{Random Things}Decorate

Hey everybody!  I started taking a blogging class about a month ago called Blogging Your Way after seeing that two of my favorite bloggers, Leslie from A Creative Mint and Holly from Decor8, were the teachers.  I absolutely loved it, and the knowledge I gained was priceless.  If you're wanting to become a better blogger I would strongly recommend taking it.  

That leads me to my topic of the day, a review of the book Decorate.  It was written Holly Becker, of Decor8, and Joanna Copestick.  I bought it a few days ago, and I've already looked through it over a dozen times.  Flipping through the pages just makes me happy. 

The book is great because it take you through the design process from start to finish beginning with space planning (SO important).  Next it helps guide you in finding your own personal style, and gives you invaluable tips on how to do so.  Then it walks you through some examples room by room.  Last, but certainly not least, it talks about all those little finishing details, from lighting to floral design.  This is often the part I have a hard time with, and it's such a big part of the finished result. 

Well there you have it.  I definitely recommend you pick this book up!  You can pre-order it on Amazon or you can buy it right now in-store or online at Anthropologie.

I hope you're all having a great Thursday!

{My Life} My 28th Year

Photo Credits: John Stennes via GF Herald

Happy Monday everyone!  This weekend was an exciting one for sure.  Our good friends Shawn and Michelle had a baby boy (Ethan Michael) on Saturday.  He is absolutely perfect.  Congratulations to you two!  

On Saturday and Sunday we had people over  to watch the Fighting Sioux claim their spot in the 2011 Frozen Four, which just happens to be right here in St. Paul.  It also happens to be the weekend of the Twins home opener, so it's sure to be an awesome weekend!  

This Friday I turn 28.  My 27th year was an awesome one.  I got to watch my husband tackle what is sure to be one of the most exciting moments of his life.  We bought our dream house, and I got to decorate it.  I went to London for the first time, and I lost 25+ pounds, just to name a few things.  I'm not sure my 28th year can top this last year, but I do want to at least tackle some goals I have.  What better way to hold myself accountable then to put them in writing, so here it is.  

Goals for my 28th year (in no particular order):

1) Keep my house beautiful.  We've spent a lot of time and energy making our house beautiful, and I want to keep it that way.  I need to keep myself organized, and not let clutter get out of hand.  

2) Become a better photographer.  This has been a goal of mine for the last few years, but I haven't made much progress.  Having this new blog has made it more important to me then ever.  

3) Start my own business.

4) Finish or be close to finishing school.  It's time to move on, and take that next step, whatever it is.  

5) Blog, Blog, Blog.  I've heard that so many people give up on their blogs within the first year.  I don't want to be one of those people.  I love the way it challenges me.  I also want to make it a priority to network with other bloggers.

6) Become a better gardener.  I have a lot more space now, and I want to use it.  

7) Be more frugal.....enough said.

8) Make lots of lists.  I used to make lists all the time.  It kept me organized.  Lately I haven't and I feel like I forget things all the time.  

9) Dabble in web design.  I really want to understand web design a little better, especially code writing.  

10) Become an expert at using my sewing machine.  

11) Finish my studio/office/craft room.  I have a pretty good start, but it's not really organized at all.  I want it to be as functional as possible, while still being pretty.  

12) Volunteer.  

Well that's it for now.  I wouldn't be surprised if I add to this list as the year goes on.  

Have a wonderful week everybody!

{Fab Finds} Ashley Brooke Designs

Photo Credits: Ashley Brooke Designs

I have received a lot of compliments on my blog header, so I thought I would make the artist today's Fab Find.  Ashley is the creative mind behind Ashley Brooke Designs, and she was absolutely fabulous to work with.  She does everything from custom illustrations to invitations to recipe cards.  She has even done custom illustrations for celebrities such as Kathy Lee Gifford and Tori Spelling.  

If you've been looking for a way to help out those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I recommend checking out her Spread the Love Postcards.  They are not only adorable, but a portion of the sales go to the Red Cross.  It's a great way to help those in need, but also get something cute for yourself in the process.  

Enjoy and have a great weekend!