Will you be my Valentine?

just kidding. I'm not much of a Valentine's fanatic myself! Someecards has put out some pretty hilarious (and most times inappropriate) ecards to send out on Valentine's Day and I had to share.

and my favorite...

This Valentine's I'll be with Ree Drummond (the Pioneer Woman!!!) at her book signing here!!!

cold.

La la la...the weather turns to 20 and I look fabulous still.

my hair blown straight and full of volume...

la la...I have the cutest winter accessories with a perfect mix of fur and sequins

Oh these? my adorable grey leather gloves. and my poofy skirt is perfectly practical for snow.

Only kidding. I look more like this when the weather is cold and wet.

Take A Chance.

This New Years, I'm making different resolutions. I resolve to take a chance. Walk on the wild side. Drink more good wine. Eat (and cook!) more good food. Spend more time with friends. And finally, to be as happy as can be.

NYE - yay or nay?

New Years Eve. One of the most talked about nights out of the year...maybe the most talked about. Growing up I was never allowed to go out for NYE (mean old mom!) (I'll probably do the same to my kids). As an adult, the few times I've gone out for NYE have been lots of fun, but maybe a little hyped up for my liking :)

All in all, it's a good excuse to get dolled up and have some fun with friends..

Are you going to be daring and rock these

or this?

or keep it classy with this

or this?

or sparkle and shine with this

or this?

I will be ringing in the New Year at my cousin's wedding with all my favorite people (sisters, cousins etc) (including Julie!) wearing the dark metal version of this with tights + boots if the weather gets cold!

cheers to 2011!! I know it's going to hold great things

(p.s. budget friendly finds tomorrow!!!)

Not ready!!!

This is what I saw just before leaving for work today..

(Teddy on left, Moses on right)

I haven't stayed over at my parents probably since last Christmas...but have stayed there three nights in a row. I swear, their house is like a vacuum. Once you start staying, it's hard to pack up and go home! Plus with both of my sisters, their spouses, and kids around, there was lots of persuading me to stay (and I caved easily).

Love these two striped kids.

Christmas Wishes

Someecards make me giggle uncontrollably.

Today is my last work day before the holidays. I'm soooooooo ready to be out of here!!!

Party in Pink

After seeing the ads for the JCrew collection, perhaps I should reconsider my general disdain for the color pink?

The neon and glittery pinks featured are so striking!!

PS-weekend in Amarillo totally kicked my butt. Julie and I are still laughing about it!!

Wrap it up

Last night, Alicia and I had champagne Thursday (on a Monday) and wrapped Christmas presents! I have never been so on the ball as I am this year. Probably due to the fact that my oldest sister always sends out an email about Christmas presents back in September...

Decided to pull out some materials from headband making and put them on the gifts as well!

Calvin helped..

I think Virginia's is my favorite!

How are you wrapping this year?

Weekend Success: Painted Door!

To say this weekend was productive is an under-statement. I accomplished most everything I set out to do.

Friday-Defensive driving-check. It was miserable...enduring 6 hours of lectures and readings...I had to finish some on Saturday and the test last night. But I passed (whew) :)

Saturday-After working out and running some errands, we stopped by the Jingle Bash..WOWWWW it was QUITE crowded and hot in there. Texas has gone through a bit of a warm up (70s today!) and I don't think they were prepared for that.

I did pick up a super cool gold branch necklace from f is for frank. Probably shouldn't be shopping for myself during the holiday season...but I only have one more present to buy for Christmas!!!!



We went and purchased all the necessary supplies to paint the front door come Sunday. I think the guy at Lowe's thought this was my first rodeo with painting, because he was loading us up with directions. In my head: "I got this buddy.."

Stage 1: Priming. The door was a dark green/black/dirty/ugly before, so primer was necessary. (oh, after we cleaned the door)

Happy Alicia painting! (This was still the beginning so we were hopped up on yummy breakfast)
Alicia and I painting..funny that we kept our normal clothes on..lol

Stage 2: The first coat goes on. My sis Virginia came to help!

Close up of stage 2

I am very focused.. see my gold branch necklace even made the shot!

Moses came to help. He was so helpful...bringing his enthusiastic spirit AND making sure his outfit matched the door. Way to go, Mo!

While we were at it...we decided to re-paint the welcome mat. The birds were slightly more neon yellow, so they got a face lift with some of the mustard gold paint.

Me!

Stage 3: THE FINISHED DOOR! It took 3 coats, and we'll be doing touch ups later. We may even paint the swirly pattern a grey or other color...yet to be determined. What do you think??

With the mat:

Warning: it was a tiring project. Make sure you don't let your cat run away while the door remains ajar during the drying phase. We propped a fan nearby to expedite the process, but he still escaped...and has been acting crazy ever since. Let's be honest, he wouldn't last a DAY outdoors.

Sunday evening I went to a Thanksgiving potluck hosted by some members of the monthly dinner club (which I have been a part of for 2.5 years!) and I am still stuffed...the cheese grits and "Not yo Mama's" mac-n-cheese were among my favorites...

On the agenda tonight? Wrapping Christmas presents!!!

Full and festive weekend

Happy Friday!!! I can't wait for the weekend to be here. So much fun and festive going on!!

Surely will stop by the Etsy bash on Saturday..

A little Thanksgiving pot luck with Lauren on Sunday...

Painting the front door mustard..

And getting through defensive driving..wah wah..............
Happy weekend :)

How Tuesday: How to Celebrate Summer

I don't know about you, but I'm trying to make the most of Summer. Grilling, pool time, and cool treats. It doesn't matter whether you're celebrating the 4th or just getting family/friends together!

How to Celebrate Summer:

Eating:

1. Grill- I've been marinating chicken in spicy BBQ sauce and making sure not to over cook it. Throw some veggies on the grill with it too. My roommate and I also did kabobs with peaches, onions, peppers, and chicken and it was to die for! (click for recipe)

2. Drink- Margaritas and other frozen drinks seem to be taking over wine. (fine by me). I also like having decaf iced tea in the fridge with oranges and lemons.

3. Treats- Does anyone get DailyCandy emails? I just saw this Cuisinart ice cream maker and might have ordered one. Plus they come in adorable colors!

Doing:

1. Swimming- and by swimming I mean standing in the water holding my glass of wine.

2. Throwing a Frisbee/football/small child.

3. Outdoor movies- dying to try this, and we have it going on in the area I'm pretty sure.

4. Fireworks- out at the lake, or locally, especially on the 4th!

Wearing:

1. Nothing. Just kidding! What do you think this is?!

2. Light colors

3. Bathing suits+cover ups

4. Simple dresses

5. Cute accessories---need some ideas? Check out my shop!

6. Sandals

How Tuesday: How to Prep for the 4th of July

The holiday is approaching...and I know I'm ready for a break!

How to prep for the 4th...

1. Make a plan - whether it's a trip or beers & bbq, get something set.

2. Prepare some grub

- pico de gallo + blue corn tortilla chips=festive snack

- Miller Light, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Bud Light are just a few beers that are festive looking...Pabst being the most patriotic (but not as easy to find)

- Non-alcoholic beverages...red punch, blue punch, etc.

- American foods: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, burgers and dogs

3. Get the extras - Sparklers and Streamers

4. Get ready

- Shades and Sunscreen

- Bug spray for fireworks time

- Simple outfit for all day long (I'll most likely wear stripes because I'm obsessed...) (Maybe you need a festive headband???)

What are your favorite 4th of July traditions?