In this life, many of us are blessed with only a couple true friends. Many pleasant people come and go throughout, but very few are in it for the long-haul.
I don't really remember meeting Allison, maybe because I've known her all my life. I have a feeling we met when we were 2 or 3 years old, and most likely doing something at the Methodist Church. All I do know is that she started showing up in many of my childhood pictures around this time, and she is central to some of my earliest memories.
Dance classes, Cheerleading, Swim team...Grade School, Middle School, High School...Christmas Dances and Proms...Boyfriends, Breakups...School Projects, Work Projects...Marriages, Divorce...Infertility, Pregnancy...Motherhood.
We've been together through all of it.
As life progressed, I guess our friendship could have waned like so many others do. But, somehow it didn't. In fact, it has thrived. I think its because we made the conscious effort to grow together. We started, along with two of our other besties, by getting together for dinner every couple of months after college. These "girls nights" continue to be a nice break from the usual day-to-day stresses of being an adult. It is a time to catch up, giggle/cackle, and enjoy a few precious moments where it feels just like the good 'ol days. Just a group of girlfriends without a care in the world. Eventually, these dinners led to an annual "girls getaway."
I can honestly say that many of my best memories
throughout my entire life are with her.
So, when I got pregnant, no surprise Allison was there every step of the way. Going above and beyond as usual...Giving advice, lending an ear, organizing showers, and helping out anyway she could. One of the many ways in which she touched my life these last few months is by helping design and decorate Lana's nursery.
You all know my struggle with infertility. You all know how I dreamed of having a baby girl. Well, along with that dream I would sit and imagine what her nursery would look like. I can honestly say that the real thing FAR SURPASSES anything I ever dreamed of on my own!!. It is nothing short of perfection. Allison was able to capture exactly what I wanted, and in the most beautiful way. She is truly such a talented and gifted designer.
For her help and talent I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you. Everything you did to make Lana's room so beautiful means more to me than you will ever know. And for her constant friendship throughout these years, all I can say is...I am surely blessed. <3
This is a closeup of the fabric on the crib skirt and window treatment:
Not only did Allison design this beautiful room, she literally
helped make it happen. See that beautiful shade of purple on the walls? She picked AND helped us paint it. See that beautiful armoire? She helped me refinish it to house Lana's little dresses and outfits. See that beautiful hand-painted tree? I won't even act like she "helped"...no she did that one all on her own. lol. I personally can't draw a straight line, even though I try.
I also want to give a shout out to Janice Becker who custom made the baby bedding. It turned out SO BEAUTIFULLY. You can't see it, but Lana's initial "L" is embroidered in the middle of the bumper in a deep plum. For anyone who is looking for custom baby bedding OR adorable custom children's clothing, check her out. She is on my facebook friends list. She is awesome!!!!!
This is my favorite and one of the most utilized parts of the nursery. We took the closet and installed a built-in changing nook. It has plenty of storage and shelves, and a pretty little chandelier for light. The table part is actually Formica so it cleans super easily, which comes in handy when a certain someone has a blowout. As you can see, I keep her toys, blankets, and other various items in the large baskets on the bottom. In the baskets on the top, I keep hair bows :), burp cloths, rattles, etc.
The butterflies were a super sweet gift from Aunt Lala and Uncle Bean. My mamaw loved butterflies, so Laura got them so Mamaw would always be watching over her. It was Allison's idea to use them as a sort of 3-dimensional piece of art in the changing nook. We placed them on plain canvas so that it looks like they are taking off. This is Lana's absolute favorite part of her nursery. She stares at these butterflies every time she is laying there. It is so sweet!
The only new piece of furniture in Lana's room in the crib. Both this little dresser and the armoire were pieces I previously had that we refinished. And again, I mean "we" kinda loosely. I participated in the painting, but the piece above was treated with a silver leaf finish. That was all Allison. And, from the looks of it, it was super messy. I think it turned out just beautifully!! And it was Allison's idea to paint the mirror in a bright jewel tone...which I think brings a certain fabulousness to the room. See that tassel? Yep, Allison hand-made that too. Geez. This woman is amazing.
Anywho, The other wall, which I don't have a picture of is equally as fabulous. I'll try and take a pic with my crappy camera later and post. It was her idea to get a bunch of old antique wooden frames and paint them the jewel tones used in the room. We have them hanging on the wall, and eventually they will house all the pictures my beautiful sister takes of Lana. It is very chic.
For anyone looking for an incredible interior designer who will astonish you...please contact Allison. She does freelance work when she's not teaching others how to be a fabulous designer and/or being supermom and wife at home :):)
Lastly, I want to thank my beautiful sister for snapping these photos with her nice camera and doing an awesome job as usual. Now that I think about it...I am surrounded by really, really talented and generous people. I better step my stuff up!!!!!!
Love you Al. Love you more than you will ever know.
xoxox
