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At West End

ak — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:26 +0000

I’m a fan of At West End. Whenever their catalog comes in the mail it’s the one that I look at immediately. I love all the quirky fun stuff they have to offer. These are some of my current favs.

set of three felt neck ties \ striped-These also come in solids and bow ties, very very cute!!
terra cotta planter-I want the pig and I would take the plant that is in it as well.
recycled round wine glasses \ set of six-I am a huge fan of chunky glassware and these would be perfect to add to my collection.
giraffe paper towel holder-I would definitely put this in my guest bathroom, very cute.
giant ceramic shell vase-SO FUN for a wine chiller at a party, this is right up my alley.

Denim and Diamonds: Centerpiece Options

sarah — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:00:53 +0000

We received a comment on our Facebook page recently asking about some inexpensive options for a ”Denim and Diamonds” themed party, and here’s what we came up with!

Mason jars w/ tea lights: from http://emmalinebride.com/handmade-wedding/mason-jar-centerpieces-floating-candles/. We would replace those clear marbles with diamondy things.
Baby’s breath in galvanized tubs (large or small): from theknot.com. After all, baby’s breath is CHEAP!
Flowers in vintage cans: from http://peacockfeatherevents.blogspot.com/2009/10/wedding-wild-flowers.html. You could also just take regular cans and cover the cans with either scrapbook or brown paper, which might be easier to find if you don’t have vintage cans on hand.
Flowers, curly willow, and raffia in clear vases: from http://jenelisebeth.blogspot.com/2009/07/etsy-martha-stewart-handmade-weddings.html. We would replace the yellow with something that matches the colors of the party.
Mason jars, twine, and flowers: from http://wedding.allwomenstalk.com/5-rustic-wedding-centerpiece-ideas/.

Hope this helps…keep us posted on what you end up using!

New Year’s Resolutions: AK 2012

ak — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:41:47 +0000

Last year I made resolutions, which truly hasn’t been my thing most of my life. I made resolutions the year before and didn’t keep a lot of them, but last year…well, last year I kept them and I don’t think it was a conscious thing. I think I made a list that was actually feasible. I was downright surprised when I realized while doing my survey this year that I had kept all my resolutions. So I’m going to attempt the same thing this year, let’s see if this works…

STAY in shape. Don’t gain the weight back. I totally think this is do-able. I could stand to lose maybe 5-7 more pounds, but I’m not going to push my luck. If I end this year the way I started it, weight wise, I’ll be happy.
Wear more RED nail polish. You think this is easy…however, it’s really not. See…this year has been nutso, crazy busy and I didn’t get many manicures. If I don’t get manicures, I bite my nails. It’s as simple as that. I have no other solution for the nail biting besides manicures, it’s the only thing that has worked my whole life. So if I’m biting my nails then my nails aren’t long enough for a color. You may ask, what is long enough? I’m talking beyond the nubs people.
READ! I love reading good books. I need to make the time. Somehow. Last year’s reading status was pathetic.

So there you have it! I think I can make that happen. I’m going easy on myself this year because why not? I owe it to myself.

New Year’s Survery: Der Edition

der — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:10:04 +0000

Hello blogworld. It’s been a while and I apologize for that. It’s been an interesting, super duper busy, crazy, fabulous year and I think I need to get back on the Tipsy track so all y’all can know about it! And I’m going to start with my New Year’s survey!

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?

I went back to school. Which sucked and was awesome at the same time. Sucked bc it was school and juggling that with a baby… but was awesome feeling to know I could get back in the swing of those things again and actually pass:)

I also started my own photography biz. It’s really taken off and I couldn’t be more proud of myself. It’s really awesome to be doing something that you love and getting paid for it.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn’t have anything really specific last year. Going to school was a big one and I did that.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

So so many peeps: AK, Sarah… many, many friends. 2011 was a year of babies.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, thankfully we were able to skip out on any deaths this year.

5. What countries did you visit?

Um, none. Same answer as last year. We didn’t do any traveling really at all this year, but I certainly hope to change that and take AJ on his first real family vacay in 2012!

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you didn’t have in 2011?

I’m venturing to say maybe pregnancy #2….still reeling the hubs in on that one though:)

7. What dates from 2010 will be etched upon your memory, and why?

October 7th… my baby turned one. I’m so in love with him and with being a mother. I never knew something could feel so right, but it does.

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?

Putting myself out there with the photog biz. It was a really big step for me to think that someone would actually want to pay me to take their photo. I’m starting to think maybe all my friends and fam weren’t crazy when they pushed me to do this.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I would have to say letting stress get to me. I think sometimes I need to focus more on the big picture and not on the small things.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No, I didnt have too many illnesses or issues, but poor baby AJ was an ear infected fool for a few months there.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My iphone 4 upgrade. I couldn’t live without it. My new camera equipment.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My husband… he has his moments of bitchiness of course, but he works so so hard for our family and provides us with everything we want and need. I know I am so very lucky to have someone who cares about my happiness the way he does.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

High road once again.

14. Where did most your money go?

Holy crap, totally baby. And all his crap.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Seeing AJ pass all his milestones: sitting, walking, talking… he’s grown to have the most amazing personality and he just gets cuter by the minute.

16. What song will always remind you of 2012?

Eli Young Band “Crazy Girl”… my hubs is a die hard fan and he also plays guitar. I prob heard his rendition of this song 87,001 times.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

Infinitely Happier….I’m doing something I love, have a wonderful family

Thinner.. .Finally kicked all that pesky baby weight and then some… somehow things still don’t look the same, but I’ll take it:)

A Little Richer… Hubs got a well deserved promo, my biz is taking off… I’m pretty proud to say I think we are doing ok!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Taken more photos of AJ as a tiny baby. I miss that little lump and I didn’t go total picture crazy until he was maybe 6 months old

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Saying NO. I feel like that’s AJ’s new name. But I think that just comes with the mischievous boy territory.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

With family at several different houses. The hubs even surprised me and AJ by getting off early on Christmas Eve to show up at the family celebration for my side of the family.

21. Did you fall in love with 2011?

Oh my goodness. Yes. I love my family and it was a great year with the 3 of us.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Modern Family, Private Practice and dont laugh… Teen Mom.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don’t hate anyone. Ever. I just don’t really “get” some people, but I would never say hate.

24. What was the best book you read?

Psssh, read. Nope. None.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I always like a good country song and a few of those new ones got me.

26. What did you want and get?

To stay home with my son, to start a business

27. What did you want and not get?

Nada. I’m pretty content.

28. What was your favorite film of 2011?

I am so behind on movies. SO BEHIND. I promise to catch up in 2012.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 27 and I went out out for the first time post baby. It was a really good time.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Less sweating the small stuff. Otherwise it was a pretty stellar year.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2011?

Casual. I lived in rolled jeans and fitted tees, flops and flats and tiny jewelry unable to be ripped off by an infant. It’s really interesting to see how much motherhood really has changed my style. I’m much more casual and sporty than I used to be. It’s about comfort and function people… ok, and it has to be cute too:)

32. What kept you sane?

My husband. My mom. Daily phone convos and IM chats with my best gals. Sometimes you just need to vent.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

I don’t do politics.

34. Who did you miss?

I think maybe a little bit of adult interaction. I love being at home with my son, but a little adult convo is much appreciated.

35. Who was the best new person you met?

All these babies. I love babies.

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.

Sometimes life takes you in directions you never imagined. And that’s a good thing.

37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

“Your little hand’s wrapped around my finger
And it’s so quiet in the world tonight
Your little eyelids flutter cause you’re dreaming
So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light
To you everything’s funny, you got nothing to regret
I’d give all I have, honey
If you could stay like that”

-Taylor Swift

New Year’s Survey: AK

ak — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:49:11 +0000

It’s that time of year again! Let’s put the year in review! Here’s 2009 and 2010.

What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?Lots of firsts this year…I learned to juggle two kids. We had a brand new baby boy in May and our first born turned 3 in October. And for those of you with multiple kids, you know, it’s just a learn as you go thing…will you give each of them enough attention etc, etc. We seem to be doing alright.
My husband and I had also started our own business about 2 years ago, but he also worked a 9-5 job as well. This was the year that our own business took over and he no longer works the 9-5. Fingers crossed!

Also, we entered the land of preschool! Very weird to take your child to a place and DROP THEM OFF and LEAVE and it’s not like my mom’s house or something…that took some getting used to!
Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
It looks like these were mine from last year:Get in shape after having the baby-I DEFINITELY did this and am very proud of myself. Both my husband and myself workout regularly, eat better…all the hard stuff that you do to lose weight. We both lost about 25-30lbs.

Take More Pictures, specifically so the new baby has baby pictures-YES! I did take a lot of pictures of the new addition to our family…even though they may have just been iPhone pics. Note to self, use the better camera more often.

Get craftier-YES! I had help but I did make the baby clothes quilt that I had in sight. It took most of the year and I learned to sew by doing it! Once I had the sewing down I managed to make some of the other Tipsy gals clutch purses for Christmas and some fleece hats for the kiddos.

Keep organized along the way-Yes and No. I organized little things along the way like junk drawers and butler’s pantry and stuff like that but I also had my closet get completely unmanageable and I had to do a complete overhaul.

I think I will definitely make a couple for next year and see how that goes, maybe I’m on a roll.
Did anyone close to you give birth?Me! And Sarah! And my sister-in-law!
Did anyone close to you die?We had to put our little Chihuahua, Weezie, down this year. She’d been with me a while—pre-kids and pre-husband. She was feisty that one. The vet told us that she’s definitely one he will remember. I choose to believe that was because she challenged him. ha!
What countries did you visit?None. But we did make a trip to Oklahoma to meet Danielle in person! We had a great time, thanks Danielle!!
What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?Oh I would so love to move into a new house, we’ve completely outgrown ours. We’ll see what the future holds.
What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?Having another baby…for obvious reasons.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?Probably losing the weight, it was hard, but it was worth it and I want to be healthy for my family.
What was your biggest failure?This question depresses me. I mean we all do things/say things that we look back on and think of it as being a failure, including me…especially me because I’m sort of a perfectionist. But you live and learn right? Everything is a lesson.
Did you suffer illness or injury?DUDE. So, since my 3 year old started preschool in August it’s like this whole house has been sick umpteen times.
What was the best thing you bought?We got an iPad this year and it has hands down been the best purchase. Officially it’s my husband’s, but my son uses it a TON and I use it EVERY now and then…I’m thinking I kinda need one for myself.
Whose behavior merited celebration?My first born…we threw a lot of things at him this year including a new brother, a new big boy bed, preschool, and potty training. I think dude deserves a party.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?People surprise you, take you off guard…but again, live and learn right?
Where did most of your money go?Health insurance and related baby birthing expenses.
What did you get really excited about?Introducing a new little guy into the world and seeing how nobody can make him smile quicker or bigger than his big brother.
What song will always remind you of 2011? Moves Like Jagger, Hey Mama, and anything by Pistol Annies
Compared to this time last year, are you: a)happier or sadder? Hmmm I’m not sure? More stressed?
b)thinner or fatter? THINNER! Yay! And not just because I had a baby, like thinner than before I got preggers. Let’s hope I can stay on this train…

c)richer or poorer? The same? Or would that mean poorer because we’ve added a kid into the mix?
What do you wish you’d done more of?This is going to sound super lame, but reading…I hardly read anything this year and that sucks. Also, movie-going. I do miss my pre-kids weekly trips to the movie theater.
What do you wish you’d done less of? Worry. Stress about things.
How did you spend Christmas?Christmas Eve we combined my family and my husband’s and did dinner at our house. On the menu that night: beef enchiladas (made by me), beans (made by me), cilantro rice (made by my husband), skinny margs (made by my husband). Christmas Day we did our gifts/Santa in the morning and then went to my parent’s house for our traditional breakfast and presents, then home for the kids to nap and then went back around 4 for dinner and brought my husband’s mom along with us. It was a great day.
Did you fall in love in 2011?I always answer this one very cheesily…yes with my family! Our new little one is just super cute and chill and our oldest just gets cuter and smarter and more fascinating every single day. And I’m very proud of my husband on the business front, he’s doing a super great job and I just couldn’t have asked for a better guy.
What was your favorite TV program?I for sure continue to love The Good Wife. I definitely love Parenthood. And I’m totally addicted to watching Greek on Netflix streaming.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?It’s a waste of time to spend energy hating.
What was the best book you read?Like I said, I didn’t get to too many books this year. I did finish Black Heels to Tractor Wheels and Two Kisses for Maddy. And then I started a few others but haven’t finished them: All That is Bitter & Sweet, Waiting for Birdy, Seriously…I’m Kidding, and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close. I’ll get to them, hopefully this year.
What was your greatest musical discovery?I continue to love Miranda Lambert and definitely love her new girl group Pistol Annies. And Martina McBride’s newest album is definitely different for her and I love the change, I’m back to being a fan. But in terms of greatest musical discovery? That has to be my 3 year old who has taken to singing and dancing and dj’ing for us nonstop lately. It has got to be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen…especially when he picks a song from my iTunes list and says, “Mama, I think you are gonna like this one…”
What did you want and get?A healthy, happy baby boy.
What did you want and not get?Nothing else matters…everything comes in its own time.
What was your favorite film of this year?Without a doubt I loved Crazy, Stupid Love. And it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t throw in that I am still on the Twilight train and loved Breaking Dawn Part 1.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?Blah! I turned 36 and I had a dentist appointment. Though the next weekend my husband sent me on an all day spa day. It was fabulous.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?Hmmm, probably more sleep, less stress and worry.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?Jeggings and Skinny jeans came into the mix! I’m late to the game…
What kept you sane?I have no idea. Maybe deep breaths and taking things day by day?
Who was the best new person you met?Well of course our new little guy. It’s amazing how in some ways he’s so different from our first and yet very, very similar.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.“It’s important to remember that people are always doing the best they can, including you.”
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.Like I said earlier, we rounded the year out with a new baby and going out on our own business-wise, so I think this pretty much sums that up…
These Are the Days by Sugarland
“…And we wake up wondering what might happen next
Yeah, sometimes it feels like we won’t make it through
But the hard times pass like the good ones do
Baby, wrap your fingers and hold on tight
I’ll be right here beside you tonight…
…We’re making moments we won’t forget
We fill in ones that haven’t happened yet…”

Last year I took an idea of Whoorl’s to showcase a year of iPhone pics, so I’m going to continue with that and show you pics I took with my phone along with instagrams. It’s a little longer this year, but hey, I love my family! I hope you enjoy it! And I hope everyone has a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Christmas Stocking Update

ak — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:29 +0000

Remember when I told y’all I was gonna make stockings this year? Well I did some semi-homemade ones…I had every intention of going and buying the felt to actually sew the stockings but when I got to my fabric store lo and behold they had basic red felt stockings that I could use as a base to start with. So I bought 4 of those puppies and some rick rack and felt squares. I had purchased two ornaments (an owl and a hedgehog) to put on the pockets of the boys’ stockings the week before. So I got to work and ended up just hot glueing the majority of the project. My plan for next year is to actually embroider their names on by hand (inspired by this), but for now I’m just going to use the initials.

The Great Necklace Exchange of 2011

ak — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:37:48 +0000

Hey everyone! I’m going to be participating in The Great Necklace Exchange of 2011 over on the Fashion Loves People blog. Go read about it, it sounds super fun and it clearly states that you don’t have to be a designer or even creative…SOLD! I was a little hesitant at first but I’m just gonna go for it and see what I can come up with. Who wants in? It’s the last day to sign up!!!

Hump Day Happy Hour: Winter White Sangria with Pomegranate

ak — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:00:24 +0000

I’m going to highlight some winter/holiday inspired drinks every Wednesday for Hump Day Happy Hour. This week a sangria found via pinterest from I’ll Have What She’s Having. In true Hump Day Happy Hour style, this looks super easy to whip together…go check out the recipe!

Getting Organized

ak — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:00:08 +0000

I’m in the midst of a complete closet overhaul. I have a lot of stuff to get rid of and I also have a lot of things I want to reorganize. I’ve been searching pinterest and googling tips and organization tools to get my closet all spiffed up. One of the ideas I ran across was to use a regular old bath robe or bath towel hook for your belts. So I headed to my neighborhood Target and instead of getting the regular bath/towel hook I had planned on, I ran across these and thought it might be even better. So far so good! There were different sizes that will hold different weights. If you decide to go this route you might want to take into account that you can’t hang a tiny belt on the wide hook, so you might want to get different sizes for different belts, but man otherwise, this is getting my organizational juices going!

Stockings!

ak — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:00:40 +0000

I am determined to complete, by the end of this month, stockings for everyone in the family so that when Christmas decorations come out, everyone in the family has a stocking. I’m not a master on the sewing machine but I can do some basics. So my plan is to do the stocking itself out of felt. I am going to do names out of material and iron them on via this tutorial on Sir Bubbadoo. And then I saw in my Sundance catalog, this stocking that has a pocket for your letter to Santa! So I think it’s all coming together in my mind. I’ll post an update of the completed stockings if they don’t look like total ass.

In other news, did you know that you can get a personalized letter back from Santa after you send yours off? Thanks to Danielle, now I do!

Tipsy Society » home

At West End

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Denim and Diamonds: Centerpiece Options

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The Great Necklace Exchange of 2011

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photo courtesy of sundancecatalog.com

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