In A Flash

Well, since Baby B is off to school one day a week (and actually made it through an entire 4 hour day ... sigh), it was high time we do our part on the homefront to make sure he's not just playing and having fun every day but getting a little educated at the same time.  Yes, spoken like a true Tiger Mom, I know.  Hey, if this boy is going to Stanford we better start now!

I picked up some basic preschool flashcards at my dollar store.  Shocking, they are 5 times the price at toy stores!  To ensure Baby B doesn't spread these all over the house like he does his Little People and Weebles, I grabbed a few household supplies and make flashcard flippers.

I started with a few packs of the cards and then sorted them into the various stacks of similar cards (note - some boxes can actually be split up based on the content).

 

Just simply punch, using an oversized craft punch, a hole in the top corner of the card.  Then, slip all the cards on an extra shower curtain ring.  You can pick up plastic ones like this one for a few dollars for a set of 10 at any Target, Walmart, etc.  I favor the metal rings, but they actually don't click tight as well as the plastic.  Plus, the plastic is bigger and less of a choking hazzard!

 

 

 

 

Tied up with a cute piece of polka dot ribbon, voila!  Flashcard flippers for baby B! 

Let's all go to the movies

Every now and again, dear Hubs and I try to sneak away on a Saturday evening for a movie, good dinner out on the town or some other shenanigan.  This Saturday, with not much planning, we headed out for a few hours of fun.  Our original plan of going to the in-town prohibition styled hot spot of Holman and Finch was foiled by (a) poor planning and (b) a tired diva after CITY FINALS of USTA tennis and (c) a hangy that Dear Hubs was nursing from too much rye whiskey Friday night (the details of how that happened still seem fuzzy).

Anywho, our initial "big steak dinner" plans weren't well planned and fell apart the minute the hostess at a local fave spot claimed a 2 hour wait.  I don't know about y'all... but this diva does not wait 2 HOURS for any food.  I don't care what it is. 

So, after hemming and hawing, we settled on a quick Twisted Taco bite (which was delish) and the movie The Campaign.   After eating more queso and chips that our tummies could handle, we skipped the popcorn and settled right into our big oversized movie seats to be either really entertained or take a nap to sleep off those tacos!

We made it just in time to catch a few coming attractions that were classified by moi as either "so cute" or "creepy, scary... don't even think we will come see that".  After the "quiet please" clip that I swear hasn't changed since I was in middle school, the big show started.  Look, truth be told I'm a huge fan of Will Ferrell. He's so great.  This movie fell right into his wheel house and was just as priceless of every minute of Talledega Nights, Anchor Man, Old School ... you name it!  I looked over to find Dear Hubs almost in tears a few times.  If you love Will humor, you will like this flick.  If it's just so so ... it's definitely worth a rental!

charmed,
~b

60ish

Happy Birthday to the her royal fabulousness, grand supreme Zsa Zsa today!  She's celebrating the (cough, cough) something anniversary of her timelessness and all things spectacular today. 

My dear, sweet mama is one of those few wonderful people that remembers to make all a fuss when it's our day each year.  In return, we try to do things right by the queen and make sure we make a special effort to celebrate her day with her! 

 

Yesterday, we celebrated with the family.  It was a laid back afternoon affair complete with tons of gab, golf cart rides and giggles for all.  Oh, yes... and equally notable, Lala and I introduced Zsa Zsa and Dear Ole' Dad to the great treat that is Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.  If you haven't seen this gem on TLC, you are missing a little piece of trash tv heaven.  It's fab.

We dined on the fabulous food of Giorgio's (that's right ladies, the same restaurant that Constantine from the Bachelorette owns with his fam), gorged ourselves on pizza and kabobs, ate cake like it was our jobs and ended the day with presents for her fairest.  I must confess, the food at big G's is pretty darn tasty.  We have tried most everything and it's all a big hit.  Note, this diva HATES eating actually at the restaurant because the wine list leaves a lot to be desired.  But, food for food ... this place is pretty great (thanks bestie A for the intro years ago!).

Now, the cake.  Well, that was supposed to be a homemade caramel, chocolate cake but ... that just didn't work out.  You see, we were up half the night with a teething little and this morning I rushed the cake just a tad bit too much due to oversleeping and necessary amounts of coffee as we headed out to see the Lord at church.  I'm sure there is a lesson in there somewhere, but the simple explanation that the cake flopped in part to Jesus time was just fine for Zsa Zsa.  Not to mention, the backup cake we secured was d-lish!

 

And yes y'all.  That big ole bag with the "Kors" readable is a lovely fall bag for the diva's mama from Mr. Michael Kors himself.  I went in the store and tried to describe her fabulousness only to spot a great bag that just fit for her. 

 

Happy Birthday, Zsa Zsa.  You are a one of a kind, loving, caring, soulful, tender woman.  If I am half as good of a role model and loving mother as you are ...well, then Baby B will turn out just fine.  Thank you for all you do to support us each and every day.  You are loved beyond words. 

 

xoxo,

~b

A Sesame First

Our sweet friends, the R family have a little, W, that is the same age as Baby B.  Recently, we loaded up the golf cart and headed over to the R household for a fun afternoon on Sesame Street celebrating little W's first birthday.  Mama T did a fab job styling the party and she seriously thought of so many cute details my head was spinning. 

 

Cookie Monster was the guest star of all things cake, cupcake and yes, of course ... cookie!  T outsourced the most darling cake and she did the cupcakes herself.  This diva was uber impressed, especially after seeing pictures of the epic failed Cookie Monster cupcakes pinned all over pinterest (y'all know you know the ones I'm talking about!).  Everyone took home a little jar of ... what else but ... cookies! 

 

While the littles enjoyed the bounce house out back (Santa may just need to bring baby B one of those this year!), the bigs were able to relax in the shade and enjoy a splendid afternoon.  Here's a few cute snaps of the affair!  Happy Birthday little W, you are a favorite buddy!

 

 

The Great Frame Out

The diva is a few weeks delayed in sharing the world's most so-simple chick project that will strike fear in the hearts of you man when you do this without him.  That's right ladies, this one involves power tools.  Well only one, but we can embellish?  It could have required a second but I cut that corner in favor of a good glue staple I'm familar with instead!  I'll warn you that power tool thing is over rated.  It's much simpler than you would think and not only will you (a) impress your beau and (b) feel like a super diva when you complete this solo, you will (c) get the job done when you want it instead of waiting for you know who to assist.

That's exactly what I did when I framed out my ever so boring bathroom mirror.  I did a sneak preview reveal of the overall look back here.  But, really, I glossed over the entire reason the project started ... the mirror!

When we moved in, we were told the standard builder grade mirror MUST be installed for some elaborate code defense.  Candidly in hindsight, this was a move the builder pulled so I wouldn't push him for another necessary upgrade and Dear Hubs wouldn't tell him we need a discount :).  For years, I masked the basic mirror with a semi cool floating mirror hung over the existing backdrop.  I liked it, but it was ....well, busy. 

I must pause and note here that this work item just didn't rank on Dear Hubs list.  One thing is certain, that man is a talented handy.  But, if he doesn't value the project he will get to it ... never.  So, with options of outsourcing the fiasco of ripping down the wall and framing it myself without Dear Hubs, I voted for option 2. 

And when Dear Hubs was away, I swooped into action!  I have previously evaluated the frame options and settled that the kits you can buy are overpriced.  The same look could be accomplished with some supplies from my fave big orange store (Home Depot).  The best tip I can offer ... a standard door frame kit solves all of your problems and makes this a snap!

That's right, gals!  Instead of bringing home giant pieces of framing wood and worrying about all sorts of what ifs, I simply bought a framed door casing kit for under $20.  Here's exactly how I did it... saw and all!

Here's how I did it.

What you need:
For a standard, single sink bathroom mirror size - adjust as needed.

• One standard door casing.  This includes corner fenials and trim.
• Paint
• A saw to cut to size
• Tape measure
• Liquid nails - note, I tried wood glue ... don't waste your time!

  How I did it:

1.  Start by measuring.  I'm terrible at details, so I measure 85 times and cut once instead of the old addage to measure twice and cut once!  You will want to reduce the piece of trim length by the size of the fenials. 
2.  Cut the wood.  I used a super simple miter saw.  I've learned that these tools LOOK intimidating but are SO EASY.  And, you feel so cool when you use them :).

3.  Once all pieces are cut, you begin by laying out your rectangle form; fenials in corners and four straight sides.
4.  Smooth out the edges with a little sand paper, then start glueing.  Warning, I started with wood glue to join the pieces together.  Truth be told, the south is too sticky humid in the summer and this stuff just isn't strong enough so it didn't do much in the way of drying to a firm hold.  I peeled it apart and cleaned it off, then opted for my trusty Liquid Nails.  I swear, what would I do without this stuff???

5.  Once the glue dries at least overnight, completely, check to make sure your measurements were correct by holding it to your mirror.  The, simply paint.  I repurposed a plastic dollar store table cloth as my drop cloth, so resourceful ... I know!  I used a fab old gold color by Ms. Martha Stewart.  It's a big pricier than a standard color, but worth the few extra pennies.  To paint it perfect, I did the sides of the frame and the front very thoroughly.  Then, when dry; I flipped over and brushed a thin coat on the back.  I'll explain why in a moment.

 

6.  Once you are pleased with the coverage of paint, it's time to apply some velcro backing.  You can buy this by the spool at the big orange HD.  Simply attach to the frame by removing the sticky backing.
7.  To hang, just simply smush (yes, smush) the velcro side to the existing wall hung mirror.  Note, this is when it's important that you put some color coverage on the back; you will see that the color shows in the reflection a bit.  Voila... framed!

The Meet & Greet

This morning marked a big event.  The first ever teacher meet and greet for Baby B.  While we love our Nanny McD so very much and she will stay onboard with us, we made the grand (spontaneous) decision that it's high time that Baby B get a good dose of education and socialization with school. Well, preschool to be exact and only one day, but still ... this school is serious biz and today we were a good little student fam and attended our meet and greet as directed.  We met Ms. K and Ms. L.  I have heard RAVE reviews from friends who shared the growth and pleased stories of their littles that attended the school, so we in hog heaven. 

Baby B, Dear Hubs, Nanny McD and I all arrived promptly (like an elaborate entourage) this morning.  Baby B doned some of his finest monogrammed duds and we were sure our first impression would be a good one!  To tell Ms. K and Ms. L that we are just thrilled, Baby B brought along a gift we crafted together for the duo. 

I whittled together a cute French Bull melomine tray with some matching napkins and a set of pink and white zebra print cocktail napkins.  All packaged up in a coordinating bow and a note letting Ms. K and Ms. L know that we think the start of school is something to celebrate. 

Here's to a great school year!  We are excited!

Shoppin' Cali Style

The high from my so-long-I-was-homesick trip to Cali just two weeks ago was rudely interupted by a little sinus surgery last week.  I spent most of the business week last week snoozing in the comfort of my big ole' bed and recovering, and am finally feeling human once again!

Now ... back to those good sunshine rays and cool Cali vibes....

I mentioned over here, that while this was a work trip, I was able to sneak away long enough to catch a few of my fave home stores along the Golden Coast.  Juxtaposition Home & Studio is a new find and I'm pleased as punch I found my way over there.  This is an unassuming store tucked snuggly between Newport Beach and Laguna.  I've seriously passed this store more than a few times and always made a mental note that I must stop in there.  Well, I finally did.

Juxtaposition is a darling gem that has everything from unique books and paper finds to heavy (read: big), substantial pieces of the finest furniture.  All that, plus most everything in between.  Here's a few shots from around the showroom. 

I just love the assorted burlap and twill pillows and the framed vintage flag is just tops!  This vingette sets the tone when you enter the shop and it's just simply fab!

This bedding vingette literally looked good enough to cozy up in!  The lush bedding looks a lot like the new duvet I (love) purchased from Restoration Hardware and the black and white chalk prints are just beautiful.

I just love everything about the framed collection.  Up close, interesting sayings fill the space in each frame with a thoughtful phrase.  Books, burlap pillows and lushness abounds!

I found a few small and packable treasures at this spot that I carried home, along with a small prezzie for bestie S that was just too her to pass up!  I made plenty of notes and just might be giving them a call back for a vintage wooden crate that was just perfect for baby B's books in our living room!

Next stop, just down the beach in Laguna; Tuvalu Home.  I sure do love this place.  It's just been a darling gem that I love to go visit each and every time I'm in town.  This spot is not only chock full of coastal finds, but they are all fairly reasonably priced as well.  Here's some snaps I took while shopping through, well ... until my arms were too full to snap any more pics!

While the lighting in this corner is a little funny due to natural light and the chandy, the tablewares and the wall art are just too much.  I love the chandy and each of the botanicals and bird prints that fill this space.  The table and fancy chairs aren't too bad either!

These sorts of vingnettes just fill the space.  I literally stand in front of them in awe taking in each and every detail not wanting to miss a one for what seems like hours at a time!  Everything from starfish to oil paintings fill this area and I was grabbing up small finds as fast as I could!

I just couldn't help myself and brought some sweet little things home.  Now, keep in mind, I was constrained to (1) not tooooooo fragile that I'd be devestated if it broke and (2) not tooooooo big since I was out of space already in my suitcase!  Here's a few of the cute things that made their way back south!

I'm a sucker for a fab candle.  I brought back a red quince candle held in the adorable mercury glass jar as well as an Ocean scent Linnea's Light's candle from juxtaposition.  The starfish also found it's way into my bag!

Damn Good Advice for People with Talent is a super cute paperback full of short musing that are right on the money.  This book is presently sitting atop my "must read" stack in the family room.  The papers were to die for, I just had to make these C'est la Vie notes mine!  Bestie S and her adoration of all things Paris also received a set and some cute Paris stickers for cardstock.

The glass whale plate is just fabulous.  It's a nice rich beige, tan and brown natural pallet.  It filled the space that another Tuvalu find from trips past used to fill.  That cutie moved over to the butler's pantry!

Rounding out the things that I'll claim came from this little, tiny shopping trip are a small glass plate that looks like a clock face and a red corral receiving tray.  Both are presently nestled on the foyer table just perfectly!

So, like I said ... just a short, little, not much to see here, sort of shopping trip to some of my fave spots.  Geez, I just love Southern Cali!  Wouldn't you????