A New Design Is Coming...

I literally have to be one of the most indecisive bloggers on the planet when it comes to design. Pretty much a month after uploading my current template into blogger I had remorse over my purchase. Not because the design I had purchased was bad (it's a great design), but because it wasn't exactly what I wanted. I was determined to make it work however, and tried lots of personalization to make this space feel more like home. It didn't stick. About two months ago I decided I needed to take things into my own hands and create a blog design from the ground up. I have been tirelessly coding and designing ever since.

Tomorrow I will be uploading a brand new design for this space, one that will look dramatically different from anything else I've had up here. You can see some of the previous designs here, and here. I took my time with this, and thought long and hard about what I wanted for Secondhand Sundays in the long term. In the past I've been more concerned with the personalization of this space and less on the usability for readers. The new design will be much easier for readers to navigate, design elements are minimal, and the pages will look cohesive and branded. The new design will allow my focus to be entirely on creating great content for the site, and less on the sketches and widgets in my sidebar.

Now that I've spent a minute justifying my reasons for a new design, let's talk inspiration-

I've come to believe your blog design should allow your content to be the focus, and that colorful graphics and sketches are best left for posting. Your blog design should allow your readers to easily locate the various topics and pages of content you offer. Your design should also be easy to look at, and there should be ample visual space between all of its elements.

The key elements I wanted for Secondhand Sunday's new design included:
+ Lots of negative space to allow the visual elements room to breathe.
+ A minimal color scheme
+ Easy navigation
+ Cohesive design elements throughout all pages of content
+ Navbar above the title image, with search
+ A blog that looked even more mature than my current content, i.e. I can grow into
+ A space I felt reflected my goal of living happily and simply

Sites I used for design inspiration and how they inspired me:
+ A Beautiful Mess
I really love the mini intro on A Beautiful Mess, and I wanted something similar on my blog. They moved their navbar above all their other content, and I felt like that was a genius move. It gave everything else a lot more breathing room and I knew immediately I wanted the same.
+ A Cup of Jo
I love Jo's new color scheme, and ultra pared down layout. I found her new look visually appealing and minimalist. I found myself checking in on A Cup of Jo much more after she redesigned, and the effect that her new design had on my interest level with her content was the catalyst for my decision to start from scratch with my own blog.
+ Design Love Fest
I've long admired Bri's eye for all things design. She always seems to be ahead of trend with everything she does and her blog design is no exception. What caught my eye the most about her layout was the way she framed her sidebar content. I found it much easier to focus on the different categories and content she shared that way. I pulled a little bit of that aesthetic into my new design as well.
+ Lune Vintage
I've been a fan of Lune and Jill for as long as I've read blogs. She has the amazing talent of balancing both simple design, and vintage kitschy goodness, that I so admire. Jill keeps her blog sidebars really simple so that her images pop, and sparkle like the stars they should be. I really wanted my content to have that same effect on readers.

Say good-bye to the old SHS:

Here's a peak at the new header and navbar:

I'm by no means a blog designer, but I didn't have the money to invest in a project this size, so I took the DIY route. If you're looking to do the same know that it requires a tremendous amount of time, and energy. There's a reason people get paid to do this. I worked nearly everyday on this project tweaking things here and there until I finally felt like I'd create something to be proud of. Remember that and be kind tomorrow.

I'm really excited to unveil the brand new Secondhand Sundays, I think some of you might think you've come to the wrong place. Here's to hoping this design sticks for at least a year or two. You just never know. big kiss, bekuh

PS- I'd like to personally thank two sweet friends Kate and Maddie for giving me some feedback on the site before anyone else had seen it! They're input helped add a lot more character to the new site, and I could just hug them both to pieces for it.

From Biloxi to New Orleans: Part 2

I love New Orleans! It's always one of my favorite places to visit because it just reeks of culture. There's just something about the dilapidated old French/Spanish influenced architecture, the smell of seafood and liquor that permeates the air, and the raucous good time that people seem to have all hours of the day. Our Saturday adventure in the city was Ryan's first experience with New Orleans so we kept things as touristy as possible. Wink wink.

We started out shopping a little, since the holidays are quickly approaching, but it didn't take long for our bellies to start grumbling. We headed straight to a tourist (and local) favorite Johnny's Po-boys for lunch and attempted to eat sandwiches as big as our heads! They were delicious, and our foodie hearts sang. On our way to the biggest-sandwiches-ever-made we spotted a spice shop, and decided to pop in after eating for a look around. Thirty minutes later, and a couple of dollars later too, we stepped out moving a little deeper into the French Quarter. On our adveture we spotted street performers, heard a little karaoke, and my sister told us a funny story about the Cornstalk Hotel. Apparently it's haunted by a jealous mistress. Oh, and we decided it was probably time to eat again.

Our final stop before heading back to Biloxi was my favorite beignet shop, Cafe Beignet. I discovered this adorable spot on my last visit to Nola and couldn't resist the urge to visit once again. We shared one order of beignets, so I don't feel the least bit guilty. There was a quartet singing in the streets as we ate, and talked, and enjoyed this very New Orleans treat.

I tell yea, if I could eat, and live this way everyday I'd be a happy, and plump girl. Emphasis on the happy. I love that Ryan got pictures of my sister, and I devouring our doughnuts, while the only photo of him is one where he looks dashing. I love it when he layers! See part one of our trip here. big kiss, bekuh

PS- Don't forget to enter the Large Ad Space Giveaway. Enter for your chance to win TWO large ads on Secondhand Sundays and Lemons, Avocados & The Bay!

From Biloxi to New Orleans: Part 1

So you've all heard about the not so hot part of our journey home, but I wanted to take the time to share all the reasons why we made the trip to Mississippi in the first place, and all the fun things we did while on our Thanksgiving holiday! 

Back story: My sister joined the Air Force as a nurse a little over a year ago and was quickly stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi. Since that time she's not had a single friend, or family member visit, and seeing as Thanksgiving was my family's holiday this year I couldn't resist the urge to see my her for the 4.5 days we had off. We drove through the night on Wednesday to arrive just in time to throw the Turkey in the oven and enjoy a cozy day in on Thanksgiving. She has the sweetest little cottage that she shares with her equally sweet Greyhound Rue. 

Thanksgiving was all about the food, but on Friday we ventured out and hit the beach just a mile or so from Sarah's house. With the dogs in tow we walked up and down the white sand, enjoyed the balmy 75F degree weather, and stretched our legs and belly muscles after all that eating. The dogs had the best time, met so many new people, and we schlepped about for a couple of hours. It was such a nice break from the norm, and every second was an adventure.

There are certain perks to being stationed on the Gulf of Mexico, I suppose. Sandy beaches, fresh seafood, warm winters, pretty piers, and old southern mansions...just to name a few. Friday was all about relaxation, time spent with family, and happy pups. Saturday in New Orleans was a little different, and I'll be sharing more of that with you tomorrow. big kiss, bekuh

PS- Don't forget to enter the Large Ad Space Giveaway. Enter for your chance to win TWO large ads on Secondhand Sundays and Lemons,Avocados & The Bay!

Tammy from Lemons, Avocados & the Bay Giveaway!

Today I have a really special giveaway for you on the blog. My first ever feature sponsor Tammy, is here to offer a large ad space on her blog, and share a little bit about Lemons, Avocados, and the Bay as well. As an added bonus the lucky winner will also receive a free ad space on Secondhand Sundays for the month of December!

Tammy is one of the cheeriest, most optimistic bloggers out there; and her infectious smiley faces, positive attitude, and fun lifestyle will keep you coming back time and time again. I promise. Before you get all the giveaway details here's Tammy:

Hey Secondhand Sundays Readers!

I'm Tammy and I blog over at Lemons, Avocados & the Bay. I know, it is a long name, but there’s a pretty neat story behind the name. If you’d like, you can read about it here. I live a beachy kind of life in San Diego with my boyfriend and we are constantly working on renovating our little beach bungalow. I blog to capture the little things that make me smile, the silly and awkward things that are frequently happening in my life, and my experiences exploring my city. xoxo, Tammy

She's the best! Who wouldn't want a large ad space on such an amazing woman's blog? The Large Ad Space giveaway will be open from today (11/27/12) to December 3rd (12/3/12) with the winner contacted by both of us that evening.

To enter there are a few rules to keep in mind...First, because you are receiving a free ad space on both of our blogs we are requiring that you follow both of us either through RSS Feed, Bloglovin, or GFC. Second, this ad will be for December even though the giveaway doesn't end until the 3rd. Don't worry your ad will run for a full 30 days! There are lots of ways to enter below, so what are you waiting for?

a Rafflecopter giveaway
big kiss, bekuh

Filling the Void

I didn't want to not post today, but I don't really have the brain capacity right now to actually write something worth reading. We left my sister's in Mississippi around 7:30am yesterday morning and didn't arrive home until about 2:30am this morning. Insert longest day of my life. Between unexpectedly heavy traffic in Montgomery, Birmingham, and Chattanooga, a blown out tire, and multiple potty breaks; somewhere around the Virginia border I was ready to check into a motel and sleep for a couple of days.

Not to be a debbie-downer, but our trip home sucked. It doesn't overshadow my happiness of being with my sister for three days, the fact that Nellie is the best little car buddy, and that I have an amazing husband who will risk life and limb to change out a tire, and then proceed to drive the whole way home. Oh no, those things are amazing and worth celebrating. I'm so thankful we're all safe and sound, and that I have a boss who says "sure," when I text him to say I may be late in the morning.

So today, I'm just happy to be home. Tomorrow I'll stress about all the things I wanted to get done and haven't. big kiss, bekuh

Weekly Obsessions: Getting in the Spirit

Sources: 1/2-Unknown, found via /3/4/no source, mine/6/7/8/9-Unknown, found via

I try really hard every year to hold off my excitement for Christmas until the day after Thanksgiving, but this year I've been dreaming of the holidays for months already. I've even snuck in a Christmas song or two. To get myself fully in the spirit for the upcoming holidays, and to encourage you too, I thought I'd share a few online finds that are conjuring up images of Old St Nick in my heart right now.

1. I bought the ingredients to make these ornaments last year and never got around to it. It is now my number one top priority this Christmas.

2. I'm not a wreath kinda gal, but I'm thinking something simple and super natural looking, like this one, might be the perfect outdoor decoration.

3. I love the idea of making fun festive lids to top jars of holiday goodies.

4. Animal shaped candles (here), and a red and white color scheme!? No need to say anything more.

5. C'est Noel! It's Christmas!

6. Dressing up dessert, and making it part of the decor. I'm all for this sweet and simple idea.

7. I've had a hard time picking out wrapping paper this year, nothing seems "just right." So I'm kind of leaning towards making my own, and Martha Stewart's vintage inspired paper is looking like a pretty cool alternative to me right now.

8. Cozy sweaters are a must, but the color palette of this stack is what I'm really after. Reds, Black, Mint Green, and Chartreuse. An untraditional Christmas color scheme I can get behind.

9. My most desired Christmas gift this year is a pair of Hunter rain boots, and one day this will be my life.

I hope all of you survived Black Friday, and are ready to get down and get decorating. I know I am. big kiss, bekuh

Thanksgiving: The Meal

I hope all you wonderful US readers had a fabulous Thanksgiving day yesterday. Ryan and I drove through the night to make it to my sister's on Thanksgiving morning. It was totally worth the drive. Despite the lack of sleep we gathered our strength, and cooked a gorgeous meal to share between the three of us. Well, and a few table scraps for the puppies too. Here are a few pictures from the meal:

We started the meal off with some cheese and crackers. My favorite combo was the brie with fig, and spicy plum chutney. For dinner we served our turkey with chunky cranberry sauce, garlic and sage cornbread stuffing, rolls, roasted root vegetables, and gravy. Washing everything down with local southern pecan beer, and wine. Ryan and I brought the veggies from our last CSA yield, and the turkey soaked in a brine all the way to Mississippi. You could say we take our Thanksgiving meal prep pretty seriously. After the giant meal we slept for a couple of hours, and got up for a little dessert too.

What was your favorite dish on the Thanksgiving table yesterday? big kiss, bekuh

Giving Thanks Always

Thanksgiving is such a sentimental time for me. Growing up it was the big holiday that we spent with my Mom's family and there would be a dozen kids running about, an excess of bread and butter, lots of games, and a time to go around the room and share what each of us was thankful for. Though the history behind Thanksgiving may not be as noble as we have been taught, I think that the time shared with our loved ones, gathered around a communal meal, is one of the purest examples of family we've got. An example we should emulate more than just once a year. Thanksgiving is about setting aside time to share your appreciation for one another, to contribute to the well being of those closest to you, and the assurance that despite all else there is love.

So today I am thankful for my family, my friends, and for the strangers I have yet to meet who will touch my life someday. I am so grateful for the love shared between us. Happy Thanksgiving friends (in America at least). big kiss, bekuh

Gold Leaf Bar Glasses

Now that I'm an "adult" I think a lot more about our home as a whole. No longer am I buying lots of random knick-knacks, or the cheapest decor I can find that looks cute. Nowadays I'm on the look out for things to build our life around. The purchases that will stay with us through all our adventures. That being said, we're still newly weds and broke as a joke. I've always loved the the gold dipped look for glasses and goblets, but it wasn't until recently that I realized I may be able to create something similar for myself. While treasure hunting a couple weeks back Ryan and I stumbled upon a couple of mismatched snifter glasses and I decided to try my hand at gold leafing their bases for a similar dipped look. Here's what I did.

For supplies you'll need: Spray adhesive, masking tape, newspaper, clear varnish spray, paint brush, gold leaf, and goblets/glasses/snifters whatever you desire to gold leaf.

Step 1: Grab your glasses and wrap them in newspaper. Make sure to tape off the ends, and double check no glasses is showing through. You don't want any spray adhesive getting on the glass bowl.

Note: I scraped off the gold paint from the second glass before covering in gold leaf, it made the glasses look more cohesive.

Step 2: Pull out a couple of sheets of gold leaf, you'll need to work fast so it's best to have it ready to use immediately after spraying.

Step 3: Spray the base of your glass (outside somewhere) with the adhesive, and quickly bring it back to your workspace.

Step 4: Pull off a small strip of gold leaf, and lay it on to the base of your glass. Using the paintbrush gently brush it down and smooth the edges.

Step 5: Continue placing strips of gold leaf around the base, smoothing and brushing until the entire base is covered.

Step 6: Let everything sit for a minute or two. Now, with the tip of your finger gently rub the gold leaf, knocking off any rough edges and giving it the slight appearance of wear.

Step 7: Spray with the clear varnish and let it set for at least an hour. It's important to note that you'll need to be very gentle when washing the glasses in the future, and they should not under any circumstances be put in a dishwasher.

Voila, our .75 cent glasses now look like a million bucks, and I'm a happy wife. I love that I can continue gold leafing the additional snifters we find in the future to make a full set. This would make a great gift for friends or family getting married. The ideas are really endless. Happy crafting. big kiss, bekuh

the Button Factory Fall/Winter Update

Your wait is over! We've updated the Button Factory with all kinds of fun pieces for layering as winter draws near. Be sure to scroll to the bottom for a special announcement. 

Here's a sampling of what we've added, but be sure to visit the store for more:

In celebration of Thanksgiving, and the coming shopping season, we're offering 30% off everything in the store (even reduced merchandise) until December 1st!!!! Enter the code JINGLEBELLS at checkout for the discount.

Snatch up your favorite piece before it's gone, or go crazy and get gifts for all your friends. Happy shopping friends. big kiss, bekuh

Weekly Obsessions: A Bohemian Holiday

Last year at this time Ryan and I were prepping and planning for our first Thanksgiving celebration in our home. We had the best time cooking a big meal for family and friends, and his turkey was amazing. This year we're prepping and planning for a drive to visit my sister in Mississippi for the Thanksgiving holiday. But, that hasn't stopped me from day dreaming what I'd be doing if we were going to be home to celebrate. I'm thinking a bohemian holiday is just the thing this year. Here is an inspiration board for a future me, just in time for Thanksgiving week...

Image Sources: 1/2/3/4/5/6

What I'd Wear: Wilde Asher has some incredible vintage pieces and I'm pro hippie floral maxi all the time now.

What I'd Cook: I love the idea of a traditional menu that you come back to time, and time again, but my wild cook's heart can't help but want to experiment. Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Garlic Aioli sounds divine right now.

What Linens I'd Use: There's nothing like vintage linens for a home, and I'm dying over these chartreuse ones.

How I'd Set the Table: There's something so welcoming about this home, and their dining room is set perfectly for a party.

How I'd Accessorize: Rachel is the queen of cool and I seriously loved the leaf crown she made with her littles. I'm pretty sure I could make a thousand of these from all the leaves in our backyard.

How I'd Capture Memories: I've been doing more art journaling lately and I think artistically writing out a recipe or two in my sketchbook would be a fabulous way to capture the memory of a bohemian holiday. Just like this.

What are your upcoming plans for Thanksgiving (at least you Americans)? Trying any new recipes? Traveling far or near? I'd love to hear all about it. big kiss, bekuh

November Large Sponsor Spotlight

Today is a very special day on Secondhand Sundays. Each month I get the chance to highlight some amazing sponsors with you, and this month it's a super intimate affair. The two ladies you'll read about below are so creative, engaging, talented, fun, fashionable, fantastic, and sweet as candy. I hope you'll take some time to read their bios, visit their blogs, and just enjoy their contagious vest for life as I have. Time for you to meet Becky and Maddie...

TWITTER//PINTEREST//BLOG

Hey, I'm Becky the mastermind of B is for Becky. This blog is a place where I share my obsession for things like furry dogs, random crafts, and adventures in my miniature camper. You will also find some fashion, wine drinking and a husband in the mix. Stop by because awesomeness like this isn't born everyday!

WEBSITE//FACEBOOK//INSTAGRAM

Hi, my name is Maddie Flanigan and I am the blogger behind Madalynne, the cool pattern making and sewing blog. Three to four times a week, I post about a myriad of subjects - tutorials on how to draft a sloper, interviews of independent pattern makers and designers, and what projects I'm currently working on. For two and a half years, my day job was in the technical design department for a very large fashion company. Throughout my two and a half years in technical design, I kept a blog that documented what I was learning, the evolution of my projects, and various other sewing and pattern making odds and ends. Eventually, my company took note of my personal blog and asked me to start and Intranet blog that would create a cohesive voice for all their brands. I immediately accepted and today, I am a blogger and a seamstress by day and night. Cool, right? I consider myself one lucky gal to be able to do what I love, not to mention I receive a stellar discount off some really fancy clothes.

I think their favorite Thanksgiving dishes alone make them some of the coolest bloggers on the block. Yum-o. Thanks so much for being on the blog ladies!

Check out my other sponsors in the right sidebar if you've got the time, they're all worth the read. big kiss, bekuh