Brooklyn's Blog

The Latest on the Sunroom...

2012-01-25T07:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it's been since the fall since I've updated about the sunroom.

I HATE an unfinished project, and that's pretty much the state I've been living in for a while, but anyway, here we are.

Originally, we had two entries cut into the office, but my friend and fellow decorator, Chris Hutchens came over and helped me see the light. I knew things were just not right with the two entries (apparently trying to receive a sense of balance in a room that is as off balance as this one is best done by keeping the lack of balance...odd), so we came up with this design to go to the ceiling and only have one entrance, and dry-walled her up. I do like it so much better, and the tv is going to fit much better on this wall now.

So, I'm going to keep plugging away, but just wanted to update and gather my thoughts...

We also added the ladder up to the loft, which Blake surprised me with, and I LOVE IT! He did a great job.

There's the light from Ballard in all it's glory, and the TV will move and be centered on the loft wall.

The piano is not staying here (I have to get it away from the windows for tuning purposes), but I had to get it out of the office so I could finish up in there.

So, paint paint paint. But what colors? Hm, let's see a little inspiration...

source: Pinterest

These two pictures I love because of the sectionals. I think they are super functional for parties, and the leather is great with kids and durability, but the white is the style, edge, and femininity I like. White never bores me, and mix it with some flowers for that pop of color, and I am a smitten kitten.

source: pinterest (Sheryl Crowe's house)

source: cote de texas

This room is great because it is similarly off-balance like my sunroom. I LOVE the mounts! I really do, and I think mounts absolutely belong in my house to bring the southern masculinity that surrounds me. I am also crazy about the natural feel of the tree trunk table. Also, I go back and forth on window treatments in here. I like that this room looks great without them. And I love the map covering up the television on a barn door rail. Very sexy. Finally, I like this floor. I have been thinking about repainting the blue tile instead of floating a cork floor, but I'm still not sure.

Here are the cork options:

That's probably my toughest decision I have to make right now.

Here's some other things I have going on in the sunroom that will be staying:

Papa Bear's Chair (minus the pillow probably)...

This painting. I love the colors...

Of course, the chandelier. Just thought I would show it again...

Also, since I discovered that my angled ceiling is not flat or even, I really love these beams as an alternative. I also like the more modern style of these chairs combined with the cottage look:

source: designsponge

In this room, I love how they have the touches of gold with all the distressed and white. Again, a sectional is functional for groups, and I love the touches of organic material here with the trunk and the antlers. Also, I am crazy about how soft and comfy that rug looks:

source:

In this room, I am looking at the grey and white hues with the natural wood coffee table. Love it. Also, the layered rugs, and I am not going to lie, I have wondered if we should save and add a fireplace under where the tv is going to go on the new wall:

source: nicety.livejournal

Hm...about $1900. ???

I am not sure what it is that I love so much about this room, but I am pretty sure it's, of course, the architecture, the collected over time, feel, and coziness. (There is also a lot in this room I hate (the clutter, those star things hanging from the ceiling), but I LoVe the rugs, the modern touches from the coffee table and chairs, and wait, did I already say architecture:

source: chic-deco.blogpot

From this room, the grey and white, the RUG RUG RUG, and modern details again with some rustic, but not quite enough rustic for me:

source: apartment34

I love this room! But especially the rug and the long bench type coffee table. I also love the floral arrangements, and of course, the moody greige colors:

source: hgtv

Details Details Details...

I feel strongly that I want to adopt a tree for the sunroom. It will be our newest family member with name and all. (Maybe then I'll remember to take care of her).

But, which one should it be?:

source: fabrikoflife.wordpress

source: elementsofstyle

source: pinterest

source: littlegreennotebook

<<>>

Daybed?

source: crushculdesac

Build in television?

source: fabrikoflife.wordpress

White floor?

source: marthastewart

White? Grey chaise?

source: desiretoinspire

Coffee tableS? White?

source: greigedesign

Love these details:

source: greigedesign

I like this coffee table from West Elm(rustic and storage):

A few pieces I love by GabbyHome:

And I love this sectional by Palmer:

I would love to have thoughts, input, etc. So, feel free, and I will hopefully get to update more soon!

Cheers!

Top 10 of 2011

2012-01-17T04:34:00.000-08:00

One of my biggest thrills of 2011 was the discovery of Pinterest

(I know it was a lot of people's), but because I have come to spend so much time on there dreaming, I thought I would post my 2011 Top 10 Pins:

**This just reminds me so much of the shape of my own patio...

This is what I look like in my mind:

**This is my idea of camping:

**Water is my life source! I love it!!!

**I am in the middle of remodeling my family/sunroom, and I can't imagine an inspiration photo any better than this one (It just doesn't get better than all white with a pop of color brought in through nature) :

**The discovery of my love for concrete countertops and limestone floors pretty much sealed the deal for how much I wish I could build my own house:

**And one day I pray I have my own girl room:

**Without a doubt, every house with kids or grandkids should have a bunkroom:

**And I have never in my life been so full of crafty ideas:

**Or new and exciting ways to get organized:

Now if I could only shut down the computer and get to doing it!!!
Thanks Mr. Creator of Pinterest. I have never been more inspired and less productive. Isn't life grand!!

Cleaning up from Christmas...

2012-01-16T09:01:00.000-08:00

It's pretty common knowledge that the "take down" is the worst part of Christmas, but as for me, I try to make it fun. I always see it as an opportunity to change things up in my house again. Shift things, get creative, and make a space look brand new.

I know, I'm not sure I'm not normal.

I started in the kitchen, because it's where everyone always is. So, it's obvious to me that the place you see the most looks the best.

So I took a little inspiration from these 2 photos, brought out my stoneware, and tidied things up a bit:

Image source: Pinterest

Here's my kitchen:

The dining room is going to house more of the homework type stuff, but I wanted to get creative with the organizing, so my next stop is a homework station with pens and pencils poking out of this guy:

I'll keep you posted.

Cheers!

This Christmas gift...

2011-12-30T10:47:00.000-08:00

I was excited to get a gift of my Pinterest Wishlist this Christmas. I have thought and thought about what bedding to get for my bedroom for what seems like forever. I know I love rough linen. So when I found this on Restoration Hardware I said, yep, that's it:

So, my mom stepped up and surprised me!

And, after surveying the look of my bed before:

Opening up all the packaging:

And Iron, Iron, Ironing...

TA DAH! I love it:

Now, between the Landsend bed warmer mattress cover, the cozy bedding, my bed is absolutely the best place in the house!! Love you Mom!

My Holiday Casa 2011

2011-12-26T21:09:00.000-08:00

Hope you are Having a Good Holiday.

2011-12-15T13:52:00.000-08:00

Just finished up all my Christmas shopping today...just in time for school to get out tomorrow. Whew. Deep breath and exhale. Now for the parties, White Christmas with Bing Crosby, Opryland Hotel, and making plans for the New Year. These are a few of my favorite things...Enjoy each Moment left of 2011!!

The St. Jude in his own words...

2011-12-13T06:10:00.000-08:00

We spent this last weekend in Memphis, TN at the St. Jude Marathon. I was very proud of my husband, Blake, who despite all odds and a lot of set backs put in the time and cowboy-ed up to run his first full marathon (without ever having run anything else besides a 5K!!). But the best account of the even comes out of the mind of the man himself in his CullmanSense article. Read his account here!!!

But, I also wanted to feature his words here on my blog...

Running for a Reason

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Subtitle:

Blake's Beat

Date:

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 - 10:17

By:

Blake Thompson

Photo By:

Contributed

Blake Thompson, CullmanSense Columnist

My entire body is literally wrought with pain. Breathing hurts. Lying in bed is painful. Moving about borders on excruciating. The reasons I find myself in this state starts about 4 years ago with a video I watched about a man named Dick Hoyt.

Dick has a son named Rick that was born in 1962 with severe cerebral palsy and as such, can't speak or even move without assistance. So severe was his CP that physicians told the Hoyts to simply institutionalize Rick and forget about him. Fortunately the Hoyts weren't interested in that option.

Some years ago Rick wanted to participate in a charity run so Dick placed him in an adult sized stroller and pushed him the entire 5 miles of the race. Dick admits now that the race was incredibly tough as he was out of shape. However, at the end of the race Rick was hooked and told his dad "my disability seemed to go away when we ran today". That was all Dick needed to hear and he with Rick began running races and have even now competed several times in the Ironman Competition in Hawaii. To compete in the Ironman Triathlon Dick swims the 2.4 miles tied to a raft in which Rick is placed. He then carries Rick to a special made bike and straps him in for the 112 mile cycling portion. He finishes in placing Rick in the racing stroller for the 26.2 mile run. For what it's worth, devotion and discipline runs in the Hoyt family. Rick went on to graduate from college and lives alone...and still competes in races with, as Dick puts it, his dad's "body on loan."

The Hoyt story very much put words and actions to the amazing love and devotion I feel for my sons. It also hit me that I'm not asked to do anything extraordinary for them. I simply have to love them and frankly they are the kind of sons that make even that my personal joy. Support them, discipline them and train them in the way they should go...that's it. Though many kids don't have even those things, in my mind they are the minimum. I further realized that I ask all three of my boys to do things all the time that seem impossible to them. With their limited experience in life and understandably immature perspectives they don't realize the potential their mom and I see in them and they don't know exactly what they are capable of accomplishing. If only they had an adult to show them how to push their personal limitations. If they could see a training plan develop, witness the discipline to follow through and accomplish a goal at great personal cost and even know the physical toil such an endeavor can take maybe they would understand that they are capable of so much more than they can imagine. And how great would it be if that process was modeled for them by someone in their own home? What if it were me?

I wanted to find something that didn't come naturally to me. I wanted to pick a feat that I had even mocked or at least said that I could never and would never do. I am 5'8 and weigh 215lbs. To say the least, I am stocky. I was not created for long distance running and the closest I ever got to becoming a runner was the mandatory runs I did while a solider in the Army. With that in mind it became obvious to me that running is what I would have to do to accomplish the goal of setting an example for my sons.

I wish I could say that I immediately began training, but I didn't. I procrastinated. The weather was too hot or too cold. I was in a busy season at my office or the holidays were just around the corner. Still in my distant plans remained running a race. About 4 months ago I decided that I couldn't wait any longer. It was time to act. I'm not usually equipped to dream small dreams. I didn't want to simply run a 10k (a little over 6 miles) or even a half-marathon (13.1 miles). I was going for the full marathon distance of 26.2 miles! So four months ago I registered for the St. Jude's Marathon in Memphis, Tn. I agreed to run on a team to honor the son of a friend that lost his battle with cancer several years back. I can now say that I honestly didn't know what a wild ride I was about to take.

I began training immediately and had 2 setbacks due to injury. My impossible goal seemed even more distant with these injuries pushing my training schedule to the breaking point. I was left with accelerating my training well beyond what was recommended or even safe. My thoughts were that I would run this marathon or have a surgical reason why I didn't. I found out exactly why expert runners say, "running is 90% mental and the other 10% is in your head." It's true. Many Saturday mornings at 4:30am my mind said to stay in bed next to my warm wife and many days limping around with sore legs made it tempting to concede that running 26.2 miles is stupid and should not be done by rational humans. Yet the motivation remained and for the most part I stayed faithful to my training.

So after many miles of training and some pretty tense moments of self-doubt my wife and I loaded our boys into the car last Friday afternoon and began the trip to Memphis. About an hour away from Memphis we found a radio station that was having a telethon for St. Jude. Prior to each song parents who had lost children would come on and relive their story through tears and broken laughter. Having to choke back tears myself, it was becoming obvious that this race was a much bigger deal than I could imagine and it served a larger purpose than simply setting an example for my sons.

I was overwhelmed as I did the pre-race check in Friday night. People were selling gear that I had never seen or heard of. People were running in shoes I had never seen while I was running in some cheap New Balance shoes that were not designed to run races. Was I in over my head? Had I committed to a race that I had no chance of finishing? More crushing to me were the thoughts of explaining to my sons why their Dad couldn't finish. Blaming cramps, insufficient training or poor equipment would be antithetical to what I wanted them to learn from the whole thing. I was too anxious to fall asleep and too nervous to stay asleep. So despite the race not starting until 8:00am I was up and alert before 5:00am.

An amazing thing then happened, in the hotel bathroom of all places. While I was stretching and worrying my wife walked in with a sleepy smile. She said, "You know how I'm pretty intuitive?" And admittedly she is. She continued, "I know that despite your concerns that you are going to accomplish a lot today. You will feel great once this is over and most of all...you will finish. I am proud of you". Her confidence in me was what I needed. I knew at that point that I would not quit. I would not let up and if it meant crawling across the finish line on my bloody hands and knees, I would finish.

A couple of hours later the race began. Having never run a race before I was amazed at the entire scene. The volunteers, the people that would just randomly cheer you on and the signs were all motivational. Some signs were hysterical; like the one that simply read, "Worst Parade Ever" or "Toenails are for Sissies" (marathon runners often lose toenails due to the stress of repeated pounding). Other signs created a more somber mood like the one that had a picture of a child, obviously bald from his treatment, that died from cancer that simply read, "Keep on smiling! Jake always did." or the teenager that held up a sign that said, "I am alive and cancer free for 10 years because of heroes like you".

At the 13 mile mark, just shy of the halfway point, the highlight of the race thus far took place. I rounded a turn and looked up to see my wife and 3 boys waving and holding up the signs they made that simply read, "GO DADDY GO". I felt like crying. Receiving that level of love and support from them was indescribable. I had been running for about 2 1/2 hours and seeing them and getting a few hugs from them caused me to feel no pain. After a brief stop to load up on more carb replacement gel and to thank them for being there I started back running on Beale Street with my boys following behind me. I felt great and was well on my way to accomplishing my goal.

Then my enthusiasm and determination took a gigantic hit at mile 15. My legs began cramping severely and reduced me to walking for the first time in almost 3 hours. The pain was intense, but not as intense as the fear of injury. I can handle pain, but a true injury at this point would be demoralizing. I proceeded to run as much as I could and when the cramping became too severe I'd walk as fast as my stiff legs would carry me. Every step became a small victory laced with pain. I began to lean heavily on the marathon music my wife had downloaded to an iPod for me. For future reference, the lyrics "who runs the world...girls" is not encouraging.

I also began to try to go to a different place mentally. I'd try to think of funny things about the people running near me. Like the older woman that appeared to have had a total body skin transplant that had not yet attached as her loose skin seemed to flow fluidly over her soon-to-be-osteoporotic bones. Or the man that was more feminine than the skin transplant woman primarily because his breasts were larger than hers. He needed a man-bra to say the least. When I'd pass a younger, thinner runner with more expensive shoes and all the proper gear I would celebrate. When an older person would pass me I would notice my cramping a bit more. I was determined to finish and a new goal arose within me. Despite my pain I was determined not only to finish, but to not finish last. I began to contemplate how far I would go to finish ahead of someone. I had determined that if need be I would push down a weak old person prior to entering the stadium and crossing the finish line. If one of the wheelchair participants was about to win pushing them over would be too cruel. So for that scenario I simply would apply their wheelchair brakes and then make a mad dash to the finish line. Fortunately I finished ahead of 700 runners so I didn't have to show the ugly side of my competitive nature. Of course I am kidding and wouldn't harm another runner...I would hope not anyway.

There were also other comical events to keep one running, or in my case, limping. At mile 18 a non-sanctioned water spot was handing out cups. It wasn't until some liquid splashed up my nose as I was trying to continue running that I realized that it was beer. Beer in your nose is rarely a fun thing, but it was something different than the water and Gatorade I had enjoyed for hours so I figured it was a good thing for me. It was sometime after this that I could tell the moisture in my sock wasn't sweat. A toenail had ripped, maybe completely off, and blood was filling my sock a little more with every step.

I don't remember much about the last 5-6 miles. I do know that I never felt a "runner's high". I felt a runner's cramp, a runner's beer nose, a runner's ripped toenail and runner's nausea, but never a high. I do recall finally entering the minor league baseball stadium where the race ended. I sincerely wasn't sure if my legs would carry me to the finish line. The cramping muscles were bordering on a painful numbness and my knees weren't bending much at all. Suddenly I heard a man on the stadium PA system calling out hometowns and names of those finishing. Then I heard, "from Birmingham, Alabama...Blake Thompson!" as I was just a few yards away from the finish line. I crossed the finish line and some man stared into my eyes and said, "good job". A more effeminate man would have kissed him right on the lips. The relief mixed with pain caused a flood of emotions. A few steps later I heard my wife scream my name and I made my way to her and the boys at the wall that was normally the wall by 1st base. It was over and I was emotional. All of the training, all of the time and all of the current pain was for a good reason and a good cause.

The next few hours are blurry to me. I remember nausea, a lack of coordination and feeling like I was hung over from a three day drinking binge. I was even delirious enough to let my wife drive...I guess I figured any wreck would lead to me going to a hospital and maybe feeling better with some IV fluids. I was also overloaded with gratitude and appreciation. Gratitude, for my family helping me accomplish such an important goal and supporting me through the process. I was appreciative for a place like St. Jude that has helped so many sick children and their families. If you have never attended the St. Jude Marathon I encourage you to go next year even if you don't plan on running. If nothing else make a sign and cheer on some poor guy like me.

As I reflect today on the lessons I hope I lived out for my sons I know that like all good lessons, the teacher learns much more than the students. I have learned a lot about myself and I am more focused than ever about what matters most in life. I continue to think about a sign that I saw scattered throughout the course. It said, "Pain is temporary. Accomplishments are forever". My pain will go away and my toenail may even grow back, but the lessons I learned, and hopefully taught, this past weekend will never leave me. Here's to more races, more lessons and more memories!

Gettin in the Holiday Spirit

2011-12-11T05:52:00.000-08:00

For whatever reason, I'm having a bit of trouble getting in the Christmas spirit this year. I won't be surprised if the time goes by and we "forgot to do" most all our traditions. But, I did wrap some gifts, which helps.

Merry Southern Christmas!!

Hope everyone has a good week!

-Brook

Yes I like to knit..and no I'm not "old"

2011-12-08T07:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I discovered Crush Cul de sac

Could I be more inspired??

Cheers on this lovely December day.

The Langston Project

2011-12-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

A super exciting project just wrapped up at my husband's cousin's posh Greystone home. I loved being Donna's go-to final detail girl, and it was an absolute honor being in her home in this capacity! I started with these bookshelves. I LOVE decorating shelves!! But these were quite special. Donna's daughter, Paige, is actually an amazing artist! She has sculptures that have won awards, and guess who gets the majority of them to feature in her home?

Each one deserved it's own space to really be appreciated.

Here's the shelves before I got my hands on them:

All clean and ready to begin:

Completed left size:

Completed mantle:

Center view again:

The next project was to select a coffee table.

Before:

Clearly missing something.

On our trip to Scott's in Atlanta, Donna and I were both so very inspired by the use of an antique cart as a coffee table. I was having trouble finding one in budget, until I went to Past Perfect at Lee Branch and found this one:

Which I hurriedly brought into their home along with a couple of side tables for drinks and what not.

I love that chandelier:

View from the kitchen:

We added two architectural details to the house from this view. The piece above the entry, first of all, was the piece that we selected in Atalanta that started the whole project. It was a great size and shape, and adds so much above the door.

I gave it a little warmth over top with some glaze:

Also, we wanted to add something interesting to the stairs.

Here's the before:

And we added these wooden plaques for a touch of detail:

Here's a view of the other side of the room complete with coffee table, end tables, and added lamps and pillows:

In the kitchen, we added this red antique tool box. It fit perfectly and gives a touch of storage and fills that space beneath the table.

Next I spruced up the back hallway with some existing family photos and framed it with a scroll above (sorry...it was difficult to get out enough to get a full picture):

I loved Donna's dining room. The beautiful furniture and draperies really set the stage for a formal dinner. I just added some fabric to the table to pull it all together:

The name of the game in this palace was detail, detail, detail. She was basically there with all the furnishings, just had to wrap the bow on the gift, but what a beautiful present to give!

Cheers!

Knitting this fall...

2011-12-04T05:15:00.000-08:00

Knitting this fall has been a little different. It has been so much more enjoyable this year than last. Because of the marathon work I did to sale scarves last year, this year has been much more about the art of it, much more about the treasure of the gift. I have not worried so much about how fast I turn them out or how much I profit I can make. My scarves have been a delight!

I have collected some really beautiful mohair skanes and learned some new patterns. Now knowing how to purl has set me free to do most any pattern!

Check out these ozark scarf patterns. The yarn overs let you really see and enjoy how beautiful this mohair really is:

This is another pattern out of huge chunky woven alpaca yarns. I added a button.

Here's my no pressure happy pile for this year so far:

Cheers!

Christmas Decorating on the Mountain

2011-12-03T08:23:00.000-08:00

Every year, I get the pleasure of decorating my mom's house for an annual Christmas party. Mother is such a friend to me, so I enjoy this time spent with her as much as anything. But decorating the Tuscan dream home she built a few years back is also quite fun, blasting Christmas music, and dancing around like sugarplum fairies.

Inside her front door is a court yard:

And then a secondary front door into the house:

Then you come inside to a foyer, dining room, and stairs up to the living room:

Pearl (Mother's spoiled rotten Maltese) is great eye candy and always

up for a photo op.

We wrapped the balusters with with garland, lights, harlequin ribbon, animal print ribbon, and pheasant feathers.

I hate the sun coming through the windows makes this difficult to see, but we garnished the entry table with another lime metallic tree and Tuscan floral garland with more ribbon and light ornaments, Old St. Nick perched on a gift box, another harlequin bow, and my grandmother's 24K gold coffee service. Gift glass light boxes, Mother and I reflected in the mirror, and a partridge in a pear tree (not really).

To your right is my tables-cape for the dining with Santa flair hanging from the china cabinet. A lemon garnished wreath (coordinating harlequin, of course) surrounding a bowl full of ornaments, and crystal candelabras.

The tables cloth and napkins is a golden William Sonoma with 3 plaid (can't get enough plaid...ever) runners, gold chargers, and Mother collectors Christmas dishes.

We hung wreaths from the upper windows, really lemony smelling holiday juniper going up the stairs, and just more flair in different places in general.

I love this lime, red, and gold tree fitted with 25 years of collected ornaments. Kurt Adler, Christopher Radko, Pottery Barn, Hobby Lobby, 2nd grade Mrs. Bailey's class, and the like.

Your basic beautiful nativity set with a touch of the plaid fabric from the dining room.

Think we could fit a few more?

2 silk palms live in the back of the living space, which we lit up with Twinkle lights, and filled a Tuscan vase with floral flair in our bright red and lime theme color.

A pair of happy little Staffordshire pups complete the scene.

On the coffee table, we pulled in the pheasant feathers from the garland in an earn with more lime floral balls.

As for the mantle, we just added more of your basic color light garland with lime green mesh, and the traditional stockings. Santa has plenty of room to fill those guys up. proper homage is paid to encourage his filling with the sleigh, gift, and 2 tiny reindeer with harlequin bows around their neck. Note to Santa, be careful with the crystal candelabras, otherwise, go to town!

For the kitchen and breakfast area, we outfitted it with more wreaths on the windows and bows in the chandeliers:

Thanks for stopping in again. Hope everyone is getting in the holiday season!!

Cheers!!

A Sunroom Update: LIGHTS, Camera, Action...

2011-11-27T16:38:00.000-08:00

I feel like I preach about lighting all the time (anyone remember this post?), but it really is eye candy for any room, plus it sets a mood, sets a style, sets a stage, sets your own creative and restful environment. Don't forget it. What's over your head is just as important as what's under your feet and all around you.

For me as an artist, my environment can make for much smoother sailing in my work.

I was so excited when I started working for the public this year to finally make enough to start working on my sunroom. It's really my family room. Where we always end up after the kitchen closes. So, it's no surprise that now that the construction is wrapping up, and the style factor is revving up, I want to start with LIGHTING!!

Here's my options to bring in a little sophistication:

#1

and the winner is:::

#1

I am so excited. I just ordered it!

It is in my budget, not too feminine, not too masculine, but definitely a statement maker!! Can't wait to show you it hanging in all its glory!!

Peace out!

Me and My Boys Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree...And then Decorating It!

2011-11-27T15:47:00.000-08:00

Like the Griswold's, we Thompson's love driving out to Old Baker's Farm the day after Thanksgiving, selecting the perfect tree, and chopping it down ourselves.

Here are my hunter-gatherers

And we have a winner!!

Timber!!

And the reward:

Hot apple cidar and a hay ride.

Guess what all he wants for Christmas is...

You know how every time kid's eat things they get it on their face?

Like candy canes and such as...

You know how when a kid needs a haircut, but it still looks okay when you fix it, but then there's those mornings when you don't have time to fix it and they look like squirrels have been having a meeting in their hair all night? Yep.

And we finally get her home!

And the net is the perfect excuse to break out the pocket knife.

What is it with boy's and pocket knives?

Only the daddy can reach the tall bit at the top.

Ta Dah!

The lines sometimes get blurred between Roll Tide and Merry Christmas this time of year, so we just brung em both to the Thompson show!

Cheers!

A Very Thankful Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-27T12:52:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2011 was somewhat predictable and therefore, a relaxing pleasure. As per usual, everyone brought their favorite dishes to my house and we feasted like kings and queens.

Meemaw at the ripe age of 84 is thankful for her health, and we are thankful for her.

Judah "the Bear" Thompson is thankful for his family and football.

Kaka (my stepmom, Paula) who does not pose for pictures, so you always have to surprise her and catch her in motion...

I am so thankful for this spread!!

Zion getting in on the action and the "thankful tree"

My mom and mother-in-law...Mendi and Sandra gathered round table.

Talking medicine, probably with stepdad, Mike and brother Matthew

Mother

Matt, Judah, and Zion

My dad, Randy, and hubby, Blake telling lies and crowing kings

New touches for Harvest

Blake

Daddy

Meemaw

Meredith coerces table scraps and keeps us up the next 3 nights going out. Thanks.

Niffy

bad girl

Innocent face

More of "the spread"

So much to be thankful for!!

Cheers!

MasterMinds

2011-11-27T11:28:00.000-08:00

Thrilled to be offered the opportunity to detail the headquarters and all-inspired educational mecca that is, MasterMinds Learning Center!

I met with Torry a few weeks ago and presented my ideas for the interior of his tutoring business. Welcome to the showing...

BEFORE:

While the inside had been newly painted, it was lacking a little bit of personality and inspiration. So, I came up with a plan:

We started with the file folders, which Torrey and his dad made, I painted, and Blake (hubby) installed, and then the new cork board:

To Be Continued...

Happy Holidays from the Thompson Family...end of year 2011

2011-11-22T06:19:00.000-08:00

Sunroom inspiration

2011-11-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

Working out some details here on my sunroom. I am so bad about doing for myself what I do for clients, so thanks for letting me share my thoughts out loud (as if you had a choice ;)

Okay, so the wall the loft is on is going to house the tv and some book shelves like this:

Here's how it is now:

My chandelier the Diamante

And here are a few inspiration photos to get the feel I am going for:

Fall Photos

2011-11-14T04:06:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again!!

The Annual Thompson Family Photo Shoot.

This year my friend, Jess from It's All About Me Photography came down my way to snap a few shots. I have always wanted to use this couch in one of our photo sessions, so this year (because we are about to trade it in), I did!

I can't wait to get all the proofs today, but I just wanted to give a sneak peek of number uno because I am so excited! I wish all days of accomplishment could be spent with such an amazing friend as you, my sweet Jessica!

The beautiful, Jess. Hit her up sometime!

Cheers!!

Bedrooms finale...

2011-11-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

Don't you love before pictures? What a mess.

My headboard inspiration:

And Ta Dah!!

(just waiting on my blue plaid drapes to come home from the cleaners)

Peace!!

Sunroom Remod

2011-11-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

Our sunroom is our everything room. Where all the magic happens when the kitchen closes down. But, it's always been a little big, a little uninteresting, and could stand a bit of functionality. There's no closets in my downstairs area, so I needed the space to house a closet, and also, an office would be nice. So, we're breaking ground...

Here's the before's:

Here's the inspiration for a reading loft:

a quiet escape for the boys to read and play legos

And here's the good looking who could not wait to build a wall...

painting the floor/ceiling boards

And we're spent. All in the weekend of some warriors.

A few weeks later and we have:

I'll keep you posted on the progress, but as for now, I am super excited and ready to decorate!! (and super-sick of sheetrock dust!!!!!!!!)

Game of the Century

2011-11-08T07:20:00.000-08:00

Being a fan of the best team in the world, that is, being Roll Tide football royalty, seems to become more meaningful to me every year.

Alabama football is something I have loved to claim since I was small, but these days, loving to claim has turned into pure love and simple joy.

King Saban has created a team worthy of the claim this year without a doubt, and this past weekend's game of the century was something not to let go by without a celebration. And celebrate we did! My mother-in-law called in family from all over the east as far as Indiana and Virginia to gather in honor of the "GAme of the Century!!"

Sure, we shopped, decorated, and turned the casa into a hounds tooth and crimson palace...

But the sweetest thing was watching long-distance cousins meet for the first time and become instant best friends:

Danny, Elijah Durham, and my Elijah, Judah, and Zion Thompson meeted and greeted Friday pm when they arrived from Virginia at our favorite stomp, Ragtime!

Then the next day, the Durham boys and Judah (because he was the only interested) went to Tuscaloosa to join in the historic festivities...

Elijah and Danny

(doesn't Danny look like Blake with a beard?...weird)

Chillin with Antonio Langham and Pierre Goode who gave Judah's progress as a future Tider a big thumbs up.

Danny, Danny, and Elijah

Our Ragtime friends

Back at home we watched, as all big games should be watched in my opinion, from the comfort of home, but it definitely got rowdy.

And, although the game did not go the way we had wanted, the team never failed to handle the situation with class and a head held high.

RRRROOOOLLLLLL TTTTTIIIIIIDDDDDDEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

Class all his own, Mr. Saban. Wish I could say the same for those Crazy Cajuns.

Reading this article helps a little:

I Bleed Crimson Red

At 5:51 in the Alabama LSU game highlight reel above, Michael Williams makes a catch on the goal line. It’s the 4th quarter with 11:11 to go and the game is tied 6-6. Momentum is on Bama’s side after a couple of big offensive plays: an 18 yard McCarron-to-Maze pass to the Bama 45 for a first down, and a Trent Richardson rush for 24 yards to the 28 for a first down.

At 5:31 in the reel above, Marquis Maze is in the wildcat. DJ Fluker lines up on line of scrimmage on the left side and TE Michael Williams lines up on the right beside RG Anthony Steen. At the snap Williams immediately heads downfield, leaving an opening for two LSU defenders to bring pressure on Maze. Steen moves back to contain one of the pass rushers, but the other gets through. With a defender in his face, Maze floats a pass 27 yards to Williams, who is covered man-to-man by LSU S Eric Reid. 6’6” Williams jumps up and firmly catches the ball. 6’2” Reid is short on the jump and falls down with Williams, then scuffles for the ball after Williams is on the ground.

A series of photos clearly shows Williams with control of the ball (from TideSports, al.com, and the Chris Vernon Show), or at the very least simultaneous possession.

After the end of the play, LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu (who should have been ejected for a later clothesline hit on Dre Kirkpatrick that caused a concussion) stands over the duo waving off Bama possession. The referee on the goal line, without a clear view of the play, clearly looks at the LSU players and then rules interception. Reid then stands up with the ball.

An excellent article by College Football News’ Matt Zemek (@MattZemek_CFN) explains why Michael Williams deserved to be credited with a legal catch. He discusses the different interpretations of what happened on the play, and the NCAA rulebook on “control of the ball” and “simultaneous possession” with examples from other games.

In LSU-Alabama, Reid gained full possession while already on the ground; this was clearly not a situation in which Reid stripped Williams while standing up. The fact that Reid was already lying on the ground when he wrested the ball from Williams means that if Williams had control of the ball while also lying on the ground (in other words, after his butt hit the ground), the simultaneous possession rule applies.

Here’s where things get really interesting. The play is sent for review to replay official Ben Oldham.

Ben Oldham is the same official who as a referee was suspended in December 1999 for an almost identical bad call on the 1 yard line against Georgia. The game with Georgia Tech was tied, and Tech went on the win the game by 3 points in overtime. The ruling was a fumble when the ball clearly popped out after the Georgia player hit the ground. The SEC supervisor of football officials took the unusual step of suspending the entire crew and reports were never confirmed that the officials were fired.

In January 2000, it was announced Oldham had “resigned” from officiating and took a position as Georgetown’s Athletics Director until 2002.

He pops back up on the officiating radar in December 2008 as a replay official in the Rose Bowl featuring Penn State and Southern Cal.

In the Alabama LSU game, Ben Oldham’s review confirms the ruling on the field. LSU is credited with an interception and the Tide is robbed of its chance to punch in a score at the goal line.

The SEC office then goes on to add insult to injury by naming Eric Reid the defensive player of the week for the “interception”. Whether one disagrees or agrees with the call on that play, the SEC office was wrong to publicly flaunt such a questionable on-field ruling – one which is widely being hailed outside the SEC as a monstrously bad call.

Of course, allowing Tom Ritter’s crew to officiate the game doesn’t help the SEC look any better.

Exit question: How does a disgraced SEC referee end up as a replay official in a key conference game with national implications?

More Alabama updates on Twitter at @LivingCrimson. Comments always welcome.

I feel ya man.

And can somebody please put this thug in prison!!!

And this guy for playing him...

UUUGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

Becky's Living Room and Zak's bedroom

2011-11-08T05:53:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to finally share this post!!!!

My latest project:

Becky's house.

Becky invited me into her home for staging and decorating mid-September. By mid-October, plans were drawn, purchases made and the two rooms were transformed.

The rooms were a little blank, but Becky dreamed of a Tuscan traditional retreat to put the finishing touches on her beautiful Riverchase home.

Before pictures:

We were working with existing furniture and a tight budget, but I think we made it tie together with touches of Tuscany and wine.

After's:

And Zak's room after:

GetCampie

2011-11-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find those sites where you could get lost for hours?

GetCampie.com just did that for me!

Seriously, doesn't everyone dream of hitting the American roads with your family for an all-summer road trip in style, sleeping in communal trailerhoods, and building lifelong memories in newly renovated Vintage style?

Well, I do, anyway.

Rene from BargainHoot also shows us how to Camp it out with this adorable site featuring everything from Weddings in Airstreams, to the best of the best camper renos, to mobile camper dress shops and cafes, to the best kid's playhouses that just so happen to be able to hit the open road for a vaca.

How fun and how adorable. Thanks, Rene for capturing the fun so well.

I mean, come on...How fun would it be to transform something like this...

Into something like these dreamy fantasies on wheels:

Hallow Fun's

2011-11-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to be invited to two Halloween parties in one night this weekend!

Seriously, we are not the going-outers or the staying-out-laters, so this was a very big night for us. :) And getting hubby to dress-up? Wow. Extra HUGE.

But, it didn't hurt that the attire was some of his favorite.

We started the day thinking we were gonna be Johnny and June Carter Cash. We already had the costume, no purchases needed to be made, our favorite country music couple (after Blake and Miranda, of course), done, easy peasy.

But then a stroke of genius happened out of the blue Saturday morning.

Rosie is just too symbolic for this year to just let it pass by.

I mean, I've started back to work, in a predominantly male field, trying to still be Mrs. Mom and a workin' girl. Plus, I just loved the WWII time period.

I'm not so much a women's libber like the icon has come to represent, but everything else. There.

Plus, hubby loves the opportunity to dawn his military threads. And boy, was he ever so excited to run down to the Surplus and nab me a blue jumper.

He even came home and sewed it up by about 10 sizes to make it fit me.

Nothing says Happy Halloween like a sweet, happy hubby, No?

So, without further delay....here's our inspiration, our costumes, and our night:

(p.s...We ended up at Redline listening to a friend's band play, and yes I did 3rd place and $25 in a costume contest. Cha chang cha chang!)

Our Pokemon friend, Wendy