A year without you

On August 6th of 2012 I lost my Father in law. The whole day was just weird. This whole year has been weird. That is the only word I can use to describe how I have felt. It is weird going to my in-laws home and not seeing him sitting in "his spot". It is weird not having him stop by unexpectedly(which he loved to do). It is weird not listening to his rants on something political. It is weird to not have him be there for Shane and being the awesome Grandpa he was. It is weird not hearing my husband call him everyday.

When I think of something that is weird...I think of it being a little off. That is exactly what this past year has been without Gary...off. I have never lost anyone that close. I still have my Grandparents and even my Great-Grandmother. I have to admit death is very hard for me. Maybe because I have not had to deal with it. But, God gave me so much peace this year. He reminded me that Gary is still alive and well. Gary was such a trooper here on earth. He had so many health issues. I know when I just have the flu...I call in sick...lay in bed and am miserable. Now, this is not to say he was not grumpy:). But, it was all justified. He was not well..but he pushed through it. He loved nothing more than to have his family over. His eyes lit up every time we came over...more so for the Grand kids:).

I was able to have a few conversations and special times with him before he passed away. I treasure those and am so thankful God gave those to me. One night I was over their house and we started talking about when The Hubs and I were dating. He asked me what I thought of him...not what I thought about The Hubs..but himself. I quietly said I was a little afraid. I then quickly followed that up with an explanation. You see, he had this rough exterior but a heart of gold. I told him about a few times I had gone over to their house and every time I did he was on the phone with his sister! I was so impressed. He had such a great relationship with her. I was able to tell him how much I respected that as I did not see this in my own family...even with myself. I had a moment where I thought to myself.."I want to be a part of this family". When choosing a spouse you have to look at their parents. Scott has the most amazing parents. They loved each other and God..something that is hard to find. I see so many of Gary's great qualities in Scott(and some of his not so desirable ones, but they made him who he was and I loved it).

Another special time we had was when Jan and Gary enlisted my help to clean out their closets. Oh my...this was so fun. Well, for me at least. Gary was not really into it...at first. He was holding on to everything. I started to turn into one of those tv hosts that helps people organize their home. Gary had his ah-ha moment and just started getting rid of everything. I can't help but think God had us do this to make it a little easier on us and not have to get rid of so many of his items. Not to say he still does not have a lot of other stuff:). He loved his stuff. We had so much fun that night. We started to get on Jan as she was holding onto pant jumpsuits from her younger years (which were totally fabulous..so I can't blame her).. God allowed these times and I am so grateful.

The day before he died was so wonderful. Just another moment I am thankful for. We spent time in the kitchen together that day. That was always our common ground. He loved talking about cooking with me. We went out to the locker where he kept all his canned goods and we gathered all the ingredients for dinner. What a great night. Although, it is weird to not have him here I am thankful he is in perfect condition...free from pain and suffering. If he can't be here with us...how marvelous it is to be with God who can take care of him far better than we or any doctor could ever do here on earth. No doctor could completely heal him or give him a new body...but The Great Physician did and I am sure Gary is singing His praises at this moment. It has been a hard year without Gary, but I am thankful for the man he was and for that legacy that is carried over in my own husband. And now I will stop writing because I am getting my computer all wet from my tears!!!

One of my favorite pics from our wedding. Gary was a great teacher and Scott was listening:).

Ohhhh...so precious. They loved eachother so much. I really wish he could have been around longer strictly for Shane. They had great adventures and he had so many future plans he wanted to do with his Grandson.

Grand Re-Opening:The Days of Summer

Hello there my faithful followers:). I blog because I love to write. It is definitely a creative outlet for me. When I first decided to start my blog I thought, "who is going to want to read anything I have to write about"? I am not an English major. My grammar and use of punctuation marks are atrocious.
I said to heck with it...I want to write!!!! I am very thankful for all my sweet friends who have encouraged me to continue to post and that actually read my posts. I appreciate it. I have thought many times about doing this more often and getting sponsors and making it more of a job rather than for fun. I remember doing that with my passion for baking and cooking. That did not end well. I got burnt out and I no longer enjoyed it. So, for now I just write for the few that read and I love it!

My blogger name is Flour Power. I went with that as I always wanted to open up a bakery with that name. I started this blog with intentions to post strictly about baking. It bloomed into much more as I got interested in interior design and makeup. Then of course I had a baby and I am married, so I like to share things about parental life and married life. I realized that I needed to change my blog name. Luckily, my sister is a Graphic Artist and I enlisted her help. It took me forever to choose a new name. Having the name Summer I knew I wanted to come up with something clever. The Days of Summer ended up being the winner. Unfortunately, The Days of Summer is already taken as far as the URL, but I did change my header. I may eventually change my link but for now it will remain the same. Soooooo, with all that said I thought I would do a Grand Re-opening post:). To celebrate I am going to do a "get to know me" post. Everything you ever wanted to know about me or maybe way more than you ever wanted to know:).

I was born in the summer..but I was named Summer because of a girl my mom knew in High School. I grew up in Riverside until the age of 7. We then moved to Moreno Valley and lived there until I got married. I met my husband(of 10 years in September) through a family friend and through cooking. I often questioned why I went to Culinary School. Like I said before it was a hobby but once I started doing it for a living I did not enjoy it anymore. I realized God knew what He was doing. I started working as a Personal Chef for a family, who my family knew for years. The older son's best friend was my now husband. It is a long story(I will post that story soon) but we ended up meeting and falling in love and got hitched!

I am shy. Like, puke on my shoes if I am the center of attention, kind of shy. I have always been. I actually was a lot more shy when I was younger if you can believe it! God is working on me though. I am a very fearful person and I don't have time for that anymore! I want to be me and be comfortable with who God wants me to be. It has been a long process but I give all the glory to God for any progress I have made.

Speaking of God....I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N. I have been for years. I am learning more and more of what it means to live a Godly life and not just a Good life(that will be a post soon too). Being shy I lived many years not branching out and living a life that was pleasing to God. Thankfully, God is very forgiving...I need that. His mercies are new every morning...can I get an AMEN?!

Most of you already know all of this so I will try not to bore you with any more random facts about me. I hope you enjoy my posts and will continue to read them. I have so many posts that are still in the draft folder and I need to finish those up. Writing has always been apart of my life. It is a creative release, but also very therapeutic. I am not quick with my words when I speak. Writing allows me to free the thoughts in my head and share my feelings about life. I hope you enjoy The Days of Summer.

It's a love story...

 

My ten year wedding anniversary is just around the corner. I have to say it is making me get all sentimental and romantic! I have reminisced about when The Hubs and I first met. I LOVED dating him. Seriously, he was a great boyfriend. He knew just how to fill my love tank. If you are familiar with The 5 Love Languages book(I have mentioned it before), you will understand what "my love tank" is and how it gets filled. This is a great tool to not just understand how your spouse wants to be loved...but also to understand how you want to be loved. During our year of being friends I learned a lot about Scott's character, as a friend. He was such a loyal friend. He is very unselfish as well. Both of these character traits I do not possess. Then after a year of being "friends" we started dating. I learned even more about his character, but also how he wanted and needed to be loved.

 

Most men are physical. That is just a given. But, that does not mean that is the way they want to be loved. Scott and I love each other and of course I love kissing my man and holding hands...etc, but what he desires most from me is Words of Affirmation. I am sure if any men are reading this...they are like yeah...whatever! It is true though. The way my husband feels most loved by me is when I encourage him and build him up. When we are united in the way we feel about something and when I back him up.

I am not good with spoken words. So, this is funny that God would give me a husband that needs verbal public affirmation. For years, I showed Scott love by buying him things or making things or giving him cards. He feels loved...but if he was on empty in his love tank the line would barely budge up when I did these things. It was really frustrating. Scott did the same thing. I want gifts! This seems selfish...but it could be a simple card or a donut...seriously...I am not kidding. It is not the actual gift...again I am not kidding...The Hubs thinks I am full of it. I mean a Coach purse is awesome..but it is the thought behind it that really counts! I want him to think of me. He is a busy guy. His mind is going constantly all day with work related things. When he stops to think of me and picks up a card or flowers or a...donut..lol...I feel the love! He also tries to love me the way he wants to be loved. It is appreciated but it doesn't fill me up.

I don't believe this is the only way we feel love. If he talks about me to others that does make me feel so loved. If he kisses me goodbye I feel loved. If he grabs my hand while walking...again I feel loved. If he does the dishes or any "chore" I feel the love. I don't feel that kind of love too often...hahaha. But that is ok...acts of service would probably be last on my list.

So, even after 10 years we are still learning so much about each other. Our marriage has been nothing but a fun adventure. We rarely fight. It is a beautiful thing. Scott has taught me so much. I depend on him as our leader and I am excited to see what the next 10 years have in store for us. Our wonderful marriage is all because God has blessed us. No matter how hard we try to understand each other as male/female...mother/father...friend...lover...the most important relationship we have is the one in Christ.

*****As soon as I finished typing this...The Hubs brought me a cookie from Subway! I am feeling the love.

Girl Talk: summer summer summer tiiiimmmme

Hello there beautiful peoples! I am still obsessed with makeup tutorials on youtube!!! I mean really when is it going to end??? I realized I only have time for one hobby in my life at a time (pathetic..I know..I am not a multi-tasker kinda gal). So last year it was coupons...this year it is makeup. Although, coupons save me money and makeup costs...a ton...I can use coupons on my makeup at the drugstores..so see I can focus on two things at once. I actually got a really good deal on some Smashbox items a few days ago. Smashbox is my favorite makeup to use at the moment. I will tell you all about my "deal" in a bit.

So, I don't know about you...but I sweat like a pig during the summer. Especially, this summer. I normally have skin more on the dry side...but not in the summer. It is a greasy mess. I usually lose weight in the summer...woo woo...because I am pretty sure I sweat a pound a day. I actually have no idea if that is how you lose weight, as weight loss is not one of the hobbies I have been too great at. I went to the gym once though!!! Yes...once...I have commitment issues. Ok...there I go again rambling. Back to makeup.

With it being so hot. I kind of gave up wearing foundation....until....I started using my Primer and BB Cream from Smashbox. My foundation actually sticks to my face all day!!! I also got a sample of Smashbox's 15 hour foundation...ohhh gurrrl...let me tell you...this stuff stays!!! Let me run down the amount of products I have on my face...it is a bit ridiculous..but I just turned 31 and I am convinced every year older you get past 30 you have to add another 5 products to your routine. "30's were my best years" they say "It only gets better" mmmhmmm...ya'll are crazy. My thirties have given me nothing but gray hair, bags and droopiness!!!

Face Products/routine:

1.Primer- this feels like velvet on yo face! Ahhhhhh.

Source- I also just read you can use this to tame your frizzy hair!!! It has Vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea.

2. BB Cream- this is a newer product it can be used all by it self and really smooths out my skin and adds a little coverage. It is a little thicker than foundation and usually has SPF. This one I use has SPF 35! Great for a simple summer look..or anytime of the year.

Source- I have this in Light. This is 39.00...sayyyy whaaa? But I joined their Pretty Points Reward program. I got a free full size lip gloss(they run specials on tues and thurs) a deluxe sample of their mascara(for my bday) and got to choose two samples. Otherwise, I would never spend 39.00 on BB Cream..I love you and all but NO!

3. Foundation- Lately, I have been mixing two. I am a little bit darker than my normal marshmallow self so I got a sample of Smashbox's 15 hour foundation and mix it with my Mary Kay foundation.

Source- I don't have the full size of this. I got a sample with my order. I reallly lurrvve it though!

 

Source- Great foundation...just wish it had an SPF. I do have enough in my other products so that works.

4. Set with powder. Powder is important because it keeps everything in it's place. Otherwise it would melt off your face quicker than the bad witch on The Wizard of OZ...I'm melting...I'm melting.I don't use anything special. I use CoverGirl's pressed powder. If anyone has a good setting powder let ya girl know!

I obviously have many other products I use but this is the base. It is always good to set a good base or "foundation" to allow your other products to go on smoothly and stick in place.


Stay cool. K.I.T and have an .....awesome summer:)

 

 


 

Hello, orange face...my camera decided it liked this setting all of the sudden. Photography...another hobby I have not spent any time on!!!

 

Falsies!!! These drive me crazy...but I have the straightest...shortess lashes ever!

 

And now I feel really vain for posting so many selfies...but I actually did my makeup and am dressed before noon...so I had to document it:)

Welcome to my Kitchen

I haven't blogged in so long I decided to do two posts today! The reason for not posting more is due to the fact that we moved!!! It was a six month process, but we are finally in our beautful home. It is so nice to not have to rent any more. God blessed us with the home we rented, but it just never felt like ours...because it wasn't!

I will show you a few pics of my favorite room in the house...the kitchen. Our home is a Mid Century Modern. Apparently, this is all the rage right now. We have been on the hunt for MCM furniture for awhile now and it is so expensive. Everyone wants it and so people spike up the prices. Lucily we have found some amazing pieces for cheap. It is a style I am not too familiar with so it has been fun learning about it and meeting other crazy MCM fanatics.

Anyways, as you can tell I have a lot to write about. Hopefully, I can finish all the deor soon and remember to get shots of everything.

Once I get everything picked up I will post better pics. Love my counterspace! Oh how I have missed you!

 

 

The wood wall was one of the selling features for me on this home and the counterspace...did I mention that I love my counterspace:) Oh and no grout lines. My last place had tile EVERYWHERE...this house only has tile counters in the bath room. Everything else is a solid surface. Hallelujah!!!!

 Since, I love my new kitchen..I have been enjoying cooking again. I added some butter into a pan with some olive oil. Added the bread...mozzarella..tomatoes and then spinach (but pretend it is basil). Added the top piece of bread and toasted each side. Put in the over at 350...for 10 minutes and viola...melted cheesy action in full affect. This is a Caprese Sandwich. You could also add a pesto to this(however I forgot the most important ingredient, basil). Hope you try it..you won't be disappointed.

Healthy Nom Noms

I don't know why I get back into my unhealthy eating habits. Well, actually I know why because junk food tastes great, but makes me feel like an 80 year old. My anxiety starts to get worse. My body aches and my hormones go cray cray!!! So, now that I am all settled in our new home (which I will post about later) I need to start eating healthier.

I had my kitchen all packed up as I thought we were moving a week earlier than we did...so we ate out for lunch and dinner EVERYDAY! Ughhh...talk about feeling like my body was a trash can at a fast food joint. I lost five pounds because I was running around like crazy for the move...but once things slowed down..so did my metabolism and I gained it all back. I woke up one morning all puffy. I also packed all my tanning supplies and so I truly looked liked a marshmallow.

My first shopping trip was great. I loaded up on veggies and fruit. I decided to make this recipe I found on Pinterest for a Roasted Veggie Quinoa Salad! Yum Yum!!! It was so good. I didn't use all of the same ingredients. I used an orange bell pepper, zucchini, garlic and red onion. I think mushrooms would be a great addition as well. Anyways, if you like quinoa this is a winner! I also wanted this for dinner so, I added some cubes of chicken, that I cooked up. It was filling and so tasty!

***P.S. I was so excited to eat this I forgot to make the dressing for it. It was great without it but I will have to make it next time.

***P.S.S. I also am using my new camera...so my pics will look less like a 2 year old took them:)

 

My new stove:) It is electric...but so far I haven't had any issues making the switch from gas.

 

Healthy Nom Nom

 

 

Mirror Mirror....

I love cooking and baking. It gives me so much joy. It is relaxing when I am in the zone of whipping up a new recipe or a well-loved favorite. As many of you know I went to Culinary School. I am by no means a "pro" but it is a passion of mine. Lately, it has been a bit overshadowed by my other passion of Interior Design. I could seriously live on The Cooking Channel, Food Network and HGTV alone! I don't watch cooking shows as often though because they make me sooooo hungry. Although, design shows aren't too nice for my wallet!

Anyways, I also follow a ton of design blogs. I love all the pretties! My mom loves design as well and passed that down to me. Our house was always very well designed. I would often come home with the furniture all rearranged...this happened a few times a year:). I have to say this happens quite often in my home too.  Design changes every year and it can be overwhelming. I can't keep up with the changes every year...but I do try to bring in a few elements...like pillows or a new art piece. Thankfully the world wide web is full of great inexpensive options(many times DIY) for the ever changing styles. 

My style is evolving. I use to be what I call "Modern Coastal" but that was a bit too cluttered for me and a little too themey. I don't like themes in homes.Let me show you an example:

This would be "themey". Way too much going on here. 

This...however...is just the right amount of nautical goodness:).

I also realized all the rooms in my house are all different styles. I have a nautical scheme in my family room...coastal in the bathroom(both rooms are guilty of being "themey"...Mod Glam in my bedroom and a little world traveler in the other rooms. Oh, and I can't forget a little Superhero going on in Shane's room:). Honestly, I would love to get rid of almost everything and start over!!!! (If we get our new house I just might get to do that:)).

So, what is MY style??? I have to also consider my husband's taste. I mean I should right??? He lives here too...but quite frankly I have taken over and I don't think he really likes any part of our home...sorry babe! I really like the classics...but with a modern flair. I don't like a lot of "stuff" but I do not like sleek and modern...or a bunch of hard lines. I am pretty traditional. I love old pieces that are made to look new. Our new home that we may be getting is Mid-Century. Noooooow...I have to say I appreciate a certain type of Mid-Century. Definitely I lean more towards the Modern side of it. There are some 60's and 70's influences that I can do without. My favorite thing is that it is considered vintage and to design a Mid-Century Modern home you have to go thrifting!!!!! 

Mid-Century is very natural. Uses a lot of earth tones.

How I wished we still lived! Men in suits and women in dresses...YES!

What I do not like about Mid-Century...except I want that cat! The furniture isn't too bad...but all that crazy art is no bueno for me.

With all that said, for now, my style is, Traditional...with a splash of Modern(if that makes any sense)..mix in some coastal elements and a sprinkle of GLAM! That sounds awful now that I think of it and a bit like I have design ADD. The truth is I just love all design. Whether it is Mid-Century or Country I can appreciate it all...except Victorian....just NO!

Any who...the whole point of this post was to show you my latest FB Group find!!!! I got a little distracted along the way but here it is: 

Ok...so this is what I bought for 20.00 from a girl on the FB group I am apart of that sell things...like a virtual yard sale!

 

It ended up on my mantel for now. It is very simple and modern. This is the style I am trying to lean towards so hoping it will look great in whatever house we end up in. Nothing fancy:).

 

Annnnnndddd this was my inspiration. I just happen to be drooling over this design by Emily Henderson(one of my top five fav designers). I loved this mirror. My mirror is stainless steel and I really like it but.... can always add a little gold rub and buff. We shall see. Something are better left alone in their original state(like many Hollywood faces).

So, there it is. I should have offered a lower amount. I did not realize it sold for 34.99 new at IKEA..but 20.00 is still better than 34.99. The best part of the whole thing....The Hubs likes it and HE suggested we go to IKEA this weekend!!!! Those are the best words he has ever uttered through his lovely lips!!!! I knew I loved this guy!!!

So, I have to know what is your style????? Country, Modern, Mid-Century, Traditional, Transitional....etc.....

Happy 4th Bday!!!

Dear Bubba,
I can't believe you are four today! I have a feeling I will still be saying that even when you are 30...40 and so on. Each year you bring daddy and I so much joy. We get such a kick out of seeing the world through your eyes. The love you have for others is such a sweet blessing. I want to be more like you in that way and am glad you are enjoying each and everyday.

I love that you ask what each day will entail. You are a little man on the move...always wanting to be doing something and being with others (daddy's mini me for sure).

Thank you for being our helper. You have such a servants heart. Thank you for bringing your plate to the kitchen when you are done and always rinsing your toothbrush off. Those little things add up to a lot for mama! :)

I have to say we are the luckiest parents in the world. You are such a good boy...who follows the rules...makes us laugh...and always wants to please us. You are a true SWEETHEART. Can't wait to see how much you grow this next year..although don't grow too much...you are almost too heavy to carry!!! Love you Bubba!!!!

Mama

Girl Talk- New Favs

Hello there girls! I have been under the weather for the past few weeks. I have managed to make it out in the world a few times...but for the most part I have been staying inside. Yesterday as I was brushing my teeth, I looked in the mirror and saw something sooo horrific...my face. Bwaahhaaa...but seriously, my skin was pale and my dark circles...ooooh child......let's just say I would fit right in with a pack of raccoons. If raccoons come in packs??? I actually took a snap shot yesterday: 

It is also that time of the month so that is the reason for the fangs and excess facial hair!

If I am ever feeling pale...bloated...or just blah...I always paint my face and some how I feel much better. I LOVE makeup! Can I get an AMEN? So, that is what I did yesterday and today. I put on a bunch of makeup and felt 100 times better! I do this often when I am in need of a little pick me up. I will go on You Tube and watch some tutorials on makeup and try out some new techniques. A lot of times I look even more like a raccoon than when I started but it is fun! 

I wanted to share some new finds that I tried and loved. The first I mentioned in a previous Girl Time post. It was the Beauty Blender. 

These are by Bundle Monster and are 10.99 for 4 on Amazon

  I went with a different brand...just because I didn't want to spend 20.00 for 2. This brand that I bought come in a 4 pack in the colors shown. The directions recommend that you wet the sponge first and then wring out the excess water. By adding the water to the sponge it allows you to get a real light layer of foundation on your face. This will be great for months when it starts to get hotter and you don't want a thick layer of foundation on. I generally like a light layer of foundation on...but if you can't get away with that this blender might not work as well for you. Or you might want to try not adding water. I also really like the pointed edge as it gets in the corners of you eyes and is great for concealer. Overall, I really like this product, but I still prefer my Sigma F80 brush I mentioned before for applying my foundation:). 

The second product I recently purchased was this highlighter by MAC:

It is called Mineralized Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle. It is described as a Gilded Peach Bronze. Isn't that just delightful. Anyone else get all giddy with makeup colors and descriptions??  No...just me...ok:). It is meant to be use on your checks. I started at the area next to the outside of my eyebrows(temple??) and make a "C" towards my checks. It does make my pores on my cheeks stand out a bit so I don't carry it too far onto my cheek area. I also swipe some down my nose and on my "cupid's bow" area on my lips(pointy upper part on lip). It is especially pretty if you have a tan. I only know because I have seen it on others. I myself never have a tan but it looks good on pasty too! Oh...by the way this was 30.00 so that is why I am only featuring two products as that is a lot for me to spend on a makeup product, but I am not a clothes person or mani/pedi person and so this is my girlie treat:). 

Have you picked up any new products you loved or did not love that you want to share??? Love new ideas!!!!! Try a new look this weekend...just have fun with it! Remember you can always wash it off:).

Asian (Garden Stool) Persuasion

Remember when I told you about those groups on facebook that sell stuff? They are pretty much like Craigslist only better!!!! Well I was just minding my business, scrolling through all the bikes, vases and clothing for sale when this beauty caught my eye!

The lady selling these actually referred to these as pots. I have never seen them used as pots..but either way...I wanted them!

I thought....could that be one of these????

Retails on Amazon for....$277.00!!!!

A lady was selling SIX of them for 10.00 each or if you bought all six she would give you a deal. I proceeded to ask the dimensions and she told me. Another person commented that he would take all six. Being the nice person I was I said he could have them since I only wanted two. WHYYYYYY??? I want them all. What are you doing Summer Ashley?! These sell for over 100.00 at some places. This guy must know of their potential. I wonder what color he is going to paint them? I wonder how lovely they are going to look on his patio, or in his bathroom or nestled up to his couch? I really blew it. Oh well, maybe he won't pick them up.

Now let us move onto the following day when this man(what does a man know about Asian Garden Stools anyways???) was suppose to pick up the beauties. I see a notification on my phone. Could it be??? Did Mr. Stool Stealer pass on MY beloved stools? Why yes, yes he did. Oh HAPPY DAY!!! I have to say I kinda knew this was going to happen because Jesus loves me:). Mr. Stool Stealer was unable to pick them up and in his defense he did not steal them. I graciously gave them all to him out of the goodness of my heart and he jumped on the opportunity and crushed my dreams of future spray painting sessions  these stools and I would have.

Anyways, where was I. Oh yes...Mr. Awesome...previously known as..Mr. Stool Stealer passed and Mrs. Awesome Seller Lady(no relation to Mr. Awesome)  asked if I was still interested. The reason she asked this is because after I passed them off to Mr. Awesome I immediately felt regret and sadness and I may have made a comment that sounded a bit pitiful. I mentioned if HE did not want them to let me know and I may consider them again. I really wanted to tell her that I made a HUGE mistake and please forgive me for not jumping on the opportunity to buy ALL six of these gorgeous stools and that I would give them a beautiful home. But I refrained.

So, she said they were all mine and all six for only........wait for it.......50.00!!!! That is a little over 8.00 for each of them. If you have not seen these stools before you are probably thinking I am a little crazy(or a lot) for getting all excited for this find. If you have seen these stools then hopefully I don't seem as crazy and you are with me on how great of a deal this is. I picked them up from the lady the next morning on my way to my mom's. I had to store them at her house as I was driving us for a fun day of shopping with her and my sis, but they understood, because they too love a good deal:).

This was definitely another great chance to bust out my beloved spray paint. I went to Lowes to get some more primer and to get a clear protectant for the stools and other items I have redone. I was also going to pick up a glossy white as that is what I wanted to paint my first stool but then I realized that it wouldn't go well in my bathroom which is where I wanted to put one. My bathroom is mainly white and it needed some color. My walls are a blueish green and although I wanted to go with something really fun...I stuck with my safe gray. I had two bottles on hand and so I thought I would give it a try. It ended up being the best fit for my bathroom.

BEFORE

Primed

AFTER:)

 Most of the stools were a light color with some tropical looking flowers...but there was one black sheep. Literally it was black with tropical flowers on it. I definitely was glad I primered it. My gray paint was not as glossy and I would have liked, so I bought that gloss clear protectant, but it was not that great. It was a Valspar spray and I have never used this brand. It definitely added a layer of protectant, but made it a bit gritty and not as glossy as I had hoped:(. Oh well..it still looks purdy. My original plan was to use all of these outside..but I really needed one in our Guest bath. I think I may add one in our Master bath as well. Here are a few examples of these pricey stools(which I should have referred to them as Asian Garden Seats... as Asian Stools sounds horrible):

Lovely in Pink

Celadon LOVE

Glossy White 109.99

Glossy Black $148.00!!!

GIRL TALK-Thin is not in

Thin is not in...thick is what it is all about! Unfortunately, I am talking about eyebrows and not our waistlines. And even more unfortunate that is the one place I am thin on my body. I can't win.

I am a little obsessed with eyebrows. If you are ever talking and you see that I am not giving you good eye contact but am instead looking at your eyebrows...well sorry. I love eyebrows. Thick and well manicured. Thin is not in girls!!! Did you know that if the outer 1/4 of your eyebrows are thin and you can never grow them there...you may have a thyroid problem? You're welcome! Now that I have ruined a few peoples' day let me get back to the topic at hand. Thick eyebrows. Now, I am not talking like really thick and bushy like some of these super models have...no bueno. Let me show you a few people with A+ eyebrows:

 

So...what do you think? Do you like thin or thick? Do you fill in your eyebrows? Do you have tricks to trimming them? Do you tweeze, wax, shave or thread? I am currently working on getting my brows thicker...they seriously grow every where I do not want them to. Here is a link to filling in your brows in case you need help:). Just trying to do my part in making eyebrows every where look their best! Hope you enjoyed the second installment of Girl Talk:). Again I am not an expert...just a girl who like girlie stuff:). Let me know if there is anything else you want to talk about. And in case you need to know what your eyebrows should NOT look like...here you go:

I heart spray paint

I think I love spray paint so much because I need results quick! I love paint in general. It can transform a room into something spectacular (or if the wrong color..something not so great). Spray paint though is my best friend when it comes to painting wood. I have used spray paint on quite a few of my furniture pieces in my home.

A few weeks back The Hubs and I went to Sur la table. If you do not know about this place and love to cook or bake...you have to go!!!! I had a gift card that I still had not used so I was dying to go. So, anyways...this has nothing to do with Sur la table...but actually Z Gallerie! Which is an amazing contemporary furniture and decor store, that happened to be across the street. Again, if you have not been...drop everything and go NOW! We were in the market for a new couch and The Hubs actually wanted to go in..so I jumped on the chance. While we were there I spotted this fancy schmancy tic tac toe set.

 It was fabulous! It was also 39.95, which isn't bad...but I really didn't need it...no matter how much my little shopping devil tried to convince me I did. So I left without it...but still kept thinking about it from time to time. I thought of its beautifully lacquered self...all white and glossy. Its modern take on a classic childhood game. Now fast forward to yesterday...which I guess you would have to fast forward and then go back a bit since it is today...sorry...I over think things sometimes. Anyways, I spotted this little guy on a group I am apart of on Facebook, that sells items...kind of like a virtual garage sale!

I was super excited...because what are the chances that I could find something so random as a wooden tic tac toe set in the group??? There was one person ahead of me and she passed...so I swooped it up and arranged for a pickup. Oh and I forgot it was only 5 smackaroos!!!! The one I have is a little smaller and the top you see actually slides off of a box and the x's and o's can be stored in it. I could have left it alone as it was in good shape...but I had the need...the need to spray paint:). I just happened to have some glossy white and gray. so I went with it. And here he is......

 I have to say...it really did not need to be spray painted:( I think I may have been so obsessed with spray painting that I didn't even stop to think...hey this looks good as is. Or maybe I should have just painted the x's and o's???? Or maybe once I get a coat of Poly on it I will change my mind or I might paint the o's darker or scrap the gray and go for gold????? I do love it(lies) ...but I am having spray painters remorse. What have I done????!!!!!!