HERE THERE & EVERYWHERE [BUT I'M COMING BACK]

Pin It Now! Well-Hi!
Long time-no blog! This is true but I have a very good excuse reason. :) 
Ya'll have ALL probably used this reason before...

LIFE.

One thing after another and then before you know it, it's been a year and a half since my last entry!
When I started blogging, I did it all...I blogged consistently (as possible), constantly making mental notes on scenarios or crafts or recipes or ANYTHING that could be a blog post, taking the pictures...and more pictures...then MORE! Then filling up Pinterest boards with "to do" crafts, and researching "How to Grow Your Blog"....and trying to apply it...then researching MORE. I don't know...I got tired, I think!
But I really miss blogging.  Just a place to let it all out-an outlet, so to speak.
And I really miss you guys.
And mostly, I really miss reading YOUR blogs! I've popped in every so often to scope out what's new and happening, but not a whole lot....sad to say!
Don't get me wrong.  I REALLY REALLY imagined this being THE way to become a stay-at-home mom again and do what I love to do most

CREATE!
Create anything!

I saw your blogs and wanted THAT! I knew it was a lot of work and time and effort
(I am not oblivious to how much time it takes to have a successful blog)
But I am still working a desk job (that I AM grateful for, of course)...
My blog brings in ZERO income...
and the worst part...
I hardly ever spend time crafting anymore! Just dabbling in it here and there.
SO. NOT. ME.
My house is STILL in the process of being renovated....8 years later----still incomplete.
SO.NOT.COOL.

So, I've decided this:
1: I'm coming back to "Blogland"-but on my own terms.
Not gonna stress out about SEO, this and that, mumbo jumbo...Just gonna enjoy it here and there. 
2: I am gonna make time for my projects again! It's way past due.
3: I am gonna have some fun!
4: This will be a place that my children and family can visit from time to time to read about OUR life and moments created and shared together....that I shared with the world.

Some people will read.
Some won't.
That's OK.
I am OK.
I am just glad to be back and I'll be visiting everyone soon!

Have you ever taken a break from blogging?
What were your reasons?
I'd love to hear them---I am sure I am not alone (I hope)!

Watching the rain and dreaming of sunshine,

2013 CHRISTMAS CARD [MERRY CHRISTMAS BLOGLAND]

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Seasons Greetings!

I wanted to share our family Christmas card with you guys! We went rustic this year! Really really happy with it!

(This card is edited. I printed 50 cards and mispelled "Comfort" with "Confort"-Oh well. At least blogland will see it corrected)

:)

I considered having a back to the card, but that didn't happen! Boo! But if I would've have a back, it would've been this! 

 

My kids are seriously goofy! No clue where that came from?!

 

Not to get all serious on ya, but as always, it's that time of year when people start reflecting on the past year and dreaming up the great things in store for next year.

Well, I gotta say...I'm kinda feeling...well...meh!

Don't get me wrong, this was a great year...

1.

 I lost 30 lbs by exercising and eating right (gonna have to peel off a few of these holiday pounds after the holidays, but that yummy cornbread dressing and loads of chocolate is WORTH IT!

2.

We were able to get a few...very few...things started in repairing our home...as much as funds would allow. But I am SO HAPPY that we won't fall through the bathroom floor now! Yippeee! And maybe we can get another goldfish and it won't freeze to death since the heater is working again

(True story---Our fish froze to death while we were on vacay one year-The house was THAT COLD)

3.

I have a great family with precious kids and a devoted hubby!

4.

With today's economy, we are simply blessed to be employed and have a home! PERIOD!

 

I can go on and on about stuff like that and I am TRULY GRATEFUL, but I can't help it, I just feel...blah!

It's hard to explain why! It's weird! I'm weird, I know!

I guess, there are just some things that didn't pan out like I would've hoped. Being in this place is good for me. I am usually pretty optimistic and happy-go-lucky (which I don't plan on ever changing), but from time to time, I tap into reality! haha! I'm not gonna get all into detail about that stuff, it won't make my point come across any stronger, therefore it's just unnecessary. But I am SO SO SO happy about realizing that life isn't about all of your dreams coming true. It is about understanding that people change. Dreams change. ...and even though disappointment hurts, anticipation for the NEW dream that God places on your heart will be greater and more fulfilling than before.

But all in all, I AM READY FOR A GREAT 2014!

FOR REELZ!

I am hoping for the following:

1.

Making more quiet time for prayer and devotion.

2.

More time making music---not for anyone else---just making music! Gotta get back on the piano and improve those skills.

3.

More work on the house, duh!

4.

Maybe renewing my wedding vows for my 15th anniversary! Could be fun, huh?!

And

5.

Peace, Love and Joy in my home.

 

Just simple.

 

Merry Christmas everyone and I hope and pray your new year is full of dreaming, whether they are old dreams or fresh and brand new!

 

Love,



CHRISTMAS IS APPROACHING [VINTAGE WINTER WHITE TREE]

Pin It Now! I hope and pray everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving! I ate way to many carbs! :) But I'm thinking Monday will be a good day to get back on track with a healthy eating plan?!?! Right? RIGHT!
It won't be very long (3 weeks and some change to be exact) til CHRISTMAS! Is it just me or did this year fly by? I mean REALLY FLY BY!?
Well nevertheless, the holidays are here and it's truly my FAVE!!! I am not done with my Christmas decorating but I have managed to get the tree and mantle done....and I love it!
My vintage inspired wintery white tree with pops of soft blue and red...

Still need to get my star topper, but I love it's cottage-like vibe! I may add a tad more blue and red but I usually end up making ornaments so I always leave some spots open on my tree for some add ons!

We all picked out our yearly ornament! Can you tell which one is mine and which one is for the Hubby?

Last years tree with turquoise, red and white that you can see here was one of my favorites ever, but this year I was feeling something a little more simple and soft.

*SIGH* Just makes me smile!

How's your decorations coming along? New scheme this year or sticking with the same?

I'd love to see!

 

Loving the brisk air and warm slipper socks,

FALL TABLE [GOODWILL FIND]

Pin It Now! I'm in love with this white display dish from goodwill! It made the debut appearance on my table!


I love green apples for my fall decor!



Gold pinecones paired with moss and green apples work perfectly together!
This just makes me smile!

Happy Fall y'all,

Nelly

MOMMY & ME [MERMAID COSTUME DIY]

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         Hey all! Just wanted to pop in and share a little something with blog land! Every year my daughter and I dress up together for Halloween! She picks the costume and I make it and wear it! It's fun and kinda our little thing (I'll enjoy it while I can) 

         This year we were MERMAIDS! No- NOT "The Little Mermaid". Just....Mermaids! She LOVES the old kids show "H2O" and so that is what sparked her choice!

         First, I did lots if research to get ideas all over the net and Pinterest and combined them all to get this look! 

        It was so much fun! The tail are a sequin stretch fabric in a basic pencil skirt shape, pulled tight and sewn up the back- just one seam...SCORE! The fabric didn't fray so I didn't bother with hemming. I added tulle to the bottom and voila! I sewed the tulle with a simple quickie stitch. 

        I found lots of YouTube ideas on creating mermaid-like fish scales and mostly people use fish net stockings as a stencil-so clever huh?! I used a piece of the netting I bought for my sash (to save money of course) and would recommend using the stockings. It would be easier to place over your face instead of holding the other net tight as you blot the makeup over it. It came out good but wasn't "easy".  The colorful hair is a mix of deconstructed dollar tree dress up hair and blue hair chalk (which is super messy by the way). For the crown, it's a dollar tree dress-up crown with shells and pearls glued onto it and lighted painted, again, with champagne gold.

        My son  is totally over the "mommy made my costume" phase and he HAD to have this morph suit! I mean HAD to HAVE IT!! 

        The top is real shells all hot glued on a basic white cami and then I brushed a champagne gold over them. I bought an actual fishing net from hobby lobby and glued shells to it for the sash and wrap as shown in the above photos.  I also had it in wrapped around the back of my hair (forgot to take a pic of that). It was cool looking! 

(This is before the gold) 

         Soooooo, that's about it! It was so much fun to wear and be a mythical sea creature for a night!
Lord only knows what my little creative diva will have me wearing next year!

Lots a Love,
Nelly

NEW FRONT DOOR RE-DO [HAPPY FALL YA'LL]

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Ok so I know I am totally terrible at being a consistent blogger...but I swear y'all, I miss it soooooo much! It's weird, blogging is a whole other virtual world and it is (as you all know) time consuming, but it's really awesome and worth the time (if prioritized properly)!

My favorite think about blogging is going back and reading old posts and seeing the changes in life or even the "same-ole" stuff that should have changed.  A few years ago, I posted this post about the fall season and I still think back on that post every fall! Seems like blogging is not only for the reader, but also the writer as well!

Anyway, I'm Just popping in to share my new front door redo!

I love the turquoise! I made that color by blending a bunch of color samples together ( all in the same sheen, of course) and voila! I call it....
"Turquoise gray teal medley"!
Trés chic, right?!
The trim is Benjamin Moore "Dragon's Breath"!

I'm lovin' it!!

Anyway...Happy Fall Y'all!!

UPDATE:IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG [MISSED YOU]

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*Exhale* Ahhh! 

Yeah...it's been a while since I've checked in huh?..I know, I know! 

Big blogger "Faux Pas".

After the Holidays and all its craziness, it has taken me a while to bounce back! 

Like I mentioned HERE IN THIS POST, I am a random chic! I am working on this issue in my life....But if you want to know the REAL me and not the image that I am painting myself to be...

there you have it...

I. Am. Random.

But here I am now!

HI!

I have missed you Blog World. 

I am so thankful for every person who has (strangely) found me interesting enough to follow my blog...

THANK YOU! 

Really! You guys RAWK! 

Sooooo....Do you forgive me?! 

Gee! Thanks! I knew you would!

*tee hee*

Anyway, enough with the begging and pleading...

2012 ended with some cool self reflection that I talked about HERE.  I never was the big deep thinker, but I don't know, I am changing a little, I think.  And I like it!   

2013 has begun and... 

Number 1: 

WE WILL FIX MY HOUSE! It's top priority folks! I am SO done!!  

I need to share my "House Story" with y'all! Maybe I will on another post, but seriously y'all....

It's dying! Like....Hospice has been called....Like....There's barely a pulse!!!

We have SO many projects that are BEYOND the "I just wanna update this room and make it look pretty" reason! It's more like..."If I don't change the floor ASAP, we just might fall through it!"

I have the hubs on board so I foresee a year of weekends full of DIY mania...Well, as soon as the funds start flowing...which, it will...*fingers crossed*...I am very hopeful! So friends *you know who you are* get your tool belts ready and your paintbrush in hand! It's gonna be a wild year!
:)

Number 2:

I started a weight loss journey (among most of America) in January.  

The goal? 35 pounds. I am down 14 in 7 weeks! YAY!

 I am pumped and motivated!

I will stick this one out! I am determined!

Number 3:

I did something a few weeks ago that I have been wanting to do for a VERY long time! 

I went to a BIG singing audition. I have been singing nearly all my life and never did something like that! I will share the whole story in another post soon.  It was SUCH an awesome experience!

So check back for the scoop!

So, Yeah! This is my check-in update! I will not let so much time go by again before I check in...I promise! Blogging is something I really enjoy!!

Really!

Enjoying coffee on a quiet Sunday morning,

Click Here to find me on Instagram!
Smooches!

CHRISTMAS 2012:WELCOME {TAKE A PEEK}

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Welcome to our home, Christmas 2012!

Just wanted to invite you in to take a peek into our home this holiday season. 

I snagged this awesome mosaic mirror reindeer for $6 after Christmas last year! Score! 

Wrapping paper this year is brown paper, white and tiffany blue (all dollar tree items)! The white and blue are a little thin so if your box has writing on it (like mine did) try making this oversize bow to disguise the writing for the little sneaky ones that may be snooping around under the tree.

 I love my new Scentcy Nativity wrap!!

 This cute little snowman ornament makes me smile! He was my ornament choice last year! This year I snagged those acrylic icicles also from the Dollar Tree, 2 for $1!

Score AGAIN!

I have had these Old Navy stockings for a while but I plan on sprucing them up for next year! Time for a re-do!

 I am very happy with my tree, but I had something with a lot more white in mind. I'll be looking for those after Christmas sales to add to my white ornament stock pile!

Little Gia says Peek-a-Boo and Merry Christmas! 

I can't wait to see your holiday home decor! Leave a link to your blog in the comments (along with your thoughts) so I can take a peek!

Thinking of Eggnog, pumpkin pie (and then doing about 100 sit-ups)...

*sheesh*

Linked up to:
Serendipity & Spice

Thrifty Decor Chic

2012 CHRISTMAS CARD:MERRY CHRISTMAS BLOGLAND

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How are you enjoying your holidays so far?

Me? I am LOVIN' IT! 

This year has been such a strange one for me.  Nothing tragic happened (thankfully) and yet nothing AMAZING happened either (unfortunately). I was reflecting a few days ago on this past year and I couldn't help but feel so thankful and at peace.  In the same breath, I feel challenged to grow spiritually, and of course the normal..."go on a diet next year" thought is on the brain.  But honestly, changes were made in my heart and life this year that has been the beginning of a more balanced life.  Haven't gotten there just yet...nope...not even...but I feel like the journey there is stronger this year than last.

My challenge to you:
When you are looking back on this past year, don't merely look at whether monetary things have changed or even at the unfortunate tragedy that may have struck your family
...look deeper.
Closer.
I think you may be surprised at what you can find when you chip away at the rocky moments.  You just might see something sparkle below the rocks.  Something more valuable than meets the eye. A life lesson learned that seemed insignificant or unbearable at the time.
You may stumble upon a diamond in the rough!

Thank you to my amazing friend, Chris for the wonderful family pictures! Check out her blogs,

Reaching for Freedom and Defending the Dandelion. Her story is amazing and very inspiring!!

Thinking of where else I can use twine, burlap and pine clippings,

SHRINKY DINKS {ARE BACK}: PHOTO ORNAMENT

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I am loving how this photo ornament turned out!
 

So so so easy to make! The hardest part is deciding what you wanna "shrink"!

This is just a glimpse of my Christmas decor!

A holiday home tour is on the way, along with many other wonderful bloggers (anticipation has set in).

Back to the ornament...

It is a printable shrinking plastic that I bought at hobby lobby for 6.99 with 40% off coupon. The instructions are great and super easy peasy! I trimmed them with twine and accented with teal raffia ( gosh, I just love teal), a red pom pom and sequin.

I wanna make more!!!!

Do you like?!

*ahhhh* just loving the holidays,

GIVE THANKS:{THANKFUL} PHOTO-A-DAY

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Hey Ya'll!!!!!

I know I haven't been posting tons of things the past few months and the reasons for this would probably fill up an entire post!

Lots of changes..and its been good!

Please forgive my inconsistency..A blogger's "faux pas", I know! However, the greatest change regarding my blog was realizing that this blog is about me being a real person and part of this reality is that I am a very random person. I am not totally proud of this flaw, but that's me!

Random Nelly!

Readers deserve REAL people. Isn't that the beauty of the blog world?...or at least the way that is used to be? I was trying so hard to keep up with all the big bloggers that I admire SO SO SO much and I aspire to grow in this way...they are SUPER BLOGGERS!

Buuuuuut...

I. Am. Not. There. Yet.

:(

With all of that said...On with this post!

November is the BEST month of the year for A LOT of great reasons!

Cooler weather (most of the time), Yummy fall foods, pumpkin-flavored EVERYTHING (especially pumpkin spice latte), the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, putting out my sugar cookie candles and

numero-uno...

Thanksgiving!

Of course, the "politically correct christian like" thing to say is, "Well, I give thanks all year long!"

Yep! I know that is what some of you may have been thinking---No judgement here folks!

:))

And I agree! Although I have such great intentions to do this very thing (Give thanks allll yeeeaarr looonng), I fall short. A LOT. Every year.

So I enjoy the HARD FOCUS on giving thanks in November! I remember kinda feeling this way last Fall (you can read that post HERE). There's like a little nudge in my heart reminding me that all the mumbo jumbo of the year is just that...Mumbo Jumbo! I enjoy putting in perspective all the great things that God has done and how he has blessed me, my family and friends! 

Yep...I don't make the most money...but I'm thankful I have a job that works well with my life!

Sure...my clothes are a little tighter this year...but I am thankful I am healthy (and enjoyed all of those Mexican Restaurant work nights)!

Um, yes...my house needs A TON of TLC...but it's my house and it's a home full of laughter and love!

Mmm Hmmm...I do not have a perfect marriage...but I am STILL married going on 14 years which is a miracle in today's society! Whoop Whoop!

OK...I know my kiddos are balls of energy and a handful at times...but Golly...I love em and they love me and its AMAZING!

It's not about "settling" for what you have or where you are in life..it's about recognizing that where you are and what you have is a blessing and there is ALWAYS a silver lining!

So  yeah, if you are up for it...I will be posting my pics representing things that I am thankful for...whether big or small... on my blog and over on Facebook and Instagram!

Wanna join me?

DIY RAG DOLL COSTUME:ON THE {CHEAP}

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I am so excited to show y'all my Thrifty DIY Mom-Daughter Rag Doll costumes!! I googled and googled and prowled all over pinterest for cute ideas and stumbled upon ( no, not the website...actually stumbled.upon.) the cutest inspiration from A Beautiful Mess which featured an ADORABLE Rag Doll creation by SkunkBoy! This was the launching pad inspiration for our costume!

The cost:

Mommy:

Shirt-Free-In my closet

Dress-5.99 Goodwill (Only bought something wearable again)

White sash-Free-Old flower girl dress

Long candy stripe tights-5.00-Party City

Wig-5.00-DIY No-Sew (I'll tell you how I made it below)

Daughter:

Dress-Free-old dance recital costume

Purple Tights-3.00 at Walmart

Socks-3.00 at Walmart

Apron-Free-Used an old shirt that was too small and cut the top off below the sleeves and added a piece of ribbon long enough to tie in the back and hot glued it along the cut edge

Wig-2.50-DIY

Grand Total-$24.50 for both---Not SUPER DEE DUPER DEE cheap---But for an entire get up like that and for TWO costumes, I'd say pretty Darn good!

OK so now for the yarn wig "deets"!

My sewing machine has been broken for a while so it was gonna have to be a

no-sew-er!

I looked...and looked some more for an easy no-sew way to make a yarn wig.  Most of the options I found involved sewing in some way...

...and then.

I FOUND.

the ONE!

HA!

Yes, I found an easy no-sew way to make the wig HERE using:

•  A crochet or Knit hat in the same color as yarn for the hair and
• A crochet needle
• Yarn

I was one happy DIY-er when I found this!

1. I wrapped the yarn around a pillow 20-30 times then gathered the center end of the opposite starting side and tied it with a 5 inch piece of yarn---REPEAT 11 TIMES

2- Using the crochet needle, poke through from the inside of the hat grabbing the yarn and pulling through the smaller piece of yarn used to tie the bundle together. Do this with both pieces and tie them on the inside of the hat securing it to the hat.

*PLEASE VISIT HERE FOR VERY DETAILED DIAGRAM EXPLAINING THIS PROJECT!

There is no point in trying to reinvent the wheel! :))

3-You can add bangs doing the same process.  I used a DVD case instead of a pillow to make my bundles.

I know I don't have tons of great pictures or details, but use the blog that I used and you will be happy with the outcome! I used a crochet hat for my daughters and a knit hat for mine.  The crochet was easier but they both worked out!

I love how the costumes turned out! We all had a blast at our Halloween Alternative Family Event at our church!!

And now...on to the HOLIDAYS!!

Dreaming of Thanksgiving and the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree,

DEBBIEDOOS NEWBIE PARTY