Dreamin' of some RV Livin'

Football season, lazy fall (and spring) weekends, beach getaways, whatever it may be - once a year at least I dream of owning my own RV. I grew up camping in the mountains, the reservoir, state parks, the beach...my dad loved to take us anywhere in the camper. Though we were required to get pretty cozy with one another, it made for some of my favorite memories. 

I've created a pinboard on Pinterest in ode of my RV love so that if that lovely lucky moment comes - I'll be ready for it. :) Enjoy!

New Illustrations + Library Makeover = Happiness.

We moved into our new home in December 2012 with a 1 1/2 year old and a baby due in March. In the house, we had a beautiful library/study off our bedroom that although I was very much looking forward to using as a home office/studio/reading nook we felt it best to use as an easy to access playroom. This worked out well for a little over a year, but as we entered into this past spring the clutter had become intolerable to both Nathan and I. Toys were out of control growing legs and moving all throughout the kitchen and our bedroom (stepping on box cars and miniature airplanes in the dark is the worst!!!!). And if that was not enough Nathan and I were battling over the small office area we had off the laundry room on days he worked from home which was too small to hold the both of us. We decided it was time to move the playroom upstairs to the empty bonus room above the garage (aka Nathan's mancave he never quite broke in) and create the office and library we had always intended and needed to have.

All of this to say, I looked at this as an opportunity to makeover the room and utilize some of my long lost illustration skills. Something I've struggled with for the past several years, actually ever since college, is illustrating often. And even though I practice graphic design in various outlets I somehow hardly ever do my own drawings. So I decided to whip up some simplistic illustrations to update the room.

In addition, I played a round of musical furniture/decor to update and brighten the room. I also purchased a few new inexpensive knick knacks, a new desk and desk chair and repainted the walls white in order to, once again, brighten things up.

Nathan and I were both really happy with the outcome. Wanted to share both the room and illustration work to show our progress. Enjoy!

Original design and illustration. Frames were spray painted a subtle gold to add a little
pop up against the white walls.

This is a "Before" photo of the previous playroom and the chaos we were dealing with
prior to the makeover. 

The "After" photo. The finished piece. One of my many happy places. 

Bach Porch Sprucin'

The Lotts have had a great summer thus far. A little beachin', summer fun camp, lots and lots of pool time for the kids, some good ole July Fourth Fun....no complaints. But as the summer comes to a close we've been relaxing more at the house and with that I have the itch to do some inexpensive back porch sprucing. Some new, yet small potted plants, perhaps a rug, who knows, but all my inspiration keeps coming from the loveliness that is Zeek Braverman's back yard. Yes, I'm referring to Parenthood families as if I'm a close personal friend. Anywho - if you're curious as to what I'm dreaming of....

My Dream Porch! The Back Porch Set from Parenthood.

I love absolutely everything about this porch. The coffee table, the chairs, the plants - LOVE IT ALL!

Love the pops of color and the potted plants.

One day I'm going to create a home movie screen setup. You can hold me to it!

What's there not to love about this porch?! My favorite elements are the rug and the flying pig. 

Stay tuned for a hopeful redo photo. :)

Oh the Places She'll Go....Sweet P is ONE!

I've taken a lengthy blogging hiatus, but really wanted to take some time to post about my precious little Sweet P and her 1 year mark. Our little miss sassy pants has brought us so much joy, laughter and love this past year. I never knew one child could be so content and laid back, yet so active and into everything all at once. She doesn't want to miss a thing and wants to do exactly what big brother is doing. She's quirky. She's smart. She tickles herself with her silly little humor. Oh, how we love her so!

For Payton's 1st birthday I went with the whole hot air balloon theme and as I got going with the design and decor it only seemed fitting to use elements and quotes from Dr. Seuss' "Oh the Places You'll Go" - one of my favorite of his books. This party was so fun and easy to decorate! Love me some DIY crafts. Below I've included some photos from the celebration to share. Hope y'all enjoy!

DIY Birthday Hat. Original design. The yarn pom was a first for me and was so
easy to make. 

The Birthday Invitation. Original design.

Front + Inside of the invitation. Original design and photography.

Table Decor. DIY Hot Air Balloon Center Pieces. They were so fun and
easy to make!

The Party Favors! Hot Air Balloon Candy Pops. So fun! Original designed favor tags.

12 Months of Pay-Pay. A Year in Photos.

DIY Hot Air Balloons. 

Cake by Allicakes with added topper.

Miss Sadie. 

One of my favorite ladies and taters!

The Birthday Girl - Sweet P.

Our little family.

An All New JCG

We're happy to roll out this long awaited and ever so exciting news. JC Graphics has a new name, JCG Apparel, and newly redesigned website. Visit us at www.jcgapparel.com. You can also follow us on facebook, twitter or instagram. Thanks! Love y'all!

Love is in the Air. DIY Valentine Wreath

My sister and I LOVE a good wreath project. We're determined to eventually have a different and unique wreath for every holiday (including sec football season folks!) and I can honestly say - I think I'm getting close. This was our late night craft project leading up to February. Took some time, but they were really easy to make and I'm very happy with the outcome. I've included a supply list below in case you're interested in making one of your own. Enjoy! xoxo!

DIY Valentine Wreath Supply List:

• Straw or Foam Wreath form
• Burlap Ribbon
• Felt
• Ribbon
• Yarn or Embroidery Thread
• Needle
• Fabric Glue or Glue Gun

Tune in Tuesday. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

We spent a lot of time in the car today and listened to Anthology a decent part of the drive. So now I have Petty on the brain! Enjoy!



Happy Tuesday!

Hodge Podge Asian Chicken Stir-Fry.

I'm finally cooking again!! Or at least trying to. A week ago I took some time to browse the interweb and get ideas for easy, fast, semi-healthy recipes. After a ton of reading and learning a new thing or two, Monday I decided to take a peak in the pantry and fridge and see what (little) I had to work with. I was pretty pleased with the end result. So easy and delicious! You can change it up incorporating whatever meats, veggies or noodles you'd like and it will probably taste just as good. Below I've included my recipe notes. Hope everyone has a yummy Friday!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, Divided
• 1 cup Mushrooms, Sliced
• 2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
• ¼ cups Broccoli (or your vegetable of choice)
• ½ cups Unsalted Peanuts
• 3 Tablespoons Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• KC Masterpiece Honey Teriyaki Marinade
• ½ lb of Whole Grain Whole Wheat Spaghetti Noodles (or your pasta of choice)
• Salt And Pepper, to taste 

Directions

1. Marinate chicken using the KC Masterpiece Honey Teriyaki marinade at least 30 minutes. I did 6 hours. (The longer the better).
2. Cut the chicken into approx. 1 inch cubes. Set aside.
3. Cook noodles in a separate pot following directions on the package. Once cooked drain, rinse and set aside.
4. Heat a skillet on medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add mushrooms and saute until soft (about 5 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside in separate bowl.
5. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and add the chicken. Brown on all sides until cooked, (about 5 minutes per side). 
6. Next add in mushrooms, garlic, broccoli and peanuts and stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Turn heat to medium low.
7. Pour soy sauce into skillet coating chicken and vegetables. Mix well and cover with lid to steam for another 30 seconds to a minute. 
8. Add in noodles and stir together until mixed well. Turn off stove and again cover with lid to steam while waiting to serve.

Five Months of Payton.

Once again I'll say it - "Don't Blink!" Our little Sweet P is growing like a weed. Rolling, scooting, bouncing and talking up a storm. Here are just a couple of photos from her 5 month photo shoot last week. We have a lot of fun during these little sessions. Happy Thursday!

Tune in Tuesday. Beirut.

Tuning in to one of my all time favorite bands playing one of my favorite songs. Would love to hear them live one day. Enjoy!

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Birthday Dylan and Mahna Mahna!

You know how they say "Don't Blink"? Well, let me tell ya - Don't! Dylan has been 2 for a little over two weeks now and it still feels weird when I say it. TWO YEARS!! Wow. Our little ham (I call him little ham a good bit because the kid is pretty darn hilarious) has changed so much. No more walking. We now run. No more reaching on our tip toes. We climb (and very high at that). He talks a ton, he understands much more. He jumps, he slides, he dances, he plays hide and seek (also known as "make momma panic") and once again, he CLIMBS! He quotes movies and things he hears that make him laugh. He imitates. He sings. And what once was just peach fuzz a top his rather large noggin is now a full head of shaggy brown hair. I can go on and on. I love our little boy and I thank God each day for pairing him with us. He can be oh so stubborn, impatient and frustrated at times (all like his momma), but more than that he shows so much kindness, love and joy. I'm so blessed and proud to call him ours.

To celebrate his 2-year mark, we figured what would be better than some Muppets! Like I mentioned in my sneak peak post the Lotts watch a whole lot of the Muppets. We own the soundtrack too! Everyone of us loves them and I hope Payton grows to love them just as much. In addition to Kermit and Friends - since Dylan is a summer baby we deal with that good ole Mississippi summer heat (I melt. Literally. I have witnesses.). So I decided to include some water fun for the kids - inflatable slip-n-slide, kiddie pool, water sprinkler - all that good stuff. AND of course what would a party be for me without an opportunity to design some stuff! I tried to keep it more simple this year, but still enjoyed working up a few things for the partay.

It really was a great celebration full of fun for Dylan and the kiddos made special with family and close friends by his side. Below is a series of photos of the day and all the designed decor. Hope you enjoy. Mahna Mahna!

The Birthday Invite.

Front Door decor. Consisted of framed art, multi-colored streamers (I heart streamers - so cheery) and balloons.
Framed art was based on some simplistic character designs I had found that I fell in love with.

Back Porch decor. Billy Ball Bouquet, Streamers, Balloons and Dylan's toy
Muppet PUPPETS used as table centerpieces!

Rinse Station Signage + Water Buckets.

The Party Favors! Including original designed gift tags. Love some PEZ.

The Cake!! By AlliCakes. Made Dylan smile.

Food Table Decor.

The Lotts. 

Our little Sweet P hanging out with her Nonie during the festivities.

Birthday Boy and Daddy blowing out the candles.

Delicious and so fun to look at.

Precious Emma Kate.

Dylan + Rex. Slippin' and Slidin'.

Miss Collins. A true doll.

Ken A. Brewer aka Poppy.