Lowriders VS Highrollers

I want a daybed for my dressing room. Primarily because it would be nice to have another bed for guests. Additionally I would like a place of lounging. Sure the couch is nice. But the TV is always on. And our Master bed is available. But that is such a nice cocoon of a space, I tend to fall asleep. All I need is a daybed so that I can sit, read, doodle, or just listen to music. My space to just daydream. Or tell jokes to myself in my head. Or think about Donald Trump's hair. If I were him, I would fire that combover :)

And the bed I wanted and drooled over and blogged about was West Elm's overlapping squares daybed. Oh it is nice. So nice. And sweet sassy molassy, our local Pottery Barn outlet had one! Sure, it was a bit dinged up. But c'mon!

So I called Jeremy to come look at it. He pulled it outta the rack (it was in three parts) and set it on the floor. And I thought somehow Ashton Kutcher decided to play a prank on little old nobody me. I started looking for the cameras.

The thing is like MINI ME! It is only 30 inches high...at it's tallest point! That's only 2 and a half feet for the back rail. That means the mattress is, oh, barely six inches off the floor. I would have to roll over onto the floor to get up. Blasted bad knees. So immediately I was crushed. I spent twenty minutes trying to rack my brain on how to hoist this lovely designed beauty higher. But in the end, I had to agree with the Chinese stewardess requirements...height is a deal breaker.

So I went back to the post where I originally dreamed about West Elm's ridiculously short daybed and noticed a comment from Mrs. Rauth recommending a daybed from Ikea. Oh sweet joy! Sweet double sassy molassy - it is a wonderful looking daybed!

It even resembles a much fancier (and much more expensive) Pottery Barn version.

The best part is that the Tromsnes is a full 16.5 inches taller than West Elm. That has my knees saying "thank you" and my wallet isn't hurting either.

The only part I worry about is that I haven't heard any feedback about this bed...do you guys know the ins and outs? I need the scoop on this metal wonder. Dish girls. And I know I will get backlash from all you overlapping squares lovers out there...she is fabulous. But Bob (the name of the cadaver ligament in my knee) isn't so into her. He's old fashioned. He doesn't like lowriders. It causes too many cracks :)

Goodbye Circuit City

Recently, Circuit City announced that 155 stores across the nation are going to be closing and liquidated. They aren't shutting the doors on all the stores - just most of them - to stay afloat in this weakened economy. Unfortunately for my little brother - Timmy works for Circuit City. Fortunately for me and you - Timmy works for Circuit City.

How is this good for you? Well, because of my sibling, you get the low down on scoring big time deals at Csquared. Of the stores that are shutting down, they are not open for business today. Circuit City is bringing in some repricing experts that are going through each store, item by item to name a price that will be hotter than the Great Chicago Fire. Tomorrow morning, the doomed stores are open for business with prices that should prove to be impossible to beat.

Check out if a store in your state is closing:

My dad just bought a TV last week for cheap but was worried that CC wouldn't be around to honor the three year warranty...but remember not all the stores are closing so at least if his baby fries out, he can seek a replacement.

I have been thinking of what is on my the boyfriend's Christmas wish list and here is what I came up with:

A blue-ray player please!?

My hubbie would love to know that I am navigating safely...I do tend to get lost

Canon lens for my baby

Replacing our silver beast with something a little more sleek (and with 120hertz) for viewing pleasure.

What would you get at a close-out Circuit City? Are you going to be joining me for a little pre-christmas shopping? Are you dedicated enough to low-prices that you would camp outside the Csquared doors tonight? C'mon, it'll be fun...nothing says 'I love electronics' (or 'I wanna be an American Idol') like a little sidewalk squatting!

Go Jcrew Yourself!

And that is exactly what I have been wanting to do for the last seventeen hours! You see, the boyfriend and I got an invite to the bash of the year...our friend's Dan & Heidi's wedding! Technically speaking, Jeremy got invited months ago when he was asked to be a groomsman...I was just waiting for the official paperwork to come in the door to ensure that I could attend :)

Naturally, all I can think about since opening the calligraphied little envelope is what to wear. And Jcrew is my go-to-gal (yes, Jcrew is feminine) for all things wedding-attire. I love the clean lines, the rich fabrics, the flattering cuts, the modest lengths, and the variety of shapes, colors and designs. So I hit up Jcrew.com and loved all the great dresses they have on sale right now. I was drooling so bad, I may have short-circuited my keyboard...the space bar is super slow now. Anyhoo - I knew that they must be shared and loved by all.

1. Cotton Cady strapless Claudine Dress $70

2. Polka dot Rosette Dress $100

3. Silk Chiffon Abigail Dress $70

4. Strappy Florence Dress $60

5. Silk Tricontine Rebecca short Dress $90

6. Cotton Cady Claudine tank Dress $100

7. Whitney Silk Faille Dress $90

8. Lilah Dress $40

Feeling the Love

Yesterday was officially an anniversary. An annual celebration that began last year on October 6th. That is when we got married :) And of course, in true anniversary style - I thought my husband forgot. Yes, I know it sounds crazy (being the first year and all) but I seriously believed that my husband did not remember to reserve, save, or plan to celebrate our union.


This is how it went down.


Friday, we planned on going to Bone Fish. If you have never been to a Bone Fish restaurant - I would totally recommend it. We received a lovely little gift card as a wedding present and saved it for this very special occasion. So, in my head, I had a conversation with myself - "This is it. This is the anniversary dinner. This is as much romance as you can expect for the next fifty years. This is what it will be and I must be content." And believe me - I was.

In fact, I even surprised myself because I love (LOVE!!!) to receive gifts. It doesn't matter how big or small, expensive or free, long rehearsed or on a whim. I love gifts. I love to give gifts. I love to brainstorm about the perfect gifts. I love gifts. Ok - now here is the gift deal, when someone gives me a gift, a note, a drawing - it means that they love me. Maybe big love. Maybe small. But a least a little. And this love-language is good news for a marriage. The boyfriend can just buy me a little sumpin, sumpin and I feel like we are rock solid.

So it was quite a shocker to even me when I thought our free gift card was IT for our celebration o' 1 year.


Then he did the unexpected. He pulls out a package. Yes, it is double wrapped. With a ribbon. And inside is this.


I know - shut up right?!?! So I scream. Yup and cry. And generally make a scene. And he says "Well, I wanted you to have something to take great pictures when we go to Niagara Falls...tomorrow."

Shut your stickin mouth!?!!? I was in shock. So then he bought me new walking shoes - cause the others hurt my knee. And then we get a new camera bag. It was like three gifts in one night. Saturday morning - we head to the ATL airport...then on to Canada. Never been there. It was fabulous.

It was breathtaking.

It was absolutely perfect. And the best part is that my can't-keep-a-secret-to-save-his-life husband planned it in July. Yet another reason that he is my boyfriend.

We had an Ahh-mazing room overlooking the falls, with a fireplace and a hottub. The weather was divine.

The flowers were in bloom. We even won $50 in the Casino!

It was the most perfect, the most fun, and the most relaxing three day weekend ever!

Needless to say, I came home feeling the love!

Coffee Table Time

I am dreaming of a new coffee table...

here are some possibilities :

ROUND


SQUARE or RECTANGULAR
OTTOMAN STYLE
What do you think? I know Bower Power has like five readers now, so I hope I get all five votes in for your favorite...pretty please!

Wish List - Canon Rebel XSi

Put this baby at the top of my wish list - yes, above any cd, any clothing item, any piece of furniture. This is me amore...

Girl's Best Friend

Mrs. Five Camels tagged me...bling tagged me to be exact. And who doesn't love a good game of tag when jewels are involved.

Here goes - my delish Elizabeth Taylor inspired jewelry box of my dreams.

Crystal encrusted hoops

Flower diamond studs

Thick chain silver ring

Amethyst ring (it's my birthstone and it is sooo pretty)

Pink pearl studs

and lastly - the most important piece of frosting that I already own - my lovely engagement ring.

I would be perfectly happy knowing that the ring on my finger is the only bling I will ever own... as Bon Jovi once sang -

"Diamond ring - wear it on your hand - it's gonna tell the world - I'm your only man".

Al Fresco is Not a Guy's Name

Since Jeremy & I bought our home a little more than a year ago, I have been dreaming of entertaining outside in a quaint little paradise. Just the thought of a little dinner on a garden porch makes me salivate (not just for the food either!) In fact, I probably think about changing our backyard more than I think about refinishing our basement (which would be so much more practical). But I can't help it...nature is so addictive!

Problem enters: brown thumb alert. I can't keep anything alive. Jeremy's mom gave us two orchids and already those suckers have had a bit of a haircut due to rotting leaves.

Is there any gardeners out there that are willing to live in Atlanta? I can feed you! I make a mean striped delight!

Till the day my gardener comes forward - I will have to keep dreaming and drooling over the following beautiful Cottage Living outdoor entertaining areas.

threw the swing in just for fun :)

Jack Johnson

Blogging is powerful. Don't believe me? Well I blogged about this and my lovely husband surprised me with my very own Volunteer Tee earlier this week. Thank you baby - now I am ready for Neyland Stadium :)

**notice the olympic style hand flare - and a little open mouth celebration too (again!)

So just in case the hubbie wants to cross another wishlist item off the list - here is another item that I have been eyeing :)

Jack Johnson's In Between Dreams

If you haven't danced to Better Together with your own special someone - well - it's not too late! It can totally change their mood :)

Riddle Riddle in the Mall

What's black and white and fabulous all over? Forever 21 - that's what. I am a big fan of White House Black Market - but not of the steep price tags. Enter Forever 21. At a fraction of the price you can add beautiful B&W pieces to your own wardrobe. In fact, I betcha you could get a whole wardrobe at F21 for the price of one WHBM outfit...badda bing!

Here are my delectable finds -



my favs - the irony of the 'green' bag, the polka dot hat and the faux skin wallet

my gold stars - black leggings, the black peeptoes and the striped "hip-minimizing" skirt

I would take anything here - especially the cowl neck sweater or the first veined tunic - yum!

I want it all...please? Total wishlist criteria - be on the above group of tops :)

God bless Forever 21.

SALE ALERT - Target

Target does it again - this time with a sleek and modern side table that is completely droolworthy.

Seriously - look at this little beauty and tell me you can't find a room in your home for it...see, you can't! I want one (or two) for my office.

Best part is that right now this sexy little number is only $19!!!! Can I say AWESOME?!?

Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself.

And if you can't conjure up images of how it will look - here is some inspiration in the form of CB2 and their remarkably similar side table - base is different and so is the price. ENJOY!

Penney's Saves BIG Bucks

I brainstormed last night to the sound of gunfire. Was I in the ghetto? no. Was I watching a cool new movie? no. Was I in the comfort of my own home? Yes - the boyfriend was playing what I call Badge of Honor - I think most refer to it as Call of Duty 4. I can never remember the name. I do try to be nice and not smash the game in half when I have a headache complain, but honestly - can't they make the sound effects a little less realistic?!

Anyway - I brainstormed about all the lovely things to make our newlywed chamber a bit more like "oh-what-a-lovely-master-suite" rather than "oh-I-see-you-have-a-bed-in-this-room".

So here are the additional items that I found at Target & JCPenney. Who woulda thunk that Penney's had such purty items!?!



I want to cover the entire wall behind our bed with creamy floor to ceiling drapes. point-Designer showhouse. Then have some wall sconces peak out above the dark wood nightstands and place the Target chair in the corner with the BB&B pillow. Maybe later I can post pics of our currently uber-blah bedroom. Do you think it will go with my current Master bedroom wish list?

Always one step behind...

So as soon as I buy something, Pottery Barn has this unique way of coming out with something even BETTER. Dang it.

I totally want these pillows now for my couch.

Almost there in the bedroom...

Ok so if you have come to my abode you know that our master bedroom is nowhere near finished. I finally chose a color to go along with our super neutral bedding...




and I love the infusion of color into our beige world. On Sunday, I bought this matching candle cage to hang in the corner...one day.

We already have the bed - dark brown leather platform bed and matching Target storage ottomans. They were sale purchases. Not only are they great storage for Jeremy's sweaters but they are a comfy seat for hair drying, putting on shoes, and painting toes.

But besides that - it ain't near done.

I really want the Canopy bedroom furniture in Mahogany.
$299.96
2 x $139.00 = $278.00
$276.96





Subtotal of $854.92 plus 6% tax




FOR A GRAND TOTAL OF $906.22


I only have about $0.22 saved up right now so only about $906 to go! No problem....err...no problem when you have BOWER POWER! I could have another yard sale. Sell all the junk that used to be in my dressing room. And then I could consider selling some extra organs. I won't ever use that extra kidney like I would use a night table. c'mon. also, I will be taking donations. So to you two people that read this (and you know who you are)...please feel free to give me money at will.

The Golden Hallway

Our hallway was originally the bland color that covered the rest of the house. I believe most call it contractor's beige. So I dragged Jeremy to the checkout at Lowe's to pay $5 for the ugliest paint known to man. We called it Ronald McDonald yellow. It looked like our hall got vomited on by the mustard man. It probably would have been a fine color in a different situation - but not this space. So we kept it through March and then opened Jeremy's wallet once more to purchase "churchhill wheat". It totally worked.




A couple more frames and some additional family pictures and we will be set. I would be thrilled to cover the whole hall with a family tree of sorts. So family - send them, send them all!

Christmas was especially fun this year - mostly because everything I could ever want was still listed on our Bed, Bath & Beyond registry so we didn't have to brainstorm when the looming question was asked, "so what would you like for Christmas?". I recommend registries for all people whether you are getting married or not (that or blogs with wishlists).







So naturally Jeremy and I were thrilled when his Dad and Vicki bought us this:

Jeremy was more thrilled than me. Of course I want an old-fashioned ice cream maker but here are my reasons why I am dreading using this gizmo.

1. I don't know how to make ice cream.


2. Any ice cream will be compared to Jeremy's dad's ice cream - which is amazing.


3. Ice cream can not be made in small quantities and has a short shelf life: read - I will gain 8 lbs instantly.


4. It takes all day and you have to plan in advance...which I stink at.

SO...here's the kicker...I, with a little BOWER POWER...will attempt at suppressing my fears, living dangerously, and make ice cream. Cappuccino-Toffee Crunch Ice cream to be exact.

Here is the recipe that I found that sounds super yummy. Of course - I will not serve to underage ice cream eaters.

Or maybe I am being too ambitious...darn it, I am, aren't I?!?

Panini Jubilee

Last night we made some mouth-watering paninis. They were absolutely delicious!

We loaded those suckers with grilled chicken, pesto, sundried tomatoes, mayo and mozzarella. But when it came time to press, melt, and toast...I was not prepared as I could have been.

Maybe if I had some new kitchen toys, the sandwich making would have been a little more enjoyable. These panini makers are im-PRESS-ive!

Emerilware Cast Iron Presses $25 each

Wolfgang Puck - Panini Maker $85

Mario Batali Panini Grill and Press $90

Breville Ikon Panini Press $100

Waring Commercial Panini Maker/Toasting Grill $560

(for the hardcore sandwich makers)