Tis the Season...

For lots of driving for us. We spent Christmas weekend splitting our time between our two families which means spending 3hrs in the car each way. We had lots of fun getting to see our families and exchanging gifts. We also got to spend sometime to ourselves on Christmas morning opening what we got each other. But now we have both spent the week working and the apt. has been neglected. I guess cleaning will have to wait until after this week. As we will be making the trek back down to Vancouver :)

Happy Holidays!

Hope everyone has a good weekend. We are gearing up to do a lot of driving. Merry Christmas to you from all of us...

Gingerbread House

I feel like this week has gone by way too fast! I spent a majority of it working in downtown Seattle. Thursday we got to go watch some Cougar basketball at the Key. Friday Mr.J took the day off from work so we ran an errand and went out to lunch. Then we headed home to watch movies in our pajamas :) I then talked him into decorating our gingerbread house. It was a nice relaxing day. Now to gear up for all of our driving this weekend.

Cookies

We had a fun relaxing weekend. On Friday I spent the day cleaning and baking. Plus I also got to go to the movies with my bestie!! Saturday we ran a quick errand in the morning and then I had some lovely ladies over for a cookie exchange. I have so many yummy cookies to eat this week and maybe share :) Sunday we spent the day watching football and being lazy. Plus adding to the endless list of things we need to get or do. I'm looking forward to the coming week of activities!!

Santa Baby...

Since my very first Christmas at 3months old I have been having my picture taken with Santa. That's right I have a total of 26 Santa pictures going on number 27 this year. I few years ago I scanned some to make a book for my Mom of all of our Santa pictures. This is a tradition that we do for our Mom and even when we produce grand-kids for her that is no guaranteeing us out of the Santa pics. Here are a few from over the years.

My first Christmas

My 4th Christmas. Uncle Mike had to be in the pic because I was scared of Santa

Nick's First Christmas

One in the late 90s

The year of the cougar pajama pants.

Candy Canes

I finished the last project that I started the other day. I found it through Pinterest once again :) It is a candy cane vase. Here are some pics of it and of course I had to add a cougar twist to it!!

All it involves is a vase, double sided tape, a rubber band, ribbon and candy canes.

All you have to do is stick the candy canes under the rubber band. The tape helps the candy canes from sliding down.

Just needs ribbon.

close up of the ribbon. Bought it at Washington State Connections

All done

Just needs some flowers. 

Now to finish shopping, wrapping presents, decorating and baking!!

Chalkboard!!

So I have been finding tons of blogs with amazing ideas!! I found this one blog through Pinterest. The lovely lady on this website had made her own chalkboard out of an old picture frame and chalk paint. She has used it for many different things but right now you can see it on her blog while she keeps track of her pregnancy. Well I was inspired to make my own chalkboard. I took pictures along the way of making it. Now to just find a place to hang it. I think I'm running out of walls in our apt.

I got my frame from Arron Brothers. They always have coupons :)

The chalk paint recommended at least 2 coats. This was after two coats. I ended up doing 4.

This is after 4 coats. You have to wait an hour in between coats.

After it dries for 24hrs you are to condition the board by rubbing chalk all over it. I actually waited about 36hrs.

Here it is all done and back in the frame. I chose to buy slate grey since I wanted a black frame to give some contrast. They also have lots of other colors besides black.

Testing it out. Now to buy some chalk pens :)

Take Two

I was able to go back to the frame store and they replaced my frame for me!! A few days before buying the frame I found a cute print on Pinterest that led me to this amazing blog Eighteen25 on the blog these fabulous ladies have created subway art for every holiday and even birthdays! I loved it so much that I downloaded all of them!! They recommend printing them off at Costco which is where I print all of my pictures at. I printed one off at for Christmas put it in the new frame and perfect decoration. It is super easy and cute!! Plus I can change it out for all of the holidays Can't wait for the other holidays.

Here is my print in its frame above the fireplace. I will find a new spot for it so it doesn't block our cougar sign.

Being Crafty

So I finished my thesis and other assignments before the midnight deadline tomorrow night!! So I decided I would start working on some of my projects that I had seen on pinterest. Well lets just say things did not go a plan. I broke a brand new picture frame and realized I was missing a piece for my other project. So I put on Pretty Little Liars, wrapped some presents and decided I will try again tomorrow after a stop at Arron Brothers. Hopefully round two goes better. Stay tune to see how it goes :)

My poor frame :(