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 :)

Even more Tartan.

Of course Anthropologie would come out with tartan bedding. Look how magical it looks!

I'd like to jump right in and stay there for two days straight...

Hi Cousin Cynthia.

I miss you. Around this time last year we were together with you for Thanksgiving.

Music for your liking.

It's Winter. My music taste usually changes with the weather. I say usually, but it doesn't always happen that way. Sometimes I need the jumpier tunes in the cold weather to keep the spring in my step. Sometimes I prefer the more mellow route. All in all, this is what I'm listening to right now.

1. Two Door Cinema Club-Undercover Martyn


2. Neon Trees-Animal


3. Islands-Don't Call me Whitney, Bobby


4. Sufjan Stevens-Casimir Polaski Day


5. Fitz and the Tantrums-MoneyGrabber


6. The Beatles (totally jazzed that they're available on iTunes!)-From Me to You


Enjoy the musical tastings today. Happy Wednesday!!

Feisty Boots

Is it just me, or does she make you want feisty boots?

I'll take these

or these, gladly.

Holiday recipe-Baked Brie

Remember I posted this last year? Well I thought it was time to re-post since the holidays are approaching. Baked brie is an absolute crowd pleaser. I made one last week, and then my cousin Cindy emailed me today about it. When we were in South Africa last Thanksgiving, I made two and people went NUTS! She'll be making them herself this year!

Last week, I made one with "easy pumpkin pie mix", a dollop of blackberry jam, and slivered almonds. Soooo delicious.

Go ahead..try it out, and let me know how it went!!!