Saturday, February 27, 2010

My First Blog Award!!!


On Thursday my new friend Valerie over at Next to Heaven gave me the Sunshine Award!! YEAH!!! This is my first blog award!! It was really sweet and I am very thankful!! Valerie is a SUPER talented person and you will be hearing more about her in an upcoming blog!! Thanks Valerie!!!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Raising Awareness, My Story

This week is National Eating Disorder Awareness week. This is a week that I dread and look forward to each year. I look forward to it because it raises awareness for a deadly disease that often gets overlooked in the medical community. I dread this week because it forces me to recall a time in my life when I suffered from this deadly disease.

I was 22 when I became anorexic. I had just moved to Florida, and started my design career. I lived literally a block from the ocean and finally in the same state as the man I would someday marry. It began very gradual, restricting my food intake here and there. I started running, a hobby that I had always hated. Soon I would begin writing down every morsel that touched my lips, down to each piece of gum. I knew the caloric content of EVERYTHING and I kept a tally of the days calories each night. I became very moody, mean and hateful. I would withdrawal from friends and family, even my boyfriend. All I could think about was when I would run next, what I would eat and how many calories it had. My work suffered, I could barely stand up or pay attention. I went from a bubbly 22 year old to a mean and bitter person in a matter of months. Physically I was all skin and bones. I was freezing all the time and tired. My hair began to fall out and my skin was gray. Weekends that should have been fun and exciting became miserable and overwhelming. My parents were scared to death and didn't know what to do. I avoided my boyfriend as much as possible as he was tyring anything and everything to get me to eat.

I eventually gave in and started seeing a therapist to make everyone happy. I lied and told her I was getting so much better every week. Clearly, I was fading away and she could see that. I was so far gone that she threatened to have me committed if I didn't get help. I wasn't about to get help, but for some reason, I told my parents and my boyfriend what she had said. My parents were in Florida the next day and I went home with them for over 3 months to try and get better. Before I left Florida, I saw a doctor who did some tests. She said I was about a week away from a heart attack. I was 23. I had to gain 25 pounds before my parents would even consider taking me back to Florida. I gained the weight, but kept the disorder.

My boyfriend proposed and we were married a year later. I was somewhat healthy throughout this time, but my demon was still there. I was still exercising compulsively mentally keeping a tally of what I ate. Still trapped by the chains of my disorder. We moved to California and I struggled most of the 2 years we lived there. Always keeping my weight up enough to not "look" sick, but inside, slowly falling apart. We then moved to Minnesota. After getting so sick again that I quit my job, I sought treatment from an eating disorder clinic. It was there that I finally had something click and realized how sick I really was.

I wanted so badly to have children, and I knew that I couldn't. I knew that I had lost so many years of my life hiding with my disorder. I had shut myself off from my friends and family and lost a part of myself that I desperately wanted to get back. My soul felt empty and I had little emotion for anything. I was a shell. I wanted to live and I wanted to be happy, but I had lost that spark that made me Meredith. I wasn't myself anymore and that scared me to death. I looked in the mirror and barely recognized myself. My face was so thin and sad, the twinkle in my eye was gone.

I battled my eating disorder for over 7 years. For the most part keeping it very quite. At my lowest weight, the night that my parents came to get me, I had lost so much muscle in my face that I could barely smile anymore. I had blacked out a few times and most of the time I could barely feel my body I was so cold. I have damaged my hips and my lower back from running so much.

While in treatment, I learned a lot about myself and why I was doing this. There really isn't a concrete answer. I was never abused as a child, my parents love me and support me and are my best friends. My husband is amazing and has loved me through good times and very bad times. My friends are sweet and funny and caring people. I am a good, smart and funny person. I had no reason to hate myself so much that I would starve myself. I have some ideas of why this happened.

I have been recovered for about 2 years now. I can honestly say that I don't think about my eating disorder everyday like I used to. I will always have to watch it, but I don't struggle with it anymore. I am not "cured" but I feel like I am "better". I don't struggle with food or exercise anymore. I feel "normal" and whole again. I feel like myself again and I am so happy to be back!! I kind of missed myself!! And I have no idea how much I weigh. I do not weigh myself at home, and I ask the nurse at the doctors office to keep it to herself (I turn my back to the scale). Its pretty liberating not knowing!!

I used to ask myself all the time why God would give me such an awful disease. Why would He do this to me?? I now feel in some ways that this was a blessing. Weird to say that, but I do feel that way. It forced me to have to be strong and stand up to a demon. It forced me to take a better look at myself and what I want out of life. It prepared me to deal with struggles in my life. It made me see how precious life is and who and what really matter to me in this world. I know what my goals are, and I am more ready now to achieve them than ever before!

I wouldn't have been able to do it without the love and support of my family and friends. First off, my husband. I was horrible to him and he never gave up on me. He stood by me and loved me just the same. I thank God everyday for him!! My parents are amazing! I can't thank them enough for all they did for me. (I have tried!) I was pretty mean to them to, I think I threw a candy bar at my mom once!! (Sorry!) They love and support me so much, and I am blessed to have them as my parents! My parents gave me Oliver while I was sick. I call him my little angel because he loves me no matter what and I believe he is just sent from up above! He would sleep with me all day while I was recovering and on bed rest. (Bed rest was to get me to gain weight and rest my body.) Little Oliver never left my side. I have to thank my therapist and nutritionist in Minnesota. They made me dig deep down into what was going on. And they helped me enjoy food again!! Which I so love!!!

There is so much more to this story, more than I could or should put in a blog. I guess my mission here is to just raise awareness. It's not just a disease that affects young girls and teenagers. I was 22 when mine started and there are plenty of people that battle this that are much older than that. I just wanted to share a part of my story in hopes that it might help someone who is struggling. You are not alone. There are plenty of people that can help and plenty of help and assistance available.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please visit http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ for more information. You can also contact me for support or guidance or if you just need someone to talk to.

Thank you for taking time to read my post today and learn a little bit about me! It was a long one!! Hope you have a great weekend!!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Some New Etsy Finds

Here are a few new things I found while doing a little etsy "window shopping" over the weekend!! Kind of a random mix of items, but I was kind of in a random mood!!!




These pillows are so much fun!! Made with mother of pearl and gold and silver accent rings, that are sure to dress up any space. They would look great on a bed or in a "special" chair. They are from The Home Centric.



This would be the perfect gift for the sewer in your life! These are pin cushions!! Aren't they so cute!!?? They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and they are made by Happy Find.


The last item I found was this great organizer. I am a little OCD when it comes to organizing things, and I think this would look so great in my newly done office space!! JPatPurses makes this item.



What etsy shops are you enjoying these days???








Wednesday, February 24, 2010

I Need To Go Here!!

OMG!!! This would be like the best thing ever!!! This looks like an amazing antique/flea market!!! Can you just imagine all the great things you could find there!!!??? Oh, it would be so much fun!! I found this picture on Caitlin Creer interiors blog and I have to say I am really jealous!! I want to find a place like this to!!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Amazing Entry!!!

Happy Tuesday!!!!


I hope you all had a fabulous and relaxing weekend!!! I worked this weekend, but it was fun and didn't seem like work to me at all!! I guess that is a good sign??!!Any who, I found this picture and I was IN LOVE!! I LOVE everything, right down to the pink umbrella!! I love how clean and organized this little space is!! The crisp white storage boxes, the pops of bright green on rich brown.

I just can't even get words out right now! I never thought it would be possible to love an entryway, but I so do!!!! The best part is, this looks fairly easy to accomplish!! Wooden shelves, white boxes, easy!!! T he hard part, keeping it looking this way with a dog, a husband and piles of snow and mud that get tracked in my house on a daily basis!!! Oh, a girl can dream right??!!!

How do you keep your entryway/mudroom clean and organized???




Monday, February 22, 2010

Happy Place....

This is my happy place!!!!

Thought we could all use a little beach break for Monday!!! When I think of this image, all my cares just melt away!!

Where is your happy place???

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Busy Busy!!

I will be busy this weekend working on a very big project!! I am pretty excited about it and hope to share it with you all very soon!! With that said, I better get to work!! Maybe you are working this weekend to?? Wouldn't it be great to have a craft room like this one to create in??!! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!!


Friday, February 19, 2010

Friday Inspiration

A little something to get the weekend started right!!!




Thursday, February 18, 2010

I'm Liking This!!

I recently started working with a client who want me to design a modern/contemporary kitchen. Typically, most of my clients tend to be on the traditional side. No reason for it, I actually have done all kinds of design in my career. I began going back to past projects and researching online for inspiration for this project. I came across these stunning pictures. It is the flat of Danish designer Nina Kejser and her Italian husband Mario Iadanza in the small town of Charlottenlund just north of Copenhagen. Beautiful! I love how fresh and crisp the white is. It is sleek and modern but still looks warm and welcoming. I am liking this A LOT!! I could cook in here!!


What do you think??











Wednesday, February 17, 2010

PINK!!!

After I posted a blog a week ago on the color blue, I felt it was only fair for me to post a blog on pink! Ah pink, you old friend!! Growing up, I think pink was one of my staple colors. As I have mentioned before my room was pink from ceiling to floor. Pink carpet, wallpaper, window treatments. I thought pink was absolutely the best color to choose for ALL my decorating needs!! (And let's get real, it still kind of IS one f the best colors!! Right???) And how could you NOT love pink and brown together!!?? The richness and depth, so pretty. The picture below I think pretty well sums up the awesomeness that is pink! Yes, I said awesomeness!! Its ok, its a word (I think). I think both of the rooms below show how pink can be used in a tasteful yet playful way. I could totally seem myself lounging in wither of these rooms, wearing pink, drinking a cosmo, very chic! I guess it is hard for me to let that part of my childhood go. I don't think I will ever get tired of a little pink now and then! Can you imagine if I ever have a little girl?? What will my poor husband do???!!!






Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Goodbye Fabric Books!!

A few weeks ago when I decided to clean out my office and paint, that meant I had to carry hundreds and hundreds of fabric books out of the room. UGH!! This is a very long and tedious process. Over the past year I have collected quite a collection of fabric and trim books. Some of them I use ALL the time and others I had to knock dust off of. It got me thinking about my fabric needs and how little space I really have in my office for shelves of books. While it is nice to have such a selection of amazing fabric books, I just don't NEED all this stuff!! It was time to make some hard decisions. I had to part with some of the books!!! This is really hard for me as I LOVE fabric and having it surrounding me in my office is truly inspiring. However, I felt like the walls were closing in on me!! After looking through 100's of books, literally, I ended up with only one shelving unit full of books!! Its amazing and my office is HUGE now!! I love it!! And I am left with the books I use the most and still inspire me!!


If any of you are looking for fabric or have a fabric that is "to the trade only" please let me know!! I would love to help you out!!! What good is being "the trade" if I can't help people out!!!




















Monday, February 15, 2010

Its Just Me

I love learning new things about people!! I thought it might be fun to let you all learn a little bit about me!! So, here it goes!!
1. My Favorite Place On Earth
I would have to say, the beach! Any beach really, I love to be close to water, especially the ocean. The beaches of Destin FL are some of my favorites!!


2. I Am Inspired By…
People who work really hard towards what they believe in. People who never give up and never quit.
3. I Describe My Personal Style As…
My personal style is cozy chic. I love to dress up, but I am usually in jeans most days. I try to spice everything up with fun jewelry or a great bag.
4. My Favorite Accessory
A watch and earrings. I feel naked without both. I have these great silver earrings my mom and dad bought me for my birthday and they are a staple piece. I also cannot go anywhere without my wedding and engagement rings. LOVE THEM!!
5. To Relax I…
Read books or magazine, watch T.V. Sometimes I chat on the phone with friends. Spend time with my husband. Take a bath. Drink a glass of wine.
6. I Am Most Proud Of…
Overcoming an eating disorder and living to tell about it.

7. I Cannot Live Without…
My hubby!! He is simply the best thing that ever happened to me! And m y family, they support and encourage and love me always!
8. My Top Design Tip
Paint goes a long way! When you need an inexpensive but dramatic change in a room, paint it!
9. I Want…
To be a mom more than anything!!
10. I Love to Shop at...
The Gap and Banana Republic, The Loft, Pottery Barn, Crate n Barrel, Marshalls, Home Goods, DSW...I could go on for hours here!! I just love to shop!!!
11. I Don’t Leave the House Without…
Eye make -up, my wedding rings and my phone.
12. I Love to Wear…
Jeans and sweaters! I love winter because I LOVE sweaters!! Can't get enough of them!! So cozy and warm. I also love to wear sun dresses. I feel so light and frilly in them!
14. My Guilty Pleasure…
Oh, so many things come to mind. I LOVE reality TV! Ugh, I watch way too much. I love ranch dressing on just about anything.
I Envy...
Anyone who does something they truly love and beleive in. Anyone who is not afriad to be themselves no matter how crazy people think they are!!
16. My Crush…
OOOHHH...I don't know!! I suppose I STILL have a slight crush on my husband. And Joey from New Kids on the Block. There, I said it!! Don't judge me!!
17. Favorite TV character...
Any character that Kristin Wigg does on SNL!! Too funny!!
18. Signature Colors
brown and blue
19. At the end of the day, I am…
Blessed to have an amazing husband and family, a sweet dog and a pretty terrific life!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentines Day Hubby (and Oliver too)!!!!

WARNING: This blog may get extra mushy...read with caution!!!


I knew I was going to marry my husband the night that I met him. (Don't ask me why, he couldn't even remember what my name was!!) But I just knew it, I felt it. I felt that spark and that connection that you hope to find with someone. He looked at me in a way that made me melt and made me feel like we were the only people in the world at that moment. It was pure bliss. After the night we met, I didn't see him again for 6 months. We got to know each other through phone calls and e-mails. We became friends, after awhile, best friends. I looked forward to each and every e-mail. And when he would call me on the phone, my heart would race and I would smile for hours after we hung up. 6 months passed and we had our first "real" date. I was nervous for days about seeing him again. Would he still like me?? Would I still like him?? Would that "spark" still be there?? The spark was definitely still there! As we hugged and he kissed me on the cheek, I felt all the same feelings for him I had felt 6 months ago. He was my other half, my soul mate and when I was with him I felt complete.

Fast forward 4 years and I was walking down the aisle to the man of my dreams, my best friend. How lucky and blessed I am to have this amazing person in my life each and every day. He supports, loves, protects and cares for me. He challenges me, makes me want to be a better person and makes me laugh on a daily basis. I can't say enough good things about my amazing husband!!

Thank you for being who you are and for loving me the way you do!!! Happy Valentines Day Hubby!!!!

And I can't do a post about love and mush without mentioning my other "other" half!! My sweet little Oliver. He bites at my feet, steals food off my plate when I am not looking and goes to the bathroom on the floor I have just mopped. But I know I am the love of his life!! This little guy has given me so much joy over the years and I am truly blessed that we found each other!! Happy Valentines Day Oliver!!!


I hope all of you are sharing Valentines day with someone you care about!!!


Happy Valentine's Day!!





**He was of legal age at the time of this picture to consume alcohol!! He was not harmed while drinking this beer!!**








Saturday, February 13, 2010

Sweet Saturday!!

Here's hoping your weekend is a sweet one!!!














Friday, February 12, 2010

Ramble on Blogging

I have been blogging for a little over a year now. At first, I was completely lost in a sea of blogging. Not sure what to write or what to say. (I still find myself struggling at time!! But you I bet you can see that!!) I am still finding my voice in the world of blogging. I have to say, there are days when I have no clue WHAT to write about or to say. But, I am learning and trying to figure that out. I want my blog to be one that people look forward to reading each day. I want my blog to be fun and light hearted but provide some sort of useful information. However, my information may not always be super useful!! It may just be a funny story or a cute picture of my dog!! Which let's face it, he is SUPER cute!!! Anyway, I hope that whomever is reading my blog enjoys it and wants to read it. I hope I am providing some form of entertainment as well as information.I really enjoy blogging. It allows me to share part of my life and it also acts as a creative outlet for me. That is really important for us creative types!!

My favorite part of blogging is having the chance to "meet" incredible and interesting people that I might not have otherwise been able to meet. There are A LOT of talented and inspiring women out there and I feel really blessed that they write a blog and share their lives with me and their other readers each day. Pretty cool!!


Blogging is something that has become part of my day to day life. I wake up and check out my daily reads and comment when appropriate. I spend many hours writing my own blog. Its just part of who I am now. I hope someone is actually reading it!!Thank you for allowing me to blog my random thoughts on blogging!! No pretty pictures today, just an incredibly cute picture of my favorite employee (fresh after a bath)!!! Have a great weekend!!!!






Thursday, February 11, 2010

The Impact of Tile

I am working with a couple to design a kitchen. We met last week to discuss the cabinet layout and design and to get a glimpse at my drafting. As the discussion wrapped up, we started talking about tile for the back splash. I have designed plenty of kitchens and selected tile for lots of back splashes, but I never really thought about how big of an impact tile can have on a space. The area we are designing is a pretty compact condo kitchen. Just one small wall will have tile, but it will make that space look amazing!! Adding a splash or two of color is exactly what that room needs!!

These pictures all show how big of an impact tile can actually have on a room! There are so many different applications, the possibilities are endless!! I don't know about you, but I am ready to get the grout!!! Who's with me???










Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Feeling a Little Blue???

I can't say that I have ever in my life thought of my favorite color being blue. Not once. It has always seemed so "boyish" to me!! Which I know sounds so weird, but I grew up in an entirely pink room, carpet walls, the whole shabang! So, blue was never a color I entertained growing up. Never wore it, never decorated with it, never owned any blue items. Until now. I have 3 rooms in my home with a shade of blue on the wall. My guest bath is a light shade of sky blue, we call it our "beach bathroom". My dining room is a shade of blue/gray/green. Is that bad of me to say that as a designer?? Oh well, we keep it real here!! It is a weird shade that looks green in some light and blue in others. Not what I was expecting, but I like it just the same. And now my office is a very light shade of gray/blue. Very bright and soothing and a great place to work. I am not sure when my love of blue developed. It came on very suddenly! But I do find myself drawn to things that are the color blue. Maybe it has to do with my husband. He went to the Air Force Academy and their colors are blue and silver, and he loves blue. Maybe it is because of our recent move back to Indiana and my love of the Colts?? I don't know! All I know is that blue is slowly starting to take over my home and it makes me a bit nervous!!!

These pictures are not my home ( I wish)!! But they show great examples of how to use a color and not go overboard with it! Splashes of blue are everywhere in this home. Very clever.

What do you think about the color blue??? Do you have a color you said you would never use and now you find yourself drawn to it???



















Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Do You Love Coffee???

I DO!!! I LOVE coffee!! A few years ago, I lived on the stuff, 3-4 cups a day. Which is probably not the best thing, but I couldn't help myself!! As soon as I woke up I was thinking about that hot cup cradled in my little hands. Oh, it is so good!!! I admit, I have given up my 3-4 cup a day habit and usually only have 1-2. (I am so hyper already, anymore than that and I would barely blink all day!) When I am REALLY lucky, we have a bag or two of Jameson Coffee in our house. This is quite possibly the BEST coffee I have ever had!! Jameson Coffee is located in Indiana, however, they ship their goodness all over the world!! So, no excuses for not trying a bag of their fabulous coffee. (I know you are about due for another cup anyway!! Right??) Please visit their website and take a peak www.jamesoncoffee.com. You WILL NOT be disappointed!!









I DO!!! I love coffee!!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Amazing Designers!!

I am totally inspired by these pictures!! The colors, the textures, the crispness of the design. Breath-taking!! The design team is Elizabeth Kimberly Design, based in Utah, and they are amazing designers!! I love how fresh and airy these spaces are! Please visit their website and take a look!!











Sunday, February 7, 2010

GO COLTS!!!!

GO COLTS!!!!!!



That is all!!! Happy Super Bowl Sunday!!!!!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Saturday Eye Candy

Hope you are having an AWESOME Saturday!! Enjoy these pretty little pictures!!!