Farewell Friend

This will officially be my last post on The Simple Wife. I have loved every post of this blog and it has been fun discovering the gratification of sharing my life with others. But I have been consumed by life, grad school, and work to keep up with both my lovely blogs, so Dwell wins! Please follow me over here and keep reading!!

Introducing...

I am finally ready to reveal my new endeavor. Please welcome my new blog:

It is a blog that is exclusively about the home. When I started blogging I kind of just posted whatever came to my head, but the more I write here on Wife the more I began to think that I didn't have much of a focus. I want my visitors to have a place to rely on for information of one topic- I don't think many people are just interested solely on what I'm doing daily. I'm keep posting here, but it will be more about fun and easy recipes, things to do, and such.

Simply Dwell is a place to come to find all your home decor, organization, and inspirational needs for your home. My favorite thing in the world is fiddling in my home so Dwell is a perfect way for me to share my passion with all of you! Come visit and let me know what you think! I will have a reward for my readers very soon...

Kicking Butt

{ She rangles snakes too! Courtesy of her flickr. }

Look out people! Mrs. Boatman is kicking robot butt and taking names! Ash, I'm glad you are doing well, and I hope you somewhat enjoy the slow pace for a while. I'll be over again soon for a PJ party!!! I wish you a quick recovery! Love you.

copyright The Simple Wife

More Blooming

Last year I fell in love with this plant. I saw one of else while driving home from work. It is what looked like a huge white hydrangea tree. It have these beautiful white blooms all over it. After a trip to Pike's I learned it was a fittingly name Snowball bush. I had to have it. When I planted it last summer, I was only able to get two partial blooms during its season. So this year I was anxious to see how things would come out.

Needless to say, I have tons of huge blooms this year, so much that the branches are wilting down from the weight. A beautiful way to add softness to my evergreen garden.

© The Simple Wife

#200

I can't believe I have made it this far! Post #200! Who knew I would have so much to say. Thanks to everyone who visits and reads. I love having this blog to share my thoughts, ideas, and accomplishments. I feel, though, that I need more direction in what I post here. So I am working on streamlining what I write about so that I can have a more clear focus.

Also, I will be debuting another lovely little surprise very soon. Please stay with me while I perfect it!

Office Oldies

After I posted the picture of my beloved office for my personal style mission, I discovered the OLD pictures of what our office looked like when we first moved in. I must say it was very sad. I used my figure drawing studies and printmaking pieces to adorn the walls, but that was the whole story at that point. I wanted to do a make over using everything I already had and only added in a few pieces. I used wrapping paper to recover the storage boxes and magazine files, changed the arrangement of the furniture and brought in a little more storage. 

From this:

Add in:

Paint - $25/gal, and $8/quart

Rug- on clearance $30

2 cabinets with doors- $50

Curtains- on clearance $20

Equals =

Small changes + color = a lovely place to write and create.

© The Simple Wife

Photos: Amazing Day on the Green

Erik invited me to be his caddy for an afternoon round of golf at our city's golf club. He loves golf more than anything in the world- except me, duh! So I was very excited when he asked me if I would join him. Here is our round on one of the most beautiful days in Georgia.

{ Hole 12, the spot of Erik's 1st Hole in One! }

Thanks babe for letting me tag along. I had a blast!

Love, Chris

© The Simple Wife

Georgia + Pollen + Black Dog=

This is what happens when your black dog enjoys rolling around in the sun on the porch after weeks of disgusting pollen falling in Georgia. Needless to say, I had to wash down the dirty dog with Baby Wipes before letting him back into mi casa. Wow, he really is my child.

© The Simple Wife

New & Fun Living Room Additions

Remember when I said I was fickle? Well it has struck again. I have not been loving our living room as of late, so I decided to add some fun stuff. When we first moved into our house I wanted a comfy adult space, but then the matchy, matchy got out of control. I wanted everything symmetrical and the same value. I think that you should never seriously decorate a space until you live in it for a while. We tend to over decorate in order to make things feel cozy. And sometimes your taste just changes. I am more drawn to colorful, fun stuff now.

 So here is the before:

{ Please excuse Doc's blanket fort, he likes to hide }

I decided to update and change the two main features: the wall art above the couch and the pillows. Pillows have been a challenge for me. I have wanted something with a fun  pattern, but with a washable, removable cover since Doc likes to make forts (see above) while we are at work. And, I'm sorry, but I refused to pay upwards of $20+ for a PILLOW!!! That is madness. So I used the fabric I mentioned earlier and made these fun pillows. Both are removable and washable! 

{ The tie pillow exterior is fleece with Amy Butler's Polka Dots, and the woodgrain is cotton. }

{ Amy Butler with felt ribbon accent }

I got the idea for the tie-sided pillows from a pillow that is on our bed from West Elm. The beautiful bird fabric ended up not working so well with the other fabrics so I'll have to find something else to use it on.

Next is the wall art. I kept my painting but I gave it some friends. I love to make and see fun stuff on walls. I hate the modern aka "showroom prints" on walls. I think Art should be entertaining. I used a charcoal bone study from college and I made a fun collage about my favorite food, and I did a felt portrait of my little Doc. The owl, a mirror, and graphic G top off the collage.

Finally I swapped my candlestick lamps for an industrial touch that I love so much. I got these lamps at Ikea for a steal $8.99 and spray painted them a lovely pumpkin orange. They give a nice ambient light great for watching TV. 

So there is another change to the Grubbs' house. 

Let me know, what do you think?

© The Simple Wife

Kitchen Clutter

Sometimes I am slow. I mean that often I am late in finding wonderful resources. After all I am still kind of new at the blogging world, but I have finally found my new favorite place, The Nest. It is kin to The Knot which helped me find the greatest photographers in the world for my wedding. So I have been visiting the The Nest and found a wonderful article on the best organization helpers for the Kitchen.

{ courtesy of thenest.com, Ikea's Grundtal Wall Organizer Collection }

Here The Nest gives you its 10 Kitchen Storage Solutions for under $25. It can only get better from here.

© The Simple Wife

Clean, Clean, Clean

{ Say what? A bath?! }

A busy cleaning day around the Grubbs' house. First we started our day with a delicious lunch at our favorite spot, The New Yorker Deli. Then we headed to our friend's house to visit their new bundle of joy Stetson. I was right on time for his afternoon feeding, so I got to sit and give him his bottle. After a nice long visit we headed to Home Depot for a couple yard items.

We cut the grass, weeded, blew clippings and fertilized everything. A nice fresh start to the Spring growing season. My hostas are popping up everywhere and the shrubs are fresh and green. Once we got the outside done we moved the festivities inside. We started with Doc. He is usually a nice sleek black dachshund, however since he played on the porch while we were in the yard, he had since turned to a nice chartreuse with pollen. Erik gave him his bath, and I cleaned our bathroom. I love getting the house clean on the weekend so then I don't have to worry during the work week. But wait, OH YEAH, I'm officially on SPRING BREAK!!!! No more work for me for 7 days!!!! I'm sure I'll come up with plenty to occupy my free time.

© The Simple Wife

Thanks Lesley

Lesley tagged me. Here is the deal: I have to find a picture of a room that exhibits my personal style. Everyone else tends to lead towards the living rooms, but this room sums me up in one word: CLEAN. I like to feel it, see it, and do it.

{ Love the color, wood floors, simple light and classic tub. }

My style is always changing. It varies depending on the given room. Overall, I am drawn to uncluttered, simple, and balanced designs. I like clean lines for furniture with eclectic, colorful accessories. Right now, I love industrial accents and saturated colors. Personal pieces are the core of my decorating eye. I never want someone to come to my house and say, "Oh I have that same blah blah blah." Original. That's what I insist on. 

Here is the room in my house that best depicts me. Our office. Love it.

{ Doc snuck in... }

Here are my Tags:

My sister Ashley

My college friend Anne

Have fun girls!

© The Simple Wife

Did you turn out the Lights?

I did!! Although I missed the first 15 minutes, at 8:45p on Saturday night I turned out every light at my house and sat in the quiet candlelight for Earth Hour. Doc and I had a calming meditation on the couch. I have to say that being alone in the house- Erik was out playing poker, that I was a little scared. I am a scardy cat when it comes to the dark, but the quiet was nice. I hope you conserve some energy this week!

© The Simple Wife

Holy Motherhood!

When you approach your early to mid twenties it's weddings. Every weekend there is a shower for someone and your summer is booked every Saturday from June to August with nuptials. Then as you head towards your thirties it's babies. I have several lovely lady friends who have given birth to adorable little lovelies in the past year and a couple who are due this year. But this weekend takes the cake.

On Friday, our dear friend Heather delivered her little girl, Corri via c-section. She was several weeks early but mom and baby are doing great. So as Erik and I were celebrating and congratulating her, we received a call on Saturday that Erik's friend Clifton and his wife were in Labor and Delivery about to welcome their little boy. At 3a Saturday morning Stetson Michael arrived. Both moms were on the same wing! So Sunday we went and visited the families. It is always heart-warming to see the new parents so filled with joy and happiness. I love how nurturing the hospital rooms feel with a new family in them.

And still to come... 

My best friend Katie and her husband CJ will be welcoming their little one later this year. Katie is very far away in Omaha, but she sent me some pictures of the baby.

Isn't it amazing how much you can see! Like a little submarine in the belly looking at him/her (they are going to be surprised with the sex of the baby). I can't wait to see Katie's belly, I'm already jealous- I think bellies are so precious! 

Congratulations Katie and CJ! 

© The Simple Wife

Etsy Finds: FabricWorm

While it rained outside today, I spent the day surfing the web for the perfect fabric to make new pillows out of for our living room update- yes, another room that I want to change, just little things. First stop Etsy. Of course there are tons of Amy Butler fabrics, how can you blame them, her fabric designs are lovely, but I was looking for something different. I wanted a vintage feel with orange accents and some humor. FabricWorm had just what I was looking for. 

HOLD THE PHONE! It's perfect!! I found this awesome package with three fabrics that met my needs perfectly! So it is ordered and on its way! No need to look any further. 

The Plan: I'm thinking of using the birds (with a felt ribbon accent) and the wood-grain (with a piped edge)  for pillows for the couch, and the Amy Butler polka dots for a lumber pillow for our leather club chair. There are a few more surprises for the room, but I'm not going to post until it's done! More work to be done...

© The Simple Wife

Dust Bunnies Beware

{ courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com }

As Spring approaches so does the urge to nest and clean. The enviable spring cleaning is creeping closer. I like freshening up the house with new accessories and re-organizing cabinets and closets. With Spring Break coming up in a week, I have started my list of things to do, cleaning being one. I love the school teacher schedule because it allows you to catch up on things at the appropriate times, Spring Break being well placed for gardening and cleaning. So stop over at OrganizedHome  to see a great Spring Cleaning Chore Checklist to help guide your efforts. Go check it out and get your home ready for the warm weather! 

© The Simple Wife

New Sprouts and Cupcakes!

Two of my favorite things. As Erik and I were working 'round the house this weekend, I came across these little ones poking their way up through the mulch. My hostas. I love seeing the return of my winter sleepers in the spring. They are so green and vibrant and determined to get out, and that's exactly how I feel!

We took Sunday off from house work. Erik went golfing and I went to have dinner with my family. This Sunday's family dinner took place on the ol' Square at Marietta Pizza. The best place to get a huge, thick, and crispy slice of Sicilian Pizza. It was amazing. Afterwards the fam came over to our place for desserts. I filled the house with the sweet smell of cupcakes earlier in the day. We sat and indulged in our treats and watched a little America's Funniest Home Videos, a family tradition several years in the making. It was a great weekend.

© The Simple Wife

Weekend Warriors

Saturday morning started nicely with a yummy breakfast at one of our favorite spots on the square. Chocolate filled croissants and fresh fruit, delicious. We then headed to Home Depot for a few things to help us with our To Do list for the day. We were working on staining our basement doors and building a gate for our front porch. I used some of the stain left over from the porch project and worked on the basement doors.

{ The Before }

{ The After }

Erik built a gate for the end of our front porch. Our porch is raised above the ground so you can see underneath it and it isn't pretty so Erik built a lattice screen for the front, so he was just finishing the job with the gate for the end. He put brackets on it so if we needed to get under the porch we could lift the gate and go. After he built it, I stained it. 

{ The Before }

{ The After  }

Not bad for a couple hours. Our next weekend project is to paint our retaining wall that is my nightmare and Erik has a plan for finishing the top of it. Here it is in its current state. Shocking, I know.

© The Simple Wife

Owl Love, Pt. 2

{ Plein Air Painting }

My previous mention of my love for owls became inspiration. Erik is kindly letting me mix up our living room with a few, minor changes. When we first moved into our home we wanted a nice, warm space, but that feeling of 'nice' has since washed away and we are looking for some funk, people. We have removed matchy from our style and moved to the fun. We like the look of thrown-together madness. So I am changing the art arrangement above our sofa. Currently there is one of my original paintings, but it is lonely, so we are adding some more goodies. I have a drawing or two to add, maybe a sculpture, and this little guy that I painted Friday night.

It is a watercolor that I have lovingly titled Scrappy. He looks a little rugged doesn't he? At least he has his caterpillar friend to keep him company. Erik will be adding one of his own to the wall as well. I'll post pics after all is complete!

©  The Simple Wife

Adoration: Plush Owls

My current obsession is plush owls. They just have the most hilarious faces on them, and I can't help but laugh when I look at them. Owls have become so interesting to me lately and I'm not sure why. Here are some cuties I found via Flickr:

{ courtesy of flickr.com }

© The Simple Wife

Ah Ha Uses

My favorite feature in Real Simple Magazine is their New Uses for Old Things section. Posters and pony tails beware, your rubber friends have found new homes. Check out Real Simple's new uses for Rubber Bands:

1. Open jars with ease. When a small lid won’t budge, wrap a rubber band around it several times to give you a better grip.

2. Decorate Easter eggs. Arrange rubber bands in a pattern around hard-boiled eggs, then dip them into dye. Remove the bands when the eggs are dry.

3. Bring order to your dishwasher.Tether stemware and other delicate, wobbly items to the rack.

4. Wrap a gift. Use multiple colored rubber bands instead of ribbon to add modern flair to a small present. (Particularly handy when you can’t find the tape.)

Another excellent idea:

Wax Paper as Dust Remover

Original purpose: Preventing baked goods from sticking to the pan.

Aha! use: Picking up dirt and dust. Rip off a piece roughly the size of your sweeper and attach it just as you would a cleaning cloth. As you sweep highly trafficked or dirty areas, the gunk sticks.

Reward: Wax on, dirt off.

© The Simple Wife

Un-bruised Apple

I love my Macs. I have an iMac and an ibook and I would be lost without them, and I will protect them like my own child- when I have one. So when I was surfing the web I found these awesome MacBook covers that actually go on your computer to protect them from bumps and bruises. My sister Ashley had one and I was intrigued. What a great idea! An since they are at Wal-Mart the price is right!

{ Speck @ Wal-Mart, $39.88 }

Add a splash of color to your MacBook with Speck's SeeThru hard shell cases, our road-tested, translucent cases protect your notebook from scrapes and scratches and stand out vibrantly in a sea of same-ness. Device-specific engineering makes for a custom fit and highlights the sleek look of your new MacBook.

• Vented for safe heat disbursement
• Totally removable, easy to put on and take off
• Built-in rubberized feet keep your notebook secure
• Access to all ports, battery check button, Kensington lock, CD/DVD drive
• Compatibility: Apple MacBook Pro 13" Display Screen 

© The Simple Wife

Simple Treats

My sweet tooth often drives my every move. It determines where I eat (do they have a dessert menu here?), how long until bedtime (an hour before means ice cream), and even when to do errands (is Cold Stone still open...). So if I can control or muffle it in anyway then I feel better and am more productive. I was in a salty/sweet mood on Sunday when I remembered that I had some pretzels in the pantry along with some white chocolate and I do own a microwave. The rest is delicious history...

(In case you don't get it by the pics, Step 1 have chocolate and pretzels. Step 2 melt said chocolate in microwave. Step 3 put pretzels in chocolate. Step 4 Inhale as to not have to share. )

© The Simple Wife