Lala...

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know one of my nearest and dearest friends in the world is Lori, pictured on the left. Without going into any detail, she is going through some things in her life that no one should have to. I'm asking for all of my blog friends to just lift her up in prayer, she needs it now more than ever.

Randomness......

My Friend Sarah Nebel of Photo Eye Love took this awesome photo of one of the candles that she purchased from our store. She is an amazing photographer, not to mention one of the sweetest people I know. If you want to check out her blog go to http://www.photoeyelove.blogspot.com/.
Another friend I would like to mention is Heather from The Mezzanine. We have been friends for several years but since they moved away, we dont get to see eachother nearly as much. And I miss our talks around her dining room table over a glass of wine. You can check out Heathers blog at http://www.themezzanine1.blogspot.com/. Dear, sweet Heather,also tagged me to list seven random things about myself, so here goes...

1. I got my first gray hair in 7th grade and now I am 50% gray. I color my hair every 3 weeks.

2. I was a cosmotologist for 11 years before quitting to open my store, which was always my dream.

3. I dont drink coffee at all but I HAVE to have a glass of chocolate milk every morning. I started doing this when I was pregnant with Clay and have continued ever since. It helped with the morning sickness.

4. I heart American Idol, and yes, I even vote.

5. I am just a smidgen taller than my husband, so I never wear heels.

6. I have gone cliff diving ONCE, if you could even call it that while vacationing with friends in the Ozarks. It was'nt pretty and I don't recommend it.

7. Before I opened my store, I was part of a prison ministry. I did it for a little over a year and it was a great experience.

There you have it, some very random facts about little ol' me.

Just a Reminder...

Dont forget, begining tomorow thru Saturday, We will have 20% of any 1 item when you bring in your Uptown Girls bag. This sale does include candles. We have extended Saturday hours of 10-5. If you have not yet purchased a bag, we still have them available for $5 or FREE when you spend $50 or more. Here are a couple more pics of what you will find in store...... pretty french canvas

love these moss topiaries and this gray cabinet.

Not Again!...

Yuck! My poor boy is home from school today with the stomach flu! Bless his little heart. I am not even kidding when I say EVERY Feb. he gets the flu. I remember because his b-day is in Feb. and we have had to postpone his party several times. At least this year, it came after his b-day. My sweet mom is working for me at the store so I could stay home with him. Thanks Mom!

Birds & Nests Anyone?

What is it about birds and nests? I just can't seem to get enough. I have them scattered around my home, and the store. I even had some on my Christmas tree! I guess I like having a bit of nature indoors year round, especially now, with spring on the horizon. These are just a few of my favorites.....This tealight candle holder is available for purchase for $12.

Are'nt these mini nests adorable! They come in a box set of six for only $6!

I just purchased this box with the nest and sheet music, love, love, love it!

Just a simple nest, I have under a cloche in my dining room.

I'm Lovin' These.....

I have wanted these mukluks since Christmas, and I just got them for Valentines Day from my hubby, along with a dozen roses. (yeah, I know, he's a sweetie) I guess it pays to be patient! Im a big fan of Victorias Secret Pink collection, its all just so colorful and fun. When you enter that part of the store, you cant help but be happy. The funny thing is, if I tell hubby I'm going to Victorias Secret, he could care less how much I spend there, I wonder why?

I want to do better...

I absolutely love the blog world. I feel as though I have made some real friends here and its a great way to stay in contact with friends I dont get to see that often. I love to read about your lives, families, work, faith, friends and how you balance all of those things. It is really inspiring! I have to admit however that I am not doing all that well balancing my own life these days. Im really not doing that great keeping up on everything like I did before opening my store. I cant even say its because I am THAT much more busy now that I have the store because I have my sweet mom and sister and best friend Lori who help me so much. I really feel as though I have let my relationships with the Lord, my boys, husband, take a backseat to my own selfish desires. It is very easy to justify when the boys seem perfectly content playing their video games. I know I am a better mother and wife than that. This must just be a phase of my life, because I have never felt quite like this before, like things are just so out of whack. Is there anyonone else out there who feels this way? I really, really want to do better!

Uptown Girl Event.....

Dont miss out on this event, we are full of new spring merchandise and we have re-introduced a few of the spring scents. Bring in your bag and receive 20% of any 1 item, candles included. Hope to see you soon!

My first born turns 14.....

Today is Clays birthday and I cant even believe he is turning 14 and is going to start driving! I dont know where time has gone. Gone are the days of him calling me mommy and humming the theme music to star wars as he played with his action figures! He has always had the best imagionation, even today, when he is entertaining his little brother. He loves music, (and I dont want to brag, but this boy can sing!), reading, beating his dad in halo, and he is the most organized kid ever! Clay and I have the same sense of humor and this has only become apparent in the last couple of years. We can have the best belly laugh and other people in the room just dont see whats so funny! I am laughing just thinking about it! I am very blessed to have been given the honor of being his mother. I am so proud of him and the young man he is becoming! Happy birthday Clay, I love you!

A girl can dream....

In honor of Kasey over at Lola B's, I thought I would follow in her footsteps and for one time only, show you what I am dreaming of seeing in my closet. I so totally love everything about this outfit from Garnet Hill. Unfortunatley, I have officially as of today, sworn off buying anymore clothes until I loose some weight! ugh! Then, Im going on a spree. I know I need to excercise, but making myself do it is the hard part. My entire life I never, ever had to worry about my weight until I turned 30. Slowly but surely those few pounds have snuck up on me till I was like WHAT?! How did that happen! Does anyone out there feel what I'm sayin? Anyway- be sure to check out Lola B's fashion fridays. Its so fun to see the outfits Kasey comes up with! This girl has got style! Just scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will find her link listed in my, "to be inspired" section! I just know your gonna love her!

New spring merchandise.....

We have once again tranformed the store with all of our new arrivals! Spring has definately been in the air here as temperatures were in the upper 60's today! It has me in the mood to open my windows, hang sheets on the line and grill out! Anyway, here are a few pics of the new goods...

I LOVE these floor mats! I think they are so cool and look amazing on the wood floor.

beautiful rose canvas and the best part is they are only $6.00

Here are two out of the six floral pictures. These are all such soft muted colors. And the picture frame is huge and in my opinion a must have. This is just a sampling, I will post more at a later date or you can come up and see me in person and check it all out!

The heart of the home.....

My loving husband, bless his heart, let me use part of his Christmas bonus to buy these bar stools for the kitchen. If you remember from an older post, we found the island in my in-laws old shed. Now we are in the process of having a new top made that will extend out further for a breakfast bar. I will be sure to show an "after" photo when its finished. I know the stools seem a bit modern, but I love the mix of old and new. I dont know what we ever did before we had this island. I love to be in the kitchen cooking with family and friends gathered round talking!

Lets go shopping.....

Now thru Valentines Day I am offering FREE shipping on the items listed. All you have to do if you're interested is email me your shipping and payment info to backyardtricia@hotmail.com (I accept master card and visa) and I will ship it right out! Isnt that easy?! Have fun shopping and remember supplies are limited so hurry! Boxes of matches are 2.99 each. We have 2 styles available.

This recycled paper basket sells for 32.00 and we have 1 available.

I love this french tray and its only 8.99! Only 1 available.

This beautiful mercury glass decanter is 27.00. We have 4 available.

These vintage botanical pictures are 60.00 for the pair. Only one set available.

This cool burlap market tote with french text is 38.00 and we have 4 available.

Burlap seat cushion with french text sells for 17.00. We have 5 available.

Burlap pillow cover with french text sell for 20.00 and we have 6 available.

My baby turns 9......

Today is my little mans birthday and I cant belive he is turning 9. I just wanted to share some photos of him in honor of his day. Sawyer is such a sweet boy, with a big heart and a love for the Lord. He LOVES the Dallas Cowboys,(and was devastated that they didnt make it to the Super Bowl) playing football, rockband, and all animals. I am so proud to be his mom and cant wait to see where his zest for life takes him! I love you soyboy, Happy Birthday!

He can SERIOUSLY rock on the drums! He is amazing!