Books in Bed

Last night, Eric and I turned in a bit earlier than usual.

We lay side-by-side in bed, reading.

Wild at Heart his book of choice; mine The Meaning of Marriage.

(We're not always so studious. I recently spent a bittersweet ten days forcing my lids open in the wee hours of the morning nearly devouring The Hunger Games trilogy. Before that, I enjoyed Bossypants. Tina made me laugh (and blush) every few pages. I'm talking about literally lol'ing. The kind where people in Panera gave me funny looks and my husband kept asking "what?" in a nonchalant way until I read him what's so funny - and then he laughed too, of course.)

A chuckle here, a sigh there. Simultaneously gleaning wisdom from others' lives. A peaceful, connecting experience.

So many of our evenings are brimming with activity right up to the breaking point and then quickly numbed by the TV before trudging off to sleep.

(Ironically, since we no longer have cable, the only show on around this time of night is 30 Rock. Tina is getting more than her fair share of exposure in our home. She and Baldwin have us laughing then, as well).

Activity is wonderful and TV is fun.

But I rather like ending my night with a good book.  Somehow, snuggling up with my honey who is doing the same makes it all the better.

I have a few questions for you, if you are still out there.
- do you read books with (or alongside) your spouse, children or friends?
- in what other simple ways do you create special moments with loved ones?
- what books (fiction and non) made you think, laugh, cry or grow?

{photos via 1, 2, 3}

Pick One

This bedding (via I still love you)

(or) this print?

Which one should I pick for my southwestern fix?

(Yes, it's been a while. I'm wanting to establish a plan shortly and write about things that make me think, laugh or smile in hopes that you'll do the same. Until then, please enjoy this simple post and have a lovely day!)

This Just In

at Urban Outfitters: a painter's postcard, a grandma's pillow, a fireman's coffee, a historian's map and a (just barely) girly-girl's blanket.

Am I too old to love this store like I do?

All the Pretty Rooms

a bedroom, via under the sycamore

a sewing room, via Going Home to Roost

a baby's room, via Alice Lane

Our schedule has calmed down greatly over the past two weeks.  It's been so nice to be at home with my hubby, enjoying our rooms.  

Aren't the rooms above pretty and inspiring?

Stay Warm

This wet, rainy day makes me want to cozy up in a nice warm blanket and take a nap.  I am digging these hobo inspired throws, from Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, respectively.

I love things bordering on ugly.  

It's the aged, rustic characteristics that makes these blankets beautiful.

The Perfect Evening

Tonight marks the first Tuesday in over three months that we are free of plans. We thoroughly enjoyed our Financial Peace University class - we learned so much, revamped our spending and made new friends.  But tonight, ah tonight, I look forward to: 

Hitting up Publix to stock our sad pantry shelves

Cracking open my newest library book

Snuggling up to my honey and going to bed early

What are you up to tonight?

Bedroom: The Plan

After yesterday's decorating disappointment, I created a (somewhat) final picture of our bedroom plan. Would you like to see it?

White bedding from Ikea:

Blue/green pillow on sale at Pier 1, Gray pillow on Etsy (that I can no longer find!) and Gray throw from Bed, Bath and Beyond:

Table and chair I already own - paint table gray and paint chair mustard yellow (totally wish I had a beautiful chair to reupholster):

Jars and vase I already own - use jars to line window sill with flowers and use yellow vase to decorate side table:

What about this yellow throw from Urban Outfitters? It's on sale for $20! Where could I use it? Or is it just yellow overkill?

Please tell me, what do you think?