High Five for Friday...

the last week of June - filled with new food, great friends, new adventures, & new opportunities - wonder what God has planned for July...it is comforting to know his timing is never wrong

one. new food (kind of)  - finally celebrated Father's Day with the world's best dad (my dad) and family - made better when my brother-in-law got to use his new branding iron on the bbq ribs

two. re"new"ed friendships - enjoyed dueling pianos downtown with the most wonderful ladies, also spent time with old co-workers - definitely blessed with so many great friends!  

three. new products - monday's post was chronicling a new nail polish, Revlon Delicious, that I am trying out - on day 5 and still looks fairly fresh - 4 out of 5 stars


four. re"new"ed mornings - as a teacher, my relaxation comes during the summer (rather than the weekends) and this week I got to relax to a nice breakfast with one of my close friends - there is something to be said for taking time for relaxation and relationships 

Thanks Tom - for being my last minute photog!!

five. new opportunity - although bittersweet - God has blessed me with a new job - starting this coming August I will be a Morton Potter















 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understand, in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.  ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Thirty with Thirty Challenge - Week 1

Last week I started a 30x30 Challenge -Inspired originally by Kendi at Kendi Everyday and shared with me by Kate at the Small Things Blog...here's how it works: 

1. Take 30 items in your closet.

2. Make 30 outfits. 

 

although giving up shopping for the duration of the challenge is optional - I am choosing to committed 100%.  And the best part - at the end of 30 outfits I am going to take that money I saved and take a bath in it (Duck Tales Style), buy a yacht, or stash it in a savings account - my level of responsibility may vary depending on the amount of money saved.

My goal is to simply have fun, be creative and just enjoy experimenting with my wardrobe - each week I will post three or four of my outfits until I finally have completed all 30 outfits!

 Thanks to my photographer Lori! 

Thanks to Lori again - sorry for the quick picture - leaving Church, trying to avoid the rain!!

 Thanks to my photographer Mary!!

After seeing all of the pictures two things pop in my mind - first, I need to change my stance for next week and second, I need to invest in some stronger hairspray for rainy days!! (referencing middle photo) 

A beautiful wedding...

Wedding season evidently has me in creative mood...two posts with the wedding topic in one week - fantastic!! 

Three years ago my sister got married and it seems that amongst the wedding season I am often reminded of the wonderful memories of the preparation and the day of the wedding!! Mary did such a wonderful job, especially with her fiance in Louisiana during the planning and her having to remain in Illinois for their jobs.  

I really appreciate all the of hard work and creative touches my sister put into her wedding. So, with her approval, I just wanted to share some of the creative touches she included in her wedding...

 1. Mary and Richard decided they wanted to incorporate some meaningful pieces into their wedding, starting with using Richard's parent's cake cutting silver.  Also, Mary purchased her own cake stand and had a friend from her then small group make her cake - believe me people when I tell you THAT CAKE WAS AMAZING (and I am not a cake person)!!


2. This was my little helpful piece!  My sister has vision and I have the artistic touch - so I was recruited to help paint a "W" (for their last name) and their names on the end of the aisle runner...this was an idea she found online and it looked so nice on the day of the wedding and fabulous in the pictures!!


3. With so many options available, people today have unique ways to perform the "Unity Candle" celebration in the wedding ceremony - sand jars, paintings, tying knots to create a scarf, and I am sure you could insert your own unique twists...


My sister started one of the best traditions (in my opinion...you'll see why)...once again trying to incorporate meaningful pieces into their wedding, Mary and Richard used my parents (celebrating 31 years this July) unity candle as their Unity Candle - adding her wedding colors in a garland wreath around the base.  

Best Part - someday when my prince arrives I hope to continue the tradition and then on to my little sister as well!  


4. My sisters and I grew up in a small town (850 people) and went to the local Methodist Church, where I have been blessed to know so many wonderful people!  For Mary's wedding she incorporated the skills of one of our family friends who makes the most delicious petit fours and chocolates as favors for the guests!! These were the perfect touch of chocolate at the end of the meal - taste tasting before hand was not to bad either.


5. First, notice the hand decorated candles - 100 white candles, 200 white pins, grey and yellow ribbon - what a way to spend a Saturday night, RIGHT!?  Best part was after the wedding, even three years later now, we still have fun decorative candles to pull out and use! 


Second, notice the table runners - Mary rented these for the day - they were the perfect touch for the table, brought everything together without being overwhelming and too busy!  Mary was also fortunate to have her reception as a venue with natural character and the chairs were beautiful without needing covers!


6. Finally, my sister wanted to make use of the bridesmaid's bouquet's, as well as provide a keep sake for each of the bridesmaids for after the day.  Her solution was fabulous - personalized vases...Mary decorated vases with the initials of all of the bridesmaids - simple but GREAT!! The bridesmaid flowers were center pieces for the family tables, cake tables, and wedding party tables! Not only did my flowers stay fresh after the day because they were in water most of the day, but I also have a great vase that I still use!!  

Unique Gift Options...

Wedding season is upon us and that means showers, bachelorette parties, engagement parties, and of course the weddings themselves and depending on your relationship to the person getting married you may be invited to all of these events!  

One of my best friends is getting married in September and I have been honored to not only be asked to be in the wedding but also to attend many of the showers. I knew I wanted gifts that had meaning but were still practical for the newly weds - so I hit Pinterest and started searching for creative wedding/shower gifts and found one that I loved and figured I could definitely handle.

Etching Glass - relatively simple but major points for creativity!! 

For the most part I followed the suggested directions from the original website with a few modifications!  The vinyl sticker*, exacto knife*, and Armour Etch (recommended etching product) I found at Hobby Lobby (but are also available at places such as Michael's).  

*When I do this project again, I will be getting a smaller blade for my exacto knife - hoping to make it easier to get a crisp edge to cut with.

*The original directions used a colored piece of vinyl, instead of white, but I prefer the white so I can easily see the lines to cut around and it is easily erasable.

 My sketches are free handed, however there are numerous stencils at your local craft store and/or it would be just as easy to print a pattern off of the internet to trace before cutting. 

Placing the stencil on the glass was a little challenging since my dish was rounded and cone shaped - notice the little section where I had to get creative on the right hand of the stencil...it is key that all air bubbles are smoothed away from the empty space and when applying the etching cream be generous but not sloppy - this stuff will etch ANYTHING. 

It was recommended to leave the cream on for 10 minutes, after my first three failed attempts I found that 15 minutes proved to have better results AND when it is time to remove the cream rinse with warm water, rubbing gently with your finger while the stencil is still on...then remove the vinyl sticker and rinse again.

It will appear, when wet, that the product did not work but gently dab the area till it is dry and you will see, VOILA, etched glass!! 

I would be lying if I said I got this on my first attempt - it is difficult to get the stencil neatly cut, to smooth out all of the bubbles from the vinyl sticker, and even to find the right glass that this will work on (who knew some Pyrex dishes just do not want to be etched)

Also, let me mention that I did not go completely off the etiquette page - these more personalized creative gifts are included along side those gifts the happy couple registered for! 


What unique gifts have you given before? Comment any suggestions you have or maybe even ideas you want me to try - I love new adventures in DIY projects! 

 

*Thanks Val for being my muse this time around!

    

 

Summer Colors...

Revlon's newest line of nail polish is the Revlon ColorStay Longwear Nail Enamel - bragging  up to 11 days of continuous, shatterproof color - 11 days? Well that is worth my 5 bucks at the local drugstore!! 

Do not get up in arms with me fellow Essie and OPI fans - but it is nice to change up the stock of nail polish once in awhile and if it is truly a good product, it is worth our time!!

Color of Choice - Delicious 

It is a warm orange/red color that is perfect for summer, especially in combination with blues and greens!

The first coat is far from sheer - in fact my nails have just one coat of color, OPI Chip Skip, and Sally Hansen Top Coat! 

 

Summer Reads...

After successfully completing a couple of books, most of which are related to my grad class but also some for pleasure - which sometimes seems like an impossible task sometimes, if you are in need of a recommendation, may I suggest...

Picked this book up at the library after hearing about it on the radio - it is fantastic, tough to emotionally, but challenging and hopeful!!

Share what books you are reading this summer (feel free to link up to your blog, to your pinterest, amazon, b&n, etc...) 

1.	Hunger Games	2.	Skinny Dipping by Bethany Frankel
3.	Little Night by Lauren Rice	4.	Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner
5.	The Shack	6.	The Hunger Games (of course)

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High Five for Friday...

Who knew, the third week of June was definitely one of the busier weeks of summer for me!?  

But, I am thankful because Friday is here!! 

Specifically, it is time for High Five for Friday is a weekly link party hosted by Lauren @ From My Grey Desk!!

And sharing with a new friend at InstaFriday with Life Rearranged!!!

first. it is no secret that I am always on the hunt for the miracle cure for blemishes (a polite way of saying acne) and this week, in an effort to both relax and reverse the effects of travel skin struggles (after staying in six hotels over eight nights, the continued changes in water and weather took a toll on my skin) I tried a homemade facial mask and would love to recommend it for everyone - refreshing, light & my skin did feel much healthier afterwards.


Lemon Scrub - 1 spoonful lemon juice, 1 spoonful honey, and 1 & 1/2 spoons of sugar - combine, then apply to face in circular motion, allow sugar to start melting and then rinse. 


Why this facial scrub - it was said to exfoliate, lighten dark spots, blemishes, as well as moisturize and balance skin oils - which sounded perfect!!


second.thirty with thirty challenge has officially started - follow this month to see my attempt to revitalize my wardrobe without spending a dime!! 

third.inspired by some of the blogs I follow - I was able to get in on a new round of the #SheReadsTruth reading plan!! Can not wait to see how God transforms me...check out this awesome and unique resource! 

 

fourth. closet officially reorganized - returned from my trip, started doing my laundry, and felt like a reorganization was in order.  With this came purging of clothes and the reality check that the Thirty with Thirty Challenge would be a great opportunity for me to revitalize some of the items I have only worn once or twice...have you thought about taking the challenge? 

 

fifth. successfully completed a couple of books, most of which are related to my grad class but also had the opportunity to read for pleasure - which sometimes seems like an impossible task sometimes, if you are in need a recommendation, may I suggest...

Picked this book up at the library after hearing about it on the radio - it is fantastic, tough to emotionally, but challenging and hopeful!!

Share what books you are reading this summer (feel free to link up to your blog, to your pinterest, amazon, b&n, etc...)

Thirty with Thirty Challenge

So I am taking the plunge...participating in my first thirty with thirty challenge...giving up shopping for new clothes, accessories, and shoes for 30 outfits!

 Insert the questioning face - let me explain.

Inspired originally by Kendi at Kendi Everyday and shared with me by Kate at the Small Things Blog...here's how it works: 

1. Take 30 items in your closet.

2. Make 30 outfits. 

 

although giving up shopping for the duration of the challenge is optional - I am choosing to committed 100%.  And the best part - at the end of 30 outfits I am going to take that money I saved and take a bath in it (Duck Tales Style), buy a yacht, or stash it in a savings account - my level of responsibility may vary depending on the amount of money saved.

This challenge just makes sense for me right now, being on summer break what better time to rediscover my closet and monitor my shopping budget.  This is not a 30-day challenge, but rather a 30-outfit challenge. There is no succeed or fail, it is not about anyone else but my own exploration - it is just a challenge to see what can be done in my closet and with a little creative ingenuity.

This is not however something I want to do alone - why not make this a community adventure...so I will be participating with Kate at the Small Things blog and Lauren at From My Grey Desk Blog to collaborate on unique style options and pairs.  

Each Thursday I will share my outfits for the week until I have shown you all thirty options!!

My goal is to simply have fun, be creative and just enjoy experimenting with my wardrobe - I will update every Thursday - starting today, until I have complete all thirty outfits...I'll be sharing my 30 pieces throughout the day today...  

Blogs to follow...

Home again...I JUST got back from a 9 day historical research tour of the Midwest. Unfortunately the worst part of any vacation is arriving home only to realize laundry needs to be done, my suitcase needs to be unpacked, hair and beauty products need to be put back in their places and although I left my apartment spic and span - dust collects in nine days, so cleaning must happen. 

enjoyed the nice weather and clothes on the line...

For me though (a single woman, living on her own) I enjoy laundry day - my apartment now smells like fresh laundry, my closet is nicely and organized and my laundry basket is empty (if even for a moment)!! 

Sitting here now I am taking advantage of some much needed relaxation and an opportunity to...check out my favorite blogs...

whether you are new to blogs, secretly addicted, or publicly following over 250 blogs - you can NEVER possibly exhaust the plethora of blogs available. 

Soooo...I decided to share some of my favorites...

The Small Things Blog - "a professional hairstylist, a jewelry maker (with my lovely sister), and a bit of a shopper." 

The Frugal Girls.com - (Thanks Val) living well with less money

Wine Down - southern lifestyle blogger 

The Little Delights in Life - cake decorating tutorials, ideas, examples of her work 
 

Heart Full of Daisies - a former school mate, Kate has a lifestyle blog capturing different aspects of her passions and delights

 From My Grey Desk Blog - "fashion student and jewelry designer playing house with two of the coolest cats around. oh, and anything the color grey is my jam"


Fleur de lis and Football - "Teacher of small children, wanna-be foodie, owner of a loud mouth, sports fanatic, shopaholic, Southern Belle, lover of pasta and wine."


My Baking Addiction - Teacher/baker, how could this blog not be fantastic 

What are your favorite blogs?  Do you write a blog? Leave a comment to tell me about some of the blogs you follow or write - I love to explore new blogs...and be sure to sign up to follow this blog so you don't miss a minute...

Homemade Granola Bars

Another adventure in cooking - starring my sister Mary's kitchen, hands and awesome recipe!! This is seriously one of the greatest recipes to date - homemade granola bars!!! 

Get your ingredients ready...

2 cups rolled oats
 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
 1/2 cup wheat germ
  3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup raisins 
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup whole natural almonds, halved 
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and thoroughly spray a 9x13 baking dish.

•  
• Combine all dry ingredients and, in a separate bowl, beat together eggs, oil and vanilla - before combining wet and dry and ingredients add the raisins, cranberries and almonds into the combined dry ingredients. 
•  *Honey should not be added yet!
• 
  
• Most of the ingredients should be moistened, however still a little dry - my sister does this step first and then adds the honey to be sure that the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and large clumps of almond halves, raisins or cranberries do not form.

Starting with the top left - dry ingredients, top right - wet ingredients, bottom left - dry and wet mixed w/out honey, bottom right - with honey, just before putting in the baking dish

Now pore the mixture if your baking dish and press the materials firmly into the dish - my sister used the spoon to press the ingredients down - I opted to use my fingers because it needs to be pretty evened out and pressed into the corners!!

Remember to set the oven to 350...

 Almost to the good part - bake, uncovered for 30 minutes. 

My sister had to do a little trial and error in her development here - the original recipe says you need to get the bars out of the pan quickly to avoid sticking, however that resulted in a crumbled mess.  So instead she recommends letting the granola cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then loosen the edges, slice into thirds and then pour on your counter to finish the cutting - will make 18 bars.

Options to try next: After you have mastered the original recipe try other combinations - instead of raisins, cranberries, and almonds how about walnuts and chocolate chips or maybe even dipping one end of the bar into melted white chocolate 

*Please post comments with other suggestions or success stories with this recipe - it is going to be a staple in my kitchen from now on!!

**Side note - I prepared this recipe and took it with me in my bag while traveling in TX and it tasted just as good on day 8 as it did on day 1!!

First Lady Decorating Inspiration...

Where do you find inspiration when redecorating a room? 

Yesterday, while in Austin, I was inspired by the colors, layout and organizational methods of previous First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson.  Although styled in the 1960s – the lines and colors are very now – in fact I was able to find modern interpretations of some of the pieces in the room.

How about a modern twist...

Referencing the loveseat and chair...Ikea - Stockholm

Adding the pops of color with accessories...Etsy - Coral Pillows

A coral desk might be overwhelming in the wrong house...Ikea - Micke Notes Desk


 On the back wall, I like to avoid clutter - so maybe a more classic collection of framed photos - what has really been on my wishlist is to get a hold of some of my families older photos to display.

Ask Anna Mosley

Since summer break is finally here and I head back home from TX tomorrow - I am going to start the process of collecting unique, eclectic frames and hunting down vintage photos and unique fabric prints for pillows...

Where you find inspiration when decorating? Leave a comment…

High Five for Friday...

It's here!!! High Five for Friday is a weekly link party hosted by Lauren @ From My Grey Desk - it's a chance to reflect on the previous week!! 

one. travel. after spending the past four days traveling throughout Midwestern United States reminds me to be grateful that I have such an awesome opportunity.  

two. baseball. mark off another baseball stadium - Rangers Stadium - last night I got to watch the Texas Rangers take on the Diamondbacks.  I have seen the Rangers play before but I had not experienced the ballpark before - Just another reminder of how much I enjoy experiencing new things - good friends, locations, baseball teams, etc...

three. reflection.  God has protected me so much throughout my life - a reminder after I-visited the Oklahoma City Memorial  and Museum this week.  It was truly a tragedy that turned into a symbol of hope, courage and love. 

four. foodie.  I have said it before and I'll say it again - I am a self-proclaimed foodie. This week was full of wonderful new opportunities to try local cuisine: 
a. Cattleman's Restaurant in Oklahoma City, OK
b.  POPS Restaurant  - Arcadia, OK
c. Zarda's BarBQ - Kansas City, MS

five. family and friends.  Mentioned it last week - but also just as important this week as last!!  

After a week of no cooking and unhealthy eating I am ready to get back into my healthy eating habits - any suggestions for healthy meals to make when I get home Monday Night?

Amazing Accident...

Oklahoma City - home to the current NBA finals basketball team, the Thunder, also home to the world famous restaurant Cattleman's and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum...

It was at the NCWHM that I stumbled upon my inspiration for my blog today...as I was entering the museum a young man held the door open for me and was very polite.  As he was NOT part of our group, I started a conversation to see why he was visiting the museum (maybe a fellow John Wayne fan?)...

Come to find out - Tyler Crow is an up and coming Western Artist from the Oklahoma area and he was spending the day with his mentor working on art pieces at the museum. As any good researcher would do I found Mr. Crow's work on the internet to look and I was blown away by the talent this man has and wanted to share his talent with my blog readers...

...so check out Tyler Crow's work: Tyler's Website

Rough Country, Good Life

And all of a sudden...

Hopefully more to follow - waiting to hear from Tyler for more information on his paintings...

Birchbox - June 2012

For my birthday in April my two sisters and brother-in-law gave me one of the best gifts to date - a subscription to B I R C H B O X ...(a hand-selected box of samples and sometimes full size products).  And it just so happens that the theme for this month is Jet Setting - a fitting theme for me as I am currently lounging in my hotel room after a day of museums and historical research (did I mention I am a US History teacher on summer break?)

Here are some of the goodies I am sampling while on this trip...

Clockwise starting from the top left: tili bags, Comodynes Self-Tanning Wipes, Likewise Facial Moisturizer, theBalm lip stains, and the Eyeko Fat Eye Cream (it also came with a mens cologne in honor of ather's day but I passed that onto my brother-in-law)

...stay tuned through out the week for updates on my successes and failures. 

If you are interested in participating in B I R C H B O X, check out the website...it will be money well-spent!