Art Win!

After my disastrous art project attempt for Valentine's Day I've been 'off' art projects. But I took to Pinterest and started pinning so many awesome looking projects that I felt like the time was right to try again.

First up- here is my cheapest project ever. I already had these frames that have always been above our bed. I popped the paper off the back and lifted out the stock art work (which I saved should I want to try to re-use it again sometime later). I inserted a section of wrapping paper from PaperSource. I got one sheet of paper for 3.50 and cut it into to thirds. I was careful to make sure that each section had a different part of the print on it. Then I popped each piece into the back of the frames I already had and closed them up again.

Presto! Instant art update for less than a five spot.

Next up was this awesome looking tutorial from Pinterest on making your own simple abstract art. The tutorial showed a woman letting her child paint with finger paints on cheap canvas and I looked at it and said "I could do that!". So I went to the craft store and bought a canvas two pack of 11 x 14. I think it cost me about 13 dollars total. Then I saw that they have new Martha Stewart craft paint line and I got hooked. She is so good with color and our bedding set is by her so I thought if I was gonna match the blue, that's the best chance I'd have. Luckily for me I read up the color wheel and noticed they organize the colors in a very helpful way. I knew that I wanted a split complementary color scheme using light blue with light orange/coral to complement it. So I found the bright blue (Greek Key) that I loved and picked three colors lighter than that and one darker (the navy, which I also loved).  Then I found the orange which is called Fresh Salmon. Perfect!

Next I pushed the two canvases side by side and taped them off together so they would work as a duo. Then I used a sponge applicator to apply the paint. My friend Melissa came over and gave me a second set of eyes. It was a lot of fun to have another person around to help out and give feedback. We both agreed that it came out really well. Steven sprayed it with a protective clear coat for me and then we were able to hang it up in the bedroom.

 I also found lamps that I loved at Target. I think the new white shades and clear/silver acrylic lamp bases give it a little glamor without being too fussy. You have to imagine how the photos will look when I swap out the white with black curtains for black with white. I have the materials, I just need to assemble and sew them. Maybe on a another weekend soon... I think the black curtains will give a lot more balance to the color in the room. I also have a black chair to bring in. I want to move the dressing table to the other side of the room and put in a sitting nook with the chair and maybe a bright blue side table. Again- a project for another day.

 I think the tryptic is nice above the bed- it sort of acts as a headboard, but we need two larger pieces over the lamps to balance the wall out. The ceilings are very high and all one color, which makes it look like endless space, but the truth is, you'd never hang anything above the wall line which is at about 7 feet, then the roof starts to slant. Hence, needing larger scale art.

 I saw this photo when we were staying in Seattle and I'd love to recreate it or buy something similar and have that framed and hung in the space above the lamps. One thing at a time.

Lastly, I found another tutorial for some canvas art inspired by the Kate Spade "Confetti". Since I love Kate Spade, as well as confetti, I decided that might make a fun project to try for bathroom art. I bought a small hole punch, some colored card stock and tacky glue and went to work. The whole thing took maybe 15 minutes. Melissa suggested I paint the canvas to give it a little color, so we did that and then she glued one canvas and I did the other. We both agree it reminds us of soap bubbles. I thought that was perfect for bathroom art! I'm looking forward to getting some blue towels in here and maybe a little hook to hang the hand towel on. 

I have a feeling it will take the entire rest of the year to finish this, but this is one of the largest rooms in the house. It's really nice to put effort into a room that you spend a lot of time in. I feel like we've had the same art/linens/look for the last four years. It was really time for change! Thank goodness these projects turned out so well. I'm ready to tackle the curtains next.

Taking Bellevue by storm!

Shelley and I are ladies who shop! Our latest adventure was returning to Bellevue for some Spring Wardrobe Revival. I'm now fully convinced that the Bellevue Nordstrom's is the best one next to the downtown Seattle location, although I think that one is too big to find anything in it.

I think the trip was super successful. Shelley got new shoes, a scarf and some tops and I got two pairs of shoes, a handbag, a dress and I found a sweater that I've been looking for. We also got to eat at the Wild Ginger. I am in love with their 7-flavor beef and the duck on the little bao rolls is simply amazing. I'm not a huge duck fan, but I will eat it at Wild Ginger.

We got smart this time and booked a hotel room so we didn't have to make it a super long day. It made all the difference in the world being able to relax after dinner and not have to rush home. I just love girl road trips! It makes me want to hit San Francisco with my Mom and Sister.

Thank you for such a wonderful time Shelley! I had a blast!!

Bend Trip

I had to go to Bend for a week to be on site with a Client and while I was there, I thought I'd be the best wife ever and pick up a Growler from Deschutes Brewery for Steven. It really does taste better from the tap! Steven now has a growler that we can take back with us and have re-filled. I'm looking forward to doing a little more exploring in Bend. I hadn't been there in at least 10 years and it has changed so much. Hopefully we will get in a little trip before the summer is over.

Easter 2012

 It was a small Easter celebration this year since my Parents were out of town and Steven's sister couldn't make it, but we still had a wonderful and low key day!

 I went with a hot pink, lime green and blue theme. I've been inspired since reading the Collected Tabletop.

Mom and Dad sent us flowers for the table. I can't remember if I've ever gotten a flower delivery before. That was super fun. Steven said that he thought the delivery person was used to delivering condolence flowers because he said "I'm sorry for your loss" when we answered the door. We had a good laugh at that one.

Our menu:
Glazed ham
Green Bean Casserole (from the pioneer woman, yum!)
Potatoes Gratin
Cornbread
Deviled eggs
Pineapple Upside Down Cake

It was all so good that then we had to take the nephews down to the park to run off some of that extra energy. I also made up Steven a little Easter basket of his very own. I put in a new garlic press and scoop and strain from Sur La Table (very handy gadgets!) as well as a chocolate flying pig with bacon and a chocolate and peanut butter bunny from Voseges Chocolates and yummy Olive Oil from a local bottling company. He was very surprised and touched. We had a lot of fun eating the flying pig. How's that for novelty Easter candies?

My first year at work

 Back at the end of March I celebrated my first year at my job. I can't even believe how fast time has flown by. Since I started I've been to NYC and several site appointments helping Julia with an array of tasks and developing my skills as an Office Manager and Business Coordinator.

The most special thing about the day were all the surprises. I received special flowers, a luncheon in my honor and a cake!

 They take such good care of me! I was blown away and did not expect so much attention to be paid to my anniversary. It was such a wonderful day. Now I'm on my way to 2 years!

Later that week for date night, Steven and I made homemade pasta with our Pasta making attachment for the KitchenAid Mixer. It was very yummy. It looks like a total mess- and it was- but it was worth it! I am looking for the roller plates so that we can make fettuccine and lasagna noodles. The extractor we have only does small diameter and macaroni noodles.  It never ceases to amaze me what you can make with flour, water and either eggs or yeast!

A special CD

A few months ago I took a short road trip with Shelly, Colin and Ethan to the Outlet Mall. Colin has a 'favorite CD' in the disc changer and makes requests about the songs he'd like to hear. I loved the CD so much that I asked for a copy of it. Then I got the idea that I should make him a new CD with new tunes on it.

It was a challenge, because not only do the songs have to rock for a 6.5 year old, but they also have to rock for Mom and Dad too.

Here's the list I compiled for him:

1. We're Dancing - PYT
2. The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson
3. (You Drive Me) Crazy (The Remix) - Brittany Spears
4. Hey Julie - Fountains of Wayne
5. Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars
6. The Girl On TV - LFO
7. You Set Me Free - Michelle Branch
8. The Middle - Jimmy Eat World
9. Jump - The Pointer Sisters
10. Roll With The Changes - REO Speedwagon
11. Bye Bye - N*Sync
12. Paradise - Coldplay
    
13. You Make My Dreams - Hall and Oates
14. The Right Stuff - New Kids On The Block
    
15. Love, Your Baby Girl - Sugarland
16. Just A Ride- Jem
17. UP! - Shania Twain
18. Don't Stop - Foster The People
19. The Best Thing - Savage Garden

This is also quickly becoming my favorite work out mix! I really hope he enjoys it as much as I do.

St. Patrick's Day 2012

This year we had Shelley and Kevin over for a Saint Patrick's Day feast!

Our Menu:

-Smoked Brisket in Guiness
-Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Asiago and Garlic
-Biscuits
-Brocolini with Pine Nuts, Lemon and Garlic

-Mint and Chocolate Cupcakes

Here's a shot of my cupcakes all done up:

I used the Martha Stewart recipe for the cupcake itself- she has a mint chocolate recipe, but I wasn't crazy about the frosting, so I used a simple butter cream and substituted vanilla extract for mint. These chocolate cupcakes also have a teaspoon of mint extract in them. I thought that was a lot to add, but the cake is so moist and the mint is so subtle, so she really does know her stuff! I added some green food coloring to the butter cream and then topped with a bit of chocolate bar and green sparkling sugar. Steven said they looked beautiful and I have to agree. They looked like I bought them and that's a wonderful compliment. :)

Here's a sweet pic of Steven's Brisket. He's basting it.

Finally, Steven could not end the night without an Irish Car Bomb. That's Guinness beer with a shot of Bailey's Irish Cream tossed in. You drop the shot glass and then chug it. It's not my idea of a good time, but it is Steven's. So, being the good wife that I am, I documented it with photos.

About to drop the shot in:Chug, Chug, Chug!!!!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

A Sunny Vacation

Steven and I haven't been on a vacation in quite some time. So when my parents suggested that we pack up and visit them in their sunny get-away spot- we jumped on it!

Here's a lovely picture of our gracious hosts in front of their palm tree. I love palm trees!My Dad took Steven out for a long ride on Saturday on the ATVs and they made all kinds of discoveries...

Like the entrance to an abandoned mine shaft...
Preacher's Pass...
The daily trip to the mailbox... Who is that handsome guy? Meanwhile, Mom and I hit the flea market to find some jewelery deals and steals. Boy did we find some amazing stuff. Sadly, I didn't have any photos of our 'loot'!
My Aunt PJ and Uncle Frank also drove 4 hours over just to see us and have lunch with us on Friday. Steven made up some of his famous slider burgers and we had a nice little indoor picnic. We would have been outside, but there were 30 mile an hour sustained winds outside and we thought better of that idea. It was hard enough to keep the BBQ running! I really enjoyed hearing all about my Aunt's Charity work. I hope to come and visit her soon to see her in action. She is such an incredible woman, I hope they know how lucky they are to have her on board!

Finally, our long weekend was over and we were headed out to the airport. I already miss Mom, Dad and Cruiser and can't wait until they are home again.
However, we now have this nice reminder of the sunny, fabulous trip to the desert! Thanks so much for having us!!

A night at the Opera

We are Ladies Who Opera!

This year we enjoyed probably the most fantastic performance of Madame Butterfly, ever, if the gentleman sitting to my right is to be believed. He was telling me before the performance that it would become my favorite Opera ever. Afterwards, he was regaling me with all the other performances he has seen and said that this was the best, hands down. I have to agree that even I could tell that the lead (Butterfly) was most amazing.Before we went off for the night, Shelley and I exchanged gifts. Notice the art project, looking recovered in white! Her package is simply stunning. Look at the ribbons- they were woven together like that. She is so creative! I love the glitter paper. That was the look I was going for. Great minds really do think alike, don't they!We ate dinner at Carafe next to the Keller. I had never been there before, but it was delicious French food. I had an amazing bibb lettuce salad with a buttermilk and tarragon dressing. I'm seriously reconsidering the use of tarragon. Yum! Then steak-frites, classic cusine. Finally a trio of pot-de-creme to share. Lovely!

The set design was really spectacular. The Japanese motifs were really lush and well designed. Even the little boy was adorable. A real scene stealer!

Shelley, Thank You So Much for taking me!

Super Bowl Sunday- You Betcha!

Neither one of us was all that excited about the Superbowl this year. So when Darren asked us to come over and watch the game, and participate in his Super Bowl Challenge, we were intrigued.

I tell you what, there is no better way to make a less-than-exciting game into a rip-roaring good time...

Here is Darren's creation:Welcome to the Darren's Super Bowl Challenge Betting Board! First off, you probably need to know that Darren follows a few Vegas betting sites for fun. He was telling us last year that the site was offering up some pretty ridiculous bets, like "What color will the Half time Performer's hair be?".
So in the spirit of helping us all enjoy the game, he offered a challenge- Whoever came out on top of the betting would win a trip to dinner with him. If he won, we all had to take him out. Fair enough.

There were over 30 different bets you could make. They are arranged here by category. The categories were things like "Half Time Show" and in that one, Will Madonna wear a hat, Yes or No was a pretty big deal that day. We decided that her headdress was indeed, a hat and some people won on that.

We all got 1000 fictitious dollars to use. I bet on "Will there be a Safety Scored during the game?" and won some big bucks. In the end, Stephanie won, followed by Darren and then me. In Vegas, only the three of us would have made money. Steven, Keith and Kali all lost. We also enjoyed probably the biggest burrito bar ever. All in all, a pretty good way to end the season.

Also- who would have thought the Gatorade bath would be PURPLE? It wasn't even an option, only "other" was... So crazy! I can't wait to do it again next year.

A Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day! I sent out a lot of homemade Valentine's cards and got a few back!

My day was especially wonderful this year. I received some happy Starbucks treats at work, and then came home to this:

My Steven all dressed up and cooking for me.He also set a very pretty table for us to eat at. We enjoyed probably the best steaks ever, asiago mashed potatoes, spinich salad and chocolate covered fortune cookies as well as strawberry short cake for dessert.

We also indulged in wine and bellinis, but who's counting?I wore my special new dress for the occasion. Even on a Tuesday night, we still know how to have a great time. Happy Valentine's Day, 2012!

Art Project Fail

My friend Shelley and I are obsessed with Valentine's Day. Every year we treat ourselves to a little 'Girls Night Out' and share gifts with each other. This year I came up with the most awesome packaging idea ever. I had a total vision for the most amazing gift packing ever. Seriously.

It would have been over-the-top too. Here was my plan:

Take one of those 'photo boxes' that you can use to store photos in (but you really shouldn't, because it is bad for them!) and paint it red with glitter. I went back and forth over how to paint it. I almost used Modge Podge and Red Glitter Scrapbook paper, but decided that red glitter spray paint would be the best. I found "Cherry Bomb Red" at the craft store and decided that would be perfect.

When I went to paint the box, I couldn't have asked for better weather. It was sunny, bright and a balmy 50 some degrees outside!

I should have worn gloves because I had a nice manicure, but I was too excited. I started with the lid. First side, good, second side, good, third side- NOT GOOD.

The cap to the can wouldn't release and only spray adhesive was coming out. Everywhere. No glitter. No red. Just yucky, smelly, adhesive. It ruined my box and my nails.Steven came out and put the spray paint into an old can we had around so it wouldn't spray everywhere. The can petered out of juice after about 30 minutes. We had to wait for it to stop before we could toss it. Luckily, it stayed nice outside.

I had leave to meet up with a friend, but I thought for sure it was ruined, and I was really upset. My vision!!
When I came home, I was slightly depressed and trying to come up with a plan B that would be as awesome. Steven had gone out and primed and painted the box white while I was gone. It was just stuff we had around the garage. He's so AWESOME!

The box looks great and without giving too much away, on the inside, I have a fantastic gift, lovely tissue paper and three colors of crepe paper. It looks fantastic.
I love that pink polka dot ribbon. It would have been so sweet if it were red with glitter, but this works too. Sometimes you need a little help to roll with the punches. THANK YOU STEVEN!!

60-day Check in

I'm well into the 60-Day Challenge and I'm actually loving it. I think it makes a lot of sense to create your own program, because then you answer to yourself when it comes to following it. I think if I had used someone else's ideas then it wouldn't have had as much staying power.

Here's how I've been rolling along with the challenge:

1. I've dropped 2 pounds. But that's not really a main focus at the moment. Dropping 10 would be fantastic and I ultimately aim to do that, but right now I want to build some momentum to get me motivated to exercise and then I'll work on eating right. Maybe the next 60-day challenge?
2. My pants fit better. Hurray!
3. My tummy is tighter, flatter, fitter!
4. When I don't get up and immediately do my workout, I feel bad and I will do everything I can not to miss it when I get home.
5. Doing my workout first thing puts me in a great mood for the rest of the day.
6. I try to do a little bit extra on Saturday and Sunday when I have time. I'll do 30 or 45 minutes on the treadmill and then some light stretching or yoga.
   

So there it is. When I feel myself lacking inspiration, I turn to Pinterest and post things to my "Get off the couch" board. I look for new exercises, motivational phrases and little things to perk myself up. Here's one I really love right now:

Is anyone else doing a challenge? If so, how's it going??

Catching Up

Well 2011 was a slow blog year. I just looked at my posts and saw that I only had 34 for 2011. When compared to the 55-80 I have for other years, that is pretty low. Whoops!

I think I'll blame it on getting a job. Being gainfully employed again must have cut down on my blogging time. Probably owning a home did the same thing as well...

I think I ended up enjoying 2011 just a little bit too much. I gained about 10 pounds in the last half of the year which I am now working to take off. I'm making a conscious effort to exercise and eat healthfully so that I can slim back down again.

It all starts with my challenge to myself. That's right- I'm uping my ante. I decided that 2012 is the year I start to challenge myself a bit. I've got some books on my wish list to sharpen my mind, I'm going to work on my body and I'm really proud of how far I've come emotionally. If you'd asked me 3 years ago where I thought I'd be right now- the answer would have been completely different. I feel good about where I am now and where I'm going. Being unemployed takes a lot out of a gal and I'm finally back on track. I'm dreaming again and setting out to make those dreams a reality. One thing I'm grateful for learning was that it is ok to let things go and take life as it happens. There is a lot to be said for enjoying the moment that you're in right now.

So, on to the Challenge!

My 60 Day Challenge:

Walk on my treadmill or do yoga or some combination for 30 minutes every day.

Additionally, each day has a challenge associated with it:

Sunday: Weigh in day, for extra credit prepare healthful snacks for the week so they are ready to be a good alternative to something not-so-healthful.

Monday: When you drive somewhere, park as far away from the door so you get in extra walking time. For extra credit, walk an extra 10 minutes or add intervals to your workout.

Tuesday: Substitute something not-so-healthy for an extra serving of veggies. For extra credit, walk an extra 10 minutes or add intervals to your workout.

Wednesday: Weigh in day. For extra credit, walk an extra 10 minutes or add intervals to your workout.

Thursday: Take the stairs today. (I work on the fourth floor of the building, so this is a good one for me!). For extra credit, walk an extra 10 minutes or add intervals to your workout.

Friday: Try to get in a 40 minute work out. This is so I can enjoy (and indulge) during date night.

Saturday: If you did any of the extra credit- treat yourself, maybe its a glass of wine or some dark chocolate.

And back to Sunday again.

So there it is. I started on 1/1/12. It was a shaky start, but I'm doing well with it now. My goal was to loose 10 pounds in 60 days. I'm already on the right track. I won't be disappointed if I don't loose the 10 pounds. What I'm looking for is how well my clothes fit. So if I feel like I'm looking good and feeling good then I'll call it a win.

Is anyone else doing an exercise program for the New Year? If so, good luck! I'm off to do my Sunday workout.

Happy New Year to You!

I've lamented the frustrations of Pinterest where you Pin, but don't actually Make... and I've decided to stop it by getting up and making something of it.

I got the Martha Stewart Homemade Holiday Crafts book for Christmas from Mom, so I put it to good use making party decorations for our New Years Eve shin-dig.

I decided on a white, gold, bronze and pink theme and then made the hanging Pom Pom like I did for my Birthday Party. I got this shimmery iridescent tissue paper and layered it between light pink sheets. I loved it so much I have kept it up for Valentine's Day.

We made up some easy snacks and then had visitors through out the afternoon and evening.
I pulled everything off our Buffet and assembled a drinks station in where we had it all set up for our Poker Party. No money exchanged hands, it was just for funsies. In here I had a bronze and pink Pom Pom, which looks really nice with our curtains!

I had come up with our signature drink- the Cranberry Cooler- cranberry juice, lime juice and club soda- that you could spike with whatever you wanted. I liked the vanilla vodka, Steven liked the whiskey.I used Martha's tutorial for drink stirrers, or as Grandpa would have called them- swizzle sticks. Just a Pom Pom from the craft store glued onto a skewer. I put them in a shot glass I had.I found some gold noise makers and used the tutorial to embellish them with some gold stripped tissue paper and pink tissue paper I had around the house. They were a hit at midnight. Everyone sat down to play Texas Hold'em and Black Jack. Having Darren as the Black Jack dealer came in handy- he's a mental math pro. He even dabbles at counting cards, so he could give you a pretty good indicator of what would happen. It was very fun to play with everyone and actually use our Poker Set. It reminded me of the old days when would sit down with Dad and our poker chips at home. We'd tell stories and have snacks and just have a good time.
We had to tear ourselves away from the game at 11:45 to pour champagne and watch the ball drop. Good Times!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

This was our first official Christmas here at the house because last year everything was in boxes and waiting to be carted over to the new place until the day after.

This time we got to relish in all things Christmas related. We had to rearrange furniture to allow for our tree, but thankfully, we both liked the new arrangement just as much as the old one. Here's Steven with our tree.
We spent Christmas Eve with Steven's Family, but I didn't take any photos there. Here we are at my sister's house for Christmas morning. Colin is going to play Santa and distribute gifts. Cruiser is looking to see if anything is for him...Ethan is enjoying his new trike! He really motors around on that little thing!We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Aunt Donna joined us and made a beautiful centerpiece out of practically nothing, which was really impressive. Shelly had picked up some free greenery from Freddies and she just looked at it and said, Oh, I can make something out of that. I wish I had a photo because it was beautiful. We had really good food and everyone stayed and talked and snacked until pretty late.It was our last chance to see Papa and Mimi for a while since they were headed South for the winter. I can't wait to visit them!!
I hope everyone had a lovely and fun holiday season! Best Wishes to you all!!

Christmas Tea for Two

Shelley and I enjoyed our Annual Christmas Tea for Two back in December. She picked me up and we exchanged gifts before leaving for shopping and Tea time.
I found her an amazing scarf with a vintage black and white photograph of a woman driving a convertible screen printed on the silk. It is quite large, here she is holding it up:
I received a white scarf and some Ugg slippers that I really wanted (our house gets cold!). We also exchanged ornaments. It has become a tradition to wrap our gifts to each other with an ornament adorning the package. This year I received some blown glass cupcakes and a pink macaron. I put a hand blown glass champagne bottle on hers.
On to tea! We always end up seated at the same spot. The room is lovely with a grand tree. The color scheme changes every year and this year it was neutrals. We fit in very well!No tea is complete without champagne! Cheers to a happy holiday season and the start of a new year!