Happy 2012!! Stop and Smell the Roses!

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It's a new year! Not hoping it to be better than the last because no matter what, our time here is a blessing. 2011 was a good year, but ready to take on 2012.

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We made our way back to Dallas and to be around our family and friends again is great. Although, there are many times I think I don't see them enough. I'm hoping that will change for 2012.

We bought our first home which has been exciting, but also overwhelming. It's easy to get so consumed with making your home a home. You forget to stop and look around and see what you do have and what a blessing it is to have a home. I've taken some time to just enjoy my home these past couple months and be grateful for what we have.

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And with a new year brings new year resolutions. 

I feel it's a time for me to do some giving back. What's life without doing for others. One resolution is to get back volunteering. We are a society that is consumed with the latest and greatest whether it's fashion, technology, etc. I'm over it! Many people now have this sense of entitlement and it's really too bad. If people can bring it down and find that those "things" AREN'T going to make them BETTER, PRETTIER, RICHER, or SMARTER. It's time to stop obsessing about yourself or your house (i'm one to blame) and put some of  that energy into giving back and helping others. Pretty rewarding feeling at the end of the day. I'm ready to make it happen!

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Another is to make more time to hang out with our friends and our family and make some new friends. Getting on Facebook isn't enough for me and I really hope I'm not the only out there that feels the this way. It's not fulfilling honestly. Most of the time it's upsetting. What ever happened to getting together with a friend for lunch or dinner or a simple phone call. We've got all the time in the world to run errands, but no time it feels like to see a friend. It's like we need to plan it 2 months in advance. Why is that?? I'm definitely willing to make more time if they are..

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As for projects at home, I'm ready to dive into some. Things take time and making a home takes time. It doesn't happen overnight. Nor can I be overly consumed with our home like I have in the months past. There is more to life and that's living it and enjoying the moment.

I wish for your 2012, to be a happy one. Take the time to sit back and relax! Stop and smell the roses and to slow down just a bit. Your next day isn't a guarantee. Ask yourself...what's really important???

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All the Best for 2012!!!

Allison 

A Piece of History

I LOVE a find, especially when it has a little history. Every time I visit family in Pampa, Texas, it's a tradition of mine, and my mom's, to stop into our favorite store, Trash to Treasures. You never know what you'll find in there. It smells like a dingy, old basement, but it's all worth it. It's not too big and the store is jam packed of vintage finds. 

On my last visit to Pampa, I stopped in and picked up a very old collection of antique records dating back from the 1910's and 1920's. I've never been a record enthusiast, but the collection spoke to me and I walked out with two huge albums. So excited about my new find, I knew I needed something to play these records on. 

For me, not just any record player would do the job. This is when I can get a little nutty. Once I have a vision, it's not easy to see anything else. In my mind, I was thinking of playing these records on a record player that also dated back to the early 1900's. So then began my search of finding an antique Victrola. 

I found this one on Craigslist for a great deal. It definitely takes you back to an era. When the music plays, I feel like I'm in an episode of Boardwalk Empire and I love it! Music has come such a long way since the beginning of the 1900's, and owning a little piece of nostalgia makes you realize just how far we've come. 

What little piece of history do you own?? I'd love to hear about it!

Also, please be cautious when using Craigslist. I've always had good experiences with doing business on Craigslist, but I have to say be careful!  With all the recent news and incidents associated with Craigslist, I have to say be careful and cautious of who your doing business with. Never meet someone alone and always use good judgement!!

As Joan Rivers would say, "Bitch Stole My Look"

Today while I was out and about, I stopped into ZGallerie to take a look around. They always have beautiful things, although I haven't bought anything from there in years. I walked in spotting something extremely familiar to me. "How interesting"...I thought to myself. That is the same exact fabric I recently purchased from Cutting Corners a few months ago. They made the Abigail wing chair out of it! They so stole my look!! How could it be??

ZGallerie Abigail Wing Chair  $899

I couldn't believe it! It was the same fabric I had used to make custom pillows from. I loved the color palette and knew it would give our couch the pop it needed. I had two 22x22 pillows  made and found some matching trim to dress them up. I also had them make with a zipper so I could get them dry cleaned when needed.

Not only did ZGallerie have this chair, they ALSO had Silsila throw pillows in the same fabric. I thought the $69/ea price was steep (feather down inserts and the feathers were already poking out). That drives me nuts! I think the added trim looks so much nicer too!!

ZGallerie Pillow @  $69/each

Custom or store bought, it's a great looking fabric! I personally feel the chair is a little over the top, but love  this fabric in pillows.  

Make it a great day!

Dressing up your door for Fall

It's a beautiful time of the year! I love this crisp weather and all that comes with it..pumpkins, mums, fall wreaths..the beautiful colors.

Decorating up your front porch is a must this time of year! I visited Lowe's and picked up some great plants for the front porch over the weekend. I also had this architectural column I thought would be great for the space. It's a  great addition to the vignette. Added some well needed height.

Happy Decorating! Enjoy this beautiful weather.