Curtain Call

After 10 hours, two bobbins, several cuss words and only one bleeding pin prick, THE CURTAINS have been made. I'll save you the sordid details of the process, as they are of no interest to anyone but me (and perhaps my mother who shares the same sewing-induced cussing problem).

Here is the before. I never realized how terribly awful my bare walls looked until I took this picture. It is amazing that I have had no curtains for over 2 years. But, don't worry, the curtain rods have been there since we moved in...just waiting...because I really do have good intentions.

And here is the after! I am pleased as punch at the results. I know they are simple curtains, but sewing a straight line is really hard, people.

And here is what Oliver did while I was sewing for two days... He found himself some paper towels and had a really good time destroying them. Trash was everywhere, and he doesn't look the least bit guilty, does he? Isabelle was hiding behind the couch at this point. Unlike Oliver, she really doesn't want to disappoint her parents.

And now I shall take my bow. Peace out, folks.

Em's Glorious House O' Hair

What follows is a post about my future aspirations in opening “Em’s Glorious House O' Hair.” If you are not interested in hearing about hair or the afore mentioned aspirations, please quit reading now. You will not be entertained.

Let’s start with a little background.

I am a fan of the pageant hair. I should have grown up in Texas, because I would have for sure fit in. I am a fan of pageant hair probably because I idolized Miss America and wanted to be her. Here are some pics from the Miss National Peanut Festival Pageant circa 1998. I was 18. Don’t laugh. And I don't so much want to be Miss America anymore, just so you know.I was also the tallest girl in the pageant.

So, I was in lots of pageants, and let's just be honest, I lost most of them. But along the way I learned the glorious art of teasing. I can make anyone’s hair look 10 times thicker and fuller. I am better than Vidal Sassoon. And Ken Paves.

Just ask Sarah Katherine.

She is my 16-year-old friend who participated in the Dogwood Trail Maid program last weekend, which I have come to learn shares the same hype as the good old NPF. It is a big deal in Baldwin County. And here is what she looked like after leaving Em's Glorious House O' Hair on her way to the pageant.

I did her makeup too.

Looks good, huh?

And she won. I’m pretty sure it had something to do with her hair.

And here is Carolyn, who won last year. Oh yes, I helped her too.I am 2 for 2, people.

Call if you'd like to make an appointment.

Busted

Thursday was day o' fabric buying. I went to RichTex with my samples. Decisions made. Measurements accurate. I waited in line for the longest time to make my purchase.

And then I went over my "budget."

By 100%.

Oops. I'm not sure how that happened, I swear.

After seeking wise counsel on the matter, I decided not to exactly tell the hubs. I figured what he doesn't know...

I got home. I unloaded the 4 bolts of beautiful goodness. He said, "What is this green stuff for?"

"Oh, just some curtains."

And that was the end of that.

Until Friday at lunch. We have a standing lunch date each Friday. It's usually somewhere really romantic like the Chick or Moe's or Big Ben's Barbeque House of Love.

And it was at the corner booth at Chick-fil-A, where out of the clear blue sky he asked me to tell him EXACTLY how much I spent.

And that is the story of why I got left at the Chick-fil-A.

Oh, I jest. But he still isn't speaking to me...

Crazy Taco Tuesday

Today has been a little crazy at the church. I know you all must think church working is easy going, but it is not. You have to be nice all the time, and that is very hard for me some days. Anyway, I'm headed out to Moe's for a little two-for-one taco action, but I wanted to post a pic that I found yesterday in my Christmas stuff. I want to be one of those bloggers who posts a lot, but on days like today, it's just not going to happen. So, here's Isabelle. I love this little girl!

My New Obsession

I have been to the mecca of all that is good and holy. Row upon row of slubby basket and slubbed duck, prints in every color and pattern... I'm talking of course about RichTex Fabrics. I used to secretly think Krista was NUTS for going every week to check out the new arrivals. But now.

Oh, but now.

I have been redeemed.

We (I) decided that my very old couch needed a makeover. It has been through 6 roommates, untold numbers of boyfriends (not any of mine, of course) and a million parties. It is just time. Justin told me that I could trade in both Valentine's Day gifts and Anniversary gifts for said reupholstering. I told him that Moe's is fine with me, and off I headed to the fabric store. I'm such a low-maintenance wife. Of course I have taken his really nice offer and expounded upon it somewhat. We are going to get new pillows! And curtains! But don't tell him about that.

Here is what I have picked out. The pillow in the background is from the existing couch and chair which shall remain. I'm thinking of using either of the solid colors for the couch (can't decide! HELP!), the green print for some window panels and the others for lots o' pillows. Ooohh and the little breakfast room needs some color too! This is so much fun!Justin is going to be so surprised. He doesn't read my blog, by the way. He says that I just tell him all the stuff that I write about, so he doesn't bother. So let's keep this on the DL. Okay?

And then I am going to make curtains for the dining room! Oh the joy! And this is what I am going to use for that (the brown bamboo looking one). I am going to be such a busy bee.

If anyone knows how to sew, hit me up.

New Year's Eve: Part 2

I have found that the easiest way to gently coerce folks into doing what you want them to is to write about it on your blog. Lucy sent me more pics almost immediately after my last post. I am going to try this tactic again soon.

Back to the story of all that is New Year's Eve...

The women, as is custom, got together for a group photo. I like group photos for one reason and one reason only...to remember who was there. I dislike them for many reasons, the main one being that I am always stuck in the very back row. It's been this way since grade school, and I'm quite certain that it will remain this way for me indefinitely. Another reason I dislike group photos is that my outfit is never seen. And in this particular picture, becuase of my way-back position, I look like I am sporting some off-the-shoulder, sports bra 80's concoction. Which I am not. See how pretty Krista and Lori are? Right there in the front? Next time I am jockeying for that position. The floor is good. The couch is better. Look at Nicole looking all sweet...legs crossed. That would be nice.I was very proud of myself for being able to stay up past midnight. There are a two good reasons for this which I shall now share.

1. Justin playing Tom Cruise is just funny. Doesn't he know you don't mix wine? And check out that vest/tie combo. He finally confessed that his mother picked it out. Figures.2. Jeane Carroll (my new best friend) is a good person to have around when one is about to succumb to the sleep lord. We took about 50 pictures of this. And a video or two. We are so funny.

And finally it came. The ball dropped. The champagne corks popped. I kissed the hubs, we went home, and I fell fast asleep.
Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2008 is the best yet.

A Post about New Year's Eve (Finally): Part One

Hello bloggy world. So sorry I have been remiss in my postings as of late. You see, I have been lazy. Unmotivated. Slovenly, even. The holidays have zapped my willingness to live (read: do anything other than lay on the couch eating chocolate-covered things). I have been living in my yoga clothes, and I'm afraid to go back to the real world and wear real-world, non-elastic pants. At least I appear to have been exercising daily.

Anyway, I digress.

The purpose of this post is to share with the world the activities of our last night of 2007. Our dear friends, the Henderlys, hosted a mighty fine soiree at their home in Daphne. (Shamless plug: Check out Lucy's new Gourmet Girl website. She is an awesome chef, so order up!) Justin decided that his tux does not get enough wear, so he chose to sport it at the v. casual party. Of course I was fully on board with this plan and used it as an excuse to buy a new shirt/dress thing so I could "match" him. Of course I did not match his level of dressed-up-ness at all, but it was a great opportunity to talk him out of a few bucks. That doesn't happen often, and I have learned to take advantage of the situation should it arise.

Anyway, I digress.

So, Justin is in his tux. I am in my black shirt/dress thing. Here is what we looked like. Of course Justin talked Jonathan into wearing his tux, too, because you know we can do nothing by ourselves. Please take note of the extremely messy hairdo...I appear to have an actual rat's nest atop my head. It looked better in my mind, I swear.So we are partying it up at the party of parties of 2007. Food was abounding. Lucy owns a chocolate fountain. Enough said. The men were gathered around the tv watching Auburn (or a team that physically resembled Auburn) in the Chick-fil-A bowl. The women were gathered around the chocolate fountain. This is what it looks like, just in case you need a visual. And yes, those are creamy delicious cream puffs.Oh sweet Jesus, I love a chocolate fountain.

I also love when the women and men separate at social functions. It is just like sixth grade, except you have to actually go home with a boy at the end of the night. Oh the horror. So the women were segregated to the living room where a whole lotta talkin' and wine drinkin' went down. Here are some of my friends that have no idea their picture is about to be posted for all the world (or the 5 of you who actually read this blog) to see. Here we have Jeane Carroll (my new best friend), Lauren, Lori, Lucy and Lynn. That is a lot of L's. Jeane Carroll, Lauren and Lucy are sisters. Bet you couldn't have guessed that. Anyway, these fine women were the hostesses of the evening. They can throw a mighty fine party, as I've already said.

I made myself at home on the floor (closest to the afore-mentioned fountain). I do love me some Lucy and Jeane Carroll. I think we should go visit her at college. It would be the most fun.
And that is where my tale ends for today. You see, my camera battery decided to die before the party, so I am patiently (sort of) waiting for pics from sweet Lucy. I know there have to be some good ones from later in the evening when it got CRAZY. I mean dancing on tables, keg stands, the works. JK. So stay tuned. And if you have any ideas about what to do with my rat's nest, please let me know.