Monday, March 29, 2010

Email from Husband - Subject: This Will Save Our Marriage

I had a fabulous blog of this weekend prepared for you however, youtube won't upload my video, so you'll have to wait until tomorrow.

So instead, an email from Husband.

Since day one of our marriage, Husband has nagged at me over the way I load the dishwasher.  I don't do it right, things don't get cleaned well etc., etc.
So I get this email from Husband this morning, the forward of a Yahoo article, the dos and don'ts of loading a dishwasher.  The subject line "this will save our marriage."

Well, Darling Husband, I was the music and philosophy major in college, you were the engineer, so you fill the dishwasher!  My more creative side just doesn't have a brain that works in fitting things in tight spaces for maximum cleanliness.  AND, this wouldn't be an issue if you'd put your dirty dishes in the washer to start with, instead of leaving them in the sink for me to put in the dishwasher!  Just sayin' (he knows I hate that phrase!)  Okay?

(Of course, I'm joking and my tone really is a happy one, not snide as it may sound.  We've been fighting this battle for years, so it's really become kind of funny!)

Anyways, in case you need help in loading the dishwasher....you can click here for some expert advice (really? the plastic stuff goes on the top so it won't melt? I didin't know that :-)

Friday, March 26, 2010

I Mod Podged!!

I bought Mod Podge last night, I just had to try this stuff.  I Mod Podged a couple plastic eggs. 
And then I Mod Podged just about any other thing I could get my hands on, more plastic eggs, flower pots, an old wooden drawer cover.  LOVE THIS STUFF!  Move over label machine, I have found my new obsession!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Mod Podge Wanna-Be

Everyone knows I am a crafter wanna-be.  I try really hard to make cute crafts in the little time I have and for the most part, I succeed, to an extent.  I have my etsy shop in which I'm really proud.  I love my little dresses, but I like to explore my options (though I'm excited to make some spring pillows for a bench in my dining room).

I recently discovered Mod Podge.  I've always heard of it, seen in in the store, but have never used it.  Not sure how I came across this site:  Ooops, I Craft My Pants (isn't that a cute name), but in her site, she did a tutorial for Mod Podge shoes!  Yes, shoes!    I'm not sure that I would trust myself to take on shoes, so maybe something a little easier to start, but really, shoes?  Must be pretty versatile stuff, this Mod Podge.
After researching Oops, I Craft My Pants a little more, I ran across TaterTots and Jello.  While not a Mod Podge site, she has a love a Mod Podge and other fantastic crafts, like this one - Burlap wreath.  Seriously, how cute is this wreath?  I love it and it is so our style while throwing in lots of color, winter or summer, burlap is a fabric of all seasons!  I WILL be making one of these.
After a little more surfing (geez, I really get sucked into these crafting sites), I discovered the motherload of Mod Podge; Mod Podge Rocks and more specificcally, a Mod Podge cabinet.  Ah Ha!  Mod Podge will be how I renovate a cabinet that is in the pink/green guest bedroom.  It is stained wood right now, but I want to paint it white, distress it and find a great fabric and Mod Podge onto the interior of the cabinet!  I will be doing a tutorial (well, I wouldn't say I'm crafty enough to tutor) but I will show you how it turns out.
But first, Husband has insisted I finish Lallie's dollhouse (you know the one I mentioned here, the one my dad made for me when I was three years old?)  Lallie loves it and loves playing with all the furniture, so I need to finish painting it and fixing it up so it can go into her room.  I will post that finished product as well.
TTFN!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Land of Nod

I adore Land of Nod.  I get their catalogs in the mail and often hold onto them for future toddler room decorating ideas.  Their furniture and designs are modern, yet still traditional enough for our personal decorating styles.  With Lallie getting ready to turn three in a few months, I've been looking at decorating themes, something that suits her personality (i.e. frilly, imaginative, girly, mature) as well as something that will grow with her.

I love this wallpaper.  I saw it last month in the magazine on the lower portion of a wall with the upper wall, chair rail and base boards painted light pink.  Husband agreed it was very Lallie-esque.

I love the idea of bunk beds or twin beds.  I personally like the full size on the bottom with the twin on top.  Maybe something a little less boxy and symmetrical though.  But, why two beds?  I'm assuming Lallie will have sleep overs at some point!

For bedding, definitely frilly and classy and non-theme oriented.  (I cringe at the thought of Lallie eventually starting to pick her own clothes, including the Barbie or Dora tee shirt....yuck!)
 

An activity table in the corner of the room would be fantastic.  Lallie really enjoys playing in her room and if I'm upstairs working on some sort of craft, this would be a perfect place for her to spend quiet time or time with her friends.  Husband would say, and where would the rest of her toys go (i.e. train table, easel, playhouse, and more and more)?


Add in a rug for a little umph in the play area, some pictures and some pretty but useful wall hangings, like a hair bow holder (handmade by yours truly of course) and ta-da.... a cute, girly, but not too young toddler room for Lallie.

Of course, this will take some time (and money) and I doubt all will come from Land of Nod (if any) as it's expensive, but it's definitely a great place to peruse for ideas!  I did buy a few Christmas gifts from there this year and the kids loved their toys from Land of Nod.

(All pictures courtesy of Land of Nod)

Monday, March 22, 2010

Kids In the Kitchen Weekend

First off, I think our neighbors think we're Northern Iowa fans after the hootin' and hollerin' coming from our house Saturday night!  What about that crazy game?  They said that ESPN had something like 4 million brackets and not a single one was 100% right and only 3 had missed only one game.  What a year.  We're anxiously awaiting Thursday for the next UK Wildcats game!  Go Cats!

This weekend was the Junior League's Kids in the Kitchen project I chaired.  It was so much fun and I think we touched 75 - 125 kids and their parents about the importance of healthy eating in children.  Our activities included painting bags with fruit and veggie stamps  (i.e. broccoli, corn, starfruit and apples) and tempura paints, filling those bags with a trail mix mixed by the kids and the teaching of how to set a place setting.


Here I am (in glasses, bleh...my contacts are on order) and some of the 20+ ladies that worked with me on this project.  We received lots of feedback from the parents, that this was a creative and fun way to entice children into healthier, yet fun eating habits.  The place setting was a big hit with the older children (and their parents).  We also gave out free books for the "Big Read."  This is a program where books are handed out to children, they are asked to read it, and then pass it on.  We gave out Tom Sawyer.
Lallie and Husband joined me on Sunday at the festival where we were stationed.  I took some time off from volunteering to walk around and play with them.  Lallie is such a cheeseball and we love it!


When we got home, Lallie got to do a painting of her own for her 1/2 birthday with apples and broccoli!  (She insisted it was her birthday, so we called it her 1/2 birthday and she says "Ho Ho" brought her the paints.)  We are proud of our little artist.

Husband mentioned "car ride" to UK and when he got excited, Husband felt bad, so they took a drive around the block.  UK  decided Lallie's car set was the best place to sit for the ride.


We had a great weekend!  Hope you did too!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Exciting Things!

Wow! We have been B.U.S.Y. in the SLPS household.

First off, don't forget to check out my Etsy shop.  I just lowered some of my prices to be a little more competitive.  These dresses are so cute and perfect for spring.  Lallie has several and loves them!
Great news...we have a new employee! Yay!  She starts Monday and thankfully she is very expereinced in our accounting software, so I don't have to train her there.  I've simply made a list of all she needs to know and she should be good to go!

Saturday and Sunday is the big Junior League event I've been busy planning with all the girls pictured below.  It's called Junior League's Kids in the Kitchen and is such a great concept - educating kids on the importance of healthy eating habits.  Most of the details of the event are wrapped up and I'm really looking forward to a couple of fun days.  We met at my house a couple weeks ago for last minute planning and I've really gotten to know these ladies.  They are really great, fun people and I know they're going to turn out to be friends.  (Don't you love my black and white shirt?  It is a fun shirt, Husband loves it).

Lenten promise:  BAD, Bad, bad, bad, bad little Christian.  But that's okay, because it's the thought that counts???  Not really, but I have re-grouped and will finish out the Lenten season on a better note.  Thankfully I'm loved no matter what! :-)

I shopped.  Boy, did I shop.  I bought three handbags (but really, they were SO cheap, they were sample sales for $15 when normally they are $150+....okay, it was the devil, I know this now.)  I wish I could return them, but they're from independent contractors, final sale...and I've sort of used them already.  I also bought some guest bathroom decor ($20.00).  I couldn't have the JL girls to my house without dressing up our completely plain bathroom, right?  Okay, wrong.  Nevermind.

I did buy a dress for Easter Sunday.  This was cleared through husband and I got it NWT on ebay for 75% off the original price.  It's Lilly and matches a Lilly dress for Lallie.  I'm going to get Husband a Vineyard Vines tie in the same colors.  We are going to have a friend who's a photographer take some family pictures in these outfits as well (beach, home, etc.)  I have a great idea for getting all white sheets and doing a family fun shot in our bedroom?  I've seen pictures like this before, and they turn out so cute?  Thoughts?

Moving on.  Negativity.  comme ci comme ca.  Eh?  Okay.  Better since co-worker has been gone, but it's been a little stressful at times, so doing, just okay.  Definately better than before though.

Bible - again, just okay.  Could be better.  I have read several chapters in different books and have been able to take it to use, but only for the following day.  I need to be more reflective of what I'm reading, to put it into practice.  I think I need to re-read Ephesians.  I really enjoyed that book and it seems to have a bearing on my life right now, in this moment.

Only one other thing going on now.  Lallie, poor Lallie.  She has entered into nightmare zone.  Poor baby girl woke up probably around 11:00 the other night crying.  Husband lulled her back to sleep, but then she woke up again and talked to herself for about an hour.  Full on sentances.  Not talking in sleep nonsense.  Then she started to scream bloody murder.  She was terrified that bugs were crawling on her.  We brought her to our bed and it was the same thing.  Talking, crying, bugs on her.  It was actually quite concerning and scary.  Here's a picture of her the next morning, sleeping in the car. 
I called the doctor the next day wondering if it was the Zyrtec we give her at dinnertime.  I remember having similar issues myself as a child when I'd have a bad reaction to allergy medicines.  Apparently, it's not Zyrtec at all.  That this medicine does NOT cause night terrors.  She's just going through a stage.  Poor baby girl.  She's been fine the last two nights, but I'm on pins and needles right now when I put her down, wondering if she's going to have another terrible night.  I would never want her to have bad dreams.  I've been keeping nighttime routine calm for the past few nights, to help eliminate, so far it's working out okay.

Shoooo, so that's what's going on in our crazy lives!  I shall resume normal postings next week!  Have a fantastic weekend!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Our Weekend

First off, I would like to know the statistics of increases in car wrecks, health issues etc. in the few days immediately following the daylight savings time change.  I mean, it's not like I really lost any sleep.  I went to bed at the same time and woke at the same time.  However, as I sat at the stoplight this morning, I looked around at people guzzling coffee, yawning like crazy and heads slumped down in their hands as they rub their eyes (me included).  Even Lallie said last night, "but I don't want to go to bed, it's not dark."  This morning she said "but mommy, it's still dark out" when I woke her up.  This is just a tough transistion.  The fact that the sun is rising right in your line of sight while driving, certainly doesn't help the yawning and eye squinting!

Moving on.  This weekend was jam packed with fun.  We spent nearly all day Saturday outside as it was absolutely gorgeous!  Husband did some brick paver work on our driveway and sidewalk, but since Lallie, the dog and I hung out with him, he didn't feel really upset about having to do the work.

Saturday evening, I attended a fabulous Junior League event called LunaFest.  It featured 10 short, but amazing films, by women, for women and about women.  It was emotional and powerful.  There was shopping from local vendors (always a tough area for me as I could buy everything!) and there were auctions (which I think I won one...it's actually for Husband, not me, it's a surprise).  Plus, I had a great time with a lot of women I've had the pleasure of meeting of the last few months.

Sunday, was a lazy, lazy day.  As you could tell from yesterday's videos, Husband just did some exterior house cleaning while Lallie played in the water (yes, it was that nice) and then we watched UK barely win the SEC championship.  We won by one point and we got to overtime by the hair on Cousins knuckle....quite literally.  Those who watched the game know what I'm talking about and most of us stood pacing in our living rooms while the refs watched the tape over, and over, and over, and over again to see if we really did go into overtime or if we lost.  It was a real nail biter!

So, that was the extent of our weekend.  Now we're both ready for bed....at 9 pm, because we have to get up at what feels like the crack of dawn, because it's still dark....even though it's 7 am!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

GO CATS!!!! SEC CHAMPS!!!

SEC Champs 2010!

What we did today...

....while Husband was doing some exterior house cleaning.





Saturday, March 13, 2010

Kate Puck Jewelry

 As promised, I'd like to introduce you to a fabulous jewelry designer I've had the pleasure of dealing and chatting with over some time now.  She is not only a wonderful person, but she has the most beautiful, fresh and colorful (and affordable) jewelry, perfect for Lilly Pulitzer wearing weather!  She is just fabulous and I know you will love her, and her jewelry, too!
Kate Puck is a Charleston, SC jewelry designer who finds inspiration in the beauty of the Lowcountry barrier islands.  She is also a big fan of Lilly Pulitzer and often designs her necklaces to complement the Lilly look (ummmm, gee, no wonder I like her!)

Kate is a third generation jewelry artist designing with sterling silver, semi-precious stones, sand dollar fossils and pearls. Her signature pieces are the Kiawah Starfish Collection (my favorite), Isle of Pearls, Beachwalker Charms and Sand Dollar Fossil Necklaces. Kate’s designs are sold in galleries in downtown Charleston, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Daniel Island and select Florida resorts.  You can visit Kate on facebook at: www.facebook.com/katepuckjewels for current updates and special promotions.  Stay tuned here for a special promotion just for SLPS readers!

My personal favorite collection is the Kiawah Starfish.  I love the white pearl combined with the star, it's fresh, light, not overbearing at all and matches just about any color (eh hmmm, pink and green) you choose.  Plus it's shiny.  Name me one female that doesn't like shiny!  (The earrings also come in green.)
 For a more formal, yet still very light and fresh spring look, I adore the Green With Envy necklace.  I love the stone mixed with the clear necklace, it screams classy, but not stuffy.  I can see some of my Kentucky friends heading off to Keeneland or the Kentucky Derby pairing this with a spring dress and hat.
 
Coral has such a unique color and it pops against any skin color, fair, tan or dark.  As you know, the latest fashion rule is to NOT match shoes and dress colors.  So, can't you visualize this gorgeous necklace with a fresh white sundress with matching coral colored heeled sandals?  Yes, I think maybe I do!
 
Can't forget the ears.  I know what all you Lilly lovers are thinking, perfect for Lilly's signature green patterns!  Again, fresh with a pop of color without having an overbearing feel.  I tend to stay away from long, dangly large earrings.  It's just not my personality, but that doesn't mean I can't have fun and fresh color.  These are definitely on my wish list!
 
Last but not least, the wrist.  For some reason, I don't wear bracelets in the fall or winter, but spring and summer have my wrists adorned with all types of pearls, mostly pink freshwater (if you can imagine that I'd wear anything but pink).  But now, I will be adding this Green Peas bracelet to my jewelry collection.  Not to be redundant, but once again, fresh and light for casual shorts, church going or even more formal as a wedding or the horse races.
 
So, aren't you just in love with Kate Puck now?  Yes?  Well you are in luck!  Kate is offering my readers $20.00 off a $100.00 purchase.  Just enter the code "preppy" at checkout!  That's nearly a free pair of earrings!  Don't delay, you must add these gorgeous pieces to your closet.  You won't be surprised to see me in future posts wearing Kate Puck

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Hi ladies!  I've been getting lots of emails asking me where I've been this week and if all is okay!  First off, thank you for the concern and thoughts, you are all truly so nice to think of little ole me!  Honestly, several of you would be fantastic friends in real life!

Yes, I'm fine.  Thank you for asking!  I am just working crazy hard at work doing two jobs, setting up interviews and finalzing a Junior League event I'm heading up in a couple of weeks.  By the time I get home at night, it's all family, no computer and then as soon as Lallie is in bed....*konk*. 

However, things are going well and smooth and my office is SO MUCH HAPPIER!  I know caps are a huge taboo over internet, but I just want to get the point across that even though we're all working harder, we're all doing so with big smiles! :-)

I do have Lallie updates for you later this week!

But tomorrow, I will be introducing you to a fantastic, fantastic, fantastic jewelry designer I've recently had the chance to chat with and get to know.  You are going to LOVE her and her jewelry.  It is affordable, perfect for summer (and Lilly P.) and absolutely gorgeous.  So check back tomorrow.  Oh, and my readers get a special discount!  So even though I'm not shopping during Lent, I can live vicariously through you!  (and no the towels, soap, bath mat and hand towel holder don't count as shopping...right?)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Bonkers!

Things are absolutely bonkers in the SLPS household this week.  Lallie was sick all weekend, out of school most of the days Friday and Monday.  Yesterday, Husband became ill and it is a nasty bug.  Today, I am ill, but I am at work because.....mean co-worker was fired yesterday and since this person, technically worked for me, bossman is depending on me to pick up the slack and delegate until we hire a new person.

Bonkers, I tell you, bonkers!!

So, please excuse my lack of posts and I know the family is looking forward to some new Lallie pictures, but she didn't look so hot this weekend!  She' on the path to recovery now though!!

Update on the Nailene nails:  Well, they lasted for 10 days.  I will say that they started to look a little rough the last two days (air pockets underneath) but compared to my natural nails, still an improvement.  I did notice that they don't grow out like salon nails, they stayed close to my cuticles.  Fluke maybe?  I think I will try KISS nails next, I heard they were better from mutilple blogger friends.

As for Lenten promises:

(1) shopping - still 100% good!  I am shocked at myself.  It's not as hard as I thought it would be.

(2) negativity - doing "eh" on this one.  Co-worker being gone definately helps in this department but the household sickness has taken it's place!  I'm still trying to be more concious.

(3) Bible - I know you'll be disappointed (as will God more importantly), I have yet to crack the binding :-(  Enough said. 


Happy Wednesday!

Monday, March 1, 2010

My Etsy Shop is Open!

Morning y'all!

As you can see from my prior post, I have been pretty busy this weekend finalizing some sewing projects and getting my Etsy shop up and running (with Lallie's help of course!)  You can find me at Southern Living: Preppy Style Designs!
Please visit me.  There are Eco-Friendly Reuseable Snack Bags (Lallie loves these, and so do I....much moolah saved!)  And, there are pillowcase dresses from newborn to size 2T.  I can custom make anything as well to fit your paticular mini southern belles size.  Just let me know!
My photography skills aren't all that great (need to read up on this).  So if you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me.

Oh, and tell all your friends about me!!