nature

happenings

So here’s some life updates:

Back in September, I posted about taking the first 2 sections of the NCIDQ Interior Design Licensing Exam…and guess what?  I PASSED!! So excited – and to be completely honest – sooooo relieved.  Now I can take my time to relearn hand drafting and prepare for the last day of testing.  Not sure if I’ll take it this Spring… we’ll see.

i passed

Today marks 9 years since my hubby & I first started dating.  We were 19 then –  but feels like just yesterday!  Literally, we’ve spent almost a 1/3 of our lives together! Haha so weird to think of it like that.  It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it.  I love him more each day.

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I’m still waiting for fall to come.  I think we had one cool week so far…but then it warmed back up into the low 80’s last weekend.  Even for Texas that is unseasonably warm in December!    But we have been blessed with such a beautiful, warm fall this year.

This past weekend we attempted our first Christmas family photo shoot.   We found this cool walking bridge near our house recently and decided it would be a great spot.  It’s called the Faust Street Bridge and its original structure dates back to 1887!   I love it.  Most of the shots were pretty silly, but we did get a few keepers. Camera tripod = best $30 I’ve spent.   Here’s a sneak peek …

faust bridge smaller sizeIMG_1293 copy

guadalupe river smaller size

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us smaller size

PS. I’m not anywhere near ready for Christmas.  I think I have a grand total of one present off my list, and no tree up yet.   How about ya’ll?

thursday thoughts: hello november

November is here again… one of my favorite months!  Despite the 85 degree temperature, here’s just a taste of all the things I’ve been daydreaming about all day….

Yes I’m aware (but still in denial) that the leaves do not change color in Texas.  (This picture was taken by my husband a couple weeks ago when he was up in Michigan)

I’m usually not big on coffee but a nice warm latte sounds fabulous in the fall!

Soon it will be time to dress like this.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner….. 🙂

(Image Credit:  The fall photo belongs to us.  All photos link back to their original source, if known.)

Earth Day, Everyday: green tips to integrate into your everyday life

(Photo Credit: Juul07 Photography)

I remember when I was in Elementary School, we would celebrate Earth Day by each receiving a tree that we could go out and plant.  Looking back, it was great and all, but I wish they really gave us insight on ways we could really help the environment.   There are so many little things we can do in our everyday life that make a greater impact.

A lot of people still (sadly) think that being “green” is for tree huggers or environmental fanatics.  Really, keeping our world beautiful is the responsibility for EACH OF US who live here.  Just as we take care of our shiny new car or iPhone or home, we need to take care of what is outdoors as well.

(Photo Credit: © Irene Suchocki, via her blog, Eye Poetry)

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Here’s some ideas to make the world a better place:
  • Begin recycling if you haven’t already.  Even if it’s just every milk jug, soda can, and cereal box.  You are keeping these items out of landfills.
  • Reuse paper and plastic bags
  • Carpool
  • Turn off the lights, computers, TV’s, etc when you are not using them
  • Open windows instead of using the A/C
  • Use natural daylight instead of lights
  • Minimize the amount you waste by not buying things you don’t need or will not use for long
  • Don’t litter. Ever.
  • Turn your thermostat off when you are not home.
  • Try to buy commonly used items that are biodegradable, like paper plates and disposable silverware.

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(Photo Credit: © Ashley Herrin. Grand Teton National Park)

bringing the outdoors inside

One of the best ways to breathe life into a room is to bring what’s outdoors, in.  Earthy inspired spaces are all the buzz right now.  More than just a trend, embracing the beauty of nature creates a timeless feel.  Freshening up your space has never been so easy.

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Tip #1:  Use natural materials as architectural elements.

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Wood beams or floors. Stone fireplaces. River Rock surfaces.  All so beautiful.  And they create such a focal point.

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Tip #2: Accessorize with plants, rocks, and trees.

(Source: Apartment Therapy)

Items like potted plants, fresh flowers, tree stumps or branches, and stones add a little something to a space.

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Indoor plants done tastefully can bring a great pop of color to your space, and also promote healthy, breathable environments by improving indoor air quality.

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Tip #3:  Incorporate furniture and fabrics made from natural materials

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  Furniture made from rustic wood or woven grass is eye-catching.  Using fabrics like linen or cotton have a more refreshing effect then those like nylon or polyester.

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Tip #4:  Implementing green products and sustainable practices into the design

The above picture shows a piece of wall art made from live succulents.

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Close up

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A canopy made from renewable willow.  Other popular rapidly renewable materials include bamboo, cork, and wool.

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Tip #5:  Use a crisp, neutral earthy color palette

Using whites and earth tones can make a space feel light and airy.  This can open up an entire room, making it seem larger.

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How have you brought the outdoors into your home?