A Facelift!

The China Great Wall banner is gone and Time Out For Me is officially at the beach! 

And loving life!

I couldn't decide between the lifeguard banner above (taken by yours truly on my morning run) or this picture below. I couldn't just ditch this pic because I really do love it, so I am sharing it here.

What do you think?

Did I make the right choice?

A Sneak Peak at a Few Favorites

Hello Friends!

I am just giddy with joy! 

I went to bed at midnight and was up at 4am. What in the world excites me that much? Organizing my new house, of course!

People have asked what it has been like getting back all my things that have been in storage for two years. The only way I can describe it is it's just like shopping...for free...in a store where you love everything! It is the best feeling!

Our China shipment arrived yesterday and I spent all day working playing with all my toys things. Here are a couple sneak peaks about what I've been up to. 

I really loved my stairwell in my last house and how I had gussied it up with beautiful old pictures of treasured family and ancestors. Check it out here. The gold frames really make them look regal but I just could not find the right place in this little beach cottage where they would go. Likewise, I couldn't figure out how to style these unique shelves that are downstairs also. At around 3:34 am it dawned on me and I hopped out of bed to make it happen. The two should go together! Love it when that happens.

I love honoring all of the special people who made us what we are today!
 Our parents, grandparents and some distant relatives who just have cool pictures.

The perfect conversation starter for this conversation area, which also serves as a buffet.

Who says Chinese doesn't go with beach? I have to admit I was a little worried about how this bold piece from China would go with my simplistic beachy vision. This just proves my number one decorating rule: 

IF YOU LOVE IT, IT WILL GO! 

This is the perfect piece for our entry way. The shells and sea glass are a perfect compliment.

A great friend graciously housed my apothecary jars for me while in China. I missed them so while I was away. Is that weird to say that about an object? Oh well!

There is a lot more where that came from! 

We've only just begun!

Check back for more soon!

Identity Crisis ~ Before, Then & Now

Holy Moly!
Has it really been that long since my last post?
Blogger doesn't lie, so I guess it has!
Life has been thoroughly enjoyable being back in the United States, settling into a new home and visiting family and friends up North. But all of that fun stuff will have to be in another post...I've had something on my mind that I need to share.

After many long days of unpacking and organizing (and we are not even close yet) I just had to put my feet up. In the back is hubby working and Jupiter just chilling.

When I began this blog way back in 2008, I was a mother of two younger children. I worked part time (sometimes full time) and was busy, busy, busy. I enjoyed home decor and all things pretty and have always enjoyed writing. The name Time Out For Me was perfect as the blog became something to center myself in reminding me that I was more than a wife and mom. Having this blog reminded me that I was still an individual with interests, talents and opinions. The description was a place to inspire and be inspired. 

Then China happened and my blog description wasn't the only thing that changed. It became ...now from Beijing. So many of my interests hid away in shadows to make way for all of the new experiences I was having abroad. Instead of the blog being just an outlet for me, it evolved into a journal and personal correspondence to loved ones. At times it was my therapy and purpose, for I vowed to never let anyone moving to Beijing have unanswered questions again. Word got out and I began answering emails on a weekly basis and loved sharing my lessons learned.

So here I am. And the lapse in my posting is partially due to the fact that I just don't know where to go from here on Time Out For Me. So much has changed in such a short time. I am not a teacher anymore. My children are now older and much more independent. I moved from the suburbs to one of the most populated cities on earth  and now to the beach. I, also, have another blog that focuses on how I went from unhealthy to healthy, which is now a main focus in my life. 

I guess what I am trying to say is that I am still molding my vision for Time Out For Me...now from the beach. When I get the urge to post, I will post. It may be about home decor, family stuff, travel and fun or I may get a little more gutsy and voice some opinions commentary too. Nevertheless, I want to thank you for sticking with me throughout all the identities this blog has had and I hope you will continue to read as it takes on a new one. Thank you for your support, it means the world to me!

Love,

Jen

PS If you have suggestions on things you'd like to hear more about...I'd love to hear about it!