Peace Out Perfection
I had a bit of an epiphany last week, as Jer, Dylan and I were recovering from the bubonic plague (on the forreals, I’m pretty sure we had the norovirus…) and a horrible cold. This 2 week sickness got my “balance” all out of wack. You know what I’m talking about, right? That balance you feel when you’re giving work, home, the fam, friends, etc. just the right amount of yourself to keep everything and everyone chugging along and happy. Then when one gets way off it just all comes crashing down, leaving 6 piles of laundry, 100+ unread emails, no food in the house, and you taking your kid to daycare dressed for “wacky day” when it.isn’t.dress.wacky.day.yet. True story.
Ok, back to my epiphany. So as I started getting my life and house back in order, I realized that I’m just way too frumpy and unhappy when things aren’t “perfect”. I seem to not be able to relax at home these days unless everything is clean and in it’s place… which yes, means I never really relax, which yes, is extremely exhausting. So I’ve decided enough with that. I’m done. I’m throwing in the towel on perfection, because it’s just not obtainable and is something if I start chasing, I’ll always chase.
I absolutely still recommend putting in the hard work of getting yourself, your life and your home organized, because it will instantly make you feel lighter and happier but I guess what I’m saying here is let’s let go of pursing “spotless” and make a little room for the dust bunnies, dirty windows, frozen pizzas and blog typos. When we’re old women, will we remember our spotless homes or will we remember the times we spent tickling bellies to extract that oh-so-sweet baby giggle or the way their sweet baby breath smelled when they slept on our chests during their naptime, instead of their crib (so that we could get laundry or dusting done).
I still have a lot of work ahead of me to really master this way of thinking but recently came across a new book, “No More Perfect Moms” by Jill Savage, that I’m hoping with help me along this journey. I saw this quote on the review and was instantly hooked: “While we’re pursuing perfection, we’re missing out on the most precious parts of life: the laughter of silliness, the joy of spontaneity, the lessons found in failure, and the freedom found in grace.”
I also love that this book is faith based, since in “my book” (pun intended!) there is only one form of true perfection and it’s through Him that I have this amazing life.
As I always do, I’ve been collecting some inspiration on Pinterest to help me with this new state of mind. I’m thinking one of these might need some prime wall real estate to keep me honest:
xoxo,
Dylan’s Nautical Baby Shower
So I’ve never once doubted my mom and sister’s ability to throw a party. From weddings to backyard pool parties, these two ladies just know how to throw down. So as soon as my sister asked to throw me a baby shower, I just knew it would be nothing short of fabulous… and boy was I right. From the invitations to the napkins… every little detail of this nautical themed shower was “pin-worthy!
Kristen & Mama: Thank y’all so much for planning and organizing such a wonderful day. It was so fun celebrating Dylan’s upcoming arrival and he’s so blessed to have such an amazing aunt and grandma! I love you both so very much.
Ok, Ok… enough with the sappy stuff – on to the details. I mean I just said every detail was “pin-worthy”, so I’ve gotta show you the goods.
So as you may have seen from my Nursery post or my “Oh Baby!” pinboard, I’ve been obsessed with nautical baby stuff. I think I’ve been so drawn to it, because it’s baby-ish yet also really masculine, preppy and just plain cute. I mean come on… who doesn’t look precious in topsiders and seersucker?
Knowing all this, my super creative sister created an entire shower around the theme “Ahoy! It’s a Boy!” and incorporated a nautical flair into almost everything.
How creative is this? Kristen wrapped all of the utensils with rope and a little lifesaver! And on the right you can see the custom table runner Mama made to coordinate with the theme. I’m telling ya… these ladies are some party plannin’ fools.
And if the table runner wasn’t enough to showcase the crafty crafterson that I originated from, check out the stunning quilt that she made for Dylan. I haven’t taken a photo of the details yet, but the fabric is so freaking cute and the stitching is even done in little sailboats!
I also have to give a special shout out to all of my family and amazing girlfriends who made the haul to my house in The Bumpass to celebrate Baby Dylan. Thank you so much for showering him with such wonderful gifts and love – he and I are so very lucky to have all of you in our lives and we love you so much!
xoxo,
Jamie
Best of 2011
So I’ve officially been blogging for 7 months, yay! What started as a place to house pictures of my craft projects has really turned into a blog about so many things – pregnancy, recipes, trips, family and of course all of my DIY projects. So as 2011 winds down, I wanted to capture some of my favorite projects this year, as well as link up to Rhoda’s Top Projects of 2011 Party.
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This bench is still one of my favorite projects on my blog. We call it the “traveling bench”, because I honestly move it every couple months. It’s been a footboard bench, window seat, and is now a laundry room storage bench. It may be getting some nursery love soon…
TV Stand Turned Bench
Found this antique Henredon coffee table at an estate auction for $10 buckaroos.
Painted Henredon Coffee Table
Rescued these beauties on their way to the dump…
Refurbished Adirondack Chairs
Found this lamp in Delaware with a “Free to a Good Home” sign.
Refurbished Lamp
It’s amazing what half a can of Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Grey can do!
I <3 BM’s Stonington Grey
Spruced up our living room with a $25 frame gallery set from Target.
Frame Gallery
Added some swagger to the breakfast nook. See the traveling bench in action!
Swag Valance
Not exactly a Before & After, but I just loved how easy it was to turn a simple piece of plywood into a fabulous tufted headboard.
Tufted Headboard
xoxo,
Jamie
Shades of Gray
Do you ever get fixated on a color so much that you just want to constantly wear, paint and sleep in it? Well it has officially happened to me. I can’t get enough of the color grey. I’ve already painted two rooms BM’s “Stonington Grey” and am set to paint another very soon. I first thought the color was going to make the rooms feel smaller but they honestly feels tons bigger and so very…. neutral. Grey also pairs really well with bold colors, especially yellow. I debated making this post about grey/yellow things because I love the combo so much. My guest bedroom color scheme is grey/yellow/white and I can’t even explain how soothing and peaceful it is.
I’ve also heavily incorporated this hue into my wardrobe. While trying on a pair of TOMS in Nordstroms the other day, I was having trouble picking between the black or grey pair. Then suddenly a cute old man walks by and says “Go with the grey pair, you can wear it with anything!” Then it hit me and I thought “Yes, Mr. stranger-fashion-guru-mall-walker. You’re so right!” We get our inspiration from the strangest places… huh? PS: I’m in LOVE with TOMS. Not just because it’s the coolest business model in the world (one for one) but because they’re cute, sassy, and comfortable. It took four wears for me to claim the last part but I’m there and could totally strut my stuff for long distances in these suckers.
My accessories are also donning the shade. Found this grey bag in the picture above at Dillard’s for $25 bucks. Not sure who Kate Landry is, but she has my vote. Keep it coming sister.
Ann Taylor Loft is also pickin’ up what I’m puttin’ down. I recently got the grey stripe shirt below and yes, it pairs fabulously with ummm…everything. I’m also loving this grey dress and top.
www.loft.com
So I’m not a big spender when it comes to bold jewelry but I totally want to be for this Stella and Dot necklace. Since “grey is the new neutral” it will go with everything right? I’ll eat, sleep, work, walk-the-dog, and exercise with it! How’s that for justifying a purchase? ☺
Isadora Pearl Bib | www.stelladot.com
Bottom line – grey is the new neutral. Yep… it might as well be beige or “nude” so rock it sister friends. Please drop a comment with any great grey finds. Thinking about making a board on Pinterest for it!
Hope you guys have a fab weekend. I’m off to support JD’s hobby, which will take me an entire post to explain. Long story short, I better win wife of the year if such award exists.
