Refinishing Furniture!

I recently made my first attempt in refinishing furniture. This shelf has been in my family for at least fifty years. It belonged to my grandparents (my grandma thinks it was once in my great-grandmother's house). Then, it was passed along to my mother.

It used to be this awful brown color. So, I decided to take it and paint it black to go with my room. For now, I'm using it to store my Vera Bradley bags and some wedding materials on the shelves. I still need to find the perfect knobs for the drawers. I was very pleased with how it turned out. It makes me want to go antiquing and attempting to do the same for other pieces of furniture. This piece will go with me when Tom and I get married. I think it would be great in our office as a bookcase.



I still need to find a cute base for my VB lampshade.

On Saturday, I went to TJ Maxx (love it for household items)! I was browsing through the office accessories and stumbled across a TON of VB stationary items. I picked up quite a few pieces.




My grandmother also bought us a beautiful wrought iron cross. I'm thinking I want to do a cross wall in my house. Possibly in an entry way or hallway.

Pedicures, Puppy Dogs, and Nieces (Oh my!)

Last night, Tom and I had a great time. It was our two year anniversary and we went for couples pedicures and then to dinner. After that, we went to visit his nieces who are in town and to play with the new puppy, Peanut.


Tom's first pedicure!


I love pedicures!!!


Being silly in the car!


Tom and his adorable nieces


Peanut snacking on Tom's flip flops


Katie, Peanut, Tom, and Emmy


Tom and I


Emily teaching Peanut bad things

Two years!

Today is our two year anniversary!!! We are celebrating tonight with pedicures and then who knows what...

A look back on the last two wonderful years...

Vera Bradley Polyvore...

Remembering Grandma Mildred...

Today marks five years since my grandmother passed away. In ways, it seems like I just talked to her yesterday. But, in others, it seems like five years was forever ago. I couldn't sleep this morning and I thought about all the things she's missed in five years. Weddings, funerals, Christmas, birthdays, family reunions, births of new grandchildren, and so on. She was so full of life and I know she would be proud of how her family has stuck together over the past years. It hasn't always been easy without her presence. However, we all know she is with us no matter where we go.

I was only 17 when she died. It was right after high school graduation. I had such a weird summer of adjusting to life without her. I thought everything was so unfair and I was deeply saddened that she would miss out on many things in the years to come. Now, I know she has been with me through every step of the way.

So, grandma...thanks for standing by my side in spirit through it all...

-First year of college
-A horrible breakup
-More years of college
-Finding the love of my life
-Graduating from WVU
-Starting graduate school
-Beginning my first "real" job
-The death of my grandfather
-Issues with my first "real" job
-Dad's heart issues
-Getting engaged and planning a wedding

I've been through a lot in five years. Some horrible times, some so-so times, and a lot of wonderful times. No matter what, grandma has always been there. I had a dream not long after she died and she said, "I don't know why you're crying. I'm with you everywhere you go."

I love you, grandma. One day, I'll see you on the other side. Until then, continue to stick with me.

Black and white wedding...

We've decided on a black and white wedding. It's something I've wanted for a long time! I want my wedding to be very simple yet elegant. It shouldn't cost a fortune and I've already figured out lots of ways to save money here and there.

Here are some ideas I've liked that were at polyvore.com. I decided to create an inspiration board to get ideas. Wedding planning is so much fun.

P.S. It's a little stressful too.

Polyvore Creations

I love making creations from Polyvore.com. Here is one of some of my current favorite things. So fun and so creative!

Two obsessions...

Lately, I have had two obesessions: Vera Bradley and Fireside Coffee.

My VB collection is continually growing. They are the most functional and affordable bags I own! I went to a little shop today and found this adorable limited edition bag for 40% off. So cute...I can't wait to show Tom.

It's a great little bag to throw things in and go. I'm planning on going to the VB outlet sale next May in Fort Wayne, IN to stock up on some great buys.

My second new obsession is Fireside Coffee. It's a MUCH cheaper and MUCH healthier version of Starbucks. Now, do I get the same satisfaction of going to Starbucks and sipping heaven out of a green and white cup? No. Is it cheaper on gas and my wallet? Absolutely! Plus, it's only 65 calories per serving. Way better than probably the 400 calories I consume at Starbucks!

My favorite is Vanilla Nut Fudge. However, I'm determined to try some new flavors.

Time for play...

Today was one of the best Mondays I've had in...oh, about a year! It started off by going to breakfast with my dad at Panera. I have a new obsession for their carmel lattes (served over ice). Yum.



I seriously love coffee drinks. It's a fantastic way to get me moving!

I also went and met with some people about Avon. I've begun carrying some of my items that I've purchased in bulk (great deals or representative specials) and selling them out of a little basket. People LOVE it. I bring them to offices, daycares, and even churches. The ladies get to search through the basket and purchase the things they want on the spot. It's been a great way to meet new people, gain new customers, and earn some extra cash! :) I LOVE making money.

I finished my PR paper today...always a joy (seriously). I love grad school just about as much as I love anything else (not including people). The IMC program has made me feel like my knowledge is really WORTH something and not just a piece of paper. The work is challenging at times...but it makes me think. Plus, I love researching brands and learning about effective practices.

For dinner, I made an amazing dish with cheese tortellini and Vodka sauce from TJs. I love Trader Joes! Wow...we need one in Morgantown ASAP. The students would go bonkers over it. I can't wait for Tom to try it when he stops by later.

Tomorrow is a new day...

The time has FINALLY come! Friday was my last day at Chick-fil-A and I couldn't be happier. While it was a great learning experience and stepping stone, I quickly learned that it was not worth my time, energy, or intelligence. I LOVE to work, but I also want to feel appreciated.

So, tomorrow is a new day and this past weekend was one of the best I've had in quite some time. If Friday wasn't fantastic enough, my family and I went to the races in Pennsylvania. While I'm certainly not the "racing" kind of girl, it was great to spend time with my great family while eating yummy food that is incredibly bad for me.

Saturday, Tom and I spent a wonderful day in Pittsburgh. We made our first trip to Trader Joes, an amazing grocery store. If you haven't been to TJs yet, it's a must! We traveled more than an hour to get there and it was way worth it. I've munched on a lot of things already and am so impressed. Plus, the prices are AMAZING! With the economy, food prices have skyrocketed. Not with TJs, though. Because nearly all of the products are made by TJs, there is very little middle-man action. Therefore, prices are cheaper (as is quality). We also shopped, went to eat, made a Starbucks run, and went to Sing Sing! Sing Sing is a dueling piano bar (there is also one in Denver, CO). It was fantastic! However, never attend Sing Sing during wedding season. It was seriously a bachelorette party fiasco. Bridezillas galore! Nonetheless, it was a great time and so funny.

Today was a typical Tom and Shalane Sunday. Church (as always)and then time with our families and friends. Then it was homework for me.

I can't wait 'til tomorrow. It will be literally amazing to not go to work.