Happy 6th Birthday to my Baby!

My Claire turned 6 on Friday! I can't believe how fast time flies. It seems like just yesterday we packed up and moved from Illinois to Iowa, all while I was 7 months pregnant and as big as a house mind you! No, sorry no pictures of that will ever leave this house. I'm not even sure I have any. I may have had a burning party after I saw them. My hormones were so out of wack, I think I cried everyday for a week! Fast forward 2 months and Claire was born July 16th 2004. It's hard to believe she is getting ready for first grade. Wow! I swear she is 6 going on 15 sometimes! Help, I know it only gets worse. For now I am enjoying the memories and the snuggling she still enjoys! I hope you don't mind the millions of photos, but come on look at the kid, how could I resist? After all, she takes after her mother, Muhwaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm not sure I'm worthy of this, but I like it!

Look what The Wife gave me. Now, are you sure about this, for me? Well isn't she sweet? Thank you for thinking of me!

In order to accept this award, I must:
• Thank the person who gave me the award
• Sum up my blogging philosophy, motivation and experience using five words, examples: WRITE HEART PEOPLE LIVE HAPPY
• Pass it on to 10 other blogs which I feel have real substance.

1 Funky Woman's philosophy, motivation, and experience in five words

1) No rules 2) inspire 3) humor 4) honesty 5) outlet


* No Rules: I'm not a huge rule follower. Could most of you tell that already? I think it's because I spent so many years in Catholic school that I'm ruled out. I have too many bad memories of trying to follow the rules but still being slapped on the hand with a ruler and being sent to see Sr. Reginalda. I think that I'm tired of the guilt that comes with rules, so I say no thank you. I just like to keep it real when blogging. I write what I feel that day or something I saw or if something bothers me. I don't feel the need to respond to everyone's comments because frankly who has that kind of time. I thoroughly enjoy every comment I read but a girl has to sleep doesn't she?

* Be inspiring: If I can inspire someone, whether it be from something I did decorating wise or introducing a favorite book I read or even reminding everyone how crazy stupid it is to text or use the phone while driving then that makes me feel like I did something!

* Be funny: I think it is so important to use humor everyday. I love to make people laugh, I think it's because I laugh at myself on a daily basis, hey I'm trying to work on my abs here! I believe you need to laugh at yourself first and not take yourself too seriously. That way if others laugh at you, it just rolls off of you!

* Be honest: Be the blog YOU want to be not what you think others want to see. Reach within yourself and find YOUR interests and write about that! If you aren't honest with yourself than how can others take you seriously.

* My outlet: I started blogging basically because I found myself becoming a huge blog groupie. Now, most of you know what a groupie is and I don't mean the type of groupie that is fueled by the “sex, drugs and rock and roll,” because I'm not interested in seeing any of that around here. I am fueled by the decorating, blog parties and organizing tips I see around blogland. I was a such a follower of so many blogs that soon I started talking like some of them, decorating like some of them and my husband has said that I often quote some in my sleep! I like the idea of just having a place to vent if I need to, or cry if that is what is needed that day. Blogging is my therapy, and hey its much cheaper than a therapist, because its free!

So, lets she who is worthy of this wonderful award. Just teasing, everyone is and should grab this button! I am told to pick 10 people but I am having a hard time narrowing it down to just 10. I think I will stop here and show you a couple gals that I love and who inspire me. I think you will find inspiration from them too!

Kim over at What am I going to be when I grow Up

Diana over at Expresso

Mandi over at Tidbits from the Tremaynes

Annie over at The House That Jade Built

Pamela over at Be Colorful

Karyn over at Hope Island Home and Living

Shannon over at Flower Patch Farmgirl

Funny Icebreaker questions while on Vacation!

I came upon this on FunReasearcher.com and started laughing at some of these questions. Just the thought of walking up to a complete stranger and asking them: If you had to, what family member would you have killed off and why? made me chuckle and choke on my coffee. I wonder what their answer would be? Well I am going to California in a couple of weeks and will be in a car for over 30 hours with 2 kids and a husband so I just might be at that breaking point where I need some type of other adult conversation, I just hope I don't get hit!

Maybe they will take sympathy on me because God knows I will still be in my walking boot and when I get tired I tend to look like Quasimodo and drag my leg. But then again they might just think I am some wak job that escaped from the loony bin! Either way, isn't life about taking chances and having fun? I myself think it would be hysterical if someone asked me some of these questions!

Is this your first time here in ...........?

Why did you choose this location as your vacation destination?

Are you running away from someone on this vacation?

Do you have any phobias?

If you could go on a road trip with any person dead or alive, who would it be?

Weirdest thing you have ever eaten?

What would you do if you didn't have to work?

What is your pet peeve when on vacation?

Who is the worst actor in Hollywood?

Do you believe in extraterrestrials or life on other planets?

Who would you call for bail money?

Why do dogs like the smell of other dog's butts?

Name a time when you got into big trouble with your parents?

You wouldn't be caught dead, where?

Do you have any hidden talents?

Do you have any relatives in jail?

Have you ever feared for your life while on vacation?

If you had to, what family member would you have killed off and why?

Name two things you consider yourself to be very good at?

Name two things you consider yourself to be very bad at?

If you could choose, how would you want to die?

If there's an exception to every rule, is there an exception to that rule?

So what questions might you ask on your next vacation?

I heart all things French on Etsy!

I love Etsy! I am so amazed by all the talented artists I find and their art they create just makes my jaw drop. One particular decorating theme that I am always drawn to is French, and most of you may recall how I love collecting Eiffel Tower items. I was wowed at all the things that popped up when I typed in Eiffel Tower or French. Here are some things I have put on my wish list ~



Bonjour necklace by PianoBenchDesign



je t'aime-stamped brass dangle earrings by jewelryvixen



Custom Je T'aime PIllow - You Choose The Color by HoneyPieDesign



Eiffel and Vine- PIPER BAGS - French - Shabby Chic - Eco Chic - Piper Bags Original Design



PaRiS PiLlOw by The Smith Hotel



FRENCH CHAIR with PINK CHANDELIER . ART PRINT. 5 x 7 inches by TheDecoratedHouse



Map of Paris France Area Cuff Bracelet



1902 Antique Map the North Central Part of France, Vicinity of Paris



ARC DE TRIOMPHE Scrabble Tile Pendant

Maybe one day I will figure out what it is I'm going to do for the rest of my life, aren't most of us still trying to figure that one out? Anyhoo hopefully it will be something funky and artsy and I will show up on Etsy one day, but for now I will just have to dream!

Happy Sunday everyone!

Best Summer Nail Polish Colors!

Hello I'm back! And let me say there is no place like home. It was so nice to get back into my bed and just crash the minute my head hit my pillow! And its almost 8 and my kids are still asleep, Amen!

Well I am in desperate need of a pedicure and since I can't soak my foot at a salon I'm thinking I better do it myself and fast. Let me just say that having a cast on for a month does not do a foot any good. I think if I did get to a salon the gals there would high tail it out of there once they took a look at the dead thing! If only my sweet, darling cousin Nichole who I was fortunate enough to visit with over the weekend had brought her gear, she is a nail technician, stylist, expert, magician, not sure how she wants to be recognized, then my foot wouldn't look so scary. That's ok Nicole, I forgive you for not wanting to bring your work with you. I had a wonderful time staying up until 2 am and gabbing. Thanks for grabbing that coffee!

So, I've been searching for that perfect summer color and came up with some fantastic colors. Take a look!

Chuffed- Jelly Sheer Nail Lacquer



Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Collide.



Essie Nail Polish in Pretty Edgy



MAC Dark Angel



All Fired Up, from the new Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure collection




Priti Polish in Devil’s Fig



China Glaze for Audrey



There are so many to choose from and I have to say I'm leaning towards the Chuffed Jelly Butter. That color is so fun! But its hard since I love purple. I wonder what color would make my foot look tan, any ideas?

Well I'm so happy to be home and finally catch up on all of your blogs! We had a wet fourth and several days after that. Today the sky is blue and not a cloud to be seen, I think it will be a beautiful day. I might just have to go to the pool with the kiddos and read a book!

Something to Think About!

Hello everyone, Happy late 4th! Most of you might remember my views on texting while driving. I found this and thought it sent a good message. I'm in Nebraska visiting family and I am hoping to catch up on every one's blogs this week, I've missed you all!



xoxo Megan

Modern Chic Home!

Have you seen this store on line? I just discovered it and have found so many fabulous things I thought I should share!

I thought these cupcake pedestals were wonderful. Since everyone is into cupcakes these days, wouldn't these be great for a little girls tea party?
Set Of 6 are $33.00



I love these Coco Crown Door Mats and it's on sale for $20.00



I'm in love with glass jars and I don't think you can have too many! How cute are these apothecary jars with the birds on the lids? $36.00



These chandelier pictures are my favorite and not very expensive! They are only $37.00 a piece!



Who doesn't like owls? Super cute!Owl Vase and Umbrella Stand
On sale for $119.00



Isn't this bud vase amazing? I love the color! It's on sale for $69.00 down from $119.00



And I found that you can get a 15 % discount off your entire order starting today July 1 - July 5th!



Happy Shopping!


xoxo Megan