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Today is a good day.

Why...?

#1

I woke up feeling 20xs better than yesterday.  

#2 

It's pretty outside.

#3

I have discovered quite possibly the cutest DIY projects while on Stumbleupon.

WARNING:  This site is HIGHLY addictive.  If you have things that need to get done, then I highly advise you to avoid this website at all costs, friends.  You won't get anything accomplished for the day (I know this from experience.  Trust me.)

 

#4

I get to see my baby sister tomorrow.  Yipee!  

 

#5 

Tomorrow's GAME DAY!

#6

I'm just in a happy and excited sort-of-mood. 

I recently posted some fun projects that have kept me busy decorating my apartment.  One being the quilted coasters and the other being the scrapbook paper photo frame.  On top of these two projects, I have tackled even more projects that are filling up my walls! 

Fabric-covered Canvas

 Materials needed:  Canvas (s), Fabric, Picture (s), Scissors, Hot Glue/Fabric Glue

1.  Measure and cut out your fabric so that it fits the canvas appropriately. 

2.   Hot glue the canvas and place down fabric.

3.  Glue pictures on canvas (optional).

3.   Display whatever way you desire! 

I decided to hang mine up, and I'm loving 'em.  

 Fabric Mat with Picture

Materials needed:  Picture Frame, Fabric, Picture, Scissors, Hot Glue/Fabric Glue

1.  Measure and cut out your fabric so that it's a little bigger mat size of your picture appropriately. 

2.  Glue fabric down on edges of picture.

3.  Place in frame and enjoy!

I have the flowers one in my kitchen and the leaf one in my room.  Have already gotten lots of compliments!  Definitely spices up the boring, solid mats.  

Hope you all have an enjoyable weekend.  

I'll be trying to stay warm.

Apparently, VA will be getting some cooler weather this weekend.  

It's about darn time that it sticks around!  

Mother Nature, don't let me down.

XOXO. 

It's a Saturday morning in the fall... do you know what that means?

Game day.

These two glorious words were sweet music to my ears back when I attended school at Ole Miss.  I'd wake up a tad hungover on a Saturday morning, and head down the hall to the showers.  After showering, I would walk back to my dorm dressed in my silly, pink robe and squeaky shower shoes flip flops, and then I'd open my closet doors.  From there, I'd ponder.  What dress will it be?  Not long after I'd slip on my chosen dress, I'd hear the girls in the hallway chitty-chatting it up.  Then, I'd hear a camera flash.  

 

Game day was, without a doubt, a well-documented event.  I can't even begin to tell you how many pictures were taken on game days.  Actually, I can.  The day after game day I had 284574 notifications on Facebook, all of which were from tagged photos.  Lets just say, the picture-taking was excessive.  Okay, that number is a tad exaggerated, but you get the picture.  Pun intended. 

Even though time has passed and my current school doesn't even have a darn football team, (which I find absolutely ridiculous) when someone speaks about game day, I'll start to get the goosebumps.  Call me silly or whatever, but game day is a big deal, people.  You've got your tailgating, snazzy outfits, good friends, and a crap-ton of burr (beer...you just have to accent it).  That just sounds like a darn good time, if you ask me.  Anyways, these tailgating days were some of my most glorious days, and I sure do miss them.  A lot. 

But this weekend, friends, I get to re-live the glorious days.  Granted, it's not the same sort of tailgating as Ole Miss, but hey, it's tailgating and that will do.  My baby sister is off at a pretty southern school, so she gets all dolled up for the games, so I get to dress up for her school's game.  Yay!

Since she's a baby freshman in college, I told her there was no rush for me to come to the games.  I wanted to be sure that she was well-adjusted in her new home before I came to visit.  After about a month of being in classes, I got the okay that my sweet sister is adjusted, so I'm heading her way on Saturday.  I couldn't be more excited to see her and my old friend, Game Day.  

Oh, Game Day.  It's been too long, and I can't wait to be reunited with you (and my sister, of course).

XOXO. 

 

Sickling

I am sick, and IT FREAKIN' SUCKS.

Okay, sorry.  That was really a rough way to start off today's post.  Let me try this again...
 
I am sick, and I am hanging in there.

There we go.  Much better.  Wait, that isn't even the slightest bit true.  I'm miserable, and I'm hardly "hanging in there".  I've been in a ticked-off-at-the-world sort of mood today.  Don't lie---you have been there, too.  Everyone has those days where you wish you could rewind the day and start all over again---this time, hopefully on the right foot.  

Yes, I'm an optimist and always look at the best in any given situation, but lets face reality for a second.  We aren't perfect.  Sometimes we have our "off", far-from-perfect-sorta days.  And today totally was mine.  And, guess what?  That's okay. 

It all started this morning.  I was awakened by Cricket, my roommate's kitten.  He's a cutie---don't get me wrong, but he's an absolute demon-of-a-cat.  That was so not a cool way to be woken up.  Not only was I beyond ticked that that demon cat woke me up from my beauty sleep, but I swallowed and felt a painful sensation in the back of my throat.  What the heck. 

This sick crap always happens every year when the weather starts getting all wacked out.  I want to shake Mother Nature and say, "Listen, crazy woman.  Pick summer or fall.  You can't have them both!"  One day it's in the 80s, then the next day it is in the 60s.  I can't do it!  My sinuses cannot take it anymore.  

Even though it felt like my head was the size of a planet, I still managed to make my way to Psychology.  Please be proud of me.  By this time, the meds were starting to kick in, so the pain was not as severe (Thank God!). 

So, what could have been the worst possible thing to have happened after my Psychology class? 

Thunderstorm.

Yes, friends.  I walked out into the hallway and students were blocking the doorways.  At first, I thought something cool was going on because everyone was congregating around.  I was hoping Lil' Wayne was on campus or somethin'.   Nah, just torrential downpoor.   

NBD.  

 
Actually, it was a BIG deal. I looked down at my white t-shirt and navy blue Soffee shorts.  In my mind I said, "Nope.  It ain't gonna happen.  Not today."  

There was no way in h-e-double hockey sticks that I was going to leave that building until the rain stopped fallin'.  

White T-shirts + Rain = Death

I was not trying to take part in a wet t-shirt contest.  So, there I was inside...waiting...waiting in the hallway.  Eyes glued to the window.  I kept thinking, "God, when oh when is this rain going to stop?"  Well, it didn't any time soon---that's for sure.  In fact, twenty minutes had gone by and the rain hadn't let up, even just a tad.  I happen to have a life, so I glanced at the clock and realized that I couldn't stand here and wait any longer.  The ran was not going to hold me back any longer.    

I walked out of the building, letting the rain pour on me and my white t-shirt.  I crossed my arms over my chest, hoping it would keep the passerbys from getting a peep show of my nunga nungas. 


Perhaps, a combination of these things could be the reason why my day was not so pleasant.  It just started off on the wrong foot, and by golly, don't you just hate that?

It's like nothing works the way you want it. 

For now, I'm gonna try and be my optimistic self and hope for a much, much better day tomorrow.  

XOXO. 

Home is wherever I'm with you.

Traded the city life to spend

time in suburbia with 
my sweet Mama for the day...

I must say, it sure is peaceful in the sweet suburbs, a place without the constant sounds of sirens and beeping horns outside of my apartment walls.  It's like a breath of fresh air.  I honestly forgot how soothing the sound of the crickets really is.  Man, it sure is nice to have a break from the hustle and bustle.

Don't get me wrong---I do like the energy of the city.  Something is always going on, and I swear there is never a dull moment.  Being a busy bee is how I thrive, so the city and me, well, we are super duper tight.  Like BFF tight.  However, it's nice to have a change of scenery and just get away.

I sure am one lucky ducky because I get to have the best of both worlds.  (No, I will not begin to sing that Miley Cyrus song).  The drive home to my mom is only 30 short minutes or one Spongebob episode away (as I tell my sweet little girl neighbor).  With this short distance, I can change my surroundings real fast.   


So, what will it be...Urban or suburban?    

 I must say, it's been so good seeing my mom (it always is).  Right when I opened the front door, I could smell yummy-ness filling the air---a mixture of candles burning and a home-cooked meal ready to be gobbled up.  That's my sweet, southern Mama for ya.  Tonight, she made one of my all-time favorites---the nothing-short-of amazing Taco Soup.


Go ahead, I gave you the link.  Click it!  And cook it!  You won't regret it.

After a delicious dinner and an intense game of Scrabble, I must say, I am exhausted.  The bed is callin' my name, ...and I'm answerin'!


Cheers to a goodnight sleep without being woken up by some obnoxious truck driver who lays on his horn just for the hell of it. 

XOXO. 

PS:  Below I added some creative Etsy artists for my "Home" theme.  

Check 'em out, y'all.  These items are all for sale on Etsy!  The links are also below the pictures. 

Home Shabby Chic Cottage Sign

Floral Shabby Bird House Arrangement

Woodland Lifestyle Roses Wall Hanger

Mom in Photos

Sweet Home Wood Sign

Shabby Little Teapot Cast Iron Wall Hook

Dish Towel Purple Birdies

Chairs Fine Art Print

XOXO.

New week, new look

Now, my blog is officially swagged out.
Holla.

I figured, what's ten billion times better than stressing over this Chemistry test I've got tomorrow?  Well, giving my blog a makeover, of course.  After all, she was starting to look a tad outdated and we can't have that, can we?   

While I was googling ideas for my blog's new look, that little voice inside my head said, "Seriously?  What are you doing?  Hit the books, NOW."  But since I'm a rebel (an Ole Miss Rebel in fact), I ignored that annoying, little voice in my head.  I have taken in as much Chemistry as my brain can handle this past week and weekend.  Instead of being a bigger nerd than I have already been, I channeled my creative energy into blog designing.  And, I have to say, she is lookin' mighty fresh.

As much as I'd like to continue blabbin' to y'all, I should probably study some more (gag me), so I better scurry.  

Hope everyone had an eventful weekend,

one without your head buried in a text book.  

 

XOXO.

These are a few of my favorite things...

It's about time y'all get to know the real CLeigh.  

"When the dogs bite, when the bees sting, when I'm feeling sad I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad."

La la la.  

If you have absolutely no clue where the heck I pulled that line from, then you must be crazy.  Like, really crazy. 

Julie Andrews.  The Sound of Music.  Ring a bell?  

Oh lord, I do hope so.  It's one my most favorite movies, and if you've seen it, it's probably one of yours, too.   

In the final scene where the Von Trapp family is climbing the mountains of Switzerland, I always get that warm, happy feeling big time.  More than any other movie, ever.  

It's like everything feels right in the world.  Until the credits start rolling, and you realize that all happened more than fifty years ago.  (You suck, reality). 

In the words of Maria, "these are a few of my favorite things" :

I love people.  I love working with people.  I have worked at the YMCA teaching children and adults how to swim for 6 years now, people.  Seeing the progression my participants make and knowing that I'm making a difference in lives is one of my most favorite things.  

I love knowing that I helped someone for the better.

I love my family.

My mom, sister, and me

 Cats.  Ha ha.  What more can I say about cats?  I love 'em.  I have been around 'em my whole life, and I think they are just fabulous.  Way back when I was in kindergarten, I used to push my tabby kitten around in my baby doll stroller.  That cat didn't care the least bit. 

And my sweet cat I just adopted...  My sweet Ollie.  He is the cutest darn thing that I ever have seen.  Getting drool all over my shirt is totally worth it.  I love my Ollie.   

He's my favorite.  

Yes, if you didn't catch the memo; my cat drools.  

He might think he's a dog, but I gotta love him regardless.

 

 

If God isn't a Tar heel, then why is the sky Carolina Blue?  I have an obsession with ANYTHING Carolina (Go Heels!).  My mom was born and raised in Chapel Hill, NC.  Even today, her side of the family still lives in Chapel Hill, NC.  Also, my mom and Dad went to UNC at Chapel Hill.  It runs through my blood, people...which is why Carolina blue is my favorite color.  There is nothing better than a Carolina basketball game. Unless it's a Carolina basketball game with a beer in your hand. 

 

 

Coralla, NC is my favorite place on the earth.  Corolla (pronounced Co-rah-la, not how you say Corolla the car), meaning all of the petals of a flower, holds a very special place in my heart.  Way back when I was a wee lil' thing, I would call Corolla "Nana's home".  My Nana, another remarkable lady, lived on the once quiet, peaceful, horse grazing beach for eighteen years.  

I vividly remember waking up bright and early to the smell of a warm, southern-cooked breakfast 'a cookin' in the kitchen, made with nothing but Nana's love...and lots of butter.  Yes, Paula Deen.  My Nana was all about some "butta".  As I waited patiently for Nana's home-cooked meal to finish cookin', I would sit at the kitchen table.  There, beside the table, was a huge window that I would look out every morning as a young child.  Outside of that large window was perhaps the most beautiful view of the Corolla lighthouse.  Sometimes you could even see the people, which looked like silly ants. 

I can recall fond memories of Nana and I walking barefoot along the shore gathering conch shells.  It was like our very own treasure hunt.  And boy---if we stumbled across a conch shell, we would get so excited because they were rare. 

Even though Corolla has become much more commercialized and the traffic is so bad a headache that you might need 8 Ibuprofens to cure it, it still has its special charm.  

Sometimes, if you're lucky, you can spot wild horses running freely, 

just like they would 20 years ago.  

Just like the conch shells, it's rare.  So when it happens, I don't take it for granted.  I just smile and reminisce on the good ole days.

  

 What is your favorite thing?

XOXO. 

Crafting Crazies

Crafting it up, baby.

That's exactly what I've been doing with my days.  I swear, I can't get enough of it!  And...apparently, neither can my cats who have been nosy little things who are constantly trying to snatch up whatever it is that I'm workin' on. No worries, they're my love bunnies, and I find it pretty darn amusing how they carry my craft materials around in their mouths. 

It's too funny.

Craft #1:

Fabric Coasters

What you will need:  Fat quarters (18"x 22"), glue gun, felt, scissors, and a brave soul (I won't share exactly how many times my poor fingers got burnt in order to create these precious coasters.  I guess you just have to make sacrifices for crafting, ha ha).  

Step 1:  Cut your fabric longways.  Should measure 18"x 1.0".  The width of these things should be skinny.  

Step 2:  Cut out felt circles (Circles should be the size you want your coasters to be).  

Step 3:  Fold and glue down one end of your fabric in the center of your felt circle.  

Step 4:  Twist your fabric into a tight twist.  Keep gluing and spiraling your fabric until your piece of felt is totally covered.

Step 5:  Cut off edges of uneven fabric or felt and Voila!  You have yourself a precious coaster!  Now, go grab a cold one and use that baby. 

  

(If you need a visual as to how to do this, I found this to be quite helpful).   

Craft #2:

Decorated Paper in Frame 

What you will need:  Frame that holds 2 or more pictures, Scrapbook paper of your choice, and Scissors

Step 1:  Cut scrapbook paper to fit in frame.

Step 2:  Place scrapbook paper in frame and Voila!  You have a beautiful, new accent piece for your room.  

I'll continue my crafting and will surely add more fun and easy crafts very soon. 

Trust me, I already started working on a brand-spankin'-new project! 

Enjoy.

XOXO. 

Why hello there, Fall.

It's officially Fall time.

This morning, I figured I would check out this weather that has caused much commotion on my FB newsfeed. I tuned into the news, and the weatherman said, "It's now fall.  Go outside and breathe in that wonderful fall air."  So, I did.  

In flip flops.  

Once I walked out of my apartment complex, it took me approximately 2.5 seconds for me to turn right back around and put on some closed-toe shoes.  

BRRRRRRRRRRR.

This weather makes me wanna wear some of these darlin' scarves.
Found on Etsy, of course. 


I know, I know.  I'm addicted. 

 

Orange and Brown Hand Knit Scarf  

Blue Skies and Denim Hand Knit Scarf

 

Soft Fuzzy Knitted Scarf in Fall Colors 

 

Hand Knit Scard Pumpkin Skinny Scarf 

 

Hand Knit Scarf Drop Stitch Navy Blue Scarf 

 

My Favorite Thing Alpaca Striped Hand Knit Scarf 

 

Hand Knit Scarf  

Hand Knit Scarf in Dusty Rose The Original Stay Put Scarf

XOXO.