Oh, Toodles!

We surprised this cutie with Disney tickets last night, and it was, "The best day of her life!" We're leavin' on a jet plane to the Magic Kingdom as we speak. I can't even wait! See you real soon! 

photos by Brittni Schroeder Photography

Bathroom Obsessions & Confessions

Before you get too excited, I really don't have any juicy confessions, but the word just sounded good with obsessions, so I went with it. Sorry if you're disappointed. Anyway, I don't post bathrooms much, because, well, to me, the umph is all about the design--the tile choice(s), the mirror, vanity, lights, flooring, fixtures, etc. Yes, there is some styling, but to me, it is all about the bones. In other words, I can't take my cookie cutter bathroom in my rental and make it awesome like these, that I obviously love.  When I look at amazing bathrooms, the inspiration I get isn't, hey I think I might add some new pillows to my sofa, it's more like, hey, I would need to gut this bathroom to get it the way I want it. Better yet, let's build a house. 

In other bathroom news, Stella let me know this morning while putting on my make-up that I will never be Samoan like her. (She is half Samoan, and very proud of it. In fact, she usually lets people know within the first two minutes of meeting them.)  Her exact words were, "Are you putting that on your face to look Samoan like me? Well, nice try. It's just making your face look pink." From the mouth of babes...

image source unknown

image from Elle Decor

 image from Decor Pad

Happy Easter!

Happy (early) Easter from my favorite little bunny! We're off to Texas…wish us luck on the longest. Road trip. Ever.

Sugar Cookies You NEED to Make. Right. Now.

I've been a bit of a blog slacker this week, and I blame this recipe from Mandi @ Vintage Revivals. Stella is always begging me to make sugar cookies, and I always distract her with something else, so that I don't have to.  I finally made them with her, and wow, these things are game changers, people. They. Are. To. Die. For. Seriously. I am such a sugar cookie snob, and these passed my test with flying colors. I even ate more than one just to make sure. (You're welcome.) We made them on Monday, which is why there was no post on Tuesday. I had a TON of frosting left over, so, of course, I had to make them again tonight. I've been sharing them with friends and neighbors, so I can totally trick them into thinking I'm the next Martha Stewart.  I think it's working. 

Hanging Chairs

You guys will NEVER believe this. I've decided that there is something else that I HAVE to have: a hanging chair. Remember Stella's imaginary, future, someday, next room? Well, it NEEDS a hanging chair. I mean, really, how awesome would that be? Just check out these lovelies. You want one, don't you?!

image from The Pretty Blog

image from Dot & Bo

image from HK Living

Just Like Bacon...

Ok, sorry for being MIA and leaving you hanging after a big dramatic post (and for not really posting today). Stella has been sick all week, and each day I think that I am going to get tons done like cleaning out closets and labeling and fun stuff like that. (I seriously think that stuff is fun.) But, with statements like "I don't like being a sick kid anymore," and "Mom, I just want you," I really can't pull myself away from her. Let's hope tonight involves a full night of sleep and tomorrow a recovery. 

Anyway…I just had to stop by to say thank you. You guys…I can't thank you enough for your kind words and for sharing our adoption message. I was seriously so overwhelmed with emotion as I read each comment on my post and even more kind words on your Facebook posts when you shared our profile. A lot. It means so much. It just made my day and made me grateful to have so many people who care about us. And on that note…I'd like to leave you with one final thought (and let's just all try to ignore the fact that it has absolutely no punctuation):

Stella's Valentines

Hey there! How was your weekend? Ours was fun, but I think we officially wore out our little Stella. She was just dying to go to the mall all week, and we finally took her on Friday night. (I have no idea where she gets her love for the mall. Haha…I've created a monster! Her love, though, is for indoor playgrounds and soft pretzels. Mine is a little different, although I have nothing against a good pretzel.) Of course, we got home late. On Saturday, she went to a birthday party that was three and half hours long. Yes. Three and a half hours…which is about two hours too long for me and a bunch of four and five year olds, but I'm not complaining. I got lots done while she was partying!  She was so wiped out after the party, so of course  we drug her to a family dinner…and we got home late AGAIN! By Sunday, she was asking for a nap! Anyway, we did have time to make some valentines, which Stella had no interest in making. She just loves giving them away. This year, she gave "smooches" (lip whistles from Michael's and Hershey's kisses).  She can't wait to give them away!

Stella's 2014 Valentines

Stella's 2013 Valentines

Stella's 2012 Valentines

Our Home | Stella's Room

This is Stella's room. Since I changed her room shortly before we moved from St. Louis, I didn't change much when we got to Utah. (Click here to see her St. Louis room.) Her room is pretty long, which leaves a good amount of space in front of the teepee for playing. I didn't hang much in her room, because by the time I decided what I might want, it was almost time to move again! Plus, I've already designed her a new room (in my dreams)!

Big Girl Room | Stella

Somebody may still be obsessing over the pale blue and chartreuse combination, so somebody decided to make a design board. For herself a "client."  Named Stella.  Yes, Stella...as in my daughter…as in the one who just turned four and is on her fourth bedroom. I She needs it.  Plus, we may be moving this summer, and I really think it will help me her adjust.  For now, let's not bring it up to Hubs until we find the right opportunity, mmmkay? Timing is everything. BTW, Stella loves it. (The sheets and quilt didn't quite translate no matter how I uploaded them, so go to Serena & Lily and check them out.  They are perfect!)

For more information on my design services, email me at jamiejjoyal@gmail.com or click here for my design services overview.

image from Serena & Lily (They look gray here, but they are actually white.)

image from Serena & Lily

Thankful

I couldn't let November pass without publicly expressing my gratitude. November is a particularly special month, because it is National Adoption Awareness Month and the same month we were blessed with our daughter Stella.

I am very blessed, and I've always felt that way. I have always known that the Lord has been very aware of me, and that he has provided me with countless blessings. But, November 23, 2009, was more than a blessing, it was a miracle. 

In a world where so many choose to avoid consequences; a world where wrong is right; and a world of laisser faire attitudes, there are still miracles. We personally witnessed the miracle of a young woman, who in a situation beyond her control, decided to carry Stella. She courageously carried her for nine months. For us, she gave us the greatest gift: a child; for Stella, the gift of life.  I will always be grateful for this remarkable woman and for her sacrifice and example to so many.  I am also grateful for the road that led us to her.  It wasn't one that we ever would have imagined (or wanted), but it was the path that our Heavenly Father laid out for us--one that gave us strength, courage, and the blessings of so many angels constantly by our sides. The Lord so eloquently and graciously places these people in our lives--people we learn from, people who make a significant impact, and people we will always love. And for this, I am thankful.

image from Brittni Schroeder Photography

image from The Fresh Exchange

Stella's Pajama Party

This little cutie had her birthday party on Saturday. She's not four until the 23rd, so I get to have a three year old for a little bit longer. Four's kind of a big deal…she'll be a big girl, no longer a toddler. I may have a little cry in a couple of weeks, just sayin'.

Stella wanted a pajama party this year. It was such a fun party with eleven little girls in pajamas and slippers! We made Fruit Loop necklaces, ate donuts, had a dance party, watched The Little Mermaid (ok, watched about 15 minutes of it), and, of course, opened presents. 

I didn't get as many pictures of the decor as I wanted before the guests came, because I got lost getting the donuts, I only had three birthday candles, and Jeremy was on call.  What would a party be without a good, last minute panic?! The good news is that everyone had fun! Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

The Birthday Girl

The Invites (Pillows were purchased here.)

The Spread...

Waiting...

The Easiest Cake I've Ever "Made".

Make a Wish!

Love those Cheeks!

Star Light, Star Bright...

The Favors

Slippers for Everyone! (Slippers were purchased here.)

The Birthday Crown

Silly Girl!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! Stella was a cat on this particular night (I think tonight will be the fifth night of dressing up), but tonight, she will be a spider again.  Girl likes her options! Speaking of options (I totally didn't do that on purpose, but we'll go with it)…have you entered the ElemenOPillows giveaway? Just leave a comment on THIS POST, and you could win a $50 credit to the shop.