Passionately Patient

I needed to read this verse today:

"Meanwhile, the saints stand passionately patient, keeping God's commands, staying faithful to Jesus."
Revelation 14:12 (The Message)

Wow. The term "passionately patient" stood out to me. Often being patient seems more like a chore than something to be passionate about. God reminded me this morning of His sovereignty over my life. That He will orchestrate the details of my life into a beautiful composition, on His time, not mine. Keeping God's commands and staying faithful to Jesus will help me develop this passion. And, I'm up for it!

Anyone else struggle, like me, with being passionate about your patience?

Come back and see me
~Kara

Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite

First off, I found a spider in my bed and that was unpleasant to say the least. Yes, I may have called my mom crying. She is used to my over-dramatic self.

Secondly, I though you all may enjoy a picture of my new headboard with a bed against it. Now that my bed is together the issue is... I don't like the stuff on the Mantel. I threw together a random collection of things I have laying around. Any suggestions?

Also, I'm thinking I may switch out those throw pillows. They were from my old bedding which was a minty-type color. I fell like everything looks disjointed.

HELP LADIES! I BEG YOU!! HELP!!! I'm not getting a "this is so cute I could sit in here all day" feeling from my bedroom right now, and quite frankly that is exactly what I want to be able to say to my bedroom every time I walk in.

Ewww look at how not crisp those pillows are, and kind of crooked. That's what I get for making my bed at midnight so I can take pictures :)





Let the suggestions begin!

Hungry? Check out this delicious little bit of goodness! Just posted to Kara Cooks!

Come back and see me
~Kara

I'd Like to Thank the Academy...and Willy Wonka

I have recieved my first blog award! What a day!!

Chris over at Just a Girl has a FABULOUS blog (love the layout- I'm working on trying to get something a little more custom myself) gave me this lovely lil' award and I could not be more excited. An award? For lil' ol' me? She has great taste in home interiors, and shares my love for little home projects. Thank you Chris for making my day! Here's the lowdown on the award...

The rules are as follows:

1. Display the logo proudly on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person(s) who awarded you.
3. Nominate seven other deserving bloggers.
4. Add links to their blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

Picking seven blogs is hard. My Google Reader is way too full with wonderful inspiration ever single day. However, I have a case of the Monday's, so 3 will have to do! :)

So here are my lucky recipients:

1. Julia- I love her hilarious college stories, pictures of Herny the dog, and all around adorableness

2. Cherry's Jubilee- Wow. Do I LOVE the plates that she stamps! I MUST learn how to do that. Also, she loves the Twilight series.

3. Watch the Wind Blow By- She calls her man Carrots, and well she loves Tim McGraw. 'Nuff said.

Thank you ladies for GREAT ideas, GREAT laughs, and GREAT inspiration.

On an unrelated note, I have the best small group from church ever. One of my small group members had a Willy Wonka themed party this weekend (BYOC- bring your own candy). Just because we are that ridiculous and creative, three of us made shirts. I LOVE them. People, all it took was masking tape and spray paint. Please meet Oompa (me), Loompa, and Doopity Doo...

Yeah, I'm that dorky.

Come back and see me!

~Kara

Can you tell I'm in the mood to SHOP

Why oh why on earth do I want a new scarf? I can't answer that question. I have no clue. Yes, it is in the 90's here. And, yes, I want one of these oh-so-very-comfortable looking jersey (aka feels like your favorite t-shirt) scarves from American Apparel. Luckily I'm going to Nashville next weekend where there just so happens to be an American Apparel. Can we say...shopping spree? (ok really not a shopping spree b/c I'm very pro-save your money, but one little scarf never hurt anyone).

Come back and see me!

~Kara

QUILTIN

I want this!!!! And guess what? I'm entered to win it and you can enter too!!

The lovely and oh-so-generous Old Red Barn Co. is giving it away! Click on the link for instructions to enter.

In the meantime, drool a little bit as you inspect this lil' bit o heaven:



Come back and see me!

~Kara

Weekend Roundup

What a weekend!!!

This weekend can be summed up in one word. . . HOT! I moved this weekend. Which would be fine and all, especially since I used a moving service, however, upon arrival to my new apartment we learn that the air conditioning is broken. This would be fine if I lived in the Mountains, but we are talking St. Louis HUMID, STICKY, GROSS summers. I spent the weekend drenched, determined to unpack and decorate my place. Finally when the apartment reached 97 yesterday morning, I had enough and escaped to my parents' house where I will be camped out for the next week while they wait for a part to get in so the unit can be fixed.

The good news:
- My kitchen, laundry room, living room, bedroom and bathroom are completely unpacked, curtains even hung, and looking fabulous

The bad news:
- The office is a mess
- There are still a few things to hang up
- My brand new Vinca plant (stationed next to my new hummingbird feeder- yes, I'm turning into my mother) will die while I'm gone for the week and I forgot to grab it.
- I FORGOT MY CAMERA. So, I have no pictures yet of my ADORABLE bed, or the fabulous goodwill finds I snagged this week. I promise pics in the near, cooler future.

In other news:
- I found curtains for my bedroom! I got these 96 inch curtain panels at Lowe's and LOVE LOVE LOVE them (see picture from lowes.com below). They reach all the way up to my ceiling and brush the floor. They add great height to the room. It is hard to see in the picture, but they are a grey, taupe, brown, beige type color. Anyway, they look great! They have a wonderful sheen. I also got chocolate brown curtains with a sheen to cover my closet, where I removed a set of old bi-fold doors. Pictures of my room coming soon!



Whatta ya think??

Sorry for such a general post, but I think I'm still sweating from the weekend.

Come back and see me!
~Kara

Help me, all ye with great taste....

I'm at a loss. Below you will see the three colors/patterns currently occurring in my room, along with a "real-life" picture showing that the blue color is lighter than it seems "swatch-style." I know I need to aim towards being layered with my design and not be completely matchy-matchy. So, help a girl out!!!

Here's what I need:

- Suggestions for curtain fabric/pattern/color. (I will also be hanging curtains instead of closet doors

- Accent colors for pillows, accessories, etc.

- Ideas for what to hang/lean above mantel/headboard

You all are the best!

come back and see me!

~Kara

Two Little Birds...

I bought two of these little guys. I love them.





I think these, a large silver mirror, and my set of apothecary jars will go on top of the mantel project for the time being. Thanks to Pier One and their fabulous sale.


Come back and see me!
~Kara

Weekend Roundup

This weekend was eclectic full of vampires, corn dogs, cake spins, cover bands and Design Star.

Here are a few highlights:

Vampires

I finished the book Twilight this weekend. I loved it. For those of you who have not picked up on the media frenzy, it's a great story about a teenage girl who falls in love with a Vampire. Wild, I know, but worth it. I'm already into the second book and loving it. I can't wait till the movie comes out in December! Has anyone read it? What did you think? This is tempting me to be the last person on earth to give into Harry Potter.

Corn Dogs, Cake Spins & Cover Bands
This weekend was a Homecoming festival for a couple of my friends in my small group. A few of us tagged along, not locals at all, to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this annual festival. Let's just say, it was the highlight of my weekend. Twenty bucks goes a long way. I was able to purchase a generously sized BBQ Pork Steak (a St. Louis BBQ staple), grilled corn, 1/2 a funnel cake, several rounds of the Methodist church's cake spin (we won a VERY neon yellow lemon cake, it was interesting), a face paint of a ninja turtle on my cheek, and a few beers and sodas. There was also a cover band each night, and let's just say our huge group was the life of the dancing party, till the 4 year old showed us up with his Guitar Hero moves. I love small town festivals! Next stop, tractor pulls and demolition derby at the Bond County Fair!

Design Star
As always my mom and I camped out in front of the TV last night to catch Design Star (with thin mint blizzards in hand I might add). It was the kitchen episode. The whole team had to execute a kitchen makeover in 24 hours with 10,000 dollars. I thought it looked nice, but not exceptional. This big drama of the whole show was poor leadership and the fact they didn't even attempt a back splash, instead they just painted behind the cabinets, not the best idea. They were also criticized for not making any bold design statements in the room.

Here's the Kitchen, post-makeover What is up with that window treatment? I hate it:


I wanted them to use something like one of these types of tin material for a back splash. What do ya think?



As always, let me know your thoughts!

Come back and see me!
~Kara

For the Love of Toenails

Yep. I love a pedicure. I love how great the paint looks when you are finished, I love the brief leg massage. I love it all. Luckily, because I was given a gift certificate, this week I was able to hit up a fancy schmancy day spa and get a "spa pedicure." This meant they rubbed your feet for longer, slathered you down in raspberry sugar scrub and fixed you up with booties, yes booties.

Behold the bootie glory:

They dipped our feet in this deliciously hot peach vanilla wax, then put what looked like a roasting bag on your foot, then the lovely terrycloth bootie. I found it extremely hilarious. However, it did make my feet feel fabulous. Don't mind the cankles.

I picked polish "number 27" for a redish pink. Sorry for the low quality picture, but you get the idea: adorable toes!

On a completely unrelated beauty note, I'm turning into my mother. See those little dark spots on my hands, those kind of frecklish guys? Those are my first sun/age spots. My mother is covered in them. Her dermatologist said it is genetic, so I apparently decided to hop on the spot train!

These popped up on my FIRST day on vacation. What the heck? Yes, I may have cried when I saw them appear.


Quite the random post, but hey so was my week!

Come back and see me!
~Kara

Yep, I'm Obsessed

With this fabulous chair in the front right of the picture...



The pattern is a little more wild than my usually taste, but I LOVE it. Hmmmm. I wonder if they make that sucker in shower curtain form? I must find out.

Now, don't only be distracted by then gem in the front. That yellow chair in the middle is GEOURGOUS!!

I love you Pottery Barn.

Come back and see me!
~Kara

This Spoke to me Today

I know I'm like this a lot of the time. This really challenged me today:

The Spiritually Lazy Saint

Anybody else ever fall into this trap?

Come back and see me!
~Kara

Tag It Up

I have been tagged! This is my first "tagging" experience in the blogosphere. Thanks Kara!

If I tag you, here's what you gotta do!:

1. Write the title to your own memoir using 6 words.2. Post it on your blog.3. Link to the person who tagged you.4. Tag 5 more blogs.

Kara's memoir: From Southern Roots to Midwestern Streets
From fried pies and mashed taters to pork steaks and city living. A story of a 20-something learning where she came from and discovering where she's headed.

Tag You're It!

Jessi
Lara
Erin
Katie
Whitters

Weekend Roundup

What a great weekend! Celebrating the 4th is a wonderful part of the summer, and here in the STL, we just so happened to have delightful weather. I figured I'd update you on the weekend's oh-so-lame festivities, and throw in some cuteness for some Kara flavor.

Fourth of July

I spent the day working on, and installing my headboard project, then it was time for the fun of the weekend to begin!

My roommate-to-be Kodi and I had a good one at the Tim McGraw concert. Kenny Chesney made an appearance and they even had fireworks. It was a serious BLAST! I met a lot of Kodi's friends. They were a great group. I love a good nine dollar bud light and some country music :)

Saturday

I cleaned the very very very grimy cabinets at the new apartment. This took WAY too long. I congratulated myself on the effort with a hot dog from Quick Trip.

Saturday night was AWESOME. My parents went to a party I decided not to attend so I camped out on the couch, organized all my digital photos. Next step, getting a bunch printed. This girls wants to start puttin some memories in albums and frames. The same evening I also watched Steel Magnolias for the very first time in my life. My opinions follow:

1. I sobbed. We're not talking a tear falls from the eye typical sad movie situation, but all out blubbering mess.

2. I'm consequently currently obsessed with the name Shelby

3. I wish I was southern

4. My first grade love for Dolly came rushing back. (Yes, I was obsessed with Dolly Parton as a young girl)

5. Really. Good. Movie.

After the movie I hit the bed.

Sunday:

I went to church and enjoyed a great sermon on our problem, as Americans, with materialism. We always want more, more, more. It made me take a good look at where I'm spending my money and how I can live more simply.

After a dinner with family friends, my mom and I hit the Tivo for the latest episode of Design Star on HGTV. I love this show. But, I'm a sucker for all things reality television. This week, two teams each re-designed a suite at the Opryland Hotel inspired by country music star (and Missourian) Sara Evans. She is totally Shabby Chic and I loved every single inch of her home that they showed. She also replaced all the doors in her home with old doors, which I adored.

I thought both suites looked AMAZING. However, my favorite was definitely the wining team.

Here's some eye candy:

This is from the suite that lost. However, I still love it!

This was the winning suite. I love the couch and pillows, the wall color, love it all!

I also just adore these headboards made out of two old doors and Piece of old trim. How great does that look! Also, please get a good look at that 100% fabulous turquoise chest between the beds. My heart just skipped a beat:

Overall, it was a wonderful weekend. I got a lot accomplished and got a lot of relaxing in too. I hope you all did the same!

Come back and see me!

~Kara

Headboard Project Complete!!

This weekend, my dad helped me finish up my new headboard project. I'm quite excited. I think it looks great. Now, my next step is figuring out what to hang above the darn thing :) I'm thinking a project with three large frames, some ribbon, and my initials in monogram style or old english style print, more details to come. However, the suggestion box is wide open! So please help me!

If you decide to do this project on your own, shoot me a line and I can give you all the details on the easiest way to affix it to the wall. Which means I'll ask my dad exactly how that all worked.

Warning, I may have gotten a little picture happy, but enjoy!

Cover the foam board with batting to make i extra cushy and soft:


Then, do the same with the fabric, making sure the corners look nice:


Then marvel at your fabric masterpiece. Warning, a dad might pop up from behind there at any time:


Then, affix the upholstered board into the mantel opening:


Install, raising it up on boxes for height, and have your dad pose for a picture because he's been such a wonderful help:


Stand back, take a deep breath and think, "What's my next project?!"


Come back and see me!
~Kara

To Distress...or Not to Distress?

Update: I have decided to not attempt the distressing. I may just put a coat of sealer on it so it will not chip off. Thanks for the help guys!!

I do not have fancy bedroom furniture. In fact, I have the hard rock maple furniture from my grandparent's home (which makes me happy because I love family heirlooms). Anyway, I've painted the furniture Fence Post white and put the original handles back on.

I can distress it if I want to and add some wax that will "antique" the furniture. I like this idea, but I also love how clean and fresh it looks now

Help a girl out! Distress or not to distress?



Come back and see me!
~Kara

p.s. I just ate the most delicious tomato sandwich for lunch. I'm giddy with tomato season glee!