A Southern Accent

Spiffing Things Up A Bit

asouthernaccent — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:30:00 +0000

With the new year typically comes new motivation for me to get moving on home projects. Our house is 26 years old and we’ve now been here almost 6 years. We waver back and forth between moving in a year or two, or sticking around and adding all the bells and whistles we want.

Since we only have one child, we don’t need a huge house, but the one thing I’d love to have is a screened-in porch – so I wouldn’t be eaten alive every time I walk outside between the months of April and October…

But in the meantime, I continue to make tweaks and changes around here. Mostly because it’s fun for me, mostly because I’m OCD and when I get an idea in my head I must follow through with it…

So, thanks to some moola from my dad and the hubby for Christmas, I accomplished a couple of projects over the holidays. Two major rooms I’m focusing on this year are the master bedroom and the downstairs bath.

First up, downstairs bath:

When we moved in, the downstairs bath had awful blue and green wallpaper, green fake marble sink top and ugly floors. I immediately bought a new, white sink top, put down peel and stick tile for the floors and laboriously scrapped wallpaper off the walls.I ripped that huge glass square mirror down and hung a cute round one, and added a couple of pics of Walkie to cheer it up a bit.

So here’s where we stand now.

I know, pretty boring. And I could have at least closed the toilet lid for the pic…oh well…

So since that was basically just lipstick for the pig, I’m doing it up a little nicer this time around. New wallpaper (because the walls are in horrible shape). New tiles for the floor and some fun accents via accessories and a fun shower curtain. As you can see, it’s not a big space – basically the guest bathroom/powder room for downstairs, but it has a shower, so considered a full bath. Pretty much all I’ve nailed down for now is the wallpaper..but that was long process in itself…

I looked and looked and looked for wallpaper that wasn’t going to kill my budget. The first wallpaper I picked was about $450.00 for two rolls, so I had to come back down to earth and choose something else. This pretty silver-backed grasscloth gives a little bling and some texture at the same time, so I’m excited to see it go up – and two rolls run you about $70.00. That, I can handle.

It’s ordered, so now I’ve just got to find someone to get it up on the walls – I do not do wallpaper and don’t think I will ever attempt it myself. Can’t wait to show you the after pics once it’s up!

Until then I’m still on the search for ways to spruce up the rest of the room. I’m definitely putting down white or off-white ceramic tile, but haven’t pulled that trigger yet. I find bathrooms so hard to pull together, so I’m eager for any fun shower curtains or bathroom decor ideas you’ve seen. Anyone else bathroom-challenged like me?

Begin Again

asouthernaccent — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:06:00 +0000

Source: google.com via Holly on Pinterest

Yep, it’s that time again when we start anew. A chance to begin again I suppose, with new goals and new perspectives on things. As in most years, I’ve got a couple of goals for myself. Some I’ve already started working on, some I really need to get going on and some that are going to kick my butt this year!

I received this quote in my e-mail earlier this week and I think it’s going to be my mantra for 2012:

At any moment, you have the ability to dramatically change any area of your life, or follow your heart’s deepest desires. It’s yours to create, any way you want it. Craig Townsend

I really like the idea that I can have an effect on my own destiny (outside of what God has planned of course) at any point and time and it’s really up to me to make things happen. All it takes is a change in my mindset – which sounds so very easy, but often I find that changing myself is always the hardest task to achieve.

Sometimes I find myself feeling sorry because I don’t have that promotion I really want, don’t have the perfect house, the perfect dog/son/husband – but quite frankly – who does? And if we had perfection in those areas, we’d certainly probably complain about something else.

So my goals for this year are:

Spend less time with my phone.
I’ve gotten an awful habit of picking up my phone to check e-mail, play a little game, check Facebook or send a text just because I can. When I’m at home with Walker and Mike, I want to be fully present, which I can’t be when the phone is always there. So, yesterday I actually deleted Facebook and all my games from my phone. I made a effort to put it on the shelf when I walked in the door and not pick it up until after Walker had gone to bed. And I survived.
Exercise more.
Yeah, yeah. I know what you’re going to say – she says this every year. And I do. So this year, I’m totally going to bring it because I’ve actually signed up for the Ramblin’ Rose Triathlon in Chapel Hill in October this year. And I told all my friends on Facebook. And now I’m telling you. Cause if I tell everyone, I have to do it and can’t chicken out. This race is just for women and everyone says it’s a great way to start getting into shape. The triathlon includes a 250 yard swim – 9 mile bike – 2 mile run. Yep, it’s on.
Read more parenting books. Remember previously, Walker was having some issues at school as far as behavior. We’ve really been working with him on keeping his hands to himself and teaching him personal space and he’s getting there. I’ve been reading the book “Raising Your Spirited Child” and there are so many great ideas in there for how to be a better parent to a child that is a bit more outgoing, energetic and strong-willed – stuff I would never have thought of on my own – and let’s face it, most moms I’ve tried to talk to about it just deny their children have any issues instead of conversing with me on the subject. So, I’ve learned that the way my parents raised me may not work with my son, and that the world is a lot different now and we have to adjust. Next up on my list is “How to Talks so Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk”. To be continued…
Focus. Yes mom, as you’ve said, I’m probably ADD. And I have OCD issues and constantly thinking of things in my head. I’ve found that it’s sometimes hard to sit at a desk all day when you’re like this and sometimes I’m not as focused on things as I need to be. So I’m making a conscious effort to call myself out when I’m not focused on what’s at hand, and redirect myself to one thing at a time (most of time).
Read more scripture. I always thought life was supposed to get easier as you get older, more established and more financially secure, but I’m starting to get this whole “more money, more problems” thing. And to not drive myself into a worrisome, anxiety-ridden fit, I must lean on the Lord more…and I just realized this contradicts #1, but I installed an app on my phone that has a devotion and scripture for each day of the year. Since my phone is the first thing I grab when I wake, I’m going to make a habit of clicking on this app first thing. Getting some religion, it’s good for me.
And I think that’s about all I can handle for now..stay tuned…

Happy New Year!

asouthernaccent — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 04:33:00 +0000

Happy new year from the Woodall family!
I guess it’s still considered the new year…still the first week of the new year at least!

I know, I’ve not been around lately…but you all know how crazy the holidays can get. What with all this cuteness happening, it’s no wonder I couldn’t manage to sit down in front of a computer and blog…

I had a little over a week off from work and it was great. Spent some great time with the family, my little man, and actually got some house projects completed! Can’t wait to share!

December was also crazy because of the success of the shop – I had more than 200 orders in December! Wow! Thanks for all of your support and interest – I’m adding some new prints soon and will share when they are available!

I also went to a fabulous Pinterest Party (pics to come), was awful sick for 4 days, made some yummy food (recipes to come) and lost 5 lbs over the holidays! How does one do that??? (see awful sick for 4 days)

So, here’s to 2012. I’ve got some fun things happening and some big goals for this year…so stay tuned!

Christmas Decor from the Dollar Store

asouthernaccent — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:23:00 +0000

One of my favorite Christmas decorations is my small collection of nativity scenes. They are cute little limoges boxes with sweet details and scenes of the birth of Christ.

What I love most about them? They are from the Dollar Store! They sell a new one each year and I always run by there and pick one up. I think they are so sweet and for a dollar – you can’t beat it!

These little boxes also make great gifts for Sunday School teachers, neighbors and friends!

That Darn Elf

asouthernaccent — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:06:00 +0000

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Ahhh, the Elf on the Shelf, yet another wonderful tradition to get us into the Christmas spirit. Yes, it’s great for the kids and manages to somewhat keep them in check, but it stresses me out. I lie in bed at night reminding myself that I did, indeed, move the elf and yes, he hasn’t been in this spot before and no, I don’t think the dog can get to him.

Meet JoJo, our cute little Elf on the Shelf. Yes, he’s of the plush variety because three years ago when our little elf went back to the North Pole after Christmas, he never came back (AKA, I packed him somewhere and still haven’t discovered his location). So what better excuse for me to replace the original plastic, creepy elf with the cuter version available via Amazon.com?

And in the true spirit of “I’m the most creative mom around”, I’ve tried out some of the gazillion elf ideas I’ve seen online. I immediately discount any that involve food (see aforementioned dog) and stick to the basics. In one genius move, I actually sprinkled flour all over the counter and assisted JoJo in making a snow angel, leaving him lying on the counter to be found the next morning. It was adorable, and Mike and I both knew Walker would be thrilled to see this the next morning.

Imagine my surprise when awaking in the middle of the night, heading to the kitchen for a glass of water, and finding a coating of white dust all over the floors and counter. And there was poor JoJo, lying in the floor, covered in doggie drool. Thank goodness it was me and not Walker that found this horrible crime scene. Hence, I now have fears that Walker will wake up one morning and Lucy (who has an extreme fondness for stuffed animals and evidently flour too) will have mangled and ripped the elf to shreds. And I cannot even imagine the trauma that would do to my little guy.

It took Walker a couple of years to really get into the whole elf thing and this year he’s really excited about it. So much so, the first thing he does when he wakes up is look for JoJo. He then announces his location and drags me out of bed to show me what JoJo’s been up to.

To assist you in your efforts to outdo all of those ho-hum elf escapades that “everyone else is doing”, here’s one of the most creative ideas around…a message on the wall from your family elf.

From the website: If you have a naughty Elf-on-the-Shelf living at your house during the holidays, then this little creation might be just the latest trick that he/she has been looking for. Your Elf can write a personal note to your child/children ON YOUR WALL with his magic red graffiti paint! Note is made from high quality indoor vinyl which can be easily removed at the end of the holidays. I will send installation directions with the Graffiti.

You can choose from “I’m Watching you! Be Good” ($20) or Custom Note of your choice up to 15 words. ($30). Her last day for Christmas orders is tomorrow, December 14, so get your order in now!!

Christmas Past

asouthernaccent — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Enjoy them while they’re little…they grow up so fast.

I’m scared belief in Santa will not much longer last.

That twinkle in their eye, that giggle and that smile -

Christmas is so magical, especially with a child.

Before you came, the holidays were simply about me.

But through the joy you bring, I can clearly see.

I no longer make lists of stuff I think I need,

But load my cart with gifts for which I’ve heard you plead.

It is true what they say, and you’ve probably heard it too,
But I never had such fun at Christmas before you.

Christmas through your eyes is so much more exciting,

And never will I hope in Santa we’ll be doubting.

Christmas Is On!

asouthernaccent — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:22:00 +0000

I think I just ordered my very last Christmas gift! The decorations are up and I’ve been listening to Christmas music since Thanksgiving, so I’m officially in the spirit!

I’m very OCD about getting my decorations up the Sunday after Thanksgiving. So we zipped home from the beach Sunday morning, bought a tree that afternoon, and I got it up by bedtime. I love decorating the tree, so that’s the fun part for me!

And I love shopping – anyone who knows me certainly knows that about me…It’s the wrapping that stresses me out! So, up next – Christmas goodies (while not gaining 10 lbs), Christmas parties – and of course – MORE DECORATING!!!

There are some amazing goodies and decorating ideas on Pinterest. Here’s my Christmas board to check out and get some inspiration to get you into the holiday spirit too!

Let’s get ready to celebrate the best birthday of the year!!

Crafty Christmas: A Fisherman’s Wreath

asouthernaccent — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:15:00 +0000

What’s the perfect Christmas decor for your favorite fisherman or beach-dwelling family? Why, a Fishing Bobber wreath of course!!

I originally saw this idea on Pinterest and knew it would be perfect for my in-laws home at the beach. Over the Thanksgiving break, while at said in-laws house, I took a couple of minutes to create my own version of the “Fishing Bobber Wreath” (not very catchy, I know, but I have no idea what else to call it).

A quick trip to the dollar store yielded a smallish artificial wreath form the perfect size for a mini wreath that fit directly above the front door. As for the fishing bobbers, they were a bit trickier to find. I assure you, the folks at the local sport supply shop looked at me a bit funny when I asked “is this all you have” when I reviewed their fishing bobber supply and came up short. Thankfully, Walmart had an abundant supply of bobbers and they were much cheaper.

A glue gun, some perfectly placed bobbers and a cute little bow from some Walmart ribbon, and wal-lah, there you have it. Christmas at the beach!

Goes perfectly with the crab-pot Christmas tree gracing their front lawn!

These guys are extremely popular down at the beach right now and available in several different sizes.

Alas, I did not make this, but you can order your own here!

Kiss My Grits Winners and New Print in the Shop!

asouthernaccent — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 01:56:00 +0000

Hi there! Sorry I’ve been a bit tardy announcing winners of the the Etsy Kiss My Grits prints! The shop has been crazy busy this week and I’m just trying to keep up with all of the orders!

So, the winners are:

Megan (Tales of the Trees)
Laura (The Land of Syd and Ben)
Angie
Faison (Fat to fabulous… and everything in between.)
Mrs. Jansson (The Jansson Family)

Congrats to all! You’ll be getting an e-mail from me with the high-resolution file for printing!

I also got some inspiration to create another new print for the shop. I can’t wait to print this one out and hang it in my kitchen. I think it’s something we should all remember. Have a great weekend!!!

Wordless Wednesday

asouthernaccent — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:35:00 +0000

Thanksgiving at the Beach