I didn't want to jinx it by writing about it, but the fact is, I'm just too darn excited about it not to. We have been looking for a new place so that we can reduce our rent, have a fun place for Tater and enjoy a bit more of the country. Unfortunately, I did not bring my camera when we went to view the place, but Ryan did. Here are a few of his shots:

these would be our new neighbors

beautiful hardwood floors throughout (except the kitchen) and recently replaced windows

neighbors across the road

photo props galore

ample storage...porch included

We are eagerly awaiting a call/text/email back from the realtor that we either got it or we can have the owners meet are dog. Since we heard nothing this weekend, I am getting a little discouraged. But I keep looking through these photos and I can't help but keep up hope.

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway! Click here to do so.

I had a request on my shop to paint one of my chalkboard frames a different color than I normally have up. This specific request was something closer to those blue Tiffany jewelry boxes. I picked out some paint from the craft store and had fun coating the frame last night and this morning. This is the result:

I am quite happy with it! There is one listed on my shop now if you would like to purchase it. Otherwise, feel free to happily gaze upon it as I do.

I bought a few summer items to add to my office. This is one of them.

These ridiculous glasses are...festive.

The flamingo is "hiding".

Liberty spike doorway.

To the left of the doorway. I printed these out from a free art site...

...and put doilies behind them. The red clock was office issue.

horace approves.

My coworker gave me this turtle to hang in my window.

Don't forget to check out my giveaway and enter to win my fabulous purse from Hardwear by Renee.

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of my Etsy shop, Turt & Elephant.  I remember at the beginning when I was glad to have 10 views in a week. Many orders later, it makes me smile to think back on that small number now. Thank you all so much for your support.

As a thank you to my supporters, I am offering a free giveaway. It's not to gain more readers or to have more people follow me in social places, but just to plain thank you guys. One lucky winner will win the beautiful bag below.

I bought this bag in San Francisco around 2005. I had saved up money for a vacation to visit family (the very same family I posted about earlier last month) and had fun shopping while I was there. This bag was new at the time; I think I found it in a shop in the Mission District. It is a bag by Hardwear by Renee. I love this brand because she reuses materials to create super stylish bags. This one is made from marine vinyl, driftwood, and airline hangar wire. The measurements are 11"x9"x4". Take a gander below at all of the details:

As you can see, it is very hard for me to simply part with it and I would love for it to have a good home. To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment answering the below:

• What your favorite part about the summer is so far.
• What you are looking forward to for the rest of the summer.
• And an email address to contact you with should you win.

I truly appreciate people coming to read here about my day-to-day life, DIY projects and shop updates. Best wishes to all!

** This giveaway will end on Friday, July 27 and a winner will be chosen at random with random.org. The winner will be announced on Saturday, July 28! This giveaway is only open to U.S. readers only. **

**Extended one more week! 

I feel like I have been totally thrown off this week. After my week off, catching up at work has taken me extra time. Even though that's been more stressful, I have feel accomplished as well. However, this means that I do not get as much done at home. This also means that I post less, unfortunately. Tonight is the first night that I have had a little extra time to get a post out. I hope to have more time this weekend.

When I started to feel better towards the end of my week off, I thought I would try a black mark removal on our white walls. We love our Tater Bear as much as she loves her Kong, but we do not love the black marks that her Kong leaves on our walls. Now, I found this idea through Pinterest, but I am not sure of the source anymore. Sorry folks! The pictures aren't so great either, but I will continue to post as I work on the walls.

before

before

after, still drying

I used toothpaste and a toothbrush with a little water. I filled a small tupperware with water and dipped the toothbrush and paste in it and just lightly scrubbed at the walls. My walls are painted with flat paint, which is the worst paint ever to have marks show up on because it's so difficult to remove them. I was impressed while I "brushed"the wall and the marks slowly faded. As you can see with the "after" picture, it's not perfect but it decreased the unsightliness considerably. Give it a shot if you're living in a rental palace like myself or have some flat painted walls of your own.