Unfinished Business

Happy to be back at the blog.  Kids went back to school today and I finally have time alone at the computer again.  It has been a super fun week of holiday and birthday; friends and family.  I did continue to work on my photography skills, managing somehow, to capture a pretty good shot of this woodpecker in our backyard.

Taken with NikonD5100 using 55-200mm lense, auto setting at about 10 paces away.

 I began getting ready for, gasp, Christmas, over the weekend.  In preparation for Little's birthday party I decorated up the front door and kitchen window.  I used a little "Pin"spiration and imagination.  This is a work in progress and I will post back with more on the outcome.

Halloween pumpkins begin transformation

Old Valentines day planters transforming as well

Spray paint extravaganza 

 I put up with pride my Santa from last year.  This was created using a project I found on, surprise, Pinterest (here).  Looking back there are probably much easier ways to accomplish this masterpiece, like my old favorite the overhead projector - do they still make those?  But I used mostly freehand work with the help of a grid.

I did mine on canvas not plywood and used silver paint and sharpie marker.

 I've had a lot of outfits I hoped to share but sadly was so rushed on those occasions that I put some "blog" thought into my appearance and didn't get camera shots.  I really don't fancy myself a fashion model at ALL but I think its fun to share what I do with my clothes because I get so much fun out of looking at other peoples choices!

I'm loving the layered blazer look lately.  Gives a plain shirt or sweater a lift.
  

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Thankful for...Beerknurds

Happy Thanksgiving!  As I complete my preparations for Thanksgiving Day feast at my parents, I pause to update blog with some photos from Tuesday nights outing.  Husband and I with my sister and her boyfriend headed to our favorite watering hole, The Flying Saucer.  Do you have one nearby?  Hubs Loves Beer.  And I love Hubs so we are working on our "plate". As a member of the U.F.O. Club when you have had 200 different beers there you can have a personalized plate on the wall.  Cool, huh?!!  And we played in the trivia contest too.  My sister and I are a couple, no three, handfuls apart in age but she is near and dear and so so so beautiful.  I took my new camera to record the event.  I am enjoying the photography part of blogging.  No cool fashion to report today, My outfit photo was sadly blurred in haste to depart.

We ate...the German Plate! 

Hubs says "Am I part of your blog now?" Yup.

See the Cool Plates on the Wall - my name there, 2015 for sure!

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Friend Feast

I now look forward to the Monday before Thanksgiving almost as much as the holiday itself.  For one, it starts a week of vacation for the littles.  We are all so much more pleasant on a Monday when there is no early morning rush out the door for school.  There is time for snuggles and legos and blogs and puzzles.  A relaxed feeling envelopes us all.  The second reason for Monday love is my husband's work friend, Susan, who hosts a feast for friends on the Monday before Turkey Day.  Susan is the hostess I strive to be and her generousity of spirit is something I am thankful for each year. Its not about the food, its the love of God and mankind (and dogs) that permeates this event each year.
So my contribution to the feast, simple though it is, was fun for the littles and I to prepare on Monday.
We have made this treat before - I used this link for the step by step.

Nutter Butter Acorns

 

The finished product with an iced pumpkin loaf.  Susan's new puppy Addison also hosted this year. :)

Here's what I wore to the party.  I am getting a lot of wear out of the 2 new items in this ensemble - python print booties and black stone necklace.

Necklace from Target

Booties from DSW

This outfit was also inspired by a Polyvore board.  This (old) Ann Taylor Loft jacket hasn't seen much wear because it was almost too conservative for me.  With a new perspective from someone else's eye, I got a casual interpretation using pieces from my closet.  

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Back to the Blog

No idea how I got to Sunday so quickly.  I really zoomed through this week.  I had planned to do some fun craft projects and blog about those but it just didn't happen.  There was a 3 hour Harper Valley PTA meeting, preparing mashed potatoes for a 1st grade Thanksgiving Feast. And we hosted a Cotillion party Friday night, so there was getting house, yard and food ready for 20 6th grade girls and their parents.  Finally a girls night out with two old friends. Ahhhhhhhh, big sigh as I settle in for a cozy Sunday evening at home and look ahead to a fun filled Thanksgiving week with family.  

These are some inspirations I found through the week.  I'm redoing the guest bath and I love this artwork for a pop of color with a whimsical image.

This outfit is from a local store and I'm really into the purple or fuschia dress and royal blue shoes.  I found a similar royal blue shoe at Target.  Didn't buy them but still considering it!

Proposals Boutique on Facebook

And speaking of Target shopping, I did purchase this Nate Berkus Turtle shell.  My fabulous decorator, Tanya, kept telling me to get  the West Elm version and I was seriously resisting, but when I saw this one in the perfect green color for the family room I finally said "Yes"! 

Only available in stores

Husband is not so sure.  Overheard him asking kids, "Why is Leonardo coming out of our wall?"  LOL!! (ninja turtle reference)  Here's the shell on my wall.

I only captured one outfit this week.  This was what I wore to take the kiddos out and about on Saturday.  I was feeling pretty beat after Friday's prep and party.  I knew if I stayed in my sweats (which I really wanted to do) we would never leave the house.  So I found this fun print dress and colored tights and suddenly I had the will to GO and DO.  Funny how that works.

Lastly girls night out!  A few of these and all is well with the world!  From a local favorite, SO Restaurant and Bar.

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Simple variation on a leopard theme

(Well, I'm still learning the Blog technical side.  Apparently my Polyvore boards post immediately to my blog.  Must fix that.  I intended to post this with the pictures I'm adding now!)
I sometimes get stuck on one combination for a particular piece of clothing.  I come up with a look I like, like the black moto jacket with skinnies and boots, and that's the only time the moto comes out of the closet.  So after getting some online inspiration, I made a subtle variation and suddenly, I have two outfits not one!  This could be expanded upon infinitely for sure.

Here are my two looks.  In my eyes, the boots give it a edgier feel and the flats make it softer.  You can adjust according to your mood.  Somedays I just can't rock moto and boots!  I only made a couple of adjustments: Jacket zipped or unzipped; scarf untied or infinity looped (if you don't know how to make a long scarf work as an infinity scarf heres a how to on the fabulous CStyle Blog); boots or flats. 

So a question "Is this scarf too fluffy?"  I am considering taking a seam ripper and undoing all the gathering.  I can't decide.  Here's a close up of the scarf.  Let me know.

Thanks for stopping by What I didn't do today! 

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Comfort Food

Tonights post is all about food.  Spoiler alert: you will be hungry by the time you finish reading this.  These are  a few of my favorite food finds from Pinterest.  Most of these recipes come from Blogs so be sure to check them out and FOLLOW if you are a foodie.  

Who Doesn't love a Wedge Salad?  

Morton's Wedge Salad Recipe

Made this tonight and it was so delicious and easy.  Used a raspberry pure fruit spread instead of cranberry sauce.

Pioneer Woman's Cranberry Pork Tenderloin Recipe

 My kids love the Chinese take-out beef and broccoli.  This is an inexpensive and slightly healthier version. And kid tested and approved.

Rainy Day Gal Beef with Broccoli

 I made this one with a chocolate cake instead of the butter cake because I can't really do dessert without chocolate.  It turned out yummers.  I will definitely be trying the original version soon.

 Add a Pinch's Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting

 You know I'm a fan of crescent roll crack-a-lackin' yum recipes.  

 Mama Loves Food Crescent Roll French Dip

 Well, its worth a try.  Healthy chocolate? Okay if its as good as it looks I'll be eating dessert every night!

Monica's Healthified Texas Sheet Cake

Started with a salad; ended with a salad.  Hmmm, wonder what that says about me?  Well this one has bacon and cheese too!  Doesn't this look divine.   

 Carlyn's Apple Walnut Bacon Salad

I have no outfit to post from the weekend.  I was too busy watching and photographing soccer.  Super fun with the family.  I hope to "bring it" with the ensemble and the NEW CAMERA this week.

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Friday and I'm in Love

Love Fridays. Love my fun tshirt from Forever xvi. They have some great graphic tees right now that arent too cheesy or juvenile.

Later that night... Darling Boy and I shared some sushi at our favorite local spot Sushi Cafe!

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