How to Use Chalk Paint

Today I'm introducing... How To Tuesday's.  I'll post at least once if not twice a month a "How To" post on a Tuesday.  I'll move these posts to the How To tab on my page, so if you want to go back and see this again, you'll know where to find it!

My new obsession is chalk paint.  Have you all heard of it?  It's not chalk board paint, it's called chalk paint and I'm obsessed!  This paint gives a whole new look to any kind of furniture or home accessories you have sitting around the house you may be thinking of getting rid of.  It gives an antique, french finish to any object worthy of finding in a Parisian market.  This paint is the perfect option for those of us on a beer budget because instead of having to buy something new, you can give something you already have a make over, for not a lot of money or effort.  Watch this four minute "how to" video I made on how to transform something outdated into something fresh and new.

http://gallery.me.com/michaelandshannon/100009

Check out these pictures of the before and after.  Pretty great, right?

The supplies....

My friend Deann painted Union Jack on her sideboard.  Amazing!  She used Aubusson Blue, Emperor's Silk, Duck Egg Blue, and Old White with clear and dark wax.  You have to check out her Facebook page to see more of her beautiful artwork.  www.facebook.com/ArtbyDeann

Let me know if we've inspired you!

Cute dresses for the Alabama/LSU game tonight

Let me just start this post by saying,  man...I'm jealous!  This football game tonight is going to go down as one of the most anticipated in college football history, and my beloved UT Vols are not anywhere close to being in it!  If you're an Alabama or LSU fan, this is your night.  Not only are these two great football schools with long standing traditions, but the game is being played in New Orleans of all places.  I mean, come on, who doesn't love going to a game in the Crescent City and then partying it up on Bourbon Street afterwards?  Almost as important as the game is what you will be wearing.  Now I love to dress up for a game and I'm sure most of you do as well.  I'll make any excuse to go buy a fun, new dress in our orange and white colors and go support my team.  We are in the south you know, and us southern women love our SEC football!  I've done some looking around and I found a few great outfits that any Tide or Tiger fan would look adorable in.  Tell me what you think!

 This is the outfit I would be wearing tonight if the Vols were playing.  An off white sheath with an orange scarf and boots.  My favorite game day attire!

 

This super cute, crimson red dress from Michael Stars is perfect for any Bama fan. At $89, it won't break the bank either. 

Piperlime.com

http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=64441&vid=1&pid=894899&scid=894899002

I saw this dress on one of my favorite blogs, http://turtlesandpearls.blogspot.com/ and it's now sold out.  Something along these lines is perfect for an LSU fan.

What do you like to wear to your favorite team's game?

How to wear colored jeans

When I first wrote this post I titled it "Colored Jeans.... Must or Bust," but since then I've run out and bought a pair and they are definitely a must!  This fabulous pair I found from Anthropologie are not only super cute, but they go with a ton of different things in my closet.  For those of us on a beer budget, it's great when you can get one staple item for the season and pair it with items you already own.  Here's a few of the outfits I came up with.

 Pair them with a crisp, white button down, matching jewelry, and beautiful blue pumps.  These happen to be a Kate Spade pair and they are too die for!

 I posted a few months ago about this denim shirt I found in the Anthropologie sale room.  I love how versatile this shirt is.  Here it is paired with the colored jeans, a white camisole, and a pair of casual wedges.

 Pair them with this $38 navy tank from Anthropologie and you get a super comfy, shopping or beach outfit that won't break the bank.

So...... colored jeans.  Will you be wearing them?????

Top 5 Hair Products of 2012

Ask the expert stylist...
Stephen Bertram from Trim Classic Barber

What are your top five hair products for the new year and why?

1) Rich Repair by Goldwell Shampoo and Conditioner.  It helps restore the cuticle back to it's natural porous position creating more manageable, softer, shiny hair.  The conditioner can double as a leave in treatment if you need more repair. 

2) Hair Play Makeover Spray by KMS. Spray at the roots.  It soaks up excess moisture and allows you to go longer between shampoos while helping to maintain color and overall health of your hair.

3) Air Power Hairspray by John Sahag.  Very light with a nice hold and memory without freezing hair in place.  Remains movable for today's done, but undone styles. 

4) Young Again, by Kevin Murphy.  It revitalizes the youth and luster for processed blonds.  Simple remedy that fits into your daily blowout routine.  Put it on before blow drying and you'll be amazed at the restored shine and moisture and overall glow of your hair. 

5) Kevin Murphy's Color Bugs.  It's in the same family as a hair mascara.  Allows you to put in fun streaks of purple, pink, orange for a night out that washes out the next day.    Ideal for blonds!

You can find these products at Trim Classic Barber in Nashville, TN http://trimclassicbarber.com/

Now..... what are your product must haves for the new year?  I want to hear about them!

My favorite gift cards...Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Tory Burch to name a few!

Did you all get some good gift cards this Christmas?  It seems like it used to be tacky to give money or gift cards at the holidays, but now, it's one of the most, if not the most, given and received gift.  I don't know about you all, but I'll take a gift card any day over some gift that I won't or can't use.  Some of my favorite gift cards this year came from Anthropologie, Tory Burch, Banana Republic and Starbucks.  I can't wait to go out and use these cards to buy a new fabulous spring wardrobe.....and Starbucks, well that was used the very next day!  If gift cards burn a whole in your pocket, as they do mine, please let me know what you all intend to buy with yours.  Here's a few of the items I have my eye on for spring.  Happy Shopping!

Lace Medallions Tank

$88.00

Anthropologie

Pilcro Stet Slim Straight

$98.00

Anthropologie

Now I just need a really cool scarf to tie these two together.  Any ideas? 

Gemma wrap dress

Regular Price $59.99-$98.00

Banana Republic

Did you know Banana Republic now has an entire page online with items less than $100?  Perfect for all of us with the beer budgets!!!

TORY BURCH FOUNDATION STUDDED CUFF

$95.00

This foundation "provides economic opportunities to women and their families in the United States."  Purchase this cuff and a portion of the proceeds go towards her foundation.  Way to go Tory!!!

What are you wearing this New Year's Eve?

What to wear this New Year's?????  I don't have to think too hard since I have three kids under the age of five, so as you can imagine, my New Year's Eve attire will include jeans and some sort of cute top.  I will not, however, forgo the fabulous high heels!  I wore stilettos all through my pregnancies and chasing around three small children in heels has become like second nature.  I do, though, really miss getting to wear an amazing cocktail dress this year.  It didn't stop me from browsing some of my favorite stores and sites and finding a few I'd love to be wearing this New Year's Eve.  Let me know what you think and do you have any ideas on what you all will be wearing?  I can't wait to see what all you  fashionistas come up with!

 Val's Boutique- Knoxville, TN

https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:39254.11548826212/rid:dee98e1570e2a8ac7994a146ddd35aba

Val's Boutique

If I had a black tie event to go to, I'd be all over this dress.  For only $83 you could also have a killer pair of shoes!

lulus.com

I love this top paired with colored jeans.

Lulus.com

 

These heels from Banana Republic are marked down to $113.  I know, not beer budget..... but BR is running a sale on all previously marked down items through January 1st.  Take an additional 30% off!

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=29809

 Happy New Years!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!  Sorry I've been MIA lately, but as you know, these days are so crazy busy.  I'm off to see some family for the next few days, but I'll try to post some from Memphis.  I'm hoping to do some shopping there.... Pottery Barn and William Sonoma outlet anyone?  Yea!!!