Out with the OLD, In with the NEW

While reflecting back on this past year, I realized it was mostly filled with traveling and house updates. 


We spent most of our time on the East Coast, except for Chris taking a trip to Southern California for work. We explored many places in Virginia, including Richmond, Norfolk, the Chesapeake Bay, Bristol, Roanoke, Charlottesville, Warm Springs, Williamsburg and places in between. We also made stops in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and DC. We had some awesome beach vacations to Hilton Head and Kiawah Island--sooo RELAXING! 

As Far As Home Improvements..

We managed to add some curb appeal to our home by painting our front door. It definitely makes us stand out on out street. In 2012 we plan giving the abode a good wash, hopefully staining the deck, and purchasing and/or building a shed.

*BEFORE*

*AFTER*

Our kitchen had a transformation between the beautiful kitchen island (thanks to my dearest daddy) and some fresh coats of paint. We tossed the old vertical blinds and put up a pair of chocolate brown panels and added a fun floral rug under the island. In the new year we may continue to contemplate changing the counter tops and possibly install a bead board backsplash. 

*BEFORE*

*BEFORE*

*AFTER*

*AFTER*

The living room (although still a work-in-progress) had a game changing make over. We were able to upgrade our couch, have built-ins made and installed (again by daddy dearest), got a new coffee table for Christmas, I threw some pillows together, and rearranged and redecorated frequently. This year we have plans to paint the walls a light gray hue, finish up some coordinating pillows and add some wall art. I have a plan to get a new rug, still trying to convince the hubs.

*BEFORE*

*BEFORE*

*AFTER*

We have bought some other eclectic pieces scattered through out the house, but above were the big projects we are proud of from 2011. One of our biggest goals for the house this year will be to finish painting the other rooms. Also, I want to get rid of some of the random clutter and be better about being purposeful when I buy stuff. So far I think I am doing well, I sold our old couch and coffee table and.. I didn't go to one antique store when I was in Richmond this past weekend. Go me!

As for my personal resolutions goals for 2012:

• I want to run and/or exercise at least 3 times a week
• Sign up for 3 races
• Read 3 books
• Take better care of my skin (I have been really bad about washing my face before bed)
• Of course be a better and more understanding and loving wife, friend, daughter, sister and co-worker

I am looking forward to what the Lord has in store for me this year, specifically being a auntie :) x 2 !!

Before I forget I want to THANK YOU for reading the random craziness I write about! You are what keeps me writing!

Summer time: Part 1

I cannot believe it is already the middle of the summer, it has flown by! We have stayed busy with working and traveling some.

 In May we ventured to Florida for Chris's best friend's wedding near Jacksonville..
a few things we learned from that trip:
-fill the gas tank up at 1/2 a tank ( we almost ran out of gas twice)
-directions are not my strongest suit even though sometimes I am confident that they are (we travelled a good distance to find a BBQ restaurant and when we got to the destination it was an open field which almost led us to running out of gas)
-in the future we will be flying to Florida, not driving

In June we took a trip to Bristol to celebrate our anniversary and visit with family. Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed our anniversary dinner at The Tavern in Abingdon, Va. We had some great conversation about the past year and the future (we highly recommend doing this on your anniversary, its important to reflect and see how you have grown and what you want for your marriage in the future). Also, we were able to spend some time with Chris's parents.

At the end of June and beginning of July, I took two trips to the Chesapeake Bay to spend some time with my family. These pictures are four years old and taken by my best friend Laura, we have shared some fun memories over the years.

My Grandpa's tractor

The view

Had to throw it in there

The rest of the summer we have two vacations planned to South Carolina in August, but until then we will be working hard in the daily grind.

A few fun things we have done thus far:

Summer spruce up

Favorite piece: framed piece of one of my favorite fabrics

Color time

Frame to Chris's outdoor table

Finished product, plans from Ana-white.com
Now we just need some chairs