We had been in our new home for a year and I just couldn't get a grasp on how I wanted to decorate. Unfortunately, I love change a loooot and landing on home decor that could satisfy me for longer than 6 months proved to be very difficult. I'm sure my poor husband cringed every time he heard me begin a conversation with "You know...I was thinking about the house..." Constantly, I was adding new projects or do-overs that he'd already completed (if not more than once).

The main room I wanted to start with was our family room. It is the most used room in the house (as it shares one large space with the kitchen) and after talking to Matt, we decided to budget for one room at a time, taking our time, so that it would turn out exactly how we (I) wanted & keep us (me) content for a little bit very long time.

After repainting the whole thing (yep...second paint job in one year *so embarrassed*) we focused on the 1987 recessed walls we had above each room. Here are the very first photos taken before we even purchased the house.

*** You can see how those sweet sellers decided to decorate those "what is even the purpose???" spaces. At least they tried? ***

 A lot of people I asked suggested some plants. Well...I loathe plants.  So! I sought the advice of my great and talented friend, Loi and she came up with a brilliant plan. "What if you put windows up there?" Gotta be honest, I wasn't sure. But after I ran the idea by Matt, he was way too excited. Soo...windows it was! And ironically...THE NEXT WEEK he came across some old antique windows behind his warehouse at work. Very awesome, weathered, FREE windows.

So we cleaned them up..

and after taking a long time figuring out how to hang them sturdy enough to set my heart at ease (I kept having dreams they were going to come crashing down on Emery) we did it! 

My husband is the man! Photos don't do the spaces OR the room justice. It adds so much! Huge thanks to everyone who gave input. My crazy little LETS CHANGE SOMETHING EVERY DAY heart is so happy :)

Did I mention the entire thing only cost $15?!?! 

Decorating for the Season.

This is my favorite time of year. Always has been. Granted, Florida doesn't contribute very much to the "autumn season".. but you have to make the most of it, right? We've been in our house for almost a year and a half. This is our second Thanksgiving/Christmas here. But last year, I was adjusting to a newborn and had no time [or energy] to even think about decorating a home. It was hard enough finding the time to eat. This year, however, my husband is in trouble.

My first project was our fireplace mantle. After thrift store shopping and loading up on coupons to Joann Fabrics and Michaels, I finally finished it. I got a lot of the ideas from my Pottery Barn catalog (could have dropped $300 on this little project if I had it my way) and tried my best to replicate it on a budget. From the pumpkins to the frame to the candles to the leaves...I spent under $50 for the whole thing. I am very pleased.

Thank You.

Really quick - my husband is so great. I show him an idea that I like & he makes it happen. Thanks again to Pinterest, I knew the exact "thank you" card I wanted to send out for Emery's birthday before she even had her party. After we got some photos back from her day, we chose one, and my husband worked his magic. Here it is:

inside reads: "& her birthday gift from you."

Apple Orchard

The week following Emery's birthday, we flew back to Indiana with my family and spent time with them for a week. Couldn't have asked for a more perfect visit. The weather had just started to give into the fall season and it was a nice break from the 90 degree Orlando heat. Light sweaters, scarves, and boots - my favorite trio! While we were there, we took Emery to the Apple Orchard. In my 19 years of living there, I had no idea this place existed just 40 minutes away. We want to make this a yearly trip now! Here are some photos from our day: