January Photo Re-Cap

So, I've been doing a great job taking photos every day for the 365 Challenge...but I've been doing a terrible job uploading them onto my blog! Here's what you've missed:

The Barbeque Ranch Chicken Salad from The Cheesecake Factory is to-die-for!

Downtown Miami Beach

Our condo in Miami...right on the beach :)

My little sister was the most beautiful bride!

{ more pics to come... }

P.S. Be sure to check out the Engagement Party photos I uploaded on facebook and on my photography blog!

Bathroom Dilemma

I'm trying to give our Master Bath a little oomph, but am having difficulty deciding what elements to add/remove. I'm going for a contemporary feel with a turquoise & gray or brown palette. Here are my inspiration pics...

Sweet Sleep

I'm going to bed EARLY for once in my life....That is, after I read a chapter {or four} from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire...

Night Light

I need a little help...or maybe A LOT.

Last weekend, my sister got married in Miami Beach {so.much.fun}, and they're having a big reception in New York this Saturday.

The reception is going to be inside, at 5 o'clock in the evening, and there is only one problem:


I have no idea how to take pictures in the dark!

Well, I can take them...they just never turn out right. Either the subjects' faces are too blown out from the flash or they're too dark and grainy. I practiced for a little bit yesterday evening in Manual Mode and in Auto but I still feel completely clueless.

After doing some midget research tonight, I finally realized that what I need to get is an external flash. However...that's all I know.

Heeeeelllllppp!!

Here is a fantastic photo with great use of an external flash, taken by my sister's Wedding Photographers.

How stinkin' cute are my little sister and her new nusband?!

Rachel's photographers were amazing {underline, highlight, bold, italicize AMAZING ~ yes, they were that good!}. Their names are Bryan and Natalie {coincidence? I think not} and they operate NB Photographix. Rach left choosing a photographer up to me because she knows how utterly obsessed I am with photography. After perusing their website {and several other photographers in the area}, it was clear that they were light-years ahead of the competition!

Bryan and Natalie were so nice. And down-to-earth. And ridiculously helpful. And holy moly were they ever talented! In the middle of the reception, they surprised the bride and groom with a slideshow they "threw together" of the wedding & reception. It made me cry. Yeah. They're that good. They're based out of South Florida and I don't care if you live in Alaska: Book them now!

Oh, and that is me in the background {wearing the Lorelei dress in "seaside" dress from J.Crew}, dancing and singing with my mom. I know...she is the coolest. :)

{You even get a glimpse of my hubs in this picture...but he is so tall that all you can see is his tie.}

Blog Love: 1.15

How cozy are these sweater pillows?

I absolutely cannot stand Olivia Palermo...but I love how she dresses.

Check out this adorable "cubby house".

Cute hat ~ hilarious post!

Wow. Who knew IKEA had such potential?

Thrift store finds are my favorite! Check out these incredible transformations.

Another great photo round-up from i heart faces!

{I guess I have kids and babies on the brain? I swear I'm not preggers!}

So, what have you been loving lately?

Wordless Wednesday

CSN Giveaway Winner

Today was my first day back to work after 17 days of vacation. I was 5 minutes late, one student threw up 10 minutes after walking into the building, and another student peed right on the classroom floor! My Kindergarteners showed no mercy! :/

While I go recuperate {AKA lounge on the couch with the hubs while we watch Season 6 of The Office}, I'd like to announce the...

Congratulations, Julie!! I'd love to know what you decide to purchase from CSN, so please e-mail me asap at lovelylittlenest@yahoo.com. Feel free to leave a link back to your blog so we can all stay updated on pics of the new CSN item{s} in your home! :)

2011 Resolutions

I've never been one to make resolutions, but this year, I decided to give it a try:

365 Challenge {one photo every day for a year}; so far, so good!

 Join a new small group {we're having trouble deciding between 2 different churches, so the jury is still out on that one}.

Stop collecting clutter {My husband is a big fan of this resolution ;) I am a thrift store/yard sale fiend and I have trouble saying "no" to fun finds for future DIY projects...but I need to collect less stuff or we're going to have to move to a bigger apartment, just to store all of my junk little gems!}.

So, what are your New Year's Resolutions for 2011?

Our Guest Room/Office closet: yikes!

This is clearly the BEFORE picture. Stay tuned for the AFTER...
{and FYI that hideous "Arizona" pillow was a gift!}

Breakfast at Starbucks with my little sister, just before dropping her off at the airport.
She flew to Miami Beach for her wedding this Friday! The hubs & I are flying down tomorrow. :)

:: Don't forget to enter this week's CSN giveaway! It ends January 8th at 11:50pm EST ::

CSN Giveaway: A Fresh Start

Happy New Year!

In honor of a fresh start, how about something new for your home?

CSN stores is giving away $40 worth of merchandise from one of their 200+ stores!

From tv stands to throw pillows, CSN carries a variety of items that are sure to please even the pickiest shopper.

Here are some of my personal favorites:

 Skyline Furniture Tufted Arch Headboard

Candice Olson Modern Classics Slate Contemporary Rug

George Kovacs Mercury Large Tear Drop Table Lamp 

Jiti Pillows Tiles Linen Square Decorative Pillow

Blissliving Home Maren 16.5" Holder Candlestick

Bassett Mirror Silver Leaf Finish

{Wow, I accidentally just created almost an entire room with items solely from CSN...what a great group of stores!}

TO ENTER:

{1} Visit CSN stores and a leave a comment here about your favorite item and why you love it

{2} For an additional entry, blog about this Giveaway and write a second comment with a link back to your post

{3} You do NOT have to follow my blog in order to enter...but making new blogland friends is oh-so-fun...so feel free to follow if you'd like :)


One winner will be chosen at random.org and the prize may be shipped to anywhere in the USA or Canada.

The Giveaway ends this Saturday, January 8th at midnight {11:59pm} EST.

The winner will be announced on Monday evening.  
If you don't have a blog, be sure to include your e-mail address so I have a way to contact you if you win!

Good luck!!


P.S. I decided to take the 365 Challenge, during which I'll be taking one photo every day for the entire year...thus begins my journey!

The husband, scratching off a lottery ticket {our New Year's Eve tradition} ~ we won 15 bucks!