Awesome friends

I have started a part-time job working from home. It allows me the time I need to build my business and finish my quickbooks proadvisor program. I am enjoying learning about an industry that is completely foreign to me-contractors. Anyway, back to the reason for this post. I have the BEST friends. They are my sounding board, my co-parents, my support system. I would be completely lost without them. They are also fun to hang out with. Mitzi had 2 extra tickets for Go Fest with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan and invited me and Stephen to join her and Logan. Can I just say that Luke Bryan is HOT. This was our first experience with a country music concert. It was fun and definitely different than what we are used to.  THANK YOU, Mitzi :)

catching up (again)

We always seem to be busy. I just don't understand where the days go. Here's a recap of some of the things we have done recently. Stephen had his first middle school progress report. He has been doing a great job. He has been responsible in doing his homework and studying for his tests. All without any argument. To celebrate his success, I made red velvet cookies:

 

 

Vinnie, Stephen and I went to the Harvest Crusade at Dodger Stadium. This is becoming an annual event for us. Greg Laurie always has a timely message. The experience always leaves me feeling overwhelmed with God's love and grace. I am grateful that I can share this with my boys.

 

Stephen and I also attended a free concert at our church-Phil Wickham, It was GREAT.



projects

Stephen is at his first Middle School dance so I thought I would take advantage of some free time and post an update. I've been trying to change things up in our house without spending a lot of money.

I found this frame at Goodwill.
It was dark green. I sanded it down, used some Vaseline and spray paint to distress.  Not bad for my first try. I was going to post the link for the printable here. I can't find it. The saying is perfect for our home.

I needed a change in our bathroom. We had so much fun at the beach this summer, I decided to add some of those memories into our decor. 

We have been collecting shells for years and wanted to use them for my beach theme. I found these at the dollar store:

I glued them together with my hot glue gun, added some 'beach' sand from Walmart and came up with this: 

The smaller jars I have had for years. 

I needed something to hang my jewelry own. Pinterest is always inspiring. I took a piece of scrap wood that we had, scrapbook paper, mod podge, and new and used knobs. 

Walgreens had a free deal on an 8 x 10 collage. I found a frame at Home Goods. 

Here's how it all looks together:

The last thing I did was a new (old) vanity tray for my perfume. I found this old tray at Goodwill. 

I sanded it and then spray painted it white. 

Found this great scrapbook paper, mod podge and sealant. All done. 

Now it's time to start thinking about those holiday projects...........