My Christmas Decor

Hello loves! It's been a while....

I've missed blogging so much! Real life has been my priority lately. You know a few little things like husband, kids, pets, house, etc. 

Speaking of real life. I have been enjoying it so much more since my surgery. I feel awesome! I simply can't thank everyone enough for praying and sending thoughts my way. Seriously, thank you!! It's been such a long hard road. Oh, my goodness so l-o-n-g. But I am SO good. God is SO good!

On that note, let's talk about CHRISTmas! 

My cousin and I made these adorb stockings.

 At first I wasn't sure we were capable, (okay I was pretty sure) but we finished them like sewing rock stars! I embellished them with buttons from my collection. The letter ornaments I found at Target.

My mother in law made this beautiful mesh wreath for me. 

Love it! Matches my tree perfectly.

We cut some paper snowflakes and simply hung them in the corner. 

Always fun to make these!

Thriftstore treasures I found in the early fall.

 Only $1 each!

And the tree! 

Yes, it's been up since mid November. I have no shame in pre-holiday decorating. 

Every ornament and trinket was either on uber clearance, thrifted, or homemade.

My mantle. 

The stars were thrifted and the branches were a last minute idea that came to me after pruning our large tree. I LOVE how simple and cute it turned out.

Blessings, Nicole

What I Wore...cozy fall outfit

Top Maurices, sweater thrifted, leggings thrifted, boots Frye Zappos.

This is my ideal cozy fall outfit.

 Leggings, boots, long top and sweater. 

It's kinda been my uniform lately, hence the lack of outfit posts.

Hope you all have a good week!

Blessings, Nicole

Bringing out the fall decor

I love bringing out my fall decor. This season makes me happy. 

I love the slight chill in the air and changing leaves. I love warm comfort food and anything pumpkin.

I found some great (cheap!) items to add to my fall collection.

My house feels so cozy and warm!

The Dollar Tree had some cute ceramic pumpkins so I picked up a few in different colors.

 I simply glued this one on a wooden candle stick. It looks great on my mantle! And only one dollar!

Another Dollar Tree find! These sweet felt leaves. 

I simply strung them up on some gold string for a garland.

Over the summer I found this owl at a local flea market. It was maybe around $5.

 I knew it would be perfect for my mantle!

The Boys made our front porch look creepy with webs, spiders, bugs, and skulls.

They were very excited to bring out Charlotte. Didn't they do a great job!

I found these glitter skulls at Dollar Tree also. 

Happy Fall!

Blessings, Nicole

Recovery Update #2

I had my first post op appointment today. Things are healing well. 

My incisions are looking great. Speaking of incisions, if I get another laparoscopic surgery involving my belly button, I might need a belly button lift. Kidding....but seriously, do they have those? 

Since they had to give me stitches in my rectum....that is even gross to type!  How about we will just call them my butt stitches. There is at least a little humor in that. Since they knicked my butt and had to give me butt stitches, my doctor needs to keep a close eye on me. I have to see her every week for the next few weeks. I seriously don't even feel the butt stitches at all, but I guess if they come out there is a big problem. So, I will be seeing her a lot over the next month or so.

And that's all I have to say about my butt stitches.

 I'm actually feeling really good over all, considering I've been out of the hospital merely a week. I'm able to taper off on my pain meds a little at this point. I'm getting around pretty well. I look a little hunch back esque when walking, but I'm getting there.

I have to take it easy for a while. Short walks are approved but, lifting anything over 12 pounds is a big no, no. If you really think about how many things are 12 pounds it really limits me. Carrying laundry baskets, vacuuming, grocery shopping, basically all my "mom duties". Poor me right? But I have 3 boys! So, I will be delegating the lifting to them and do what I can.

I tend to get bored and frustrated just sitting around, silly I know. So, I have been reading, drawing and watching Once Upon A Time on Netflix. Great show by the way!

You know you are bored when you are making cartoons of your animals complete with thought bubbles and captions.

Have a good week!

Blessings, Nicole

Recovery Up-date

A card from Caleb.
I love that Mr. Tumor has a mustache and resembles a taco.

Hey people! I'm alive!

My surgery last week had some complications however, I've been home since Wednesday. The phrase, "no place like home" is my mantra right now. Being home is not just being in your house but being with your family. 

My surgery ended up taking 6 hours instead of the estimated 2-3, because one of the doctors knicked my rectum in two places. That just sounds gross, does't it? Says, the girl that posted a picture of a tampon in her nose. 

Of course I had no clue, till I woke up. But it should heal just fine on it's own. 

They were able to do my hysterectomy laparoscopically. Which was fantastic! 

I only have three small incisions on my belly.

Mr.Tumor was not the size of a grapefruit but a cantelope! I can't believe he was that big! Know wonder I was so uncomfortable I was carring a melon in my tummy. Crazy!

My pain is well controlled with medication and oh, my goodness! There is tons of medication! My mom has been an awesome nurse. She sets my alarm and lables my pills. I'm going to be lost without her! 

Kevin has been awesome and helps me with everything.

I'm so grateful for all you who prayed for me! 

Im grateful for the hosptial visits, cards, balloons, flowers, meals......everything!

Thanks!

Top 10 uses for my lady things

If you know me or read my blog you know about my upcoming surgery (a partial hysterectomy) to remove Mr. Tumor this Monday. EEKk so soon!

Today, I came up with a fun idea. Well, you could call it a deliberate distraction really. 

Since I'm nervous as heck!

I have quite the surplus of "lady things" as my boys say. And since I will no longer need them (hooray!)  the husband, kiddos and I came up with some useful applications for them. 

1. Nerf darts

 2. Ear plugs

3. Nose bleeds. Obviously!

4. Cat toys

5. Straw/bubble maker

6. Tongue depressor 

7. Fire starters

8. Belly button cleaner

9. Spitball gun

10. Dental floss

Who knew Tampons could be so useful! 

Blessings, Nicole

What I Wore...the $7 top.

Top Fallas (an uber cheap discount store) only $7! Jeans Abercrombie, booties Born thrifted, necklaces Tiffany and Co (gift from Hubby) charm necklace Stella and Dot.

 I debated purchasing this top. For one, I wasn't sure about the cut outs and for two, there was no dressing room at the store. However, I loved the print, it reminded me of a style that would be sold at my very favorite store Anthropologie (a store I can rarely afford) and for the price I was willing to weigh the risk. I'm so glad I did! I love the cut outs and the fit is so flattering. I even got a complement from a 18-20 something girl at the coffee shop. I don't know why but that made me feel hip or something, ha! 

I think I will go back and get the burn orange one too! 

End of story.

One of my favorite Stella and Dot necklaces

Have a good week!

Blessings, Nicole

Linking up here: The Pleated Poppy

Inspired by Pinterest~Pizza Rolls for school lunches

I am always looking for ideas for school lunches. 

The kids get pretty burnt out on sandwiches everyday. 

I recently Pinned this: Pizza Rolls and I knew The Boys would love them!

They were so easy, especially since I used store bought dough.

 Next time I will definitely make more to freeze. 

I used Trader Joe's pizza dough, pepperoni, and my simple pizza sauce recipe below.

Simple Pizza Sauce

Half a can of tomato paste

a couple tablespoons of water for a thinner consistency

a 1/2 tsp dried basil

a 1/2 tsp garlic powder

sugar to taste (I use a smalll pinch)

salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients and spread on dough. This makes enough for one pizza.

Lunch boxes came home empty today. 

It's safe to say this recipe is a keeper!

What do you all make for school lunches? 

Blessings, Nicole

What I Wore...church heals.

Bird print high-low dress Kohls, belt Anthropologie sale, and shoes Goodwill Outlet.

This is one of my very favorite dresses. Birds, lace, high-low hem...what's not to love?!

I was also excited to wear this Anthro belt. I bought it for a steal last year and have never worn it. I don't know why, but I felt I could never style it with anything. But I think it works perfectly with this dress!

These heals are killer on the feet (ouch!) but I love the vintage style. They are definitely church heals because my toes couldn't take wearing them all day. An hour or two is doable!  

Hope you all have a great day!

Blessings, Nicole

Linking up here: Watch Out For The Woestmans
Plane Pretty and The Pleated Poppy

Homemade Salsa

My garden is full of beautiful tomatoes right now. There is nothing like homemade salsa especially if most the ingredients come out of your back yard. 

So fresh and delish!

My recipe:

half an onion

two small jalapeno peppers, remove seeds and ribs for mild, leave seeds and ribs for spicy

two cloves of garlic

juice of half a lemon or lime

I used 5 small tomatoes and 3 large heirlooms (squeeze out juice and chop in large chunks)

salt and pepper to taste

a 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

 a 1/2 tsp cumin

1 tsp. sugar

a bunch of cilantro

I used my Vitamix and blended all the ingredients for just a few seconds. 

Don't blend too much you don't want soup! 

Taste and adjust seasonings. 

I also seeded and chopped one large tomato and added it to the blended salsa for a chunkier texture.

Yummy yumkins!

I still have lots of tomatoes to use! 

What is your favorite tomato recipe? 

Up-cycle stamped jewelry with nail polish!

I found this cute stamped bracelet at a garage sale for $1. I loved the lettering and I knew I could make it pop with some color!

Paint with nail polish. 

Remove any excess with a q-tip and nail polish remover.

I wanted a little black to show through so I used my q-tip to remove a little of paint from the lettering. So it almost looks oxidized.

Simple and pretty!

Have a great weekend!

Blessings, Nicole

Good News~Surgery Update

Well, after writing this post: a little update on my surgery. I was left wondering if I was going to have my surgery any time soon. I was feeling disappointed and defeated. But in my heart I knew Gods timing was the best timing. So over the past few weeks I have faithfully prayed about it and left it in Gods hands. 

And today  I have some good news! 

After a few phone calls from my wonderful husband, our insurance company has dropped the pre-existing condition clause and they WILL cover a portion of my surgery. Nothing short of a small miracle. The coordinator at the doctors office was shocked and wondered how we did it. Apparently this is not very common in the medical insurance world. 

God is so good and faithful.

In less than two weeks I will say good bye to Mr. Tumor for good! 

As much as I am ready to say goodbye, sometimes my nerves get the best of me. And I have been dwelling on it a lot lately. My previous surgery (gall bladder removal) was really rough. I was in a lot of pain and ended up in the ER for Morphine. 

Can I ask a favor? Can you please say a little prayer for me? 

I would really appreciate it!

And if you have anything you need prayer for I would be happy to pray for you too.

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

Have a great weekend!

Blessings, Nicole

Fab Thrift Store Finds!

The thrift gods have been good to me lately. 

Here are my favorite recent finds from the Goodwill Outlet.

Let's start with this lovely floral scarf. I love the tassels!

Target brand $1.

Forever 21 aztec print poncho $2. 

I'm super excited to wear this when the weather cools down with some skinnies and boots.

Forever 21 floral  bubble tank $2. 

Pretty paired with a statement necklace.

Forever 21 (I'm noticing a trend here) boho tunic $2.

This is far too short for a dress and too long for a top so I am calling it a tunic. But, with some leggings or skinnies it will be super cute I think.

Lucky Brand embroidered skirt $2.

Perfect with a tank and sandals now and in the winter a sweater, tights and boots.

Embroidered bird table runner $1.

This works perfectly on my TV console.

 It has birds, need I say more?

Find any fab thrift store goodies lately? 

Blessings, Nicole

What I Wore...the lost and found Urban Outfitters tunic.

Tunic top Urban Outfitters via Goodwill as well as the sandals. 

Jeans Vigoss Nordstrom (my favs right now, so comfy!) 

Earrings thrifted and painted by moi.

Oh, this top! The patchwork, the colors, the comfy cut, the soft fabric.... I am clearly obsessed! I actually had this same exact top (in blue) a few years ago that I purchased from Urban Outfitters in San Francisco. I don't remember what happened to it (sad face).....But I came across this one at the GW and I knew it was fate! Just kidding...but it made me happy because I loved that top! And it was only $2 this time, compared to $40 retail! (I'm sure I got it on sale though)

Awesome! Right?

I attempted a pony tail with a couple twists that I saw on Pinterest. 

I really thought it was a pretty touch to a classic pony tail. I will use a clear hair tie next time, I think. 

Simple and cute.

Have you ever found a lost item at the thrift store before? 

Have a great week everyone!

Blessings, Nicole

Linking up here: Kiwi Womens Style
The Pleated Poppy

Budget Gallery Wall

I finished the last pieces of artwork this weekend for my gallery wall and I am so excited to share how it came out.

 Because I LOVE it!

I used this clock that I already had from Target as my focal point. Then I laid out my artwork and photos till it was just right. 

I didn't want a messy looking wall so I kept the perimeter as symmetrical as possible. 

Kevin was off work today and was able to help me. 

He hammered and leveled while I made sure the placement was perfect.

Thanks babe!

I had this lovely plate a friend made me for a wedding gift. It has our wedding picture and date on it. It was just sitting in my kitchen window. I think it is better show cased now!

I used a Command wall strip to attach it. Those things are awesome!

I found this beautiful frame at the Goodwill and attached a string to the back. I used a black Sharpie to write letters on burlap and attached them with small clothes pins from my craft closet. It will be fun to change it out with pictures and holiday decor in the future.

I included all my favorite family photos. This one of the boys I just love!

I used what I had on hand and shopped other rooms in my house. I only bought items from the thrift store, dollar store and flea market. I made all the art work myself. So, I was able to complete this wall on a very strict budget. 

Can you tell I am proud of myself? Ha!

I love it!

I hope you all had a great weekend! 

Blessings, Nicole