Friday, July 30, 2010

Friday's Foot Fetish

I am a professional event planner. Event planning is glamorous at times and gruesome at times. We open registration each morning at 6 AM and some attendees always beats us there. We end around 10 PM each night. When at an event, I walk. A.LOT. A pedometer would be a hoot- I don't sit except for a few minutes to eat or help at registration. My feet swell so much at an event that I need wide shoes just for these functions.
Needless to say, I own my share of comfortable shoes that I wear just for events. My favorite brand hands down is Soft Walk. I always buy them on Zappos and haven't seen them in stores before. Some are cute and some even my Mother would consider old fashioned.
Here are some of my favorite cute ones from Zappos.
Maggione in Red
Rosetto in Turquoise
Montrose in Ivory ( I own these in brown!)

Manteca in Black
These are a great illustration of the pillowy bottoms of their shoes. They are so soft and the leather is quality leather that bends. If you are on your feet much, get some Soft Walks!


Thursday, July 29, 2010

Do You See What I See?

I made another set of alphabet blocks for a baby boy's shower this month.

Can you see his name inside the alphabet?




It is Grayson! We look forward to meeting Grayson in September.
Here are the directions if you want to make a set!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

$10 Table Makeover

Look at this table- I bought it for $10 at a garage sale. I wanted a small second table to serve as a nightstand in my guest bedroom and the double layer on this one was perfect.
The paint job on this was NOT perfect. It is like they laid a piece of lace on top and painted a second coat of silver. I mean really, it was bad.
This is the moment of any red paint job when you question your color. One coat of RED primer and I had a pink table. Knowing it is the same color as my recent dining room makeover gave me extra assurance it would be red eventually.
And woolah- it is red!
I love the scalloped detail along the edge. If I ever decide to use this in another room, I think it will be super cute for a little girl.
The double top makes is wonderful for practical items for our guests and fun decor items for ourselves.
I think our guest room is now complete!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

That "A" Girl

I love personalizing Abby's sweet little plain t-shirts and dresses with her initials. When my Mom was recently visiting, we made Abby a new shirt and a new dress.
We added a sweet heart on the back of the t-shirt so she knows her shirt was made with love. These are simple fabric scraps, cut out and ironed on with Steam-A-Seam from Hobby Lobby and then my Mom adds a zig zag stitch for extra security and charm. Super simple!
I am always on the lookout for solid clothing items which is often hard to find in kids sizing to make these items. This batch, the t-shirt and dress, are from Baby Gap. Both were less than $8 on clearance. Love when that happens.

We added a little ric rac to the dress. If there is anything I love more than a good monogram, it is ric rac.
We also added a heart to her bloomers. Here is hoping nobody sees it :)
I promised my Mom is I have another girl, I'll take her recommendations on the first letter of her name. The A isn't too bad from a turning the fabric on the sewing machine perspective. We decided an R might be the worst! No Riley or Rebecca for me!

Friday, July 23, 2010

Friday's Foot Fetish

I have pretty wide feet and Bernardo's sandals are perfect for them! They have a really wide base which in turn makes your feet look slimmer. Nothing says classy like a pinky toe hanging off your shoe! These are pricey sandals, so they are a one pair a year slpurge for me, but I guarantee you they will last forver! I own 5 pair (red patent was my choice this year!) and the original pair that is 5 years old looks brand new.

Bernardo Matrix in Tobacco- $99 from Piperlime

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Fresh Blueberry Muffins

I was recently given 2 quart sized baggies of fresh blueberries from a farm in East Texas. They are the sweetest blueberries in all the land.
Knowing they would go bad before my family could eat them all, I shared a baggie and used 2 cups to make this:
I literally just googled fresh blueberry muffins looking for a simple recipe where I had the majority of the ingredients. One quick run to the local Walgreens for eggs and butter, and muffins were made. Yummy!

My recipe had cinnamon and nutmeg with a sugar topping. Very good!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Swimming Pool Bag

Thanks to Melissa at Polka Dot Chair for sharing this brilliant idea!
I have to pack a "wet bag" for splash day at my daughter's school every Thursday and this is so much cuter than a gallon sized baggie! I just love it!
Since it is made from a shower curtain, you can imagine how many bags you can make from one $9.99 curtain. We made them for 4 people thus far and have a good amount of curtain left. What a fun idea for a summer swim party gift or an end of year school event.

Super cute Melissa!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Big Plans

I have big plans for this fabric... on sale for under $9 per yard here
and, this one for under $9 per yard here.
Let's hope my idea in my head, transfers through my Mom's sewing machine and into my kitchen! Pictures to come in a few weeks!


Sunday, July 18, 2010

Yard Envy

My neighborhood has a good number of retirees who have AMAZING yards this time of year. This one if just around the corner from me. They only use red flowers- it makes a big impact against the white rock of their home.
This yard has the largest pot of hydrangeas I've ever seen. Just a month ago the pot was 4 times this size. I drove anyone who came to visit me by this home to look at them. I love their raised bed.
This is my new favorite! The large "elephant ears" are such a vibrant dark green and are larger than normal! My front yard is just too much full sun for these or I would be planting away.

The elephant ears are a great backdrop to the brightly colored flowers spread throughout.
One day I will be a retiree and have a yard the young working families will admire!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Friday's Foot Fetish

I love shoes. I mean, I really love shoes.
I have a good 200 pair in every color. I don't just own green- I own olive green, kelly green, lime green. And, I often own those shades in sandals and flats.
I buy at least a pair a month. I also share shoes I don't wear anymore with my sister. I know, lucky girl. So, starting on Friday's I'll feature a favorite pair. I won't own all these shoes, they are just favorites I've seen online and love. Ladybug Flip Flop- $45 on katespade.com

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Monument Cafe

I met a girlfriend for lunch recently at Monument Cafe in Georgetown. I had always wanted to try it and it did not disappoint. They promote themselves as a small town roadside diner, like our parents would eat it 50 years ago. They have a large garden in the back and many of the vegetables you eat are from their garden or those of narby farmers. I had sweet potato fries and fried zucchini with my King Ranch Casserole. It was all wonderful! Oh, and they bring out a small glass of simple syrup to sweeten your tea with. Oh, and they make their Coconut Cream Pie with whipped cream instead of meringue. Oh, and I loved it all!
The decor is classic- white walls, stained concrete floors, deep rich woods, and blackboards on the wall. It was so clean and still vintage, a rare combination.

I highly recommend Monument Cafe!


Tuesday, July 13, 2010

If I Had One Million Dollars- White Watches

If I had One Million Dollars, I'd buy this white Michael Kors watch. I love it! I have a watch of his that was on super clearance at Nordstrom's and it is a good chunky thick watch. He makes good ones!
White watches are super trendy right now. If you need a more affordable option, this one is also super cute. I may or may not be seen wearing it soon ;)

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Breakfast Casserole Recipe

I made this casserole for my Sunday School class today and a couple of people asked for the recipe. This is super easy to make and transport in your heated Pyrex carrier, a must have! We got our first one as a wedding gift 11 years ago and it is nasty inside from random juices. We received a new version for Christmas and are loving it.
Breakfast Casserole

2 cans crescent rolls
1/2 # ham or turkey, salami, provolone cheese
6 eggs
2 T Parmesan cheese
Non- stick spray

Preheat oven to 350

Spray 9x13 dish with non-stick spray.

Roll our crescent rolls flat onto sprayed dish. Layer rolls with ham/turkey, salami and cheese.

Beat 6 eggs with 2T cheese and pour over the top.

Top with second can of rolled out crescent rolls.

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes.

Enjoy warm for breakfast or dinner! Goes well with fresh fruit and orange juice.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Tortellini Salad

Last summer I took the day off to visit my friend Alison in San Antonio. It was a great day to just chat with a girlfriend, see our kids play, and enjoy the fun of summer! She made us a wonderful and easy pasta salad for lunch and since it is summer- we've enjoyed it for dinner lately! Alison's Tortelloni Salad
Cook and drain according to package
They also have cheese or chicken if you'd prefer!
Add:
1 package pine nuts
a handful of chopped grape tomatoes
a handful chopped fresh basil
Parmesan cheese
Coat with La Martinique French Vinaigrette
It is wonderful as a side dish or as your main dish with some bread on the side!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Cabinet Magic

Look at how shiney and rich my kitchen cabinets look?
Just a few minutes before this picture was taken they were beginning to show signs of "love" with dust, dry spots, and maybe even a little dried yogurt flung from a toddler's spoon or banana from a flying arm. Who knows what that was? :) I asked a vintage furntiure dealer while at lunch shopping and he recommended Howard's Orange Oil, found at Home Depot. My husband came home with this instead, but it worked WONDERS!
For $5 and 10 minutes, you can spray down your cabinets and wipe them fresh and clean! We just used a small baby washcloth from our stock. Super easy and really effective!