Some Things Changes and Others Don't

I haven't forgotten that I was suppose to show you my new patio decor, but yesterday's post was just so long that I thought I'd save it for today.

Remember this is the patio BEFORE the new decor.















Pretty purple and bare.

And here is the patio AFTER:

Pillows in the chairs from Hobby Lobby really bring some life to the bland patio.

My chair with flower pillow.

The roommate's chair with pink pillow.

The door and floor also got some new bling.

Remember the yarn wreath inspired by Shanna at Keepin' Up With The Moody's?

I think the patio turned out pretty well. I'm still in search of the perfect flower pot since Anthropologie had an epic fail when I went to purchase a sweet giraffe flower pot, and it wasn't in the store anymore. What a let down. But on to the next.

Next topic: Facebook Cleanse

Have you ever had the urge to go through all your Facebook friends, e-mail contacts or something like that and "remove" people you don't know/like?

I've seen Facebook statuses where people congratulate "those who have made it through the Facebook Cleanse." I've always wondered what makes people keep some people and get rid of others.

I've never done a "Facebook Cleanse." If I have a problem with someone for whatever reason (they are mean to me, their statuses update every 5 seconds, they say dumb stuff, they turn into weird stalkers), I just block them. It usually solves the problem.

Blocking people on Facebook does have it's downfalls. The major one being that that person can and usually will find out you have blocked them. Other people can still see your stuff, just that one person can't.

It feels weird/hurtful when someone blocks or "defriends" you, but for whatever the reason it's for the best for that person.

Reason for saying all this: I blocked someone last night because of rude, unnecessary comments. I've known this person for a long time, and this person has been using rude, unnecessary comments for the majority of our lives. And last night I had had my fill. It had gone too far. Over the line.

So I became proactive. I'm not going to surround myself (or my Facebook) with people who don't support me in the best possible way. There is no need to have people in my life to push me down. I'm to the point where I can't worry about hurt feelings because some things never change. And this person never will.

It's very liberating to rid yourself of people and things who are hurtful and bring you down. We as people need to build each other up. Work together. Support each other.

It's taken me a long time to realize I don't have to have certain people in my life just because I grew up with them. Or we went to high school together. Or my best friend is her best friend's brother's cousin.

We are who we are. And some people just don't mesh and never will. AND THAT'S OK. People come in and out of our lives for a reason. As we grow, our friends change and grow. We grow closer to some people and away from others.

Challenge of the Day (or however long it takes): Take stock of your friend pile and work to "remove" those people who: make you feel bad about yourself, try to "one-up" you, critize you, disappoint you, intentionally say hurtful things and pretend to be "joking", etc.

Don't be scared or feel guilty. Rid yourself of those people or things that get you down. It will be tough, but you can do it. And if you need some extra support or encouragement, talk to someone close to you or talk to me.

It's a big step, but it's worth it.

Damn the Dam Bridge

Brace yourself. I have quite a bit to fill you in on since it was Memorial Day weekend.

I spent half my weekend in Stuttgart to have some quality time with the madre and padre. The roommate had her wisdom teeth taken out last Friday so we did not get to go on our usual lake vacay to see her Meemaw and Pawpaw ( I like to call them Joe and Sue). I'm really sad we didn't get to go to the lake and kick the summer off right.

But I do have other stuff to tell you about like my wreath-making experience from Hell and our new patio make-over. And my first running/jogging/butt-kicking since my wisdom teeth surgery. As I said, brace yourselves.

I thought yesterday afternoon would be the perfect time to go for a little jog. So I left my apartment at 6 P.M. to avoid the traffic.....(did you get that? It's Memorial Day...there is no traffic. People aren't commuting.)

As I cross the 430 bridge, I get excited. It is beautiful outside. A little hot, but still beautiful. I gots my new shoes laced up tight and my playlist ready, and then I realize I don't have a place to put my car keys. Does anyone know how to solve this problem? New runner here. And please don't say fanny pack....

And now I must rephrase when I said it was a little hot to it was FREAKING HOT. End of story. My little 30 minute routine turned into 30 minutes of self-torture in the blazing sun. And it never fails that the last leg of my jogging routine happens on the upward slope of the Big Dam Bridge.

I have never been so thankful to see the top of a hill in my life. I was huffing and puffing. Pretty sure people I was meeting thought I was going to die. No pictures were taken of the aftermath which was myself sweaty and overheated.

As the bridge levels off the BEST breeze blew right in my face. I had to stop and enjoy the view.

The view to the East.

The view to the West. BEAUTIFUL. One of the best views in Little Rock (in my opinion), but I also love the views from the top of Pinnacle Mountain.

While it was super sweltering, I would have much rather ran the Big Dam Bridge at high noon than spend the afternoon making a yarn wreath.

The roommate and I are currently in the process of decorating our patio/balcony. As of yesterday morning it consisted of this:

Our patio furniture from our old house painted a nice shade of UCA purple. Go Bears. (They use to be a stained brown color, but the sun faded them over time. So my sweet grandma painted them purple for me.)

And the old school flower wreath. Now this wreath has treated us well, but I saw my friend and fellow blogger Shanna at Keepin' Up with the Moody's new wreath and thought I could make that, too. She made a sweet yarn wreath for her front door, and a bunch of her friends sent her pictures of their yarns wreaths. Check out their wreaths.

Since I am not married, I had to get creative since I couldn't use an initial. But I think it worked out for the best. This is how door swag should be represented. Bold and beautiful.

Let me just say...They seem easy, but don't underestimate this time consuming craft project. Just wrapping the yarn took me two hours. I had to take frequent breaks because my hands cramped up and the yarn got tangled.  But I think the outcome was TOO CUTE.

What do you think? It's handmade (well except for the flowers and the bird.)

I love my new front door swag. Pretty cute. My favorite part is the burlap bow, but the sunny yellow daisies are a close second.

Now stay tuned. There is more patio reveal coming your way tomorrow, as well as my first recipe post. Here are some clues for the recipe: cheesy, saucy, healthy, yummy.

Happy Tuesday friends!