Keeping a Secret from your Spouse

I kept a secret from my husband for a long time.

It was not easy.

It was not fun. 

It was stressful.

I had to pay for things in cash. I had to sneak around on my lunch hour. I had to keep my cell phone in my purse (instead of leaving it on the counter like normal) so he would not accidentally read a text message.

I had to come up with several elaborate stories.  One was trying to explain why my trunk looked like this:

I lost sleep because I would wake up in the middle of the night making to do lists in my head. I had to pretend we had plans that we didn't. I had to make up ridiculous reasons why we couldn't go here or there, or make buy tickets to a concert on Saturday night.

The hardest part was staying calm the week of and relaxing while around him, while I was really stressing about my secret plan.

But it all worked out...

Surprise!

A little blurry, but still fitting.

I surprised my husband with a 30th birthday party.

And cupcakes, and a beer cake. (Beer cake idea was actually crafted by my parents)

And of course, booze. Keg of beer not pictured :)

And most of his family. Even my parents drove 3 hours for his party. 

Adam and his father-in-law.

I think he liked his cake.

Oh, and we had a Nacho Bar. Build your own Chicken Nachos.

All the fixin's.

 I was relieved, he was was super surprised.

Shout out to my friend Lora for her help with setup! I was a crazy chick that afternoon and she kept me sane.

We had a wonderful time. Adam was so surprised he was speechless, which is rare. I'm so thankful for our fabulous family and friends for spending the evening with us celebrating Adam's 30th birthday.

Cheers to 30 years!

Oh hey P.S. Did you know we are having a giveaway?

Enter to win your very own Teak Bench right here!

Tale of 2 tables: a golden deal & a DIY barnwood coffee table

Tables, tables. All kinds of new tables in my living room this week! One is DIY and one is a clearance find.
I showed you our living room and our kick-ace new leather sofa last week, but we were in need of a coffee table. We had an ottoman sitting where a coffee table should be...

So..earlier this month, I had a few friends visit for the weekend. There was plenty of wine, giggling, gossiping, kitchen dancing, and singing.

Adam made himself scarce...
He went out to the garage to do man stuff. You know, like drink beer and listen to Aerosmith. And build stuff.

He emerged two hours later with a barn wood coffee table for me.

It morphed some in the few days it's been in the living room. One of the boards moved a little. But I think it just adds to the rustic charm.
Next time we build something we will haul the wood inside to let it acclimate to the room temperature. But we like this one the way it is.

On the bottom shelf, I added a basket from target to hold more magazines, remotes, and matches for the candles.

He made this out of allllll barnwood. I'm still trying to decide if we want to add some kind of topcoat or finish to the top. It's still a tad rough around the edges, so it could use a little more sanding at the very least. But I'm researching finishes now... maybe a wax topcoat.

Oh you spotted my little gold table? That is the golden deal I was telling you about.

My mom and I spotted it on a Target haul. It was in the clearance section for 29 bucks. It went right in the cart.

I had eyed these tables when they were not on sale. But I hate paying full price for things...

The new golden beauty adds just the right touch of glam to the rustic in the room. $29 is my kind of price.  The ottoman still has a spot in the living room. It moved over to the window with a few pillows. Prime bird watching spot for Scout.

you don't see those puppy paw prints on the floor...do you?

NEXT STEP: Now to find a new (larger) area rug. I'm thinking something more plush with a short shag.
We love the pattern on this rug, but it's actually and indoor/outdoor rug we picked up from Menards, so it isn't very cushy. Plus, we'd like more rug space so we can spread the furniture out.

He built it from scratch, with just a picture in his mind. He remembered that I wanted a coffee table with a bottom shelf. He did not remember to take photos during the process. Bad blogger husband. But I think I can forgive him.

I love both of my tables. I can't wait to complete the room with the right rug. (hah! complete the room, who am I kidding? I never stop changing things around)


Do you think it's ok to mix rustic & glam?  
Do you have any barn wood finish suggestions? I want to keep the look but add a little protection.

Two wagons full of goodies!

Husbands are nice to have.
Mine is pretty handsome. He's tall and gets things off top shelves for me. He takes me for ice cream when I'm cranky.  He builds amazing furniture for me. (this too!) He also brings me flowers sometimes...
Flowers from the husband are always nice...especially if you get them for many weeks in a row...which I don't..AHEM Amy @ Buffalo Roam...

One afternoon husband said he got me a present and to come outside....(new car!?)

 And not one. But TWO wagons full of it. All for me.

Nope, obviously, not a new car. And no, not the bales of straw either...
Adam had a buddy who was tearing down an old barn. He asked if we could have some of the wood. He said take it all. So we took everything we could. Two wagon loads full!


It's old, it weathered, it's rustic dreamy goodness...

Did you spot the old barn door under all that good stuff??

The best part...check out these beautiful barn beams. AND SO MANY OF THEM!

I am in love with them.
Can you be in love with wood?

Scout of course had to inspect everything...

We even got some cool old tin.

And after the second wagon was unloaded, we got to take a sit and discuss the future of projects. And the pin board that was already created in my head.

We don't even know what we are going to do with all of it yet. Obviously, I have some ideas:

• Beams on the ceiling in the basement
• Shelves
• A barnwood/rustic bar in the basement
• build a coffee table after we pick out new furniture
• patio furniture for the downstairs patio
• cut out letters out of the tin

I'm sure I can come up with something...


What projects have you made with old barnwood or barn beams?
Does your man bring you unusual presents?

Oh, and as far as the furniture debate goes, leather is the easy winner. But I can't seem to find something I like....that isn't 1 trillion dollars...the search continues..

It's a birthday weekend in our house!!

This weekend we celebrate the birthday of the other half of this blog...

The one who usually does all the hard work, while I take the photos...

But also knows how to relax--and play a tune,

Sit Back,

And enjoy life...

Even when his wife may or may not throw up her pina colada 250 feet in the air...

Happy 29th Birthday to my sweet and handsome husband, Adam.  Let's Party!