Our recent disappearance!

We're sorry we haven't been on posting much in the past couple of weeks. Summer is winding down and both of us have been busy with chores, vacations, and naps. Alyssa left this morning for her annual family canoe trip for a week and I am working on urban home projects this weekend. 

Please check back this week for some picture hanging ideas, the unveiling of my choice for the front door color (remember this post), and also a picture of the new light fixture we put up when we took down the boob light. I know I shouldn't call it that, but I really dislike that lighting style. I think I was especially disgusted by it because it was shiny BRASS! 

I will have a few great posts this week so please check back often, remember to leave a comment or two, and have you "liked us" yet on Facebook? If not, please do! We'll see you soon...thanks so much for sticking with us this month even though we've been slow on our posts!

-Stacy and Alyssa

But back in a few days!!!

Etsy find of the day!

This is for anyone who wants to give someone a little surprise. When I saw it, I actually thought it would be a wonderful way to propose to someone. Such a pretty little place to hide a great big diamond. If you're into diamonds. Any ring would work.

This beautiful origami lotus flower is made of paper and costs only $6.50. So the next time someone asks for your advice on how to propose...suggest this. I would buy six or seven of them and hide something fun in each one.

-Stacy

Summer is coming to an end, but not if you planted Zinnias!

For the past ten years we have planted Zinnias at our house because of their wonderful pop of color. We line our walk up to the house with them and watch everyone walk by and enjoy them. I get lots of "What are these beautiful flowers?!" as people walk by. I see the neighbor kids sneaking a couple of them every now and then too. There are plenty, so I'm glad to share.

Here is how they look en masse...

Aren't they a great way to say hello and goodbye to visitors? I think so! 

Zinnias are also a great cutting flower. I always combine them with greenery from my pots and they are an instant centerpiece....and free! 

Aren't they pretty? If you have some little areas in your garden that need a color boost, try these sweet little flowers. The bang for your buck is enormous!

Hope you're enjoying the end of your summer!

-Stacy

Some days are just meant for lounging.

I had to post this picture because we can all learn a thing or two from our animals. I caught my cats (minus one) and dog like this the other day and had to take a pic. Oh, the lives our animals lead...

Doesn't this just make you feel like taking a nice long nap?

-Stacy

Happy Belated Birthday to Stacy!

So, last Wednesday was Stacy's 30th birthday ;) ! So exciting!  Alas, I had no internet as I was touring Arkansas with my husband and daughter and was unable to post this birthday wish..

Although this birthday post comes a week late,  this one is better late than never because I can now share with you that her fabulous, genius husband threw her a surprise party! It was totally amazing and she had no idea..... officially the best surprise birthday ever! The look of utter shock on her face was priceless.

Happy Birthday Fabulous Cousin of Mine!

The red door revamp!

This is the story of a woman named JoAnna. She is a loyal follower of The Cozy Urban Home. Perhaps you've heard of it? JoAnna always comments with creative new ideas for things, witty comments, and stories of her own experiences. We like JoAnna! 

Well, as all of us sometimes do, she needed a change. She wanted to paint her front door, but was wondering what color. As I know, this is a tough decision. Clearly, though, JoAnna is way better at making a quick decision than I am. She threw out the idea for a red door and I was hooked. Afterall, if my whole block hadn't gone red...that is what I would be doing too. JoAnna has the perfect house for a red front door. It is dark grey with black shutters. What color is more inviting than red? I don't think you can ever get sick of a red door. However, if you do...it's only paint! Go buy another quart and paint it a new color.

So here is how the story of a woman named JoAnna ends!

Posh Red by Valspar. Wonderful paint brand, I might add.

 So let's take a look at the before pictures of JoAnna's home! Do you see how the door just blends in?

Here is another picture...you can hardly see the front door!

Now for the big change. This new door just says, "Come in! I baked oatmeal raisin cookies for you!" I am not making this up, people...JoAnna has two little kids and managed to finish painting her garage trim on Friday, paint her Posh Red door on Saturday, and make oatmeal raisin cookies on Sunday. I'd like half of her energy, please!

So let's take a look!

See how much more inviting this door is?

This picture shows the door open so you can really see the color. Look at JoAnna's son too! How cute is he?! We all know he had to be a super awesome helper while his mom was painting too. Actually, from what I hear, all painting happened while the kids were napping.

Way to go JoAnna! You gave your home a nifty little facelift in one day. I love the color with your house, and I'm hoping tons of good fortune and good luck flows into your home every single time your new Posh Red door opens.

Apparently there are more makeovers coming to this home! Hopefully, JoAnna and her husband will be kind enough to let us post them again.

-Stacy