Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Oh my, How Pinteresting!!


Oh how I love Pinteresting Wednesdays! Even though Christmas is just around the corner (SCORE!! HIGH FIVE!) I still think its fun to share with all my readers things I am {CRUSHIN'} on hardcore. 

So let the fun begin.


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{I am lurving...just LURVING..this! The hubs and I have a home in the middle of a "developing neighborhood", which basically means we are getting to know the workers building the homes around us VERY well. As I was leaving for work this morning, I spotted a crate similar to this next to house being built to the right of us and mentally decided that if it was still their after I get home- I will steal it to my project needs. Muaha.}


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{I am in no way shape or form....a cook. And I don't mind admitting that. But for somebody who is challenged in the kitchen...THIS was the perfect recipe for me. Its simple and will totally make your house guest think your related to Paula Deen. No bread maker?? NO WORRIES! You don't need one! Check it out y'all...Your taste buds will thank you later.}


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{The backyard has been one area of the house that I have neglected. Maybe its because its cold or maybe because I don't have a dog...But I NEVER go out there. But the day that I DO...I would like to make some pots that look like this! I have some stencils left over from when i did my major STENCIL WALL DECOR project (which you can check out here!) so I think ill make some good use out of them!}


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{This is such a neat blog for helping you figure out what you want to do with all your different sized frames! Im wanting to do something like this in my study but couldn't think of a neat way to hang them! WA-LA! This blog solves all those problems!}


What are some things YOU'RE crushing on today??? 


Monday, December 19, 2011

Don't be jealous...

I know I know...You're jealous of me and my husbands amazing gingerbread house making skills....




You can pick your jaws off the floor now. 

6 more days till CHRISTMAS!!!!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Recent Design Jobs!


One of my very best friends Kate Shell is getting married to a super cool guy, Adam Cooper, this New Years Eve and I had the privilege of being her personal graphic designer for all her wedding needs! :) Can't wait to watch her walk down the aisle oh so soon!!



One of my EEE Sisters, and fellow pageant competitor had me come up with these two designs for some fun upcoming events she was hosting! :) They were a blast to design!  


This wedding invite was for sweet Abbie Dunham (now Tracy!) She had a vintage/rustic wedding and wanted her invites to capture that look as well! Birdcages were used throughout her wedding reception and so we incorporated them into the invite as well! 








Thursday, December 15, 2011

It's Okay Thursday Link Up!

Hey guys! Today I am linking up with A Complete Waste of Makeup for yet another......

Its Ok Thursdays


ITS OK.....

That Christmas is in 10 days and I still have not finished gift shopping OR wrapping.

That I would rather clean out our drains with a coat hanger then do laundry...

To get super sick after doing my first real Zumba class since college. (Im clearly out of shape)

To have to put a sticky note over the clock on my computer so I don't stare at it all day wishing it was 5..

To only be excited that Lamar Odom is playing for the Dallas Mavericks bc the Kardashians might be opening their DASH clothing store in town.


That I bought "bang extensions" bc I'm too much of a sucker to actually cut my own hair

That I brought an orange to work yesterday but stopped for McDonalds instead. Healthy FAIL.

What are you okay with this week???











Tuesday, December 13, 2011

New 8x10 Prints in the Shop!

Hey guys! We have some new 8x10 prints in the shop! Just in time for some last minute Christmas shopping for yourself or a loved one! :) 







Thursday, December 1, 2011

DIY-Wall Stencil Decor


I've seen a lot of projects on Pinterest that ive thought to myself "I can TOTALLY do that" and others ive steered clear of knowing I could never pull it off. 

When I saw this on Pinterest- my first reaction was "Easy. Done. Where is my paint brush and stencil?" but I have to warn you....

 This project is not for the weak at heart. 

It takes patience...A good leveler....and a husband who will tell you when its crooked after already spending 2 hours painting the design. (But thats a whole other story.)

I found this stencil from CuttingEdgeStencils on Etsy. And I highly recommend them if you want to take on this task. They provide you not only with ballin' stencil designs, but brushes and stencil levelers as well to make the whole process a lot smoother!


{Picture of the study before the stenciling began! The room is painted grey and I planned on doing the stencil in a semi-gloss grey which is a shade lighter then the base coat. It gives it a nice sheen with still keeping the pattern noticeable.}


{You will want to purchase some paint tape as well for sticking up your stencil. It doesn't pull the existing paint of and holds it in place very well! I also recommending starting in the middle and working your way out when placing your stencil on the wall. Those tight corners can get tricky and take more time to work on.}




{For a project like this-Its good to purchase a dense foam roller since you wont be pressing very hard with rolling the paint on. (Cutting Edge Stencils also provides this to purchase as well) Pressing too hard results in "bleeds" on the sides of the cut outs leaving you with a no fun splotched edge. I always started out pressing with a medium pressure and it worked great!}



{Once you have your first section painted on, you simply move the stencil down, line it up, and start painting again! The great thing about this process is that the paint dries really quick so there is hardly any wait time needed when going from section to section. TIP: CuttingEdgeStencil has "stencil levelers" for sale but I recommend taking your own leveler and leveling from the design itself...Not the plastic around it-as sometimes the design might not be cut straight on the plastic making for an uneven paint job. I say this from experience *smile*}



{Sometimes its fun to have a little moral support while you're working! Even from a furry friend!}



{Remember earlier when I mentioned my husband telling me that my paint job was crooked at first? This is what happens when you have a perfectionist watching your every move! TIP: Sometimes you might need another set of hands to help you line up the design or you might end up looking like my hubby on the right! Ha! He was such a big help and I definitely would have completed the project without his encouragement!}



{Almost done! The top was the most tricky since you're standing super high on a ladder and still trying to line everything up to perfection. I recommend purchasing a stencil brush to get those tight corners sharp and crisp like the ones below! (CuttingEdgeStencils also provides these for purchase as well!}

 Stencil Brush Set, 3 Piece Soft Comfort Series, Great for stenciling



{TADA!!! All done! Not the best picture considering the glare but done nonetheless!}

This project took me about a week and half of working on it here and there and all but two melt downs (But you have to remember-ive never done anything like this before so it quite the challenge for me and hitting road bumps along the way was just apart of the learning process!)

 It's a finished project that im super proud of! Now to just get started on decorating the rest of the room! EEK!

What fun and challenging DIY projects have you worked on lately?



Wednesday, November 30, 2011

I have a crush on you.




Things I'm crushin' on THIS week:

ONE_ If you know me at all, you know that I have a love for all things close to the ground. This includes my Dachshund Chloe. Although I am going against years and years of family tradition by asking for a puppy LAB for Christmas- I still enjoy seeing these little short things on Pinterest.

TWO_ I have been wanting a really nice fur vest but have yet to find the perfect one. If anybody has any suggestions as to wear to find one that won't break the bank but make people THINK I did- Im all ears :)

THREE_The one thing I love about Pinterest is that you come across Etsy shop owners who really have some fan-tab-ulous sells. Like THIS one. This chicka sells those cute little socks that would look great with some brown boots I have! 

FOUR_ I already have my sockings purchased and hung for the Christmas season, but I am LOVIN' this one! If you are still running around trying to find the perfect stockings....Look no further! Click here to check them out in the store!

FIVE_My hubby is quite talented with a camera and I feel like its just something that came naturally for him. He dabs here and there with wildlife photography and really enjoys it. Me on the other hand- I feel like this little boy when it comes to photography and figuring out cameras. One word: Clueless.

SIX_This simply made me laugh. So maybe it'll bring a smile to your face as well?

SEVEN_I am a Starbuckaholic. Its a real and true addiction. So when I saw these cute little cupcakes...My heart melted. Im going to have to try and make these puppies some day! 


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Oh how Pinteresting!

Today me and my husband head to his families ranch out in Morgan, TX for our first Thanksgiving together as a married couple! We both have so much to be thankful for this year!

We have each other, we have a roof over our head, we have two amazing sets of parents, we have siblings who we would do anything for, we have grandparents who love us unconditionally, we have friends that have stuck by our sides no matter what, we have food in our pantry, we both have jobs that supply that food in our pantry, and we have Jesus Christ. 

WE. ARE. BLESSED.

So on this Thanksgiving Eve I want to start back up something that I did a while back before the wedding craziness hit. Pinteresting Wednesdays! 

I love Pinterest. (As do half of the female population) but sometimes you come across things that just really make your heart happy and here is where I will share those with you! 




google

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{A coworker sent me this one day and I LOVE it! For all the designers out there- This is super encouraging. Fight through the crappy work till you finally have something you're proud of!}

definitely needed to see this!

{I love this quote because its so TRUE. God always give you something to praise Him for}

Sadie Lynne is that you?!?!

{When me and Ty get our pup...Be prepared for my blog to have an crazy amount of pictures like this of her!.....Gah I need one so bad.}

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{When I saw this I immediately thought of my friend Meredith. She is one of those people who can pull off any outfit at any time. She's one of the most fashionable people I know without even trying! I love this outfit combo and the colors!!}


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{This is my life. Just finished The Hunger Games series....in less then 2 weeks. Cool.}


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{AMEN.}


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{This is so cool. And so something my brother would do in a heartbeat.}


What are some things you've found that are making your heart happy this Thanksgiving week!!

Be sure and check out my FREE printable from yesterdays post! You can check it out HERE! :)





Monday, November 21, 2011

Free Printable- "Pressure Makes Diamonds"

Happy Monday Y'all! 

Since today is my 1 month anniversary to being married to my man I decided to celebrate by giving y'all a fun, new and free printable!

Free printables always make me *happy* when I come across them so why not share the love??

I love the phrase that "Pressure Makes Diamonds." I heard it a lot when competing in pageants and it has always stuck with me! Print this lovely 8x10 out and use it as a piece of encouragement for whatever pressure- filled situation you are encountering! :) 




Friday, November 18, 2011

Honeymoon to Antigua!

Today I am literally sucking down my Venti Caramel Brulee Latte because last night I was one of those cool kids that saw Breaking Dawn at midnight onnnnnn a work night. Now before you start hatin' you have to understand that I read the 1st book before the entire United States population of woman got ahold of it (Thanks brother for that!) and divided Edward and Jacob into teams and dreamed of the day they too could become a pale, glittery, sleepless vampire. It was fun and totally worth it, but now I'm in desperate need for a caffeine IV.

I havent blogged in awhile and I blame that on being a newlywed and trying to get my new house organized! For those of you who haven't seen these- here are a couple snapshots of my honeymoon adventure! Tyler and I went to Antigua for a week and had a BLAST! It was so nice to relax and soak up some rays! :)


{Our 6 hour excursion around the island! One of the coolest
 things we did all week!}



{By this point- my poor shoulders were burnt to a crisp and I had no idea...*sigh*}


{One of the snorkeling caves!}


{Tyler being Bear Grylls...like normal}


{He was so proud of himself when he figured out how to catch them!}


{They were HUGE! But so friendly and dare I say...cute? }



{Zip-line and ropes course day....Ropes course bout did me in- it was more 
intense then I had suspected!}


{A view of the resort!}


{One of our last nights in Antigua! Excuse the hair- I had NO brush that entire week. }


{Soooo sad to leave!}


I can't wait for our next vacation together! I'm thinking mountains next go around???