Happy Spring...and Beyond!

Hello dear friends! Spring is such a beautiful time of year, isn't it? The cherry trees are blooming, the birds are singing and the sun is shining enough to make me forget how long and dreary this winter was. Spring is also a time when most of us do a little spring cleaning. With that in mind, I wanted to share with you some news: I am posting my final blog.

During the past year, I have felt the need to re-vamp the look and narrow down the direction of the posts. After taking time to lay out the new design and solidify a new direction, I truly felt like the spark was just gone. Trust me when I tell you that I still love crafting, re-purposing furniture, experimenting with beauty products and sharing shopping tips, as well as an occasional funny story.  All of these things thrill my soul and allow me the most wonderful creative escape. I like sharing with you and I love hearing about the projects that you are trying on your own. This has been so much fun for me and I thank you for joining me on this journey.

I want to clear a little head-space in order to open myself up to new possibilities. I believe that exciting things are in store for me and I can’t help but wonder what they are! Who knows, a year from now I may feel differently and move forward with a new blog? Until then, you can find me on evening walks with my husband, at the dog park with Mardi & Marlin, soaking up the sun at the beach, playing with my nieces & nephews, taking a class or two or three…

I want to leave you with some of my favorite blogs over the past several years. Taking a look back definitely put a smile on my face and I hope it will put one on yours as well. After all, that was my ultimate goal all along. May you always have the courage to know when to say yes and the wisdom to know when to say no, even when it seems that nobody understands. Peace and blessings to you!

A Headboard Project (aka: the most creative title ever)

Spring Clean Your Beauty Routine (so many of my friends contributed to this one)

Just Call Me Scatter-Brained (um, for real)

A Great Neighbor Gift (I need to start gifting my neighbors again)

The Magic is in the Details (I love that this is my side job!!)

Turn Blush and Bashful into Bold and Black (a classic oops project turned fabulous)

An Un-Funny Tale of a Funny Tail-Wagger (this one still makes me cry)

Happy Halloween from Dumb and Dumber (Yes, I saved the best & highest rated blog for last. if you think this isn't a "project", please stop by next Halloween" :)

Your New Go-To Dessert, Greek Yogurt

I have an on-going love affair with New York City. The beautiful store windows that leave you in awe, the incredible plays that make you cry, the interesting people that make you realize you are not that cool and, of course, the food. Ah, the food. There is something about the energetic atmosphere that makes me willing to try new dishes. Many years ago while in NYC, I tried Greek yogurt with honey for the first time for dessert. Everyone at my table thought it was disgusting but I was immediately hooked. I have tried it many ways; as a substitute for mayo, as a dollop of "sour cream", and of course for breakfast as well as dessert. As someone that doesn't love meat, I was thrilled to learn that it is packed with protein...and I happen to think it is delicious. That being said, I realize that I am in the minority here.  If you know me at you you know that I rarely share recipes because cooking is just not my thing. So you know I must think this is really worth sharing! Below are two of my favorite recipes that I am willing to bet will change the way you think about Greek yogurt!

PEACH PISTACHIO GOODNESS

A dollop of plain Greek yogurt inside a sliced & pitted peach, 

topped with crushed pistachios & drizzled of local honey.

This is PERFECTION! 

COCONUT DELIGHT

Coconut flavored Greek yogurt topped with 

crushed dark chocolate and sliced almonds.

Happy Valentine's Day: Batting My Eyes at Latisse

A few years ago, I gave myself the Valentine's Day gift of long eyelashes, which I had never had. As a teen I would stand in front of the mirror for hours practicing curling my lashes. On one instance, I actually cut my lashes in the hopes that they would grow longer & be as dark at the ends as they were at the roots. Needless to say, it didn't work & I looked really weird for a while. As an adult, I noticed that my lashes were looking thinner than ever. 

So, on 11/11/11, I started Latisse and a mere three months later, on Valentine's Day, I was able to post great results! I didn’t like the brushes that came with the product so I bought my own MAC eyeliner brush. Of course, you should start with a clean face before bedtime. Put one drop of liquid in the bottle cap, dip the brush in until it is soaked, then swipe it across both lids, (rinse the brush each night with hot water). You need to let it dry completely before putting on any moisturizer. Check out the results!

APPLICATION PROCESS

BEFORE

MONTH ONE

MONTH TWO

MONTH THREE- Valentine's Day 2012

THREE YEARS LATER-2015

After some time, my lashes actually curled on their own so no more eyelash curler! I go through phases where they are shorter or longer but the coolest thing is how much thicker they are. I also apply my mascara in such a way that the tips are not coated. Why, you may ask? Because they actually come close to my eye brows when I look up & I get mascara smudges on my eyelids. I know, such problems ;)

Be My Valentine!

Hi friends! I don't know about you but my winter time blues have officially set in. I need something uplifting to look forward to like sun, sand and cruising the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, those things are not in my near future so I will just have to settle for some inspiring pre-spring projects here in Atlanta. As I work on those, I wanted to share some adorable Valentine ideas for your kiddos. My blogs typically do not focus on kid crafts but I simply could not resist the adorableness. Enjoy!

Ok, so this last one isn't a Valentine but it is my favorite cookie so, if anyone wants to make these for me, I would gladly be your valentine ;)

Whimsical Holiday Party Decor

After many years of working in non-profit events, I suppose I picked up a thing or two about how to decorate on a tight budget. I like to incorporate elements from natural settings, like magnolia leaves from my yard for example. I strive to create an elegant look with touches of whimsy that will surely leave your guests smiling.

I had the pleasure of decorating a corporate as well as a private party last holiday season so I wanted to share that with you. If you want to see some of my other work, check out My Pinterest Page

Happy Holidays!!

A whimsical snow globe display greeted guests as they feasted on perfect holiday treats

Snow globes were echoed in the bar station, man cave and restroom

Snowflakes hung from the chandelier to complete the look

  A whimsical centerpiece featuring sparkling white magnolia leaves accented by dark red cranberries and touches of gold 

  Highboys were decorated with gold beaded chargers and centerpieces that echoed the look and feel of the entrance arrangement

Holiday Gift Guide 2014

Christmastime is a magical time of year. While I thoroughly believe that the smallest of gifts can truly be the most meaningful, I thought it might be fun to mix things up this year. So, check out some dreamy, fun and wacky gift suggestions. Enjoy!

A WOODWORKING CLASS

For you favorite lumbersexual 

Look it up or see picture for reference ;)

Highland Woodworking

A CUSTOMIZED GOLF CART

For the man that likes to golf in style...
or just cruise the neighborhood having fun

Jenco Golf Carts

SWIM WITH THE SHARKS

For the adventurous person in your life

Georgia Aquarium

BACON OF THE MONTH CLUB

For those that think bacon is meat candy

Bacon Freak

POP UP MINI SPEAKER

For the person that creates a Pandora station for every occasion

Amazon

CUSTOMIZED SWAROVSKI HEELS

For the lady that likes to stand out

The Dazzle Diva

ENDLESS WRAP RING
For the lady that thinks everything that glitters must be gold

Genie Soul

A GIGANTIC WATER MAT

For the person that is already planning their summer vacation

The Water Mat

Spooky Reflection Lanterns

There is nothing I enjoy more than creating fun tabletop decor for holidays and special occasions. I was asked to create a Halloween-themed table for the Alta City Tennis Finals in Atlanta. It was so much fun and super-easy to pull together. My favorite part to create was the Spooky Reflection Lanterns. 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

SPOOKY REFLECTION LANTERNS

Print several scary black & white pics.

Spray a lantern (or photo frame) with Looking Glass spray,

then wipe the middle to make it clear again.

Tape the scary pics inside the lantern (or photo frame).

The end result is a spooky reflection.

A SPOOKY TABLESCAPE

Pre-lit tree from target; ghosts made from ping pong balls covered in old sheet material.

The trick to making your table glow? Battery operated wire lights. 

I wove them in pillow stuffing & added some fun spiders.

Battery operated wire lights

Use flat black spray paint to "deaden" lime green Dahlias. 

Affix a spider in the center with hot glue.