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My hunt for modern farmhouse curtains

Who knew curtains could cause so much anxiety? I swear my friends are about to abandon me because of my constant questions (What about this color? It is too this? Too that? Are you about to murder me if I ask anything else?).

There’s just something so permanent about them…despite them being easily removed. Even though I’m a bargain hunter, it’s still an investment when you’ve got as many windows as we do in our new place. And it will definitely impact what color rugs/furniture/decor I use.

But Amy, you ask, why start with curtains? Wouldn’t it make more sense to start with big pieces, like a couch? Um. YES. But of course I’m not going the easy route. Because I found this image on Pinterest a few months back:

Hi there, Hymns and Verses! Thanks for using these pretty curtains and inspiring me.

The easy way to “bake” with Wewalka

Thanks to Tryazon, I was yet again able to host some lovely ladies for a fun afternoon of trying products and generally just hanging out. Any reason to chat and snack is a good in my book!

We tried out the flatbread and puff pastry dough. My goal was to use them in a practical, appetizer-y (not a word) way. We settled on everything crackers and raspberry/hazelnut palmiers. Sounds terrible, right? 😉

An Italian afternoon in

I threw the easiest little get together for my friends last weekend — small slices of pizza, snacks (some healthy…some not) and plenty of wine. The prompting for this afternoon in?

The easiest way to shred chicken

We usually have some sort of meat with dinner, and my favorite is chicken. It’s one of the healthier meat options, and I love how versatile it is.

Many of my favorite recipes, including my enchiladas, call for shredded chicken. Ugh. Typically I’d shred with two forks, but aside from taking so much time, I absolutely abhor the sound of utensils scraping on each other *shivers*.

Enter my new way to shred:

Broad Street browsing {Memphis}

Traveling — even short, close work trips — will always been one of my favorite things. This past week, I found myself in Memphis for a fun work retreat — and you bet I tried my best to seek out some cute thangs. And the cutest I found? Broad Street, on the recommendation of a colleague.

Spicy, all-season enchiladas

I love having home-cooked meals throughout the week (and the leftovers that follow!), but I’m always looking for ways to spend less time making them.

This enchilada dish is one of my standbys: my husband loves it and will happily eat leftovers all week, and it’s adaptable for any time of year.

Sipping sangria and making pom poms

It was nice to take a break last weekend from chores and errands to have some girl friends over for an afternoon of crafts and drinks. We caught up over glasses of apple cider sangria (a specialty from my friend, Emily — recipe below) and made a slew of pom poms:

Pardon me: 37 Things to Say Instead of ‘I’m Sorry’

It’s a part of every woman I know. We learn it from a young age and it follows us until the end.

I’m sorry.

How many times do you say it everyday? Have you ever stopped to count? I tried once and quit when I got to a dozen before 10 a.m. A co-worker recently shared that her sweet 18-month-old (whose vocabulary is obviously limited) has started saying it — not because she’s done something wrong, but because she’s picked it up as a way to fill silence.

We all know there’s a better way, but habits are hard to break. So here’s a start: 37 things to say instead, broken up into different scenarios (with a section for littles, too!). Why 37? Because 38 seemed like too many. I’m not sorry.

Nearly free and stupid simple rustic coat hook

After a short holiday break, Angelica and I are back with more smart style and home ideas to get you and your space looking great without breaking the bank.

The Vital Tasks: How I got myself to clean everyday

I’m messy by nature. While I love and thrive in clean, organized spaces, the creative part of me can’t help but leave piles in my wake. But my “Type A” part can only take so much, which is why I knew I needed a system that could work for all of me.

Then I happened upon this quote: “It’s the little things that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”

I realized that if I could make myself adopt a few small cleaning tasks each day, that could make a big difference over time. I’m calling these little bits here and there: