real simple = real love

Real Simple magazine is my bread and butter.  The home decor, organizing tips, recipes, etc. speak volumes to the Modern Martha in me.  The latest issue graced my mailbox today and I was reminded to share my love of it with you!

This month’s cover:

Don’t have the magazine subscription? You can check out the goods online too at realsimple.com.

Something I truly adore about Real Simple is the “New Uses for Old Things” topic.  Check out this adorable idea for using a doily for cake decoration that I saw online:

Ladies, if you have a little girl, PLEASE do this little diddy with a tutu & nightstand.  So adorable!

Real Simple even has some tutorials like this one on how to paint a wall and other DIY type help. Great tips for homeowners!

Need to see what the magazine is all about before you subscribe (am I not convincing you enough?) then check out a rundown of the magazine content here.

There are TONS more, so I encourage you to check it out. Otherwise this post will be miles long.

Love, my Real Simple Magazine obsessed self 🙂

an old fashioned mothers day

First, a little background.  

My Mom and I have grown to love Victorian tea parlors over the years.  I love the atmosphere and it’s always a special time for us.  My bridal shower was at this one and I hope to maybe have a baby shower in the same sense someday (such a sentimental mush I am).

4/11/09

This Mother’s Day I decided to treat my Mom to one of these special times BUT at home!  My vision: a lace tablecloth, floral patterns, tea, scones,and a tiered pastry display. Simple and meaningful.

Two retailers were really instrumental in my quest to have the perfect afternoon tea party: British Depot where I picked up some scones, clotted cream and lemon curd (yes, there really is a store called British Depot… and it’s right near where I live in College Park) and Teapots and Treasures where I got some fabulous loose leaf tea.  I highly recommend the Rooibos Chai tea from Teapots and Treasures.  It tastes like Christmas 🙂

My favorite part of the prep was throwing some  jewelry and a scarf up on our mason jar chandelier.  Yes, I really threw my accessories on a light fixture as a decoration.  Don’t knock it till you try it!  I loved how it gave the room a shabby chic feel. 

I used the hubbs’ Grandmother’s authentic vintage lace tablecloth.  It was made by hand.  So. Gorgeous.  We have some really beautiful heirlooms from her, most notable being our amazing dining room set!

It was so fun putting this all together.

As fun as this was to plan, the best part was spending it with this special lady:

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there.  You are appreciated more than you know.

I love you, Mommy!

the first step of the herb garden

…and no it’s not sod (although the much needed grass should be arriving next week)….

Plant markers!

I love these adorable things.  We got them at the Ocean Side Farmers Market last weekend, and I can’t wait to put them in my very own herb garden.  Ahhhhhh 🙂

fave link of the month- www.onekingslane.com

What a brilliant idea.  A site that offers high quailty & designer home decor items on the cheap.  It has food stuff too!  I’m sold.

I saw One Kings Lane on The Martha Stewart show and I just KNEW it had to be a FLM.

This site features time-sensitive sales and tells you ahead of time whats going on for the week!  The best part?  The orignal price is shown so you know exactly what you’re saving.

I looooove this drink dispenser for entertaining at home, and it’s less than half of the retail price!

And check out this super cute bullitan board (I think I just got inspired to try and make something similar!):

Go sign up, and get inspired!

what’s in a year?

Days spent watching HGTV and DIY shows…

Hours spent brainstorming and creating design ideas…

Months spent strapped for cash after spending it on house stuff…

Hard work…

Results…

Challenges…

Fun…

Drywall dust…

We’ve been in our first home for a year now.  WOW.  I can’t even believe it.  Lots have been done and there’s lots to go.  The best part about this whole process is that I get to do it with the hubbs by my side (or, he’s doing most of the real work and I’m by his side working on little craft projects… whatever).  What an experience it’s been!  Not only is it a creative outlet for me (which I absolutely NEED or I go nuts) it’s been a huge learning experience about home ownership and marriage.

This one’s for you, babe.  Thank you for everything.  I cherish you, my life  partner, and thank God for you every day.