grandma kathy

My Grandma Kathy passed away on Friday, hense the radio silence here since then. She was a pretty remarkable woman, teaching me a lot about what it means to be the person that I strive to be. A lot has been said in my family about her for the past few days, her dedication to her friends, amazing clothes and even better cooking and even more will be taken away during my day to day life.

Grandma Kathy and me circa 1983

I think about her when I use my Mac brushes that she bought me during a make over session at Saks.When I see friends that I have known forever and that I am sure will know my children as I knew her friends. When I have my hair blown out since I know that she had hers done most Fridays.  When I get very excited to host a party and cook a ton of food. For Thanksgivng. For Passover. When I am wearing my favorite jeans that would never be described as sloppy. When I stick to my guns, knowing what is best for me.  When I feel my best because I look my best. I love you Grandma Kathy, I always will. You are BeauTIful.

tai dye.

My good friend Tai's birthday is at the end of May. In 2011, I made her a picnic blanket that I dyed navy. I then forgot to give it to her for over a year. So for her next birthday, I figured I should probably make some cloth napkins that matched the blanket that was still sitting on a table at my house. Thought you might like to see how I did it. 

Step #1 I picked up these white cotton napkins from Target. They are probably more kitchen towels than napkins but I loved their size, especially at a picnic when you don't know what the terrain is going to be like. Use what you like!

Step #2 Pick your water base color paint. Disclaimer, I saw this ideaanother blog and now I cannot remember where. Once I find it, I will put the link up. This other blog is how I knew what kind of paint to use. I went with a really pretty orange.

Step #3 Test the water. I used pretty hot water and squeezed the paint in. I later went back and put more in for a deep color on some of the napkins.

Step #4 Dip baby dip! For some I dipped the napkins in all the way, for others, I just did the edge. It's totally up to you and your ability to control how water soaks through cotton (i.e. no control)

Step #5 Let those mofo's dry. I actually ended up hanging them in the windows for 24 hours to make sure they were totally dry before I shipped them off to Tai.

Step #6 A-duh....use them!

Have you been doing any DIY'ing lately? Do you know what blog I saw this project on? Tai, are you there? Do you like them? What other DIY sites do you all like? Fill me in guys!

Come get cozy

The combination of our somewhat new sectional couch and weather getting a little chillier (though no one told God it's fall today) is really calling for a new cozy blanket to get under on a Sunday night. Enter Leif Shop. Yes, I want to buy almost everything on this site but these two blankets were really calling out to me. I did look closer and not sure that they are going to be big enough but dang, that are cute. Plus, I am still holding on strong and not buying anything. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't.....and then gift it to me!

Blanket on the left seen Here, Blanket on the left seen Here

Also totally loving these from Leif too!

Tassel Bracelet Seen Here

Dipped Juice Cup Seen Here

Serving Platter Seen Here

nail tips

Gel nail polish..do you do it? My mom and I got them done once together and I kinda loved it until my nails started to grow, and these babies grow fast. I always wish that my hair would grow as fast as my nails. But I digress. The point was that for another week, the tops of my nails looked awesome while the bottoms looked way less then awesome.
Yesterday I was out and about and I saw this woman with an amazing manicure. It was two toned, perfectly polished on top in maroon with a best of gold glitter at the bottom. When I complimented her, she just explained that her gel nails were growing out and she wanted to extend the mani so just painted some fun gold at the bottom. My Mind Way Blown. I cannot wait to try this at home.


Two toned nails from Hail Nails
Sheree, I love your I Want Your Digits board



wrap it up

Fanned Dots Washi Found Here

Neon Stripes Washi Found Here

Guys, have you heard or seen this brand Washi Tape? They have been blowing up on blogs and Pinterest like nobodies beeswax.  The thing is that they are such a totally duh simple thing. Interesting looking, tons of fun prints and colors all on tape. I love how they make a simple wrapping job look extra special and fun. I have also seen people use them to make a design on the floor for their kids or even cute flags with them. With holidays coming up, you know I am going to get on this.

I can just imagine all the funny prints coming from his mouth. Frog Tape Dispenser from See Jane Work ...and possibly my desk at work.

I kinda want this race track made from Washi Tape for myself. Seen at Apartment Therapy