Date Day!!!

Eric and I actually had an official day to ourselves yesterday!  We had originally planned on going to a water park just the two of us or taking the canoe out on open water.  Buttttttt...he was on call. Boo! So that meant he had to be within reach of his laptop and cell phone.  We thought about seeing a movie, but I was worried he would have to leave in the middle of it.  So we did something super fun I've been wanting to do for ages!  We kinda were tourist in our own town.  I drive past Nulu (East Market District) at least 4 times a month.  I love the creativity that is happening down there.  Tons of artist shops, and fun antique stores.  We usually have Ceddy with us and he could NOT go into their shops.  Lord know what he would end up grabbing, breaking or him running and getting lost in.  So us being kid free had the day to explore some great stores! 

Here are some shots from our day... 

{Proof I actually curled my hair...only to be put up because of the HEAT...but it looked pretty for second}

While walking we noticed some smoke coming from the side of a building. So we walked closer and saw some mulch was on fire.  I ran in and alerted the closest restaurant.  Thankfully, I did because by the time we came back there was already flames.  It was right beside a newly renovated building. People need to pay more attention to where they toss their cigarettes!!! I had to laugh when I saw the chef putting out the fire...and had to snap a pic!  I'm a dork like that!

My adorable hubby checking out some chachkies.

I wish I had taken my good camera, but my cellphone has to do until I get my camera back from canon. I want to go back down there again and take some more architectural photographs. My heart swoons over strong lines and textures!!!

This places was AWESOME!!! We plan on going back soon.  It was jammed full of fun fines and just eye candy galore!!!

My heart literally skipped a beat with the antique doorknob collections.  I LOVE THEM!!! 

I LOVE Modern design and I love pink.  Here was a store front I had to snap a picture of!  I shall be visiting it again!!!

I was finally able to drag Eric to Tom and Chee and then we finished off our meal with Graeters.  I got Black Raspberry Chip Ice Cream.  Can you say YUMMMMMY!!!  It was kinda bitter sweet going there.  We use to go all the time with Spencer when we lived down the road.  It just makes me realize how much has changed and how fast my baby has grown up.  Insanity I say!!!  

So we also did something we can never do when we have the kids.  Go car looking.  Eric's new dream car! 

We also looked at some SUV's...that's more in our future! 

Yesterday was a blast.  We also went to hobby lobby, home depot and Marshall's.  It was a jammed pack full day!!! Which reminds me I need to go back and get a bamboo rug from Marshall's ; )  

Off to pick up Spen and then head over to my moms.  I had a great weekend thus far and I hope all my followers did as well!!! 

So where have I been you ask?

- Working...working some more and working a little more after that.

- I'm currently in the middle of overhauling the office. (Nothing like a little water leak to inspire you)

- I started a gallery wall in the hallway. Not sure how I feel about it.  I don't like frames within arms reach of my kids...and they can totally reach them. I need to hit up hobby lobby for some accessories.

- I had an abundance of frames left over after I took them down from my dining room and office so I put some up in my master bath.  I really am loving how they look. I was afraid they would get broken if I did not find a home on a wall for them soon.

- My hours will be increased to 15 next week for work.  (new floors hello!)

- I need to be swimming asap!

- I've been beyond stressed.  My camera broke while I was shooting a wedding this past weekend.  Talk about heart attack city!!!  I have a great friend/assistant who kept me grounded and I shot with her camera.  I had Eric drop off my back up.  I did a huge no no and had left my back up camera at home.  Lesson learned!  I sent off my camera to canon and am terrified how $$$ the repair will be.  Fingers crossed not too much!

- I'm excited Eric and I finally am going to get a date night this weekend.  It's been ages sadly since we have been able to go out.  I have no idea what we will do.  Possible trek own floyds fork and take a picnic lunch. Who knows...

- I need to build some floating shelves for the office.  I'm not digging the ones I've been finding out at stores.

- I need to have Eric cut the shelf for the kitchen.  I have a bunch of projects for in there.

- I have to plan my friends bridal shower.

- I'm freaking out over Cedric possibly having surgery.

- I think my mom heard how stressed out I am in my voice.  She offered to watch the kids for me.  I get to have a day to myself.  I'm amazed.

Ok...off to figure out dinner and help Eric paint the theater room....I'm so over painting! 

Attention Followers!!!

I will be hosting some fun summer giveaways at Nicole Pullen Photography 

Like me on Facebook and get in on the summer giveaway fun!!!  Thanks!!!

:::Update:::

I have been immersed in work.  From my social media job to my photography business...to being a wife and mom.  I have honestly, been sucky at balancing everything.  I feel bad because I have been a sucky friend too.   I just have been working non-stop.  I had a family photo shoot last night, which turned out adorable! I have more pics to edit...but here is one I LOVE.  

This one turned out cute too!

I worked up a new logo.  I'm kinda digging it : ) I should totally have been a graphic designer...I taught myself everything I know   : )  Who knows maybe when the kids are in school...mom will go back too.  I'm excited because my new business cards came in the mail last week.  They turned out super modern and elegant looking.  I loves them!!!  

Put floating shelves up above the loo last night in the master bathroom...(or should I say...Eric did...I held the level). These are blurry cell phone pics, but you get the idea. It's funny but I have wracked my brain for a long time trying to figure out what to put in there....so I'm happy it's done and there is no blank wall.  I hate blank boring walls.  I need to purchase the grey and white zebra print hand towels from target and a few more accessories to jazz up the shelves.  Yup...it's the little things that get me pumped. I plan on gutting the master shower area and putting in a new glass wall and tile.  Soon enough...just so many ideas and house projects to go.

I now have 5 million picture  frames from my dining room makeover to relocate.  I need to figure out where to put them.  I am OVER the moon.  I printed off three HUGE canvas prints of Chicago last week.  They turned out way better than I could have ever imagined.  Now I just need to figure out how I'm going to gallery wrap them.  I'm also going to start offering them to my clients.  I did this before but had to charge a lot for them because my printing house charged me a lot.  But, now since I'm printing them in house I can pass the savings on to my clients.

Spencer has started Tae kwon do and is beside himself with it.  Saying he loves it would be putting it mildly. It's super cute seeing him happy like that.  My husband is going to start taking classes with him too.  I think it will be a fun bonding experience for them.  I swear they are two peas in a pod.  

Ok...off to find some trouble to get into...I think some walls need covering in frames ; )  Have a good week coming up guys : ) 

Time Out!!!

I had a mommy time out today...and it was FABULOUS!!!  I got to hang out with two wonderful ladies and I realized how much my soul needed a little kid free time.  I had a facial and chemical peel...which was insane.  Note to self, groupons are not always the best thing.  I will be officially the judge of this tomorrow, but today I had my faced plastered with a chemical, masques and some laser ray done to it.  They left the chemical on my face. I've NEVER had a facial or chemical peel done like that.  My face was so shiny when I met up with my friends I looked plastic.  It was kinda comical.  We went shopping (and I scored an awesome purse) and we scored great finds for my friends wedding.  Today was a really good day. To top it off...I also got a bonus!!!  SUPER excited for this!!!  I've been working hard on a client and it pays : ) They resigned their contract with us and I'm super excited : )  It's nice to see your hard work being rewarded.

Working my way closer to new floors : ))))) I'm super excited about this!!!

This weekend will be jam packed with Thomas the Tank Engine.  We are taking the boys to Day out with Thomas.  Should be interesting.

Poor Eric has tests done tomorrow.  Fingers crossed everything comes out good. I'm going to go snuggle with him...I'm totally on a happy buzz right now.

Ps...I shall totally make some more mommy friend time this summer : ) It's important for my sanity ; )

....where do I begin...

I'm throwing a party tonight for my husbands birthday, my house is a mess, decorations are somewhat up, food no where to be seen.  I can't for the life of me decide where to begin...ha.  I think the grocery will be the best starting point.  I'm excited for the party...it shall be our first outdoor movie night.  It's an 80's theme.  We still need to decide upon the movies.  I swear this month has been insane.

Yesterday was Eric's actual birthday. We had a picnic at the park for dinner and took his canoe out on the lake.  Ok, for me...I've never been in a canoe.  Yes, I love the outdoors and yes I have camped, hiked and been outdoors numerous times...but never have I been in a canoe....on water.  It was TERRIFYING at first since I had to go in first and walk to the front.  But once we shoved off I FELL IN LOVE!!!  It's so much fun and a great upper body work out.  I will not lie, I screamed and yelled at Eric for all the local fisherman to hear when he started shaking it on purpose.  I did NOT find that funny.  But once he got his laughs out we had fun.  Spencer sat in the middle and LOVED it too!  Poor Cedric wanted to go out, but that child would have dove overboard the moment he got in.  He stayed back at the shore with his grandma and they fished.  Spencer even managed to catch a fish yesterday too.  Spen was a natural in the canoe. So I was able to have fun and not be too nervous. Below are some pics from out outing.

Cedric was not happy not being able to ride in the canoe. He HAD to wear a life vest! I was shocked he even took it off.

It was really beautiful yesterday.

Eric being silly.

Three Truths....

Ok, feel free to repost this and fill in your own Three truths.

Three Truths:


My House:
1. Is currently a MESS!
2. Is a work in progress.
3. Is crooked...it has settled through the years.


My Body:
1. Has birthed two children and housed three.
2. Is also a work in progress.
3. Has very ticklish arms and stomach.


My Food:
1. I HATE COOKING!
2. I love milk CHOCOLATE but despise dark.
3. I LOVE any pasta.


My Car:
1. Needs to be cleaned.
2. Is truly a mom-mobile.
3. Probably gives the illusion to others that I am a toy hoarder ; )


My Dreams:
1. To write a book about my life.
2. To go to Europe.
3. To always evolve, never staying stagnant.


My Husband:
1. Is the sweetest man in the world.
2. Is the worlds best Dad and great role model!  I know how cliche
3. Is a hoarder.  Honestly, he is.  Ask anyone who knows him ; P


My Children:
1. Are my WORLD!
2. Drive me to the brinks of insanity, but their smiles and giggles snaps me back.
3. Are the most loving kids ever!  They fill each day with hugs and kisses.


My Life:
1. Is truly blessed by a wonderful family and friends.
2. Is constantly changing.
3. Is very busy!!!


My Hobbies:
1. I'm notorious for picking up a hobby and starting a new one within the same week or day.
2. I love CRAFTS and anything artistic!!!
3. I love photography.


My wardrobe:
1. Is truly sad.
2. Is mostly black or grey.  I'm not a huge fan of bright colors or busy patterns and no I'm not goth. Ha!  More like Tabatha Coffey's style.
3. I desperately need to update it!!!


My shoes:
1. I LOVE shoes and have tons I never wear!
2. I LOVE heels, but yet again never wear them.
3. I LOVE my biker boots.


My friends:
1. I truly have the best friends in the world.  I LOVE them!
2. They all have dark senses of humor. (Which makes me love them more!)
3. We usually get ourselves into crazy situations...but laugh the whole way through.


My addictions:
1. The Internet.
2. Chocolate.
3. Coffee.


My Current Wants:
1. The new iPad.
2. New floors.
3. More mulch for my yard...I know...how random...ha!


My Pet Peeves:
1. People who copy my ideas and use them as their own.  Hey, at least give me a shout out!
2. Bad parents!
3. Rude people...but isn't that every ones?


My Idea of Fun:
1. Getting lost in a new place exploring.  I love doing this whenever we travel.
2. Traveling...I LOVE new locations.
3. Decorating.  I get a high off of it.  Maybe it's just paint fumes ; )


My Favorite Places:
1. Anywhere near the ocean.
2. The Beach at sunrise in Kauai.
3. I know this is lame...but my hubby's arms. I know...gag.


My Favorite Things To Do With My Family:
1. Travel!
2. Camping
3. Throw parties!


Things I Procrastinate On:
1. Editing photos.
2. Cleaning my shower...I HATE it!
3. Getting the clothes out of the dryer...Lord only knows how many times I restart it.


My Past:
1. Has been a roller coaster ride.
2. Learned from my many mistakes.
3. Made me grow up fast!


My Future:
1. Is exciting.
2. Possibly another child?
3. Watching my children grow into kind men.  Daily, I see the transformation from baby to boys.  I can't believe how fast they are growing!

Ok...now that I have avoided work long enough...off to go buy that mulch.

Some people give gift cards...I give a canoe...

My husband has been wanting a canoe for YEARS.  That and everything else under the sun, but I made up my mind I would surprise him with this gift for his birthday.  How on earth would I accomplish such a feat though?  With the help from my awesome friend and partner in crime Sarah!  We lied and said we were going to the gym.  we even put on our gym clothes and I threw my hair up in a ponytail.  Borrowed Sarah's husbands truck and drove to Dicks sporting goods.  It was actually quite comical when the sales guy asked if he could help me.  I answered with I need to buy a boat...or actually a canoe...actually that canoe and I pointed to it.  Long story short. WE looked nuts and had no idea what we were doing. Eric was VERY shocked when he saw it.  I ran into the house lying telling him the Jeep had died while I was driving it.  I told him I was able to get it home and Sarah had to follow me.  I also said it was smoking.  So he ran to put his shoes on and dashed out to the Jeep.  It was funny...his eyes did the once over on the Jeep trying to see the non-existent smoke. I saw him squinting.  I then proceeded to tell him a part fell off too and it's in the back of Sarah's truck...he asked why I hadn't told him that first and made a mad dash to her truck. I could see his mind going over every possible scenario of what was wrong with the Jeep.  Once he looked in the back of the truck he froze, turned around and smiled.  He said it took a second to see the canoe...he was too busy searching for the part.  He loved it!!!  I can't wait to get it out on the water!!!  Cedric said it was beautiful and Spencer is excited to use it.  Yay!!!

Here is a photo of Sarah urban paddling at the Mall...we had to snap a picture.  How often does one buy a canoe?  This had to be documented.  It was also just super funny to see her pretending to be on a lake in a parking lot.  We love making asses out of ourselves.  You have to be able to laugh at yourself.  It's our mantra!

Super Happy!!!

I'm not gonna lie...I am totally relieved and thanking God right now!  Cedric's doctor appointment went well.  Ok, well as in my fears for the lump were relieved.  He feels that it is just swollen from him being sick a few weeks back.  Now the not so happy news...he feels that his reflux is causing nodules on his vocal chords (hence his Barry White tone) and he might have to have his adenoids and tonsils out.  He thinks he has sleep apnea.  Totally, see that now that he pointed it out. Ha!  He schedule a scope done for him in July.  Cedric will have to be sedated, and if he feels the adenoids and tonsils need to come out...he'll perform the surgery then.  They said he will probably spend the night in the hospital.  Which I would want.  My sister had a friend lose her daughter after having her tonsils out.  So this will relieve some of my worries there.  They also scheduled a gastrologist appointment. They still have to call me with the time and date.  I hate it for him.  He has an extremely high tolerance for pain....but I hate just thinking about the surgery and all that jazz for him.  But he is in good hands at Kosair.  They are so awesome there!  So I feel blessed to be able to take him there.  I'm not looking forward to the medical bills though.  Fun...eyes rolling...just when were almost done with all bills...pile some more on : P I must say I have the worlds best friends!!!  They worry about my kids like their own.  It's sweet that they are just as concerned for Cedric as I am : )

Now onto super happy news...I found the best spraypark for the kids not very far from my house. I must live under a rock because it was built last year. I plan on taking the kids there this summer.  Yay!  I love some free family entertainment : ) My friend and I stopped by after school and the Kids LOVED it!!! Most the pics are of Cedric because he kept running off and I had to chase after him.  He even managed to duck under a roped off area and sprint from me.

The family and I need to write our yearly Summer bucket list.  I can't wait to go back to the drive in and I have a feeling something will be added to this years, but I'll write more about that later! I know Eric wants to make some homemade ice cream.  I'm thinking about taking another trip to Holland again.  I really like it up there.  Maybe a weekend family getaway.

I have so many things I want to buy, but my new want is the new iPad.  I'm thinking I could also write it off for taxes...or so I keep telling myself...ha!  I can't wait for my braces to be paid off.  That's $$$ I could be spending on fun stuff...haahaa. Eric jokes and says that almost 6k of bling ; ) He's such a guy.

Ok, off to finish some work...Have a lovely day guys!!!