The Lure of Black & Gold

 Black & Gold together so sexy, sleek and regal. Not the look of what I'm going for in my home (French Country with Contemporary touches) but still can't seem to escape the Lure of Black & Gold.

Today's Obsession's

Pears! I can't get enough- I'm averaging like two a day. I'll have one cut up in my salad and another for a shhnaaack!

Speaking of my pear obsession..I can't wait to use these pear Salt & Pepper shakers for Thanksgiving!

My next obsession is these Flannel Christmas pillows at Target. I look at them every time I go in. There is just something about them that makes me think it's snowing with a fire going inside all nice and warm and toasty. Any day now I'll cave a buy a couple. I have a Target credit sitting in my bag waiting to be used and these are definitely gift card worthy!

This obsession is very sad but I can't help but look at these pictures every time I log on to my computer. My sweet, sweet kitty passed away almost two weeks ago and I miss him like crazy. I don't think I'll ever have another cat as sweet as my Mic.

My last obsession is these faux bamboo nesting tables. I keep trying to think of ways to modernize them up but not to crazy so they can hopefully stay timeless. I think I've finalized my decision to spray them white and  put a lacquer finish on (thanks to my sister-n-law who's got me hooked on lacquer.) Then I'm going to take the glass tops to a shop and have mirrors cut to replace them. This little project his been on mind since I picked these up. The project will be posted when I buckle down and do it.

Walton's

 Can we talk about Walton's? It's one of Sandra Bullock's restaurant's- it's more like a deli/bakery and gift shop and it was Deelish! I could have ate and bought so many things in there.

I had my eye's on this honey bee cake but I was a good girl and stuck to salad. A really good yummy spinach and arugula salad with shaved cheddar, candied walnuts, grilled chicken and chunks of apple = HEAVEN! I didn't get a pic of my salad because it was gone before it hit the table!

I took this one for my sister, Stacey :) It's a sweet potato whoopie pie- I know she would have loved this!

They also had flowers to build you own bouquet and adorable gifts

The gift shop was super cute- They had things like old looking wire baskets, mason jars, books and even some old novelty candy. I guess it's kinda like cracker barrel but in a upscale way.

We went with my parent's (in town from Florida) my mom sent me a text after she left saying she should have ordered a Turkey Sweet (turkey, applewood smoked bacon, caramelized onion with apple and white cheddar on a croissant) to go for the plane ride. I'm tellin ya people it was that good!

here's the menu for your drooling pleasure : )

http://www.waltonsfancyandstaple.com/Content/Waltons%20Menu_Aug2011_WEB.pdf

We call you guys, Virgin's!

For a few month's now I've been looking into Estate Sale's. I started checking out tips and reading some personal experience's online. The people that have been going and doing these for such a long time and the decorators that are in and on a mission and know what they're doing. Plus not to mention going and rooting around other people's things- seems sorta sad. All of these reason's have kept me from actually taking the plunge and going to my first Estate Sale.....Until Now!

 I found a piece online that I just was dying for the moment I saw it. So, I reluctantly thought I would try and call to inquire about the item before the estate sale started (thinking who ever I speak to is going to scoff at me because I don't know the "rules" and how these work). I immediately told the lady (from the company handling the sale) that this was my first estate sale. She replied with - OH, we call you guys virgin's! You could tell she was smiling on the other end of line (That was the "okay this lady's cool!" for me)  I asked her questions so that I didn't commit any No-No's at the sale. She was very nice and informative and even let me come look at it before the sale started and with no one there!  I got to experience the Estate Sale environment without the Professionals and their elbows- Awesome!  I went back the next day with my partner in crime (my mommy) and picked up my prized possession.

 I was told it's from the 40's or 50's. I met the owner's daughter and she said her mother will be very happy to know that she met the person the piece went to. I told her how much I adored the Secretary and it would be very well taken care of.

 P.S.

 The lady from the company handling the sale -was very sweet on the phone and for the first look but when I went back to purchase and pick up my item- she was a cranky pants! I'm guessing it was because it was getting close to the sale date and she looked a little overwhelmed. I still tried to be as nice as possible. I was just so excited about my kill that - No one could could ruin this buzz! Overall this was a great "virgin" start!




Estate Sale Tips

Arrive with cash in hand since not all estate sales accept credit cards and personal checks.

Bring your own shopping bags and wrapping materials. 

If you are seeking something specific, do your homework first. Know the average retail price so you can spot a great bargain when you find one.

Flip items over. Antiques are generally embossed with a name, so this is good practice when trying to find that hidden treasure.  

Don't be rude- I'm sure the nicer you are the better deal you may be able to get.

Even though you may be scared to ask a question- don't be. You never know unless you ask.

Show up at least an hour before the sale starts. They will give you a number and they usually only let a certain number of people in at a time.

First day is  full price. If you go on the last day prices are discounted and they are more likely to take an offer. BUT- if you see an item you really want it may not be there the last day. You have to decide how bad do you want it?

Here's the link that I stalked. All  you do is put your zip code in and it gives you Estate Sales happening in your area. http://www.estatesales.net/. 

Halloween Wand

My Sister-in-law, Natalie made some wonderful Halloween wands that I'm bragging about today. This was her inspiration- a wand that she already owned. Cute- isn't it?  Looking at how pretty it is... it was like one of those moments where your thinking- I can do that!

   ...and she did. They turned out so great that I asked her if I could put them on my blog.

She put so much work and time into them- they came out so cute! I think making something sometimes is more fun than paying for an already made item- don't you? These wands are already promised to other's but maybe there's still time before Halloween to get my order in!

Halloween Fun

 Friday night was kid craft night in This Austin Girl's house. We had rice crispie treat's and made Ghostly milk jugs.
 I came across the Ghost Jugs on Pinterest and knew I just had to do this cute idea! http://pinterest.com/pin/217243826/ Now I just have to dig out a strand of christmas light's to run through them- but even without the lights they're super cute!

 Of course Rice crispie treats are really easy anyways so making the pumpkins is just a matter of adding a couple of ingredient's. I found them on this lovely blog. http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/2011/09/pumpkin-rice-krispies-treats.html .

I think I used the kid's as an excuse to do my Craft & Crunchie night..It might have been more for me ; )

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

 For some reason I can't stand to look at my domed cake plate empty. There is just something about having fresh baked goods in my hzzzzouse and in my belly! So, naturally since my dome was empty I had some work to do.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies to the Rescue!

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup white sugar- The recipe calls for 3/4 cup but the cookies are sweet enough with all the other goodies
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/4 cup flour- I like to use whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 3/4 cups rolled oats

1 cup raisins

I learned a little trick through searching the Internet world. Before you start baking if you want your raisins plump and juicy- soak them in hot water for about 30 minutes. This also keeps the raisins from burning on the tops of the cookie.

Mix the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat the eggs and vanilla til fluffy. Stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually beat into butter mixture. Stir in oats and raisins (if you soaked them make sure you drain them.)

I also pop the dough back in the fridge to firm it up a bit.  This is when I preheat the oven- 375 degrees

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto parchment paper and get those sucker's in the oven! 8 to 10 minutes.

While the cookies are baking away I'm busy pacing back and forth (almost like a father from the 50's waiting to here his child was born) that would be why I keep the oven light on...so I can watch my sweet babies.

The timer..the timer is going off!!!!

Yummer's- my cake plate and belly can now be full!

Today's Obsession's

 Ok, I'm back- had a moment of laziness, loss of inspiration and then I had family in town....but I'm back in the blog world...for the moment.

So, I wanted to share my obsession's for the day.

My "running" shoe's... which really aren't running shoe's because my Physical Therapist told me I have to go back to basics and start Power Walking- (can you say Embarrassing!) but I have to because of I've got a bum knee.

The Butterfly Migration is happening! The Monarch Butterflies are flying south to Mexico and it's beautiful here in Austin.

and I love "Power Walking" by this house. How funny is that!?!

Well- I'm off to bake Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!

Genius DIY

I've been looking into doing one of those Moss covered letter's (I know it's been done a million time's- but I like it!) I came across a blog (http://www.lovelycraftyhome.com/?s=gettin+mossy+wit+it) on how to cover the letter and stumbled on something genius! Her instruction on how to cover the letter was wonderful but I found myself distracted the whole time by the wall behind her letter and mirror.

I immediately told her how in love I was with her wall and asked if it was wall paper? Apparently people ask if it's wall paper all the time. Nope- it's a stencil from cutting edge that was super easy.

 http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/wall-stencils-damask-stencils.html

I  am completely obsessed with this site now and can't wait to try it out. I want to do it now- like right NOW! But can't...I'm in a rental (GRRRRRR!). This one is definitely going in my inspiration book and is going to be the first thing I do! Thank you http://www.lovelycraftyhome.com/ for sharing!

Music Monday

 It's a Music Monday for this Austin Girl...I just made a play list that I'm excited about. Now I have to make the decision to Clean or Craft to my play list?

Hear Here it is!

*Staircase- Radiohead

*Mammalian Locomotion(Kevin Parker & Cam Avery Remix)- Abbe May

*Black Cherry (M83 Remix)- Goldfrapp   

*Polish Girl- Neon Indian

*Too Much MIDI (Please Forgive Me)- Ford & Lopatin

*King Night- Salem

*Wizard- Calms Casino     (You can Download this song for free on Adult Swim)

*You and I  (Wild Beasts Remix)- Lady Gaga


http://grooveshark.com/playlist/Samantha+Beckett+s+Playlist+1/60997583

My Haunted Castle

I was driving around my neighborhood and noticed 2 houses had their Halloween decorations up. Then, my sister sent me a text saying she saw some decorations up too. That was the green light for me! So, I've been working on putting up some of my stuff.

Here's a little taste.

                                                                                                                                                               This little set-up is still a work in progress....it need's something...but I'm not sure what.

I just love this creepy statue. I found him yesterday at Home Goods. I left him there and couldn't stop thinking- Why didn't I buy that!? So I went back today and he was still there (Yeah, that never happens...like never, ever!)

One of my favorite pieces- my frames! I found them at Horchow on clearance towards the end of Halloween last year.  

                                                                            

   I'snt she such a lovely lady.

                                                        ....and her wonderful husband.

 I like aquiring a  few special pieces each year.... I guess it kinda led to this creepy castle look and I like it!