From Britain with Love

Perhaps it's because I'm a prepster at heart.  Or, perhaps it's my traditional side that loves to come out.  Who knows.  Truth be told, I am just smitten over the Union Jack flag these days.  I have elaborate plans (that of course haven't kicked off yet) to paint a table top with this design.  For now, I'm very satisfied with this little find from a lovely little boutique.  Maybe you have heard of it?  Target.  While I unrealistically wish I had more free time to go do shopping at some of the stores that are on my "to do" list ... rather, I find those moments of leisure shopping and finding the "perfect" item just don't happen these days. 

The moment I laid eyes on the ottoman on the website, I went on a hunt, and I do mean hunt, to locate one.  Not available online .. drats.  So, to the stores I went.  Scowering high and low, I lucked into one - and only one - not to far from home.  I think I dove at the end cap of the aisle when I saw one little stool remaining on the display.

 

After an elaborate hunt for a manager at customer service since there was no price tag on it (of course) AND a 10% discount for a smudge of chalk on the top of it (didn't hardly even notice), this cute thing made it's way out to my car for a big price tag of $14.  Repeat ... FOURTEEN DOLLARS. 

For now, she's found a semi-perm home in the hall.  I've got to shuffle a few knick knacks around here and the dining room before I'm totally satisfied, but for now ... she just makes me thrilled when I step foot in the front foyer!

Fall Y'all

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I suppose the time has come ... it's fall y'all!  As if the farewell of Labor Day didn't tip us off... the signs are all around us; the school bus picks up those littles off of the front corner by our house each morning, football was on the big screen this weekend and in chatting with any of the gals you can just tell that their crazy schedules are in full swing! 

I just love the fall and know we have fun in store over the coming few months! 

Last weekend, I swapped out a few front porch doo dads and have layered in our first pass of fall. My signature Yellow Jacket wreathes were promptly displayed in time for the first kick off. I did an elaborate burlap pillow shuffle and added these two cream linen pillows to the pile. 

Pardon the multiple pics, but it's tough to get the entire scape included in a single shot.  The pillows are basic 18 inch square and purchased at Ikea.  I swear, I don't make it there often but when I do, I come crawling home with a truck load!  First, I used a pencil and sketched what I wanted the words to look like.  Yes, y'all ... freehand.  I wanted a swoopy "f" and "y" and so I found this the easiest option.  It really was a snap.  Then, I took pumpkin orange acrylic paint and a flat (small) paint brush and just painted over my pencil markings.  You may have to brush over certain areas a few times for full coverage.  But, in less than 10 minutes my pillows were ready for drying.  After a day or two sitting outside on the porch, they made their debute!

Happy Fall Y'all!

 

The Long Weekend

Well we did our very best to fight the semi-gloomy weather and celebrate every last ounce of summer this long Labor Day weekend.  Friday kicked off just right with Mexican food with the fam.  I don't know what happened, but Dear Hubs and I looked at each other around 5 and proclaimed a hankering for all things cheese dip and taco! 

Saturday brought a day full of projects and the usual errands.  With a huge (and I do mean HUGE) organization project underway and nearing completion in the garage, we sorted, trashed and stuffed for what felt like hours.  Try doing all of that with a little that wants to hold power tools ... it 'aint that easy!  That evening, we joined friends for an end of summer fish fry.  The men folk had caught more than a ton of fish deep sea fishing and now, we all gathered to dine on the delicious fruits of the sea.  I was responsible for my signature hush puppies at the "bring a dish" event.  Oh, if only they all knew how simple that really was! 

Anywho, we dined until our bellies could hold no more and then we sat around like a bunch of beach whales watching the celebratory start of college football on tv.  Perfecto.

Sunday brought another day of projects along with a stop down to see Grand Nana (my Nana) for the fam.  We wrapped up the projects and called it a day early so we wouldn't dare be late for the big wedding event for C and B.  They were married in a beautiful Jewish ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead.  Bestie M served as the Matron of Honor and she made a lovely speach that just melted hearts.  The cake was a beauty and the white tree decor was really elaborate (and may need to be recreated in a some fashion for the holidays!).   Pardon the terrible pics with the iphone, did the best I could with the crazy lighting and minimal equipment! :)

Monday was D-day, that's delivery day around these parts.  We finished up every bit of the garage and I turned my attention to my new found craft storage in the basement.  It was shocking to try and organize my crafty wares only to realize I could (a) open my very own Hobby Lobby with all the junk I have saved up or (b) should go on a special crafting edition of that trainwreck show Hoarders!

After tossing a bunch of odds and ends, gathering a pile for charity and pronouncing myself organized; I turned my attenion to my inexpensive dresser and new Annie Sloan chalk paint.  Assuming this little thing turns out peachy, I will be painting a matching one soon for a very low cost night stand solution for our master.  Stay tuned.

On Sunday, Dear Hubs pronounced himself "a very useful engine" and I couldn't help but chuckle.  What on Earth did we do before having a little that is obsessed with Thomas the Train?  But yes, Dear Hubs ... I'd definitely agree!  We finished the day with homemade fish tacos and Georgia Tech football.  Besides the tight game ending in a loss, the weekend was proclaimed a success!



   

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!