How I save a Buck.

While in Tucson, my friend Mistie had this awesome venti-sized Starbucks tumbler that she made me a tasty iced coffee drink in. I wanted that cute cup so badly, but they sell for upwards of $50 on Amazon! Crazy!

While walking through good ole WalMart shortly after that, I found they sell the same reusable, BPA free, 24oz tumbler for $5! Steal! (today I went back to get a couple more and they were sold out. boo.)
I now make my own iced coffee to start my day out with. My office job calls for coffee. I need it.

All I do now, instead of hitting up the real deal, is brew 12 cups of coffee in my pot. I used the Sams Club coffee (hey, it works).
I put in into a pitcher and let it refrigerate. Most people make iced coffee extra strong, so when they pour it HOT over ice it dilutes a bit. If you make it ahead there is no need to make the coffee extra strong.

Then, every morning, I fill my cup with ice, add the coffee, and some Silk Chocolate soymilk!
Its so yummy!!

Saves a lot of time and money! And its a bit healthier, since I only add the soymilk, no other sugar or fat.

I am hooked.

Gardening

Today we added a vegetable garden to the backyard. I am very excited about this.
It didn't take long at all, we started around 1 and got done at 4. This included 2 trips to Home Depot, one to Lowes, and another to Sonic.

Here it is, all bare boned

A little garden to join the 3 fruit trees we have. We hope to plant more...

Although for now we just have an apple tree,

A ruby red grapefruit tree,

and a mandarin orange tree. Our other house had a grapefruit and lemon that just flourished after 2 years. I can't wait for fresh citrus again!

Today all we planted was strawberries, cucumbers and rosemary.

The stores don't have a good selection right now. Must not be gardening season.

Oh here I am, sweaty and covered in manure! Hot!

Our little garden, viewable from our bedroom window.

I will definitely post photos of the progression and other plants we add. We hope to do basil, tomatoes, bell peppers, jalepenos, oregano, parsley, and garlic.

Any suggestions??

Heres hoping I don't kill anything!

Tucson

Our dear friends John and Mistie moved to Tucson a couple months ago. Its like they never left, though, because they come stay at "Hotel Worley" every other weekend.

Last weekend we took the trip down to visit them in their new town for the first time. Their house is in the foothills and overlooks the city. It is beautiful. Although I have a feeling not ALL of Tucson looks like that, which is why so many people bash Tucson. But I can't say, since I have not experienced the whole city.

Our doggies always have fun with Bear

Our dogs were around cactus this weekend. I look out the window, and there is Samson, going #2 ON A CATCUS. ON IT. HE is a small dog, how he did this little trick I will never know.

Also I didn't know if showing poo pictures were inappropriate. I think its funny, but I figure someone may be grossed out, so this is the compromise. Its not in focus either.

The storm rolled in and was so gorgeous. It was a really fun weekend in T-Town!

(minus the fact that somewhere, in this home, is my wedding ring. It went missing. The last place I saw it was the nightstand. now they think maybe that lil Bear ate it. awesome, huh? I am devastated and cry over it. A LOT.)

Take a Peek in my closet

My favorite room of my house!
Our previous home didnt have a walk in closet. It had two reach-ins, and one 'bigger' reach-in for the master. It didnt have a coat closet either. We took up all 3 closets with our clothes. NOW, we have a large walk in and a coat closet! So nice to have space.

The door has a full length mirror

hello. (forgive the mess I had just groomed the dog.)

My side!

A earring and necklace rack I made.

I took an old frame, attached the knobs for hanging necklaces and the screen for earrings, and painted the whole thing white.
It was a pain to hang since those 'command' strips dont hold dittily squat. I ended up super gluing tacks to the frame and then putting it into the wall. Its ghetto, but it works.

Celebrity Gossip

I have been know for enjoying the occasional celebrity gossip. Well who am I kidding I love it.
I especially love anything to do with celebrities getting married and having babies. Mainly the babies since I love babies and am always curious to see what they name them.
Well, here is what I saw while surfing the gossip columns.


Lizzie McGuire got married, in case you were wondering.
And now I feel dumber for knowing it!

this picture.

One of my most favorite sessions, ever. I feel like I say that after EVERY session, but honestly I think thats how it should be. My next work should be better than my previous. Constantly growing!

This couple was fun and artsy. They brought props and were styled so adorably. I think thats what makes a session even better!

Its editing sessions like these that make me so happy!

Happy Birthday Aidan!

My Nephew is 3 today.
I remember this day 3 years ago like no other.
My sister asked me to be in the delivery room with her.
I was. The whole time. Right up there in all the business.
It was so beautiful, and surreal, and a miracle.
And then the doctor pulled out 6 inch scissors which used for the episiotomy.
and now I am forever afraid of giving birth.
Thanks Court! And Happy Birthday Aidan! I love you and am so glad to have shared that experience with you. Sort of.

an invitation & an announcement

One of my favorite things to do! Digital art!





(can't you tell I love doing this? I mean really, how many times can I change this darn blog. I am obsessed.)

oh, hello...

Hello there, my neglected blog!

I have been keeping up with my photo blog, but really not this one lately!

Sitting down at the computer to do one more thing didn't sound very appealing to me, I have just been on the computer to edit and edit and edit!

Here is a sample of the 6 sessions I have been working on for the past 2 weeks: