Dorm Sweet Dorm

My baby girl has flown the coop, begun a new chapter in her life, college.

The transition was tough for me, especially the week leading up to her moving. But for her, it was one of great excitement. Two weeks have passed, and although I still miss her being here...in her nest at home...I can't help but share in her excitement. She is loving college and dorm life! She has a great roommate, which was an answer to prayer!

Move-in day was a monumental one. Above and below are pictures of dorm stuff before we loaded the cars...minus her clothes. I'm amazed at how much is needed for such a small space!

We packed and LOADED two SUV'S!!!

Ashley getting in that last text to the boyfriend before we hit the road...

We spent the night near the college, and at 8 a.m. the next morning we headed over, greeted by welcome signs and balloon arches.

We were ushered into a "holding field", waiting for over a hour before our group was allowed to proceed to the dorms.

Upperclassmen Campus Welcome...

blowing horns, banging pans, and singing songs...very loudly!!! :)

I didn't experience this "grand fanfare hoopla" when I went to college, and I must admit I'm a little jealous! :)

Long line of newbies moving in...

Ashley just happened to be on the top floor of her dorm building...we're lucky that way...haha!

Below, putting her new desk chair together. She stated that if it fell apart and she ended up in the floor, she had noone to blame but herself...only one bolt was left over! :)

Reading the directions, smart girl!

Everyone was very friendly, from the staff, to the upperclassmen, other freshmen, and their parents. As we were setting up, different campus groups and clubs stopped by to welcome the girls, and leave them little gifts!

...and their dorm door was decorated by their Student Advisors and Big Sis's!

Ashley & Madison,  her roommate...

...and her side of the dorm....

We added a rug later in the day, about the same color as her throw.

The Gain Detergent bottle doesn't match her decor...but it was holding up her books and serving a purpose! :)

Madison's side...

Freshmen and families waiting to go to Orientation later that day...

Orientation...

The couple below had all three of their daughters at MC, one in graduate school, one senior, and one freshman...making them empty nesters! :) Unfortunately, they said they would probably be 75 before they were out of debt! ha!

As the freshmen exited Orientation, their families applauded and cheered them on!

Various pictures of the Campus...

Although it was so hard to leave her behind as we left the campus, I couldn't help but smile, thinking about all the opportunities Ashley will have over the next four years.

Carpe Diem...I say!

But just not THE day...Sieze EVERY day!!! :)

This little piggy went to Market...

This past week, I was so fortunate to be asked to accompany a close friend of mine, who just happens to be an interior decorator by trade, to the Atlanta Market. This was my first trip to the Mart, and I was thrilled just to tag along!!!

We flew from Myrtle Beach to Atlanta on a super Spirit Deal...$45.00 round trip!

My friend booked a room at the Westin through her credit card points for $45.00 a night. {Lisa and I are both bargain lovers!} We were expecting a normal room with 2 double beds...but, imagine our overwhelming excitement to learn our room had been upgraded, at NO extra charge to a very large suite.

Our view {below}, from the 67th Floor!!!

Our suite flowed from one room with two double beds and a desk on the opposite wall...

...to an adjoining room with a large living area, and wet bar to the left...

...and a large dining/conference table...

...and an entire wall of windows featuring a spectacular view of Atlanta!

Even the robes in each of the TWO bathrooms were a luxury!

"I'll say that again....the TWO bathrooms....in our suite!!!"

Now that is heaven on earth to two prissy girls! :)

The first evening, after a late afternoon flight, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Azio Downtown. We were up early the next morning, ready to hit the Mart when the doors opened!

Heading into the Mart...

The first area of showrooms we toured were the Floral/Seasonals.

Most were closed, and I didn't take many pictures due to the glare of the glass, but I thought the pumpkins below were really cute. Storing this idea away until Fall!

Most of the designs on the pumpkins are done with embellishments...crystals, dots, and such.

We were on the move, trying to cover a lot of space in a day's time, so I wasn't able to take nearly as many photos as I would have liked! The styling in the different showrooms was just unbelievable, and the floral arrangements were over-the-top and gorgeous!

Here are a few of I managed to snap...

Loved, loved, loved the burlap covered swing!!!!

A map of United States split into a collaboration of frames..

~ below ~

At first glance, one might think "redneck chandelier."

And I say that in the nicest way! :)

But my friend and I fell in love with this Mason Jar Light Fixture. It is definitely a conversation piece!

In the right setting, I think it would be rather stunning!

The light fixture below would be perfect for our "farmhouse renovation."

Whenever it resumes, that is!

Beautiful piece my friend was interested in for a client...

{Word to the decorating wise...Peacocks were everywhere in some form or another...must be the hot new thing to come!}

Gorgeous Monogrammed Headboard...

Loving the gold lamp shades...

{{So glad gold is making a comeback...I'll be back in style! :) }}

The sofa, below, was stunning! The wood was painted high-gloss black, and the black piping contrast was striking! I have an antique sofa similar that needs to be refinished for the farmhouse, and think I may very well "borrow" this idea!

Loved the concept of splitting an image into a collage of frames...

After our tour in Home Furnishings, we hit the cash and carry accessories showrooms.

Picked up a few pieces to bring home, big chunky rings, (an owl one for Ashley), a bracelet, and a faux red coral necklace.

A close-up of the rings...

We literally closed the Mart down! :)

We were so tired when we got back to our room...I mean suite..."smiles".

We decided to eat in at the Westin, at The Sundial. This was our view from the circular revolving restaurant.

We enjoyed a light meal of Vidalia Bisque Soup and a Caesar Salad,

saving room for delicious Apple Pie and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, garnished with peanut brittle, recommended by our delightful waiter.

The spectacular view at night from our room...

...and a view of the sun coming up the next morning, with Stone Mountain in the distance.

...looking to the street below...

My "souvenir" from the trip (other than the costume jewelry)

was a cute little ceramic trio of rabbits purchased from a sample sale, that found a home on the table in my foyer.

I was so thankful for this opportunity, and I certainly needed it in this season of my life! :)