Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures

Industrial Lamp

2012-02-12T11:38:00.001-06:00

I am painting and waxing away on my son’s room. I hope to get it to a point where he can sleep in in tonight. The labor is never as fun for me as the decorating. I am excited to see if our industrial/vintage idea comes together. I did get a lamp finished and ready for the room. I love it.

I just stuck it in the front room for right now to get a shot of it.

I had on old bronze candlestick lamp that I painted with my Krylon aluminum paint and black glaze.

I ordered my bulbs and a light cage at 100obulbs.com and it was a bronze color in the photo, but a yellow one arrived. It is coated in a yellow rubber type material.

The color really didn’t matter because I needed to paint it anyway.

We also got the new ceiling fan installed. I had to paint the pulls because they came in light brown which looked weird with the silver ceiling fan.

It looks better, but I am not a fan of compact fluorescent light bulbs and that is what is used in this fan.

Here’s the before fan.

I have most of the furniture painted and waxed. I thought I disliked painting. I think I dislike waxing more.

I do like painting with the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It is fast and easy.

Better go and get to it. Lots to do before his bedtime tonight.

Project 52 Week 6 Drink Up

2012-02-08T21:33:00.001-06:00

After a lot of coaxing I got Izzy to drink from the bathroom faucet. Please look away from her skinny legs. She was very matted and had to be shaved.

Or should I have stuck with my photo of my other faithful friend, my one cup coffee maker?

A Mess Mess Here and a Mess Mess There

2012-02-06T12:45:00.001-06:00

It’s a good thing we always close our office the day after the Super Bowl. I am sooo behind with things. I have been working on David’s room and I had some engagement photos to take. My son and I are working on clearing out his room to paint.

I had him take out all of the books in his book case and decide what to keep and what to purge. It took him forever!

Yes I have one gray curtain (sheet) up to see how it looks. I am going to give the curtain rods the same metal zinc treatment as the blocks I redid for his room.

The ceiling fan is white and gold. Not very masculine for a boys room and it is wobbly. It will hopefully get replaced by my husband this week.

When I first started blogging I challenged myself to recover a chair. David fell in love with it and spends lots of time sitting in his room in the chair. It is pretty obvious it is well used.

How does a boy get a chair so dirty? It actually looks worse in person. I ordered him a small recliner to replace the chair. I had to really talk him into it. He thinks a little Febreeze would fix the current chair.

So all of his books and some other things from his room are in the guest room.

I didn’t even take time to show you another room that is junked out because of David’s room. I will save your eyes from too much chaos.

I have a few of his furniture pieces done. I am using Annie Sloan’s Chalkpaint in graphite. It is a really really dark gray. It goes on so fast. I use to doubt this paint, but not anymore. It is saving me from hours of labor.

It isn’t drastically different than the original navy blue at first glance, but it will really look different once the room is all pulled together.

Everything looks this way because I spent all morning editing some engagement photos I took of one of my patients at our dental office instead of working on the room.

I took them yesterday right before the big game. I really like how this next one turned out.

Love that sun! It will be gone tomorrow and maybe even some snow. Gotta love the Texas panhandle.

Well I better get to work. I have furniture pieces calling my name, laundry to do, messes to clean, etc., etc., etc. .

Coca Cola Sign Aged and Distressed

2012-02-04T10:52:00.001-06:00

Although it is cold and windy outside, I drug my sign out to sand on it a bit. I actually had to do it twice because I sanded it just a bit and it looked pink and I freaked. Remember I used up my Annie Sloan Chalkpaint sample so there was no repainting to be done. After staring at if for a while, I decided to go for it.

Do you do that. Stare at something to either work up the courage to do something or see if it will speak to you and tell you to just do it? So my sign said to distress me already so I did.

I lightly brushed on some dark brown glaze back and forth over the sign and added it a little heavier here and there.

And I am calling it done.

My son likes the older look and so do I. Here is a reminder of how it looked last night freshly painted.

I hope the next time you see this sign it is sooner than later and it is displayed in David’s new room!

Coca Cola Fence Section Sign

2012-02-03T22:38:00.001-06:00

Here I go again making the fun stuff for David’s room and not doing the hard labor things like painting walls. Quick fun painting is my thing. Tedious painting not so much.

I have mentioned that David wanted some Coca Cola décor in his room. I used a section of fence for my Lifeguard On Duty sign I did this past summer and painted it red. I used Annie Sloan’s Chalkpaint. The color is Emperor’s Silk. I bought just a sample of it and I used every drop to cover the sign.

I made a Coca Cola stencil to use on the painted fence section.

You can see the picket points on the underneath side. The tips have been sawed off.

I cut the stencil with my Cricut machine and then taped and held it down while I painted the Coca Cola in white with a stencil brush.

I wish the bottom part of the Coca didn’t end up between pickets, but it did.

I am liking the sign, but it looks a little too new.

I am going to work on aging it tomorrow. I thought I might should show you what it looks like now in case I mess it up!

Go HERE to see the updated sign.

I have to throw in an Izzy pic before I go. She loves to stand on the back of the couch or chairs and be by our head. Here she is looking down at my husband.

That silly dog makes me smile.

Linking to

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

New Way to Follow

2012-02-03T08:15:00.001-06:00

I just followed how to follow. Maryann at Domestically Speaking posted about a new way to follow since Google is changing things up and getting rid Google Friends Connect in less than a month. Go here to read her post. This makes me sad because I enjoyed watching my blog grow to 1201 followers. It grew slow, but it was steady and I never made requirements for anyone to follow me ever. Well I guess I will just proudly watch the number grow again using Linky Followers. It is free and was easy to install. You don’t have to have a blog to use it. Maryann helped test it and highly recommends this new way.

I added my new follow box this morning. I hope you will use it if you previously followed me on Google Friends Connect.

Thanks

Project 52 Week 5 Shadows

2012-02-01T21:21:00.001-06:00

It seems my dogs are always subjected to my photography projects or practice. I used them for my shadow models on a windy day. Old dry leaves were blowing and my elderly blind dog was kind of freaking out when the leaves would hit her out of nowhere while I kept telling her to sit and stay. I couldn’t decide between the photo of my puppy alone or both dogs so I am going to show you both shadow photos.

I love those dogs! What good sports they are to sit in the sun and wind and patiently let me take their photos.

Restoration Hardware Knock Off- “Metal” Chest

2012-01-29T09:39:00.001-06:00

Years ago I bought a small chest. Although I liked it and used it in my living room, I was willing to donate it to the cause of the teenage room redo. It needed that industrial vintage look we are going for. I like the chests at Restoration Hardware that are very expensive so I thought I would simulate that look.

Here’s my version.

It seems a bit more silver in the photos because the light reflects off of it.

Here is the before.

I liked the leather edges and strap and the brass latch. I taped them off so that part wouldn’t get spray painted. I wiped Vaseline onto the curved parts of the latch so the paint wouldn’t stick to it. It worked like a charm.

It was really bright after I sprayed it with the aluminum paint.

The black glaze I used on the blocks helped tone it down.

It might not be exactly like the Restoration Hardware boxes, but it does look metal and paint definitely transformed the chest.

Linking to

I Heart Craftastic @ Sew Can Do

Meet Me Monday @ You’re Talking Too Much

Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming

Zinc Blocks-From Country Cute to Industrial Cool

2012-01-28T16:59:00.001-06:00

I think the most rewarding decorating comes from transforming something you already have into something new and wonderful. It’s cheap or free and fun to see the transformation. A lot of this will be happening in my son’s room redo. It seems I am redoing the décor before I am redoing the room. The décor is the easy and fun part. Maybe I will labor with painting walls next weekend.

When my son was really young I found these country wooden blocks that spelled out his name. They have been put away for awhile and I thought new life could be brought to them with some paint.

Here’s what they looked like before.

I sprayed a couple of coats of Krylon aluminum paint on them.

Bling bling bling!!! Not the look I was going for at all, but a little black glaze would tone them down and make them just right.

I made my own black glaze with some craft acrylic paint and glaze mix. I generously painted the blocks and then wiped the glaze off with a paper towel.

I love them. Don’t they look like metal blocks now?

I will show you another transformation soon.

Linking to

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming

Vintage Industrial Vibe for the Teenage Room Redo

2012-01-28T11:53:00.001-06:00

My son and I are trying to create a vintage industrial look for his teenage bedroom makeover. I found some cool bulbs and light cage that I hope to be using in the space.

The light bulb is a reproduction and is so cool. It is only $5.18. Bulbs like this can be found at Restoration Hardware for twice the price.

I am going to try to use this cage on a lamp base.

If that doesn’t work then I will find another use for it.

Here’s my son in his room the way it looks right now. He was sick from school Thursday and spent the day in bed.

You can kind of see the gray sheet I hung to see if it would work for window treatments. Walmart has such cheap cheap sheets that work great for curtains.

I am going to do some spray painting today because it is a bit warmer and no wind.

We are going to clean out all of his kid toys tomorrow and get rid of a Playskool toy box. I am so glad he is ready to purge. He tends to want to keep things he doesn’t use.

I ordered my bulbs and cage from 1000bulbs.com if you want to check them out.

What are you doing this weekend?

Turquoise Bottles and a Peacock Feather

2012-01-27T00:19:00.001-06:00

I photographed this image for my Beyond Layers class and thought it might make for good table décor in someone’s home.

The large bottle was my mother in law’s and the smaller ones I bought at Hobby Lobby awhile back. My friend’s daughter is getting married this summer and her theme is Peacock. Maybe this arrangement can be used at her wedding.

I love that the image is soft due to the lighting and textures I used.

Project 52 Week 4 Self Portrait

2012-01-26T18:51:00.001-06:00

Well I have tried the self portrait thing before and it was hard and I looked rather boring. I decided to be unique with my self portrait for this challenge. I spend several days a week running either outside or on my treadmill. I came across this funny on Pinterest.

Sooooo I thought hmmm let’s see which one I actually look like when I am running. I set my camera in front of my treadmill on a tripod. I had to use an external flash because it was indoors at night and I bounced it off the ceiling. I was tempted to put it on the action setting, but I wanted to challenge myself so I used manual for my action shot.

I think I might look somewhere in between the 2 photos above.

I wonder if I will be on the only self portrait on a treadmill???? I bet so. An advantage to this is I didn’t have to get all spiffed up. I actually took this after I ran and had sweat pouring in my eyes while trying to set up my camera.

Vintage Mailbox in my Kitchen

2012-01-25T20:05:00.001-06:00

I thought this little mailbox might be fun for a change in the kitchen. It ties in with some of the other black elements I have in there. I was staring at the photo and wondering about creating open shelving in the cabinet above the bar.

It already stores our everyday white dishes that all match. I might leave the cabinets open for a day or so and see what I think. I am not sure I like the idea of everything being exposed to dust. Things that make you go hmmmm.

Looking for Color Palettes for Son’s Room Redo and Trouble with Clicking on Blog Post Links

2012-01-21T10:39:00.001-06:00

Cash is going out and ideas are coming in for my son’s bedroom redo. I have bought new bedding, a ceiling fan, and sheets to turn into curtains. When I make purchases towards something then it helps me get the room going. I need to go buy paint soon so I will have it on hand when we are ready to paint.

His room is hard for me because I know what I like, but he wants it to be what he likes. What I like and an almost 14 year old like are not even in the same ballpark. We have both agreed on gray. He picked out the bedding.

I helped him find a fan on line.

By the way if you are fan shopping check out Lamps Plus. Great price ($99.95), no tax and I got free shipping.

My son loves Coca Cola. I am not a fan of it, but because he loves it we will find a way to use it in his room.

It won’t be extreme like this image I found.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pro-painter/3679766451/

It will be much more subtle and vintage. We will use things like this old Coke can and the crates we got last year.

So I have been trying to find out how to do a color palette with gray and a touch of red.

Design Seeds had some inspirational palettes available.

Have you ever checked out the site? It is really fun to search for different combos. Go here to check it out.

I have a few other things to let you know":

This past week I have had trouble with clicking on post links. The post would show up and then it would disappear and the screen would be white. This happened with links on my blog and links to other blogs in linky parties. I downloaded the Google Chrome browser and the problem is gone. I was using Internet Explorer before. If you are having this trouble then you might try Google Chrome.

I had a little health scare I mentioned last week. I found a lump and my doctor thinks it is fine. I will get an ultrasound of it to be sure, but I feel good that he said he has all the good characteristics and none of the bad.

Thanks for making me feel good about my story I shared.

My Story for Beyond Layers

2012-01-20T18:13:00.001-06:00

I signed up for Beyond Layers to learn to be more creative with my photography. Our first assignment is to share our story. Hmmm I didn’t expect that. I almost didn’t participate, but that is not my style. When I am expected to do something I do it. So here it goes….the good, bad and the ugly.

My story is I am oh so ordinary. Does that sound terrible to you? To me it is the best thing I could ever be. It is quite a miracle that I am ordinary and that my life is pretty simple and maybe even boring. It is just how I like it.

I guess to understand what I am you have to understand what I am not.

Well first of all I am not headline news that reads baby and mother dead by gunshot wound to abdomen. Yep my mom was shot when she was pregnant with me. What makes it worse is my dad is the one who shot her. We both survived and she stayed with him until I was 5 yrs old.

I am also not a user of drugs, seller of drugs or a thief to get drugs even though my dad is all those things. He also made me do drugs when I was 4 and 5 years old. I believe he is once again in prison and that’s a good place for him.

I am not an alcoholic although my mom was until she took her life 12 years ago when I was 29.

I am not a hoarder although both of my grandmas hoard.

I am not an abuser even though I watched my dad and then my mom’s boyfriends beat my mom regularly. Although it scared and scarred me, it did not ruin me.

I am not a victim. I choose to use all the things that are shocking and seem horrible as examples of how not to be. I choose to be ordinary.

I am a college graduate and I have practiced dental hygiene for 20 years.

I am a wife and have been married for over 16 years.

I am a mom of a 13 year old boy who only knows a normal life.

I am a runner, photographer, and creator. I am dependable, loyal, and honest. I am a giver and not a taker. I am really good at lots of things, but I don’t excel at anything.

The photographer part is pretty new. I have been learning how to be a photographer for about a year now. I call myself a photographer even though I am not a professional. I take photos almost everyday so that makes me a photographer right? It has become quite a passion for me. I try to learn all I can. I take continuing ed classes at our community college and online classes like Beyond Layers. If I won a lottery I would spend a ton of money on photography equipment. I have to restrain myself almost everyday.

I love my dogs like they were my kids and I love being home with my family. I will give a lot and I expect a lot. I am judgmental to a fault because I expect the best from people.

I am not perfect, but I am not my past.

I did have good things happen in my childhood and I have happy memories. I almost didn’t share all the bad, but it shows you why I feel special living an ordinary life being an ordinary person.

So that’s my story…………

Project 52 Week 3 I Dreamed a Dream

2012-01-18T18:49:00.001-06:00

I took this challenge literally. I couldn’t come up with a unique idea for it so I took photos of my son sleeping. Ok so I made him pretend to be asleep. My son wasn’t thrilled with his photo so I took pics of my dog sleeping and used one of hers for the challenge. I took the photo using only the light of the lamp next to the couch. She likes to sleep on the top of the couch pillows.

I like the angle of the photo and her bushy eyebrows. I am just sure she must be dreaming about chewing up all of our possessions. It seems to be her hobby.

My dream is to take her to our future farm we want to live on when my husband retires in about 5 years. It’s been our dream for a long time to have a house with acreage, trees and a pond. I would have loved to take a photo of it, but we aren’t there yet.

Burlap Lamp Shades From Target

2012-01-17T18:43:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago I changed out some lamp shades to burlap shades I found at Target. They were very reasonable and I liked the tan color of them. You already saw one of them when I posted about my side table that you can read here.

I have a floor lamp and the burlap shade really looks good with it.

Have you ever wondered what this wall looks like when the photo isn’t cropped?

Not much of a wall huh? But you can see all that trim I need to paint. I finally read how I am going to change up those beams without sanding them. This will happen in 2012 if it kills me.

Here’s the entire floor lamp. I promise everything doesn’t look as junky in person as it does in this photo.

I also added a lamp with a new shade to my sofa table.

You can see both lamps in this next photo.

A close up of the lamp and my dust. Would you believe me if I told you I dusted just 2 days ago?

The shade is really darker, but the sunlight is making it look lighter.

Here’s my lamp on the side table I redid a few weeks ago.

I like the cohesiveness of all the same lamp shades in my family room and the nice glow that is let off when the light is turned on.

The texture really shows through the light.

I will be starting on my son’s room soon. I have been spending money on things that will look terrible if we don’t paint in there so it looks like lots of painting is in my future. Maybe I will even get to that trim and those beams in the family room sooner than later.

Linking to

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Word-Health

2012-01-15T19:15:00.001-06:00

I am jumping on the word of the year bandwagon and joining Layla’s linky party on Monday.

My word I am picking for this year is “health”. It’s what I want most for me and my family. I want us to maintain physical and mental health.

My family including my son exercise regularly and I feel good about that. I think it does a mind and body good. My son is appreciating his physical appearance. That is very important to a teenager. I can remember having low self esteem at his age and I am glad he does not. For myself I need to do more strength training.

As you age, you lose muscle. It starts in your 40s (that’s me) and increases quickly after about age 50. I want to keep what I have and maybe add more so I can afford to lose some. Strength training helps your bones too.

I eat more fruits and veggies than my family, but I am sure it is still not enough. I just ordered a juicer. It should get here this week.

I also ordered a recipe book, but I have to wait for it to be in stock.

I think it will be easier to get us to drink fruit and veggies when we don’t eat them regularly. I will let you know how it goes.

I always pay attention to my mental health. My mom died from suicide 12 years ago this month. I was 29 and she was 47. I never want to be in her shoes so I am always aware of depression and luckily have never suffered from it, but if I do I will get help and be here for my son until I am an old woman if I can help it. I think being physically health helps me stay mentally healthy.

This past year I have been taking Vitamin D3 every day. My doctor prescribed it.

It is over the counter and cheap! She says it helps with inflammatory diseases. Almost every health issue involves inflammation. I usually have Eczema in the winter time on my legs and face. This is the first time I have been Eczema free. I feel like it is from the Vitamin D3. I take a pill a day. My doctor did a blood test to see how much I needed to take. Apparently just about everyone is deficient in this area. Read about it and see what you think.

Health is also my word because I have a potential medical problem. I am going to the doctor next week and should know more in a few weeks. I am praying it is nothing, but it is smart to get checked as soon as you think you have a health problem so I am.

"Ill-health of body or of mind, is defeat. Health alone is victory. Let all men, if they can manage it, contrive to be healthy!" Thomas Carlyle

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live."
Jim Rohn

"Prevention is better than cure."
Desiderius Erasmus

Free Photoshop Calendar Kit

2012-01-15T16:23:00.001-06:00

Shadowhouse Creations is a cool blog with lots of free artistic textures and things for use in Photoshop. I was thinking I need a new calendar when I found a free calendar kit on the Shadowhouse blog. I was in a hurry so I just used the same photo and texture for every month, but you could be really creative with your calendar.

Go here to get the free calendar kit and whip up your own 2012 calendar. Now I get to look at Izzy’s sweet face every time I check the date.

Project 52 Week 2 Made with Love

2012-01-11T21:55:00.001-06:00

So many things come to mind with this subject challenge, but I was drawn to photograph my son’s fort and swing set. It is almost 10 years old and still stands as strong and sound as the day my husband built it for our little boy’s 4th birthday. My husband isn’t a builder and the only power tool he owns is a corded drill. He bought the plans and supplies at Home Depot and spent a week with a hand saw and a drill creating this fort and swing set.

I first photographed it while the sun was going down and the photo was flat and boring. I decided to try as the sun was rising and caught the sun flare in the slats on the fort. I liked that effect much better.

Flash and Auto Mode Saved the Moment

2012-01-10T19:26:00.001-06:00

My sister is moving away and I attended a going away dinner for her at a restaurant. It’s not one I have been to in awhile and I wasn’t sure of the lighting, but I grabbed my external flash just in case I needed it. Boy did I. It was soooo dark in there. I looked up to a dark wood ceiling. What no white ceiling to bounce the light off and get natural looking soft photos? Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh. Now that I have shot in manual for so long, but know every little about my flash I hurriedly kept trying to find the right settings to take photos when my sister arrived. She didn’t know we were all getting together to tell her bye. I finally got the settings to where I could at least see people and thought ok…that will work.

(Dark photos with shadows under the eyes)

(Same person using flash-you can see her!)

My sister’s boss’ husband asked if he could see my camera. He turned my flash forward and put my camera on auto. I thought what the heck???? He took a pic of me and my husband and what do you know?

You could see us. I didn’t think the photos looked too harsh either and even if they did harsh lit photos are way better than hopefully I can see you photos. Right? This year I WILL become completely comfortable with flash photography, but until then I am all about the auto and flash forward when needed!

(Me and my sister-see I did learn how to fix my hair!)

Now my sister has photos to take with her on her new adventure.

Funny thing is she is moving where I have planned on moving in the next 5 or 6 years. It will be easier to decide if I will move there after visiting her and listening to her thoughts about the town.

I will never think bad about the flash or auto mode again. It is my friend.

Texture Tuesday-Embrace

2012-01-08T22:09:00.001-06:00

This week’s Texture Tuesday must contain one of Kim’s Embrace textures. A few weeks ago my father in law gave me on old camera that he and his wife used back in the day. It is so cool and goes great with my camera collection you can see here. I am trying to embrace learning all I can about photography so I thought the camera would be a great subject for the texture.

I used the Embrace Texture and the Friday Texture. I did a hue saturation adjustment to get rid of the yellows on the textures. I also used Kim’s brush she recently offered to her readers. The brush quote was perfect for my photo.

I played around with another photo and the textures because I liked seeing the entire camera, but I thought the angle of the above photo was more interesting. The flash on this thing is crazy big.

I can’t imagine having to take photos with this thing, but I sure loved taking photos of it.

Project 52 Week 1 Resolution

2012-01-05T18:22:00.002-06:00

For this photo I thought of how one of my 2012 goals is to run a 5k in 25 minutes and to do that I need to run run run. Truly getting myself out the door and down my sidewalk is usually the hardest part. So here’s my running shoes on my sidewalk inspiring me to get going.

Side Table Painted and Stained

2012-01-03T17:57:00.001-06:00

I attempted sanding and staining a side table to darken it. It didn’t work so I just said oh well and kept going with it. I used some chalkpaint in Versailles and added a little Graphite to it. Did some quick distressing, used a light brown Briwax and called it good.

I wish I loved painting, but I don’t. I like things redone so I do it. If I loved painting then that ugly trim would be painted and if I knew how to use a saw then I would add molding where that horrible carpet goes up the wall. I wonder if I can eventually talk my husband into helping me? Don’t ya hate when you have to involve your husband?

My son loves this table that was my husband’s before we married. He lifts the side up and puts his drink, IPod, snack, etc on it.

I got a new lamp shade. I will post about that soon.

Here’s a little before pic for ya.

Linking to

Piece of Work Wednesday @ Primitive and Proper

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Power of Paint @ Domestically Speaking

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

A Bowl of Pine Cones

2012-01-03T00:06:00.001-06:00

I had some comments about my bowl of pine cones when I posted about my new lamps so I took some close ups of them. I really love pine cones. The color, texture, shape, etc. I think the look so pretty in my bowl. Can pine cones be kept out year around? Is there a rule?

How about some textures added to this photo to make it more artistic?

I used 2 of Kim Klassen’s textures. Stained Linen and Mayzee.

I love how textures change an image.

Here’s a few more shots of the pine cones.

My father in law gave me that key thing beside the bowl. I had asked if anyone knew what it was and Shell from Scraps of Our Lives let me know it is a railroad reverser handle.

Thanks for stopping by.

Linking to

Weights in the Birdcage

2012-01-02T00:04:00.001-06:00

When I bought new lamps the table tops had to be changed because the massive lamps didn’t go with the things I had displayed. I hated to put away my rusty weights I found at a garage sale awhile back so I stuck them in my birdcage. The rust color goes with one of the suitcases I painted so I think it will work.

Weights are much better than a bird in my opinion. No mess!

Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

New Lamps in the Front Room

2012-01-01T16:45:00.001-06:00

I had a Hobby Lobby gift card and after 3 attempts I finally found some new lamps for my front room. The old ones were small and I wanted bigger. I got bigger alright. Maybe too big, but the manager at Hobby Lobby might shoot me if I take them back a 4th time. I think Christmas made him cranky.

I like the lamps best turned on. They show a pretty pattern when the light shines through the shade.

Turned off.

My son doesn’t like them, but he never likes change.

It sure is hard to take photos of light when there is a big window with lots of sunshine, but I am loving the sunshine.

2012 Goals

2011-12-31T22:11:00.001-06:00

This year I decided to have goals and not resolutions. I frequently make goals throughout the year, but for 2012 I have some specific ones.

Through blogging, I have found my biggest passion is photography. I love it. It seems I mostly photograph people and I am going to work on creative photography of inanimate objects in 2012. To help me with my goal I joined Kim Klassens’s Beyond Layers class that will start in January 16th and last for 52 weeks.

That should keep the creative juices flowing for 2012. It’s only a dollar a week and knowing Kim it will be well worth it.

I also joined Rock the Shot Photography forum. I don’t know much about it, but it never seems like a bad idea to surround yourself with people who love what you love.

My 3 Boybarians has a photo challenge that should kick my creative goal to the next level by participating in a photo themed linky party once a week.

Finally in the photo department I am going to try to feel confident enough to start charging people for my time and overhead. I invest a lot of money in photoshop actions and lightroom presets to enhance photos.

Not to mention photography equipment and time. I am still spinning the idea and details in my head.

For my home I need to paint my trim in my family room. I kept telling myself in 2011 I would get it done and now I have a whole year to talk about it and procrastinate about it in 2012.

I need to get my 3rd bar stool painted while I am at it. I don’t know how some of you whip out one paint project after another.

Speaking of painting. My 13 year old is ready to change his room. That will be a big undertaking. The hardest part will be trying to make it like he wants it and not how I want it. Anyone else have this problem?

This spring I hope to figure out a solution to my grass that dies year after year in my backyard. I have to get my husband on board for this one. I am thinking of laying stone where the grass always dies. Something like this inspiration photo I found on a google search months ago.

I know I have other things I need to do to my home, but these are just things that have been on my mind.

Lastly I have a running goal. I exercise regularly, but I did slack when I first started blogging and I was not happy with myself. To keep myself motivated I decide on a challenge. Years ago it was to run a 5k. I can now do that easily. This year I want to try and run an organized 5k in 25 minutes.

images via pinterest

What do you want for your 2012?

PLEASE Help This Dad Find His Daughter

2011-12-30T12:03:00.001-06:00

My heart breaks for a man in my town who is searching for his 17 year old daughter who ran away Christmas night. He is using the social media to spread the word about what she is driving and her photo. He made a video that is heart wrenching. If you have a facebook account and you can spread the word to help this dad I would appreciate it.

This is his missing daughter Haley.

This is the video he made and posted on You Tube.

Here is the facebook page for her.

https://www.facebook.com/help.find.haley

Thank you so much for helping this dad. I appreciate it.

You Is Kind

2011-12-29T10:08:00.001-06:00

Last night I watched The Help for the second time. It’s a great show and the book is even better. I found some art on Pinterest awhile back and added it this post. I should have linked the source and I don’t know why I didn’t. Recently, I have received emails asking about the You is Kind art and I can’t find the source anywhere. I apologize to whoever made the art and didn’t get credit. I decided to make something similar. I experimented with Dropbox so I could share the image with anyone that wanted to print it. It is an 8x10.

Click on the link below to access the image and print.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/41313679/youiskind2_edited-2.jpg

I Am Finally Learning How To Fix My Hair

2011-12-28T18:19:00.001-06:00

I despise fixing my hair and you will often find me in a pony tail and it’s not a cute one. Just functional. My hair is naturally curly and it doesn’t do well on it’s own. Curled or straightened it takes time. I use to get really frustrated because after I would spend precious time fixing my hair to only not like it when I was done.

I am really really excited to tell you that I have been learning how to fix my hair and like it. If you browse Pinterest you may have seen this photo of a cute fluffy bob hairdo.

Her blog is called The Small Things and she has a tab for really good hair tutorials. It’s the first time hair instructions have made sense to me and I am able to do most of it by myself. So at 41 years old I can finally have a decent hairdo when I want one. I am still prone to the lazy ponytail though, but at least now when I take time to fix my hair I like it. Let me know what you think of her blog. I bet you will love it as much as I do.

We Interrupt This Vacation…………

2011-12-27T22:46:00.001-06:00

I envisioned my week off work to go a little differently than it has so far. I was going to get organized, finish up some projects and maybe start on some others. I would sit in my pjs all day and go at my own speed and not be on a schedule, but sometimes things just don’t work out like we think they will.

It has been an odd week. Christmas morning it started snowing expectantly all day. It snowed so much my father in law who is disabled was unable to come over for Christmas dinner. The snow started early that morning and it was the cause of the accident that took the life of my friend’s brother in law. I will be spending tomorrow watching her babies so that her and her husband can spend the day remembering a 35 year old son, father, brother and friend. He was a fireman and there is a wonderful service planned for him. So although I won’t be spending my day like I planned tomorrow, I am thankful for the safety and health of my family and the chance to be there for my friend.

Speaking of family, I took pics for my sister of her and her boys for her Christmas present. I will share a few of them, because a post just isn’t a post without a photo. Plus this is the only thing I have to share other than my Christmas tree is down and put away!

Please say a prayer for my friend and all of the family for tomorrow.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:18:00.001-06:00

Wishing you and your family many blessings today.

The Stockings That Were Almost Not Hung

2011-12-24T14:16:00.001-06:00

Years ago I made stockings for my family. I swore I would never make them again. I lied. We added our dog Izzy to our family so I needed 5 stockings instead of 4, plus I was going with muted tones in my family room this year and I wanted the stockings to match.

I began sewing them a few weeks ago and they sat and sat. I was fine with it and was gonna just let the stocking thing not happen this year, but my son said it’s not Christmas without stockings. I spent some time today on Christmas Eve finishing them up.

I made 2 boy ones for my son and husband.

And 3 girls ones for me and the my 2 schnauzers.

Since I was short on time and patience I rigged a stocking loop out of a drape ring. I like it and it made the stockings go faster so it was a win win solution.

You just push on the loop and it opens and then clamps shut on the stocking.

So now the stockings are hung by the chimney with drape clamps and on the ladders too. Now it’s time to clean the house, make the pies and go to a candlelight Christmas carol service. Merry Christmas Eve!

Linking to

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Christmas Tradition

2011-12-23T09:40:00.001-06:00

Last year I shared my handmade ornament with my special tradition inside. You can see that post here if you’d like.

I have been thinking about my letter to my son that I will tuck away inside the box on Christmas Eve so he can read it Christmas morning. I am looking forward to writing about how proud I am of him. He has challenged himself this year and made some great goals for himself. I have seen him push himself harder than he ever has. He is 13 and becoming a young man. I know one day these letters will mean more to him than any gift we ever bought him. I wish my mom had told me in a letter year after year how she felt about me. I would love to be able to pull those out and cherish them every Christmas. My mom passed away at 47 years old and I was 29. Life can be really short. Don’t forget to let those you love know how you feel and enjoy this time together.

So Stinkin Cute….Baby and Pink Christmas Lights

2011-12-18T22:19:00.001-06:00

I took some more photos for friends today and they wanted kid pics with Christmas lights. The baby’s mom brought along some pink lights and a cute leopard beanie. Here’s the result.

Betcha smiled.

Christmas Lights

2011-12-18T07:38:00.001-06:00

We have a couple of neighborhoods that have been putting up gorgeous lights since I was a little girl. My family took a drive through both of them last night and I thought I would share some of them with you.

This neighborhood is outside of town and some of the lights are amazing.

This is part of the entrance.

I didn’t get a very good photo of Rudolph poking out of the bushes, but it made me smile. It is hard to take pics at night while your husband is driving. They tend to blur.

There were 2 homes that had every little tree and there home lit. It was a see of lights. I needed a wide angle lens which I didn’t have to do it justice. Here is a portion of the first house.

The next house was feeling a bit lazy this year so they just put this out.

Next door to the ditto house was the most amazing one. It was so lit and colorful.

Those lights can be seen from pretty far away. I love the cross above. I would not love their electric bill though.

There is a hill in the neighborhood that always has a cross lit on it.

The next neighborhood is in town and an older area with brick streets. It is kind of sad, but some people buy the old homes and knock them down and build gigantic modern homes on the lot. Seems wrong to me.

I loved the wreaths on the side of the trees lining the street.

Then this lit up blue tree was so cool, but kinda spooky looking too.

Lots of trees had every branch lit.

I loved the dripping lights on this house. It made me think of a willow tree.

Someone was feeling patriotic this Christmas.

Other than shopping for food, I am ready for Christmas. Our schools don’t get out until Thursday here and it will be hectic week at our dental office. I will get a week off after Christmas and I am very much. We are expecting a blizzard tomorrow. That has me a bit worried, but we can use the moisture after our drought this summer.

Are you ready for Christmas to get here?

Rustic Tray Filled With Christmas

2011-12-17T11:38:00.001-06:00

My tray has been one of my favorite pieces I have purchases and change for the seasons/holidays. For Christmas I added some greenery, pine cones and some Christmas balls.

It looks even better with the addition of some textures from Kim Klassen.

I tried to redo the table this tray sits on and wasn’t successful. I am trying to decide what to do about it, but at least the tray looks good.

Linking to

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Perspective and Internet Connections

2011-12-13T21:35:00.001-06:00

Last night my computer got a virus. I thought it had wiped out everything and I don’t have a backup. I will be doing online backup this weekend. Early New Years Resolution. I feared I had lost all of my photo editing software and actions, presets, etc I had purchased for it. It seems to be fine. My husband with the help of a friend who fixes computers fixed it through text messages with him.

I wasn’t as upset as I normally would have been last night about the unknown condition of my computer because one of my good friends was taking her last breaths. She lost her battle with breast cancer this morning. I have known Laura for almost 12 years. We met online in a support group for suicide. My mom died by suicide and her husband did as well. It is a devastating loss and connecting with others that suffered the same kind of grief really helped me heal. We never lost touch with each other and probably not a week went by that we didn’t contact each other some how. I wanted to meet her in person, but the miles were so many between Texas and Michigan.

It really makes the importance of online relationships so vividly clear to me. I have wept for the loss of my friend and my mind and heart can’t seem to quit thinking about her. The thought of not getting to talk to her again is hard to grasp. I am grateful that she is no longer hurting and that she is in Heaven. My friend was an atheist for years. Sometimes I got to talk to her about Jesus, but I had to be careful not to make her mad. The loss of her mom to cancer 2 years ago brought her to Jesus. She started going to church with her dad to keep him company and found out she liked the church and members. She was no longer an atheist. So I know one day I will get to put my arms around her and meet her in person.

Rest in Peace my dear friend Laura. I love you.

Snow Overlay

2011-12-11T20:37:00.001-06:00

Florbella is offering for a limited time free snow overlays. Go here to see if they are still available. They have to be used in photoshop. I have Photoshop Elements 9.

Here’s some examples of how they look.

I used it on a couple of my friend’s photo I took last weekend.

Before

After with the snow overlay.

Before

After

I also used it on a pic of Izzy I took for the Christmas photo of your pet linky party. Thanks to those that joined in. I love me some pet pics.

Before

After

I think the overlays are fun and make a great winter pic. You don’t have to get snowed on or wait for the perfect snowy moment. Here is what one of the overlays look like by itself.

Well, I am off to try and get more things done. This time of year sure is busy.

Christmas Photo of Your Pet Linky Party Is Here

2011-12-09T08:17:00.001-06:00

I really really hope that you were able to capture some Christmas memories of your pet or pets and can join the party. If not then you will have until Sunday to link up. After I decorate my porch I dressed the girls for Christmas and had them pose on the bench. I think the sun was bothering Harley’s blind eyes because she is usually more cooperative.

Izzy didn’t seem to mind the photo shoot so I took a few more of her.

So let’s see your pets all ready for Christmas and link up!

Fun Easy to Make Christmas Gift

2011-12-08T18:18:00.001-06:00

I have seen several styles of I love you because….. dry erase frames on Pinterest. They inspired me to come up with my own. I recently took some family photos for a coworker. I happened to also draw her name for our work Christmas gift exchange. I bought her a couple of things and made her my version of the dry erase frame.

I like that her family is on one side and the writing is on the other. I lightened the photograph so the words would stand out and show up easily.

I wanted the dry erase marker to be handy for writing so I glued a magnet on the back of the frame.

I used a dry erase maker that has a magnet and eraser on it.

Now her and her family will be able to write messages to each other and see the ones they love in the photo while writing the message.

I always get excited to give handmade gifts to people. It is much more special than something you can buy.

Linking to

Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots and Jello

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Christmas Ornament Idea

2011-12-08T00:13:00.001-06:00

We always draw names and exchange gifts at my dental office. We also like to give each other small gifts as well.

I made some ornaments this year for everyone. I bought some clear glass balls, glitter and rub-ons.

I applied the rub-ons and then filled the ball with a bit of glitter. I rolled the glitter around to give the inside a thin coat of shimmer. It kind of gives it a mercury look. To finish them, I tied a red wired ribbon in a bow on the top. We try to inspire each other at work in our morning meetings so I chose inspirational rub-ons.

I made 6 different ornaments. I only took photos of a couple of them. It was also dark and time was limited.

I bought some small white bags to put them in. They got stamped with a pine tree rubber stamp I have had forever.

They are ready to go. Do you ever make any gifts or would you rather just buy something? I prefer to make gifts, but I don’t always have time.

Linking to

Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style

Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots and Jello

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiiors

Christmas Treats For Friends

2011-12-07T16:52:00.001-06:00

I am working on making some goodies for my neighbors. This will be my 3rd year to give out treats. I made two new things this year and they are both super simple.

I have seen these Rolo Pretzel Bites on Pinterest. You can read the recipe here at Glorious Treats blog.

They are so stinking good. Make extra if you plan on giving them away. I have eaten too many of mine and now I have to make some more.

I also made some White Chocolate Popcorn. Just pop 2 bags of plain popcorn and melt 6 oz of white chocolate chips in a double boiler. Transfer the melted chocolate into a baggie and cut a small hole in the corner so you can drizzle the chocolate onto the popcorn. I mixed mine around and let it harden.

You can’t tell there is anything on the popcorn. It is such a surprise when you bite into it and it tastes sweet and yummy.

I found these cute bags at Walmart to put the popcorn in.

If you are thinking of making some easy treats then I highly recommend these two goodies.

Christmas on the Front Porch

2011-12-06T06:01:00.001-06:00

The porch got a Christmas makeover and all the fall stuff was put away over the weekend. I pretty much used the same stuff from last year, but there are a few subtle changes.

I dressed up my bench and the pots around it.

The sun was a bit bright and I wish it was back. The entire porch is covered in blown snow now.

I put a string of lights on the garland.

I added my trees by the front door and filled the metal containers with Christmas stems.

Now if I could just get those stockings sewn I would be all done.

My Friend’s Son and Christmas Lights

2011-12-05T18:46:00.001-06:00

My friend wanted me to try taking a photo of her son with Christmas Lights. He is such a cutie. Love his feet in the shot.

Entering this in the I Heart Photo party. This weeks them is feet.

Sweet Shot Tuesday @ Life With My 3 Boybarians

Christmas Photo of Your Pet Linky Party on Friday 12/9

2011-12-04T12:35:00.001-06:00

It’s been a long time since I have hosted a linky party. My son is 13 and doesn’t like to have his pic taken so I have been snapping shots of my pets during this Christmas season. I thought it would be fun to have a party showing off our pets during the holiday.

See what you can come up with and how well you can get your pet to pose. I have had some luck with my dogs who seem resigned to the fate of the Christmas pose.

Here’s a few photos I have managed to get so far.

So get your photos ready and come back here on Friday and show off your Christmas Pet Photos. I am so excited to see them.

Christmas Cheer Behind the Couch

2011-12-04T10:39:00.001-06:00

Makes you wonder what is going on behind the couch doesn’t it? It is actually the wall that I am referring to. I kept it simple and I am trying to decide if I need to add more. If you think of something I would be glad to hear your thoughts. I used my pine trees that I waxed to reduce the pinkish hue (read about that here) and placed them on my sofa table. I added some wreaths using burlap and brads to my ladders. And that’s it.

Linking to

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Star Light Star Bright. I Think I Got My Star Bokeh Right.

2011-12-03T13:15:00.001-06:00

Recently I posted how I read on a photo blog (here) to get bokeh on your Christmas tree. Today I played with the same settings and a black circle with a star in it that I cut out with scrapbook punches.

I focused on my feet light the blog suggested.

Held my star onto my lens and took some pics.

I got Izzy in on the fun.

It’s fun experimenting with my Christmas tree. I never get tired of taking photos and learning new tips and tricks.

Linking to

Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming

Vintage Kitchen Utensil Christmas Tree

2011-12-02T13:22:00.001-06:00

My mom loved old things and crafts. She would have been a great blogger if she were still with us. She passed away 12 years ago next month. I have a crock full of vintage utensils she collected and decided to decorate a small Christmas tree with them. My husband isn’t so sure about it, but I love it.

I feel like this will be a game of find the hidden objects.

Here is the list: measuring spoons, wooden spoons, cheese slicer, ice pick, potato masher, strainer, 3 different whisks, scrub brush, ice cream scoop and some weird metal thing that I am not sure is even a utensil.

Weird metal thing.

I added some faux apples for color and placed the tree in an apple basket that was already out from my fall table décor.

My husband and son are fans of colored lights. I am not. I had a strand of battery operated colored lights I added to this tree just for them.

I think my mom would love it too.

Linking to

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots and Jello

Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Goodbye November

2011-11-30T22:36:00.001-06:00

Most of my November posts were about photos so I thought I would do one last post before December. I attempted taking pics of Izzy with Christmas lights. She participated, but I think I need to try during the day with some sunlight coming through the windows. I must be the dog photographer whisper because I can get this crazy dog to sit still and pose anytime I want to take her photo. She even sat with warm Christmas lights all over her.

I will be bundling up and staying in when I get home from work tomorrow. It is suppose to get cold and ugly. I might do some Christmas baking and sew my stockings. Does you have any favorite Christmas treats you like to make?

Fun Way to Photograph Your Christmas Tree

2011-11-29T16:20:00.001-06:00

There is something magical about a lit Christmas tree. It is hard not to look at it in awe for the young or the old. It’s amazing how you can take the same tree and make it look so different in photographs by using different settings. What a fun and great time to practice your photo skills. I learned different ways to photograph my tree at the photography blog August Tea. I found it on Pinterest. If you want to read how then go here.

I made my regular looking Christmas tree go from this

to this by following her instructions.

Pretty fun huh? I plan on doing more practicing when I have time. What do you think? Gonna try it? Let me know if you do.

Christmas Mantel 2011–A Touch of Joy

2011-11-27T17:47:00.001-06:00

My mantel is pretty simple and for the first time I am not using my wooden candle holders that always stay no matter what the season. I used my cone trees I made and bought from last year, (you can read about them here) added a few ornaments and painted JOY in gold and stuck it to my mirror.

I used rub and buff paint for the letters and had a gold hand most of the night but it went away better and faster than I thought it would.

I stuck the letters I got from Hobby Lobby to the mirror with heavy duty thick adhesive double side tape. They stayed up over night so I think that is a good sign they won’t come off until I pull them off.

I added a few ornaments for a bit of bling and to tie in the gold color of the JOY.

That’s about it…here are a few more shots.

I still need to add stockings. I am making new ones this year and I didn’t get to them because I spent forever trying to figure out how to put ribbon on my tree. I don’t think I am a fan of Christmas tree decorating. It takes me way too long. Is your tree up and decorated? I just need to put away the boxes now.

Linking to

Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots and Jello

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Father In Law’s Christmas Story Card

2011-11-27T11:40:00.001-06:00

Christmas decorating is coming along at my house this weekend. I had to stop and do a favor for my father in law. He wrote a little story about Christmas a few years ago and he wanted it made into a card. I borrowed a Santa from the Graphics Fairy and typed up the poem. I used Shutterfly to print the card. They had the best prices. The story is really good and I thought it was worth sharing.

Here is the text without the card so you can read it easier.

How’s your Christmas decorating coming along? Do you find it hard to do something new so you don’t repeat last years blog posts? I do. I am doing a bit of recycling, but changing it up so it is fresh and new. I am also wondering how long it will all last with the master of disaster around aka Izzy.

She has chewed 3 or 4 Styrofoam pumpkins this fall. But look at the face. How can I stay mad?

Linking to

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

More Fall Photos and 2 Cute Little Girls

2011-11-22T18:52:00.001-06:00

It seems that everyone I know is wanting to get there family pics done all at once. I have spent a lot of weekends this month with my camera taking photos for people. I have to do another one tomorrow and then Saturday. Gotta fit Thanksgiving, Christmas decorating, shopping, etc in there too. Phew I am tired just thinking about it. I have several photos I really liked from my latest shoot, but I am going to share 2 of them with you.

The first one just screams fall. It looks like they are having so much fun and I love love love that little girl and her expressions.

I added this cinnamon texture to warm it up a bit more.

This next photo tickles me every time I see it. Love those 2 cute girls and the way their personality shines in the photo. I also added the cinnamon texture it this one.

I know you are smiling too…they just do that to ya!

I hope you all enjoy these last days of fall. Take a photo and preserve a memory.

Linking to

Texture Tuesday @ Kim Klassen’s Café

Sweet Shot Tuesday @ My Life With 3 Boybarians

Because Pine Trees Shouldn’t Be Pink….Wax On

2011-11-21T06:33:00.001-06:00

This weekend I found some pine trees to use for my winter/Christmas decorating. They are meant to look like carved wood, but they are just casted. In my house they looked pink. Pink isn’t my color especially when it comes to pine trees. I fixed my problem using some dark brown Briwax. I wanted to maintain the lights and darks of the trees, but take away the pinkish hue so I waxed them. I took some photo so you can see the difference.

They look a lot better dontcha think? So if you aren’t crazy about the color of something tray waxing or glazing to give it a warmer hue.

I will show you where I put them after Thanksgiving.

The BEST Pumpkin Bread Ever

2011-11-20T10:57:00.001-06:00

Almost 20 years ago a friend of mine gave me my all time favorite recipe. I am not much of a cook, but every time I make this pumpkin bread it turns out flawless and yummy.

I am not a fan of dry bread. It has to be moist to be good. This is one moist bread. I think you can even tell how moist it is from the photos.

I highly recommend you make some of this bread for your Thanksgiving holiday. Here’s the recipe.

The BEST Ever Pumpkin Bread

3 1/3 cups flour

2 t baking soda

1 1/2 t salt

1 t nutmeg

1 t cinnamon

3 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

2/3 cup water

2 15oz cans pumpkin

1 1/2 cups pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients well in a mixing bowl. Mix liquid ingredients in a separate mixing bowl adding nuts. Mix the 2 together. It is easier to mix if you add the dry ingredients slowly instead of all at once. I mix it by hand with a wooden spoon. Spray 3 aluminum loaf pans measuring 8”x3.75”x2.38”(I get the throw away kind that come 3 to a pack) with Baker’s Joy. Evenly divide mixture into the 3 pans and bake for 1 hour.

Enjoy!

Linking to

Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots and Jello

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming

The Storm Door with the Pet Door is Installed

2011-11-19T21:28:00.001-06:00

My husband and I (ok mostly my husband) hung the storm door on Friday. It went fairly well, but those kinds of instructions are always confusing. Today he attached the closer onto the door after I took a pic of it.

It is much sturdier than our old 1970s aluminum storm door.

It’s different seeing so much door, but we like that it doesn’t slam shut and make a ton of noise.

It didn’t take the girls too long to figure out how to get in and out of the doggie door. (I know….they need to visit the groomer.)

Izzy (the young one) got it right away. Harley is more timid which is understandable since she is blind. It has got to be scary to jump through a hole in the door, but she will do it. She is such a good girl.

And now she is a blur once she goes through.

Here’s Izzy coming back in.

I love watching them go in and out. It cracks me up. It’s good to get one of our projects checked off our list. I also got my Thanksgiving shopping done today too. I am always in charge of the entire meal. I made my pumpkin bread tonight. I think I will share my recipe with you like I did last year for those that missed it. It is the best pumpkin bread ever! I think I will go have a 2nd piece right now.

A Dental Office That Dumps Together Stays Together

2011-11-15T21:08:00.001-06:00

I got back from our dental seminar on Sunday and I am trying to get caught up. We had a great time and enjoyed each others company. We were all very cozy with 4 to one room and 3 to another room. I was in the room with four. I bet you think this title means I am going to discuss the bathroom issues. Well….I am not.

One of our speakers talked about different generations and their characteristics. She also mentioned dumping your problems before you get to work so you can focus on your job. She picks a dumping spot on her way to work and erases her mind of things that aren’t work related and might interfere with her workday. We all thought it was a pretty good concept. I keep forgetting my dump place on the way to work so I used my photo shop to make us reminders for our lockers.

It’s amazing all the things I have learned by blogging. Learning how to make buttons for blogs allowed me to make these fun reminders for us.

Pretty funny huh? Can you tell we have a sense of humor at our office?

Have you learned anything by blogging that has helped you in other areas of your life? Do you dump your problems before you go to work or do you need me to make you a reminder?

Las Vegas Bound

2011-11-08T21:08:00.001-06:00

Just a little reminder to let you know I will be taking a blogging break while I am in Vegas with my dental team. We leave tomorrow right after work and come home Sunday. Have a great week and weekend everyone.

source

Black Photo Theme @ I Heart Faces

2011-11-08T16:56:00.001-06:00

My son on his phone.

The Beauty of Fall and Family

2011-11-06T22:33:00.001-06:00

About an hour from home is a bed and breakfast that I recently learned about. It it called Three Falls Cove. I wanted to check out the fall foliage and check out the place for a possible future weekend adventure.

The place has a spring fed pond and they stock it with fish so my husband was very interested. I was interested in the landscape.

I added the Phoebe texture from Kim Klassen Café’s blog to this photo to soften it.

We arrived and a church group had rented the area for the entire day, but the owners said we could walk around and have a look.

My son discovered some cattails and had to touch one and make it burst into fluff.

I attempted to take a family photo.

And after lots and lots of attempts, my son was happy the photo session was finally over.

It was such a pretty fall day.

Tomorrow will be cold and maybe some snow Tuesday. I am glad we enjoyed this lovely day and some time together before I leave town for work.

Did you do anything different this weekend?

Linking to

Sweet Shot Tuesday @ My 3 Boybarians

Texture Tuesday @ Kim Klassen Cafe

Vintage Suitcases

2011-11-06T01:31:00.001-05:00

I have redone several suitcases and I thought it would be more polite to post about them all rather than flood Donna’s themed link up with several posts about vintage suitcases.

I will link each photo back to the original post if you want to read more about them.

My first suitcase redo was back in May 2010. I changed an ugly blue suitcase to green with a stenciled harlequin diamond patter on the top and a coat of glaze.

The ugly blue suitcase had a big brother which was my next victim. I did some subway art on the top of that one and used my husband’s genealogy for the words.

You can’t see the hard work I put into all those letters because I stack the suitcases next to a chair.

Then my friend wanted one of her suitcases painted and needed 2 more redone for a charity auction and enlisted my help.

Her suitcase turned out like this.

We decided one of the auction suitcases needed to be made for a little girl so she could use it to hold her dress up clothes.

And the other got a bird stencil put on it.

Suitcase redos are the easiest and most fun projects ever.

Linking to

Saturday Night Special Vintage Suitcase Theme @ Funky Junk Interior

Not Enough Hours in the Day and a Few Photos I Took for some Friends

2011-11-04T21:56:00.001-05:00

At least I get an extra one this weekend. I need it. Sometimes there just isn’t enough time to get it all done. Between work and home life the hours just fly by. My son is finished with football so Tuesday nights will last a little longer now. I still have my photography class on Monday nights for about 4 more weeks. My dental office is heading to Las Vegas next week. We will be gone from Wed to Sunday so I don’t expect much blogging to be happening. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas……. We are attending a dental seminar, but we will have some free time too.

I have also been busy taking photos for people. It seems everyone is asking at once. I took some photos of my neighbor and her grandson a couple of weeks ago. Her daughter died a few years ago and she and her husband spend a lot of great quality time with their grandkids. Every year she takes a special photo with one of the grandkids. This year it was time to take one with her oldest grandchild, who happens to be my son’s good friend.

She asked me if I would take their special photos where they paintball together. I told her of course. Not many grandmas paintball ya know. Here are a few of my favorite ones.

I love this one. She wanted to act like they had been shot so she played dead. She is so fun.

The following weekend I took engagement photos for one of my patients.

That’s what I have been up to. Maybe when I get back from Vegas I can get back to some projects. I did get one makeover done today. I got darker hair.

What have you been up to? Do you feel like your days are just speeding past you too?

Photography Class Week 3–Composition lead to Metering

2011-11-02T21:50:00.001-05:00

Our class this week was all about composition. For the most part I think I have a pretty good grasp of this, however, I learned I had no clue about metering. Metering is very important and I predict it it going to really help my photography skills. I thought about writing my own post about it, but I found a blog that explains it better than I ever could so I will refer you to The Creative Momma blog her 2 very informative metering posts.

Metering: A Photography Tutorial

Metering: Part 2 of the Tutorial

When I got home from my class last night, I practiced a few shots using my new metering knowledge. I chose spot metering for all of my shots.

Here are some examples of my shots. These are straight out of the camera.

In this first shot I metered on the area of Izzy’s face that was away from the light. I like the photo but the lit up part of her face is a bit blown out.

Next I metered on the lit part of her face. It would be nice if it was a little brighter and lighter, but I could easily correct this during editing. What amazed me the lit part of her face didn’t lose any of the detail due to the brightness of the lamp above.

Next I used a water bottle and my computer screen for my experiment.

This first photo I metered on the water bottle.

The bottle looks great, but the computer screen is totally blown.

Then I metered on the screen.

It still isn’t crisp and clear, but you can see more detail of the dandelion I used for my background and now the bottle is darker.

I need to keep practicing and reading. I hope you feel brave enough to tackle manual shooting and learn how to meter. I would love to hear how it goes for you.

I love learning about my camera. Do you?

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T20:50:00.001-05:00

Today started out pretty spooky. I arrived at work to find out our dental office had a break in during the middle of the night. We have an alarm system, but they still broke out one of our windows and stole our tv in the reception area. Apparently there has been a lot of this going on for the last couple of weeks. The thief is hitting businesses at night and stealing tvs. We had finger print dust all over the place.

It was a beautiful night and we had lots of trick or treaters. It was hard to leave my neighbor’s house to come home and pass out candy. They are such a fun grandma and grandpa. They decorate their yard every year.

There is a spooky cemetery.

It is creepier when it gets dark and the flood lights shine on the headstones.

There is a creepy guy hanging and twisting from a tree.

My neighbor’s son in law dresses in the creepy blue overalls and mask.

The witch above goes across the yard on a wire.

And what’s a creepy haunted scary yard without some grandkids running around in scary outfits. My son isn’t dressed up yet.

He went home and put on all black and a scary mask we have had for a while to join in the fun.

Want to see my cute grandma neighbor? She dressed up as a hippie this year.

I just love her. I still need to share my photo session I did of her and her grandson. She’s a hoot.

My porch isn’t scary at all. I just had my lit up pumpkin turned on.

I came back home to lots and lots of trick or treaters. Some of our friends brought lots of kids on a really cool float. Photos do not do this float justice.

There was music and lit moving décor on the float. So fun. I hope you had a Happy Halloween too.

A Storm Door With a Built in Pet Door

2011-10-28T13:46:00.001-05:00

I finally talked my husband into getting the girls the door of their dreams. It’s not much to look at, but it will let them go outside when we have the regular back door open. I found a storm door that has a built in pet door.

Our current storm door is pretty sad. It is a 70s aluminum door so it will be an improvement, plus the new door is way more energy efficient.

The dogs have to wait for us to open the ugly door so they can go outside. If this was a better photo you could see the pleading looks on their faces.

Harley is getting older and I don’t think she will be able to wait to go outside like she used to, so it will be nice for her to be able to go out when she needs to.

She is starting to look a little rough around the edges. I hope she can learn to use the door even though she is blind.

The girls do everything together so I am counting on Izzy to teach Harley how to go out or at least encourage her to push on the door flap.

Izzy is still small and cute. She loves attention and is very jealous.

Can you believe that sweet face above bites Harley’s butt when Harley jumps up on the couch to sit next to me?

I know she loves her friend Harley because they play and snuggle together.

I get my revenge for Harley by making Izzy play dress up.

I think she is worried that the flower makes her butt look fat.

I am going to have to get her a sweater because yesterday we broke a 100 year record and the Texas panhandle got about 3 inches of wet heavy snow.

My big tree in the backyard had limbs hanging low because of the weight of the snow on the leaves. The leaves usually drop mid to late November.

We were just in the 80s on Monday and Tuesday.

I am going to order my door today and it takes a couple of weeks to get arrive, but I will let you know if the girls love their new door and how hard it was to teach a blind dog new tricks.

My Portrait Photography Class

2011-10-26T18:37:00.001-05:00

This week I attended my class for the 2nd week at our community college. I am taking a continuing education class about portrait photography to see what I can learn. I love learning about things that I love and being surrounded by those that have the same desire.

We learned about different lighting techniques to use on faces this week. I am still unsure about it and it hasn’t made much sense to me yet, however, I did complete my assignment and attempt to get the lighting effects on my husband’s face. He was such a good sport about it all. I had to exaggerate the effect to see it and the only way I was able to to this was by turning off the lights and shutting the blinds in the bathroom and using a small decorative lamp for our light source.

I was setting up for the assignment and got this funny pic.

Weird huh?

I sat my husband in front of our dark wood door and had him hold our little lamp in different areas to achieve the lighting patterns. He commented that the photos weren’t very flattering and I told him it was fine as long as triangles showed up on his face I was happy. My husband was a bit scruffy looking because he is still off work because of his broken finger.

I thought it would be fun to share the different pics I got. If I figure out how this stuff is helpful, I will be sure to pass it along.

See what I mean? That first photo is short Rembrandt lighting. The side of the face furthest from the camera receives the most light and the side closest to the camera has a closed triangle on the face. Next photo is split lighting, butterfly and then broad Rembrandt lighting. There is another one where the triangle opens at the bottom and spills out light. I guess my husband’s face wasn’t made for such lighting because I couldn’t make it happen so I did it on myself and he was my official light holder. The photo came out kinda eerie and spooky. I like the dramatic effect. He kind of has subtle split lighting on his face.

Do you take any classes for fun? Are there any classes you want to take, but haven’t? I would love to hear about it.

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

2011-10-24T18:55:00.001-05:00

Pinterest is going to be the cause of my weight gain this year. My latest creation I found are these wonderfully easy strawberries filled with cheesecake and topped with graham cracker crumbs.

The pin had a link to the blog The Sweets Life and that’s where I found the recipe. You can find it here.

I made these for work and they were such a hit that I made some for my family yesterday. I had to snap a couple of quick photos. It has been crazy busy I tell ya. I used my fancy plastic containers so I could store them in the fridge, but they were eaten within a few minutes so there was nothing left to refrigerate.

I didn’t own a strawberry huller the first time I made them and I bought one before I made them again. I highly recommend using one. Here is what mine looks like.

Well I am off to my portrait photography class I am taking on Monday nights. I did get to take some fun photos of my neighbors yesterday that I will share very soon. I think you will love my neighbor as much as I do.

What I Did With My Painted Bamboo Mat

2011-10-17T22:15:00.001-05:00

I mentioned I painted one of my bamboo mats black for photo shoots, but I also wanted to put it on my dining room table for a bit of interest and to add some black to the table. You can see that post here. I am throwing the idea of painting the chairs black around in my head.

Here’s the mat on the table.

It’s like one big placemat on the table. I know most people don’t put floor mats/rugs on their tables, but I do. Maybe I will start a trend?

Isn’t that pine cone inside the little grinder thing cute? I just love pine cones.

I am trying to force myself to use my tripod when taking pics and choosing different focusing points with my camera. I am lazy so it is hard to go the extra steps, but worth it.

I still struggle when all the light is coming in through the windows and I try to capture the entire room.

Wanna see what the table looks like on a regular basis with my husband’s junk all over it? I didn’t use the tripod for this photo.

Is your table a landing spot for junk too? Would you put a floor mat/rug on your table?

Linking to

You’ve Got Guts @ Funky Junk Interiors

DVD Watching in the Driveway

2011-10-16T21:36:00.001-05:00

Thursday my husband drove to Plano, TX to trade in my faithful SUV I have had for 7 years for a newer model. I went from a 2001 to a 2008. I haven’t had much time to figure out the bells and whistles because life just won’t slow down. Finally on Sunday we went out to see if the DVD players work and they do.

My son insisted on wearing his IPod earphones instead of using the wireless earphones that go with the players. I guess he likes things shoved into his ears.

We don’t take many trips, but the next time we do I think I will be sitting in the back seat enjoying a movie.

Or maybe next weekend I might just go out in the driveway and watch a movie in my backseat.

No one will know I am there because the windows are tinted pretty dark.

See you can’t even see my husband or son in the backseat.

I am trying to sell my Karmann Ghia so I can park in my garage.

Anyone interested in a pretty vintage car?

Can you tell the sun is shining brightly today. We better enjoy it because it will be a high in the 50s on Tuesday and my son has a football game. Brrrrrr

Subtle Hints of Fall

2011-10-16T11:02:00.001-05:00

Most of the time I like to leave well enough alone. If I like something I keep it or it stays like that for a loooooong time. One of my favorite little corners is kind of springy summery looking. I like it, but the rest of my room has some fall action going on so I decided to add some subtle changes to the corner. When fall is over I just have to put away 3 small faux pumpkins and some 2 tiny floral springs and it is back to normal. (Except we all know I will have to add something back to change the summery springy area to Christmas….it never ends.)

I found some faux pumpkins at Hobby Lobby that were already a deep orange color that I like and I tore apart a floral stem to get a few sprigs I like from it.

Here’s the stems added to my books and key.

I put 2 faux pumpkins in my spring wreath that hangs on my door screen and one on top of my printer tray.

I also printed one of my photos I created recently to my frame.

And my corner has a subtle fall feel to it. I like easy.

Linking to

Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming

Fall Wedding and The Salt Covenant

2011-10-15T19:36:00.001-05:00

Today I attended my cousin’s wedding. I didn’t take many photos, but I have a few to share. First of all I really thought it was such a beautiful simple ceremony. Her mom, dad, and brother have all passed. Her only living sibling who is her oldest brother gave her away. He said, “In honor of my mom and dad I give her to this man.” Tear jerker for sure. Anyway I snuck a photo during The Salt Covenant. I have never heard of this before.

See the little jars on the podium? They are filled with salt. The covenant is as follows:

During ancient times, agreements and promises were sealed by a salt covenant. Each person would take a pinch of salt from their pouch and place it in the pouch of the other. This agreement could not be broken unless an individual could retrieve their own grains of salt. But this, of course is impossible.

The couple participated in this ceremony to symbolize their commitment to each other.

The entry table had these beautifully carved pumpkins with the bride and grooms initials.

And the sign in book was a photo book of their engagement pics. What a great idea!

The punch table had another great pumpkin display.

Paint A Bamboo Floor Mat

2011-10-14T21:57:00.001-05:00

Not too long ago I bought several of these bamboo floor mats from ABC Distributing for $5.95 each so I could use them when I take photos. I have an idea for one of them other than using it for photos and it needed to be black so I used some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Slate and I made it darker by adding some craft blackboard chalk paint to it. I also gave it a light coating of clear wax. The painted covered the mat in one coat and I painted the material edges too.

Here is an example of how I would use it for photo shoots.

The looks even better when a texture is added to it using Photoshop Elements.

Oh the possibilities.

And here is an unpainted one beside the black one I painted.

I will show you what I did with my black mat soon and I am going to try to paint another one this weekend.

Linking to

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots and Jello

2011 Decorated Pumpkins by Our Dental Team

2011-10-14T10:22:00.001-05:00

We decorated our pumpkins for our office again this year. I thought I would share them in one big collage photo. It’s fun to hear our patients talk about them and this year we are having a raffle to win a pumpkin with the proceeds going to the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Because Friends Share …….

2011-10-10T20:58:00.001-05:00

Recently I purchased a product that I really like and I wanted to let you all know about it. This company doesn’t even know who I am or that I am writing about their product. I just like to share things that I think are worth buying with you.

If you are like my family, then you don’t get enough fruits and veggies in your daily diet. I found a product that tastes really good and helps me with this problem.

It cost $30 for a bottle will last 30 days if you take the recommended 1 oz ( 2 Tablespoons) daily. You can take it 2 times daily for added benefits. It contains 12 fruits, 13 alkalizing minerals, and 2 herbs. I could drink the entire bottle. I look forward to my daily dose every morning.

Here’s a list of the benefits.

If you would like to visit their website then click HERE and you will be able to read more about it and find out if it is available at a store near you.

Let me know if you get some and think it tastes great and if you notice any of the benefits. I have been drinking it for one week now.

I Heart Faces–Hands

2011-10-09T23:38:00.001-05:00

This is how I often see my my son’s hands. He is 13 and loves listening to music on his IPod. I thought it would be a good photo to link up to I Heart Faces since the theme this week is hands.

Nothing Says Fall Like a Basket of Apples

2011-10-08T16:20:00.001-05:00

Apples and almond butter are my new addiction. I like Honeycrisp apples the best for snacking, but for photos I like red apples. I really like my faux red apples because they never get smushy. When I was hunting for baskets for my mums, I found this cute small apple basket at Michaels. I filled it with my red apples and placed it on my dining room kitchen.

I added some textures to my photo for interest. I used 3 of Kim Klassen Café’s textures.

Scripted Autumn Pumpkin Grunge Warm Sun

Do you like apples? What’s your favorite kind?

Linking to

Do You Like Warty Gourds?

2011-10-07T18:49:00.001-05:00

I have been eyeballing this warty gourd at the grocery store for about a week and I finally brought it home with me. The grocery sacker said “Ewwww what is this? Are you going to eat it?????” as he placed in in the bag. I told him no, I just liked it. He looked at me like I was a bit odd.

Let’s see what you think?

Izzy wasn’t sure what she thought of the gourd. She kept looking at it.

I like it, warts and all. It gets to stay on my porch. I may go look for some other funky gourds this weekend.

Easy Halloween Snack

2011-10-05T17:52:00.001-05:00

Nothing screams Halloween and fall like some candy corn. Mix it with some salty peanuts and you get a yummy snack that tastes like a Payday candy bar.

The jar looks dirty because the oil from the peanuts coated the inside of it when I shook the candy and nuts to mix them. I was too lazy to clean it to make for a prettier photo.

Hope you are having a great week!

Linking to

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

The Rest of the Porch-Ready for Fall Ya’ll

2011-10-02T11:29:00.001-05:00

My son and husband said this is my best porch decorating ever. That makes me feel good because they don’t often have an opinion about such things. I really like it too. I might have to add some more pumpkins if I find a good deal somewhere. One blogger mentioned good deals at Lowe’s so I need to go there. Anyway, let’s get this show on the road. Here’s the entire porch area and then I will break it down.

I posted about the metal containers yesterday. You can see more pics and read about them here.

I love my arrangement by the front door.

The 2 large mums were about $3 at Walmart and the little one was the same price. I hope they stay pretty because they were cheaper than pumpkins this year.

I found the baskets at Michaels. They were 50% off and my sweet blogging friend Pat @ Gypsy Heart Blog sent me a 20% off sale items and entire purchase coupon so I got 70% off of the baskets!

I got 2 big natural colored ones and a little green one.

Some nasty green wormy things that look like my cabbage leaves are eating big holes in the plants.

I finally found them last night and picked the ones I could find off. Ok I talked my son and his friend into picking them off for me.

I brought my autumn pillow back out to put on my bench and filled my containers with mums, a kale, and some pumpkins.

I found this little Kale plant at Walmart. I like the ruffled leaves.

I put excelsior moss in the pots to help keep the moisture in the soil and because I thought it made the pots look more interesting.

Little pumpkin gourds helped to fill up the pots. Some are real and some are faux.

I added a pie pumpkin to help fill one pot. I might get some more of these to put in my flower bed.

I think these mums are a really pretty color. They go well with the orange pumpkins.

And last but not least my good friend Jack is back.

He is a plug in pumpkin that I have had for over 15 years. After Halloween I just turn him around so the plain back part of the pumpkin is showing.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoying my fall porch. Are you ready for fall at your house?

Linking to

Sunday Showcase @ Under The Table and Dreaming

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style

Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots and Jello

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors