A little something for Granny...

Happy Saturday and Happy St. Patty's Day! Well...sort of. This Saturday marks the nearing end of my spring break. Whomp whomp whomp! Spring Break 2012, it's been real... And yes, I am sitting at home blogging on St. Patty's Day and I am prefectly content in doing so. Don't judge me!

Shopping with Mom = a good time

I, however, have gotten a lot more done during the second half of spring break. This is a far cry from the unproductive first 1/2.
One of the things I did was complete that special project I started for Granny. I'll be seeing her tomorrow and cannot wait to give it to her. Don't worry, Granny is not a blogger so she probably won't see this ;-). I began by asking Granny for some old pictures of her and Gramps and the family. I am fascinated by old things and family history so this was particularly exciting for me. There is nothing like looking into the past and where you came from. I have an overwhelming sense of pride when I connect to my family heritage.

I took those photos that Granny so graciously entrusted me to take care of and had them scanned and resized as needed at Walgreens. Of course you could also do this at home with a printer/scanner and photo paper. I could see when she handed them over that she was a little hesitant...and understandably so. But I am proud to say I have all 17 photos in hand and they are unharmed.

So much family pride...the oldest pic dates back to 1918

So, on to the project...
I saw this FABULOUS idea on, of course, The Nate Berkus Show. First I hunted down old plates...found at dollar stores, flea markets, or in my case, in an adorable little antique mall in Hobbs. I had my eyes peeled for some that really screamed "Granny" and found them. Along with the copies of photos, I used sponge brushes and Mod Podge with glossy acrylic sealer.

All you need...

I first applied the Mod Podge with the sponges on the front of the plate and the back of the photo. It's goof proof (great for me) and dries clear so I brushed the entire plate- it does dry with brush strokes so I preferred covering the entire plate for consistency. I then placed the photo in the inset of the plate and allowed it to dry.

Next, I applied a coat of Mod Podge over the plate and allowed to dry. I used two coats of Mod Podge for each plate.



Finally, after the plates dried I used the acrylic sealer for extra protection. I used 2 coats.
I will be hanging these for Granny tomorrow using plate hangers I found at Hobby Lobby.

Granny gave me sooooo many pics and told me to choose, but HOW DO YOU DO THAT?!? So I decided to begin yet another project so I didn't have to choose...drink coasters! I found this idea on Pinterest and looooooved it! I bought travertine stone tiles from Home Depot (much cheaper when your not redoing an entire bath ;-), and cork lining in the drawer lining section-->very easy peel -n- stick!

I did the same thing with the coasters as I did with the plates. However, I did 4 coats of the acrylic sealer on these to protect from sweaty drinks. After it all dried I added the cork lining to the back and got some pretty presh coasters!




These all include photos of Granny and Gramps' family (my family). These photos hold so much significance, not only because of the history, but because we miss my Gramps tremendously and these photos are just another way to rememer him and celebrate his life!

 

Next on my list...do both of these projects for our home!

Here are some coasters my mom made with some photos she found in the house. So easy and so cheap!

Happy St. Patty's Day friends! Hope you're wearing green!

Spring Break Fever

Hello blogging world! I am finally living the "blog life". Whoop whoop! 

First, let me preface this by saying, it is spring break and this has been the extent of my productivity. Thus far, I have spent my spring break 2012 getting this blog started, eating, eating more, and catching some of my fave daytime shows such as, The Nate Berkus Show, The Talk, and Ellen. You only live once right?

Nate Berkus with one of my favorite Beverly Hills Housewives, Lisa

Thanks Nate Berkus for the broach idea to dress up my accent pillow!

 

Last night was the premiere of Fashion Star, yet another reality show I am already addicted to. It's extremely dangerous because you can buy the clothes in stores/online that night! On the premiere, this maxi caftan from Nikki Poulos definitely caught my eye. It is on sale now at Macy's and I intend to buy it. I also really liked the turquoise shift dress from Sarah Parrot and Orly Shani's black zipper mini...both of which would probably not agree with my height. Go to http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/ to check it out!

Geo-Print Kimono Sleeved Maxi Caftan

Turquoise Amy Dress

We started our spring break with a trip to Round Rock, TX last weekend to see some pretty amazing friends of ours, Josh and Laura! We had the privelage of spending some much-needed time with princess Kennedy! We definitely did not want to leave this precious baby and were tempted to take her with us, but...she is just too young to come stay with Auntie Meagan and Uncle Chris! Someday...

Now that we are back in the DFDub, we are procrastinating like crazy to get stuff done. Couch potato status has been way too routine lately..for me anyway (Chris does have to work this week). However, here are some things we plan on doing for the rest of the time we have left.

1. Complete the project we started last weekend. This beauty you see below has a twin. They have big dreams...to become beautiful nightstands in our Pottery Barn inspired bedroom. I'm obsessed with Pottery Barn and all things modern country vintage. I can't wait to add these to the mix. The plan...to sand, tint brown, paint a creamy white color, and distress. Then, add new hardware (glass knobs), and some wallpaper or fabric to the back and BAM! --> a new nightstand. Pictures to come...

2. Road trip to my Small Town USA, Jal, NM--> town of approx. 1,200. Most others' perception of a town this size is that it is boring and lame. Wrong! It was a great place to grow up with many genuinely sweet people. Most people just don't understand the small town life unless they have experienced it. Anywho, I am very excited to see mi familia. Mama, I'm coming home! 

Home is where the heart is.

3. Pack a rockin' snack bag for our trip. If you know me, you know I pride myself in my snackpacking abilities.  The four categories you need to cover to make it a success; sweeties, sours/tangies, salties, and drinkies (bottles of water are CRUCIAL, but we definiltey stop as often as needed for a refreshing iced coke.) Below is just an example of a snack bag I've made in the past, (I'm completely aware of my craziness). Just some the Odoms faves!

The sunflower seeds help pass the time.

4. Convince my dad to grill a steak with all the things we love to go with. You see, this usually is not a problem and is almost always assumed to happen. However, the hubs and my dad have decided to participate in the Warrior Dash in April and they have been a little excessive in their diet/exercise. Ok, not excessive, just passionate and I am exteremly proud of their dedication. I may have to join them next year! So...the challenge presents itself, steak or no steak? That is yet to be determined...

Warrior Dash is intense!

http://warriordash.com/index.php

5. Finish up a project for Granny before I see her Sunday. I have been working on a special something for Granny that truly captures some beautiful memories that will add to the already existing joy and happiness that fills her home. Pics to come...

6. Enjoy my spring break!

So....while my little sis is beach-bummin' it in Padre for spring break, the hubs and I will be trekking west to NM with the dogs for a memorable time with family! Enjoy your break people, (if you were lucky enough to have one.)