New Year

Wow. I can't believe I made it a whole year without one blog post update. This year was a great one, and I'm looking forward to an even better 2013!!!

This year there were some amazing events in my life:
1) Hubby started a new job which meant paid vacation, sick days, healthcare, and many future opportunities
2) WE BOUGHT A HOUSE. Yep, in July of 2012, after barely two weeks of looking/talking/house hunting we made an offer and found the perfect house. It's not a starter home, it's a long-term...forever? home. We love it here. And I can't wait to (at some point) share our progress.
3) I, with my now very good friend Mandi, continued studying for and took our NCIDQ test for Interior Design Certification. We found out almost a month ago we both passed!!
4) Both my sister and one of my best friends are pregnant! We will be welcoming a new niece in February and nephew (my good friend is an only child so their little boy will have lots of "auntie-but-not-really-related" aunts!!
5) I am attempting to get back into the gym routine with said friend Mandi, and hoping to continue with a healthier lifestyle in the new year!!




I've still been cooking, baking, and decorating up a storm over here. But am I back for good? We will see, though I'm sure I am still not up to any regular postings. But maybe I'll have even more great things to come back and share this year!

Happy New Year, all!!

inspiration ideas: chalkboard paint

after reading my friend Martina's blog post on applying chalkboard paint to a closet door, it reminded me how much i LOVE that idea and want to do it in my home some day. here are more fun images and ways to use it!

love these ideas: make-your-own-custom-color idea from Martha Stewart

chalkboard paint on photo frame from Real Simple

love chalkboard paint in the kitchen. showcase a favorite recipe or fun way to write your grocery needs. image from weheartit.com

i adore this. wouldn't work too well in unpredictable Erie, however....but still. so cute. image from urbanjane: chalkboard paint!

another awesome use in the kitchen. image from mysweetsavannah. check her post for a lot more fun images.

what are your thoughts on chalkboard paint? love it? hate it? want to see more? want to see less? i love it, but wouldn't want to do too much. maybe one wall or a framed section in a kitchen (or on a door).