Home: FLOR Tiles

If you're a new reader... you may not know that...

I'm moving soon!

And something I know I will need for my front entry room (wow, an entry ROOM!) is a rug.

I have all hardwood floors throughout the house, so I will definitely need something to keep the floors warm during the bitter Oklahoma winter.

Enter: FLOR tiles.

The idea is, in a nutshell, to "make your own floor."

Your options? Dozens of carpet squares in every pattern, texture and color.

Depending on how big a carpet you want... you design a number of squares and then they all snap together to make a ready-made rug.

AND... you can switch it all up anytime you want!

Since I'm envisioning a purple & green color scheme in my entry room, I'm sort of in love with the purple square above and the floral square, too.

The website allows you to enter the dimensions of the rug you want- I entered 4 feet wide, 6 feet long- which gave me 12 squares to work with.

Check out the website! What are your favorite carpet square designs? Would you build one of these for your own home?

A Sick Day Post

Oh, boy.

Remember that sore throat I was talking about last week?

Well... it's morphed into a full-on cold. I am sniffling, coughing, aching... the works. My co-workers banned me from the studio, so I'm home sick for the first time since starting this job 2 years ago.

So, I'm sitting here working on a few work projects...

... catching up on my DVR shows...

... and updating the blog, of course. :)

So, here are a few updates!

First and foremost:

Welcome to the world, baby James Bannasch!

If I could hop the Atlantic right now to visit, I would in a heart beat.

Second:

The Volvo is back in my garage! I got a surprise phone call late Friday saying it was repaired and ready for pick-up a week early. Hallelujah.

Third:

I spent a fantastic (and much-needed) weekend home with the family. I saw my brother's drumline competition, watched Sooner football (close one, boys) and ate, ate, ate.

And, finally...

I'm working on a fun project I can't wait to share details about soon! (I know, what a tease.)

I don't know about ya'll, but October is looking mighty busy for me! Check back in the coming days for fun "VIP Lounge" posts!

Time to get back to my sniffling, coughing and aching. :)

It's Beginning to Feel A Lot Like Fall!

Is anyone else suffering from a severe sore throat?!

Because I sure am. I'm hoping it's just allergies. Because I'm driving to Dallas this weekend for some QT with the fam!

Here's what I've been up to lately....

*Finalizing house stuff (closing date is 2 weeks from tomorrow!)
I'll have more pictures soon, I promise!

*Keeping tabs on my Volvo repair at the body shop (should be ready the same week I close on the house. Red letter week!)

*Eagerly awaiting the arrival of Baby Bannasch over in Germany! Oh, how I wish I had a private jet right about now.

*Spending hours upon hours at Auction Network. Our little broadcast is growing faster than ever and requiring a LOT of my attention these days.

Other things I'm excited about...

The arrival of my Shutterfly Toby album! I'll give you a sneak peak soon!

And.. this blog social event in Dallas in November, hosted by the fabulous Kelly who designed my blog! I plan on attending!

Loving the way fall is shaping up so far! :)

20 Days

Someone told me that it takes 20 days to form a habit.

So, I looked on the calendar and mentally noted a few key dates:

*20 days from Toby's death

*20 days from the end of my relationship

And, I am happy to report that I have figured out a new routine. I have new "habits," per se.

My weekend routine has changed completely.

My night-time routine is 100% new.

New habits and routines have taken the place of old ones, and that's a good thing.

I've never for a second stopped feeling incredibly blessed and thankful.

But I'm feeling truly *happy for the first time in a couple of months- happy about possibility and hope and new beginnings.

But...

Yes, there's a but.

I'll be going along my happy way- usually driving, humming along to a song on the radio, and I'll forget.

In my head, Toby is waiting for me at home.

And I'm mentally noting things to share with my best friend at the end of the day.

And the pain and hurt come slamming into my chest all of the sudden and reality comes crashing back.

Those two things were such a huge part of my "happy" for so long.

Some habits apparently have nothing to do with routine.... and take a bit longer than 20 days.

Throwback Monday

Remember how I told you I organized all of my photos and videos last weekend?

And, how I would be able to blackmail my friends and family for years to come?

Well...

Blackmail as promised.

We've always been a dramatic bunch.

VIP Lounge: Champagne Bar

One of my favorite things at a shower is the food and drink.

And what better way to celebrate a big life occasion- like a wedding or a baby- than with a glass of bubbly?

Not if you're the mom-to-be, of course.

But the rest of us will toast you with champagne in hand!

Everyone's taste runs a little different when it comes to champagne.

From bellinis to poinsettas to mimosas... the options are endless.

So, why not make your own cocktail?

Champagne bars are becoming a popular feature at showers.

This adorable set-up is brought to you by Eat Drink Pretty.

She used empty wine bottles for peach juice and orange juice.

And cute DIY labels on each bottle help you know what cocktail you are creating.

If you don't have empty wine bottles, juice carafes like these will do the trick.

I found this cute guide that is actually on the Food Network website. It's a breakdown of some of the most popular champagne cocktails.

Yesterday, I stopped by a local vintage shop I've been dying to visit. And I found some great stuff, perfect for a champagne bar at an upcoming baby shower I'm hosting!

I snagged the purple vase and a pair of purple wine glasses.

I also found a clear juice carafe- and all of it was less than $12!

I figure the vase can either be used for flowers- or for ice water and lemon.

And it's all sitting on top of my chalkboard china platter, which will be a perfect setting for my champagne bar.

What DIY ideas do you have when it comes to food & drinks?

Cheers!

Home: Going Global

I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend!

After a little karaoke last night (no singing for me, just judging my co-workers!) I am having a laid back Saturday

I checked out The Vintage Pearl's new Tulsa store. If you live nearby, you should definitely go browsing! If not, click the link to see their adorable website full of goodies.

I also did a little vintage/antique shopping and found some CUTE finds for an upcoming baby shower. Check back tomorrow for more details!

But today...

I'm going global.

I love traveling and I find myself drawn to travel "memorabilia"- from postcards and posters to maps and pictures.

And, in my new house- I'm thinking my guest room/office may have a travel "theme" to it.

Some of my favorite Spain pictures are currently in my apartment living room. I visited seven cities and picked one picture from each city to blow up in black and white and frame.

Technically, there are 8 pictures hanging. Granada, oh wonderful Granada, got two.

The other three picutres not shown are in my dining area, and I'm thinking about putting all 8 in the office.

I also love this map print of NYC found at Made By Girl. It's a little edgy, which I like.

I also love the idea of putting a few globes in there. This adorable desk set-up is brought to you by Cupcakes and Cashmere.


And Ashley Ann Photography has a few globes in her kitchen.

I saw one today at the antique store, and I'm already regretting not buying it.

What is your office "theme" or style?

OOOOOOOKLAHOMA

Maybe it's because I'm buying a new house.  Maybe it's because I've been especially reflective lately.  

But... I feel like I need to share how much I love Oklahoma.

I love the storms.

I love Sooner football.

I love my friends.

I love my new house.

I love stumbling upon websites I adore... only to find out they're Okies, too.

Like The Pioneer Woman, The Vintage Pearl & Ashley Ann Photography.

(Me & Ree... The Pioneer Woman.)

I love how I can hop in the car and be with my family, or at the lake.

(One of my favorite lake pictures, ever.)

I love that I have roots here.

My Nanny & Grandpa were Sooners, too, you know.

Oklahoma has been good to me.  And I can't wait to see what the future holds.

Home: Office Spaces

If there's one room I can't stop thinking about in my new house... 

it's the guest bedroom/office.

Things I want out of an office:

*aesthetically appealing

*comfortable

*inspiring

*affordable

Have you ever browsed around Apartment Therapy?  It's a great website full of all kinds of decorating ideas... especially for smaller spaces.

Here are a few Apartment Therapy office spaces I'm inspired by:

This, to me, is absolutely genius.  An office space created right there in a closet.  You know, that closet that's way too small for anything...

This is a little modern for my taste, and not exactly "inspiring"... but Type-A Lindsay loves it because it's so practical and organized.

This is just adorable.  A little corner nook desk. I like the use of the wall to hang folders and files.  And, who isn't inspired by a window view?

This is pretty plain jane.  But there's something very chic about it, too.  I love the clear chair and the fact that since this desk is so small... you have to stay organized.

Any ideas for small office spaces?  Where do you go to look for inspiration?

Home Address Stamps

As I announced a few days ago....

I made an offer on a house!

Of course, now there are visions of decorating & house-warming parties dancing through my head.

But, as a self-proclaimed lover of "paper"... there are a few other things on my mind.

Like sending out my first Christmas card from my first home!

In fact, I can't wait to send any piece of mail from my new address.

So, that's why I definitely need a home address stamp from the Purple Lemon shop on Etsy.

I love this monogrammed one.  Although... my monogram is LOL!  :)

 The swirly design on this one is so cute.

This one is my favorite at the moment.  I would love to put a little bird or birdcage in the middle... since that's become my "signature" icon lately.

Check out the shop!  Which one is your favorite?

Girls, beware:  this will probably be your Christmas present this year!

Pictures & Videos

I spent the weekend organizing, laboring, sorting, filing, starring, lamenting, clicking and editing pictures.

My original goal was to find every picture I ever took of Toby for a project I was working on.

Well, THAT turned into finding every digital picture I ever snapped!  (Apparently, I got my first digital camera in 2003.)

So, I literally spent all... day... Saturday... going through every single picture from 2003 to 2010!  With the exception of 2005.

2005 is mysteriously missing.

I learned 2 things from this project:

*I took way too many pictures

*Man, college was fun

Anyways, my project for Toby is complete, and I now have wonderful blackmail photos to haunt my friends and family for years to come!

I also starting organizing my videos.  (Yes, I clearly had a lot of energy this weekend.  That didn't require me to move from my couch.)

So, check 'em out!  Head over to Vimeo and search for "Lindsay O'Donnell."  

Right now, your selection of videos on my page is... interesting.  At best.  

Here's a sample of what you will find:

Terror on the High Seas from Lindsay O'Donnell on Vimeo.

New Dreams

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I am currently reading a great devotional by Sheila Walsh called "The Heartache No One Sees."

One of the chapters I read a few days ago told the story of Joseph.

I forgot about Joseph's story. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, wrongfully accused of adultery and put into prison.

But Joseph lived such a life in prison that he inspired others. In Genesis, it says, "whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper."

Despite being in prison, he accepted God's will for his life. Sheila said it like this: "He accepted the death of his dreams and waited for the fulfillment of God's plans."

I underlined that sentence. I let it soak and ruminate for a few days. And, I have to say- that sentence keeps popping into my head.

He accepted the death of his dreams. I just feel like that is SO powerful. Sometimes, we have to let go of the dreams we have for our lives to see the bigger picture of what God has planned for out lives. What his purpose is for us.

One of my biggest dreams came true on Friday. I made an offer on a house, and it was accepted! And yet I felt such a heavy weight that I didn't identify until late Friday. My dream was to make an offer on a house with someone else. To take pictures of Toby in his first house. My reality was a bit different.

But I have so much hope right now- more than I've had in a long time. I can't help but believe some of my dreams died to make way for bigger and better ones.

Kelly over at Kelly's Korner wrote a post similar to this today- about letting God "ruin" your life so he can build something great.

So, take heart! If you find some of your dreams "dying"... just wait and see what God has in store. That's what I'm doing.

Today

Happy Saturday!

What are everyone's plans?

Today, I will be remembering those lost on 9.11. Praying for their families. Today must be such a painful day for them.

Today, I will cheering for my SOONERS. I hope we dominate FSU!

Today, I'm going to work on my Shutterfly photo album I got this week via Groupon. It's going to be dedicated to Toby.

And today, I'm going to......

.....drive by my new home. :)

Have a WONDERFUL Saturday!

When It Rains, It Pours

Some days are so much harder than others. Today is a really hard day.

Maybe because it's raining outside, and I love the rain. Maybe because it's almost fall, and I love the fall. Everything I love right now makes my heart hurt, because the one person and one pet I want to share all of it with aren't here.

I feel like a broken record, or at the least- a spoiled brat. I don't for a second take for granted all that I'm blessed with. The "F's"- my family, friends. Faith.

But at some point in the day, when work is over and the text messages from friends start to die down and I've already checked in with my family for the day and the sun sets and the quiet settles around me... it just breaks my heart.

I wish Toby were here to comfort me about B. I wish B were here to comfort me about Toby. Instead, I have neither of them.

Instead, the rain is just sad. And fall means winter is coming.

I never knew when I started this blog that I would spend so much time writing about heartache. But, this is me. This is who I am right now. Maybe I was inspired to start this blog back in January not knowing that when hard times came around, and I didn't feel like talking about it all of the time... I would have a place to share, to vent.

And to heal. Because I'm doing plenty of that, too. I know I will be ok, and I know there are great things right around the corner.

But, today is a hard day. And, I'm going to allow myself to feel that every now and then.

When it rains, it pours.

Hot Chocolate & S'mores Housewarming Party

Housewarming parties have been on my brain a lot lately. Hopefully... I will have a house to warm up in the near future! :)

And what better way to make your house "warm" with hot chocolate and s'mores?!




I love this hot chocolate bar. Guests have the option of adding peppermint, ginger, orange rinds, marshmellows and of course, chocolate, to their steaming mugs.

I would have Bailey's and Kahlua as options, as well. (of course!)





And then... the s'more fixins. (That's how we say it in Texas.) Look at all of these options and ingredients! I wouldn't mind eating "The Elvis" right now for breakfast.




You can't have a party without Martha Stewart. She has a DIY on her website for these adorable s'more sticks!This firepit hails from Walmart, I believe. An adorable permanent addition to any outdoor patio, but certainly perfect for a hot chocolate and s'mores party.

I love the way these s'more kits are packaged up. These could either be waiting for your guests upon arrival, or ready for them to take home at the end of the night.

And this is just adorable. A printed box with all of the (here we go again) fixins in it! This would truly make the most adorable party favor ever.

You're all invited! :)

Labor Day Weekend

I hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day Weekend!  Food for thought... since the goal is to not labor on labor day... why do we call it Labor Day?!

I have been at the lakehouse the past 24 hours, and let me tell you... it's glorious.  The weather is perfect.  The water is warm.  And if you are swimming, you almost, almost feel the tiniest bit.... dare I say it... cold?!  It's heaven.  On Earth.

Today is September 4th.  On July 4th, my heart was so full.  And on August 4th, I was grieving the end of a chapter in my adult life.  So, today, September 4th, comes with mixed feelings.  

But, I've changed and grown so much in two months.  For that, I'm extremely thankful.  And, I'm looking forward to seeing who Lindsay is on October 4th.

As always, I'll keep you posted.  :)

Enjoy the rest of your Labor-less Day Weekend!

Today

... I miss Toby.

Very, very much.We said goodbye four weeks ago today.

You are so missed, little guy.

Love, Your Momma