Symone's Mommy

In The Red

2011-11-17T21:10:00.003-06:00

Hello, Friends...meet my new friends. Hope you are all well.

Inspiration Pics

2010-08-11T16:50:00.001-05:00

Okay, my blog buddies are not feeling my leopard chair :(

I’m getting it anyway (how ya’ like me now?! LOL), but thought I’d post some inspiration rooms to help the girls visualize what I’m going for.

My plan: Tans & Dark Browns w/ Red or Turquoise Accents

All From HGTV – Candice Olsen

I really love this one (above)!

Replace green w/ red on this one…

Also considering rich (solid) red bedding with brown

Guess I’ll check out House Of Turquoise for pics of browns and turquoise.

If you see any other pics I can use for inspiration, let me know! - Tash

Decor Dilemma

2010-08-09T14:05:00.002-05:00

Okay, we all know I LOVE leopard print…remember these? Let’s not even talk about how many pairs of leopard shoes I have.

Well, it’s bonus time at work and I usually do something big for myself. This year, I am going to create a bedroom sanctuary.

Every room needs a signature standout piece and I think this will be mine.

I found it at Anderson’s Attic, the new outlet for Anderson’s Furniture (a local gem of a store).

My dilemma: Is this worthy of being the yearly gift to myself? What do you think?

Reunion Video #1

2010-08-01T15:43:00.004-05:00

DWC Classmates (and FB friends and fam) - enjoy...more to come after True Blood goes off tonight. I have some really good ones!

Blog buddies - see if you can find me!

Hail Carter High!

Look Who’s Back…

2010-08-01T15:27:00.001-05:00

Well, it only took messages from GetItGirl, Anne (my BFF at work), and Lakeitha (or LD, as I like to call her) to bring me back to blog world. SO much to tell and share and post.

I also have to admit that I needed somewhere to post videos from my high school reunion LOL . Anyway, I’m well…Symone is even better AND I’m back in the blog game.

Post you later (in a minute actually).

Annette and Me @ Erykah Badu concert

Saturday morning fashionista, Symone

Weekend Plans – ROAD TRIP…Heeey!

2010-04-09T10:52:00.001-05:00

The girls and I are making a road trip across the border to Oklahoma’s WinStar Casino to see…

Wait for it….

AND

Keith Sweat

It’s going down! $15 tickets and 6 girlfriends?! Why we are doing it the last weekend of tax season and know some of us have to work Sunday…I don’t know. LOL

Do you really think 6 girls from the 80’s/90’s would miss BBD and Keith Sweat?! Given this is my 20 yr. reunion year, I MUST be in the house for old time’s sake! Plus, I can hit the slots. Can you tell I’m excited?

Hope you spend your weekend doing something fun, too!

Tash

Estate Sale Pre-Shopping

2010-04-08T09:57:00.001-05:00

I am on a distribution list for a company that manages estate sales for families in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area.

The company sends out an email of the address, date of sale and a link with photos of items for sale.

Dilemma: For some reason, I keep looking at this picture of this set of dishes, but can’t figure out why it appeals to me so?

Any ideas?

Book Review # 2 (Long Post)

2010-04-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

I’m not sure if any of you know, but I worked a summer in India in 2002. I fell in love with the culture, the people and, of course, the food. The Indian people, mostly Hindis where I was, have to be some of the most kind and gentle people on Earth.

I have done several things to stay connected to India, including frequenting restaurants, joining the Indian employee network at my company, etc.

I recently discovered Jhumpa Lahiri, a Pulitzer Prize winning Indian American author, who’s short stories blow me away. I just finished two of her collections of short stories and will profile one here. The other Interpreter of Maladies, I’ll save for later.

Review #2 – Unaccustomed Earth

When I got to the end of the first story in the book, I was speechless. I wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or bad thing. It has been so long since I’ve read short stories, that I forgot that they don’t often tie up at the end in a bow. Ever notice that? (J. California Cooper’s short stories are sometimes that way, too.)

Anyway, I kept reading and fell deeper and deeper into book reading love with Lahiri’s stories. Each had colorful details of the reverence with which Indian traditions are treated and preserved. Often sad and haunting, her stories were memorable and had me holding my breath at time. The stories bounced between the challenges of assimilation from old school Indian life and new school Indian American life.

Some of the conversations and character situations so vividly reminded me of the people I worked with in New Delhi. This mostly manifest itself in the stories dealing with marriage and the expectations for it, as well as food, which seems to be a static backdrop in Lahiri’s stories.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

For example -- Arranged marriages are alive and real in India AND within Indian American families today. I had numerous discussions with my Indian friends in about why they would have arranged marriages as opposed to “love” marriages, as they referred to our Western tradition of marrying.

One guy, Mohit, told me that his mother does so much for his family, the least he can do was marry whoever she picks for him. *blank stare*

Another girl, Jyotsna, who I am still in contact with today (8 yrs later), had a boyfriend of 2 yrs that she loved dearly while I was there. They were both middle caste and well-educated with promising futures. However, their parents took them to a fortune teller (cards reader or something like that), who told them they were incompatible and their families would not agree to let them marry. They, rather than face being disowned by their families, broke up -- painfully. A couple of years later, Jyotsna married another guy (via arranged marriage), moved to Canada, had a baby, only to find herself in a physically abusive marriage. She is now a single parent living in Canada, struggling with her assimilation and raising a Indian American daughter. *blank stare* This very situation could easily be one of Lahiri’s stories.

SUMMARY:

I said all that to say that Lahiri writes beautifully and captures you, while also making you appreciate and understand cultural differences. The stories reminded me of why I became fascinated with the people and culture of India, but not only that…Unaccustomed Earth was an intense page turner to which people of all cultures can relate.

Favorite stories in the book:

Only Goodness - An sister who deals with the guilt of the role she played in her brother’s alcoholism
Hell-Heaven – A wife/ mother who struggles with the loneliness of a life lacking love and purpose
Nobody’s Business – An American college student develops a crush on his Indian housemate

Pick up a copy from your local library and let me know what you think.

THE END

Love Get It Girl…

2010-04-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

If you haven’t checked out her post from yesterday, is a must read. Good reflection of how she lives in style, all day, EVERY day…

I know, I have a blog crush on her blog…LMAO

Congratulations to Dayka!

2010-04-05T15:53:00.001-05:00

Dayka @ http://meditationsonlifeandstyle.blogspot.com/ was one of the first of my blog buddies I featured on my lil bitty blog.

Dayka has hit a milestone of 100 followers and has a giveaway for a custom stamp from LetterGirl!

Here’s to 100 more for Dayka (and that stamp for me!

Higher Learning Ain’t What It Used To Be…

2010-03-22T22:17:00.002-05:00

If you are on Facebook, I'm sure you have seen this video of a college student acting a donkey and arguing with her professor over the wording on an exam.

I cannot even IMAGINE behaving that way in college. Now don’t get me wrong, I would get up and walk out in a New York minute! But NEVER would I address a professor or my peers that way. We were off the chain out the classroom, but all about the business in class...always looking to exercise our formal rights as students.

Okay, I'm off my soap box, but, for real -- ole girl was on something or just got heart that needs to be properly channeled…I’m sure her parents are (would be) proud.

UW PD got the last word, huh?

Recipe for A Cold, Snowy Day in the DFW

2010-03-21T17:46:00.001-05:00

Olive Garden™ Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

De-lish!

Bedding?

2010-03-09T15:57:00.001-06:00

Which one for Symone’s room? Found on Jcpenney.com Want to be cute but in a big girl kinda way (Big Girl as in 5 years old LOL).

Remember, purple walls, turquoise curtains – but want to be able to use other colors for accents

My Latest Obsession

2010-03-01T17:20:00.001-06:00

Two words – ESTEE LAUDER

OMG – While shopping for NY in January, I was coaxed into buying a skin care kit from the Estee Lauder counter and given a sample of light coverage foundation.

I have never gotten so many compliments on my skin…I’m not sure what they are saying about what I was looking like before *stink eye*

My fav products:

Day Wear Plus Moisturizer

Perfectly Clean Foaming Cleanser

Advanced Eye Recovery

Resilience Make-up: Natural Tan

I attribute these things (and Ebay because once I discovered EL, I started purchasing my reup on Ebay) to my new sun-kissed look.

What are your favorite beauty products?

Random Symone pic

Snaggle Tooth Symone

2010-02-19T20:14:00.001-06:00

Just when I thought her face could get no cuter!

I Need A Camera…Suggestions Anyone?

2010-02-17T15:29:00.001-06:00

I’ve been thinking about this for a while, but when I saw Get It Girl’s post on our recent snow storm, I know it was time…I need to invest in a good camera.

Below are a few of her pics:

There’s a really cool one of her hubby throwing up snow -but I can’t in good conscience put up pics of another woman’s hubby…it’s a respect thang :)

So…any suggestions on a good camera that won’t break the bank?

Still here!

2010-02-16T14:30:00.003-06:00

Hello, Blog Buddies!

Thanks for all the emails checking on me. I'm good...just been swamped with work (it's tax season) and all the snowy weather in the DFW.

I hope to have a final post of my office soon (yeah, right).

In the meantime, here's a pic of me on the train on the way to the NBA All-Star Saturday night festivities.

Hope all is well!

She's here!

2010-01-28T14:09:00.005-06:00

My couch...is here. I was planning on using as every day couch, with swatches from this post.

It's smaller scale than my current couch so now I'm thinking of putting in my incomplete home office so it doubles as a reading room.

Annette is coming over tonight before we leave for a girl's night to help me. LOL

When I see something like this...and it turns my color world upside down.

From House of Turquoise

Maybe this will be my bedroom inspiration? Why can't I focus? LOL

Online Clearance Shopping

2010-01-27T09:24:00.007-06:00

I was trying to see if I could come up on some online deals like LaKeitha at Home23Duncanboys .

Check out some of the stuff I found on Zgallerie.com .

Dog Pencil Sharpener - $3.99...really, Zgallerie LMAO

Diamond Paper Weight & stand - $9.99. & $3.99

I LOVE this paper weight...looks very GetItGirl style, huh?

Leopard Tape Measure - $3.99

My love for leopard has no end...you know I ordered this hot tape measure.

Happy online shopping! - Tash

Symone's room - Part I: No Sew Treatments

2010-01-25T22:15:00.002-06:00

I know I was supposed to be working on my home office this weekend, but...

Okay, I've been promising Symone I'd fix up her room. This is the first in a series fixing up Symone's room.

No Sew Window Treatments:

Step 1: I started w/ tab top turquoise panels I bought from Wally World for my office.

They are too bold and since Symone said I was not "sharing the turquoise", I decided to put in her room.

Step 2 & 3 : Since the panels were too short, I hot glued a purple cotton fabric remnant to the bottom OVER the tab since I'm not very fond of tab tops.

Step 3 (above pic): Then I hot glued some heart ribbon trim that they didn't even charge me for at Hancock since it was just thrown in the clearance bin. JACKPOT!

Final Look:

They'll be really cute when I iron them LOL

I used some silver upholstery tacks to put the panels up with an inverted pleat in the middle.

Here's the look I'm going for from The Nester...still looking for fabric to put on the top.

Looking forward to finishing my baby's room...eventually :)

Moral Dilemma - Long Post

2010-01-25T13:22:00.008-06:00

Yesterday at church, I was sitting on the end of a row and the rows are staggered so you don't sit right behind anyone so I had full view of the man in front of me.

I want to run down my issues with the man, who I have decided to call "Creepy McNasty", explain how I struggled to focus on church. Then drop the bomb on you with the moral dilemma.

Here goes:

Issue #1:
I noticed that Creepy McNasty damn near fell out of his seat leaning over to watch ladies walk down the aisle.

At first I was like...did he just LEAN over? Then he did it again...and again. This is when the devil started working on me LMAO

I noticed his shoes -> Light grey - like Members Only jacket grey - penny loafers *blank stare*

Issue #2:
When the minister asked us say it's good to see you to the person next to you, Mr. McNasty leaned over his left shoulder and extended his RIGHT shoulder to me *this is an important fact*

I was like "Fool, he said NEXT to you, not behind you!" I said a prayer for spiritual focus and patience so I could continue worshipping. In spite of that, I started picturing Jerome on Martin.

Issue #3:
Throughout the service, McNasty was scanning the crowd. Looking around...leaning back...like he was looking for somebody. I think he was looking at women.

Out of the blue, he reached back to me AGAIN, saying "Hi, I'm Billy." with a dirty man's grin on his face. You KNOW I wanted to psshhhh him, don't you?!

The worst part is that I was in church so I felt guilty giving him my default name, Michelle (Annette you know that's my alter ego when we go out).

It is at this point that I started mean mugging and showing disgust on my face.

Issues #4,5, 6:
McNasty's phone starts ringing RIGHT in the middle of the call to prayer. He fumbled for a minute started pushing buttons that were audible tones, mind you, then finally put it back in his pocket.

Then imagine this happening two more times the EXACT same way. People were looking back, giving dirty looks, you name it.

I started arguing with myself to decide whether to smack him on the head or the arm. Just when I went to lift my hand to smack this clown on the left arm to tell him to turn his damn phone off...he gets up and walks out.

THE KICKER:
His left arm was bent with the fingers curled inwards AND on his right leg, he walked on his tip toe.

All I can say is I'm glad I didn't hit him or yell at him because I would have looked like the girl who mistreated the disabled guy.

I still don't think he gets a pass, do you?

Putting Myself on Blast

2010-01-22T06:05:00.000-06:00

Now that I have officially taken ALL my Christmas decorations down, my house feels naked. It's like when I got a weave in college, then took it out. My house feels BALD! LOL

It has motivated me to get back to business. With that said, I am putting myself on blast and posting pics of my home office I started in October.

Since November I have kept the doors closed and tucked away supplies in the room and ignored it. No more.

Here's the current state:

Unfinished walls - Yes! Since October *sigh*

Orange silk tab top panels from Z Gallerie that will be used as a duvet and curtains. I changed my mind on the red and white. It was too cumbersome to decide on curtains and accesorries. I already had 4 panels of orange silk, inclucing some pillows. Price - FREE

Swatch of chocolate brown w/ turquoise and orange fabric. Will use this for a chair for desk and accent pillows.

Video of still unfinished desk - decided to leave dark so should be simple sand and stain. The lamp is a fab lamp from IBB that still has the tag on it for almost $200, but I bought at the Frisco resale for $24.99 *that stuff is under my desk because I was working on the floor - that's the best excuse i could think of :)

Stool from resale for $4.99. Will use as an ottoman/coffee table for daybed. Not sure if will cover completely or keep legs exposed. What do you think?

*the ladder is sideways on the floor because I was painting on my side on the floor- did it work this time? :)

Let's see how far I get on the office this weekend. Pray for me!

Back from NY!

2010-01-18T12:26:00.010-06:00

New York, New York, big city of dreams...

I'm back! I had a fantastic time reconnecting with my sorority sisters and another old friend. We talked, ate and drank. LOL

No amount of facebook, phone calls or texting can replace face-to-face quality time with friends.

Can you relate?

Trip Highlight:

Eating at two of Mario Batali's restaurants, Otto and Lupa, AND meeting the man himself - orange crocks and all.

Me and Alyssa - my gorgeous ex-coworker w/ Mario

We look just like the dorks we are -- Alyssa almost tackled Mario for a pic "Maaaa-riooooo!" Then when he asked if we enjoyed ->Alyssa to Mario "the cheeeeese..." Tash to Mario "the olives, ridiculous - you my baby daddy" Greatness! LMAO

Here are a few more of my favorite pics from the trip.

Statue of Liberty boat ride

Me and Tonya in the city

Pretending to be asleep on subway

In front of Washington Square Arch

Book Review #1

2010-01-05T12:47:00.008-06:00

Okay, Bloggers! Let's get back to work! Hope all is well with Everyone!

I don't know if I ever shared that I love to read. I take hiatus' from time to time becasue I get consumed in books and can't do anything else (as if I will finish anything anyway LOL)

I recently downloaded top read lists from 1997 t0 2007, including some of Oprah's Books Lists then checked out as many as were available at the library.

In 2010, I plan to regular book reviews. Not too long - just my two cents.

Book Review #1

Currently reading A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. Notice the turquoise background on book - I knew it'd be good :)

You may remember James Frey from the Oprah drama, because The Smoking Gun exposed him for fabricating parts of his book, when it was marketed as a memoir. Read about what happened here.

He incorporated the experience in an excerpt in his recent book, Bright Shiny Morning. No wonder Oprah called and apologized.

My Two Cents:
Oprah's TV ego was bruised and she did him wrong. Who gives a damn if he embellished! (yes, i cussed and may do it again *eye roll*...books hype me up)

It was still his story. The book is GENIUS! I love the way it is written - with the random capitalization and lack of punctuation in dialogue.

It is intriguing, compelling and captivating, and, I'm sure, inspiring to other addicts.

Questions for You:

Have you read AMLP? If so, what are your thoughts?
If not, what are you reading right now?
What is on your reading list for 2010?
Will you join me in a literary journey in 2010?

Happy Reading!

Christmas Eve Eve Tradition

2009-12-24T07:00:00.004-06:00

Last year I decided to start a tradition of making homemade cookies with Symone for Christmas. After eating the dough, we made what was left for Santa and family.

Earlier this week, Symone asked "Mommy, when are we making cookies?". It melted my heart.

Here's a recap of what we did last night, including the recipe I used both this year and last.

Step #1 - Apply flour make-up. Fabulous!

Easy Sugar Cookies from allrecipes.com

Keys to this recipe:

* The butter must be completely soft...almost mushy.

* I suggest a lower oven temp than 350 degrees...325, maybe even 300 degrees.

* Put rack in middle of oven.

* Use parchment paper on cookie sheet and cook no more than 8 min.
Cookies will firm as they cool.

Now...the photos of batch #1 - Black Raspberry thumbprints (inspired by a cookie I fell in love with one summer in India) and Hershey Kiss sugar cookies.

Symone creaming butter and sugar with vintage mixer I got at an estate sale. Perfect for a little one.

We tired of it quickly and switched to my electric hand mixer.

After making the dough, we rolled into small balls. For the raspberry thumbprints, we smashed with our thumbs and spooned in a dollop of seedless black raspberry preserves.

Is it me or does my thumb need botox?

As I did last year, I put the cookies on a sheet too big for my oven and had to transfer to a smaller one.

While the cookies were cooking (too long AGAIN), the remainder of the dough gets wrapped in saran wrap overnight for cook cutters tomorrow for SANTA...yea!!!.

Once removed from the oven, the plain ones get topped immediately with a single Hershey kiss then all get showered with powdered sugar by way of a sifter.

After that...eaten (6 of 10 gone in 3 minutes flat) -- so no pretty plate shot LOL

Here's wishing you and yours happy holiday traditions!

Fab Find (Shoes!) - My Latest Love

2009-12-22T11:20:00.001-06:00

Last week, while perusing Endless.com, a fab site for shoes that does FREE overnight shipping and FREE return shipping and found THESE...

wait for it...

BAM!

*sigh* Don't they take your breath away!

I polled my team of fellow shoe connoisseurs and debated on them a little too long. When I decided to go for it, my size was sold out (ALL sizes sold out).

Well, guess what's back in stock today! I have decided to indulge.

They MUST go with me to NYC in January. Ordering via Amazon with an Amazon gift card I got from work, so nothing out of pocket. JACKPOT!

Note: While it sucks that Amazon doesn't offer free overnight, it does have free regular shipping and I'll take that.

What is your holiday (any day) indulgence?

Question of the Day

2009-12-19T10:11:00.006-06:00

Don't ask me what the craze is about these toys...

Zhu Zhu Pets

Personally, I think parents are more crazy about them than kids because they are just $9.99. Well, I, too, have been trying to find these and think ToysRUS has been teasing parents just to keep you coming back.

My childhood memory:

I remember my mother doing the same thing for Transformers for my brother when I was a kid. She slipped a guy $5 (which was worth more in the early 80s) and he gave her one he was hiding in the baby section.

What I did:

WELL, I follow Toys on facebook and saw this morning that they posted they will be having Zhu Zhus in-stock online off and on for the next two days. I checked out the site 10 minutes after the post and they were not there. Checked 5 min later and THEY WERE.

I got one of every color...the question is WHY? I guess I can bless someone else with the others

Question of the day?

Do we really get into the Christmas toy hunt for our kids or for the hunt itself?

What can I say...I am Type A.

Happy 5th Birthday to Symone!!!

2009-12-14T09:55:00.013-06:00

Five years ago today, at 1:25 p.m. my life was changed forever. My precious daughter, Symone Camille, was born.

She's her grandparent's baby girl (look at my daddy's socks LOL):

She's Mommy's biggest fan:

AND she's a little fashionista in her own right:

She is not only the namesake of this blog -- she's the fuel that keeps me going. We had a great weekend with friends and fam.

I savor every moment with her and love her fierecly. She's a true blessing.

Isn't it amazing how deep our love runs for our kids?

Garland Mother Load & Pretty Wings - Long Post

2009-12-11T13:31:00.014-06:00

Who conquered another fear yesterday...is me.

The Big Bad Attic - so scary!!!

Annette hyped me up and I went up there BY MYSELF!

I knew I had some more Christmas stuff and hit the GARLAND MOTHER LOAD!

I used two straight nails over each side and hooked garland over top. I put it everywhere...haven't added to it yet.

Remember the bare mantle?
I added more garland.

This is the space where my new sofa will be...this is for you LD. Check out my scrap fabric tree skirt a la Annette's tip.

This weekend I will work on a post of my entire home holiday decor for Nester's party.

Part II - Pretty Wings

Let It Shine - our neighbor and fellow blogger (read about how we met here) did a post a few weeks ago on some angel wings she made. Well, somehow they got someone's attention and she was asked to do some for an art gallery! Read about it here.

Congratulations to Shine! She is amazing!

Check out what she did with the mirror I gave her (it is in the Dining room before pic from yesterday's post).

Lindsay's Back

2009-12-10T13:00:00.003-06:00

Living with Lindsay is the first blog that inspired me to blog and do-it-myself. Somehow, she's been on hiatus, but she's back.

Today, she's having an impromptu, no theme McLinky party, looking for inspiration - it can be a funny story, DIY, you name it.

It's a genius way to let people know she's back, as well as get visibility to some of your older post.
Check it out - Lindsay's Impromptu Party

Reality Has Set In...

2009-12-10T09:03:00.000-06:00

Nothing like confirmation that family is coming over to shift you into over drive. Those unfinished, undecided, incomplete projects -- either get done, get a band-aid or get put in the garage.

My mama, daddy, favorite cousin and aunt are coming over Sunday for dinner for my parent's 49th anniversary. The day after Symone's 5th b-day. Can you say ooo-weee?!

Symone and I are home sick, but I went into overtime to get his house into shape!

Dining Room:

Before

In Between:

with crooked curtains

Now:

The curtains are 108" long and for a change are too long. I did this with some stretch stuff out a sewing supplies bag I got at a resale store and pinned to the wall with an upholstery tack. I've seen them do this at fabric stores. Not sure which I like yet.

The table was done based on inspiration from Centsational Girl's sidebar.

Nothing close...but inspired nonetheless. This table is one of my favorite pieces in my house. Loving the turquoise and gold.

Also, updated mantle, changed front door wreath (you see the original one is now in the diring room), changed entryway table and rearranged living room.

Tired - will post more tomorrow. As always, what do you think?

It's Ready!!! My Couch, that is...

2009-12-08T15:23:00.008-06:00

The upholstery company called and said my couch was ready and we need to schedule delivery. I snuck over there at lunch and took some pics.

Here's the original post for background.

$75 couch

Here's where I selected fabrics for my living room. Remember, I got the sofa fabric from fabric.com for $3.99/yd (it is a neutral mini-chenille).

And, now, without further a do...

I'm on my way to something like this.

What do you think?

Crock Pot Cooking - Beefy Onion Pot Roast

2009-12-05T07:28:00.011-06:00

This week has been a very chilling week in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We actually got snow Wednesday....

Check out my baby rocking her robes and boots! You wish you could do that, don't you? LOL

Because it is cold and, as part of my quest to slow down and cook more home cooked meals, I decided to dust off the crock-pot. It came out SO good, I decided to share.

Beefy Onion Crock Pot Pot Roast

Ingredients:

Meat tenderizer
Seasonings (I used Rosemary Garlic seasoning from Sam's Club and a little Lawry's Season All)
One Beef Pot Roast (mine was a Ribeye Roast - yum)
Olive oil - maybe 1 1/2 tbsp (enough to coat the bottom of a skillet)
One medium onion
1/2 bell pepper
Lipton Onion Soup mix - 1 package (I used Golden Onion but they have other variations)
1 cup water

1. Season roast on both sides with meat tenderizer and desired seasoning (note: meat tenderizer can be salty if not using salt-free so keep in mind as you use other seasonings)
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium-high.

3. Sear roast on both sides until you have a nice brown outside. (this is something my mama does before she roasts anything - pork chops, roasts, steaks, etc. because it gives nice color - not that overcooked grey you can get when you cook meat for a long time. Also, locks juices in your meat.)

Thrifting note - Heavy cast iron skillet: $5 from an estate sale

4. Put roast in crock pot.

5. Put cut up onion, bell pepper and onion soup mix on top of roast.

6. Pour 1 cup of water in crock pot and fire it up (on low).

Programming Note: I could not find my crockpot top. I took a top from something else and wrapped the top in foil to seal around edges.

I went to work all day and when I got home it was perfect.

For sides - I opened up a can of sliced potates and a can of green beans. Drained the green beans and added to a pot with potatoes, Rosemary garlic seasoning and some butter. *yum*

It was SO good, we just ate and I forgot to take plating pic.

I am a stove top and oven cook, but after this, I'm sure my crock pot will get ample use.

Have a warm and comfort food filled weekend - Tash

Don't Be Tardy For the Party!

2009-12-03T14:39:00.011-06:00

I found the best list of weekly blog parties on a blog I found from Dayka's blog. *whew - that sounds like the source of a bad rumor*

Danielle at Transforming Home , who is having her first giveaway today (check it out), has the list below on the right panel of her blog. I thought it was good info to share, so...

Weekly Blog Link Parties
Mon - Made It Mondays - Persimmon Perch
Mon - It's So Very Creative - It's So Very Cheri
Mon - Motivation Mondays - More Than A House
Mon - Show Off Your House - House in Roses
Mon - Junkin' Monday - Nice and Easy Antiques
Mon - The DIY Show Off
Tues - Toot Your Horn Tuesday - Silly Little Sparrow
Tues - 2nd Time Around Tuesday - A Picture is Worth a 1000 words
Tues - DIY Day - A Soft Place to Land
Tues - Get your craft on Today's Creative Blog
Tues - Trash to Treasure Reinvented
Thurs - Thrift Thursday Bloggeritaville
Thurs - Transformation Thursday The Shabby Chic Cottage
Thurs - Thrift Store Thursday Homebody Holly
Fri - It's So Very Christmassy at It's So Very Cheri
Fri - Frugalicious Friday - Finding Fabulous
Fri - Creative Cats - Poppies At Play
Fri - Beautiful Life Friday - The Inspired Room
Fri - Show and Tell Friday - My Romantic Home
Fri - Furniture Feature Friday - Miss Mustard Seed
Sat - Saturday Nite Special - Funky Junk Interiors

Don't Be Tardy for the Party!

Kim - Real Housewives of Atlants (Bravo TV)

And the Winner Is...

2009-12-02T17:24:00.005-06:00

...Messy Jessy!!!

Congratulations on your $5 gift card to Dollar Tree...don't spend it all at one time LOL

Contact me @ lygthatsme@hotmail.com and I'll get it in the mail.

I Have A Vision -- not really

2009-12-02T05:00:00.003-06:00

You know I struggle with decor vision. I rely on inspiration from others (like here or here or here). The source of my pain is I am trying new colors this year instead of my regular reds and golds - silver, turquoise and, now, gold.

Can you help a (blog) sister out (CLICK ON PICS to enlarge?

I am uploading a couple of pics of areas I'm struggling with. Let me know what you think. Suggestions are welcome (help, even more welcome).

Most of what I used was purchased at Hobby Lobby at 90% off last Jan. or at the Dollar Tree this year.

1. Entryway table- put ornaments on a 12 votive candle holder, surrounded by silver ivy garland and "gift boxes" Wreath - white birds from Dollar tree and silver poinsetta leaves and other pics from HL

Dilemma(s) - how do I hide the cord from the wreath? Think it needs some height? Thoughts?

2. Mantle - have Martha knock-off hung (which is fab in person), but since using gold and silver with turquoise, I'm struggling to balance the mantle.

Dilemma(s) - Still need to hang stockings, but don't have silver or gold...struggling with color. I'm too embarrased to show the sad, little fireplace.

I started to buy some wood today to do this -- penguins are definitely on the resale shopping list :)

3. Tree - no explanation necessary -- it looks like the Charlie Brown tree (w/ one little turquoise ornament LOL)

I saw an HGTV special last year where they flattened the branches into shelves, and sat ornaments in the middle to make it look full. Have Googled for that video or instructions, but to no avail. Working on it tomorrow based on what I remember *pray for me*

Seriously, I miss my red and gold, but proud to be testing new waters (is that the right saying?)...stay tuned to see how it unfolds and PLEASE share your thoughts and ideas (it's already December!).

Sharing at It's So Very Cheri to get even more feedback! Thanks.

Pottery Barn Knock-Offs #2

2009-11-30T20:36:00.011-06:00

When I saw this, I couldn't belive they charge $30 to $50 for some of these cylinders.

Mission:

I set out to make a knock-off of this arrangement using glass cylinders I purchased from resale stores for no more than $1.99 each. Filler materials were mostly from the Dollar Tree.

Some of this was free (from box of yard sale stuff Annette didn't sell -- but don't tell her I'm using it.)

Total cost (less than $20):

Fake silver Poinsetta...white Dollar tree candles and jingle bells

(You see my silver acorns from Saturday's post?)

Real cranberries and clear liquid marbles from Dollar Tree. The angel thingie is something Annette gave my daughter, but I needed for height...a little fake snow inside and it's all good.

Grand Finale: Video entitled "Jazzy Knock-off"

Check me out at Kimba's DIY, DIY show-off & Reinvented & Home Body.

This was fun! Hope you enjoyed!

Random Knock-off Wreath & Giveaway

2009-11-30T00:01:00.009-06:00

If you don't already know, House of Turquoise is one of my very favorite blogs. I saw this and had to do it (sans the dogs - although very cute).

It was the perfect excuse for incorporating gold into my new holiday decor colors -- shades of turquoise and silver driven by all the stuff I bought last year at Hobby Lobby for 90% off.

Here We Go:

Supplies -

(almost all from Dollar Tree, except for wreath and 2 turquoise bell ornaments)

- Picture of inspiration picture within arm's reach - seriously, I looked at it 50 times easily

- Ribbon

- Ball ornaments (small gold, 2 large gold, 2 turquoise bells)

- Jingle bells (since putting on front door wanted a jingle)

- 3 Christmas picks (added because of golden apples and small pine cones)

- Feathers (I didn't add since refusing to buy any more items for holiday decorating)

2. Look at inspiration pic...Add balls to wreath with hooks or by sticking tip of a branch through the top. Push into wreath when you can to give embedded look.

check out inspiration pic on laptop

3. Look at inspiration pic...fold wire trimmed ribbon to add wavy effect. I folded like an accordian, then smoothed out into softer curves.

4. Check pic again...and add your own flavor, adjusting ornaments and foliage accordingly.

Final result - LOVES (and, yes, L. Duncan, I did it by myself AND I didn't even call Annette while doing it :P)

Giveaway details:

I am SO pleased with the Dollar Tree supplies, I'm giving away a $5 gift card (which IS a lot at the Dollar Tree) to one follower of this blog, who leaves a comment on this post. The winner will be chosen using Random.org and announced Wednesday, Dec. 3rd..

Check me out at Kimba's DIY party

Next: My take on this -

Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut

2009-11-29T00:01:00.003-06:00

One of my tips for bringing nature into your home was to "steal shamelessly".

Here's a pic of the tree on our campus at work that bares the beautiful acorns I ~~steal~~ pick up (and a bag of the loot). click to enlarge

I took them home. Let them dry (picked up on a rainy day...I have no shame) .

Spray painted silver and...Tah Dah. I think they are gorgeous!

Tips for prepping natural materials:
1. Dry - Make sure they are dry before your use to prevent rotting.
2. Clean - If they are dirty, brush lightly with an old toothbrush.
3. Let them breathe - Don't seal in air tight bag...they may rot.
4. Reinforce - If they have a top on them like these lovely nuts, use hot glue to reinforce if they break off (and they do).

Will use as filler in my Pottery Barn knock-off of this - scheduled for Tuesday.

Holiday Thought (Rant) of the Day

2009-11-28T12:30:00.007-06:00

As I am putting up my holiday decor - working on another Pottery Barn knock-off (posts coming soon, if I can find my camera cord), I got to thinking...[begin rant]

Who decided that APPLE CINNAMON was the scent of the season?!
For real. I absolutely despise that smell! It is in every store. It's like someone put a pillow over my face when I walk in! Even the pines are scented - not with PINE but with apple cinnamon.

Why not vanilla? cranberry? sweet potato even? Seriously, apple cinnamon?!

If you had your choice, what would be YOUR preferred holiday scent? [rant over] Let me get back to Frebrezing these pine cones...

Give Thanks...

2009-11-25T23:35:00.006-06:00

...wishing All a peaceful and love-filled Thanksgiving holiday.

My Thanks:

I am thankful for an awesome God who provides for me in every way...enabling me to provide for others.
I am also growing more and more thankful each day to still have both my parents, who have been married 49 years in two weeks...a daily blessing.

I'd also like to share with you my favorite series of sermons from my church, Relationships Before There Was eHarmony. Applies to every relationship in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

- Tash

Martha Stewart Knock-Off - Wreath

2009-11-24T17:46:00.011-06:00

In my quest to knock-off anything I can, I decided to do a wreath I saw on marthastewart.com. I loved the way the bulbs increased in size from bottom to top.

Check out my take on it.

1. I started with a 36" wreath I already had.

2. I wanted fuller so I put an 8" wreath inside and secured by twisting branches on inside of the larger wreath to brances on the outside of the smaller wreath.

Here's what it looked like afterwards.

3. Then I took miniature bulbs from Wally World and started tying to the wreath from the bottom.

4. I pulled leaves off sprays from a local craft store and started added* to the wreath.

*I just pulled the leaves off the tips and twisted onto wreath tips...some are just stuck in.

5. I mixed in medium bulbs at the middle then a few large ones at the top. I should have done this first, but, hey, I'm a rebel.

Here's how it came out.

I'm pretty pleased. What do you think?

Fab Finds

2009-11-21T08:50:00.015-06:00

I have recent rediscovered Horchow Finale, the Neiman Marcus Outlet. There's one minutes from my job, right across from my church.

I befriended the stock room guy and timed it twice this week when he was bringing stuff out. Check out what I found.
Note: (GetItGirl would lose her mind in this place! They have some sick furniture and lamps.)

Red Satin dress - Laundy by Shelli Segal - My price ~$100. Already wore to formal event last week. Wearing AGAIN to a formal event tonight. Getting my money's worth!

Wreath stand - Reg. $100; My price - $25

I got two. Much prettier in person. They are adjustable height. Big plans for using the two together to make a fireplace screen after the holidays (under the supervision of Annette)

Bangle mirror - Reg. $195, My price - $48 ($69 w/ 30% 0ff)

What they call a Cuttleries Holder with Dome - Reg. $80; My price - $20 ($28 w/ 30% off)

I'm planning to use this a holiday centerpiece...check me out here on 12/4

Gotta get back to weekend project work. Hope to have sumthin' completed to show next week *shrug*

Tip of the Day

2009-11-20T16:39:00.005-06:00

Remember my chair I just so proudly spray painted....

I left it RIGHT there for the last two days and guess what happened about 3 a.m.?! Hurricane Katrina hit the DFW (not really but may as well have been).

I work straight up, ran out into the rain barefoot in my gown to get my chair. Luckily, the paint was not affected, but the seat is saturated. Oh well, guess I'll have to completely redo.

Tip of the Day:

If you paint something outside -- bring it INSIDE when you finish.

The end.

My Latest Love

2009-11-20T04:10:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Annette posted about something she tells me ALL the time (ALLLLL the time!)...look in your closet and stick with what you like.

So when I saw these...

Horchow.com

...*gasp* I decided to bring my love for leopard print shoes and accessories (not clothes*) into my home decor.
*disclaimer: Curvy girls like me should stay away from leopard clothing, but that's another post.

I ordered a set each of the high balls and doubles using 30% off Friend and Family code - Friends - that's good through today. I wanted to get maximum spottage so passing on the stem glasses :)

What do you love? Are you surrounding yourself with it?

Home Office Update - Accessories (Long Post Warning)

2009-11-19T12:00:00.006-06:00

In an effort to once again put off painting the top of the walls in my office/guest room, I wanted to try out the turquoise spray paint I got to see if I want to accessorize in turquoise or red.

The desk in this pic is my inspiration (click to see larger). The plan was to spray paint this desk in a similar fashion, but you know I have commitment issues.

Jennifer Flanders by way of House of Turquoise

I played the "Let's just have fun and see where this goes" card and decided to start w/ the $4.99 chair instead just to see the color.

Side note: The desk I got for Symone's room for $5 has similar legs. May use it instead.

Supplies:

LiquidDeglosser (keeps from having to sand before painting)

Spray paint

Gloves

Sandpaper (to distress if desired)

Step 1: Rub deglosser on with a rag (or a torn piece of jersey pajama pants).

Notice the chair is cracked. I need some Gorilla Glue, but will fix later. Need...to...focus...

Step 2: Spray paint (no pic).

Spray Painting Tip:

- Use short strokes (bursts of paint) in direction of grain to avoid dripping.

- If drips, you can 1) let it dry then sand later and touch up; 2) do what I did - rub drip with finger and lightly spray over.

Here's the outcome with one coat (and a flower courtesy of Symone - my flower child). Can't wait to find a fab fabric.

Love how can still I see the dark finish on edges and carvings. Has worn, distressed look even without sandpaper. Don't think I'll do another coat.

Also, did these. They have cute detailing in the corners.

Tried to sand the detailing so they stand out, but it didn't work well since are metal. Will rub and wipe some stain or gold rub and buff over them tomorrow and see how it looks.

Final Thought: Very pleased with today's work. Feeling very accomplished. Now to put it all together (and finish painting)...hmmphh.

They're Here!!!

2009-11-18T22:49:00.007-06:00

My curtains from Horchow (in Antique Gold) came today!

Here they are with the fabric swatches on top...LOVES! So fab and luxurious...
BUT, Annette has me thinking about whether they are too formal for family room.

Where will they end up? Stay tuned...

Bargain Buys - Fall Clearance

2009-11-17T14:00:00.002-06:00

Although I'm over fall and ready for Christmas/Winter decor, I've been wanting this teal ceramic pumpkin.
You know I'm allergic to full price *aa-choo* (see just thinking about it makes me sneeze!)

So when Annette called me and said Hobby Lobby just marked fall decor down to 80% off, I shut it down at work and headed over.

Also found these candles, another tapered candle and this candle holder:

Full-price total: $64.55 -- what I paid....$12.90! Oh, man...I love a good buy!

Pottery Barn Wanna-Be's

2009-11-16T22:50:00.011-06:00

I saw these in the Pottery Barn catalog while at the car dealership Saturday...

Then I remembered I purchase two very similar lanterns at a local resale store a couple of weeks ago for $1.99 each.

- Get lanterns out of trunk (yes, from two weeks ago).

- Get big *#@ acorns out my car door that I picked up off the ground at work.

- Shop the house for random candles.

Voila...Pottery Barn Wanna-Be(s) - all I need now is some fake snow!

Inspiration Spotlight - Dreams of Perfection

2009-11-16T14:05:00.005-06:00

I'd like to introduce my newest blog buddy, Adrianna, from Dreams of Perfection.

We are very similar in that we both have to draw from inspiration and are "struggling bloggist" and both love a good buy.

I also noticed from her most recent Inspiration post that she, too, seems to be lovin' on turquoise (or at least is drawn to decors w/ shades of turquoise/teal).

From theLennox

Check out her out sometime and welcome her to the blog fam! Thanks for following me, Adrianna. I need all the help I can get! :D

Office Update - 2/3 complete

2009-11-16T01:20:00.001-06:00

Since I'm still up at 1:15 a.m. I may as well come clean. You KNOW I haven't finished my office/guest room, right? You know this...mannnnn!

The least I can do is show you what I have done. You will see from pics what I haven't. LOL

Inspiration pics here. Notice I got the bedding, too. Yes, L. Duncan, you do spy fab accent pillows from Tar-zhey.

What's next?
Finish bottom of last wall and top of ALL walls (dreading it).

Decide on curtains and accessories (but having hard time finding curtains same color as wall for tone on tone effect). Any suggestions?

More to come, but can't say when.

Bare Limbs

2009-11-15T20:59:00.013-06:00

Remember the Demon Tree from next door I pulled down?

I noticed some really nice looking limbs and saved some.

Check out some fruits of my labor.

Candle holder turned Nature holder (may spray paint limbs, too.)

Tall twisty limbs in glass candles holders on mantle. Still not sure about this mantle.

About the candle holder - I loved this little branch top, but wasn't sure what to do w/ since it's so short.

I broke off three more from the top of longer branches.

Then pulled some of the mossy stuff out of a ratty old ficus tree (yes, I did...I still have fake trees in my house) and put on top of this candle holders, which is left over from Annette's box of stuff that didn't sell in our yard sale.

Original candle holder...

Nature holder:

Tips For Selecting Limbs:

Look for similar shapes - straight, twisted, buddy, etc.
Don't limit yourself to long limbs...break away the pieces you like and find way to use smaller pieces.
Consider spray painting limbs for year round or seasonal use.
Steal shamelessly...pick up stuff off the ground (limbs, acorns, pine cones, etc. ) any where you go. *I pick up huge acorns from work every week!

Happy nature hunting!

Commitment - I, LaTasha, Take Thee...

2009-11-12T22:24:00.014-06:00

...swatches (laid out neatly on Annette's desk at work - LOL), to makeover my family room (and dining). (click image to see tags)

Annette, tapping into her inner pychiatrist, has helped me realize that I have home improvement commitment issues.

The reason you don't see posts and completed projects is not because I'm not doing anything or don't have endless things I WANT to do...I just can't COMMIT.

As of tomorrow when I take the fabric to shop referred by GetItGirl to upholster the couch, I commit to the following for my family room.

Key Players -

The Couch:

The Window Treatments (from Horchow - discounted + add'n 25% off):

Pray for me...really trying to focus on this one. Looking forward to sharing outcome.

Let There Be Light

2009-11-08T21:11:00.010-06:00

Remember this pic that used to be my banner (all 8 of you who follow me LOL)?

Well, that was September '08 when I moved in! Before today, the whole window was covered. Meaning, no light getting into dining room area.

Background:

That country mess of a plant/tree outside the window was growing OVER the fence from my neighbor's back yard. Neighbor is cool, but had the nerve to tell me it grew pretty flowers and there was a bird's nest on her side at top so be careful. *blank stare*

I was like, "Do you see this demon growing all in the gutter and into the siding of my house!"

Here's what I did:

1. Pulled it down (Her fence is the nice tall one, mine...the crummy little one)

2. Took my chain saw to whatever I could reach. (no pic)

3. Pulled away to alley.

I still couldn't pull the pieces out of the gutter and siding!

We have same yard guy...Wednesday, I'm telling Juan to keep that shyt trimmed on HER side...I'm getting a little indignant, if you can't tell.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Now...think I'll be more inclined to finish my dining table and chairs? Hmmph, read my sub-title again.

Is this GetItGirl's table?

2009-11-08T08:26:00.000-06:00

Or close to it? For $42 at local resale?

Recent Resale Finds

2009-11-05T07:36:00.007-06:00

Given I have an unfinished office, an unfinished buffet, unfinished dining table and chairs, unfinished patio set, TWO unfinished desks...you notice a theme here? I decided to only look for accents at resale store until the big stuff is done.

Here's what I found Monday:

Large serving bowl w/ 6 smaller ones...$1.99 for large, 39 cents each per small bowl - Looks like a blooming flower when stacked together, don't they?

Small frame - $2.99

Two gold frames - 2.99/each (with 25% off)

Also got - two small accent tables that I think will go w/ my "trash" patio chairs as Dayka called them (LOL)

Check me out at Homebody's Thrift Store party. Hope to post what I did with it all soon!

From Christmas to Fall

2009-11-02T23:14:00.003-06:00

Broke leaves from fall garland and stuck into a turquoise holiday candle holder. Two Dollar Tree pumpkins...voila!
(Pretend you don't see those sad little wedding candles I stuck in there for the pic!)

Check me out at Kimba's!

Need Inspiration...Enter Here

2009-11-02T10:00:00.000-06:00

Last week, Annette and I were in Lowe's and I grabbed a Traditional Home magazine. I thumbed through it over the weekend and, for the first time, I tore inspiration pics from a magazine.

L. Duncan has a contest to win a YEAR's subscription to one of 7 magazines of your choice. Enter here to try your luck, but that Traditional Home subscription is MINE! LOL
Good luck!

To-Do List - Update

2009-10-31T22:08:00.027-05:00

Symone and I had a glorious day. She "read" a book this morning (part from memory but a LOT from learning small sight words). I'm SO proud. Kindergarten will NOT be ready for her next year!

The weather was beautiful. We ran errands and did lots around the house.

BUT, the real question is...am I making progress on my To-Do list?

My weekend To-Do List (update):

1. Paint and distress at least ONE dining room chairs - one coat applied and I like the way it looks *do you see my baby striking a pose in the background?*

2. Finish rubbing on stick-on saying on foyer wall. - *eye roll*
3. Finish painting home office and post pics. - *hmmph*
4. Finish foyer and post pics. - finalized accessories
5. Buy Halloween candy before it gets dark tomorrow LOL - done

What else did I do:

Found cute accessories at resale - #4 on wish list

Picked up Symone's clay painting project from overpriced arts and crafts place

Returned (FedEx'd) fabric purchased online

Cleaned out garage while supervising Symone carving a pumpkin by HERSELF- got storage bins on clearance at Tar-zhey.

Took neighbor's patio chairs she put in alley for someone to pick-up (well, they got picked up LOL...I sound like ThriftyDecorChick! )

Decorated doorway for Halloween (including Michael Jackson pumpkin)

*Symone's preschool teacher gave us the MJ pump*

Went over my neighbor's (also an OU grad) to compare houses (our floor plans are very different we discovered).

Washed two loads of clothes (but didn't fold a sock!)

Fixed Symone a snack (just a fresh plate - carrots, grapes, cantelope)

Found a make-shift costume for me (College Bride - I couldn't find the cap to match my gown) and took Symone trick-or-treating for her first time (she didn't realize how much candy she'd get!)

So what if I didn't get to #2 & #3! I took Monday off just in case. Don't hate the player... LOVE the game :)

Oh, No She Di-int!

2009-10-30T13:28:00.007-05:00

Since Annette called me out yesterday about always saying something needs to be distressing, but having never distressed ANYTHING...I have put on my game face.

My weekend To-Do List:

Paint and distress at least ONE dining room chairs
Finish rubbing on stick-on saying on foyer wall.
Finish painting home office and post pics.
Finish foyer and post pics.
Buy Halloween candy before it gets dark tomorrow LOL

Wish list:

Decide on how to finish latest unfinished project.
Go to fabric store and make final selections for couch.
Add fabric to curtains in Symone's play room.
Hit up resale stores for accessories.
Find curtains/fabric for office.
Find a blog background that really reflects my style (tongue in cheek).
Schedule blog post for any progress I make...I pray for progress!
CLEAN UP! (last on list, of course).

Will I deliver?

Latest Unfinished Project

2009-10-26T22:29:00.013-05:00

Remember the big buffet I bought during that 3 week phase when I was about to lose my job because I was loitering at resale stores.

Annette (my partner in crime) found some good stuff, too.

Okay, it hit me when I got it home...it is big as HELL! So I've waited to see if I want to keep. Think I will now that redid foyer (post coming soon).

The Plan...darken (or lighten)and change out knobs (or at least redo the original ones). Truth be told -- I don't know WHAT to do!

Check out my inspiration pieces. I am naturally drawn to dark wood, but am open.

Here are a few pics from Paloma's blog - see the pieces in the background

I like the black look of this one and the use of the pic right above it.

This one is nice, too, but not sure I love it.

I'm drawn to the distressed white, but am afraid to do it on such a large piece.

I like this one too...looks like something is stenciled on front.

Next steps - find the right product and go w/ it. Thinking of the glaze the the Shanty Chics love. They use on EVERYTHING but also paint everything Heirloom White.

Any suggestions?

"Weigh" In...

2009-10-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

As you may remember, a few weeks ago, Symone and I were sick. Somehow, between now and then, I have lost some weight.

I am ALWAYS trying to lose weight and found it interesting that I have lost weight given I have never lost my appetite.

My Journey:

I took inventoryof my habits and realized two things:

I have been eating more yogurt (to counteract the antibiotics for my ear infection).

I have been drinking peppermint tea* daily.

Background:

When I did Weight Watchers, I always lost good when I got in my milk servings (always with yogurt since I don't drink milk). Also, in college, one of my sorors' mother turned me on to iced peppermint tea on a hot summer day, but I usually drink it hot now.

I'm not sure this is what is triggering the steady weigh loss, but the bottom line is...I'm a little slimmer, my clothes are fitting better, and think I'm fine! LMAO

Your Journey:

So, the question for you is...what do YOU do (consciously or unconsciously) to help maintain body, health and well being? What works for you? Please share.

Random pic of Symone in her OU Cheerleader outfit from last weekend.

DIY Spotlight

2009-10-22T17:00:00.003-05:00

I want to introduce a new blog buddy I recently found...Dayka. She seems very much like many of us..."Dirty thirty-ish" and has recently fallen under the DIY/Blogging bug.

Check out her most recent DIY project...I think she did a great job.

BTW - she also has a post showing a tour of Kim's house from Real Housewives of ATL. Hey! "Don't Be Tardy For The Party"!

Welcome to the Fam, Dayka!

Dining Room Update

2009-10-22T07:56:00.011-05:00

Remember my empty living room pic I used to have at the top of the blog?

I am working on this space this weekend and thought it could use an update. Have more pics on Annette's camera to upload this weekend on the rest of the house.

Here's an update:
1. Table purchased ($29.99)

2. Silk Curtains from previous home - they are hanging a crooked mess*...working on that this weekend. (From Z. Gallerie about 5 yrs ago)

*just pulled those suckers down...will post replacements soon)

3. Chairs purchased ($60.00 for all 4, one side arm, 3 reg.) - recovered one w/ some left over fabric.

Will recover and edge w/ nail head eventually when I find some fabric I love.

4. Using entry way table as side bar ($99 from local furniture store tent sale, reg. ~$400)

5. Scones from Bombay for previous house. Not sure if will use these, but thinking they could be used instead of lamps. Looking for a nice mirror to hang over table.

6. Antique Silver pieces from estate sale ($30)

Still need to accessorize, but it's coming along, huh?

Inspiration/Research Photos

2009-10-21T09:00:00.003-05:00

L. Duncan's comment on my last post got me weighing the option of using something bolder on the couch (translation for me: Red)...however, I would still love to see if I can make something beautiful using the fabric I ordered on clearance online.

My (original) logic:
My thought is go with a neutral that I can move around or use in the future, rather than something I may get tired of and have to pay another $500+ to reupholster within the next year or two.

Inspiration/Research:
Sooooo, I did some research on mixed fabrics on similar shapes couches (should I be using the word sofa instead of couch? I could say divan like my grandparents, huh? LOL). I threw in some all red ones for good measure.

All are from Neiman's website ranging from $3299 to $7999 -- yes, thousands! My
$74.99 sounds real good right now, huh?

Check them out and weigh in. (BTW, my favorite mix of fabrics is on the green striped couch/sofa/divan)

(This one was the only one less than $2K - really a settee)

What do you think? Can I make this work or should I go red? Thanks!

Couch update

2009-10-20T17:13:00.010-05:00

Remember the beautiful French Provencial couch I bought at local resale for $74.99? Well, GetItGirl recommended the place that did her couch. They picked it up for me and NOW it's time for fabric.

Because my first order is to keep the budget down, yet maintain quality (sounds like a slogan, huh?), I have been looking for fabric online. Annette made me order swatches first and my first choice got sold out :( Some Martha Stewart she is... *stink eye*

Going for something neutral...Here's what I found - let me know what you think: All $4.49/yd

Thinking of the striped pattern where the floral was on the couch and the tan or the one of far right on back and sides where solid green fabric was.

SO...what do you think?

Boomer Sooner

2009-10-16T11:08:00.010-05:00

This weekend is this big game (tx-OU). OU is the under-dog and we're looking for the upset.

Planning on kicking it w/ alumni, but got in mommy time w/ Symone yesterday because that's the rule: Symone time before Mommy's Grown Folks time.

Enjoy pics of me and Symone from the fair!

Thrift Store Finds

2009-10-14T14:55:00.018-05:00

WOW! It's been almost 3 wks since my last post. Thanks to L. Duncan for the nudge to get back on the blog scene.

Here's a quick update...Symone and I were sick w/ "flu-like" symptoms for a whole week. But that didn't keep me from resale shopping.

Also, went to see Maxwell (and Common) Monday night...extreme sexiness going on at that concert. I wore green eye shadow for Maxwell and he didn't even notice ;(

I also started on home/office and it is coming along fabulously, if I do say so myself. Big thanks to Annette for her invaluable (translation: free) consultation services. Will post soon.

Here are a few things I've bought on Craig's, at resales or garage sales (have more but need to take pics):

5 piece Patio set - ($25 bucks; Annette doesn't see my vision on this one. I'm going to make this so HOT Annette will be asking (no BEGGING) me to have her over to sit outside and have drinks)
Desk - $5 [garage sale] (that's right, FIVE DOLLAR - from a neighbor of a friend; Also, bought the little night stand next to it for $5 out of guilt)
Couch - $74.99 [CCA resale] (high quality coach w/ beautiful wooden legs; Got referred to upholstery place by GetItGirl; Currently deciding on fabric)

Also check out Annette's latest bargain find of the week from same place I found the couch.

Will post more updates this weekend!

Office Re-Inspiration

2009-10-01T09:24:00.005-05:00

Okay, my post on my home office/guest room is causing confusion. The colors are a little intense for some to grab -- they don't feel my vision :)

I found a pic that more closely matches my vision - would love your feedback?

Inspiration Room - Home Office/Guest Room

2009-09-29T18:00:00.002-05:00

I have been planning to setup my home office, but also need a guest room since I dedicated the third bedroom for Symone's play room.

This is my inspiration room...disclaimer - in a grown folks way, not this way. Think colors, not layout.

Here's where I am today.

Got a free twin Memory foam mattress via an employee "free-cycle" process at work.

Antique desk from resale. See this post.

Just ordered this for bedding

More to come...have to have this done by TX-OU weekend (Oct. 17th) -- pray for me!

Copy Cat Topiary (Almost)

2009-09-28T21:53:00.014-05:00

Been a while since last post. Saw Annette's and Shine's recent work and got rejuvenated.

Annette created the most amazing pumpkin topiaries. So here's my tabletop copy cat (done w/ my level of talent so don't get hype).

Before (small tabletop centerpiece):

After (three twig? pumpkins from $1 bins at Target, w/ pics from $1 fall foliage from Dollar Tree)

Not bad, huh? Check me out @ Kimba' DIY day and Twice Remembered.

Lamp Dilemma

2009-09-16T11:17:00.007-05:00

Got this from resale for $6.99 last week (it was brand new).

Thinking of spray painting to look something like this.

After this, mess...rethinking spray ever painting again.

Today's Resale Finds - Questions

2009-09-16T10:49:00.009-05:00

Bought:

Found these...will use to do my own interpretation of Mantle inspiration and this.
$2.99 for large and .99 & 1.99 for straight ones. Jackpot!

Saw, but didn't buy:

I think the candle holders will cute spray painted and used for Christmas decorations...you know, like little horns? No?

I even like the little duck salt and pepper shakers.

Lamp: $8.99 - I love that is nice and tall. With a new shade, a tassel and spray paint, may be nice add to table next to my bed.

Questions: What do you think? Potential? Should I go back and
get?

(Not My)Pleasure Principle

2009-09-15T21:22:00.008-05:00

What about this Craig's title was not clear?
Black TV stand - Great condition - $35

When a lady (an older lady, mind you) came to pick it up, she handed me $30 and looked me square in the face. Of course, I punked out. Looked down at money, looked up at her -- looking at ME like I'm Willy Foo-Foo -- then let it go. Had she been my age or younger, I would like to think I would have politely reminded her that it was listed in the post for $35.

I made that mistake once (when I met Shine and bought her chairs), but called from the car as soon as I realized and turned around and gave the difference.

Next time, I will remind of the price when they arrive. It was just $5, but it's the principle of the matter...right?

Question: What do you do when someone DELIBERATELY gives you less than you are asking?

Mantle inspiration...

2009-09-15T10:39:00.004-05:00

I LOVE this mantle...is my new inspiration area. Hitting resale today to get hurricane vases I saw yesterday and candle holders. Check out post here...http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/09/creating-warm-fall-glow.html

Laundry Room Makeover - I hate to wash!

2009-09-14T22:35:00.011-05:00

I got inspired by a laundry room DIY makeover on somebody's blog . I really should have remembered so I could put a link her...next time, right? Anyway, I hate washing (and folding) so thought I'd give it a try to see if it would entice me to WANT to do laundry.

UPDATE (9/15): Found it! Thanks, Blog Sis

http://2browneyedbeauties.blogspot.com/2009/09/laundry-room-reveal.html

Here we go...

Before (I'm so embarrassed):

After (with unused items from other rooms/closets):

$1 mirror from garage sale; baskets used to hold diapers when Symone was a baby; red rose topiaries from Bombay from 4 yrs ago just because; a half-*ssed wedding gift from 4 yrs ago(painting); Marble top end table given to me by my Aunt Bonnie; red christmas candle with snow man turned in; gold plated vase given to me in India; bottle of my grandmother's perfume

NOW -- I want to wash , but have no detergent *sigh* I can find ANY excuse!

Guess I'll have to hide the basket until I get some.

Pretty Pumpkins

2009-09-14T15:58:00.010-05:00

With all the rain, I had to find EXTRA craft projects for Symone this week. Bought small pumpkins for her to paint.

I got the "stop taking my picture look."

Used trash bags to protect table...When they dry, used again to take out trash, but I accidentally deleted pics.

Finished products:

My little bohemian.

Mantle Mess (Dilemma)

2009-09-09T09:38:00.004-05:00

I'm linking up to Amanda's Dilemma Party to get help on my mantle. Not sure what to do...think not using enough shapes or wall is not right color...not sure WHAT to do. Suggestions?

Old School

2009-09-09T00:10:00.007-05:00

I know I said I'd slow down on thrifting until I start and finish some projects, but my baby wanted to know if the desk I just bought was for her. It's kinda like when you fix your child a plate of food then fix yours...they want to eat from your plate even though they have their own. (it always comes back to food for me LOL). Anyway, I told her we could share, but knew it was time to get her own. Blog Sis is giving her a vanity, but when I found this, couldn't resist.

I was very happy to come across an "old school" school desk that will be perfect for her to grow into. It is already a cute turquoise blue. Plan to paint to wood purple (of course) and stencil on flowers (or butterflies, even!).

Best part...it was priced at $29.99 but I talked them down to $19.99. My first successful negotiation! Shine and Savvy would be proud.

Thift Store Finds

2009-09-05T23:02:00.010-05:00

Blog Sis and I went thrift store shopping today and cleaned up. Found some great items that, with a little elbow grease and creativity, should make amazing pieces.

I think I'll cool it on the shopping for a while. Have plenty of projects in the hopper now.

Here's what we found - Price (intent):

Beautiful solid wood antique desk - $19.99 (home office)

Carved wood chair - $4.99 (desk chair)

Solid wood buffet by Basset Furniture -- lovely detail (entry way) - $75

Hope to have updates soon.

It's a Small (Blog) World...

2009-09-03T19:41:00.004-05:00

I had the best blogging day today. I found some great chairs on Craigslist. I emailed the owner and very quickly arranged for me (and my blog sister) to come see them.

When we arrived, just a few blocks from my house, we immediately noticed the garage was faux finished to look like wood grain and the wreath on the door looked custom made. Blog Sis looked at me and said "Somebody is just like us." and we had a quick laugh.

When the seller opened the door, after I noticed the beautiful chairs, I looked up into the most beautiful and cozy, classy home I'd been seen in Frisco. That's when Martha Stewart, i.e. Blog Sis, looked at the owner and said..."Do you have a blog?".

She hesitantly said, "Yes." "Let it Shine?", asked Blog Sis. "Yes!" The rest is history. Not only was she Shine, but she had posted comments on both our blogs! It was like new friends who were old friends. We started comparing ideas (okay, I was being nosy). Her mom (the sweetest lady ever) started showing us around to see all of the blogger's awesome projects. Her daughter even gave Symone a sucker, which made them blood relatives.

I won't go on, but it was really cool to connect with someone who is nice and shares and interest. I am hopeful that we will all stay connected via our blogs and I hope to buy more of Shine's hand-me-downs :) Her house is AMAZING!

BTW -- I am SO out of my league with them, but they can be my mentors (Blog Sis already was, but she didn't know it).

The Chair - Update

2009-08-28T12:29:00.000-05:00

I finally found some fabric I love and resumed work on the chair.

Covered pad and bottom w/ batting:

Then nailed fabric on.

Next steps -- nail head trim and MAYBE cover the sides?

What do you think? Cover sides or keep caning?

Cool fact:

Went by an estate sale this morning and saw an antique chair pretty similar listed for $185! Not bad for $14.99 for chair and $20 for fabric, huh?

Cute Kills - Short Story

2009-08-24T22:41:00.002-05:00

Yesterday at the airport in NC, I thought I was too cute in my white capris. I walked slowly through the security equipment, crossing the threshold with my usual smug look of "toldja I was clean", when Ole Otis from Martin comes up to me talking about "Please step into the chamber right there."

I was like "whatever, Gramps", but complied nonetheless. Raised my arms...machine took a picture. Turned the other way...machine took a picture. Finally, Ole Otis puts his hand to his earpiece, then looks at me and says "Do you have something on around your waist?".

I spoke, quietly, "Yes...it's a shaper." Of course, because he's 112 years old, he says "Say what?!". So I whisper, "I have on a girdle."

This fool yells into his mic, "She clean...SHE GOT ON A GIRDLE!". I liked to fell out for dead!!!

Next, Big Boned Brenda had to pat me down. Upon finishing the pat down, perhaps sensing my humiliation and defeat, BBB says "You doing right...keep wearing it or your stomach will look like mine."

LMAO, but still trying to figure out how the damn machine detected my Spanx. Cute kills.

My Living Room - update

2009-08-24T22:15:00.001-05:00

Not sure if I can call it an update if I've never posted on it, but here goes.

Still working on it...what I've added so far:

Rug (Target - Reg. $199, paid ~$129 after gift card and Annette's b-friend's discount)
Ottomans? (ottomen?LMAO) ($25 ea. Garden Ridge)
Pillows (Kohl's clearance - orig. $25; paid $9.99)
End table from bedroom ($99 at tent sale from local furniture store last fall)
Lamp (markdown from Lowe's; orig. $50, paid $12.50)
No sew panels (fabric remnants ~$15; upholstery tacks and curtain rings $4)
Paint (have 3 1/4 of 5 walls painted; 3 - a light green, 1/4 - a tannish gold; think will go w/ gold)

Still need/want/praying on -- different panels (not feeling), wall accesories, chairs (want to get rid of recliner), nice tv stand (and possibly flat screen TV)

Before:

Currently (but not finished):

Thrift/bargain Purchases

2009-08-24T21:27:00.000-05:00

Okay...it's been a while. As is my MO, I have started and stopped about five different projects since starting the chair.

Since I opened my mouth on facebook and revealed I have a blog(not to mention endless empty promises to Anne) , taking it as a challenge to get back on my game.

Below are my most recent purchases (most found at local resale store)...stay tuned for updates (taking one thing at a time).

Dresser - $24.99 (Symone's room; will sand and repaint top and sides white & change out knobs)

Table: $29.99 (in pretty good shape; will probably just use Old English scratch cover and tighten legs)

Chairs ($30/ea. from Craigslist -- really like, but kind of vintage so smaller in size; may not keep)

Random end table ($14.99; will sand and re-stain; use in either study/guest room or bedroom)

No Words

2009-07-27T01:00:00.000-05:00

If you don't already know, Symone remembers details big and small about most everything and everybody...what someone wore, a single word someone said, where things were in someone's house, etc.

Today, Symone remembered something that I'm sure was spoken once, very plainly and innocently, but it stuck with her.

<--- parent's house
After church, we went to my parent's house for Sunday dinner (and comic relief) *surprise, surprise*

When we got there, my mama asked Symone, "What did ya'll do in church today?". Symone's response, "Nothing.".

About 5 hrs. (and Sunday dinner) later, while Symone was sneaking sips of my sweet tea, she said, "Mommy, say this.

May the Lord bless You
And protect You,
And smile on You.
Be gracious to You
May He show you favor
And peace.
Amen. "

Yes! She said all that, pausing after each line so I could repeat!

I love Grace Outreach Center. Not the Baptist church I grew up in, but it is serving my grown-up worship needs and, more importantly, Symone's.

Was on the fence about joining...today, I made up my mind.

As for Symone, my darling child -- there are no words.

The Chair - Part II: The Assistant

2009-07-22T10:41:00.000-05:00

Stained with the help of my lovely gum chewing assistant...thinking about staying at this color. Works well w/ entry way table.

The Chair - Part I

2009-07-21T15:28:00.000-05:00

Sweating like a pig, but proud of what I did! (rhymes)

1 & 2 Sanded and dismembered like Dexter >:-]

3. Vacuumed (dog/cat hair...ewww - they tried to hide it but I found when dismembered)

First Project - The Chair

2009-07-20T14:23:00.001-05:00

$14.99 from Frisco Resale on left…going for look on right.
Will keep you posted.

Harvest Party today

2007-10-26T10:01:00.000-05:00

Today is Symone's 'Harvest' party at school. It is really a Halloween party, but I'm not sure why they don't call it Halloween. Anyway, Symone is Ariel, the Mermaid Princess. I put a tiara on her head and she has on a rhinestone necklace. She is the Belle of the Ball...trust me!

These are pics of Symone before we left for school. I'm going to the party at 3. Can't wait!

I know I'm going to cry...I just love my baby!

2007-10-23T16:46:00.000-05:00

Just testing this out...I am FINALLY documenting all the joy I get from my baby! I am so excited!