{Living Room Re-Design}

I absolutely fell in LOVE when I saw THIS living room design from The Yellow Cape Cod By: Sarah Macklem Interiors.  Her designs are awesome, since they are affordable and practical.  I also love that she tells you where she gets the items for her designs.  AWESOME...this is a daily read for me!  The design that I linked up to is kinda where I intended my living room to go, by it went awry somewhere along the way.  So, I decided to make an inspiration board of my own so that I could keep track of the items that I have found that I really love, as well as have examples of some of the DIY projects I want to tackle.

I want to do this for every room in the house, since we hope to get this place really spruced up by the end of the summer.  So here it is...

As you can probably tell, Kevin and I are not afraid of color.  Don't get me wrong, I will gawk at a beautiful, neutral room.  I just don't see one in my near future.  The color works as a great distraction from the dirt and grime that come with having 2 young boys.  Plus, this is kinda where we are in life.  We're young, our kids are young, and we want to have a little bit of colorful fun! 

That being said, I prefer my walls to be a neutral color.  That way, when (notice I said when and not if), I change my mind, I don't have to go painting walls again.  It's probably my least favorite thing to do in this world.  If you want to make me super unhappy, just hand me a bucket and a paint roller and tell me to go paint the dining room...ugh!  The paint I want to use is Martha Stewart Living "Sisal" from Home Depot. I like that it's a tan, with a touch of gray.  I have done the red and yellow toned beige paints and I feel like they would be too heavy for our smallish space.  You can find the details on the color on the Home Depot Website HERE.

I adore our sofa.  It's deep, comfy and still in great shape structure wise.  However, between the dogs and the boys, the fabric is no looking so hot.  I was told by a very reliable source that I should consider a white denim slip cover.  At first, all I could think was that my precious Aunt Cissy had lost her mind.  But then, with one word, she made me reconsider....BLEACH.  She made a very good point and now I think I may give it a shot.  Here is a custom slipcover I found on Etsy.  The shape is exactly like our sofa and it seems to be about the same size:

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The additional seating is the next subject I want to tackle.  I already have the most fabulous chair, that once belonged to my great-great grandmother.  It needs a little (or a lot) of TLC, so I figured I would have it recovered eventually.  I would love to have another chair, in a different but complimentary shape covered in the same fabric to coordinate.  Here's my idea (chair #2 is similar to the one I already have).

Chair #1 Source          Fabric Source          Chair #2 Source

I NEED a huge rug to cover all of the awful spots all over the carpet.  It can't be to fancy, but it also needs to be durable.  I loved this indoor/outdoor option from Pottery Barn.  If it's capable of withstanding the elements, then it should be able to hold up against hurricanes Hayden and Colton.  Not to mention, it pulls together all of the colors in the room.

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I love pattern...a lot of it!  I also adore all things chevron right now (along with everyone else).  Here are some fun drapes that I want desperately...3 sets please!

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I am beyond obsessed with the DIY coffee tables that are floating around Pinterest.  But, the factory cart design might be my favorite.  The antique versions are INSANELY expensive, but this DIY version would suite me just fine!

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We have some really great lamp stands that I found at Target that are braided wood and are stained a dark brown.  I love them, but am not so fond of the shades.  I would prefer something like these from Pottery Barn.  I am pretty sure I could make them myself.  Looks easy enough!

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I love this DIY mantle from The Lettered Cottage.  Right now, our mantle consists of about a 1" piece of faux gold colored marble.  It's hideous and makes me shiver a bit every time I look at it.  The brick of our fireplace was reclaimed and has a bit of a whitewash finish to it.  I would love to make it stand out more than it does with a beefed up dark wood mantle.  I would also love for it to be wider than it is right now.  I don't have much room to display fun items.  Which leads me to my next photo:

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This is The Nester's mantle.  I love all of the vintage pieces and would love to do something like this over ours one day...once I can talk the hubby into building me a new one!



We have a ton of wall space in our living room.  And, I love art.  When there is a blank wall, I get anxious, so I pretty much keep them filled up with photos and artwork that I create or find a good deal on.  I would love to have a gallery wall similar to this one.  I am just terrible at organizing these things! 

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I am a huge fan of subway art.  It allows you to put so many wonderful, meaningful thoughts, places or words into a very small space.  I like the cream with red lettering of this one I found on Etsy.  I would love something similar, only using the street names of Key Largo, FL.  That's mine and Kevin's happy place and it would be nice to go there (in spirit) every time we walk by the print.

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I would also like to incorporate some type of flag art into a future collage.  I think it would tie all of the colors together nicely, but also serve as a reminder to be grateful everyday that we are Americans.



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Last, but certainly not least, are the throw pillows.  This might be my favorite part about our existing sofa.  It's large enough to accommodate a bunch of these beauties.  I love them all, and would find a place for them all, if my husband didn't get so overwhelmed by all of the different patterns.  I figure...these are options.  Rachel Zoe says you can never have too many options.  As far as I'm concerned, she's a genius!

Source #1,     Source #2,     Source #3,     Source #4,     Source #5



Now, like I said, this is an "inspiration board".  I love all of these items, and would love to support the stores they come from.  But, let's be honest...Kevin would KILL me if I spent this much money decorating our living room.  100% positive he would.  But, since he is handy and I'm creative, I think we could work something comparable out on most of the pricier items.

What do you think?  Are you re-decorating any rooms?  Any favorite online stores that you buy from?  I would love to hear your thoughts or tips! 

{Week / Weekend Update}

So, last week was crazy busy!  Kevin was in town all week, so we tried to cram in a ton of stuff.  Here's a little bit of our chaos:

TUESDAY:  Hayden and Colton both had soccer practice.  Hayden's is the same deal as Fall soccer, except a new team.  Colton is participating in the Parents & Tots league at HCSA.  He has been so excited, but when he got to his first practice, he decided to throw one of his now infamous tantrums.  He flat out refused to take the field with the other kiddos and their parents.  I am so glad that Kevin was there for this one (his second of the day...I am so traumatized by the first that I can't really speak of it yet, except to say that I am sorry to all of the Hobby Lobby patrons who were subject to his meltdown).  Lucky for Colton, he has the best big brother a boy could ask for.  Hayden grabbed the soccer ball and asked Colton to go play with him on the field.  Wanting to be exactly like Hayden, Colton obliged...with a smile on his face.  Kevin said it was like a Jekyll & Hyde switch flip.  Needless to say, Hayden became the parent on the field for his brother, and taught him everything that the coach was showing them.  I am so very proud of my big boy!  Here's a shot Kevin took on his phone of the two of them on the field practicing...

WEDNESDAY: Wednesday, we found that a bird had made a nest in Kevin's tool box.  Think it was trying to tell us something???  Maybe, that we need to use it more often, so that it doesn't become a habitat???  Anyway, Kevin wanted to take it out immediately, but I had an issue with it.  I really wouldn't want someone destroying a home that I worked hard to build for my babies!  all I kept thinking was of this bible verse:

Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.   Matthew 10:29

So...the nest stayed put until we were sure that the birdies were no longer residing there.  In fact, we have seen baby sparrows fluttering around a different tree.  I think the garage was a little too crazy for them.

FRIDAY: Friday was a fun day!  Hayden got to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at ELCA.  He sported the double polo (navy and lime green, and took Mint Chocolate Chunk Cookies to share with his friends.  The original recipe can be found on Pinterest and HERE.  I had to modify the recipe a bit, since our local grocery store did not have a couple of the ingredients.  I used Andes Mints, and they turned out super yummy!!!  Kevin's mother, Brenda, flew into town for the Publix sponsored Georgia Half Marathon.  So, we picked her up at the airport and hit up Chick-Fil-A.  I am so very glad that they now have grilled chicken nuggets for the kids.  They are not friend in peanut oil, so now we don't have to stop at another restaurant to pick up peanut free food for Little C.  The boys loved the cow chair in the lobby and wanted to show off their goofy faces....Wow!

SATURDAY:  That was a busy day.  It started off with Hayden's soccer game.  HOT MESS!  We were running late.  Not to blame anyone, but a certain husband of mine drove past the exit on 75 and we had to take about a 10 mile detour to get to the field.  We got there and my poor little guy had no drink, we had no cash to buy a drink, and to top it all of, he was wearing the wrong uniform.  PARENTS OF THE YEAR!  Ugh...I felt horrible! Upside...Hayden's coach is a bona fide rock star...no seriously...he really is.  He's a part of THIS band.  That's kinda fun, right?!?!

We also headed downtown to pick up Kevin, Brenda and Ashley's race packets for Sunday.  We decided to stop off for some lunch in Little 5 Points.  I LOVE this area.  You just never know what you're gonna see.  We had lunch outside (hear the angel's singing) at The Brewhouse Cafe and it was yummy!  I think you can tell from the clean plates in the pictures that the boys enjoyed it too!

After lunch, we ran across the street to Clothing Warehouse for some new sunnies!  My old pair fell off my head while I was chasing Colton around an open field at soccer Saturday morning, in the midst of meltdown #3 for the week.  I really dislike not having sunglasses, so these super-fun pair for $14.99 were a perfect fit (thanks Brenda!).  I am dying to go back to this store - minus the kids - so that I can have time to browse.  I know there are lots of goodies here to be found!

Then, we headed off towards the World Congress Center, where packet pick up was for the race.  The boys got to see a little of the March Madness fun.  We ate ice cream, did a little shopping at the sports expo and got all ready for the race!  Miraculously, we had a blast and did not lose a child in all of the craziness...not even once!

SUNDAY: Kevin, Brenda and Ashley ran the half marathon and survived it...despite of all of the hills.  Sunday marked the 1 year anniversary of a huge life changing event for the Burtch family, that ultimately led us to where we are today.  But, that's really not my story to tell.  Maybe one day I will share that story.  I am so proud of my husband, and the fact that he chose to run the half marathon to celebrate. Way to go guys!!!

That's really it for last week.  Monday, we started The Daniel Fast.  I really want to keep record of it this year.  So much changed after our fast last year, so I am excited to see God work in me in 2012.  I also want to keep track of the recipes and food, so that I don't forget them for next time.  Happy Tuesday Everybody!

Much Love From The Burtch's!!!

***Disclaimer: Most of these photos were taken with, quite possibly, the worst phone camera on the planet.  I HAVE GOT TO REMEMBER to carry my camera!  Sorry!***

{Keeping Up With Life}

Now that Kevin is working, it's time for me to kick into SAHM mode.  I kinda feel like I'm in the middle of a hurricane with no safety plan.  So, it's time to come up with one!  One of the biggest issues that I am facing is the chaos that is my house.  Clutter and mess give me a serious case of anxiety, but I also don't want to spend all of my time cleaning and organizing.  I did a little research (on Pinterest, of course) and found a nifty little chore chart for Mommies.  This is exactly what I need...a game plan.  This way, I have designated chores each day, and don't wind up overwhelmed and missing out on the fun stuff come Saturday.  Not to mention, the way this sounds, my house will always be clean!  That makes this Mommy very happy!  This is my version, dressed up a little bit...cause that's how I roll:

You can find the customizable/printable version HERE.  HERE is the blog post that shared this wonderful little tool.

I am doing a major clean and a crap-ton of laundry today so that I am ready to go on Monday.  Yay for getting it together!!!!  Now if I can just work on that exercising/showering everyday part.  Hmmmm...any helpful suggestions on how to motivate yourself to wake up at 5 AM???

{10 Reasons I REALLY Love My Husband}

1) He is a man who loves God and firmly believes that the life of his family should revolve around the church.

2) He would move heaven and earth, bend over backwards and act like a bloody idiot to make the boys and I happy.

3) He has made some mistakes in life (who hasn't?).  But he has owned up to them, learned from them, and is a better man because of them.

4) He gives me back rubs every night.  I know it's not his favorite thing to do, but he knows that massages are my love language and does it anyway.  He will never know how much I appreciate it and love him for it!

5) He is patient...with everything and everyone (especially me).  This is a God given gift, and I could really learn from my husband when it comes to this.

6) He can walk into a room and have a new friend within 5 minutes.  The Lord really knew what he was doing when he matched us up, because this is a real struggle of mine.  Despite what many people probably think, I am very shy and have a hard time walking into the unknown.  Kevin loves it...and he encourages me to push past my nerves and insecurities.  My life is so much more interesting because of him!

7) He is setting such a wonderful example for our children.  He has faced many a challenge and overcome, and he shares those stories with them.  He loves on them, has compassion for them, and teaches them how to do all of the boy things that are so foreign to their Momma.  But he also cooks with them, prays with them, and makes an extra effort to show them how to treat the girls in their life the right way.  He is showing them how to be Godly men...and I am so very grateful...because that's something that they should learn from their Daddy, but so often becomes the responsibility of the mother's out there.

8) My husband came with one exceptionally great family...immediate and extended.  I am so very blessed to call the whole Burtch/Champan clan my own.  I could not have dreamed up a better family to marry in to.

9) He's a great friend, and he has great friends.  He and his college buddies are more like brothers and they would do anything for each other.  Those guys have certainly come to my rescue on more than one occasion.  Kevin is also a great friend to me...the very best kind of friend.  He makes me laugh harder than anyone I have ever known.  He's honest with me, even when it's hard to be.  We have so much fun together.  In the words of Forest Gump...We're like peas and carrots!

10)  He's a dreamer, just like his wife.  We talk about all of the "what ifs" in life, big or small.  He goes after those dreams and makes them a reality.  He also knows when to fold em, regroup, and dream something new.  His biggest dreams are rarely for himself.  He's selfless like that.  I wish you could hear the heart of this man.  He's something really special. 

Now, I could go on for days about why I love Kevin.  But, when it comes down to it...these are the very reasons why I married him, and why I will spend my life loving him.  I am so proud to be his wife and I am so excited to have a front row seat to watch this man become the man that God intended him to be.

Kevin...you are my heart and I love you so!  Come  home quickly and safely.  We miss you!