the yard

Home ownership is hard work, but we have been blessed with lots of helpers. This past weekend Brad and I along with my parents took on the undertaking of 'the yard'. Our yard was not in bad shape per-say, but it did lack curb appeal. So, in order for us to gain exactly what we wanted out of the perfect yard we conquered:

• Digging out three large shrubs around the house
• Removal of our 25 ft Holly tree
• Creation of an island to incorporate our Dogwood tree into the front section of the house
• Weeded (no joke they were as tall as my mom and I!)

Things we still need to do:

• Plant grass where the Holly tree was
• Trim and shape the Arborvitae trees that line the back and side of the yard
• Mulch the section where the Arborvitae trees are
• Plant flowers 
• Remove enclosed front porch 
• Paint front door

It is a lot to take on still, but over time we will get it all done. I am hoping to move in before that happens, however.

Before 

Progress

 

 

After

more work please

 Just when I thought we were wrapping up with all the major projects, did I get a surprise when the delivery of a floor sander arrived at our door. Brad has been talking about re-sanding the floors before we moved in but I honestly thought I had talked him out of it... until now.  We are deep into the floor sanding process of our new home and am thinking that the move in date will now hit more likely in July (unfortunately). The good news: our floors will look awesome. 

In other news we are in the process of picking out kitchen floor tile (we really like this), still on the hunt for the perfect white Shaker style cabinets, and the electrician is coming this weekend to fix some things up real nice.  

 

 

Lost and Found: BB Dakota

  BB Dakota top, Maxi dress (similar), Sam Edelman sandal (similar)

I saw this top on a post from one of my favorite blogger's and had to track it down. I discovered BB Dakota a few years back when there was this little boutique called Azura nearby and after they closed in Lancaster, never saw Dakota again... until now. I wore the top over a maxi dress I do not frequent much because of the revealing front, but with this new combination, will not be hiding it in the closet anymore. So even on the rainiest of days, an outfit like this will always brighten my mood. 

demolition derby

This weekend, we did demo... and a lot of it. Whenever someone would ask me, "what are you up to this weekend?", I would respond by saying "I think I am taking out a wall in the house." It would follow by an awkward stare and then the conversation would just move on from there. Well people... the wall DID in fact come down along with the kitchen cabinets and the breakfast nook closet. We had a lot of great help this weekend (thanks mom and dad) and it came down relatively fast with all the extra hands. Now we are on the prowl for the perfect shaker style white cabinets, an awesome electrician, and a move in date that hopefully starts with the word June. 

{Before}

{After}

Peppy Peplum

{AG Stevie jeans (no longer available), Sam Edelman sandals, Free People Peplum (similar), J.Crew Jackie cardigan, Simplylivly c/o necklace}  

 

I had so much fun taking these photos. It has been a while since I have done this and to be honest I really have missed it. 

This season I have seen Peplum's everywhere. Always loved them, but not until this spring did I decide to purchase one which led me to the purchase of three! It is such a feminine top that it is hard not to love. I bought the one I am wearing from Free People (no longer available) as a casual piece but realized I can dress it up with a belt and add the perfect set of heels if I chose to. I look forward to pairing it with my J.Crew minnie's, a pair of shorts, or even a pencil skirt for a more sophisticated look. 

 

 

A day with my Boyfriend

 {Abercrombie & Fitch denim (on sale), Free People top and tank (old); Dandelion Gladiator pumps (old); Kslademade clutch}

Boyfriend jeans are such a fun thing to own, but to want to wear them, the pair has to be the perfect fit for you. I have tried many different styles of the famous boyfriend jean, but I have always been skeptical because I am so short for the amount of bagginess they provide. Ironically, the perfect pair for me came from my childhood favorite store Abercrombie & Fitch. They have just the right amount of holes, thankfully a higher waste than normal, and the bagginess could not have been more perfect. I had so much fun wearing these pair of jeans I cannot wait to see what else I can wear them with. 

 

 

 

 

And I'm Back in the Game!

I have taken a break, and quite frankly, it was because I was not in my own space...let me recap for you.

It all started in February when I decided to take the plunge and move to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. My fiance is originally from the area and I myself lived in Lancaster during high school, however I never lived in Lancaster on my own. The idea of settling in Lancaster always made me cringe, but as I got older and moved away, I realized it really isn't that bad, and in fact, it's quite nice. So on top of the cute small town feel that attracted me back, the cost of living is much more reasonable for the new start that I was about to embark on. After four years of living in Northern Virginia and being only with Brad part-time, I was ready to take on whatever was next.

As we began to bring this dream to a reality we started looking at apartments, but it just didn't feel right. So, I approached the future in-laws to be, and asked if we could shack-up with them for a bit until we found a house to buy. YES a house to purchase. Such an adult step to make but also something I have been wanting to do for a very long time. 

As time dragged on (a few weeks of living in Lancaster to be exact), I thought we would never find a house. Some were too ugly, some too plain, some too many issues, and some we just didn't like. It dawned on me that my first house may not be the one I have dreamed up in my head. However, I wasn't willing to accept that quite yet. You see, I've always wanted a small white painted brick, cottage-like Cape Cod. One evening while looking at a home we did not fancy, stumbled upon just that, AND it had a for sale sign in the yard. It was faith. I'm not joking, this honestly happened. It needs some updating, but has the perfect bones for what I... I mean we've been longing for.

With that said, I am excited to announce that we are homeowners. It only took 90 days of living in Lancaster and we landed our first home that turned out to be everything we wanted and more. 

As I slowly restart my blog, I hope to blog three times a week and transition back full time. I hope you continue to read and am very thankful to have this creative outlet!