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