Fall 2013

Breaking records is usually a good thing....except for when it involves not blogging for over a month. This is my longest time frame to not post anything, BUT it comes with good reason. 

We went to India for over two weeks and it was life changing. I didn't have time for any painted elephant rides {you can bet that's on the list for our next trip} but got to scour markets and find special embellishments and just SEE so much of what was possible. All I can say is get ready for next spring's collection! So much to talk about from the trip, so many new experiences, such a new perspective on life...this will be another post for another day. 

One week after my return, we had the fall photo shoot {better late than never} and the shots I've seen so far are fantastic. Cannot WAIT until you see official ones rather than just these iPhone snaps below! The models are hometown girls and none are professional in any capacity {the gorgeous chick in the bee ball gown is my graphic designer!}, so it was extra fun to have real life women in the clothing. We had SUCH a blast. 

You might recognize the two blondes. The middle was one of my main models for Spring 2013 {she's all over the website right now}, and the other beauty is a gal I met at my open casting call for the Spring 2013 Botanic Gardens shoot. 

Munch stopped by just in time to jump into the last shot of the fall collection, and fit right in. 

{yes, she's holding a cane...the perfect blend of eccentricity I was going for with the shoot!}

There are also pleeeeenty of outtakes to share because being silly is always fun, and keeping the days lighthearted is the only possible way we can stand and pose for 12 hours on end!

More to come soon! I will get back into regular posting in the coming weeks, but have several more things to wrap up for fall, resort and spring before that can happen. Hang tight!!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer so far... :))) 

{ps, did you hear about the secret sale online? 50% off select items...ends soon!}

Mothers Day Makeover

11 inches. Chop chop! I was ready for a change, not only because I have had long hair for what feels like FORRREEEEVER {cue the Sandlot voice}, but I would wake up, put my hair up in a bun, and be done for the day. Kind of boring! I gave myself motivational speeches pretty much daily for about three weeks, and was nothing but excited this morning as I rolled up at 8am. 

My stylist said she was going to make me sign a contract that I would not abuse her in any way if I didn't like it, and was shocked I actually turned up. I truly had no hesitations, which is a great feeling for a major change like this :)))

We did some ombre as well...which I still adore no matter how out of style it's becoming. 

#heartsiesforombreforever

I am surprised at how much I already LOVE it. No complaints, just lots of smiles...

Everyone have a WONDERFUL Mother's Day!

Melted Crayon Art

How often do you see something on Pinterest and think, "AMAZING!!!... but I will never have time to do that." {Story of my life}

I had come across photos of this art project too many times to continue drooling over it on the screen, and decided it was time to do this with the kiddos. 

I went to Michael's and bought a new box of 120 crayons, a long canvas, and a new hot glue gun. 

That is ALL it takes! Oh, plus the blow dryer ;) 

Glue each crayon onto the canvas with the hot glue gun and let dry. I ordered ours in rainbow order {mostly}, but obviously do whatever you feel inspired to do.

Start blowdrying and voila! I am in love with it, and it was easy, cheap, and FUN to do.

My arm did get a little tired holding the dryer but it was worth it to have this nice addition to our living room/play room. 

One small tip: I got a little impatient around the blues and put the hair dryer on high. Bad idea. It slung the wax sideways and made a little patch of splatter paint.

No major deal, but if you want them all streaming down, have patience and keep the dryer on low. 

The pink section is my favorite. #duh

Pretty great, right? I left a space at the end for us to write our names and the date we did it, though most I have seen go from one side to the other.

You could always write names and date on the sides of the canvas as well. Happy melting! 

Las Vegas Scrapbook

Biz and I had the opportunity to go to Las Vegas this past weekend and we had such a blast. To say we needed some husband and wife alone time is the understatement of the century! Although we missed the kids dearly, it was amazing to enjoy each other’s company without any knuckleheads running around. Is it wrong that I loved the fact that no one asked for something to drink, tugged on me for food, there wasn’t a baby monitor in sight or that I didn’t have to play referee in who took who’s toy first? I need to get out more!

We stayed at The Wynn {AMAZING} and although I did not find time to lounge by the pool {working in peace and quiet was also a welcomed treat of the trip} I made sure to snap a quick iPhone shot of it. How pretty are the cabanas?

This is a quick shot of the entrance. Upon seeing this I knew we were in for a treat!

The only four pairs of shoes I brought…was I not feeling well?

{picked up the solid nude flats at Nine West last week for $40!!}

One of the highlights of the trip for me was seeing this incredible Jeff Koons installation, one of my all-time favorite artists. I have had the privilege of seeing three of his works in person, and given his use of color in this piece, it might be my favorite.

We were also fortunate enough to receive a behind the scenes tour, and although I got the feeling that photography was prohibited, I asked the head of the floral staff if I could snap a shot of this arrangement. Have you ever seen anything so pretty?

This was in another area of the hotel on the main floor that was breathtaking. Look at all the floral spheres suspended from the trees. Talk about an amazing idea for a wedding or great party!

 

A beautiful view out the window at breakfast one morning.

I think this is the first time this has ever happened outside of Texas, but I ran into the cutest girl who recognized me while we were waiting to get a manicure. Of course I had to document such a fun moment! She was actually Texan as well, so I guess it doesn’t actually count… but it still made for a nice photo op ;)

Discovered my new favorite nail polish color by Butter London, Trout Pout. #seriouslyperfect

And my favorite moment of the trip without question… “Last night we renewed our vows. It will be 5 years in June! What started out as just a fun and crazy idea (by me, of course) with me dragging him into the cab turned out to be so special. I was expecting nothing more than a fake bouquet and silly veil, but by halfway through our vows we were both in tears. Didn’t matter that we were in this neon chapel, just that we were together. It was wonderful to say those words to one another after everything we have been through together — three young children, sick family, marriage ups and downs, and Lord knows what else — but to look into each other’s eyes and reinstate our I Do’s…perfect. To anyone out there that’s going through a rough patch in your marriage, keep fighting. It is SO WORTH IT. Love never fails.” – via Instagram {@sheridanfrench}

Then it was back to reality with this chicken.

Happy Weekend!


Oh - first - one great link for your lazy Sunday: When Omega-3 Fats Can Be Dangerous
Make sure you're taking the right fish oils...with the right foods...

Las Vegas Scrapbook

Color Crush :: Navy Bedroom Walls

How do you all feel about navy walls? What about in a bedroom? What about in a toddler's bedroom? I have decided to make Squish and Snooze roomies, and the nursery is getting a total makeover. The yellow striped ceiling will be gone {yes, shedding some tears...there's a pic of me below painting it at 37 weeks pregnant with Squish} and the plaster walls will become a matte navy. I have been holding on to the photo above for over three years and am still as enamored with it today as when I first saw it long ago, and I am very excited for the change!

Although navy is not for everyone {would you believe it if I told you I don't think I own a SINGLE piece of navy clothing?!} it really does work across the board. Just take a look at these images and you will see it's appeal; boy rooms, girl rooms, traditional to modern to eclectic, it's great! I hope I like the change, but I sure will miss that striped ceiling.... Photos to come next week once it's all complete!

This is Valspar Indigo Streamer. What a great shade, right?! Happy Tuesday!