Thursday, December 27, 2012

What is in a name?


Baby Schuler is due mid June and so so so many things have been on the mind besides the health and happiness, but...

Here's what's first: 
What to name this little bundle of joy!?

I am not afraid to share our names with you, so here we go:

If she's a sweet girl:
Greta Rose
Molly Rose
Heidi Rose
(Rose is a strong family name, plus I like it, can you tell?)

If he's a little man:
Griffin "Finn" Reynold
Spencer James
Tate Randall
(middle names are all family names)

I guess we'll eventually have to narrow it down, not sure how though, we love them all

A name is SO important to me, it is the first representation of who you are to those who don't know you
I can't help but think about their college applications, first resume, all those things that help form a first impression
I love strong masculine names, and these were what the dear husband and I could agree on!
We may be able to find out whether Baby Shoe is a boy or girl this week, so stay tuned!

Thoughts?

xo,
Tori

Blocks image from HERE

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas, Love The Three Of Us


Merry Christmas!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas morning!
Brad and I are thrilled to announce that we are expecting our first little love bug come June
We can't wait until Summer when this little bundle of joy arrives!
We are so blessed this holiday season and wish you a very warm and happy day!

Love,
Tori

Monday, December 24, 2012

Ooh! Christmas!

Well hello my dear friends!
Sorry I've been a tid bit MIA lately, lots going on in these parts!
I tend to be one of those gals who bites off more than she can chew a bit, if you can't tell
Last weekend was our annual girls trip to Tahoe, it was SO perfect, we crafted, ate, drank and were merry
Wednesday I attended my Mom's Red Hats Christmas Tea that I went to least year
This weekend Dad and I went hunting Saturday morning, it wasn't too shabby of a day, a bit cold, but noting intolerable
Sunday was Christmas dinner with my parents, my sister and her husband and kids
Every free moment I've had I've been wrapping gifts, cleaning house, prepping food - this is my very first year hosting a holiday, I am a tiny bit overwhelmed!
There will only be eight of us: Brad's parents, sister and brother, Aunt and cousin but still I am terrified!
I am making a turkey and a ham - for the.first.time.ever - wish a sister some luck!

My week:
Beautiful Incline Village

A little Twilight action with some homemade pizza, Meghan made

Crafts from Girls Weekend



Red Hat Christmas Tea

Hinting with Dad and Mad

Since it is Christmas Eve, I'm off to my parents house again, but this time it's dinner with my Grandmother, my Dad's siblings and my cousins
I look forward to this EVERY year, Baby Cameron is a year now, my how time has flown by!

Highlight of tonight's festivities?
BAKED POTATO BAR!
Yes, you've read correctly!
Can't wait!

Well, to you and yours, a very Merry Christmas, stay tuned tomorrow for a fun post!

xo,
Tori

Monday, December 17, 2012

Totes McGoats


Come Winter you can usually find me lugging around a tote bag of... well my life, really
Between my water bottle, wallet, phone, keys, lip glosses, sunglasses and tape measure, a purse usually will not suffice
Come the cooler months I like to have a place to stash my scarf, hat and umbrella
Living in the Bay Area when the temperature hits below 60 degrees, everyone panics and turns the heat up
With this being said, you are constantly shedding layer upon layer and need someplace to drop them
Hence, the need for a lovey tote!

Nordstrom really takes the lead when coming to GREAT tote options
As you probably recognize the Michael Kors tote I've probably posted a dozen times
I cannot express to you how great this bag is!
It holds a TON of items, is perfection for travel, is easy to clean with one of those Magic Eraser sponges and is so super chic
So take my word, add it to your Christmas wish list - you will not regret it!



Totes McGoats




Friday, December 14, 2012

Friday... Floorplans:)

When I was a little girl, my Mom bought me a Sunset Homes magazine book of floor plans
I have always been obsessed with houses, from copying floor plans and "fixing" them, creating my own, they have always been my favorite thing to view
I spent endless hours on airplanes, beaches, laying in bed, with graph paper and coloured pencils everywhere
I need to dig up my first floor plan I recall completing, it was in colour pencil in who knows what scale, there were carpets with hearts and vines and playroom the size of an Olympic swimming pool

In college we had to take a Victorian home with a super whacky floor plan and re-do it to "today's" standards - this to me was the dream assignment (and yes, I got an A!)

And now, I love seeing a clients plans, currently we have a client here in my office that is building another 12,000 Sf home - ALL custom
From massage room to Pilates studio, you name it, they have it
In the neighborhood they are building in, I'd say they will probably spend around $13 million just building it, and that's not including the furnishings - bizarre, I know!

On those extra Friday nights when Brad is working, I am not going to lie, I'll stay in and draft our house or a dream addition
When we did our little remodel, I drafted our home in CAD and then in Google SketchUp to help Brad get an idea of what the space would look like
It's a helpful tool to know how to use, our kitchen cabinets went in with out a hitch because my measurements were so precise

Sometimes I pretend a client comes to me with an old home and I need to remodel it, or that I am a custom home builder with an endless budget

Here is one I did with some "extra" time the other night, I cold totally see myself in this house, even though I prefer the master bedroom on the second floor
The facade of this dream house would be as so:


Now here, I'd like to introduce you to my "baby"...
This is my custom design dream home of mine, say if we were to win the lottery 
You name it, I've got it!
I am still always working on it, the kitchen is far from perfect in my eyes
But a home where my parents are close by, there's somewhere for us to work out and stay healthy
A full vegetable garden - it's a dream!
I know posting this is totally screwing up my blog format - but honestly I have no idea how to fix it and this is worth sharing to me:)


The original floor plan  owe credit to Dream Home Source
I basically just copied it and made my simple revisions
You can access it - HERE

This is what the facade would look like, even with my revisions:


Thursday, December 13, 2012

THIS Watch

Since I was in high school, this darned watch has been on my wish list
Walking through the Duty Free shops in the airport in St. Maarten as an 18 year old, I stopped my Dad and said: 
"Dad, if I graduate college, will you buy me this watch?"
Well, let's just say, 5 years of college and a bachelor's degree later, no watch has appeared on my wrist
I have begged and pleaded for this watch, but the moment the cost came up, my Dad, my husband, and anyone else I have shared this with stares at me blankly or as if I said I had the black plague
But then this morning, the early morning reminder e-mail from Gilt stared me in the eye, "Estate Watches" on Gilt this morning, limited time only!
So needless to say, this lovely is on my wish list once again, and I even went as far as adding myself to the wait list for someone else to drop it from their cart
I'd do anything for this little slice of wrist candy, gorgeous, right?

Dream on girl, dream on...

HERE

Anyone need design service??
Will trade services for wrist candy

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

12.12.12


Not only is today's date super awesome being 12/12/12, but guess what else it is?!

It was December 12, 2011 that I finally got the guts and posted my first entry
I am so happy I did because I use my blog as a tool to look back on something and enjoy or sulk in it again
I am not a writer, a photographer, a chef or perfect at anything, but I do know what I like and I have fun with it - that's what this is all for, right?
Thanks to my friends and family who have encouraged me to keep posting regardless if I am feeling creative that day :)
So, here's to another year!

Merry Christmas, Love the Schulers

This is our first Christmas as a married couple so I got myself organized in September before the rush and ordered our Christmas cards
I ended up sending out two different cards, one from Tiny Prints (below) and the other through Shutterfly directly
I have to say, the quality of the Shutterfly cards were great and a 1/4 of the price, I guess I just like the clarity of a real photo versus one printed on a matte cardstock

This is one of my favorite wedding photos, I love how we're actually looking at a different lens  and the light on us was so beautiful right then
I remember our wedding like it was yesterday, although it flew past us, I cherished every moment

Anyway, Merry Christmas to you all!

Love,
The Schulers :)

Monday, December 10, 2012

If I Were a Man, I'd...

Have a man cave!
I would never get tired of this space along as I had a ladies lounge to visit here and there, stay tuned...
Grab a beer and stay a while!

xo,
Tori
Man Cave

Friday, December 7, 2012

Christmas Wish List

Since I already got my Christmas gift from the hubs, it's unrealistic that I will get anything else on my wish list
But... once MUST have a Christmas Wish List, duh
So here's mine!
Just a little of this and a little of that!

What's on yours?

xo,
Tori
Christmas Wish List



PJ's: J.Crew vintage sleepwear Handbag: MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors handbag Sunnies: Karen Walker The rest: Christmas Wish List 

Thursday, December 6, 2012

A Royal Name - Time to Vote!

Image - HERE

What's your vote for the future King or Queen of England?:

Ideas:
Boy:
Spencer - the late Lady Diana's maiden name
William - one of Prince William's four names
Arthur - one of Prince William's four names
Philip - one of Prince William's four names
Louis - one of Prince William's four names
Charles - William's father
George - one of Prince Charle's four names and the late King's name

Girl:
Diana
Victoria - a FANTASTIC royal name suitable for yet another royal, and I will allow them to follow it with Rose
Charlotte - a royal name
Caroline - a royal name
Elizabeth - the Queen's name and Kate's middle name
Angela - one of the late Queen Elizabeth's middle names
Marguerite - one of the late Queen Elizabeth's middle names
Alexandra - one of Queen Elizabeth II's middle names
Mary - one of Queen Elizabeth II's middle names

What's your vote?

...doesn't have to be listed above!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

A Nursery Fit for a King... Or Queen?

As the entire world sits and wonders how far along Kate is...
Is sit here and wonder, a King or Queen?!

Congratulations Will and Kate!


Image - HERE

I hope to see them have a girl first, don't you?
Little Diana, perhaps?

A Royal Baby


But how great to see a boy running around Kensington Gardens, I just hope they do not steal my favorite boys name: Spencer!

His Royal Highness' Nursery




Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Random Musings

How stinking cute are these?
Found them at Home Goods, bought them for my best friend, oh and she bought them for me
Get it?

Don't you want them too?


Monday, December 3, 2012

Our Christmas Party 2012!

 Saturday night was our Christmas party, it was quite the delight!
We had at least forty people and honestly we never felt crowded at all, it was quite initiate
We had to keep the list small (at 40?) but were able to have great company
Carrie, my best friend as you may know, co-hosted with me, she knocked it out of the park!
She provided all the delicious homemade bites and even these adorable mini pumpkin pies that were to die for
I took care of the beverages like the mulled cider and the Irish coffees and got to decorate my house - my favorite part!
Unfortunately I am terrible about remembering to snap some photos before guests arrive, but we really did deck out (tastefully I must say, no Santa throw up in these parts)!
We were able to have the food in the kitchen and living room area and the drinks in our family room
It created a perfect flow and I just wish I had snapped an image of the drinks area, it was too cute 
I just love to entertain!
We used up almost every wedding gift we received in May for this event, so much fun, but oh boy so much hand-washing!
Honestly it is nothing when you look back at your event and everyone is having a blast
With beautiful decor, festive music in every room, scrumptious homemade eats, delectable desserts like homemade peppermint chocolate whoopie pies by OmNom, endless Champagne and wine, warm and toasty drinks (I could go on) - it makes everything worth it!

So... the red dress, what do you think?
I was on the fence, it fit funny in some places, but I adore the colour, so perfect for a Christmas party, don't you agree?

Hope everyone is starting out their holiday season right!

Happy Holidays!


The hostesses
My Dress: H&M, Necklace & Bracelet: Stella & Dot, Shoes: Tory Burch, Tights: J.Crew, Earrings: Custom

The incredible spread Carrie created plus my decor:)

Our festive invitation!
Mac and I, my roomie and wonderful sous chef!
She was a wonderful help prepping in the kitchen

Tree #1: The Bird Tree
for the living room
(decorated in all my adorable birdie ornaments)

Tree #2: The Family Tree
for the family room
(decorated in all my hand-me-down and homemade ornaments)

*Please excuse the iPhone photos, my camera died two minutes after guests arrived - bummer!

Friday, November 30, 2012

Friday Five: Reds

I am just loving red right now, maybe it's the season?
Normally you wouldn't catch me in anything red really... but after I found this adorable red sweater dress at H&M last week, I have been dying to drizzle my wardrobe in some scarlet
I'll post pics of my new dress next week, I'm wearing it to our Christmas party this Saturday, stay tuned...

There are so many luscious red treats out there right now, and in all price ranges
I am loving this simple red dress from H&M below, it's only $14.95 - I think it would be just perfect paired with black leggings, flats and layered with a scarf for a comfortable day out
When I think of red nail polish, Chanel instantly comes to my mind
I bought my first red nail polish back in college by Chanel and just wish I could find that same shade again, it was like a deep blood red and looked so cute on short sporty nails
Nothing says a warm and welcome Christmas like red poinsettias on the front porch
I cannot remember a year my Mother didn't have at least four on our porch, they are so beautiful and full
Everyone loves a good pair of  Hunter's, in this case, how fun would a bright red pair be? 
Mine are forest green, I'm sort of wishing I had gotten red now!
I mean too much red can be seen as over-doing it, but honestly I can't tell you enough how great red really looks on people
Can't wait to show you my new red dress find, I am loving it!
Until then!

Happy Weekend!

xo,
Tori
Friday Five: Reds


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Monogrammed Gift Ideas

As I'm sure you all most know, I am s l i g h t l y monogrammed obsessed, always have
I think monogrammed gifts are always the best gifts since a lot of people don't think to buy them for themselves 
I just LOVE all of these fun things below, some of them have been on my wish list for eons
I want to order that pillow below for our guest bedroom, I love the border, it would match our Greek key headboard in there perfectly
If you love monograms as much as I do, here is a list of my absolute favorite places to shop fr monogrammed gifts:
My Favorite Monogram Shops:
1. Tote Bags - L.L.Bean for their famous durable boat n totes
2. Baby and Home Gifts - The Pink Giraffe
3. Sweaters and Pajamas - J.Crew's Monogram Shop

EMH found this awesome iPhone case on Etsy I think we're both dying for, how cute is it?
More than anything though I have dreamed of having a monogrammed Tiffany bracelet in 14k gold that I could add charms onto throughout life, like a wedding locket charm with Brad's picture inside and our wedding date engraved in it, my birthstone (diamond:) charm, a baby booty with monogram and birthday for babies down the road, a cross for my faith, and maybe some charms for my favorite hobbies?
Brad are you reading this???...
Anyway, I could totally envision the monogram canvases in a nursery, I think they are too sweet for words
Anyway, if you are again stumped like some on gifts, don't forget you can always turn to a monogram - just give yourself time!
And next time you order something for yourself, be sure to check for a monogramming option, many places offer it!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far!

xoxo,


Monogrammed Gift Ideas


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Just a Little Christmas Fun for You!

See, I promised I would wait until after Thanksgiving to post anything about Christmas!
I love the Christmas song Mele Kalikimaka by Jadon Lavik, enjoy!

Monday, November 26, 2012

This Weekend

I had most of last week off from being sick and then the holiday, therefore having lots of time on my hands...

Saturday we hunted sun up to sun down, it was a beautiful blue bird (not a cloud in the sky) day - so no birds really:(
Although no birds, a nice day spent with my Dad
On the way home we stopped by The Bass Pro Shops - HOLY MOLEY outdoor goods!
I had never been to a Bass Pro Shops and was absolutely blown away by this place, have you ever been?
Two stories of everything outdoor you can imagine: boats, atv's, fishing rods, camping gear, shotguns, hunting gear in every camo you can imagine, bows, they even had a two story waterfall fully stocked with trout at the bottom - insane!
The store setting was quite eye appealing, avid outdoorsmen/women could literally spend the entire day there browsing!
I picked up a few things like a new camo backpack for the field, a camo face mask, a new new choke for my new shotgun!
My awesome hubs let me pick out a new rifle for Christmas, I ended up getting a Remington 1187 Sportsman and cannot wait to pick it up once my application gets cleared!
I had been hunting the last few seasons with my Dad's Remington 870 12 gauge - let's just say that sure knocked me off my feet for far too long!

Anyway, enough of that!

Maddie girl as the sun was rising over Los Banos, CA at Backwater Hunting Club

  Instead of braving the stores on Black Friday, I spent my day in napping, decorating and prepping for mine and Carrie's Christmas party
I took down my Autumn wreath (below) that I made in October: reed wreath with silk leaves, pin-tail feathers from my first bird of the season, faux berries and a burlap bow and S monogram letter I made from cardboard and burlap

Out with the old

In with the new!

As always, hand me a bottle of anything gold and it is OVER!
I went to town as always, and glittered me some pinecones for my $5 wreath my wonderful Mom dropped off for me
Apparently if you got there early enough on Friday morning, Home Depot was selling plain wreaths, garland and poinsettias for only $5.00 each!
My Mom brought me two poinsettias and this wreath I decked out with my homemade glitter pinecones and the recycled bow I made for my Autumn wreath, not too shabby!
I may hot-glue some pomegranates and a bigger bow on later...

I saw this on Pinterest the other day and thought it would be fun to hang JOY from out garland
Image - HERE

I just cut out these simple letters using my scale for measuring and a straight edge, an xacto knife and good ole Elmer's Glue... so fun and literally took 20 minutes...


Overall my time off was well spent!
We also celebrated EMH passing the state Bar - congratulations to her! (wish I had some photos, darn it!)
Thanksgiving was extra special this year, my first with BRS there the entire time, I got to play sous chef with Dad, I met my parents new neighbors, and enjoyed a magnificent feast!
Thanksgiving is still, my favorite holiday ever, and I am so thankful for my friends and family I get to spend it with
I hope yours was as wonderful and warm, Happy Holidays!

With Love,
Tori

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Giving Thanks

On a number of occasions, be it birthdays, Mother's/Father's Day, Christmas, etc. I am reminded of how thankful I really am for the life God has given me - it is when I remember the most
I haven't posted a "Pause" Post in some time, but for those of you who do not know what that is, they are posts where I take a photo of a place I have stopped, thought, prayed and have felt so thankful for what I have and who I am
Must remember to do that again, for me this blog is like a journal of my last year, and I love that part of it!

But there is nothing more special in the world to me than remember this at Thanksgiving
I have SO much to be thankful for besides a table full of plenty, but for my health, happiness, friends, family and the solid roof over my head

I am thankful for...

Parents like these magnificent two:

Great friends like these ladies:

A HUGE family like this:

Grandmother's like these two:

A best friend as special as her:

Sweet pea pups like these two:

Loving cousins like this:

And certainly last, but not least, my incredible, loyal, amazing husband:

Not to be a huge brat but there are so many other crazy and materialistic things I am thankful for:

Take this, I am thankful for my awesome clients who let me add a brown, white and pink sofa in their kitchen

This awesome umbrella that has kept me dry in some torrential rains:
 Available at Nordstrom - HERE
(random, I know - but I loathe rain on my face)

The ability to be in control of a remodel like this:

My super affordable hair and body care line that make my day:
$3.99/each at Trader Joe's - It will NEVER let you down!

My iPad, I live on this at night:
(can you say hello! Pinterest?)
Available - HERE

So, not sure how I ended up here, but thanks!

Thank you to my friends and readers who make this worth while
Thanks Mom and Dad for bringing me to this good green Earth
Thank you to my awesome Doctor who has been a saint lately
Thank you to my employer, William for the great job the past three years
Thank you to my sister, for raising four kids
Thank you God for this good green Earth mentioned above:)
Thank you to my best friends for being my escape from reality sometimes 
Thank you to my husband who loves me unconditionally and provides this wonderful life for us
Thank you to my family who make me laugh so hard I tend to lose control
Thank you good green Earth for providing the canvas I call the garden in addition to free therapy
Thank you to my country where I am free, have clean water and a safe place to call home

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,
Tori