Someday Sunroom

We have been seriously reviewing the budget, trying to find a way to squeeze in our sunroom addition. This summer certainly turned out to be incredibly fun, but not budget friendly (although we're not complaining, with San Francisco, New York, and multiple beach trips).  However, all of our travels, fun, and a certain Mr.’s boat projects, have delayed our long-awaited sunroom addition.

One point of contention in the household is the purpose of said sunroom. I’d like it to function as a sitting area and office. I just feel like we would use the space more, if we could be connected to the main living area of the house while we blog and check fantasy football work. As a bonus, we would have a second extra bedroom – which I have heard looks great when we (eventually) put the house on the market to sell. Jeff, on the other hand, doesn’t like the idea of the computer sitting in a room full of windows.

Nevertheless, I have not been able to control my impulsive online browsing for new ideas for a sunroom that functions as a living area and office space. I absolutely love the Matters of Style sawhorse desk Ikea hack. I think that a glass top desk in the room would keep it from being too visually imposing, and look great with all the natural light.

Plus I adore how they spray painted legs for a brass look!  I'd pair the desk with this Craigslist chair, reupholstered in this fabric.

Then I would love to find a campaign chest, like this one on Atlanta’s Craigslist, to make up for all the lost storage when we eliminate desk drawers. And you’d have the perfect location for your printer.

To keep things from feeling too stuffy, I would add a wide striped rug and the Ikea Lack bookcase.

We already have a couch (oops) for the room... So couch, plus Ikea hack desk with 'brass legs,' and... 

Makes for a very happy Whittaker sunroom! 

Two-for-Two

We are 'two-for-two' in the engagement party department... Two parties over the past two weekends that celebrated two couples we love! 

This past weekend, we were fortunate enough to celebrate James & Stephanie!  Unfortunately, I forgot my camera at home... but was able to capture a few shots with my iPhone.

bride & groom -to be from the weekend prior

Stephanie's maid of honor Kate hosted the party, and put out a delicious spread!  I'm dying to get a dip recipe from Katie, and of course, Megan's chocolate coconut bar recipe too.  We had the best time, and can't wait until the big day in July!

The weekend prior, we partied for Sarah & Ryan at Andrew Blair's!  With their wedding just around the corner, it was so fun to get together with everyone... and see how excited the whole group is for the upcoming festivities!     

bride & groom -to be, with Elon girls

blogger gals... Jen, Sarah, Amy, me & Kim

We always feel so fortunate to have such amazing friends in Charlotte... and occassions like these just make us feel even more blessed.  Welcome to the marriage club, friends!  We couldn't be happier for you!

Easy Oatmeal Cookies

This weekend it finally felt like fall around here!  The weather on Sunday was just what the doctor ordered for us - cool and rainy.

With Jeff not generally preferring to just relax around the house, I absolutely loved our 'lazy day' together!  He watched football, and I hit the kitchen... making homemade mac & cheese, veggie chili, and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

The cookies were a spur of the moment decision, since we had ingredients on-hand already to make a small batch.  And the recipe is too easy not to share!  It yields about 42 cookies, so cutting it in half was plenty for us.

Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip Cookies

yields about 42 cookies

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 oz)
1 cup chopped nuts, if desired

In a large bowl, stir brown sugar and butter until blended.  Stir in vanilla and egg until light and fluffy.  Add in oats, flour, baking soda and salt until combined.  Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.

Onto ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart.

Bake at 350° for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool slightly & enjoy!

Sofa Art

For your Saturday yard sale, Craig's List & general weekend design-scouting inspiration... Here are some of my favorite living room art arrangements...

An eclectic grouping (which has quickly become my personal favorite):

{Peter Dunham via ?}

{Betty Burgess via The Newlywed Diaries}

{Martha Stewart via The Newlywed Diaries}

A large mirror (be sure to note what is directly across from said mirror, since that is the image/light you'll be reflecting)...

{Timothy Wealon via Little Green Notebook}

{both images via Two Ellie}

Or a combination... like this grouping of a large mirror & two framed pieces that I love...

{Ashley Whittaker}

Or a more structured group of prints...

{via The Newlywed Diaries; my absolute favorite in this category, with two of the top framed pieces subtly horizontal}

{Jenny's own living room via Little Green Notebook}

{Ashley Whittaker}

Or you can always go with a large piece of artwork... But I have a feeling that the groupings or a mirror would be a little more budget friendly?

{via ?}

{Ashley Whittaker}

{via Little Green Notebook}

Happy weekend!

This or That?

This is one of those posts that could either turn out awesome... or not at all.  As I mentioned before (and even earlier), I'd really like to upgrade my camera to a digital SLR.  I'd love to improve the pictures featured on the blog, take an intro to photography class, and of course, be ready for all the deluxe photography when little ones come along (that belong to other people, well for right now at least).

Jeff, on the other hand, isn't too keen on the whole idea.  My father-in-law loaned me his SLR to test out for a little while, and of course, it was love at first shot!  Jeff still doesn't think there is a noticeable difference in picture quality... So, dear blog readers, this is where you come in!

The three pictures below were taken with an SLR camera, our regular digital camera, and a digital camera with a telephoto lens (but about half the mega pixels).

A

B

C

So which do you think is the SLR camera picture?  Can you tell a difference between that one and the other two?  Leave us a comment on your picture quality thoughts, and be sure to mark your choices in our poll!

Featured

I'm so excited that our Framed Map Series project was featured on Sister Sister Sunday this week!

Every week, in addition to posting about their favorite things, sisters Mandy & Ashlie choose a recipe or project that readers submit as part of the Sunday 'Linky Party.'

And this week (which also had the most linkers to date), they featured our project.  What a great start to the week!  Thank you, Mandy & Ashlie!

And Ten...

Most importantly, today marks 10 years of wedded bliss for my sweet sister April & her husband David!  Congratulations on such an incredible anniversary... and many more happy years to come!

Lots of love & best wishes to April & David!