Yellow.

Sunshine.

Warmth.

Spontaneous.

Bold.

Intellect.

Energy.

Friendship.


Seems a wise choice.

This color yellow.

xx
Jolena

Beautiful.

Trust Me.

GraceHomeFurnishings.com

xx
Jolena

Flutter.

One of the many joys of spring is a having a fresh glass of lemonade whilst setting amidst a beautifully landscaped garden while the birds sing and the butterflies flutter..

Browsing Elle Decor I came across "The 10 Most Gorgeous Garden Benches"..

Here are a few of my favorites.






These are all of course, lovely.

However, my lemonade would not taste as sweet if I knew I was setting on a garden bench that costs well over $1k. Which if one can afford this, than there is certainly no harm in the purchase. I am certain that a large portion of the price is due to quality.

I am not one that has that kind of money, and let's face it, times are hard for nearly all of us.

Instead what I do is restore old furniture. And it has so much more meaning to me. I have an old french style garden bench my mom gave me that I repainted in black and I love it..

I helped a friend of mine just yesterday repaint an old swing of hers on her front porch. {red front door, black swing w/red cushions.. more on that later}

Both are lovely.

Both are affordable.

Both of us can still afford to buy lemons for our lemonade.

So my advice to those that may be interested in it is just this..keep your eyes open for pieces with "good bones". What may appear to old junk could truly be transformed into something wonderful so easily.. it is the small things that make the biggest impact around a home.

So regardless of what your garden has in it.. go outside and enjoy it. It's a beautiful day.
xx
Jolena

And Now. I Wait.

I've done the paperwork.

I've passed the interview.

I've hit the books and want more.



Is this? Or is this not? The staircase to our new future?


I will ponder as I go to sleep tonight.

But only time will tell.


As most of you know, this is something I have dreamed of for a very long time. I truly hope the stars are in my corner tonight. I have had many things in my life that I was certain would happen do just the opposite. I don't know if I can bare that in this case. I feel that I have been given this passion for a reason. And I can only hope the reason is a grand one.

More on this when I know something.

Good night for now...
xx
Jolena

And Many More.

Tonight's post is going to be short and sweet as I am exhausted. It's been such a chaotic week and the mandatory overtime at my office has taken it's toll on me.

I just ordered a few goodies for Paris Abella's fifth birthday party and I am so excited and just wanted to share.. {and my lovie has been asleep for a LONG time now lol}

Last year I purchased this tea set from Pottery Barn Kids. Though it was expensive, Paris adores it.. and it is played with often.. by her and her friends.. even my older daughter's friends love it..

{Hers of course is personalized to say Paris}
My point is that their merchandise is great, and if you really want it, it's worth the cost.

So! Here are the goodies..

As you know, she will start kindergarten this fall :( So I purchased the lavender backpack with the matching lunch bag.. both w/her name embroidered..

I plan on filling this with pencils, tissues, antibacterial hand gel, etc..

Like her sister Madison, she has a love for art, so we decided on this art apron.. also personalized..

Paris is quite the girly girl as well.. so a jewelry box with her name on it will be nice too.


Now, I understand these are not the most thrilling gifts for a five year old to receive.. I also plan on getting her a build a bear {her first one if you can believe it} We'll be taking her and Madison together as a special treat.. also a few barbies I would imagine.. and maybe.. maaaaaaybe a Justice gift card.. I understand she is young.. but I am telling you, that child loves that store! LOL

Oh yes.. my birthday is on the 14th.. Paris' the 17th.. I believe the cake below and a coffee will be just fine for my big 30! ;)

Like Breathing Out And Breathing In.

I adore Diana Krall. Her music is magnificent. Calming yet sultry.

When I saw the song " I've Grown Accustomed To His Face" I bought this cd instantly!




I am listening to it now, drinking red wine, and am loving every moment of it.

The lyrics, if your interested... enjoy....

" I've grown accustomed to his face. He almost makes the day begin. I've grown acustomed to the tune he whistles night and noon. His smiles, his frowns, his ups, his downs are second nature to me now.


Like breathing out and breathing in. I was so really independant and content before we met. Surely I could always be that way again and yet.. I've grown accustomed to his looks. Accustomed to his voice. Accustomed to his face.


I've grown accustomed to his face. He almost makes the day begin. Ive got so used to hear him say good morning every day. His joys, his woes, his highs his lows are second nature to me now. Like breathing out and breathing in. Im very glad he's a man and so easy to forget.. rather like a habit one can always break... and yet...Ive grown accustomed to the trace of something in the air. Accustomed to his face."



Beautiful.

xx
Jolena

Sweet Dreams.

Unfortunately I am much too tired to do much posting this evening. I worked over fifty hours last week and it begins again tomorrow.

I will for now, leave you with this thought.. quality bedding.

I am in the middle of redoing our bedroom. We have scrumptious flannel sheets, downe pillows and a downe comforter in which my lovie got me for Christmas.

However, I have yet to purchase our actual bedding.

The room color is a "plum" or "egg plant" *LOVE* I have black furniture with a soon to be white fire place, and white crown molding.. Anyhow, I don't want a "catalog" bedding set.. I want something natural, beautiful, and even a bit wrinkled so I can literally just fall into it worry free.. asking too much? Oh yes, and I am certainly keeping my eyes open for a faux throw or faux sheepskin rug in white for in front of the fireplace.. I suppose I could call this room natural glamour? LOL.. TIME for bed!

I believe as I take my last sip of merlot and crawl into bed, I will drift into slumber thinking about our new bedding.. more on this forthcoming.. until then, good night all.. and have a happy Monday..
xx
Jolena

P.S. One last {and most important} thing! Any ideas or suggestions on where to purchase said ideas would be greatly appreciated.. thanks to all :)

A Message From Madison.

Going through my files today I found this drawing Madison had done on "paint" and I thought I would share it.. too cute..

She saved it under file name " Go Green Or Else!!!!"

I love my little lady.

MUST Do.

I don't know about you but I am always carrying around a "to do" list. By the time I am home I don't feel like digging through my purse to find it..

* To Do: reorganize purse ;)



Found Via Little Green Notebook is this GREAT idea!

Magnetic chalkboard in a gorgeous frame..


So lovely.

So easy to do.

*To Do: Make fabulous framed chalkboard.

P.S. How darling are those pictures too?

Today.

My work is done and I am now going thrift shopping/ antiqueing with my dear friend Tiffany.

Wish us luck!
xx
Jolena

Do Come In?

We speak daily about the importance of the interior. Tonight however, I was thinking about that one place each of our guests must visit before entering our work of art, our home.

Our Entry way.

Very Important.

I believe the front door and entry way are the first sign of what one will find inside.

I believe that the personality the home owner wishes to portray begins with the first ring of the bell.


So keep in mind just how important step one is.


And never, ever be afraid to try colors outside of the box.


Because the results can and most likely will be amazing.


A few things to remember to keep on hand in an entryway: Umbrellas, A Mirror for last minute glances and lipstick applications ;) Fresh Flowers, A place for keys to be stored, and maybe even a few photo frames....