trade days.

Yesterday morning my parents, Robbie, my mom's best friend, Diane and I drove out to Canton for First Monday Trade Days.  It was hot...ok, really hot...but we had fun anyway.  I love looking at all the design yummy-ness, although I think I will wait until it's cooler before I go again.  I wanted to share a picture I got that I LOVE.  It a wooden picture that says "let it be" and it's super vintage-y and fun.  This is a line of products that we will definitely be carrying in the shop.  The stuff is fabulous so it belongs with me :)

Canton always has fabulous vintage frames and I could not resist this one for only $15!  I love the shape and will have to find something really cool to do with it.

All in all, our trip was a success! (Even Robbie & my dad found a couple of things.)  If you every have a chance to go to Canton--GO!  You will love it, just like I do!

waiting for the movers...

...and this is my view of the TV.  Awesome.  :)

busy.

I have been super busy this whole week helping robbie.  He's moving to a fabulous new apartment and we have been busy bees getting everything ready.  The movers come tomorrow and then he will officially be knee deep in fabulous-ness (because his new apartment rocks). So...that's about all I have done this week.  Oh, I did go to that interview and all went well--should be wrapping things up tomorrow and will hopefully get the J-O-B!  FINGERS CROSSED!!  Please say a prayer that it all works out.  It would be perfect because it would be super fun and would still allow me the time I need to get things rolling on the boutique.  (And yes, I know I just used "would" 3 times in one sentence...HA!)  I will fill you all in if things work out!

I have not done any designs this week because it's been that crazypants busy with the move stuff.  (You are welcome, Robbie...hee hee.) But since we have so much fun together (case in point...the photo below) we actually make all that packing fun.  :)

Oh, you might notice that I have a new "gadget" in my right sidebar.  If you follow my blog then add yourself to my "followers"...I will use that gadget to grant fairy blog mother makeovers randomly.  How fun!! :)

We are going to Canton this weekend.  I will try to get some pictures of all the design yummy-ness.  CAN'T WAIT! Hope you all have a fabulous Friday!

xoxo,

fab k

hopeful.

I figured I would start this post with a little vignette of picture of Olive.  I mean, a post is better with pictures...right?!!  All is well over here...we're moving along slowly with the boutique.  It's a long process...there is SO much to do.  Right now we are trying to find the perfect spot.  Not an easy task...let me tell ya!  Finding a good space is so competitive.  It's kind of a beating.  I am trying to stay optimistic though...I am sure we will find the perfect spot at some point.  

Let's see...what else...oh, Robbie is moving into a new apartment this weekend.  We went apartment shopping yesterday and found a really nice place that's super big and a good deal.  And it's closer to me.  (YAY!)  So, I am going to go over to his old apartment to help him get ready to move.  He told me I will have to use some "tough love" when we are figuring out what stays and go.   It should be fun!

On to other topics...is anyone else excited about Dancing with the Stars, Gossip Girl & the new 90210?  I am.  Oh, and GG & 90210 start next week.  AHHH.  Can't wait!

Ok--so in the middle of posting this...I just got a call...I might have a job!  Please say a prayer--I go tomorrow at 11 to discuss details.  YAY! :)  This would be perfect because it would give us as much time as we need to get the shop details in order.  YESSSSS!

update time.

It's been awhile since I have done a straight update on my blog...so here goes.  First things first, I will fill you in on the whole job situation.  For that, I must start at the beginning, which might take awhile, so I will be amazed if you make it through this post.

Since May, I have been talking with a company. I love everything they do and was blessed enough to have them take notice of me due to a friend and my blog.  I was seriously pinching myself because I could not believe how perfect the fit was for both of us. I originally talked to them on a Friday in mid-May and was told they would get back to me...and they did a week later.  They told me that they "loved them some fabulous k" but did not have to resources to bring someone on full-time.  Disappointing...yes...but they said they wanted to work with me on a project per pay basis and wanted to set up a time to talk about the projects.  So, although I was disappointed I could not work there full-time, I was excited to do projects with them and be associated with them in anyway I could.  I quickly emailed back with a "YESSSSS!  I would love to, let me know when you are available, can't wait" type email. And I waited, and waited, and waited and NEVER heard back.  I just figured they changed their minds since I never heard back.

Fast forward to the beginning of this month, 3 months later, and I am laid off.  They contact me and say they are putting something together for me.  YAY!  I was SO excited.   They told me not to get a job, that they want me there, etc. They did make me an offer 3 weeks later but unfortunately it was not for me.  It was a 100% commission offer.  I talked to so many people to get their opinions and they all said the same thing...why would I take a 100% commission offer for a position I have never done in an industry I have never been in?  It just did not make sense for me.  I hope they find the right person though...after all they have one of the most fabulous services in town.   They need some help making things run a bit smoother and although I know I could have been that person, I still have to pay the bills!   

Ok...now that I updated you on all of that...you are probably wondering what I am going to do.  I am currently looking for a contract recruiting job because...

MY MOM AND I ARE GOING TO TRY TO OPEN UP A BOUTIQUE!!

It's a lot of work but we are blessed to have the opportunity and are so excited.  It's not a done deal by any means...we have a lot to work out.  Right now we have the concept, name, etc. and are looking for locations.  We have narrowed it down to 2 areas and are just waiting for the right spot to be available.  Our shop will be a mix of stationary, wrappings, one of a kind pieces, little decor items, etc.  We have some additional details that will make us completely unique that I have to keep under wraps for now but it's going to be, well, fabulous.   So...please keep us in your prayers as we move forward with this endeavor.  I am going to try to find a contract recruiting job in the meantime to pay the bills but as soon as we find a location I will be working on the shop full time.  Hopefully the location will come sooner than later (and you will all have to come visit).  I am so excited.

Well,  I think this has been a long enough post.  Now you all know what's going on with me.  I want to thank all of you that send me your well wishes and prayers and ask how my search is going.  I can't wait to share all the things we are doing.  It's a tough time for me right now...I literally feel like I can't get a break but hopefully I will soon.  I hope you all have a fabulous weekend--more to come!

stay tuned.

I am going to be re-vamping the look of my blog soon.  I'll also be updating on lots and lots of things...

It will all (no doubt) be fabulous!

Happy Weekend!! :)

i ♥ blogging.

Tonight I ran into Britney and her sweet family (hubby Brad and cute baby Eli) when my mom & I were having dinner tonight.  Britney and I had never met before...we were just "blog friends" but now we are "real life friends" because we have actually met!  So fun!  This blog world is crazypants fun.  It just goes to show that all you blog stalkers should comment every once in a while because you never know when you will run into one of your favorite bloggers outside of the world wide web!  Britney--it was so nice to meet you! :)

$10 decor.

So I have this shelf in my living room that I love...

...but said shelf had an empty space underneath that I didn't love.

I also had these 3 frames just sitting in one of my closets collecting dust...

...so I bought some stuff to put in them.

And I made these.

Even Olive approves.

MUCH better!

It makes such a difference...and for only $10!  How FABULOUS! :)

**Special fabulous shout out to Robbie, who was dragged around Paper Source while I was picking out the supplies for my project.  You are a very manly man creative genius.

prayers.

Please say a prayer for my family today.  My mom's cousin, Claudia, passed away on Monday after a long battle with brain cancer.  She was only 57. Here is a beautiful poem from her website that I would like to share with all of you:

God saw you getting weary,

He did what He thought was best;

He put His arms around you

And said, "Come and rest."

He opened up His golden gates

On that heartbreaking day,

And with His arms around you

You gently slipped away.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

You did not go alone;

A part of us went with you

The day God called you home.

Claudia had an unspoken bond with my grandfather, who passed away from cancer 6 months ago.  I feel absolutely heartbroken for our family and for all that Claudia had to endure.  God Bless Claudia and God Bless Us all.

perfect scents.

I have to share these two fabulous things with you all.  I am a sucker for candles...or anything that will make my house smell yummy.  I like clean scents...nothing that smells too perfume-y or heavy or anything that smells like food.  I found the PERFECT line of candles.  They are called LOLLIA and they are just plain, well,  fabulous.  Oh, and there is NOTHING plain about them (I mean, the thing comes with it's own glam right there on the packaging).  My favorite is the BELIEVE collection.  I have the candles and the hand cream and am going to order the perfume.  I love it.  They sell it at Anthropologie, in case you are interested. And they are so pretty that I don't mind having them out, even when they are not lit.  They are worth the splurge!!

Also, I found the PERFECT room spray.  It's actually nursery spray but I don't have a nursery (DUH) so I use it everywhere else.  It's by THYMES and it's from their Baby collection.  It's called Sweetleaf Baby and it smells so so so sweet and nice and clean.  It's super fabulous!

I hope you are able to try and enjoy these products as much as I do.  How fabulous!

little trinket.

I know this post may be kinda boring if you don't like seeing all the little trinkets that I buy here and there but I am gonna share them anyway, because this blog is about things that make me happy and fabulous little trinkets are definitely in the "making me happy" category.  Having said that...I want to share one of my purchases from today with you.  It's this absolutely, positively adorable bottle & topper.  LOVE THIS.  I have seen them at several different places around town and decided that this one needed to come home with me today.  I might go back and get 2 more to make a grouping and I trying to decide what to fill it with.  Anyway...I love it and that's all that matters, right?  :)

BTW--look at that beautiful sky...it was such a beautiful day today!

guess what came today...

My Allure Experts Chanel mascara!  Yesssss!  I can't wait to try it--YOU KNOW I will give you a full review in a future post.  How fun!

I ♥ ALLURE & CHANEL!  YAY!

sweet olive.

Today, Robbie was off because he is leaving for a fishing trip to Colorado this evening.  Since his flight did not leave until tonight we decided to go to Taco Diner for lunch.  (yummy.)  After, we came back and played with Olive.  She's is the cutest.  And she is too adorable not to pick up and love on.  Need proof?  See below...

allure is fabulous.

I now know what my Allure Expert product is going to be (see this post if you have no idea what I am taking about!)  I got this letter today and my brand spankin' new--not even out yet-- Chanel mascara should be here soon.  How fun! :)  

happy birthday ryan.

Last night we celebrated our friend ryan's birthday.  The night started out with...what else...some rocking out on ROCK BAND.

As you can see, it's very serious business...

The birthday boy & Robbie

Swaim & the birthday boy

With one of my favorite people in the word...

being silly, as always.

We were greeted by the JAGERMEISTER girls and they came with lots of swag...

Shirts, hats, light up buttons and leis...gotta love free stuff!

Swaim & I rocking our jager swag

inspired.

How can you not be inspired by this?  I love the Olympics.  I love the sense of spirit, the amazing athletes and the pride I feel when I see the USA get medals.  Michael Phelps...Dara Torres...WOW is all I can say.  It truly brings tears to my eyes (and not to mention they make me want to hit the gym!)  Amazing.  I look forward to watching all of these athletes dreams come true!  :)

So, tell me...what is your favorite Summer Olympic Sport? 

hopeful thoughts.

It's been a crazy couple of weeks.  I can't say it's been terrible--I have enjoyed my time off--but not having a job is a bit stressful.  I have been really reevaluating what I want to be doing and time and time again only one thing comes to mind...I want to use my creativity! My career has been as a recruiter and I have been very lucky to meet fabulous people along the way.  Over the past couple weeks I have gotten many calls about recruiting jobs from people I have networked with over the years--But I am not interested...I am holding out for a position that I will be passionate about.  I am hoping to get that call tomorrow.  I have to admit, I am nervous. I am worried about whether or not it's all going to work out because I can't bear the thought of going back to recruiting.  So, please think happy thoughts for me.  I hope things work out so that I can share with you the pure fabulousness of what I hope to embark on.  I will keep you all posted.  Thank you so much for all your kind thoughts, comments, emails and prayers.  I know there is a plan...I just don't know what it is yet.  The door has closed and I feel like God is opening the window.  And I know that good things come to those who wait.  Until then I will "keep calm and carry on"  :)  Enjoy your Friday!

{image via flickr.com}

tagged.

I got tagged on this blog...and here are the rules:

• Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
• Share 5 songs you are embarrassed to admit to others that you like and tell why.
• Tag 5 people at the end of post and include links to their blogs.
• Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Alright...here goes.  Thinking of embarrassing songs was harder than I thought.

1. "DANCING QUEEN"  by Abba.  Love this song.  It makes me happy.  And I like to sing it.
2. "GET LOW" by Lil Jon.  It reminds me of the "good 'ole days" and my friend Christine.  Whenever I hear it I think of her and laugh.
3. Anything by Britney Spears, NSync or Backstreet Boys.  What can I say...they are catchy tunes.
4. "SHE THINKS MY TRACTOR'S SEXY" by Kenny Chesney.  I have seen him sing this live twice.  If you saw him sing it live then you would like it too.  
5. "APPLE BOTTOM JEANS (LOW)" by T-Pain.  It's awful.  And I am kinda sick of hearing it but man oh man did I love that song when it came out.  Just ask Robbie.

Now, it's your turn.  I tag:  Allison, Robbie, Annalee, Brooke & Suzanne

the beauty expert.

Hello my name is Kelly and I am a beauty junkie.  That's right...it's no secret.  I LOVE beauty products.  Lotions, potions, creams, makeup...you name it, I love it.  I love Sephora (was literally there yesterday)--probably one of my most favorite stores EVER.  Being that I am a beauty junkie I LOVE Allure magazine.  It's one of my favs.  I subscribe to it and get oh so happy when I see it in my mailbox each month.  I am also part of their Allure Experts program...which is basically a program that sends you surveys and with each one you complete you get allure "pretty points" which allow you to buy stuff from them for free.  Any way... each month they have readers try out a new product and give their feedback. Guess what...I was selected to be one of the readers! I got an email that said this:  "Congratulations!  You have been selected to try a new beauty product." YESSSSS!  I am so excited.  I hope it's something super fabulous.  I will let ya'll know what it is once it arrives! I could not think of a better treat for this beauty junkie. :)

my "shabby chic" bedroom.

I figured I would share pics of the decor in my bedroom as a few of you have asked me about it. It's very shabby, very chic and I think it's fabulous. So...enjoy the pics--I hope they inspire or at least entertain you while you read this post! :)

I could not find any pictures for above my bed that I loved...so I made some myself using canvas.  Almost everyone that comes to my place asks me where I got them...and is shocked when I tell them I made them.  (And it was an easy project to do!)

I LOVE a full bed...lots of layers and pillows.  Instead of a headboard, I let my toile euro shams and canvases act as the focal point.  (I also make my bed EVERY day.  There is nothing better than crawling in a comfy, pretty bed after a busy day.)

This is the nightstand on one side of my bed.  I decided to mismatch my bedside tables...way more shabby.  

I added this Anthropologie knob.  So cute.  They have THE BEST cabinet hardware there.  It's all super fabulous.

I LOVE this table.  I spotted it last fall at Sample House and fell in love with it.  I crossed my fingers that no one would snatch it up and was lucky enough to get it for Christmas.  It's so cute.

I found this in Canton.  They had all kinds of things like this--all of it cute.  My mom actually has a similar, smaller one that's brown in her guest bedroom. And, I love the keys with the colorful ribbon.  Found both of those in Downtown McKinney.

This is my dresser.  More Antropologie.  Oh, and I got the wall print from Urban Outfitters.  On sale.  YESSSSS!  (My jewelry box is from Pottery Barn--another fabulous Christmas gift.  I love it because it has a glass top with my initials etched in.)

I really like my shelves.  They add so much to a boring corner of my room.   :)

I  found this chair at an antique store in Downtown McKinney with my mom and our GREAT family friend, Melanie.  It was her housewarming gift to me.  It was already that color (which I love) and my mom and I recovered the cushion.

These....I LOVE.  These were my great aunt's and my grandfather painted them.  They are so delicate and pretty and are in the original frames.  They are priceless to me.

So...there you go.  My bedroom in a nutshell.  Now, here's my challenge to you--take pictures of a room in your house that you love and post them on your blog.  It's so fun and inspiring to see everyone's style so share away! Make sure you leave me a comment telling me about your post so I can come visit.  Happy design posting!

"your house is cute."

That's what Claire said when she got to my place tonight.  Pretty funny thing to hear coming from a 3 year old.  She's been here before but decided tonight she thinks it's cute.  We had such a good time today.  It was crazy busy...it was seriously a dream day for Olivia & Claire.  So, here is the play by play...in pictures, of course.

DESTINATION #1

Dallas Aquarium

We saw birds, an alligator, manatees, turtles, penguins, jellyfish, sea dragons and much much more!

Olivia & Claire 

visiting with a pretty bird

HUGE turtle in the manatee exhibit

I LOVE this picture of Claire!

so sweet.

PENGUINS!!

(claire held her nose--very fishy!)

DESTINATION #2:

Children's Play Place at the Galleria.  

So many kids...but SO much fun!

Olivia Rae

Claire Louise

DESTINATION #3:

The American Girl Store & Bistro

To quote Robbie:  "Someone is really rich now."  He could not believe all the stuff they had for those dolls. Including the hair salon for the dolls.  Wow. Olivia & Claire LOVED it.

Robbie & the girls in front of Kit's house at the American Girl store

DESTINATION #4:

Where else but good 'ole

CHUCK E. CHEESE

The girls enjoying their pizza

Watching Chuck E. Cheese sing

Claire & Robbie

Robbie & I ready to spend our tokens.  

We were determined to get lots and lots of tickets so the girls could buy fabulous prizes!  What can I say??  This is serious business, people.

After Chuck E. Cheese we went to Super Target, picked up a few things and then  had ice cream. (Vanilla with rainbow sprinkles--thankyouverymuch!)  So, as you can see...we had a blast!  Talk about a kids dream day :)  Tomorrow we will head to the pool.  I imagine that by the end of the weekend they will have nothing to say other than "kelly (& robbie, 'cause I know you are reading this) are the coolest!"    Happy weekend to all of you!