PEACE, LOVE, LIPSTICK

2010-09-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

Bachelorette Party Cookies

2010-09-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

I wasn't able to go to a girlfriend's bachelorette party so I sent some cookies and a lingerie gift to let her know I was thinking of her. I think they turned out cute!

Complete with Chippendales

I cut out sugar cookies with a square cookie cutter that has a scallopped edge. Once baked and cooled, I coated them with white royal icing. (recipe below) Once the white dried, I tinted black and pink royal icing in Zip Loc bags. Cut a tiny corner off the bag and you have the perfect drawing tool! I chose a lingerie theme so I piped bustiers, nighties, bras and panties. Let the icing dry completely before putting them into cellophane baggies.

I packaged them in a white box with festive ribbon.

Royal Icing Recipe:

6 cups powdered sugar

2 egg whites

juice of 1lemon

Mix ingredients together. Add food coloring if desired.

**Royal icing dries quickly. Keep covered with plastic wrap when not in use.

P.S. This was a bachelorette party after all so I had to include a few, ahem, males parts. I'm not including pics of said parts because I like to keep the blog PG, however, I have a good tip for making them. I didn't want to pay $10 for a novelty cookie cutter so I contemplated free handing them. Then, while sifting through my cookie cutter drawer, I got the genius idea to use a DOG BONE cookie cutter! Yes, I said a DOG BONE! All you have to do is cut one of the ends off. Carefully form the tip with a knife. Easy, peasy!

Have fun, get creative and think outside the dog bone!

Sweet Baby Boy Shower

2010-08-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine, who also happens to be a fellow coach's wife, is due to have a little boy September 24th! In celebration, Maria and I hosted a shower in honor of Evelyn and Baby Ryker (well, the name is still unofficial but I have a feeling it's going to stick.) I think Ryker is an adorable name. Don't you?

RYKER

Our theme was "Sweet Baby Boy."

A vintage rocking horse welcomed guests to the shower.

This is the invitation Maria made. It turned out great!

Savings tip: print invitations at Costco.

We used Maria's 50s table with a cherry table cloth from the 30s.

I love the vintage feel.

Getting industrial with it! We tied Red Vine candies around those blue shop towels that are generally used in the garage. Inexpensive and super cute.

Guests took home favors of classic candies like: cherry sours, lemonheads, almond joys, green apple rings.

Everyone chatted while enjoying cupcakes and punch.

Of course we the whole point was to shower Evelyn with gifts for the baby. She got lots of useful things as well as some handmade treasures. I wish I would have taken a picture of the lobster Halloween costume I gave her. Oh well, maybe she'll send me a picture of him wearing it. ;)

Thank You Note Etiquette

2010-08-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

Writing a thank you note is the best way to show your appreciation for a thoughtful gift or act of kindness. Even in this digital age, a handwritten expression of gratitude is still the socially accepted way to give thanks. The process doesn't have to be painful or time consuming. Keep notes short and sweet, but always be personal. Be sure to mention the gift in the text, ex. "Thank you for the beautiful clock. I'll think of you everytime I look at it." With the exception of weddings which carry demanding timelines, thank you notes should be sent within a week of receiving the gift or gesture.

When should you write a thank you note?

Anytime you receive a gift: for baby, wedding, birthday, graduation, house warming, etc. The only exceptions are when the gift is reciprocated, such as a Christmas gift exchange. Even then, it's a good idea to send a thank you note.
When a shower is hosted in your honor.
Anytime you are entertained, either at a dinner party, treated with concert tickets or another similar situation.
After a job interview.
When someone does a personal favor such as a neighbor that waters your flowers and checks your mail while you are out of town.

Ultimately, it's always best to send your appreciation for any gifts or kind deeds in the form of a thank you note.

Speaking of thank you notes, I went to ~~Paper & Chocolate~~ Heaven today! They have awesome stationery and gift wrapping paper. (I'll be incorporating some of their paper in future blogs.)

Inspired

2010-08-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

I’m not sure how to explain my newfound inspiration to get fit and stay fit. It’s not a New Year’s resolution. It’s too late to “get fit for summer.” I’m not reaching any particular milestone at this point. I just know that I’m tired of being average weight and feeling sluggish. I want ripped arms. I want to look good in anything I wear. Most of all, I want to be healthy for mine and Brian’s children and grandchildren.

It’s time to get in the best physical shape of my life!

The impetus for my new healthy lifestyle was unexpected. One Sunday morning, Brian and I went out leisurely stroll in the park. We decided see just how long the trail was. We were expecting it to be 3 or 4 miles long but it turned out to be 7 ½ miles! We had the best time talking, laughing and enjoying each others’ company. We decided to make it a Sunday tradition. Once school was out for summer, we were able to go a few days during the week. Each time we added bits running to our routine, increasing the distance slowly. I can do about 2-2 ½ miles now. Go me! My next goal is 5 miles.

Then second step toward health and wellness was enrolling in yoga class. Within a few weeks, I was already feeling stronger and more flexible. The best thing about yoga is it is my time to seek clarity. It’s so important to have that time to meditate, clear the mind of cluttering thoughts and focus on living in the present.

One would think weight loss would come naturally considering the extra exercise I had been doing but NO! The damn scale would not budge! After much frustration, I finally had to get honest with myself. While I eat small meals and exercise, it just wasn’t enough. I to get honest about the bread, the salad dressings, sauces, cheese on everything, sugar in my tea and feeling that I *deserved* treats now and then. Oh, how could I forget the wine? The truth is these things make my body look like crap.

Just 10 days ago, I decided to give up the extras and guess what?! I’ve lost 6 pounds! I can already feel it in my clothes. Eating better has been much easier than I thought it would be. I focus my meals around lean proteins like: ground turkey meatballs, tuna, salmon, chicken, black beans whey protein powder and quinoa. Then I add in filling fruits and vegetables. Easy peasy!

Sure, I wanted to eat the pizza that Brian ordered or have a beer with him but I didn’t because I have a goal. I am determined to have a rock hard body and live with energy and strength. My next step is going to be adding strength training. I miss lifting weights and I know that’s how I am going to get those hot, defined muscles! Watch out!

As with any goal, it’s easier to attain when your friends and family are supportive. The best way you can support me it to not offer me foods that won’t improve my health. And please don’t tell me, “You don’t need to lose weight” unless I am truly unhealthily thin.

Your support means the world to me!

Peace and love!

It's Complicated

2010-05-18T22:02:00.000-07:00

So I just watched this movie for the second time in a 3 day period... Another Nancy Meyer film to add to my list of ~~likes~~ loves. I'm not sure if it's the movie that moves me or if it's the set that inspires me most. I absolutely adore Meryl Streep's character, Jane's comfy home, picture perfect bakery and lush garden. Can we say "envious?" Just a little.

Did I mention that I want this kitchen? Because I do.

Oh, and the funniest line from the movie, "Home Sweet Home."

ahahahah!

If you've seen it, you know what I am talking about. :)

Peace friends!

Like Daddy, Like Doggy.

2010-05-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

This picture makes me laugh.

Last week, my husband raced in the Warrior Dash.

Obstacles included climbing a cargo net, jumping over fire and

Crawling through mud!

The result reminded me of this picture I took of our ~~dog~~ child after she had been digging in the yard.

Like doggy, like Daddy.

Eat Pray Love

2010-05-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I read Eat Pray Love, a book about one woman’s attempt at self-discovery after divorcing her husband. The journey took place over the course of a year which she evenly divided between indulging in the food and wine of Rome, exploring spirituality at an ashram just outside of Mumbai and finally finding balance in Bali. While this method of soul searching is a little extravagant, I thoroughly enjoyed “escaping” in the book.

Now, what I am really excited about is Julia Roberts is starring in a movie based on the book, Eat Pray Love! I cannot wait to see THE movie star bring the book to life in August! Is anyone surprised that I am already planning a party to celebrate the movie? Get ready, Girls! After watching Eat Pray Love at the theatre, it’s back to my house for Italian, Indian and Indonesian food and wine!

It’s time to start planning the details of the party, which will conveniently fall close to my birthday! I’m thinking:

Outdoor Balinese massage tent

Wine, yes, lots of wine!

I'm not sure how to incorporate India, yet, but I'm sure I will come up with something. ;)

Thank Goodness for Technology

2010-02-08T20:53:00.000-08:00

It’s hard to believe that, on this date 5 years ago, my sweetheart proposed to me. We had just met 5 months earlier on Cupid.com! I know I know… we should have a commercial. In light of Valentine’s Day approaching and celebrating our engagement anniversary, I thought it would be appropriate to share with you why I ♥ my amazing husband.

1. He inspires me to be a better person.
2. He is genuine to the bone.
3. I love the way he loves his kids (students & athletes.)
4. His love gives me the feeling that the best is still ahead.
5. I couldn’t pick a better father for our future children.
6. He accepts me and all my eccentricities. That is saying a lot.
7. We have the best “parties for two” whether we are dancing in the living room, watching a Cowboys game or picnicing in the yard of a random vacant mansion. I never get tired of his company.
8. He always says what I need to hear, even when it’s not what I want to hear.
9. Have you seen his booty? I’m just saying… it’s really cute.
10. And, of course, I admire his intelligence. After all, he was smart enough to fall in love with me. :-)

2009-10-10T17:09:00.001-07:00

Cheap Caramel Coffee

2009-08-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

I love a nice iced coffee but I think it is insane to pay $5 for it. Call me anti-Starbucks. Even anti-McDonald's. Even McDonald's iced coffee is still $3+ with tax. There are a number of benefits to making your own iced coffee. Aside from the money saving factor, you also save time. It takes less time to make your own than it does to wait in the drive-thru line plus you can control what goes in your coffee.

How I make my Cheap Caramel Coffee:

Brian usually makes coffee at 5 in the morning, 3-4 hours before I consider waking up. He always makes too much which is great for me. I put the leftover coffee in the blender with some ice, caramel syrup and milk to taste. You can use half & half, irish creme or chocolate milk for different varieties. Then I just drizzle some more caramel syrup around the inside of this nifty coffee glass. (I found a set of the glasses at Ross and they almost always have them in my store.) I poured the coffee mix into my glass and wa-lah! Cheap Caramel Coffee in under 2 minutes.

*Tip: Some days Brian doesn't make coffee. In this case, I go to the RaceTrac gas station. They have iced coffee for $1.29 which is still better than $5. I prefer mine blended so I just get the cool coffee with no ice and take it home to blend with some ice. It stretches the dollar when you use ice from home because you can get more coffee into your cup when you leave out the ice. Also, take advantage of the free specialty creamers and syrups that you may not have at home.

Enjoy!

Our First Child

2009-08-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

We had one of the senior football players live with us last school year. It was a treat having him at the house. I'm already starting to feel empty nest syndrome kicking in. Before I get emotional, let me move on- Daniel, our "adopted" son, and Sara are genuine highschool sweethearts having dated since freshmen year. This is a prom picture of the cute couple (I did her hair & makeup):

He graduated! We couldn't be more proud.

And then the puppies in love decided to get married. I think its a great thing. I did her makeup.

BEFORE:

AFTER:He dipped her when they had their first kiss. Her tiara fell off and in true Daniel style, this was the result:

My babies are coming to have dinner with us Saturday! I feel like my MIL, so sappy. ha!

$25 Decorating Challenge

2009-08-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

I already have a couple Rubbermaid containers filled with Fall/Halloween decorations but I like to add to my collection each year. With frugal ways being on my mind this year, I am going to try to do it all for $25. I think I can pull it off with some creativity. My ideas are to use things from nature like leaves, pine cones and branches with berries as well as utilizing all the craft supplies I have. I'm thinking about drying some apples and oranges and making garland that serves double duty as home fragrance and decor. I picked up some paper doilies in the shape of leaves from the dollar store. I'm not sure what I am going to do with them yet but I'll be sure to keep you posted. Pictures and ideas will follow soon. Let me know if you have any inexpensive/free ideas.

Whew!

2009-08-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

Life is crazy busy in a good way right now. I have events, sometimes multiple events for the next 10 weeks! It makes me tired thinking about it but I am not complaining. Bless those who do it with children. I have no idea how they keep up. This weekend alone is going to be insane. We had football pictures this afternoon. I am teaching a class to teenagers about taking care of their skin and applying makeup the correct way tomorrow. How much prep work have I done? - Exactly none. So tonight I am creating folders with face charts, tips and trick sheets, and other fun information. I need to buy brownie mix and fruit, make the brownies and determine what I will give the girls for a gift. THEN, we get to move our furniture into the front room so we can pull up carpet! (We are getting the floors installed Monday!) Tomorrow I’m starting work an hour early. Thank goodness for cinnamon swirl coffee. I have some big waxing to do and of course, the makeup class. Saturday night I'll give the dogs baths. Boy do they need it! Then I need to redo the biggest bow ever on Chelsea’s wedding gift. Her shower is Sunday afternoon. Post shower we are going to meet our new nephew, Reid! He was just born Wednesday so we excited about the first visit. We are going to drop off Brian’s truck with his parents because it needs a little work. They are so graciously letting us take their convertible Mustang which I am thrilled about! We’ll kick off next week with the flooring installation then see what else the week has in store for us. Somewhere in the mix, I am going to find time to meditate so I can stay centered and focus on enjoying each moment of the crazy busy fun.

Impromtu Dinner

2009-08-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

Considering that our closest family lives nearly 2 hours away, we don't get surprise visitors that often though I love to have company. It was nice when my girl friend stopped by unexpectedly this evening. Brian's been busy with football and her man was working late so why not? Fortunately I had already laid out the steak that I bought yesterday. (remember from the last post?) I fired up the grill- just one of the many things you learn to do when your husband is away 3-4 months out of the year. My friend was intrigued by the fact that I could do it. haha It's not hard but whatever... I quickly popped a couple sweet potatoes in the microwave to get them cooking then threw the flank steak on the grill. Once the potatoes were soft I cut them in half, sprinkled a little brown sugar and maple syrup then broiled them until the sugar was nice and bubbly. Sliced the steak. Served it with a mango pico de gallo I had in the fridge. Sweet potatoes were pure goodness. What else do you need? Oh, and we made Blue Hawaiians.

I heart "me" days.

2009-08-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

Today was a lovely day. I put on my favorite tie dyed sundress and set out to go wherever the wind should blow me.

(This isn't the dress but I want it too.)

The wind took me to the Homegoods/Marshalls store. Have you been there!? For a budget-minded gal like me, it's the perfect place to find stylish home decor, gourmet jellies, cookware and much more. I have to admit, I feel like a failure because I didn't buy anything. From there, I stopped at Goodwill for a little "treasure hunting" as I like to call it. Again, my money remained in my wallet. I finally spent some money at Which Which. It was my first visit to the sandwich shop. Writing my order on the brown paper bag was sort of fun and my turkey sandwich was pretty good. I was, however, disappointed as I noticed a McAlister's Deli on the opposite corner as I was leaving Which Which. I didn't know there was one in my area! I'm definitely going to McAlister's next trip... you just can't beat their sweet tea. Next stop was Kirklands. The last time I went to Kirklands, I saw the cutest picture ever. It's this pig leaping through the air to jump in a pond.

His expression looks like he is saying, "woohoo!" It reminds me of my life,

always jumping in feet first, taking leaps of faith and enjoying the ride. I have been thinking about that picture for a month so I had to buy it. Last stop was Costco to get some groceries and things for the house. I picked up this lime marinated flank steak that looks scrumptous. I think I'll cook it tomorrow with some homemade tortillas (well, the little ladies at HEB make them.)

Are you tired? 'Cause I am.

It's FOOTBALL season!!!

2009-08-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

Two-a-days started last week and we are officially back in full football swing. It's time for me to put my Coach T's Wife jersey on and become a football "widow" as they call it.

Football season is one of my favorite times of year for a few reasons. After spending the whole summer with Brian, we generally get sick of each other. haha It's nice for us to have a little breathing space. By the time Thanksgiving rolls around we'll be missing each other so we will be able to rekindle through the holidays. I think being married to a high school football coach is the best arrangement for a marriage!

What really makes me happy is football season means cooler weather is on the way! Lord knows it is hot as hell here in Texas. The first few games may be warm but I'll soon be able to use that fancy sleeping bag/stadium chair I got for Christmas. There's not much better than when the leaves start to change colors and you can feel the crisp autumn air, all while listening to the crowds under the Friday night lights.

Something else I look forward to is our after-game dinners. It's a tradition at Red Oak for the coaches and their families to eat together after home games. Each week there is a different theme like Mexican, pancake supper or chilli & the fixings. Eating at 10pm may not be the best for my figure but oh well!

I can't wait to kick off the season at the Tom Landry Classic! We'll play Highland Park again this year at SMU.

Go HAWKS!

Ten things I am looking forward to tomorrow...

2009-08-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

1. Staying home with Brian all day. I may not even put makeup on. Gasp.

2. Having Sunday brunch. I'm thinking quiche?

3. Finishing the topiary I started months ago.

4. Painting my toenails red with white polka dots.

5. Picking up our wood laminate floors so they can adjust to the climate in the house before the installation guys come.

6. Redoing the biggest bow ever for Chelsea's bridal shower gift. I should have bought pink tulle to start with.

7. Grilling fish tacos served with fresh mango pico de gallo.

8. Assuming the logic of a dog, taking random naps as I desire.

9. Catching up on my DVRd episodes of Myles of Style and Color Splash.

10. Taking the time to read the August Better Home & Gardens magazine.

Chelsea & Ronnie's Engagement Photo

2009-08-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

These are good friends of mine and Brian's. They are getting married and I have the privilege of doing Chelsea's makeup for the engagement photos, bridal portraits and then on the wedding day. She's a beautiful girl which makes my job easy. More photos to come...

Props to MarieQ Photography. Her work is incredible! Check out the website: www.marieQphotography.com