This weekend we ventured to the beach for a few days.  We met my husband’s family there and it was a wonderful time!

We mostly ate and walked along the boardwalk and beach, but we also did some shopping for keepsakes.

Being the bargain shopper that I am, I purchased these lovely postcards for $1!  Yep, 4 for $1! 

I’ve got plans to matte and frame each postcard…I love cheap art that doesn’t look cheap!

While at a museum along the coast, I spotted a beautiful handpainted tile.  But I’m a cheapie conservative buyer, so I didn’t want to pay $12 for one tile.

Thankfully my husband could tell how much I wanted it..So he snuck back to the museum and bought it for me!

**Aren’t the lovebirds cute?!! And I love that it has coastal colors without looking too beachy.**

Thanks baby!

I love the beach…

It really is that simple.

We only live a couple of hours away from a beach and we try to go as often as possible.

It’s a great day trip.

But sometimes I wish we lived at the beach…like “right outside my door.”

And that’s why I often read this…

just to dream.

And the recent design of their Idea House in Seabrook, WA. has me smiling at the thought of our one day “beach house styled, but not really a beach house’ home!

These were my favorite pictures from the IdeaHouse…

I love the openness of this family room. And so much sunlight!

I love a good pantry!

I love this room for two boys!

I love those bone inlaid mirrors!  and the bamboo detail on the cabinets is pretty fabulous too!

And I’m a sucker for a tufted ottoman!

It’s a great house…and it will definitely be filed in my decor inspiration folder!

JHill Design City Prints!

                           These prints are vibrant, fun, graphic and on my wishlist!

                              They even have prints with muted color schemes!  My favorites!

                                             I love this one of Austin, Texas!

They have a variety of popular cities, but they also take custom orders!  The city of one’s wedding would make a great anniversary gift!  ***HINT!!!**:

Visit their site at http://www.jhilldesign.com/

(All images via JHillDesigns)

Once a month we host a couples’ game night.  There’s good food.  There’s good conversation. Alot of laughing.  And a good time is had by all!

This month’s theme was fiesta!  We had a taco bar and too many desserts to name! (Thanks Tenille!)

I went a little color crazy with the decor, but it was fun!  Aren’t fiestas colorful, anyway?!?

Today’s Throwback Thursday is for my husband…

I think I prolonged this one because I’m slightly in denial over how long we’ll live in this apartment.  But I’m happy to report that hanging up pictures in our bedroom made the room feel a little cozier.

I also made the two small white pillows from these…

 This is the pitiful BEFORE.  Don’t Judge.

**Note*** The Light & Fit Yogurt container is NOT filled with Yogurt. I use it to store small boxes of raisins and packs of fruit snacks.

I hate those wire shelves. Most snacks fall through the spaces between. 

So, this was my solution.  It was simple and most important, it was cheap!

I just taped two pieces of small poster board together, and placed them on the shelf.  I used two pieces of masking tape to secure the posters once they were on the shelves.  Like I said, simple!

The rest was just organizing and throwing away useless items.

And here is the much less embarrassing AFTER:

In honor of the late Michael Jackson and his recent birthday, this Throwback Thursday is dedicated to him. (That’s for you Ash!)

This is one of my favorites.  Only Mike could create at 13 minute video complete with credits and references to all his other hits.  And of course I shared the extended version!  You’ve gotta enjoy the entire experience to appreciate this song.  And who doesn’t appreciate a little more time laughing at Chris Tucker?

                                                   My birthday is in 5 days! 

I’ll be 26, but I can’t help but think about 30.  I’ve seen so many bloggers make lists of things they want to do, try, accomplish before 30 and it inspired me to make my own list.  I’m starting mine rather early, because some of the things on my list will take some time.  But I’m also challenging myself to make atleast 10 of the things on my list about someone else.  I don’t want the next 4 years of my life to be defined by how I’ve tried to do things for my own satisfaction. I’ll complete and reveal the list on my birthday!