Home Dreamings Part II

Okay, dining room ideas.

I've realized that I am most attracted to tables with rustic wood tops and metal bases. They are casual but can easily be “fancied” up with candles and a pretty table cloth or runner.

I've been eyeing the bottom table from World Market for some time now. We bought our couch from World Market last summer and it was one of my favorite purchases. Great price and good quality. Plus, the table would be the perfect size for our little dining room in our new house.


Dining room chairs can be a stinking fortune, so I’m thinking of thrifting around for a couple pairs of sturdy wood chairs and then painting them all gray.

It all sounds so easy right? Oh wait, I’m five months pregnant. And probably moving in the next four. Maybe this is all wishful thinking, but it is nice to think and dream.

1. 2. 3. 4.

In other news. Things with the band have been really exciting this last month. We got featured in Paste Magazine here, released our ep here, and are playing a really awesome show tonight here. Not to mention the three videos we've put out. And the super fun times we've been having.

Hope you enjoy the tunes/vids and have a wonderful Thursday!

A Nesting Bug

Max and I have been on the journey of house hunting since the beginning of the year. Initially we were up in the air with it, happy with the little house we were renting and willing to wait a while if need be. Then I don't know what happened, but something hit me. Perhaps it was the thought of having a new house with a new interior layout, the need for change, or the nesting bug [I consider this to be more of a cleaning and making comfortable than baby-proofing]. Whatever the cause, I have become overtaken with the itch restyle my house.

Right now we are waiting for our offer to be approved by the bank, which could take another two months. The thought of moving just before the baby comes is harrowing. Not only because I won't be able move things around with a huge belly, but because I want to feel settled in the home I bring my first little one in to. I'm trying to fight off anxiousness and instead gather ideas for what I want our new space to look like and how I can do it without breaking the bank.

I'd like to start with the living room. I love our couch and chair a couple other pieces, but I'm ready for a bit more styling. Cluttered rooms really bother me, both with stuff and colors. Clean and clear is key.

Once we get into our new house and I know what I have to work with I want to do a different rug, curtains, and pillows, and find some big art pieces.  Of course there are a million gorgeous living rooms that are big and open and grandiose, but our new house won't have that. Utilizing the floor plan/space and budget are key in my re-designing.

Anyway, here are some of my inspirations-

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Next up, dining room inspiration!

The Need for Awe

I just finished reading a book called Blue Like Jazz. Perhaps you've read it. I feel like any Christian who's slightly artistic has read or been told to read it. It was my first time reading the book and I fell in love with it. I love how natural and honest he is. His openness is like a clear, still lake that allows us to see the deep things that have shaped him, and as we look allows us to be changed.

The last chapter is about Jesus and falling in love with Him. It's really good. I thought I'd share my thinkings. First, his thoughts.

"I know our culture will sometimes understand a love for Jesus as weakness. There is this lie floating around that says I am supposed to be able to do life alone, without any help, without stopping to worship something bigger than myself. But I actually believe there is something bigger than me. I need someone to put awe inside of me; I need to come second to someone who has everything figured out."
---
I need those things too. Letting go of the control panel is so much easier when I see who is asking. When I really need a reminder of who that is I read Job 38-42. King David is known for expressing beautiful poetry of who the Lord is and trusting Him, but Job brings a depth and humanity that I love. It's not just the hipster in me that is attracted to the book that a lot of people disregard. It's got really good stuff.

Here's a few of my favorites that I will leave with you on this beautiful morning-

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?  To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut in the sea with doors, when it burst forth and issued from the womb; When I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band; when I fixed My limit for it, and set bars and doors; When I said, ‘This far you may come, but no farther, and here your proud waves must stop!’

Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it?

 

Have you entered the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in search of the depths? Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death? Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this.

I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.

Monday, Monday

Why is it so hard to wake up and face you?

I had a great weekend. Just the right mix of relaxing and busy.

Shopping, coffee with a friend, laundry, played a show, dinner with friends,

house organizing, bridal shower, dinner and movie with my fam, 

church, tv-chill time with the Mr., dinner with friends, concert, sleep.

All-in-all, it was great. 

But I wouldn't have minded some warmer temps and blue skies.

I did a little bargain shopping and picked up some goodies for the little one.

Between those and my purchases the weekend before, we are off to a good start.

#1. Gymboree Outlet #2. Shirt- Second hand; Pants- Carters #3. Shirt- Second hand (Carters); Pants- Carters #4. Second hand (Baby Gap); Gymboree Outlet; Second hand

Apparently I really like pants.

It's hard to see, but the white pants have little yellow ducks on them.

They are Max's favorite. Too cute.

I hope the week is looking sunny and bright for you!

xoxo

C.

Weekend Recap

Well Seattle was a fun little 1-day trip. My friend's wedding was beautiful and I'm so happy I got to be there to celebrate with her. GAP outlet was a disappointment but there were other stores that made up for it. Baby girl got some cute little outfits that I can't wait to share with you. But for now, a little weekend recap.

The wedding was in Greenlake and we didn't want to be late so we got there extra early. Enough time to get a refreshing drink and walk around the lake. And a few sister shots. It was windy, but the sun was shining. Considering we were in Seattle it was more than I would've asked for.

It was wonderful to meet up with friends at the wedding. My beautiful now-married friend is currently enjoying a honeymoon in Jamaica [trying not to be jealous]. They had some of the best wedding food ever. I had no shame in the pile I gathered. I had to try everything.

My sister [and pretty much my whole family] are strong advocates for treats. So Sunday I had to take Victoria to Le Panier for some of the most delicious croissants. and a baguette sandwich. and cappuccinos. Yum!

We decided it's a good thing we don't live in Seattle. We'd spend every weekend sampling all the deluctible pastries and buying fresh flowers at the market. 

We passed this shop on our way back to the car but unfortunately it was closed. They had some awesome cards and tags. I had to take a few shots to remind myself to go next time. It was also some good inspiration to make some cards myself and keep up on my new year's resolution to do more snail mail correspondence.

The drive home felt so long. Max usually does the driving on roadtrips so I was getting a little stir-crazy behind the wheel for the last 2.5 hours of big fields and flat nothingness. Buying a bouquet from the market was a good in theory, but by the time we got home they were a bit wilted. Good company for our drive though.

Coming home to my love and meeting up for a late pizza date- so sweet.

One night apart and we were ecstatic to see each other again. such wimps. and so in love.

Milk & Wine Over Time

A friend posted a simple phrase that set me on a trail of thoughts.

"time. amazing what it can do."

The events she was referring to, I am unsure of. 

But it prompted some musings in my heart.

It's a pretty well-known fact that I am disgusted by milk. I have been since I was little. I thought it was cow pee. Understandable right? Of course I love cheese, ice cream, and lattes [as long as they're hot and not over 12oz]. But to this girl, plain cold milk is gross. It really hits rock bottom when it goes bad. I'm certain that sour milk is one of the worst smells on the planet. Some serious vomit-inducing odors there.

And then there's wine. I enjoy a little here and there. The smell, or rather perfume, it possesses I find quite enjoyable. And doctors say that in moderation it's good for your heart.

[I have yet to find a food or drink that is good for your body in excess]

So here's the deal.

Milk over time = bad. very bad.

Wine over time = better and better.

This isn't completely random information. 

I was thinking about all of this in relation to the contents of our hearts. 

Bitterness and unforgiveness, fear and worry. Those are like milk. We think they make us stronger, more independent people, but in truth they are disgusting and sour everything in our lives. 

Hope, faith, and love. They are like wine. A sweet aroma and as they age they acquire more flavor and value.

I don't want to have a heart stained by the remnants of things I couldn't control. Instead I want it to be brilliant and bright with the knowledge that there are things greater than I can make happen on my own.

And now this trail of thoughts has ended.

Laundry time!

20 weeks

Feeling good!