a Bracelet Heirloom creation: FINALLY!

This bracelet, just named G-ma's Compilation, has been in my jewelry making box for over a year now with all the little precious bits I collected from my Grandma Barb, Grandma Vivian, Aunt Sunday, Marc's mom, random purchases, even more random picks:)

So without going into too much detail on it....here you have my newest jewelry creation (as a TOTAL amateur so don't look too close).

My Gma Vivian was part of TOPS (Taking off Pounds Sensibly) and was SOOO proud to graduate to

locked out...how we got back in...the miracle story!

What a night!!!!  You wouldn’t believe what happened....so I’d better tell ya before I forget the details and move onto the next exciting adventure.  We returned home from a visit with friends in far north Austin around 7:30pm.  I delayed the inevitable long enough it was time to go to work.  I headed out for the salon I’m currently redesigning around 10pm knowing I had a long night ahead of me....hanging shelves and painting.

after phase 3 of the salon transformation...more than halfway there....stay tuned for more pictures please lovely.

As you may already know I hate making several

Renovation Project: Canyon Lake

As you all know I’m only working part time as a decorator as my full time “mama” role finds me irreplaceable.  I did manage to accomplish one rather large, long-distance design task out in Canyon Lake many months ago.  Can you believe I’m finally finding time to share the finished result?

The gentlemen that gave this home the remarkable transformation it so desperately needed deserve a standing ovation even if only for the landscaping miracles surrounding the driveway & walkup. 

 I had the best time with this project for one reason only.

new super fabulous CUSTOM iPhone case

I admit, it took a wee bit to get past the mild case of shock from reading my husband’s post....about ME and then the new year kicked into high gear leaving me no time to reply or share some of the weeks of interesting material that’s been piling up on my iPhone.

   

You know as well as anyone, even if this is your first visit to my blog

Christmas Shopping Bliss

How many of you love Christmas shopping?  What about just giving gifts to people who make you a better you?  Anyone brave enough(or crazy enough) to hit Black Friday this year?  Anyone still have shopping to do?  yes and yes and a big YES!

Last year was my first ever Black Friday experience and I decided to make an adventure of it without expectations of finding anything, just spreading some joy & to simply see what all the fuss was about.  From 10:30pm to 5am I was all over Austin and even shot over to the Outlet Malls in San Marcos ...and had the time of my life--all alone!  This year I attended A Christmas Affair (and one to remember that's for sure)

So I'm only a month or so behind

Best Kept Small Town Secret

We've all done it. We drive past a cutie pie place your eyes just couldn't get enough of so you must stop for a look-see.

Over the Thanksgiving weekend my Honey and I were driving back to Aunt Sunday's house in Angleton, TX.  I sat in the passenger seat (Instagramming my last visual catch)

Weekend bliss joyfully welcomes my Monday reality

You ask "what does BCBG have to do with anything?" you'll find out

Can this new reality paint a completely different picture than last weeks’? 
The answer is yes!!!!

The showcase of my weekend’s adventures, tears, laughter, videos and the making of new friendships is finally in.  

Like a urgent news flash except NOT....because this flash of fun through photos brings JOY!!!!

Let’s highlight a glimpse then we’ll travel in order of events:

to Benefit Education: I'm all IN!

Clearly my small-potato modeling days are over: that doesn’t stop me from sharing some fun outfits.

nervous laughing:  check the mail, take some random "natural" pictures....nothin' to be nervous about, right?

Did I mention I’m on a journey to find my new style?

Style Feature: lighting

Light is so important when entertaining, working, playing, relaxing, reading, etc. 

Are you setting a mood? or do you need focused light for working or reading? 

I was shocked while traveling Europe (especially Italy and France) that they lighting was so bright & harsh even in intimate restaurants.  Yes, you should be able to see your food but lighting sets the mood and I will most likely never remember the food I've eaten but I always

Style Feature: Texas Family History

A passion for decorating personal space doesn't require education or knowledge in the field.  It starts with a knowing of how you like to live and what you want to surround yourself with everyday.

My family was visiting the local pumpkin patch for some fall pictures this past weekend and as soon as we were out of the truck T made a bee line for this ancient wagon that looked like it jumped out of Bonanza.  Marc, being the rule-follower that he is (thank God for those), warned us we were treading on private property.  We then moved to the street to take pictures of this beautiful relic.  We weren't there but 15 seconds when

Thrifting Finds: meet my Local Cakery & Boutique

My new blogger fashion friends inspired this post: I'm adding a new (random & infrequent) facet to my blog...my style.  Bear with me here....I’ve never done this before & honestly felt a bit goofy asking my husband to take a picture of my outfit.  Especially considering we were pulling up to his parent’s house (yes this is their land...amazing on its own:) 

So here it is ... my first ever outfit to share with you and the reason I've gotta share it. 

My skirt I took a floppy sweater (gift from my cousin) and cinched it up with a vintage brooch and added a vintage purse (can't have enough of those) with sparkly Enzo ballet flats

This is a better shot of my skirt....the bottom has this gorgeous see-through pattern which moves the light through quite nicely.  ready for the shocker?  It's a thrift store find....YEP...$6 to be exact!

I know all my friends take a few shots to get the whole look but let's be real...this is the only picture Marc didn't slice off my feet....gotta go with what I can get:) (NOT complaining)
 

Little style tip from moi: don’t be so prideful or afraid to shop thrift stores. Yes, you heard me, hit your local thrift store, Salvation Army or Savers (not a fan of Goodwill even a little) for some new garb. You see, I used to be a thrift queen (my girl Mariana taught me the ropes) & would end up with the best brands and great buys (before my new “mom body”and lowered--but rising--self esteem).

During the blogger conference is when I had my “ahhhhh, I’m back” moment.  We were all bused to Savers, served snacks and coffee, given tips from the experts (Pamela, Jessie, Jentine, and Elissa) then let loose....that is when I regained my thrifting confidence. Thanks ladies! 

ow that you know what I wore last week (yes, I'm a bit behind blogging)...lets get on with it.  You see, one of my favorite boutiques, housed in the small, quaint town of Buda, along the beautiful tree-lined Main St. is Buda's Red Door. They had a little party Wednesday featuring my new favorite Cakery, Wild Flour. which is due to open SOON. 

Delectably Red Velvet....cake balls coordinating with the "everything shapes us" art

Amanda and her sister are opening Wild Flour Cakery & Boutique next door to Buda's Red Door...soon

 Waxing Poetic is one of my all time favorite jewelry lines

this is just one of their displays....come to their store to see and buy more

 this is where Marc buys a lot of my long shirts...

what I love is they only buy a few of each style so I don't see

anyone else with my shirt:)

Good Works bracelets are all over the media (or so I hear)

they give 25% of their proceeds to charitable organizations

 Salon One12 is located in the back of the store....Rebecca is great!

love her vintage salon chairs!

Unique clothes, shoes, accessories,

cards, household items, decor and art

Finally, let me explain my "Twistie Tie" approach.  I love to "twist" everything back to God, my Maker, the One I owe my life to then "tie" it in to what I'm telling you about today.

If I get a bad haircut Marc is usually the one who hears about it...he actually told me last time...call one of your girlfriends:)  Well I was thinking about it (while steaming) and thought if God has every hair on my head counted (and who cares about that detail, right?) then doesn't He care that I'm happy with my hair?  The answer is YES! 

He cares about everything that concerns you. 

"Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Dude...I've used this one for LOADS of cares....He's kept me in everything:) 

Hugs n love with yummy cake balls and pretty earrings...

xox

Trish