A New Friend

I am back at work. It was really really hard to go back to work today. I usually have no problems going to work on a daily basis. I have grown to actually like my job. I mean it's by no means my dream job, but it's not stressful, I have great co-workers and the pay is pretty decent. And the best part is the breaks, including the whole month of July off!!!! So I can hardly complain.

But it was hard coming back today. I had such a great break! I saw so many friends old, new, newer... I kept thinking, how did I get so blessed?

I spent a big chunk of time in Michigan visiting my dearest friend Rachel. I wish it didn't go by so fast!

Thursday, I made lunch for a current co-worker and then had Thai food with a former coworker Michelle.

There was lattes with Megan and Nori and then happy hour with Heather of the EO.

And a great night at Ellen's and Sarah's house with some great people like Steve & Jeanelle and Kelly and Don.

Saturday was a fun day with Shannon my sister from another mister... or as I like to call her my Phantom Leg.

And that brings me to Sunday. A very nice day spent at my parent's house out in the country. One baby horse was born (and about 20 more on the way!). Spring is in the air! Farm babies!

And I brought home a new little friend.

His name is Noir. (French for black)

He is a lot bigger than when this picture was taken last September.

As the White Stripes sing, I can tell that we are gonna be friends.

Spring Stuff

Spring is here! And it's time to bust out the Spring\Easter Decor.
This is a current window into my table scape...

The Bestest.

I got back yesterday from spending a few lovely days with my best friend Rachel in Michigan.

We have one of those friendships that no matter how much time passes, no matter what is going on in our lives, as soon as we are together it is like no time has passed at all.

I hadn't seen Rachel since October of 2007! And in that time so many things have changed for both of us. But nothing changes between us.

I spent a very relaxing time hanging out with Rachel and her two adorable boys.

Rachel and I didn't go out a lot but the times just chilling on the couch talking and playing with her sons were perfect!

I never care what we do when we are together, as long as we can laugh and reminisce about all our crazy adventures!

We also got together with a long time friend of ours, Diana. It was great to see her and walk around Downtown Grand Rapids.

I especially loved the Amway and Marriott hotels. They were very chic! Hello ginormous chandeliers!


I miss Rachel already. I also miss snuggling with her 2 year old Seth, he was my little pal.

And I miss the dimply smile of baby Caleb.

I could just gobble them both up!

Now it's back to life here, I have already had a friend over for lunch and tonight Thai food with another friend.

It's good to be home. But I wish I could have Rachel close by too... I love you friend.

(we always try and dress alike. it's our thing. no, not really.)

Rubbing off on me...

So in my quest to be more crafty and less couch potatoey... My new favorite craft project is rub-on transfers.

You can find really awesome ones at Micheal's, although these are my favorite ones from Hambly. I will definitely be making something with these in the future.

At Micheal's i found a 12 pack of these candle votives and alphabet rub-on transfers and made my initials.

Then i found this hunk of paper weight glass at a thrift store for 40 cents and I made this with a Fleur De Lis transfer and some scrapbook paper.

A very easy, inexpensive way to make pretty little things.

I will be away from my blog on a much needed Spring Break. I am leaving Saturday to visit my BFF Rachel in Michigan! And I am giddy with anticipation...

Have a great week and Happy Spring!

Check out The Inspired Room for more beautiful ideas!

Sorry... No TWD today.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I am actually a wee bit Irish... Along with about 20 other nationalities. But I do have the Irish in me, but today so does everyone else too! It's an everybody holiday.

I did not have time to make the Yogurt Cake. I wanted to, but i have been a little busy. And next week I will be in Michigan visiting my dear sweet friend Rachel.

Although, I would love to make next week's TWD Blueberry Crumb Cake for her... so you may see something from me yet!

Yesterday was almost 70 here! It was heavenly! Minnesota Spring can be so amazing! Snow is melting... soon i can start my lil' seedlings!

I'm thinking a small veggie garden and of course plenty of cut flowers too!

Have a beautiful green day!

Off to have a Shamrock Shake from McDons.....

Old Time Photos

Have you heard of this photo generator site Bakumatsu Koshashin Generator? You can take a modern day photo and they convert it into a picture that looks as if it were taken a long time ago.

It's a Japanese site, but you can switch over the to the English version. I believe my cousin Kelly showed me this site awhile back... so mad props to her for always hooking me up with the latest world wide web specialness.

I converted a lot of photos and these are some of my favorites:

In front of my house on closing day

My best friend Rachel and her son Seth

Sisters Erin & Kelly at the Bastille Day Celebration

The late great Marius the Cat!

Spray Paint!

I have a new obsession. It's called Spray Paint. My cousin Kelly sent me a before and after link of a spray painted lamp. Wow! What a transformation! Game On... So along with spray paint, I go to thrift stores and find really UGLY stuff and give it a face lift. It's an inexpensive way to beautify your home without spending a lot of $$. I also try and shop at thrift stores that put money back into the community. That way it's a win win all around!

Take these really awful looking plastic faux wood (yes plastic wood!) candle holders.


With a little white matte spray paint they turn into this:


This mirror I decided was really cute, but it needed a pop of color.

So with some glossy hot pink spray paint, you get this:

Or for fun I found this bust of Napoleon, but he was in serious need of amakeover

And viola, this would make Josephine swoon...

FYI, the lamp base, I spray painted that one too. It was brass before, and that would never do.

Spray paint is life changing!