas!

In July I start all Christmas preparations. Nothing major, just some Christmas present shopping and start my Christmas lists, and the Elf on the Shelf ideas are one of the lists. Come December, it's a lot easier knowing where Olly is going to go, rather than wake up at 5am, realizing you forgot to hide the Elf and scrambling to find a spot for him while being super quiet not to wake your child, with no contacts in, can't see a darn thing, desperate to go back to sleep. (true story!)

A lot of shops and boutiques have also jumped on the Elf on the Shelf bandwagon, making and selling 'elf' things. The other day I came across this elf door and mat...

via

Isn't it just the cutest idea?

Another cute idea that we haven't tried yet are donut seeds!

How inexpensive and brilliant is this?!

Bag some cheerios and label them as 'donut seeds'.

Have your elf bring them on one morning. Have your child plant them in some sugar on a plate, and then when they wake up the next morning there are donuts, on the same plate where they planted the seeds!

Here are some other great ideas that I found on Pinterest that I know Cadence (and any child for that matter) would adore. (all images via Pinterest)

For more Elf on the Shelf ideas and for all things Christmas, follow my Christmas board on Pinterest!
I post tons of great things and will start posting a lot more Christmas oriented pictures come August/September.

Follow Miranda | Life in the Lowcountry's board Christmas <3 data-blogger-escaped-a="" data-blogger-escaped-on="" data-blogger-escaped-pinterest.="">

To see some of the things Olly has done in the past, click here.

Merry Christmas(in July)!

July | Goals

1-Start Christmas Shopping

2-Start Getting Tarl's Birthday Gift(s)

3-Finish A Book (currently reading Grey)

4-Start School Supply Shopping & Uniform Shopping

5-Cook at Home More

6-Family Game Night Once Per Week

7-Family Movie Night Once Per Week

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So I admit it. I've slacked doing monthly goal posts for myself, but there is no better time than the present to render the situation. Plus there are a lot of goals to achieve this month, let's break it down, shall we?

Christmas Shopping

So happy to say that I have already begun this goal. I've only bought one present thus far. Naturally it's for Miss Priss, but I couldn't pass up the sale price of $9.99 at Michael's for one of Cadence's favorite activities, Kinetic Sand. She adores the stuff and so do I. It's not super sticky like Play Doh and it is easy to clean too. They normally are priced at $15, but I snagged it while it was on sale. 

I know I still have a lot to do, but it's nice knowing I've started!

Tarl's Birthday

I've started this too! Tarl is a simple man and easy to please. (thank goodness!)

He's constantly trying to win a Hoo-Rag on Instagram. 

They are used for hunting and help conceal your face from birds, deer, turkeys, etc. 

Well bless his heart, I just went ahead and bought him one. I can't wait to see his face when he finally gets his Hoo-Rag and can finally stop tagging me on their Instagram page trying to win one by 'tagging a friend'.

He's also been talking non-stop about a Yeti koozie. A damn koozie that costs $30!!!

Crazy, right?? Like most things, you're paying for the name, but I know the struggle because I'm the same way on certain items (hello Lilly Pulitzer!) 

He doesn't know it, but he's getting the koozie too. :)

Finish a Book

I started reading Grey, by E. L. James, which is basically 50 Shades of Grey from Christian's point of view. I purchased the book for my Kindle a couple weeks back when it was released. I read the first four chapters back to back, but then I had the lump scare, dentist appointments, skin checkups, work flow, and the 4th of July, that I kinda just stopped reading it. Now that things have settled down I plan on finishing it this month.

School Supplies & Uniform Shopping

Yay! Another one that I have started on, and gotten most of the way there.

I've already purchased Cadence a new back pack and lunchbox for the school year, along with 90% of her school supply list. Last night we also found uniform shirts on sale at Walmart for under $5 so we snagged them off the rack and now all I have to do is take them to the embroidery shop to get her school logo applied, which I plan on doing Saturday.

The beginning of August South Carolina offers tax-free weekend for all school supplies, this includes uniforms as well. A lot of people question why Tarl and I don't wait to do the shopping until then and the answer is simple...it's worse than Black Friday!

Last year we did this and the lines were just as busy as they are on the Friday after Thanksgiving. 

Wanna know how much we saved? Around $9. That's it, only about 9 bucks. It's not worth it to us to save $9 and have to stand in line for an hour fighting crowds. No thanks!

I could see how tax free weekend would be beneficial if you're purchasing big ticket items. like computers or iPads, but we're not at that stage yet. 

Home Cookin'

I have been slacking big time when it comes to making weekly menus, grocery shopping, and sticking to the menu plans and cooking at home. I blame it on pure laziness but it has to end, and soon! Eating out is not only costly, but incredibly unhealthy for you as well. This month I plan on cooking home a lot more!

Game and Movie Night, Family Style!

This should be an easy one, or so you'd think, but I'm keeping it real here...sometimes the last thing I want to do when I get home from work, after showering, cleaning and getting prepared for the following day, is sit down and play a game with my family. There are days I'd rather just lay in bed and binge watch Orange is the New Black, but time goes by, and quick, and this has to change!

Don't get me wrong. I spend plenty of time with both Cadence and Tarl, and I love it, but I want to make it more of a point and put in more effort to have weekly game nights and movie nights, served with popcorn, naturally!

Happy Hump Day!

P.S. I have a few "Christmas in July" posts scheduled for this month so stay tuned!

(What can I say, y'all know I love me some Christmas time!)

Cadence

Today is all about this girl!

This girl who stole my heart 6 1/2 years ago and continues to amaze me and her daddy daily.

She just got her hair cut shoulder length last Thursday. It's only the second time in her life that she's ever gotten her hair cut short. The last time she cut it was two years ago, the same length.

The only difference now is, this time she looks so much older with short hair and it blows my mind!

Picture taken July 2013

Cadence is truly the sweetest child I know. She cares about others. She is always taking care of her pets as if they were her own children. She treats her baby dolls and stuffed animals with the utmost care, but her most favorite is Pinkin White. Pinkin White who cost us $0.50 out of a claw machine four years ago. Pinkin White who she has cuddled with every night before bed and has traveled with us on every trip we've been on. He's missing fur, been sewn twice, but he's her #1 stuffed animal and it's the sweetest thing.

Cadence loves to eat, which is wonderful. We've never really had to fight for her to eat, ever. She loves fruits and vegetables. Particularly mandarin oranges, celery and baby carrots. Her most favorite food of all time though is cheese pizza. Regular ole Tostino's, out of the box, cheese pizza. 

She loves doing anything active, whether it be playing baseball, soccer, jumping on the trampoline, or games with the family. She can also turn around and be a little beauty queen. One who loves minimal makeup, having her hair curled and pretty dresses.

winning her school pageant

winning her county pageant

winning the coastal carolina pageant

I'm not boasting that she has won all these pageants, I'm just so incredibly proud that she has won them. She practices her pageant walk by setting out stuffed animal audiences and she adores trying on pageant dresses. I love that I have a tom boy and a prissy girl all rolled into one.

I love that she wants to dress up on any random day.

Like a kitty cat in the middle of summer :)

I love that out of all the toys and dolls and dresses to choose from in Disney, she chose a cheap umbrella, just because it was pink!

I love that she understands manners and knows when to use them. She is polite to others and says yes ma'am and no sir when necessary. Don't get me wrong. She is slowly testing our patience with an attitude some times, but all I have to do is give her a sideways look and she straightens right up. 

She has her daddy and both of her granddaddies wrapped around her little finger.

I love that she prays. I love that she knows Jesus. I love that she understands what Heaven is and knows of His unfailing love for us.

I am so blessed to call this sweet little girl, mine.

God has blessed Tarl and I beyond measure to give us such a wonderful daughter.