An Eventful Year

This time of year I truly appreciate spending time with family. It's different now that I'm an adult and married, so it's turned into a different appreciation. This time last year I was working retail, Jay and I were engaged and had just moved back to Atlanta, and I really just wanted the holidays over with. I was tired of the annoying shoppers at the mall, the long hours, no time off, and all that goes with retail at Christmas. Jay spent Christmas with us last year in Atlanta, and I'm so glad he was around.

It's amazing what a year can do though. I left retail at the beginning of March and started a new sales job, which I love, a week later. The first weekend in April Jay and I were married and went on a fabulous honeymoon. Not long after we got back we started looking for a home, which took all summer, but we finally closed and moved in in September of this year. We were able to go to Boston to visit family this fall, spent the weekend in the dark in Hurricane Irene, and watch some of Jay's friends get married. It's amazing how many of our friends got married this year. I was in two other weddings, and we attended three others on top of that! Crazy! We were also lucky enough to have Beth and Gary visit from Duxbury this fall, squeeze in a football game, and show off the new house. If you have read my blog, you know that has been a constant project, which we have attempted to delay through the holidays! After last year, I truly want to spend time with family and not worry about anything else. But, once the new year rolls around, we will be back to painting, decorating, crafting, and the likes. Sorry Jay!

We spent alot of time at the lake this summer with my parents and sister. The day after our wedding, Paige claimed (and I have witnesses) that she was going to get a job last summer. Well, let's just say she had a fabulous tan. In all serious though, it was great having her around. That is, when she wasn't napping or driving the boat at intense speeds across the lake. I really started to miss her when she went back to school. I understand the fall schedule though. Study Monday to Thursday, and party all weekend for football. I am hoping to go visit in the spring.

Christmas will definitely be different without her. We have built a tent in the living room, over the TV, since we were old enough to do so. We would lay out pallets, normally the couch cushions with sleeping bags on top, and stay awake most of the night watching A Christmas Story over and over again. One Christmas we got N64, and every Christmas after that we would stay up playing Mario Kart. This was all after we went to church, and went to the movies with the rest of the family. A weird tradition to most, and I don't remember how it started, but our family has gone to dinner and movie ever since I can remember on Christmas Eve. I am sad I'm going to miss this, but can't wait to pass this along to our kids one day. Every year we talk about looking up and buying all of the DVD's from our Christmas Eve outing, but have yet to do this. Hopefully, Jay and I can do that!

This Christmas I am going to Boston with Jay to celebrate with his family. His aunts and uncles come together at the Williams house on Christmas and all celebrate together. I am so excited to see how they spend Christmas. When you're growing up, you can't imagine doing it any other way than you have always done it. But, when you are married, you can't wait to see how your other half spends the holidays. See what traditions we are going to pass down. I am pretty lucky because I truly love spending time with my in-laws. Josh, Nick and I are all close, and it's nice to have some brothers around. This is truly going to be a special Christmas, and I can't wait to share it with everyone after the holidays!

Merry Christmas and God Bless!

A Christmas Story

If you grew up at my house, you grew up watching A Christmas Story on Christmas Eve at least three times every year. My sister and I used to fall asleep to it at night under a tent that we built every year for Christmas Eve. It is one of the many traditions I am going to have to pass on one day. I could probably quote every line of this movie. When I met Jay he had never seen A Christmas Story. I wanted to cry for him. I couldn't imagine Christmas without it. But, it took me a couple of Christmases to figure this out. My parents always had the leg lamp from the movie in our front window. Looking back, Jay probably thought we were nuts for putting a leg lamp in the front window during Christmas. He couldn't figure out why the neighbor kids were so excited the day put it out. Ha...it makes me laugh just thinking about it. I finally got him to watch the movie, and then he started to figure out the lamp in the window.

This year my parents are living in a new house that can't be seen from the road. They thought it would be such a shame putting it up and no one getting to see it when they drove by. This is where my great idea comes in. Jay and I have a huge front window that everyone can see down the street at our house. After a little debate, we decided on joint custody of the lamp. YAY! Let's just say this isn't Jay's favorite Christmas decoration, but he's appeasing me with it. He kind of rolls his eyes every time I rush upstairs when it starts to get dark to turn it on!

The best part of the lamp is how it was shipped. It was sent in the same crate from the movie and has Fra-gile (if you have seen it you know the proper pronunciation...I mean it must be French!) written down the side. The same fluffy packing material was in there keeping the lamp safe.

I know this sounds somewhat ridiculous, but Christmas traditions mean so much to me. We grew up moving all over the country, and things like a Christmas story and building a tent with my sister are things that stayed the same no matter where we were. They are things I will never forget, and will probably cry about as I spend my first Christmas with my husband away from home! I couldn't ask for a better family to spend Christmas with though, and can't wait for the new traditions I am going to learn about!

A Very DIY Christmas

I love Christmas. It is probably my favorite time of year. I am one of those people who thinks Thanksgiving is merely a speed bump on the way to decorating for Christmas. This year is especially meaningful since it is our first Christmas as the Williams family, and the first Christmas we are spending in our new home. I probably went crazy, but who wants to pay bills anyway? Kidding...really! I ended up buying all of my project needs from Hobby Lobby at half off...so no worries there. Alot of the other stuff, like our tree, I have been collecting over the years. I should probably do an ode to our tree since it is a pretty funny story on how it came about. Anyways, being on Pinterest really just makes you want to bust out your glue gun, tie a ribbon on something, and go crazy. So, I did! Here are a couple of my projects so far.

This was probably my favorite project. We bought two of these lanterns from Z Gallerie before we bought our house, and I never got around to putting anything in them. I decided why not fill them for Christmas. Then I can change them as the holidays and season change. I would actually love to paint them silver and fill them with candles, but who knows when that will happen. For the candles, I sprayed them with glue, and covered them in glitter. You will soon see that glitter is this year's theme. The pine cones I got from my parents' front yard, sprayed them with glue, and again with the glitter. I filled the bottom with snow, and added a bow and pine cone to the top...voila Christmas decor! After all was done, this project cost about $10 per lantern, if you don't include the price of the lantern. But on clearance, those were only about $20 each.

Close up picture of the candles and pine cones. I just think it looks elegantly simple.

If you have ready my blog before you will know why I don't have a mantel. I mean who steals a mantel? This was my attempt to decorate around my fireplace when there is no mantel in place.I was able to attach the garland to the wood blocks where my mantel should be attached to. I strung some lights on there, wired our handmade (thanks Mom!!) stockings, and threw some poinsettias in front. Now, I originally bought those to go on the front stoop, but then learned (thanks Mom!) that those plants aren't made for outside. Good with crafts, good with food, not so good with keeping plants alive! They looked fabulous out there...too bad! 

I found these little red candles at Hobby Lobby and the jars were half off. So, a little spray glue and red glitter, throw in snow...cute for underneath the TV on top of the shelf in the living room. Had to add the Hot Mrs. Claus glass my sister gave me for Christmas last year. It's too cute not to be on display!

I had a bunch (and still do) of pine cones left over after my first couple of projects. I also added them to a basket sitting on my coffee table. I had a bunch of snow left as well, and figured I needed some sort of centerpiece for my table. A little bit of ribbon around a vase I already had, and the rest put itself together. It looks cute with the chargers I have on the table with it.

I realize this isn't a craft, but I had to add it. My grandparents gave this to Jay and I for Christmas this year. It was my great grandmother's, and this is exactly how she had it decorated in her house for Christmas. There are a couple of ornaments sitting inside of it that she put there as well. My grandparents told us we should toss those and put something cuter in there, but I think it's adorable, and amazing that it still looks the same. I don't have alot of family heirlooms, but this is something I will treasure forever. I hope that Jay and I have grandchildren we can pass this to one day. Maybe on their first married Christmas. My grandparents truly are special people, and it amazes me how the always think of family above all else.

Of course I am nowhere near done crafting for Christmas. I have a couple of gifts I am going to DIY, and might have to glitter anything that sits still long enough. Stay posted for more ideas!

All the Fixin's To Go With It

I personally feel like growing up Southern has been a privilege. Things tend to move slower, the people are nicer, and everyone is always blessing your heart. I think the best part of growing up down here is the food. I can't get enough BBQ, corn bread, apple pie, and the list could go on. Jay and I had a couple of our friends over this weekend and I felt like trying out a new recipe. I had never made my own pulled pork before, and was a little ashamed to admit it, so who better to try a new recipe with than good friends? I went to Kroger and got a Boston Butt, with the bone in. Then I put it in the crock pot. Yes, I said crock pot. Two words my mother thought I would never say. She has been on me for years about using one of those, and since we got one for our wedding, why not?

 I chopped up a large onion and covered the bottom of the pot, then threw in the meat, and covered that with another large onion. Then I poured in one cup of ginger ale. Weird? I thought so too, but it ended up with a great taste. I let it cook on low for 12 hours just like that. After what felt like forever, I pulled the meat out of the pot so I could shred it. Now, when people talk about fall off the bone good, I know exactly what they are talking about. I couldn't for the life of me get the entire Butt to come out in one piece. I finally got all the pieces into a pyrex dish so I could start shredding the meat and discard of any of the fatty pieces that remained. I know I don't have any comparison since this was my first attempt at pulled pork, but this was the easiest part of all. After shredding all of the meat I drained the rest of liquid and onions into a strainer. Now, the recipe I found says that you should put all of those onions back in with the shredded meat. I HATE onions, and so does Jay. I think this may have been one of 5 times in my whole life I had chopped an onion. I refuse to cook with them unless I can discard them in cases like these. But, if you want to try this feel free to put them back in. I have never had Southern BBQ that had a bunch of onion, so maybe it's a Yankee thing!I cleaned out the pot, put all of the shredded meat in, and covered it with an 18 oz bottle of Jack Daniels BBQ sauce. Jack is a pretty good man when it comes to adult beverages, but he shouldn't be counted out of the BBQ sauce debate either! I let that sit on low for 2 hours, flipped it to warm and waited for everyone to make sandwiches. I just put out a bunch of hamburger buns. 

Typically, in our state, we just eat BBQ on a bun. Nothing fancy, no fixins, the meat typically speaks for itself. Saying that, I was in Vermont one time with my in-laws and my father in law ordered a pulled pork sandwich. I think ordering BBQ in Vermont is like ordering clam chowder in Atlanta, it just should be left to who knows it best. They brought it out on a bun with mustard, mayo, tomato and lettuce. I was just precious that they thought it should be served that way. Other states put slaw on theirs, but I'm a traditionalist! I think everyone liked it too, there wasn't a shred of pork left in that crock pot at the end of the night. My dad, who is pretty picky when it comes to BBQ loved it, and so did Jay. Jay wants to know when I'm making it again. Maybe next weekend? This is so easy, and know anyone who loves a pulled pork sandwich would love this recipe. And, it really couldn't get any easier!! By the way, we had people over to watch the SEC championship game, the only game that really matters in football (not that I'm biased...ok I definitely am...we rule!) What the heck happened to Georgia there? Can someone say roll over? Yikes! 

WAR EAGLE!

Christmas Pictures

I decided to decorate for Christmas last weekend. Yes, I know, I'm a weekend too early. I have a good reason though! My grandparents are coming into town for Thanksgiving this year, and it's the first time they are going to see our new house. I wanted it to look festive and pretty and have lights hanging everywhere. I don't know when they will be down again, so it sounded like fun! After decorating, crafting, and putting glitter on anything that sat still long enough, I was finally done by Sunday afternoon. Haley had pretty much followed me around all weekend, she had glitter stuck to her head, she had tried to eat all of my pine cones, and was completely over the whole ordeal. So, like any good mother would do, I took her picture all over the house. I will add more pics of some of my DIY Christmas projects, but thought this would make everyone smile in the mean time!

When we first moved into our house, we noticed that someone had decided to take the mantel shelf with them as they moved out. It's typical in foreclosures for stuff to be taken out of the home, but this was just weird! Either way, had to decorate that space. I had to have a place to hand stockings that my mom and I made last year! Doesn't Haley look so pretty!

I was attempting to hang lights in the window, she thought it would be a good idea to play with those lights, so I thought it was a good idea to decorate her with them. Such a sad face! This may make the Christmas card this year!

And of course, like any good child, she sat in front of the Christmas tree for her picture! I am actually surprised that everywhere I asked her to sit, she not only sat immediately but she stayed there until I took her picture a couple of times for good measure. So proud of my sweet pup!

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!

The Big Reveal

I am so excited to finally reveal my new master bathroom! It has been a few long months, and several snags along the way, but it is finally finished!

I know it is a little difficult to tell height, but this vanity was right above Jay's knee. He is 6'2", so it was a long reach to brush his teeth. Beyond that, the home had been sitting empty for so long since it was a foreclosure, and the sink was leaking the entire time. The bottom of the vanity was rotting through. Not was I was looking for in a master bathroom. 

The lighting is bad here, but you can see the fabulous carpet that was in front of the vanity. The 80's are calling and they want their look back! I wasn't having any of it. I asked Jay if I could rip it out and start over, the next day, this was all gone!!

My dad found a guy in Atlanta (real sketchy side of town) who builds custom vanities for very little money. We had odd sizes in our master and guest room so thought it would be worth a shot. Home Depot was going to run about $1200 for just the vanity in our room, and about $850 for the guest room. On top of that, they would need filler strips to fill in the extra space on either side. We were able to have these custom made to size, no fillers, for about $900 for both. Definitely money saved. I just had to prime and paint them. If you are thinking that bead board is a look you like, rethink before you paint them yourself! Love the look, almost threw my paint brush at it in the process!

I hate to even mention my flooring, because Lowe's almost died over this. I bought Armstrong laminate, yes I said laminate, flooring from them. The guy in the flooring department guaranteed they would be there in 5 days, it ended up taking 13 days. The only reason I was upset is because I wast trying to finish this project before Jay's parents came into town. Also, the store manager couldn't have cared less after I called him. That's right, I am one of those people. I feel like after working so many years of retail you should do whatever it takes to take care of the customer. I still think I could have walked them from their distribution center in Valdosta quicker than that, but enough with my rant. After they went in I was so happy! I love them! But, in the guest room I am going to find and Armstrong distributor instead of going to Lowe's. I think it will be money well spent!

See what I mean about the floor? It's fabulous! I had already painted the walls by the time Stuart came to put the floors in. If you are in the Atlanta metro area and need a handyman who can do everything, email me I will give you Stuart's number. There is no one else I would trust to be in my home all day other than him, and he is so reasonable. He can seriously do anything!!! His wife came with him the day he had to put the vanity in because he couldn't move that beast by himself. She played with Haley all day, and Haley was a very satisfied customer as well!

Once the granite went in it seemed like this project was almost over! Love it! I also have a granite guy I could recommend. He is fairly priced and it seems like he can get to you and work around your schedule whenever you need to. 

TA DA!!! The finished project. I am in love. I know it looks like my mirrors are way off balance, but the light above my mirror is out. Even though I put a new bulb in...another project for another day I guess! All in all we did the entire project, including materials and labor for less than Home Depot was going to sell us just the vanities for. I am pretty impressed with myself. It looks great and I found bargains all along the way! Now this is the bathroom I was always hoping for!!

What can I tear out next? Jay...keep breathing, I'll wait until after Christmas ; )

A Day on the Plains

Jay and I were so excited that his parents, Beth and Gary, were able to come down and visit a couple of weekends ago. We were able to show off our new house, and take them down to Auburn for a football game. We had a blast! Jim and Rose Carey, some of Beth and Gary's long time Atlanta friends, came with us to the game and hung out for our tailgate.

I just couldn't wait to show them our new house. Of course my bathroom wasn't ready, even though I had the timing planned perfectly. By the way, it's still not finished! Jay was able to take a day off work and go play golf at the Country Club of Roswell with his dad, Jim, and my dad! Here are some pictures from our wonderful weekend.

The Williams Clan Tailgating!

Jay and I...10 am and breaking into the first cape codder of the day!

The Williams Clan again

What's that spell? AUBURN Who's gonna win? AUBURN WAR EAGLE!!

Jay, Beth and Rose

Love our pre-game

Let's get this party started!!

This...in a single picture...is how you know that God is truly an Auburn fan! Nothing beats a sunset like that on the Plains.

Love every picture I can get under Toomer's Corner. Sad that our kids may not have this same experience one day!

Everyone who knows me, knows that I bleed orange and blue. There is nothing more memorable to me than my time spent on the Plains. This is a magical school that enough good things can't be said about. I don't need any comments from Georgia or Bama fans on this, because at the end of the day it isn't family that surrounds your school. Auburn is all about family, everyone brings their kids there, and everyone is raised the Auburn way. So proud to be a part of this tradition!!

WAR EAGLE!

Pink Isn't Just a Color...It's an Attitude

During the car show I met this amazing woman named Bobbi Sevigney who just happens to be the pink tool lady. She sells pink tools called Tomboy Tools. It's absolutely amazing. I was skeptical at first, because it seems that when you find pink tools they are more built for looks than to actually be used. But these, these tools are made to be used. I have told everyone about them! She has all sorts of kits, for all sorts of projects. You can get a set for painting, gardening, basic stuff around the house, and even a kit to keep in your car. I personally want the kit that includes the pink tool belt and pink safety glasses. I'm going to add the pink hard hat so I am always ready to be on a job site at work. She is always having specials on these kits as well. $50 off when you spend $90, a build your own kit this month, and some amazing deals coming up for Christmas. The best part about it, is if you host a tool party, she can host a skills class while your friends are there. It's always nice to have a couple of pointers for little DIY projects, or just how to save some money by doing things around the house on your own. I am a firm believer that every woman should have her own tool kit. You always know everything is in good condition and know where to find it. Tomboy Tools allows you to do that, while having tools that are made for women. They aren't just cute, they are made for a woman's hand. I can personally say, after working in a construction based distributor, that there is nothing more empowering than being a woman who can handle herself on a job site, in the field, and in the office. The fact that you can do it with a pink tool kit is even better. Learning simple things like DIY projects has gotten me respect, not only in the office, but with the guys who work in the field as well. And let's be honest for a moment, these tools are adorable!! Definitely check Bobbi out on facebook or at Tomboy Tools.

The Garden Kit - Comes with a 2 gallon bucket with handle, transplanter, cultivator, garden snips, rubber grip gloves, and knee pads. $47...great gift for Christmas.

The basics kit - Magnetic hammer, multi-bit ratchet screwdriver, 16' measuring tape, and slip joint pliers. $40. There isn't a college student out there who doesn't need this!!

The Pink Diamond - Pink tool box, magnetic hammer, multi-bit rachet screwdriver, 25' measuring tape, utility knife, mini hacksaw, level, needle nose pliers, slip joint pliers, mini pry bar, rubber grip gloves, safety glasses, picture hanging set, pink suede tool belt, knee pads, carpenters pencil, and a sanding block. **Look in November for a special on this kit!!!**

Auto Kit - Canvas carrying bag, jumper cables, extendable screwdriver, LED flashlight, digital tire gauge and rubber grip gloves. $79. Again, think college students and new drivers...excellent for Christmas!

This is what I am DYING for!! Would love this on job sites! It's OSHA certified...only $24!!

The hammer has a magnet on the top that will hold your nail. You throw the hammer down, the nail sticks into whatever you are working on, and no pinched fingers or chipped fingernails. Who doesn't love that? Only $12!!!!

As you can see, I am officially a walking ad for Tomboy Tools...hint hint to my mother for Christmas! I'm the handy woman around our house, and would love these for my collection! 

Cars for Kids

This past weekend Grace Fellowship Church had their annual Car Show at their Snellville campus. I feel privileged to know Rus Mazza who orchestrates this show every year. The Men of Grace come together to raise money for our KidzLife program. Of course, it's not that tough to get the Men of Grace excited about muscle cars. I have volunteered for the past two years, and am amazed by the turn out each year. Being it's second year, we weren't sure how big it would actually be. There ended up being right north of 100 cars, and a handful of motorcycles as well. Mom, Dad, and I worked the registration tent with a wonderful woman named Linda. Her husband was in charge of the live auction. Someone donated a 1958 Volkswagon Beetle Vert (that's convertible for all of you non-VW folks out there!). We had close to 20 vendors selling their arts and crafts, tools, and different car related products from insurance to motor oil. The church also decided to have their Fall Festival the same day. There were tons of kids running around in their Halloween costumes all day, which made for a fun day all around. I know Rus, and the other men and women who volunteered their time, put a lot of thought into this weekend. You could tell. From sponsors, to food, to vendors, volunteers, tshirts, and more, all was handled perfectly. This is one of my favorite weekends in the fall. My dad and I have a 1969 Camaro SS that is our little project car. I love that car. We have done a lot to it since he got it, and we have made a lot of memories in the garage around this car. So glad we can share our love of cars with the kids at church, and the community surrounding Grace. 

Of course I had to put in a picture with my massive trophy! It's taller than my car!

Dad and I!

This is the bug that was donated to the church. It was auctioned off at the end of the day and sold for $19K. Very exciting for KidzLife!

The front of the church. In preparation for the show, the church displayed a new car on the front lawn every Sunday. It's so amazing to go to a church that is so supportive of it's members.

She's too cool for school!

Thank goodness for Kurt Farhy. He has been babysitting the vert ever since it belonged to the church. He was getting the radio cranked to entice all of the bidders at the auction.

The amazing Mr. and Mrs. Mayfield! They made sure all requests were prayed for and were there for anyone who needed them.

Mr Rus Mazza and Dad!

Cheryl Mazza was one of the amazing vendors who showed up on Saturday. She has the most amazing gifts, and I can't wait to get her online. She's nervous to start selling online, but I see Etsy in her future. Look for her on future posts. 

The adorable Halloween bucket she made me. Can't wait to put it out at the house this week.

The Barkers running registration. 

One of my favorite VW's at the show. So vintage! 

The color that Fords should be.

My absolute favorite car at the show...besides mine of course.

The car show was an absolute success. We raised close to $25,000 for KidzLife. So the next generation might know!

The Biggest Little-Day of Her Life

This weekend I was able to be a part of Dennis and Rachel's Wedding Festivities. They were married at the Braselton Stover House, in Braselton, GA. It was absolutely gorgeous. The perfect setting for a Southern Wedding. The weather was great, the flowers were gorgeous, and everyone could not have been happier for them. One of the coolest parts of the wedding ceremony was the song that Rachel walked down the aisle to. Everyone who knows her knows she was born to sing. Unbeknownst to anyone at the wedding, she sang and recorded her processional song. When the song started playing Dennis could not keep it together any longer. It was amazing, and there wasn't a dry eye out there. Rachel also included all of their family members that are no longer with us in the ceremony by lighting a memorial candle. The photographer took a ton of great pictures, which I will have to include later, but here are a few of my favorites.

The bridal party got their hair done at Karma Salon in Buford. If you are looking for a place for your bridesmaids, or just a new place to get your hair done, this Salon is definitely worth checking out. The girls are amazing, and the salon is so calming. They have it set up so you can get mani/pedi, airbrush tanning, or just a whole new style. They were great to us. We had mimosas and sat around laughing with each other all morning. 

Loved Rachel's hair piece. It wouldn't be Rachel without bling! It went perfectly with her dress!

Had to add the ceremonial veil placement. You aren't truly a bride until this has been added. This was also Rachel's something borrowed. She borrowed it from a family member. 

Like I said, not Rachel without bling! These shoes are bangin!!! The pop of color matched all of the wedding decor, but it also looked amazing under her dress. Most everything else at the wedding was pretty formal, these gave her dress the relaxation it needed.

Beautiful bridesmaids bouquets. All of the flowers for the wedding were done by a cousin. I love the pops of purple from the hydrangea and roses.

The deep purple was amazing in Rachel's bouquet. 

This was Rachel's something old. It was a pin that her uncle gave her grandmother, who has since passed. Hiding it under her dress was the easiest way of having her grandmother with her while she walked down the aisle.

Gorgeous dress! She found it at Formally Yours off of Highway 29 in Lilburn. I also got my dress there so I'm probably biased, but love this shop. Just decided what size you need and don't listen to their suggestions. They suggested Rachel get a size 2, and she had to have a zero taken in. They said I needed 3 extra inches of length added to the bottom of my bridesmaids dress, and there were 4 inches removed when it was hemmed. The other girls all had similar experiences. But, they have a great selection for a great price!

Centerpieces used in the reception area. It is hard to tell in this picture, but there was dark purple pops of fabric on all of the tables, and dark purple ties on the chairs. That, with the light colors of purple in the centerpieces, was an amazing combination.

Candi, Rachel's mother, threw an amazing wedding. They were obviously surrounded by loving family and friends. We should all be so luck as to have relationships like these in our lives.