Wall Art from minted.com

Any easy way to spruce up any space is to fill the blank walls with art. My first thought was to DIY some art  (Framed DIY art has got to be easy- right?) and frame it... but I got to browsing the web first. While I think of some fun DIY art projects, check out minted.com's new art prints. If you've never browsed minted.com,check out their site here.  minted hosts a community of designers that are fresh and creative. Right now, minted is sponsoring a $1000 challenge; check it out here.

 

Keep in mind- all of the art prints come unframed. While I love the black frames that they are pictures im, scouring flea markets would be a fun activity to find just the right frame to go with the print. Print sizes range from small (5"x7") to large (44"x60"). The variety of prints allows these pieces to be hung in hallways, nurseries, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms; the options are endless!

I purchased these.

 

What art do you have on your walls? Have you used minted.com to order wedding/shower/birthday invites?

Stay tuned to see how this art idea comes together!

Stagecoach {2008 style}

While we didn't make it to Stagecoach this year, we attended a few years ago. In 2008 it was a three day event with The Eagles, Carrie Underwood and Tim Mcgraw all headliners!

You know that you're from Southern California when you say "Yeah, it's kinda hot"... and it's 102 degrees. 

 

 

In looking back at these photos, it's clear that I need to get back into shape (and get tan again!). Time to get seriously motivated. This summer RC and I have some fun travel plans- I'll share those with you soon :)

Did you go to Stagecoach this year? I want to know all about it! Have you been to Stagecoach before- what was your favorite part?

Nailed it

Last month, we were invited to a great country concert in San Jose. I dusted off my cowgirl boots and got out on the dance floor to line dance! Well... I only know the electric slide so I participated in the line dancing lessons by Adam the Dancing Cowboy. That guy can really shake it! The venue was Club Rodeo , a little dive bar-ish, but super fun (their website is never up to date, so I'm not linking it here).

Jana Kramer opened for David Nail. Any One Tree Hill watchers out there? Sure, when the show started it was a teenage drama type of show, but the characters have really developed. Ha- I sound crazy... but it's a good show. If you haven't seen it you should Netflix it asap.

When you first see Jana; you wouldn't think she'd be country at all, but she has such a cute twang when she sings. My favorite song is What I Love About Your Love. Why Ya Wanna; it's a love song is perfect for anyone going through a tough time. When she performed her song Whiskey, a guy bought her a shot of whiskey and she took it on stage- it was too perfect, I wish I had caught a photo. Here are a few (blurry) of Jana rocking out.

Next, David Nail rocked out. Check out some of the short, wobbly videos I captured.

This is the OTH TV show opening song. Watch the show, learn the song, learn it and love it.

Club Rodeo is definitely on my list of places to go with a group of girlfriends; it has a large dance floor, free line dancing lessons on some nights and at least five different bars to get drinks (so no long lines to get margaritas!).

Are you into country music? What are some of your favorite artists? Have you been to any good country concerts lately?

Wonderful Wine Weekend

Recently, we had RC's mom visit us- we had such a great weekend. We wine tasted in St.Helena, dined downtown San Francisco and adventured through Chinatown.

RC Momma Jordan


lovebirds


They share those blue blue eyes!


J&Mom


Heitz' tasting room was very cozy- with a fireplace!


What a view!


Poppies


In full bloom




I liked Grgich Hills the best, we learned a lot about each of the different wines while tasting.

Alpha Omega's (a newer winery) tasting room was very modern.


Water fountain at Alpha Omega

We visited a number of other wineries, all of them were so different, but so good! While she was in town, we visited Fort Point and had a lovely, memorable dinner at Boulevard. We had Rubicon Estate 2008 CASK Cabernet- one of the best cabs I've had to date; I highly recommend. San Francisco friends, have you visited Boulevard? It's not to be missed!

What are some of your favorite places to visit in wine country? What do you like to do with out of town visitors?

Top 5 Thursdays

Top 5 Free Workouts in San Francisco

Are you into working out? Check out these FREE workouts in the city!

1. Yoga {Sports Basement}

Bryant Street Location Sundays 1:00pm-2:00pm

Presidio Location Sundays 11:00- Noon

Just bring your own mat!

Source: google.com via Kristin on Pinterest

2. Walking Tour {San Francisco City Guides}

Multiple times and locations available

Get your walk on while viewing and learning the ins and outs of the city!

Source: tumblr.com via ayama on Pinterest

3. Stairs {16th Avenue Stairs and Lyon Street Stairs}

16th Ave (at Moraga St.) in the Sunset

Lyon St (On Green St.) in the Marina

Become a stairmaster in no time!

4. Rock Climbing {Lombardi Sports)

First Thursday of each month 6:00pm-7:45pm

Be sure to wear appropriate, comfortable clothing. All gear is provided.

5. Group Run {NikeTown}

Wednesdays at 6:00pm

Run 3, 5 or 7 miles at your own pace. Refreshments provided at the conclusion of each run. Get updates on NikeTown's run club here.

Source: google.com.br via Roger on Pinterest

I loved doing the Yoga class at Sports Basement and want to go to the walking tour as soon as the weather is nice up here!

What free classes are in your area? Want to join me for one of the free sessions above? Let me know!

Hooray for Kindness

On to Baby and The Wedding Chicks have partnered up to raise awareness about bullying and the grave consequences. This team has an online auction with amazing items donating from many vendors and a platform to donate online. The online auction on Monday, March 12th, 2012.

Hooray for Kindness writes...

On January 1, 2012, thirteen-year-old Alexander Frye took his own life. Alexander was a bright boy with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of trains that impressed even the Union Pacific veterans he befriended at the nearby railyard. While he found it easy to talk to and make friendships with adults, he was usually quiet and shy among his peers. Like too many other children across this country, he was often teased and bullied by his classmates. His family believes this bullying played a major role in his suicide.

{All donations and auction proceeds collected through Hooray for Kindness will be donated at the end of the event to BullyBust. BullyBust helps schools-in-need put an end to bullying with targeted school-wide and classroom-based efforts. This type of positive school-wide commitment has been shown to reduce bullying by 50%.}

Check out all of the auction items here. You can view all of Hooray's sponsors here. Interested in contributing to the cause? Do it here. Take a stand against bullying and sign this pledge.

It's very simple.

Be kind to others.

Choose Kindness.

If you are a parent and know that your child is being bullied, talk to them about it first. Listen and let your child know that it is not acceptable and that you wil work to stop the bullying from happening. Next, speak with other adults that are involved in your child's daily life.

If you are a victim of bullying, know that you're not alone. Seek advice and help from someone you trust. Speak with your teacher, your parent, your friends about the bully's actions and how it makes you feel.

If you bully others- stop. Stop bullying others with your words and/or actions immediately. Alexander's story is tragic. If you think you need help to stop bullying others, let someone know today. Others will be willing to help because bullying is unacceptable.

Bullying doesn't just happen to kids. Bullying can happen within a relationship and even in the workplace- no one is immune to bullying.

Were you ever bullied? At school by friends? At home by siblings or a parent? Bullying others is never acceptable.

*Please continue to pray for Nat's baby Blair. Each day's progress can be found on her blog.

Oh BABY!

My sweet cousin T is expecting a little baby girl in June; I am very excited to celebrate with her next month for her shower!

Nat and Matt just welcomed their bundle of girlie joy in this weekend.

Our friends in Chico had baby Caiden in February.

My aunt and uncle in Ottawa are expecting twins!

Friends from church J&L, are expecting their sweet Emma any day now.

I just recently found Paige's (an old college classmate) blog, is also waiting to welcome her baby girl into the world.

In blogland there seem to be so many expectant moms; I like reading all about their pregnancies and enjoy seeing the elements of putting a nursery together and such.

And..... since I'm not expecting anytime soon- I've been busy Pinteresting ideas for baby showers to celebrate all of the little ones coming.

Source: lefrufrublog.blogspot.com via Yohanna on Pinterest

Source: hwtm.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Stacie on Pinterest

Source: ontobaby.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

Source: chiccheapnursery.com via SC on Pinterest

{Fun fact: Kacee Geoffroy (the celebrated mother-to-be here) was my wedding day makeup artist!}

I found the most adorable baby shower invitations too!

Source: moglea.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Source: joliejoliedesign.blogspot.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

Source: minted.com via minted on Pinterest

What's a party without some treats? Check out these unique favor ideas I found:

Source: bumpsmitten.com via Leigh on Pinterest

Source: onecoolpick.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Melissa on Pinterest

I love the idea of those printable bookmarks- such a simple but useful, thoughtful favor idea!

These days, it seems like just about everyone is poppin' those sweet babies out... Alright, who else is expecting a little one?!

I want to know all about your baby shower. Did you invite only family? Only friends? Did you have more than one shower? Were the invites posted or emailed?