Carrie Underwood, Queen of all things wonderful

all sparkley at the CMA's!

I must admit. Carrie Underwood and I have veeeeery little in common. I've got no pipes, no mile long legs and no luxurious blonde hair. (Let's talk about that hair and where can I get some?) I love love love this girl.

What's not to love? She has got talent oozing from every pore, she seems genuinely nice and humble, she sings about Jesus and glitter is her favorite color. Her only flaw, from what I can see, is that from time to time, she dresses like Mama Judd helped her pick it out, but ever since she fell in love with that cutie she's been dressing a whole lot better! She's taking risks and not doing the 'country' thing all the time. I love some of the sophisticated, bold and modern choices she's been making lately.

at the Grammy's with cute hubby.

performing on American Idol (after she was already insanely famous) .

You want to have crazy legs like Miss Carrie? ( I am currently on the 'crazy legs' workout plan cause I got myself some of those white dress shorts shown above and I've got a hot date with Mike in the big city this weekend).

Here's what you do:

get a set of AT LEAST 1o lb. dumbbells.

Grasp one in each hand and commence with AT LEAST 50 front lunges.

Now do back lunges. (You hate me yet?)

Now that your legs are all good and jello-y....put said dumbbells on your shoulders and do AT LEAST 50 squats.

Set your dumbbells aside and pick up an AT LEAST 15 lb. kettle bell and assume a wide plie position, holding the kettle bell straight down in front and do AT LEAST 50 plies.

Do that every other day, alternating with running or walking on off days.

Soon, you will have crazy legs, as in crazy good. On your big night out, use a self tanner topped with a glitter lotion. You can thank me later!!!! :)

(common sense warning...I am not a doctor so if there's any doubt as to your health and fitness, consult one first)

Time.....is there ever enough?

It's summertime and I am busier than ever!!! (What recession?) Lately I feel like there just isn't enough time, my kids are growing up before my eyes , I'm not getting any younger either, and I am bothered by all the things left undone.

I must look at my cellphone clock 100 times a day, pacing myself, making sure I still have enough time. I'd much rather have a lovely wristwatch like this one! Might just have to find one for my life outside of painting.



There's a lot to love about this room: the funky vintage cabinet AND the huge clock. Although I think I would be CONSTANTLY reminded that I'm running late.





I guess clocks with hands are 'vintage' now. I much prefer them to digital clocks simply relying on the microwave . I really like this entry foyer, it seems an odd place for a massive clock, but it works.
I think the chandalier looks a little too dainty but the rest of the space is uber cool.





I'm pretty sure this is a wall sticker (horrors!) but I would love to see this painted somewhere. I like the cheekiness of it, in contrast with the serious and fancy fireplace surround.








I found this project at Martha Stewart's website...if you want to make your own gigantic wall clock.

Quick trip to Anthropologie--new book!

Last night I took my oldest daughter to the St. Louis airport and while I was at it, I figured *heck* I might as well duck into Anthropologie to see the new walls. Luckily for me, the didn't have a lot of black and white, which is my STRICTEST rule for purchasing anything for my own home. It's not that I only have black and white in my home, it's just that anything new coming in, must not introduce any new colors at all. Anyho....

While I was there, I saw this dress. Ohmygosh! That would be so perfect to wear to Arts in Central Park ( if I the jury likes me and I am awarded a booth), but at $188.00 I couldn't justify it's purchase on this particular day.



It's a WE Love Vera! ...no wonder I like it.

I also finally got my hands on the book DECORATE by Holly Becker, founder of Decor8.
It's a scrumptious book,which I have not gotten to READ yet, but the weekend's comin'!