Makeover: The Kitchen Remodel

Sorry I've been MIA.  But, this is what happened at our house last week:

Yep, we demo'd our kitchen.  Down. To. The. Studs!  It was really hard work and took a few days--since we'd work on it after work.  The highlight of the demo came when we knocked into the furdowns (space above the cabinets).  We'd been warned that there could be wiring and air ducts up there, but lucky for us, it was just EMPTY SPACE!  Picture me jumping up while fist pumping. 

And, even bigger news- our contractor showed up Monday and started working on our remodel!  My uncle remodels houses, so he's doing our kitchen. So far, he's re-wired and put the sheetrock back up, so things are really moving along.  I've taken pictures, and as soon as I can find my home computer (burried under all the items we moved out of the kitchen) I'll post them!  But, for now, I'll just leave you with the teaser pic above....try not to stare at my husbands hot, awesome butt windpants (cicra the 1990s) for too long!

World's Most Bizarre Vending Machines

So, here at 7-Eleven, I get a daily newsletter keeping me up-to-date on industry trends.  Honestly, I usually delete it right away, but today, the heading caught my eye: World's Most Bizarre Vending Machines 

I thought you'd enjoy the list.

1. Live crabs: Subways in China offer live crabs for sale in vending machines. To repeat: they’re live, which should make for some interesting commutes home.

2. Gold dispensing machine: Where else but Dubai could you buy gold bars and coins from a vending machine, with prices automatically updated every 10 minutes to keep check with markets.

3. Bike dispenser: Bike-friendly Holland offers the Bikedispenser, a jumbo-sized machine that emits a bike after you’ve paid for your ride.

4. Sushi: Vending machine sushi? What would Anthony Bourdain say? You can find it Japan, and we’re guessing it’s healthier than a bag of chips.
5. Dog washer: France offers the Dog-O-Matic, an automatic dog washer, where you open the door, insert your dog (or someone else’s, we suppose), and pay by size. NOTE: Not PETA-approved.

6. Canna MedBox: It’s medical marijuana dispensed quickly and accurately from this California vending machine, with a fingerprint and prescription scanner that verifies patient identities.
7. Cupcakes: Beverly Hills offers bakery Sprinkles, a 24/7 cupcake dispenser where consumers get their sugar rush for just four bucks.
8. Fingernail painting: Japan comes in with another top-10 entry with a machine that offers quick and easy touch ups to chipped and unsightly nails.
9. Automatic apparel: Boston addresses the under- and over-dressed crowd with its automatic apparel machine that offers everything from shoes to underwear to shirts.
10. Let’s Pizza: Vending machine pizza in Italy? Seems sacrilegious, not to mention pizza bagel-ish, with a pie that’s ready in just 90 seconds.

My favorite is #2, the Gold dispensing machine.  I imagine you can beat the market on this one if you get gold prices in real time.  If you see the market has gone up and you are standing at the vending machine, quickly purchase the gold for the "old, dated" price before it correctly updates. 

Doesn't this list make you think "Why didn't I think of that?"  Which one is your favorite?

Ole' Miss: Hotty Toddy

Well, it's official.  The Hubs and I are now Season ticket holders for Ole' Miss' 2012 Football Season!  Oh Oxford, how we've missed you and your southern charm! 

We only plan on going to the Texas and Texas A&M games this year, so if you want to buy tickets for the other 5 games, let me know!

You know what this means now.  I need to go shopping for my Football game wardrobe! 

Scenes from this Weekend

This past weekend was incredibly beautiful!  It was finally warm enough to spend a lot of time outdoors.  Here are a few photos from this weekend!

1.  Our kitchen cabinets were delivered!  Yep, that's 50 boxes o' fun right there!  Both He and I cannot wait for them to be installed!

2.  Took our pups for a ride in the car.  Typical dog stance: Head out the window, gums flopping in the wind.

3.  The Hubs went on his annual guy's trip and wasn't due to return until after noon on Saturday, so I took the opportunity to have a mani/pedi date with my sweet cousin B!  I'm not lying when I say this, she was the best girl ever and was so quiet and patient and sweet at the salon.  It was such a treat spending time with her!

4.  I chose "mint" for my nail polish.  I paired my mint nails with a pink dress and leopard print pumps for church.  Inspiration from this photo!

 

Source: oneofeachblog.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Saw this on my friend Carrie's Tumblr and just had to share.  I love how innocent and "matter of fact" children can be. 

A Work Of Art

While on our family vacation in Italy, I was busy doing major Window Shopping in Florence.  That place is a fashion mecca and I've always loved that the Italians are so fashion forward.  One night in particular, I walked past Miu Miu and was aw struck.  They had the most beautiful window display.  I turned to my father in law and said "You love spending hours in Museums broswing old pieces of art;  I don't need to go to museums for that.  The clothes displayed right here are what I call pieces of art."  He turned and said "You're right Amelia, these intricately made pieces are art--just a different type of art."  Then, he took my picture next to the display. 

I wish I had that picture to share with you....F, if you're reading this (while you are hunting with your dudes right now) can you send me that picture?

It's not every day that I find pieces of clothese that I consider "Art" , but when I do, I simply must share my joy with you.  I get emails from Barneys New York (a girl can dream, can't she?) and this morning's email wowed me. 

Look at this Givenchy Canvas Peplum Jacket! 

AMAZING!  This truly is a piece of art!  And, like any fine piece of art, you must pay up.  With a small price tag of $4,145, I will simply enjoy admiring it from afar. 

Designers from Givenchy, if you'd like to let me, I'd proudly wear this jacket around Dallas for you.  Think of it as free advertising.......

Beauty Products: My favs, round #1!

I consider getting ready for work a chore.  I mean really, I'd rather be dusting.  I spend an hour + every day doing the same thing--rushing around getting ready in order to get out of the door before 8 am. 

This morning, as I was sighing and lamenting about having to repeat this chore for the next five days (bad case of the Mondays) I decided that I would change my focus and look at the positives. 

Every day, I get to use some of my favorite products as I get ready.  Let me preface this by saying that I am not a crazy "beauty product" type of girl.  But when I find something I like, I really stick to it.  I thought it would be fun to share these products with you in the event that you are looking for a great "getting ready for work PICK ME UP".

1.  Shampoo: Big Sexy Hair Extra Big Volume Shampoo - I love the way it smells and it does wonders for my hair.  Plus, I can usually find it at Marshall's for like $10.

2.  Conditioner: Pureology Anti-Fade Complex Pure Volume Condition - I only use conditioner once a week, so I've literally had this same bottle since I was a senior in college---circa 2007 

3.  Body Scrub: Neutrogena Energizing Sugar Body Scrub - I use this once a week and I love the lemon fresh smell

4.  Body Wash:  Dove Body Wash for Dry Skin, Deep Moisture - I love this because I can buy it in a 3 pack at Sam's....and it smells great

5.  Face Wash: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Facial Cleanser, Pink Grapefruit  & Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Foaming Scrub, Pink Grapefruit - I use the Facial Cleanser at night before bed and the scrub in the mornings.  I LOVE the grapefruit smell.  It's extremely refreshing!

6.  Lotion: Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer Firming  - I've been using this lotion for years and I love that it gives a subtle tint to my skin--especially in the winter time.  I recommend using it only every few days though; using it every day creates a weird orange build up. 

Check back tomorrow! I'll be sharing my favorite make-up products with you! 

What are products you just can't live without in the morning?  I'd love to know!