trying a new stroke

It all began last fall.....

When Blair and I went to Europe last fall, we were lucky enough to be able to go The Vatican. The world's largest art museum, which also holds the Sistine Chapel. It was one of the most amazing places I've ever been. I'm not an art history major, (although at the time we were there, I wish I had been) but I the art in there was so unbelievable!

Ever since then I have wanted to try and develop more talents of my own. I am by no stretch of the imagination an artist. I don't have a lot of creativity built up in my DNA, but I really want to try and work on that... I have been wanting to do some sort of craft or something lately that I can decorate my home with to add a personal touch.

Well, Blair and I have really been wanting a painting in our house for some time, but haven't been able to find anything we like at a reasonable cost. And we decided, we could do it ourselves! So we went out to the nearest craft store and loaded up on all the supplies we would need to create our very own masterpiece! Since neither one of us has really ever attempted painting before, we decided to get a couple small canvas's to take a practice run first. It was so fun! But we realized we needed to do a little more research on some painting techniques... neither one of us are naturals....

After doing some more homework and a couple more practice paintings I started my project on Saturday:

The Process..

It wasn't exactly what Charlee had in mind for a Saturday afternoon! ;)

The Finished Product!

The BIG apple

Blair had his 28th birthday on February 26th! To celebrate his birthday this year we decided to take a getaway trip to New York City. This was his first time going there, and we had such an amazing time! New York is one of those places you have to go to. When we got there it was snowing and raining. Apparently alot more than New York is use to! The first two days we were there it was snowing and they had storm weather reports on TV all day long. It wasn't anything we hadn't seen before, and the city only got a few inches. The pictures, I think, look awesome with all of the snow. Blair took most the pictures, so I really can't take any credit. I thought he got a few good shots!

Snowy first night in Time Square

Brooklyn Bridge

Blair's Birthday! Out in Time Square

Serendipity - Frozen Hot Chocolate!


Centeral Park

Knicks Game at Madison Square Garden

I love this shot of the Statue of Liberty - so much bigger than imagined

Manhatten - This looks a painting to me!

The End.

Table Tales

I have the best husband ever!

Just to preference the story a little. Blair and I have been in the market for a new dining table for the past 4 weeks or so.... probably longer. The table we have now is too small and we're ready to upgrade. So I have made all my efforts to go out looking for a new table for and have been to probably a dozen furniture stores.

After doing all my homework and many hours and weeks of shopping/looking, last Saturday I had finally found THE one. It was perfect. I loved everything about it! I hadn't felt this way about any other table I had seen until now. I was in love. We spoke to the Dave, the salesman, and we told him we weren't quite ready to commit (Blair, not me:) and we would call him later that afternoon and let him know if we wanted it. He said, "You need to call me by 6:00pm, I'm leaving then." We told him, "Not a problem, we'll keep in touch."

We hit up one more store where we had found a few we had liked before, just to make sure we were positive on that table. Time had passed and 6:00 o'clock had come and gone, even after much deliberation and me trying to convince Blair that I knew this was the one for us, we didn't make that call.

Blair called Dave on Tuesday afternoon, to let him know we decided we were ready to order the table. Dave say, "Unfortunately, the last table had been sold, and the company is discontinuing that line and no more are available to order." NOOO!!! My heart was broken. I felt like I had just been betrayed. My only true table love was gone forever, and I was not sure how long it would take for me to heal. I told Blair it would probably take me a couple months before I could start looking again for another table. I knew I wouldn't be able to find another one like it.

So the past few days I have been mourning. I didn't realize how attached I had become to this piece of furniture in such a short amount of time. I didn't even know that was possible. Blair was comforting, thank goodness I at least a shoulder to cry on, and he showed remorse over the loss as well.

This weekend kicks off the celebration of love. Happy Valentines Day! Blair had the day off today and I unfortunately was stuck at work. I came home this afternoon from work around 4:30pm, and as I walk in the door I am greeted, loyally, by Charlee eager to say hello and Blair sitting on the couch.

Then I see it. Out of the corner of my eye. It couldn't be. I take another look. IT IS!!! THE table is sitting in our kitchen with a bouquet of roses on top. It was the most beautiful sight ever! And the most amazing surprise of my life! Blair really got me! What a sweetie. He said he knew I loved surprises, and knew I would love this one. He couldn't have been more right! The best gift ever! Words can't express my happiness. I love you, Blair!

The picture doesn't do this table justice - but here it is in all its glory. I'm just so excited, I had to share!! :)

Go JAZZ Go!

Monday night had the privilege of going, as the dedicated fans we are, to see the Jazz battle against the Dallas Mavericks. It was fight until the last quarter, and then the Jazz put 'em away (as those of you know, who watched)! We were able to get our tickets from none other than the dependable KSL Classifieds! They have everything you need there! :)

We has such a blast there and we able to snap a couple pics of the players! Blair even got to jump on the floor after the game and throw a few balls around. A dream come true! He can now check that one off the list.

Classified

Even though I don't post blogs often, I love to read everyone elses and find good blogs to read. A few weeks ago I was introduced to a blog called "All Things Thrify". Which has turned out to be my new favorite blog to follow.

They teach you step-by-step instructions on DIY decorating ideas. I LOVE this website. I myself, cannot decorate. I was not given that gift, unfortunetly. However, I am willing to learn.

So I have since be inspired to decorate my home, and get things done for cheap if I can do it myself. I have become a KSL Classifieds junkie!! I have been looking online everyday for my next good buy. We bought our couch on KSL last year, and every once and while you will get a steal on there. But you've gotta be quick! Good deals don't last long around here!

confession

I have a confession to make.

Today a delivery man came into our office, and had a bouquet of flowers in his hands. Unfortunately, it was not for me, but for another girl in our office.

She was so excited to see that old man and thrilled to receive unxpected flowers! Who isn't?

My DREAM job is to be a flower deliverer.

You will be bringing joy and smiles to people all day.

One day, my dream will come true.

All I want for Christmas....

Parents Beware: Think twice before taking your kids to see Santa this year....
Don't be fooled by the "Oh-so-jolly" look.

Is that his serial number below?