My Vegas Trip & Lots of Dogs

by Mandy on May 22, 2013

Remember when I posted about my friend Kelly and her adorable monogram wall decals? All the money that she made from the wall decals went to bringing home their new dog…and just in case you wanted to see how cute he is, take a peek!

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Ummm, isn’t he precious. Truly.

She and her family were so grateful that y’all ordered enough monograms to support their dog fund! Woo-hoo! You guys rock!

Barley is the most laid back dog on the planet. I often tell her that she hit the dog lotto. For realz. He doesn’t even jump on people. WHAT?!

Not to switch dogs here {ahem!}, but I MUST tell you the sweetest story EVER about my other friend’s dog named Charly. Charly went missing. He jumped up and unlocked the door, opened it and escaped. Sneaky sneaky guy.

Unfortunately he was at my friend’s business when he went missing and was not familiar with the area much. We were worried he wouldn’t know how to get back if he ran off.

That night they looked all over for him, but had no luck so the next morning we set out on a mission to go find him.

I can’t really explain it…but I had this feeling that we would find Charly. It was unlikely since he had been missing overnight, but I just had a feeling. My best friend Katie made signs to put in mailboxes and hang on electrical posts and so we started by going mailbox to mailbox.

About an hour in to our hunt we passed a electrical post and I just happened to get a glimpse of a flyer that resembled my friend’s dog.

We passed it up, but something told me to go back. And thank goodness because it was a FOUND poster with a picture of Charly! We could not believe it!

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The wonderful couple that found him the night before made flyers and hung them the same night. How stinkin’ amazing is that? I seriously don’t know many people who would find a dog and within a few hours hang flyers. They were pretty awesome peeps!

It was a good day when Charly was reunited with his fam! It felt really cool to be a part of such a happy ending!

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Ok, enough about dogs…let’s talk Vegas {the same place where men act like dogs…kidding…kinda.}

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I shouldn’t group “all” men in Vegas in the dog category. That’s not nice of me.

But the majority of men we came across {and when I say came across I mean as little as walked by} were not very respectful.

Something about Vegas makes guys think they can treat you however they want. I don’t get it.

Luckily I am a happily married woman who knows my boundaries and what I find appropriate and inappropriate. But I could see how single women in Vegas…could easily be taken advantage of.

Did I mention I was there for my bestie’s bachelorette party?

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<Target Dress, Sperry Sandals from Dillards>

Despite the spring break like attitude of men in Vegas…we still managed to have a wonderful time and stay clear of the dogs. :)

We hung by the pool, shopped, and ATE a ton. One thing I learned about staying at a hotel casino in Vegas? You never sleep. Apparently they pump oxygen into the casinos…which, in turn, keeps you awake forever.

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I didn’t go to bed until 4:30 am one night {which was actually 6:30 am IL time}. Unheard of from me.

I also realized that no matter how much fun Vegas is…4 days is one too many.

Three would have been perfect. I was dog tired {no pun intended – haha} when I got back to my Rose boys.

I will admit it was a much needed break from motherhood.  And really, when will I get a 4 day trip with 8 girls again? Probably another 5 years from now.

A couple restaurants to try if you ever head to Vegas:

Nobu – Amazing sushi…like the best I’ve ever had.

Nine – A steakhouse where we saw P Diddy. Sean Combs? P Diddy? Puff Daddy? I don’t know what he goes by anymore, but he was there.

STK – Another steakhouse {equally as tasty as Nine}.

I just want to give daddy {my baby daddy not Puff Daddy} a huge high five for taking care of the boys while I was away. Every time I called to ask how it was going his response?

“Cake!”

Not as in they were eating cake, as in it was a cake walk.

Why are they always so well behaved for the dads? I really wanted him to worship me when I got him for all the crap I deal with, but nope, they went off behind my back and acted like angels. Darn them for ruining my plan.

Maybe it was because of the sweet treats I left on their door knobs…

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…or it could have been the nice detailed schedule I left for daddy to follow. :) Either way, I like to think I aided in their good behavior.

Let’s just say that the following video is definitely something they only do when daddy has them. Mommy hates puddles. And mud.

Have you been to Vegas? If so, where are you favorite places to eat? We go back every year to stay with J’s mom and I love new restaurant ideas!

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Don’t forget to enter to win a $100 gift card to Outfit Additions!

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Easy DIY Wall Art Frame Project

by Mandy on May 19, 2013

Easy DIY Wall Art Projects

If you are looking for ideas to take up some wall space, but don’t know what to hang?

I have the perfect solution. And it’s totally on the cheap.

<<<DIY WALL ART FRAME PROJECT>>>

Easy DIY Wall Art Projects Before & After

Step 1:

Find a few decent sized photo frames. I found mine at TJ Maxx for SUPER cheap.

They hold 5×7 photos in the mat or 11×14 without the mat. The actual size of the frame is 18 inches tall by 14 inches wide.

Easy DIY Wall Art Projects Frame

Truly, the size of the frames is not a huge deal because this entire project can be tailored to fit ANY size frames.

Step 2:

Lay your frames out on the floor. I put a few inches of spacing between them, but not a ton.

Use trim {I had mine leftover from when we built our fireplace} and decide how big you want the exterior frame to be.

Easy DIY Wall Art Projects Frames

 Again, you can make this as big or small as you want.

Step 3:

Call your dad.

KIDDING! You can do this, I promise.

Cut your trim to the exact size you need for your frame.

We used a circular miter saw {I don’t know saw lingo} to do this and the cuts were super easy. This does not take extreme talent to do.

Easy DIY Wall Art Projects How To

Step 4:

Use a level and outline on the wall approximately where your exterior frame will be placed.

Easy DIY Wall Art Projects Instructions

It doesn’t have to be perfect because you are going to have a few inches of trim to cover the painted area. For this reason I usually suggest drawing your line to be the size of the inside of the exterior frame.

Step 5:

Tape off the exterior frame area and paint.

Easy DIY Wall Art Projects Paint

I used paint that matched the lighter colored walls in my oldest son’s room {Lambs Ear by Valspar Signature from Lowes}, but you can technically use any paint color you want.

You can even get creative and use a stencil {which I did when I did something similar to this in the basement and it turned out fabulous}. Whatever you use {plain color or stencil} it will be the background of your exterior frame.

Step 6:

Put up the trip pieces that make the exterior part of the frame.

Easy DIY Wall Art Projects How To Instructions

You can do this with a hammer and nail, but I will say it is way easier to have two people helping. One to hold it up and the other to nail it in place.

Step 7:

Fill your smaller frames with something. This is where you can get creative.

Easy DIY Wall Art Projects Ideas

I had nothing to put in my frames…so I decided I would google “free transportation clip art” and I found some cute little cars. I literally saved the images and then just printed them in color.

I added colored card stock behind the circled cars. I just cut the card stock to 5×7 size and taped the car paper in the center.

Easy DIY Wall Art Projects Cheap Ideas

Yes, I said taped.

Step 8:

Hang your smaller frames inside your big exterior frame.

Easy DIY Wall Art Projects Boys Room Easy DIY Wall Art Projects Boys Room

There you have it…an easy way to add wall art without breaking your budget.

This entire project cost me $23 {which was the cost of the smaller frames}. Everything else was stuff I had on hand. Even if you have to buy trim…you can find trim for $6 – $20 per piece. This project took two 8 foot pieces.

To see the entire big boy room just click HERE. Or if you are interested in learning how to stencil a canvas {another cute, but cheap room idea} than click HERE.

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Outfit Additions $100 Giveaway

I feel like it’s been forever since I have worn a belt. Probably because I have been pregnant for a gazillion years and I am just now finally NOT pregnant. Phew. 

Cheers to a smaller sized belly…that’s been 6 years in the making. {ahem}

Outfit Additions $100 Giveaway - Floral Belt

Floral Belt by Outfit Additions

I just recently discovered how much flare a belt can add to an outfit when I received this gorgeous coral floral belt from Outfit Additions.

Isn’t it darling?

And it matches my new summer sandals from Aldo that I got on my Vegas trip.

Outfit Additons is a California based accessories boutique with a beautiful collection of jewelry, belts and wallets.

And I am here to vouch that their belts…are awesome!

They also have gorgeous jewelry pieces that I have yet to get my hands on. But I will I will. A girl can never have too many necklaces, right?

Outfit Additions

Right now I am focused on my belt collection. Since most of mine are from 2002…I’m on a mission to get some more cute ones and I loved adding this coral one to my collection.

And after seeing these pictures it’s clear that I also need to focus on my tan. <<UGH>>

$100 Outfit Additions Giveaway Floral Belt

Shop the boutique | Join Easy Rewards.

The lovely folks at Outfit Additions will be giving away a $100 Gift Card to their store!

How to enter?

All you need to do is sign up for their newsletter by entering your email in the Rafflecopter widget below and then leave a blog post comment with anything about their store {fave product, feedback, general comment, etc}. You can find Outfit Additions HERE.

I’d love for you to sign up for my monthly newsletter as well, but it’s not mandatory for the giveaway! You will get an extra entry for signing up {leave your email address in the Rafflecopter widget}.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
**If anyone shops during the giveaway and ends up winning the giveaway, they will refund the price they paid as part of the prize.

Shipping is free on all orders with no order minimum. Holla!

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and is in no way associated with Facebook.

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Inspire Me Please Weekend Blog Hop #11

by Mandy on May 16, 2013

Welcome to the Inspire Me Please Weekend Blog Hop!

Since it’s SJ’s birthday I’ll be busy stuffing my face with cake and ice cream while I dream about how I’m going to makeover his nursery in to a “big boy” room {lots of tears}.

Every week I see something new that inspires me and I change my mind about how I want it to look. This week I decided that if I got to do a nursery re-do…I’d do exactly what 551 East did for her little boy nursery….

Modern Red and Black Boy Nursery

<<mouth drop>>

Wowser fabulous, right?

Lots of great inspiration going on at this party. LOTS.

Inspire Me Please Weekend Link Party

Here are some of my favorites from last week:

    Navy Nightstand

Navy painted nightstands by The Weathered Door.

Orb Light Master Bedroom

Orb Chandelier by Life On Vintage Street.

Modern Entryway

A Sunnier Entryway also by Life On Vintage Street.

Family Command Center

Family Command Center by Vintage Violet Style.

Dollar Decor Pillow Makeover

Dollar Decor Pillow Makeover by Just A Girl And Her Blog.

Dresser with Yellow Knobs for Nursery

Nursery Reveal by 551 East East.

We would love to have you join us by linking up your inspiring projects below.

inspire-me-link-party

Liz Marie Blog

Love of Family and Home

Blissfully Ever After

The party goes LIVE every Thursday night at 9:00 CST.  It will show up on all four blogs! More exposure for YOU!

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I’ve Had A Baby For Six Years

by Mandy on May 15, 2013

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I’ve had a baby for six years straight. SIX LONG YEARS.

By age 2 each of my two oldest boys were either preparing for a new baby or had a new baby brother.

And now? Now SJ is turning 2 and there is no new baby in town.

My baby days are ending.

Tear.

I know we still have one more child that we are anxiously awaiting, but in case you missed the memo…our child will not be a baby. We will be getting a 1-3 year old.

In international adoption it is very difficult to get a young baby. Mainly because of the process and paperwork that it takes to adopt. Most small children adopted out of the Philippines are over the age of one.

Sj Two

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So it’s official…I may never have another baby again and that leaves me with conflicting emotions.

1. It seems awesome that life is finally getting easier. These little humans are getting more independent each and every day and it gives me a little more freedom. Hooray for more freedom, right?

2. It seems terrible that these little humans are getting more independent each and every day. I always want them to need their momma for everything.

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I’m just so use to all things baby that my mind can hardly comprehend what it feels like to only have toddlers.

I also think I am having a hard time because I feel like I am entering in to a new phase in my life. There is a part of me that enjoyed the stares and glares from people in public when we walked up with 3 kids under the age of 5. I almost felt like, “Yea, go ahead and stare…I GOT this!” LOL!

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<<I secretly love when SJ does yoga.>>

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The good news is that these boys are the biggest lovers…all of them.

They tell me I am their best friend at least 3 times a day. They still snuggle me. Hug me. Kiss me. And make me laugh. <<especially Mr. P Man>>

Sj Two 3

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I pray that never changes. Never ever ever.

As I reflect back on the last two years as a mother of three…I give thanks to God. He truly has provided us the most amazing boys on the planet. He always knows just what I need and when I need it.

SJ is a joy to have in our family and I am thankful God chose me to be his mother.

SJ from newborn to 2

Happy Birthday my little buddy!

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I Give You…Jazz Hands

May 14, 2013

Do you ever have that itch to brighten things up a bit? Whether it be your outfits, recipes or your home decor…I am constantly wanting to add “PIZAZZ” to my life. Picture me giving you my jazz hands RIGHT NOW. Wooooo pizazzzzz! As you know I work from home and I shared my work-from-home office [...]

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Mother’s Day iPhone Dump

May 12, 2013

As I celebrate Mother’s Day this year I can’t help but think that this could be the last year I am a mother of three. Next year at this time I will be a mother of four. My children will have another brother or sister. Our family will be blessed yet once again. It’s so [...]

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{Recipe} Yummy Quinoa Salad

May 10, 2013

*Author and House of Rose Contributor – Kristina, from Bella Mia Blog. My new obsession is quinoa so I am loving this quinoa salad recipe that Kristina is sharing.  If you are on a healthy eating kick like me…you won’t be disappointed! __________________________________________________________________________ This was served during my daughter’s playschool potluck last week. It was so [...]

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Inspire Me Please Weekend Blog Hop #10

May 9, 2013

Welcome to the Inspire Me Please Weekend Blog Hop! Lots of great inspiration going on at this party. LOTS. Here are some of my favorites from last week: Aqua Mint Dresser Makeover by Revolutionaries. DIY Kitchen Island by Sash to Treasure. Chalkboard Vinyl Pantry Door By Vintage Violet Style. Reupholstered Chair by The DIY Dreamer. Chevron [...]

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Interview with Emily from Beauty Broadcast

May 8, 2013

By far the best makeup YouTuber on the web…Emily Eddington. Emily has a very popular {and by very popular I mean over 400,000 subscribers} YouTube channel called Beauty Broadcast where she shows “how-to” videos about makeup, style, and fashion. She has tried, reviewed, and vlogged about almost every possible makeup brand on the planet. Seriously [...]

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Weekend In Vegas: Bachelorette Party Kits

May 6, 2013

I do have to laugh a little that I am posting about “Hangover Kits” being the fact that I am the only bridesmaid that doesn’t drink. Bahaha! When my co-matron of honor, Melissa, emailed me with a few gift ideas for the bachelorette party…I told her to let me take this part over and run with it {she had already [...]

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