hellllooooooo lover....

That's right folks, say hello to these babies. 

::they say hello::

I like to call them my spentaweekpaintingmyhouse shoes. 

Yep. 

:)

Oh and hello awkwards and awesomes, I didn't see you there.

 However is it Thursday already?!?! 

Awkward: Forgetting to bring my cloth bags to the grocery and then ending up in the line with the lady

who basically bags each item individually. Why?! I was thisclose to just saying "no bags at all please" but I was all by myself with a lot of groceries. Now I'm at home with a lot of blue plastic bags. 

Awkward: Realizing after I left the house that my dog had chewed the little rubber tip off the bottom of my heel. Bad dog.

Awkward: Dancing to "Old Time RocknRoll" Tom Cruise style after our new floors were finished. And then totally wiping out. While the husband was videoing. Yesssssss.
No more slipper wearing in this house. That's all Im gonna say. 

Awesome: Husband and I having the EXACT SAME dream a few nights ago. We were both in Disney World. I told him, from now on, we plan where we're gonna meet up. I wanna go to the beach. 

Awesome: My new floors. Holla! They are beauuuuuuutiful. 

Awesome:  My little sister playing along with wear*it wednesday this week and texting me a photo from school.  Purple tights for the win! She rocks. 

Awesome: Fun plans for the weekend!! Can you say tea party bridal shower?!?! With hats?!? 

My kind of party. :)  

Awesome: Uh. Those shoes up there. Prettyfreakingawesome if I do say so myself. 

Thank you Target. I love you. 

Happy Thursday lovelies!!!!

meet: my new friend

I can't wait for the sun to keep shining (snow tomorrow, say what!?!?) so I can take her for a spin. 

She's fabulous. 

renovations of a home owner.



This is the face I saw every time I looked down to see who was sitting on my feet. She's such a goober. But a good painting buddy, so it's ok. 

We're almost done. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Even if my refrigerator is sitting in front of my sink at the moment.

Like I said earlier last week, during husband's week of vacation we decided to revamp our house a bit! 

New floors throughout the first floor and a fresh coat of paint to the walls and baseboards.
The previous floors were SO old and beat up. And our carpet was SO gross, thankyouverymuch doggies and cat. 

He did the floors, I did the painting. 

We make a pretty good team, I think


I left him a little love note to keep him going. Leveling out the kitchen floor was not his favorite part of the project.

::cue mushy moment::

I cannot even begin to say how proud I am of this husband of mine! In just one week he completely gutted our house, leveled our 1900 year old home's wacky floors and made it feel all shiny and new! He worked so hard and it was really all I could do to keep up with the painting so it was done by the time he made it into my area with the new floor. 

I love him. 

::end mushiness:: 

We had a ton of fun working together last week, taking lunch breaks and listening to music on Pandora! I missed him loads yesterday afternoon when I came home and his truck wasn't in the driveway yet. 

For the most part, everything went smoothly. I was super picky about my spackling and sanding, which of course encouraged a lot of teasing about all of the holes I had put in the walls in the first place.
My bad.  

And except for Friday, when he asked that I remove all the staples from the living room floor (leftover from the old carpet) while he ran to Lowes to get more supplies, I was a good sport. 

Right. 

Let's just say that did not go over well. 

Tears. Blisters. And then I took a Starbucks break and everything was peachy. 

:)

BUT, with the help of a few of guy friends who helped put the first round of flooring down Saturday and my darling friend Rachel who popped over Thursday with smoothies to help paint, we're more than halfway done. 



left: original hardwood right:plywood subfloor



a peek into our finished living room. love. 

Hopefully by the end of the week, my kitchen and laundry room will be back in order. Otherwise, who knows what Ill be wearing this week. 

It could get scary. 

Ill share more photos when everything is back in order!!!
xoxo

thoughtful thoughts....

found here

lookbook: hatted



Cardigan: Thrifted/The Limited, Shirt: Kohls, Jeans:F21, Shoes:Vintage, Hat:Target, Scarf:AE

I've had this hat for almost six months and have never worn it. Until today. 

I think I'm in love baby. 

:) 

Happy, happy Monday. 

My house is *almost* back to normal! Pictures soon, promises! 

xoxo

sunday*swoons: lace shorts

Ohhhh how I love these lacey lace shorts.
Perfect for spring or summer. Oh who am I kidding, probably only summer because spring in Ohio is cold and rainy.
Nevertheless, the pretty ones in the first picture are mine just as soon as I can make a little trip to H&M.
::excited::
Perfect addition to my wardrobe, dontcha think?!
:)

here

here

here

here

Rebel. Rebelling. Rebel.

I dyed my hair Tuesday, all by myself. 

And I'm wearing red lipstick. 

And yes, that's my tattoo. 

(its a bird. birds are kinda my thing.)

Annnnnd I'm sneaking a quick second to post this before the husband comes back in and accuses me of slacking on my painting. :) 

Oh yeah. I also may have already used this blog title. 

::woah::

Somebody restrain me. :) 

xoxo

Renée

PS. I miss my blogging friends. 

The blogger feed and I need to catch up like nobody's business, I am so ready to put down my paintbrush and say hello to all of my lovely friends in the "blogworld" again. And my "real life" friends. It's been a long time, here in home renovation land. 

I know this because my inbox is angry with me and sending mean looking red notifications at my computer screen. 

Meh. 

five*things

1. My momma's birdies Nick and Nora. They are so sweet. 

2. This video. HELLO! I LOVE She&Him. I'm always listening to Volume 2 at home, while I do my housewifely duties. Makes them much more enjoyable. 

3. Fine jewelry on Etsy. Like this ring. 

husband are you reading? 

Why would I go anywhere else for beautiful jewelry? I don't know. 

4. Pretty spring style. Colors. Ruffles. Skirts. I die. 

Find this here. 

5.  Gorgeous lace necklace from White Owl. LOVE.

Happy Friday folks! Hope your weekend is just lovely lovely! 

xoxo

renée

Guest Post: Miss Charlotte from Mason Jars & Fireflies



Hello lovelies!

So my dear friend Renee, I'm assuming you've met, asked me to guest post for her amazing blog.

My reaction!? "Eiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!! YAY!!!"

It was very mature and professional of me...and here I am!

A little about me: I'm Charlotte of Mason Jars and Fireflies. I watched Julie & Julia, started following beauty gurus on YouTube, became addicted to Renee's blog, got an opportunity to live in Australia for two months, wrote about it...and the rest is history! My Australia blog morphed into a daily living blog and while I like to write about all kinds of things, my beauty obsession always has a way of peeking through.

Speaking of which...let's get to it shall we?

For me Spring beauty is about putting a soft twist on your current makeup routine while keeping it simple, effortless, and inexpensive.

Take the cat eye. It's dramatic, sexy, and attention grabbing. Black liner with a winged edge gives an instant pop to your eyes that can't be beat.

A great alternative for Spring?

Tight lining. Tight lining your eyes is a very easy and goof proof way to add volume and depth to your lash line. Simply take your favorite smudge proof eye pencil and run it along your upper waterline, the difference is subtle but sexy and absolutely perfect for a simple Spring look!

If you're still looking for more definition to your eyes go ahead and line above your lash line as well but instead of using basic black opt for a coffee brown cream liner like e.l.f. Studio Cream Eyeliner.

Borrowed

The deep brown shade will compliment any eye color and is a much softer alternative for Spring...plus, it's only $3!

Spring is also a time to bare a little extra skin but if you're like me, your not so rosy cheeks could use a touch of sun! Fake it with one of my all time favorite matte bronzers: NYC Sunny.

Borrowed

This light bronzer is perfect for pale gals like me and since it's matte you can use your favorite fluffy brush to apply it to your cheeks, forehead, and jawline without looking like someone attacked you with fairy dust...or Snooki.

Another cheek product I love from NYC is their Blushable Creme Sticks. Plaza Pink is my personal favorite, it gives you that irresistible natural flush with just the smallest amount of product. I keep it simple and apply it with my finger tips because sometimes a brush is what you need...and sometimes it's not!

Last but not least, lips!

I love a red lip, it's sexy and chic and if you follow the tips I've given you so far it will be the PERFECT compliment to the look for an evening out but let's face it...red lips can be a hassle. So, if you're heading out for a day date or just off to work keep it simple with a pretty gloss instead!

 

So there you have it folks! My simple Spring look is pretty much dialed down version of Brigitte Bardot.

Because really...who doesn't want to look like that!?

**********************************************************

Thanks so much Charlotte, for the awesome spring beauty guest post!!!!! I can't wait to pick up the eyeliner and try it. And hopefully not poke my eye out.

Happy Friday everyone!!!!

Happy Spring!

 XO

lookbook: rebel thursday

Dress:F21, Tee: thrifted, Boots: Target

Just a few Awkwards & Awesomes

Having to tell the woman whose dog I found in my backyard the other day that, no I don't want to keep him and no, he didn't get along with my dogs. I sure hope I don't find him waiting on my porch with a note and box of toys anytime soon. 

The box of hair coloring I used stating "Eva Longoria's Signature Shade" and then being disappointed when my own hair does not magically turn out looking like hers. Bummer. 

All of the take out the husband and I have had for dinner/lunch this week. Horrible. I'll be happy when my stove makes its way back to where it belongs in my kitchen. 

Litterbox duty. Hate. Despise. Looooathe. 

Awesomes: 

Finishing Heroes season one with the husband and having an intense debate regarding what our own super powers would be if we had them. His: Time travel. Mine: Being in a photo while I take it. Typical. 

Our new flooring arriving two weeks early (as in tomorrow morning) which means this whole entire home renovation project is gonna be done a lot sooner. 

Husband okaying my choice in new light fixtures without batting an eye (wait till you see them! Eeep!)

And on that note, spending an entire week with the husband. Me loves. 

My momma's birthday. Donuts, shopping date, coffee, lunch, dinner, milkshakes, cake and little birdies!! I know. Every day should be like this one. 

Little birdies!!! I can't get enough of my mom's birthday present. Or that she named them Nick and Nora from the Thin Man series. My favorite. 

All of the awesome ladies who linked it up for wear*it wednesday this week!! LOVE. 

Annnnd my darling sweet friend Megan who texted me from school, a photo of her wear*it outfit wednesday morning. 

Hope your Thursdays rock this week!! 

As in rock, like that Lynyrd Skynyrd shirt I'm sporting up there. 

Kidding. 

elizabeth

A sad day. 

Such a beautiful woman who had an amazing life and career. 

Am looking forward to reading Elizabeth by J. Randy Taraborrelli and Netflixing a few of my favorite Taylor films over the next few days to remember her by..... like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Cleopatra, Father of the Bride and The Last Time I Saw Paris. 

here

It was a long productive career, and she was the most glamorous and sexual star of our generation,” Reynolds, 78, said in a statement. “No one else could equal Elizabeth’s beauty and sexuality. Women liked her and men adored her, and her love for her children is enduring. She was a symbol of stardom. Her legacy will last.

-Debbie Reynolds

guest post: homemade sushi "girls night in" with rachel

Hello readers of ohrenee*design! I’m Rachel from Distinct Style. Renee asked me to guest post about our recent sushi making extravaganza and of course I was happy to do it! 

Let me backtrack a second..

Renee is a good friend of mine and was actually a big inspiration for my own blog. We work for the same company and after multiple meetings and conversations on a ‘professional’ level, it became clear we had too much in common (really though, it was getting weird.) to not become friends. I have always been into fashion and more recently, refashion. When Renee asked me to be a part of the wear*it wednesday series, it made me realize I just may have something useful and interesting to add to the blog world too. 

Plus, it’s such a fun way to stay connected to friends and family who you don’t get to see or talk to as much as you’d like. I use my blog to promote individual style, feature my refashion projects and document adventures (and great finds!) in thrift/consignment shopping - a passion Renee and I share!

Homemade Sushi: Girls Night In

I had wanted to try to make sushi at home for awhile, but It wasn’t until I began reading the blog A Healthy Passion and saw this post that I thought I could actually pull it off. I’ve tried it a few times now and each time it turns out a little bit better. Since I had practiced a few times and was feeling confident in my sushi skills, I decided a “make your own sushi” girls’ night was in order. Enter Renee and Natalie.. my sushi protégés. :)

You will need:

-Sticky rice (I made it in a rice cooker)

-Bamboo sushi mat ( I found mine at world market, you can also find it online here )

-Nori paper (at some grocery stores you can find it in the ‘asian’ section, or you can order it online here)

-A dish of water (with a small brush if you so desire.)

-Avocado

-Carrot

-Cucumber

-Other fun sushi fillers – my new favorite is mango. So good.

Prep:

Rice: If you’re using a rice cooker to make your rice, just add in extra water to make it sticky. I assume it may be the same if you’re making your rice another way. Ideally, you want to be able to give it time to cool after it cooks. I put like to put mine in the fridge for a little while.

Avocado: Chop into small chunks or strips

Carrot: Chop into thin strips

Cucumber: Chop into long and thin (but not too too thin) strips

Mango: Chop into small chunks

Begin: 

Step 1:Have all of your ingredients and your bowl of water close by and place your sushi mat on a cutting board or flat service.

Step 2: Use the rice paddle to scoop the rice onto the sushi paper and press it down. The more rice and other fillings you use, the fatter your sushi roll will be (is that obvious?). Leave an edge of the nori paper, a good half inch or so, so you have something to help the roll stick together. I like to have a pretty thin layer of rice so I can really load up on what is (in my opinion) the good stuff – the veggies and mango. But if you prefer a more hefty helping of rice then go for it.

Step 3: Arrange your sushi fillings on the end closest to you, leaving some space to roll the paper over them.

Step 4: After you’ve got it all laid out the way you want it, then comes the fun (but tricky) part. Using the bamboo mat, roll the sushi starting with the end closest to you. Roll it tight! When you get to the end, use your finger or a brush to wet the edge of the nori paper you left exposed. This will help adhere it together.

Step 5: You’re done with the first roll! Set aside on a plate and now it’s the next person’s turn. When everyone has made their roll (or 2, we don’t judge), I like to put them in the fridge for a little while.

Step 6: During this time we had our salad. I highly recommend making an Asian salad with this dressing. It.is.the.best. I can’t get enough of this stuff. It’s expensive ($5 for the bottle) but so delicious. I also got some of those fun wonton strips to top our salads with.

Step 7: After the sushi rolls have sat in the fridge for awhile, it’s time to slice them. The other fun part! You want to get a paring knife (or non-serrated) knife and keep your water bowl handy. I like to dip the knife between each cut – it really helps make a clean slice.

Step 8: Enjoy and pat yourself on the back. It doesn’t always turn out pretty (especially the ends, mine can be a little floppy), but with those ingredients you can’t really go wrong in the taste department. Especially if you add a little bit of soy sauce – I have a few little ramekins I fill so sushi guests can dip or pour if they so choose. I like to serve the sushi with the above mentioned salads and some fresh fruit. We had watermelon – not very Asian but a nice compliment! You could also make fried rice, miso soup, etc.

Other ways to further enjoy sushi at home:

*Add crab meat or fresh fish like salmon or tuna

*Have sesame seeds to sprinkle over the rice or on top

*Have fresh ginger or wasabi as an edible garnish

Enjoy! 

Love, Rachel

***************************************************

Rachel, thanks so much for sharing your yummy homemade sushi tips!! 

Sushi night makes for a fun "girls night in" and thanks to Rachel, I am now a sushi convert. Though, if I'm being honest, my sushi roll had a larger rice to veggie ratio than the others. 

Oh well! 

:) 

(((photos c/o renée)))

I'm living in the white house.

Or at least my walls are all white. 

Yep. The husband is home for a week of vacation so we're replacing our entire first floor's floors. And I'm replacing the old, tired (and honestly way too bright) paint colors in the alcove/dining room/foyer. 

It's a big week here at our house. 

And if I'm being completely honest, will probably be a big three weeks by the time we're done. 

It's okay. I've been looking forward to new floors since before we moved in. 

Our house is old, but I think the flooring may have been here since before it was built. 

Projects like these remind me how awesome it is to own a home that is all yours. I love making my little nest a bit more *mine*. 

And a bit cleaner, hence the new flooring. :)

So. 

I shared all of that (I know you guys REALLY care about the age of my flooring), because....

a. I'm gonna be a busy *painting* bee this week

and

b. I have a few super fun guests posts to share with you guys while I'm *away* (i.e. in the other room be-bopping to The Supremes while I paint).

I hope you guys enjoy....I'll share before and afters when we're finished, promise! 

If for no other reason than as evidence that I can, in fact, paint an entire room all by myself thankyouverymuch, husband. (I usually whine about our 9ft. ceilings and my little arms until he does it for me. What can I say?)

:) :) :)  

sunday*swoons: sunny sunshine

sunshine colors for a sunshiney kind of day.

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.
Louisa May Alcott


I was in *love* with the warm and sunshiney sunshine we had this weekend. It made my heart so happy!  I even wore yellow and rolled down the windows in the car!
Hope you all had a great weekend too!
Love, Renée

wrinkled dollar, thrifty thrifting

Sooooo excited to be featured on Jessica's blog Wrinkled Dollar!!!! She is super sweet and her blog is incredibly inspiring. Every day I'm amazed with her thrifted finds and how she puts them all together! 

She's one of those girls we would all be fighting over to take thrifting with us. For sure. 

Thanks so much for including me in your Wrinkled Dollar spotlight Jessica!! You rock!! 

saturday mornings

Unlike many families I know, including my own, my husband works on Saturdays...usually until one or two in the afternoon. At first, this was so strange to me...my own dad was always home on the weekends. In fact, Saturday mornings at our house usually meant chores (and a little cartoon watching if you could sneak it in before he caught you). 

But, over time, I got used to the idea and now I enjoy my quiet mornings. I try not to be too lazy, since I know he is working hard, but sometimes a coffee and a good book with the windows open and maybe a salted carmel brownie from Starbucks is the only thing I accomplish before he gets home. 

Sometimes. :)

But you know what? It makes our Saturday evenings pretty special because he's so thankful it's finally the weekend and I'm just so darn happy to see him! 

Hope your weekend is sunny and full of love!!!! 

xoxo, Renée