finally FRIDAY!!!!!

Ushering in Fall and bidding adieu to Summer.  Happy weekend folks!

Fall Crawl - Usher in Fall, ya'll!

Happy Friday ladies!  I am excited to participate in Marilyn's Fall Crawl and Link Up Party today. 

I have bookmarked many fabulous fall recipes and crafts to help me usher in fall...all thanks Marilyn and her Artsy Girl Connection ways!!!! 

As a native Texan, I understand ushering in Fall can be a little hard when the temps are still scorching outside!!!  So I hope some of my tips and tricks can help others experiencing less than Fall-like weather, usher in Fall with style! 

Tip # 1

It may scream SUMMER outside, but that doesn't mean your doorstep welcome to your home needs to be.  I love yarn wreaths for this very reason! They add a fabulous fall feel....with just a lil crafty imagination!!!  Small budget, big results! 

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Yarn Wreath Tutorial here!

Tip # 2

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the switch from fruity-floral-beachy scents in my home to the warm-cinnamon-baking scents!  Bring on the Creamy Pumpkin and the Cinnamon Cookie!!!!  I just hit up Bath & Body Works and they have many lovely new fall scents to choose from!  My favorites?

{Creamy Pumpkin Candles}

If you are not a fan of candles...kids and fire usually do not mix well, so I opt for the plug ins too! 

{Acorn and Fig Scent - to.die.for....pinky promise you will love it}

{Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Hand Soap}

Tip # 3

If you still want the delicious scents of the season...you know you could always grab that apron {or not} and get ta baking!!!  Something about a warm oven...that feeling will surely usher in fall!!  Try this....

Recipe found here!!!!  Yummy.

Tip # 4

Of course it is important to make our homes feel a little more cozy at this time, but let's not forget about our physical appearance! 

One way to make a big impact is by transforming your summer hair into a shade or two darker.  I dare you to try out a shade of red....for a stunning Autumn impact!

I just tried and LOVED the new John Frieda Precision Foam Colour in Radiant Red!!!! 

Tip # 5

If that sounds a bit extreme for your taste, then you can easily make a switch with your make-up instead.  Take those soft, irridescent beach colors and take it up a notch with warm, rich browns, golds and plums.

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I am a huge fan of Bella Terra Mineral Eye Colors.  I have had the 9 Stack "Diamond" eye colors for well over 2 years and have plenty of shadow left!  Definitely a great investment.  It is easy to control the amount of color you prefer on your eyes.  Use powder alone to provide a soft sheen.  Or use with a touch of water...and watch your eyes POP!!!!

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Tip # 6

And wait!  Don't check out just yet....if hair and make up are not high on your "to-do" list, maybe just a simple manicure with the Season's hottest colors and trends will do the trick!?!

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I know I am sure to be rockin' Sally Hansen Salon Effects in Misbehaved very soon...

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And my Sephora Traffic Stopper Copper will still be a hit this fall...I just know it!  Thanks Linds!

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This Traffic Stopper Copper {I just like saying it!} looks good on top of another paint color, alone with one coat...or alone with 5 coats!!!!  This is my favorite way to rock it, FYI.

Tip # 7

And perhaps my most favorite piece to help usher in Fall....while still battling the Texas heat....is the multi purpose scarf!!!! You can easily pair a very Autumn feeling scarf with a plain white tee and dark colored jeans for a casual, yet chic look.

I am really loving this look!  Those boots and that coat would be superb to add on once the weather does decide to join the seasons!

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And if you are feeling extra frisky....try this turban look!

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But when all else fails.....

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Happy Fall Ya'll!!!!

Remember this....

I truly cannot express how this book, The Help, helped me.  I feel I am a better person for reading it.  And now I am just dying to SEE it!!!!  Ms. Kathryn Stockett....I thank you for writting this.

The Help. And me afterwards...

To clarify, the below post was actually from last week, I've been busy!!  Today "we" are at home sick today.  Really is is Layla that is sick, but it is more allergies, possible sinus infection?  My head has hurt all.day...so I am pretty sure it's just allergies.  Anyway, moving on...

THE HELP!!!!!  Wow.


I had time today, with Layla on my lap....to finish up the book.  And wow! 

Funny...or maybe not so funny thing is...I had a friend that saw the movie and said, "Why did I walk out of the movie, The Help, crying my eyes out?"  My response, "Mm-hmm....I hear everyone is...."  {before I can get out that I am in the midst of reading the book!}  She says....

Nope!  Not gonna ruin it for ya'll who have not seen or read the story.  But that conversation ended with, "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry!!!!"  Again, it did not spoil the book for me.  And I really wanna see the movie now. 

I cried two times while reading this book. 

And found myself HOPING that the amazing author, Kathryn Stockett, write a follow up...a part two...continue following the lives of a few of those characters....

Brilliant piece!!!!

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Calling all Houstonians to Bernie's Burger Bus!!!!

Seriously...you guys!!!  I just ate THEE best burger I have ever had...in my entire life.  No lie!  I have to spread the word.  It's too good to keep to myself!!!! 

Meet Bernie's Burger Bus!!!!

Specifically, I had The Principal, with Truffle Laced Parmesan Fries. 

That bag o fries only set me back $3 and I split it with a friend.  AND....I still had half a bag leftover that you can bet your bottom I took home!!!!  Heaven....

Bernie's Burger Bus is not like your average taco truck.  This dude, and his two man crew, serve up gourmet burgers, for a pretty reasonable price. 

And what makes this even more awesome, you ask?  Bernie's post up outside of Sugarbaby's Cupcake Boutique at various times throughout the week.  When you order a burger and fries....you get half off a cupcake inside, at the Cupcake Boutique, where you can go inside, eat, grab your drinks and enjoy a delicious treat!  Um, can you say win, win?  Not for your bottom.....but for your tummy, for sure!!!

Oh, and don't forget a side of Chipotle Aoili to dip your fries in....oh yeah baby!!!!

Make sure you check out their twitter so you can make sure when and where they will be!!!  I promise you....you will not be disappointed. 

I know I wasn't after the burger and fries had time to settle in my tummy....just in time for that 3 o'clock snack break...

{carrot cake did not disappoint....but I highly suggest the Va-Va-Vanilla, my fav}

At any rate, whether you are a native Houstonian, or just in town for a visit....I suggest adding Bernie's Burger Bus to your "Must Do List" - find a way to fit this in!  And tell em Melissa sent ya!  For real...tell em I sent ya!

{NOT BAD FOR A WHITE BOY!}

Manic Monday - 09.26.11

The one thing I know for sure is....

...I know....I don't know sh*t!

In Memoriam

Sweet is the memory of distant friends.

Like the mellow rays of the departing sun,

it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.

~ Washington Irving

 

Juny is "my sunray."  Everytime I see one, I know he is smiling down on me, sayin, "Everything is gonna be alright." To honor my friend, Juny, please click here.

 

 

If I can put one touch of rosy sunset

into the life of any man or woman,

I shall feel that I have worked with God.

~ Gilbert K. Chesterton

Mama Cheryl is one of my best friends mother who passed unexpectedly last year, this weekend.  She was such a bright light....and her presence is sorely missed.

I ask you all to send love and light our way this weekend as we cope with what will be a very very sad and trying time. 

Much love and many blessings to you all!!!!

 

He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory,

abides with us, more potent, nay,

more present than the living man.

~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

hard, yet fond memories...

This time of year is hard for me.  I lost two really special people in my life around this time....last year and the year prior.  Both extremely important people in my life. 

And I miss them more than ever. 

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Juny and Mama Cheryl....I miss you.  Your spirit continues to live within me....

It's a Hump Day Birthday

Today is ole dudes birthday!  You know....the ole dude who gave me this blessing....

Yep....HIM!

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!

Men are like wine:

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some turn to vinegar,

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but the best improve with age.

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The jury is still out on him....bwahahaha!!!  I couldn't resist.  FYI - He is on the vinegar path though....someone better recognize!!!

With that said...it is also HUMP DAY!  {not for him!  Ha - again, couldn't resist!} 

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Ya'll make it a good day....make it count! 

 

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