Our Master Bedroom- A Major Work in Progress

We moved into our new house and not to mention our very first house in May and let me tell you it is still quite the work in progress. I guess I didn't quite know what to expect when we moved in...that everything would fall together in a couple weeks just the way I wanted. I still have about 920,730,273 (ya I counted ;) projects that I still would like/need to complete. One of the main projects on my mind right now is our master bedroom, Brendan can't understand this because he says this is the last space people will visit... but it matters to me.

I want to paint the whole room light grey and then paint an accent wall behind the headboard a slightly darker grey. Originally I wanted to paint large horizontal stripes (classy stripes of course, nothing childish) behind the headboard but I was vetoed by Brendan within 2 minutes of throwing that idea out there. 

The builder painted that wall a golden accent color that I hate, a lot and see those pillows...aren't they sad? I think I need quite a few more ha. 

This is my half- @ssed attempt at the start of a gallery wall. I have two photos so far. What you can't see is a pile of photos I would like to add to the wall in our closet, but first I decided I should paint before hanging the rest of them. So for now I just have two out of place looking photos.

I can't sleep without a tower fan... pathetic I know. It looks great in that corner doesn't it?

Carmelo insisted on getting in on the photographs.

Another exciting angle of the room and of course Carmelo hasn't moved.

A final angle of the room. See Carmelo's bed in the corner...it's brown and it matches nothing in the room. This bothers me, silly right? I know, but I want to find one that is going to match the rest of the room. When the project is complete I hope to have lots of greys, silvers, olives and accents of blacks.

I'm linking to Scatter Girls this week for the Works in Progress Link Party. 

Cake Batter Frozen Yogurt

If there is one thing I love it is frozen yogurt and what is better than a little cake batter frozen yogurt? Summer is not winding down in San Antonio so we are still relishing in whatever chilled/frozen treats we can (today it was 107 degrees). 

Cake Batter Frozen Yogurt

-1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt

-3 cups of non-fat plain yogurt

-1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

-1 teaspoon lemon juice

-1 tablespoon Truvia (natural sweetener)

-1/2 cup of dry yellow cake mix

-1/4 cup of fat free half n' half 

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor (or mixer) and puree until mixed completely (make sure there are no cake mix clumps). Place mix in a bowl in the fridge for 2 or more hours. After the mix has chilled for a good amount of time place mix in ice cream mixture for about 15 minutes, remove and enjoy! 

Time is Running Out

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Today is the last week to take advantage of the Summer blowout sale going on in my shop right now! Everything in the shop is currently 50% off with coupon code Summer50 but this all ends SUNDAY....so, act fast. Not only does this sale end Sunday but all current items in the shop will be gone forever come Sunday to be replaced by new products!

Now time to announce the winner of the "Always Dance in the Rain" canvas...

#31 Kristen who said: "hearted you on etsy"

Congrats Kristen and thank you to all of those who entered! 

InstaFriday-Week 5

This Friday I'm in Washington celebrating the life of B's grandmother and spending time with his fantastic family, so let me make this short and sweet. 

"Where I go I hope there's rum"...sketching new ideas

"You get what you give"...sketching new ideas

Exit row on the plane, boo-ya! P.S. if this isn't the most flattering angle I don't know what is. 

Yes, I have an elephant on my desk at work 

B sharpening his knives- scary

My current view at the moment

Name the song

Sunset last night

Happy Friday everyone! 

$25 for a $50 Floral Arrangement at Artistic Blooms

There is nothing like receiving a bouquet of flowers from someone. Having a fresh bouquet of flowers really brightens up a room and can make you smile. Today you can make someone smile at a great discount through Juice and the City and Artistic Blooms.

 Whether it’s a special occasion, a holiday or just because you’re the most thoughtful person you know, you’ll want a professional florist you can trust with everything from baby’s breath to long stem roses to the signature on the card.

Artistic Blooms in Thousand Oaks, San Antonio lives up to its name in creativity, design and satisfaction. The owner, Julie, is hugely attentive to detail and makes sure that when you put an order in by phone or in person, you’re going to get exactly what you asked for – and more. With their large inventory of fresh flowers and plants, this family-owned and operated business is all about creating beautiful bouquets that will make anyone happy. So grab this great 50% off deal, sign off on the card and know you’ll be getting a thumbs up from whoever is lucky enough to receive these flowers from you!

So hurry on over to Juice in the City before this fantastic floral deal is a thing of the past. 

$10 for $20 at Papa Dean's Popcorn

I always think I don't want popcorn and then I smell it and I get sucked it. Popcorn is that snack that draws you in by your sense of smell. The smell of popcorn can instantly for me draw memories of my Dad making popcorn on a Saturday night to sit down and watch a college football game and eat a bowl. He always would ask if I wanted any when he started making and I always refused but once I smelled that popcorn I couldn't resist (I think he knew this because he always made extra). Today Juice in the City is offering an irresistable popcorn deal!



For today's deal get $20 worth of delicious Papa Dean's Popcorn for only $10. With over 30 different flavors to choose from and the ability to ship tins of to anywhere in the U.S., we're certain there's someone in your world who is ready to start munch, munch, munching on this yummy stuff!

Papa Dean's Popcorn is known as the top spot to grab a tasty snack. The employees are ready to let you sample all of the creative flavors and always provide you with excellent customer service. Papa Dean's offers different tastes for different people, so whether you lean toward sweet, salty, spicy, or a tad bit mellow, there's going to be the perfect flavor waiting for you! Conveniently located near the Quarry in the Lincoln Heights shopping center, Papa Dean's is ideal for purchasing an after-school snack, hostess gifts, or stocking up for the holidays, so be sure to grab this deal and keep your voucher on hand!

Visit Juice in the City to get your hands on this delicious deal, I can smell the popcorn now!

Flip Flop Wine

Flipflops and wine what a fantastic combination of two of my favorite loves. Recently I was given the opportunity to taste Flipflop Wines and let me tell you they did not let me down, it was an amazing experience for my taste buds!  Ever since I've sipped on Flipflop wine I've been recommending it to anyone and everyone who will listen to me. Flipflop wine is not only delicious but also affordable at around just $7 a bottle you cannot go wrong with picking up a bottle for dinner or a night with friends. My favorite bottle that I tested was the Pinot Grigio. We paired the Flipflop Pinot Grigio with chicken Parmesan and it was the perfect combination of clean, refreshing taste with the tangy marinara of the chicken Parmesan. It was by far one of my favorite meals we had this summer. Think that Flipflop wines couldn't get any more fantastic than being delicious and inexpensive? You're wrong. 

Flipflop wines partners with the charity Soles4Souls to put shoes on more than 100,000 feet. 300,000 million children in the world are without shoes and Flipflop wines is working to change that. I love the cause and I love the fact that this fantastic wine company is working to place shoes on the feet of children who desperately need it. 

More from Flipflop Wines:

-To Purchase Flipflop Wine visit Underdog Wine & Spirits 
-To learn more about Flipflop Wines visit The Flipflop Website
-Also fan Flipflop wines Facebook Page for all the insider info on Flipflop wines

A Little Nervous

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For those who follow me on twitter or who have read the last couple of posts may know that I'm going to be making some changes in my shop very soon. I'm so excited to re-invented my shop, my products and the Elephant's Trunk brand. At the same time I am terrified. I'm scared that I'm not going to be able to meet that "goal" I'm trying to reach. Do I even know exactly what my "goal"? 

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I've got to stop thinking and questioning so hard. If I don't believe in myself and my shop, who will? I have to believe I have the ability to be unique, different and offer a product that people want. I don't think I did that the first time around in my shop. I appreciate being apart of this handmade community and the overwhelming support that is offered time and time again. Thank you to all of you and I hope that I am able to be there for you all as well. The Elephant's Trunk started under the name V8 Ambition and has grown from there and as nervous as I am I'm very excited for this next chapter.

Classic Potato Salad

Summer is quickly coming to a close so we are taking advantage of grilling and summer food before the summer months are a thing of the past. One of my favorite summer indulgences is potato salad and this summer I've been making my own potato salad. I have to say it isn't that hard at all.

Potato Salad: 

-10 cooked and squared medium potatoes

-1 3/4 cups of mayonnaise

-2 tablespoons of cider vinegar

-2 tablespoons of sugar

-1 1/2 tablespoons of mustard

-1 pinch of table salt

-1 pinch of sea salt

-1/2 teaspoon of pepper

-2 celery ribs sliced

-1 1/2 cup minced onions

-5 hard boiled eggs

Instructions:

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and place peeled potatoes in pot once water is at a boil. Once potatoes are soft, remove from water and allow to cool to room temperature.

2. Cut potatoes into bite size squares and place into a medium size bowl.

3. Mix mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, mustard, both salts, garlic powder, and pepper with a fork in a small separate bowl. 

4. Add the dry mix to the potatoes.

5. Next add cut celery and diced minced onions.

6. Remove shells from hard boiled eggs and crumble eggs into the medium bowl with the rest of the ingredients. 

7. Mix everything up well. 

8. Serve and enjoy! 

Recipe adapted from: Food.com

InstaFriday- Week 4

I had a great week this week, no reason in particular just a great week. Not too many pictures to share but here are a few from the week for you. 

B hates having his picture taken so I have to sneak pictures of us so we have some. I look like a goober but I kind of am one so it works out.

I thought this was my bed, apparently I was mistaken.

Some new stationary I got at Target.

Could he possibly get any closer to my camera? 

That kong ka ka kong kong kong. 

My new shop branding done by the talented Yellow Heart Art!

Are you on instagram? My user name is LBird42.

Carmelo Anthony Nelson

This is Carmelo Anthony Nelson and he melts my heart. Are you gagging yet? Yes, I'm one of those crazy dog ladies. I never thought it would happen to me but it has! I had two dogs and a guinea pig growing up, I loved all my pets growing up but there is something different when it is completely your own pet. I take care of Carmelo (or Melo for short) with Brendan (my boyfriend) and knowing he relies on us 100% for food, water, activity, affection and loving makes me his fur mommy. Okay... I may have gagged a bit that I just said that ha-ha. We don't have kids so Melo is our baby. He just turned one, has lots of personality and makes us laugh multiple times a day. Moving to San Antonio from Denver a year ago I didn't know a soul and Melo helped make the move a whole lot easier. This week Scatter Girls is hosting a link up to share pictures of your pet! I'm linking up Melo and I hope you'll link up picture of your baby pet.