after 2ish weeks of moving and 48 hours of intense preparations, we are finally moved out of our old townhouse. as we speak the cleaning crew is over there getting it 'move-in ready' and i am almost relieved. our walk-through is at 6pm tonight, and CL is going to man that operation alone. I can't even force myself into going. I have such a bad taste for our old Landlord that I know if I go, there will be blood. He has been such an inconvenience and flat out pain in my ass for a year that I cannot even give him the satisfaction of showing up. 

I woke up with sweaty palms and a stomach in knots just thinking about how anxious I am for this to all be over and done with. I know that there are a few of you who know the extent of how badly we hate him and how soon we want this over with. I have this fear over our $1200 deposit and $600 dog deposit and how we will never see that money again. My mom told me to go into this expecting nothing and when we get ALL our money back it will be a great surprise. I can only hope. Our landlord is an 'attorney' that can't speak proper english (if you get my drift) and he is going to nickel and dime us out of our deposit. Or that is what I think he is going to do anyways. The townhouse is in pristine condition and move in ready and I have to keep convincing myself that. There is NO reason we shouldn't get our money back. Let's all think positive thoughts on this. I don't want to go to small claims court over this. BLAH.

(via weheartit)

hope everyone had a great weekend. CL and I spent it moving. At least the weather was nice! Friday we went to whole foods downtown and grabbed some 'healthy' dinner.. it was 72* out!! yes, you saw that correctly. seventy-two degrees. it was WONDERFUL. we sat outside and enjoyed the cool weather before heading home to work on the old townhouse again. the cooler weather lasted kind of through the weekend, giving us a small break from the 100+ temperatures we had been seeing. it was blissful.

I cannot believe it's already september. oy!

one for my designer friends.

as i sit here, at my new desk, with my new workspace, real construction plans sprawled out everywhere with my music on working feverishly on SketchUp, i have such bittersweet memories.

Sweet in the memories i have of staying up all night in the CAD lab working on projects that have no real-life significance. i mean, they taught us all the basic tools we need to succeed, but the more i think back on school projects, i really think they were designed more for us girls to bond over taco cabana at 3am. i'll never forget those nights. or that lab and the girls who share all those memories with me.

and bitter in the sense that my back is killing me, my contacts are dry from staring at the computer, and my wrists hurt from using a real mouse again. 

am i complaining? no. im happy. i really am.

here's why.

i just spent 4+ hours working on a furniture plan that IS ACTUALLY GOING TO HAPPEN. and its for a great cause (its for a non-profit.. check it out HERE). and i was asked to do this. no one said this has to be done by xyz time and your getting graded on it. this is REAL. and im so glad. this is why i signed up for this profession..helping others and making their lives that much better.

...and not many/ no one really knows that im an intern for a design magazine. something im very excited to be a part of, and i spend hours researching products, and soon will be fact-checking articles for the next issue. you know your jealous! i was lacking on my current assignment, but i have my head on straight now and i hope that im doing a good job. you never know. i turned in some more stuff and hopefully i get a thumbs up. i'll keep you all posted. 

and yes. i know this photo has absolutely NOTHING to do with this post. but the more i look at it, the more it makes me giggle.

a wee bit of me wednesday!

{one} what was your favorite birthday gift?

well i really enjoyed this years bday gifts.. a yurman ring from CL and a great surprise from my mom.

{two} have you ever been cow-tipping or snipe-hunting?

no. and wtf is snipe-hunting? snipe like that bird thing from UP?

{three} what’s the strangest talent you have?

i can fold my tongue into the 3 leaf clover thing. and i have a split uvula. boom.

(both photos via google images.. are are NOT me!!)

{four} what are your favorite kind of chips?

either really fresh tortilla chips or sour cream and onion.

{five} do you know any tongue twisters?

greek grapes.

try saying that 3 times fast!

{six} what was the last movie you saw in a theater?

holy cow. its been a while.. but i went and saw 'despicable me' when i had a few hours to kill between some meetings a while back..

{seven} do you collect anything?

crap? haha... jewelry and handbags. and design books.

{eight} what is something you wish you were better at?

spanish.

{nine} what’s the worst habit you have?

occasionally biting my nails, but i seem to have kicked that habit. so now its leaving laundry on the floor.

{ten} when you wake up, what is the first thing you think?

i hope CL locked the door! and how much longer can i lay here before im going to pee in my pants!

cha-cha-changes.

happy tuesday ya'll.

(via weheartit)

lots going on 'round here. and by here i mean the blog. im sure you have all noticed a few changes. i cannot make up my mind on how i want this damn thing to look, so i've been shopping professional blog designers for some help. this is what gbst will look like for the mean while.. when i hit 10,000 hits, im going to pay for someone to re-vamp and customize my blog for me! so tell your friends to read me and maybe in a couple of weeks we can have a total overhaul!

have i ever mentioned i love random acts of kindness? 

well i do.

today while on my way to target to get contact solution (i never have enough) a guy in camaro was stalled at a light.. i noticed some traffic and couldn't figure out what was going on.. 2 other motorists blocked lanes, put their flashers on, and got out in the heat (it was 3:30ish) and helped this stranger push his car under the overpass and out of the sun. i was so happy to see that people are kind enough to get out of their fancy (land rover and mercedes) air conditioned vehicles to help a complete stranger in the middle of the day. it made me smile. and im sure that kid in the camaro was smiling too.

hey there hottie.

okay, now we all know im usually one to complain about the heat.. it's august in texas and its miserable. but mother nature has definitely turned it up a notch.. i was getting in the car today and the car read 120*. One-hundred and twenty degrees. 

HOLY COW.

we are definitely in the home stretch when it comes to moving.. just a couple more car loads of what i refer to as 'crap', the entire garage/man cave and then the cleaning and painting starts! we have only been moving stuff when the sun goes down, you know cause its so pleasant to be outside at 5pm, and its been working out pretty well.. we know we have a certain amount of time to get things done before bed, so we are utilizing our time very efficiently. go us.

i hope everyone who went back to school today had a fabulous day! i know a lot of 1st year teachers, new high schoolers, and a 6th grader who all were a little nervous, and i hope that their nerves dissipate and they all settle in nicely!

now. wheres fall?!

just breathe.

...and im back.

i know you all have been crying yourselves to sleep since i've been gone, but have no fear, im back in action! 

(via weheartit)

we have officially moved in our new place, and not only does it look awesome, but its bigger than the old place! we didn't even know! plus, there are added bonuses.. like a linen closet in the master bath (!!!!!!), a bigger closet with double doors, a bigger yard with access to the dog park, and floors that don't scratch when you walk on them!

we went for a different look here, and i have to say, im pretty proud of the way it turned out. i mean, i am a professional, but still! haha. i'll post pictures as soon as everything is in its place and to my liking.

today also marks a few firsts and lasts!

today, my beautiful cousin Claudia pledged Alpha Delta Pi at Florida State University! I am SO excited and happy for her! Congrats again Claudia!

 (shes on the far left, in the second row from the bottom... stole this photo from my uncle!)

and today is the last day of summer for all the kiddos and all my teacher friends! everyone has been posting photos of their new classrooms and going to bed early, and i have to say im pretty jealous. i know that i too wanted to be doing all of that same stuff, but as usual, my life has taken off in another direction that i am SO happy and excited about. maybe next year... 

and nadia is starting her freshman year at TheHighSchoolForThePerformingandVisualArts and i know she is SO excited.. as is everyone else! She is going to LOVE it there!!

i cannot believe is almost september... where did summer go? anyone going on any last minute summer getaways? i celebrated the end of summer by moving.. what are you up to?

oh and since i forgot to post these.. CL's bday was on the 16th.. Happy Belated CL! I know you had a great one!

a wee bit of me wednesday!

okay, i know im a day late, but im in the process of moving and internet is scarce!!

{one} who’s the funniest person you know?

hmm... its a tie between CL and my dog molly. they both make me laugh day in and day out.

{two} were you a michael jackson fan?

nope. not really.

{three} what was your favorite book as a child?

angelina ballerina!!

{four} what’s the most delicious meal you’ve ever eaten?

oh gosh. all food is delicious. lately is was my birthday dinner at Bess Bistro on 6th.. it was seriously the best food ive eaten in austin.

{five} if you could eliminate on thing you do each day in the bathroom so you never had to do it again, what would it be?

blow drying my hair. what a freakin' hassle!

{six} if you could ask barak obama one question, what would it be?

embarrassed yet?

{seven} what’s the best place near you to get a drink?

z'tejas has some pretty good drinks, and so does vivo... 

{eight} what kind of music can you just not stand to listen to?

gangsta rap. gross.

{nine} who and when was your first kiss?

a guy named reid .. i was 14?

{ten} what 3 things do you think will become obsolete in the next ten years?

paper mail, radio, facebook.

always design on a dime. version 1.

so lets throw some obvious things out there.

- i am an interior designer.

-i love good deals.

now, why this hasn't dawned on me before im not sure, but i am going to start sharing all of my bargain design tips with you all. because i 'Always Design on a Dime'.. or A.D.D. from here on out... once or twice a week. now i know that not every week it will be something 'design'.. it may be places to grab things that 'decorate' your home, but whatever. its part of the job. plus, who doesn't love great accessories?!

this week im im going to let you in on my fav bargain place- IKEA. if you don't have one, im sorry. i really am. i shop there more than I should, but everything is so affordable that even if you love it for a few months then hate it, you don't feel guilty trading up for something else. that and its a great 'we need a coffee table, but the one we want is expensive and we need to save but we can grab something cheap in the mean time' place.

SOLSTRÅLE- vase $6.99! how cute is this? for some daisies? to add a pop of color? LOVE. and it's totally handblown glass!

TRÅDIG- bowl $24.99 modern design at its best. plus, if you put decorative balls, toys, etc. in there you can totally spray paint it another color! (just not too safe for foods that you don't peel or wash first!)

HERRÄNG- vases $14.99/each... LOVE them. all handblown glass.

BJOA- mirror.. $29.99.. perfect for a vanity or by your front door.. you know,for that last minute check-yourself-out-moment!

MALMA- mirros- $2.99!! i love these because they are paintable! you could do a collage of them over your bed, over a buffet, over your couch, in a bathroom- the possibilities are endless!

TOLSBY- frame- $.99!!! and its 2 sided which means 2 photos! perfect for your desk, nightstand, or anywhere really! and for $.99, you can't go wrong!

SOLMYRA- picture- $9.99.. i love artwork, and i love it even more when its cheap and random! we are waiting til its back in stock for our powder bath!

GISLEV- rug- $19.99! its 6'5" x '4" so its a great size for your living room under your coffee table... and cheap enough to not worry about spilling food or drinks on! plus its a good neutral so it will look good with just about anything

FJELLSE- bed.. $49.99.. okay i know what your thinking, BUT for a guest room, its perfect. you can paint it any color under the sun and it will look fab. 

LACK- Side table ($7.99!) and Coffee table ($19.99) these are simple and way less expensive than the wal-mart version.. at wal-mart, the side table is $19.99! we have these in black in the man cave and when side by side, it doubles at an entertainment center! plus they come in 8 different colors!

BÖJA- table lamp- $39.99.. CL is dying for this lamp.. its vintage modern 70s-ish. and lucky guy he is because after the move we may just get one for our new desk!

BORRBY- lantern- $7.99.. mixing costal accessories is a great way to liven up a bookshelf, buffet, side table.. plus the more candles you melt in there the more character you add to it! 

AND

KÅRABODA- lantern.. $1.99! I definitely got a couple of these (thanks mom!) they are frosted glass and look awesome when a tea light candle is lit inside. and for $1.99 you can afford to scatter them all over your house! (plus they will come in handy if your power ever goes out!)

okay, thats good for today. seriously, check IKEA out. you can easily get out of there with a house full of accessories for under $100! try it, i know you'll like it!

(all photos via www.ikea.com)

pending...

i hate waiting. despise it. it makes me feel physically ill, and antsy, and i hate it.

LIES!!!

(via google images)

that being said, we have been "pending" for over a week now. at this point, i just want this whole situation to be over with. there have been ups and downs, and 'your good to go!' just to wake up and see cancelled in the am. UGH. (this is nothing major either.. im just over-reacting, but ugh! i just want an answer already!)

i FINALLY was able to go and see our new townhouse yesterday! the guy living there had just moved out and he came over and invited me to go see! now it was still a mess.. the movers had literally just moved out the last boxes, but it still gave me a chance to see what we were getting into! since it's the same floor plan, there wasn't much of a difference.. same granite, lighter cabinets, and DOUBLE DOORS on the closet! oh yea. the bathroom sinks/counters were raised a little higher than what we have now and we need to buy a shower curtain for the guest bath...the backyard and deck are also bigger which is nice, we can finally look for a patio set! we have paint picked out (i know, even after i swore off painting) for 2 walls.. nothing major, but it will add a little color and i know it will look awesome. im excited to get this move started tomorrow! i hope to have some stuff finished by monday- it's CL's bday and we have to celebrate! even if we are in the middle of moving, again.

hope you are all enjoying your friday the 13th! spooky!!

a wee bit of me wednesday!

{one} how would you describe your style?

since i dress slightly different than i design, i'll say i dress super girlie ( i LOVE dresses, jewelry, headbands...) modern, and fresh ( i dont know if that is a proper noun for describing something, but whatever).  my interior design style is definitely a mix of modern, eclectic, classic, and colorful.

{two} what would your perfect day look like?

sipping fruity, umbrella-ed drinks on a white sand beach with crystal clear water. alone or with CL and friends. im pretty easy to please.

{three} what would be the best workplace perk?

working my own hours.. oh wait. i do!

{four} if you could have the starring role in one movie, which would it be?

hmmmmm.... 

{five} what tv show do you wish would go off the air for good?

all of the 'trainwreck' shows...tila tequilla, for the love of ray j, etc...

{six} chocolate or vanilla?

chocolate! vanilla is only good in birthday cake.

{seven} if you could date any celebrity, who would it be?

johnmayer, johnmayer, johnmayer...

{eight} if you could have been the author of any book, which would it have been?

something classic that has been around for ages, and will be around for many more.. like Emily Post's 'Etiquette'

{nine} what's your favorite type of flower?

peonies. used to be gerbera daisies, but i grew up a little. 

{ten} what do you think is your most attractive feature?

i have a really big smile. that and when it isn't driving me crazy, my hair. or my eyes.. 

hot hot hot.

so i have the hiccups. bad. i figured i'd start off with that considering its all that i can think of right now. i've tried everything. i would get them when i was younger for days.. and then i would get taller.. i wonder if that still applies now?

(via weheartit)

i think the heat has finally gotten to me. im exhausted. all the time. 99% of my job entails running errands.. in and out of shops/ cars/ HOT (as in warm) artists spaces... and by the time i get home, if not sooner, i can barely keep my eyes open. its horrible. i haven't been taking naps or having "quiet" time in months and now its mandatory. and i hate it. its such a waste of time- especially since i should be packing.

speaking of packing i think we have a good grip on this move. im seriously going to make this move my bitch. and then sit put for 2 years then move (again) into something i own. for realz. we are going to move room by room.. one at a time. none of this 'where does this box go?' business. that bed? it goes in the bedroom. DONE. hopefully it works out as smoothly as i am imagining it im head. plus since our leases overlap we won't be rushed, and we will have an empty home to clean and make it move in ready, then basically walk across the street and be done with it. it shall be blissful i tell ya. now if i could only turn the heat down outside...

omg i am still hiccuping!

we should have some pretty exciting news tomorrow. i thought today would be the day, but no. more waiting! ahh!

ps.

heaven got a new angel last night.

rip rex.

you were such an nice man and i'm glad i was able to meet you earlier in the year.

CL and I will see you again some day!

totally disconnected.

ugh.

(via weheartit)

i have so many thoughts, things, lists, and complaints running through my head that its hard to figure out what direction to go.

i have found that when things are going oddly well that something equally as terrible is on the horizon. now im not going to say anything because there is still a glimmer of hope and im really thinking that things may work out this time.

but then again, maybe not.

i have also found that every couple weeks or so the proverbial shit hits the fan. if its not one thing, its something else. and with this move looming over my head, the stress level is through the roof. sometimes i just want to say 'f*ck it' and be done with it all, but something keeps dragging me back to the craziness and i really think its slowly killing me. i mean, don't get me wrong, everything is okay, but i really think i live with an incompetent, mentally challenged child sometimes. i mean, i do basically everything but wipe his ass, and now i feel like i'm doing that too-- and i don't deserve that... do i? i shouldn't have to live like that.. and i refuse to. and how many chances do you give someone? i mean, if they are "trying" (and i say that loosely) should you give them more than one? two chances? sometimes i really think im at my wits end. that or im crazy.

see i told you. im rambling in no direction, just venting.

this past weekend was crazy busy. between us supposed to be packing our house, we (as in CL, my mom, and my bro. I was at ZTA alum officer training) moved my brother into his new house. it was hot. luckily everything went well and he got everything worked out and moved in. and because it was a move that involved my family there was only one hitch in the form of a new alternator. for my brothers truck. you know, just for fun. he was so proud that he fixed it all himself. what a b.a. 

hope to bring you all good news in the next few days! im excited!!

um. dc housewives.

(via google images)

first off, this bunch of ladies are the biggest one uppers, possibly ever. and it feels awfully incestual if you ask me. who knows.

and um, what in the world is a second tier person? top tier would be... like royalty? a celebrity? sounds a little dumb to me.. especially coming from a modeling agency owner. its not like your saving lives... well unless you consider that feeding the starving models life saving. whatever.

the only partially normal one (to me) is mary and she just seems like the lush in the group.. my kind of gal. not to mention her bad ass closet (a fingerprint door lock?!) and her fabulous house (a designers pottery barn chic dream). plus her husband is pretty damn cute. 

and the political banter? guess what? i think bush is a better person than obama- im not a fan. i didn't vote (at all). sue me. whatever. everyone is entitled to their own opinion. and if you cant handle opinionated people, maybe you should rethink signing up for a reality show. her excuse was 'your husband works for the president- maybe you should rethink that'. um no. im sure there are a million other people who dont just love their boss. yea its cool because he's the 1st black president but what has he done? yea, thats what i thought too. not much change around here... ugh. sorry. no more politics on the blog. none. "dont make politics personal". thanks mary.

basically i see this whole season as a trash talking, ass kissing, hot mess. but that's just me. did you watch? what did you think?

take me out to the ball game.

dell (for the most part) takes really good care of their employees. well, maybe not dell directly, but you know. anyways... 

intel dropped off round rock express tickets yesterday and CL got two of them! not only did we get sweet tickets, but we got free parking (woo!) and wristbands for the Intel Lounge-- which means free food and drinks! thats the best date night ever-- all free!!

go express!

a wee bit of me wednesday!

{one} what website do you spend the most time on?

I hate to admit it but facebook. but lately, not so much.

{two} what's the furthest you've ever travelled?

to spain. i lived there for a summer semester for a study abroad program with Baylor. It was the best time.

{three} what's your guilty pleasure tv show?

im an avid 'dancing with the stars' watcher. i get really into it. no lie.

{four} if you had to give up one favorite food, what would be the hardest?

mexican food. especially queso. i know its horrible for me, but its SO good.

{five} if you could become any fictional character, who would you be?

hmmm. i have NO idea. my favorite movies are a mix of 16 candles, pretty in pink, and the cutting edge and i really don't want to be any of them. and im not really into superheroes or video game characters... maybe bridget jones. we are a lot alike (minus the smoking, drinking habit and weird parents) plus she ends up with collin firth whom i adore! 

{six} what's your favorite season of the year?

summer/fall! i love the warm feeling of the sunshine, being on the water, getting a tan (or burn in my case), birthdays, and school supplies (even though i really dont need them anymore)

{seven} what's your biggest phobia?

being attacked. having my home broken into and being killed. sometimes at night if i hear a strange noise, i won't be able to sleep all night. its horrible.

{eight} would you rather swim in a pool or the ocean?

ocean! or lakes, rivers, and barton springs. chlorine is SO rough on my hair ;)

{nine} what did you eat for breakfast today?

some kashi cereal.. the one with the protein and berries!

{ten} if you could only listen to one song for the next month, which song would it be?

john mayer, 'st. patricks day'. i freaking love that song.

On Video Games.

So CL, my brother and 2 of his bandmates are at the house playing tiger woods 2010 and of course, im just watching and laughing along with them- and not playing. im not bad at video games, in fact im better than CL at most video games. and i was reminded that a few months back, CL took me to kung fu saloon to play golden tee, and not only did i win, but i got a 'great shot' and they youTubed my awesome shot to me. i just thought that since we unearthed my 'awesome shot' you'd want to see it. enjoy :)

confession session.

so a few of friends and fellow bloggers have linked on to confession sessions by Confessions of a 20 Something-- check her out!!, and today, i must vent. so here goes.

1. i am a severe procrastinator. i am moving in 12 days and haven't packed a damn thing. BUT i have started on getting the townhouse move in ready.

2. i HATE my current landlord. he is an absolute tyrant and every time i see an email from him in my inbox i cringe. he has sent us email after email about how he thinks we are destroying the property. PUH-LEASE. i just paid my final months rent to him and i am SO happy i won't have to give him money ever again. and take my word- if we dont get our deposit back, you will see us in small claims court. 

3. i panic over financial things 24/7. before CL and I purchase ANYTHING i run numbers at least 3 times. if i see it on paper it makes me feel better. i can't just talk about it, i have to see it.

4. i love being busy, but im working more than one job, im on 2 big boards (ZTA and ASID) and i feel a little overwhelmed. i love my planner and it has seriously been my best friend these last few weeks.

5. a "friend" on facebook posted a status that went something along the lines of 'love doesn't exist, marriage is a joke.. except if your from a small town or her parents'. it was just funny because she is a person who uses sex and her "looks" to get places, for money, and for just about everything. your ability to really love and be loved will start when you stop being a prost.. i mean escort. go back to school, get a degree, learn to be a real woman. 

6. i really have an awesome family. no lie. 

design inspired.

(via google images)

part of the moving process isn't so taxing, you know the new design for the new place. 

now most of you either cringe when it comes to the idea of re-designing your homes. and most of you probably cringe when it comes to color as well. but not me. 

this move has really got my wheels turning when it came to the new style and design we wanted. (lucky for me CL trusts my 'professional' judgement and lets me do whatever-- i just have to pass it by him. he rarely says no.) first i wanted a serene, quiet, candles burning 24/7, spa like atmosphere in the new house. (and from here on out we will refer to the new place as 802. and the old place as 507.) 507 has a bit of an identity crisis.. we tried to make it look cohesive, but its contemporary and modern with a transitional twist. and if you have seen the wallpaper in my bedroom, you know what i am talking about. for 802 i want cohesion. i want city chic. i wanted something that looks and feels hip. and i was stumped. how would i pull this off on my champagne taste with a beer budget (you know, dwr taste with a target and ikea priced budget)? 

and then it happened.

its funny how you can plan and think your doing something, then one day your walking through stockton, hicks and laffey and you see it. a fabric so fabulous that all your previous ideas and planning are things of the past. a fabric that shapes your whole home and makes the sun appear on a rainy day.

and folks, that was me last week.

i found the most fabulous (i know i've said that twice, but it so is!) schumacher fabric. i would show you but that would make the reveal (in months to come) less exciting. its textured, its colorful, its patterned, its mildly affordable ($54/yard designer price.. for all you commoners, its $108!) i had to have it and will as soon as we get settled and i order it. it wasnt one of those, i kind of like it, maybe it will look good. it was a must have, can't live without it moment.

it is the inspiration for the new color scheme for 802. and it going to make this place look everything i wanted. young, fresh, and inviting. i.can.not.wait. its going to look insane on my vintage louis shanks desk chair and bring my barstools into the 2000s. its going to make CL and I look way fancier than we really are. and its going to make my ikea furniture look super chic. oh hell yes.

i am so blessed to be back in interior design. i am blessed that i found my passion again. i am SO excited to get out of 507 and into 802.

its going to be fabulous.