Unique Finds

Llano

The weather has been perfect lately. That beautiful spring weather where the sun is shining bright but the cool breeze keeps you cool and comfortable. We decided to take advantage of the weather {Texas is slightly unpredictable} and spontaneously jumped in the car and headed out of town. There is something so freeing about rolling the windows down, turning the music up, and going where ever those backroads take you.

Create & Cultivate

I had the opportunity to go to the Create & Cultivate pop up at SXSW. I wasn't sure what to expect with a free RSVP event so we woke up at the crack of dawn and drove down to Austin in hopes we would beat the crowd. We were among the first to arrive and had zero problems getting our wrist band. Unfortunately... getting the wrist band was the easy part. I'm pretty sure everyone on the RSVP list got a wrist band but they only allowed a certain number inside the event at a time and once they reached occupancy it was a waiting game. Did I mention it was freeeeezinnnnggggggg! We completely regretted our coffee break across the street at Cenote once we realized there was another line for entry. In literally 20 minutes time the line was wrapped around the block.  Talk about frustrating especially when you were one of the first to arrive and could have easily been the first to enjoy the event. Oh well we pulled up our big girl panties and toughed out the cold and windy Sunday and two hours later we were in. The wait went surprisingly faster than I thought with the company of so many creative and fun ladies. I love meeting new people who are like minded and equally as passionate about life.

The details of the event were so well thought out and perfectly decorated. I originally was dying to listen to all the speakers and panels of experts but the cold got the best of us. We made our rounds to all the cute pop up shops and walked away with some killer swag.  They had a bath salt station, braid bar, coffee, cocktails, and so much more. My personal favorite was  making my "hustle" stamped necklace at the Britt + Co booth!  All in all it was an amazing experience and so worth the wait in the cold weather. I'm already looking forward to next years event and planning on purchasing a seat to a full Create & Cultivate conference in the near future. 

Desk Quote

I got inspired yesterday to make my office area beautiful. I'm so much more productive when my office space is cleaned, organized, and decorated. It makes me want to be at my desk all day long which means there is some serious work being accomplished. With my recent launch of Social Vow, a branding/social media marketing company, I knew it was time to spruce my working area up.

I found some great items at Target on their discount isle and I am loving my space. I'm feeling so inspired and motivated.

One of the items I picked up was this gold glass frame.  I needed something that inspired my personally and something that went with my desk decor so I created this beauty. When I saw this  quote it immediatly spoke to my soul!!!

"Life is about making an impact not an income."

Download Here!

Enjoy this printable!!

-Ann

Freebee Friday!

Happy Friday everyone! It's been a great week and I'm ready to kick off the weekend with some adorable free printables!!

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

*These designs are only for personal use!

Enjoy!!

Ann

Red Beans and Rice

Seriously nothing beats a good crock pot dinner! They are easy, tasteful, and hellooooo you're not slaving in the kitchen after a long tiring day. I mentioned the other day I've been really trying to come up with some new crock pot recipes. I tend to stick to my favorites and that gets a little boring for everyone.

I decided to try my hand in some good ole Cajun red beans and rice. I stumbled across 

Grand baby Cakes recipe and the pictures look irresistible. 

This recipe was easy to throw together (as long as you don't forget to let the beans soak over night)

It's jam packed with flavor and left everyone completely satisfied after a big bowl.

The only thing I did different was....

Free Cut Files For Fall Themed Coffee Mug

My silhouette purchase has been the best thing since sliced bread....FOOOOrrr Reall!!!! I've had it for several months now but lately I have been using it daily for all sorts of cute customized projects.

Now I scour the house looking for things that need personalizing lol!


Yesterday's Pumpkin Spice Coffee Syrup called for a special project. After picking the kids up from school me and the gang rolled to the closest dollar tree to find the perfect mug to serve the perfect fall beverage in.



We succeeded... gosh I love me a dollar tree!!!

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Syrup

Call me crazy but I have made it personal goal to not drink Starbucks for 30 days..... ugh for someone like me who goes daily multiple times a day this will not be an easy task. My new mint Keurig has help the struggle but as pumpkin spice latte season draws closer and closer, I'll need a little extra reinforcements to keep me strong!

LOADED DOWN BBQ BAKED POTATOES

Back to school was this past week and I've been trying to come up with yummy crock pot recipes to keep us from eating out on our busy week nights. One of my families FAVORITE meals is my bbq pulled pork sandwiches which we make quite often. It has actually become a favorite amongst all my family and has been popping up at more and more family gatherings.  It's super easy , feeds large crowds, and is super yummy!!!! ( check the recipe out HERE).....but I tend to always have quite a bit left which never gets eaten. 

Well that was until today.......

Back to School!!!

Back to school time is near and I don't know about you  but this momma is doing a little dance!! I love my children don't get me wrong but I now work from home and having three crazy kiddos means I can't get anything accomplished...EVER!! With summer coming to an end all I can dream about is schedules, strict routines, and early bed times.

If you're like me and so ready for school to start, you will love these cute back to school diy projects!!!



I love customizing school supplies!!! Sometimes you get lucky and find super cute things and other times you stuck with blahhhhhh everybody has it supplies!!!

Check out this adorable water colored binder covers.

eighteen25

Mod Podge Rocks

Damasklove

Rustic Mini Sessions

The past few weeks a been more than exciting! I feel completely overwhelmed/stress yet at the same time eagerly excited about the non stop creative chaos. October and November are some of the business times for photographers with the holidays on the horizon and I'm definitely feeling the pressure.

Good thing I perform a little better under those circumstances....


The past few weekends I've been busy with rustic themed mini sessions. One my favorite and most treasured places to take pictures is on a small ranch home to an old rustic truck graveyard {a little piece of heaven in my eyes} I think by the pictures you could agree with me when I say the past few weekends have been magical.

Chili Cheese Dogs

With school around the corner I've  been  penny pinching to get ready for back to school shopping. This is a really affordable, filling, and delicious dinner. I forgot to mention EASY!!!! I'm all for easy these days. I laugh when I look back at the times I spent hours on dinner , I was determined to impress Jon with my five course meals. Lets be honest it's been 7 years and hes' not going anywhere anytime soon {I've already wooed his culinary heart} so I've simplified dinner time but its just as delicious as ever!

Fajita Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Cinco De Mayo has come and gone leaving you with a huge headache {tequila tequila!!} or lots of left overs. Luckily for me I skipped out on the tequila this go around but I had lots of fajita chicken on my hands. I always feel extremely guilty throwing away perfectly good left overs. I tend to throw away more than I care to admit but I can't help the unappealing thoughts I have towards them.  I love chicken salad and have to say, in a very proud voice I might add, that this dish is dellllishhh and no one will have the slightest clue it was made from dreaded leftovers. This is a great spin on the classic and won't leave you disappointed. Not only is it yummy but super quick and simple which in my opinion makes it taste even better! 

Pinterest Win!! Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches

Holy yummm I stumbled on a divine treat!! After church Sunday we decided to have friends over for dinner and let the kids play. While we sent the boys to grab groceries we flipped through cooks books and pinterest to find something a tad sweet to fill our dessert desires. When I saw this picture I knew it was the one.... I don't recommend this if you are diabetic! This was def a pinterest win, not only did it have my taste buds celebrating, but it was super simple to throw together!

You can find the recipe and steps over at Mel's Kitchen Cafe.


The only thing I did differently I used a 13x9 baking dish, doubled the cookie dough recipe, and used the entire quart of icecream..... Don't worry I hit the gym extra hard today just because of this little gem!

Caramel Puffcorn

Normal people would be posting healthy snacks and exercise tips for the New Year, but I'm over here indulging in all the sweet stuff. I can't help it! I've recently discovered some sweet treats that are too good to keep all to myself. So before you read on you might want to put on your running shoes so you can knock out the extra calorie in take that might follow!

 Caramel puffcorn is such a yummy treat perfect for party snacks and holiday. If you bring this to a party make sure to have plenty of recipe cards on hand, because everyone will want to know how you made this melt in your mouth treat. 

Ingredients:

2 bags of chester's puffcorn

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 tsp baking soda

New Years Attire

New Years Eve is always a blast dressing up bringing in another wonderful year with friends and family. So here are 5 tips to picking out that show stopping outfit. I mean who doesn't want to look fabulous bringing in a new year....

#1 SPARKLES... duh!

I'm pretty sure its a must to pick an outfit with a little bling! Whether you're an over the top gal like myself or a more simplistic lady... incorporate a little sparkle. Time to get glamorous!

#2 Make a Statement

You can never go wrong with a classic black dress, but I dare you to dress up with a bright colored shoe or statement necklace! 

#3 Fur

Get a little funky with it! I love fur and sequins!!!!

#4 Keep it classy!  Leave a little to the imagination... you will have him drooling for more!

#5 What ever you choose make sure you are comfortable. If you have the slightest doubts keep looking.... It's never fun to get out and regret what you wore! Most importantly HAVE FUN and enjoy what ever the night holds for you!

Happy New Year's! If you liked this post subscribe to this blog (top right of this post) and never miss out on fabulous fashion tips!

-Ann

All these fabulous outfits came from pinterest.

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Crib Mattress To Memo Board

 I've had Miss K's old mattress spring stored in her closet for probably about a year now and finally decided to get it out. I was over wrestling with it every time I had to get something out of her closet. If I was going to turn her cheapo mattress into something fabulous the time was now. 

Stay Tuned!

I moved the series to Wednesday!!

I've been slaving away at editing photo sessions and restocking inventory at the shop...not to mention a sick kiddo!! I'm excited to start this series and shed light on those of you who feel lost in the kitchen. Cooking is far from hard it just takes a little patience and practice! 

The first part of this series we will be discussing knife skills!! Stay tuned!Make sure to subscribe a the top right of this screen.... You won't want to miss a day of 31 Tips and Tricks For The Rookie Cook!

See you tomorrow!


-Ann

Change is ooo so good!

Well I kind of fell off the blogging band wagon after returning from Colorado several weeks back! Colorado was amazing and can't wait to go back!! 

Things have been hectic around here and been working on changing the business plans up just a tad.

Defeat Stress!

This week has left me feeling overwhelmed and on
 the verge of a mental institution!! 
October has brought on the chaos and my house is a reflection of it!{please no visitors for awhile lol} My head is pounding and I'm not sure if its the chaos closing in or just the headband I chose to wear today.