New Stationary!

A little while before Rene and I got married a friend of mine Krys had posted a great find on her blog Double Strand Pearls about a company called Petite Prints which creates custom stationary with silhouettes. I fell in LOVE with how cute they were...and I wanted them ASAP!

The downfall of course was that I couldn't bring myself to pay the $40 for just the set up and then also the cost of the notepads or cards which were around $40-$50 each set....*tear*.

Then last week I came upon a great store on Esty! I love looking through the creative ideas that people have and also love finding deals on items that could/would cost much more elsewhere. My wondering around the site took me to BlueClara Paper Goods. The seller was a pleasure to work with and produced a great PDF file so that I am able to print out our wonderful silhouettes as many times as I want! She was even kind enough to create images that I can use to frame in 8x10 frames and also a group of the images so that I can use them to create my very own stationary all for only $60! A great deal and also a super cute idea for friends and family as a gift if you are looking for something "semi-handmade".

As promised here are some pictures of the upgrades and changes to our apartment.

Let's just say this our kitchen was so very lack luster that I don't even have picture of it anywhere. Here's the new re-vamped look....our new decor theme is wine as you can tell.

The flooring is all new as well and I prefer it much more to the white linoleum which it replaced!

Stitch's new favorite place has also become the new flooring in the kitchen.

DINING ROOM BEFORE:







AFTER...
We are still working on this one, it needs some more!

LIVING ROOM BEFORE:

AFTER:

This may be the biggest change yet! And pretty much finished room-I am very happy with it now.

Isn't it great that if you clean up a bookshelf and add a nice vase of fresh flowers it is something completely new?

Next up we are planning to do some changes to the master bedroom (just decor-the colors will remain the same), master bathroom, and guest bathroom....

Busy Days at the Blanco Home

It has been a busy couple of weeks at the Blanco residence...but busy in a good way! I have been talking for a while now to the hubby about wanting to make some changes to the decor around the apartment. And finally we started to make some progress!

Of course it did help that we were renewing the lease on the apartment for the 3rd year and decided it was time to point out some of the things we wanted changed.

Today will finish the last of the apartment projects that the contractors have been taking care of (carpet cleaning, new flooring in the kitchen and bathrooms, and a fresh coat of paint) I could not be happier with how things are coming along! It's almost like a new apartment!

Photos hopefully will be posted this evening so you can all see the transformation from year 1 in Dallas to today!

Free Invites!

Ok I generally do not post 2 Fave Finds back to back but this was just a must!

I will admit that I am re-posting from iDIY but they have posted a link to a free printable invite templates!! Need I say more?! This is especially great for any of those soon to be brides out there looking for a bit of a money saving item for an engagement party, wedding, or shower invite!

Check them out! & Enjoy!
free printable invite templates

Chobani--Yum!

What is that? You've never heard of Chobani? Well let me start with saying that you are missing out! I am a big proponent of Greek yogurt. For those of you who have never ventured away from your Light and Fit or Yoplait brands let me explain.

As Greek Wise points out there are a few differences between the normal varieties of yogurt and Greek yogurt. "The principle difference in creating Greek yogurt is that after the milk is heated and cultured, it is allowed to sit in cheesecloth bags, so that the whey filters out of the yogurt. You’ll note that some yogurts have an almost runny texture, or have liquid on the top when you open them. Greek yogurts don’t have this liquid because of the straining process. "

This makes the yogurt extremely thick and creamy and delish! While I love Greek yogurt and all of its benefits (double the protein of normal yogurt, 5 live & active cultures, and calcium) it tends to be a bit more expensive than the normal...think around $1.99 for a 6-8oz container.

However just last week I found a new and brand Chobani which was just around a dollar a container! What makes it even better? The website offers a buy 2 get 1 free offer!

If you are looking for something delish and healthy I highly suggest checking out Chobani at your grocery store and give it a try! There are fat free and low fat versions no calories, no processed additives and a great source of calcium and protein! My newest Fave Find!

Quality R&R

Next week is my soon to be 2nd favorite week in Dallas! Why is that? Spa Week starts!

Like my favorite thing in Dallas the Annual Restaurant Week, Spa Week is put on by Dove and offers selected services at highly rated spas in the metroplex for only $50 per service! Last year I was out of the loop on this great money saver so I am so excited to take part this year!

The Spa Week this year runs from April 12-18th in select states (NY, FL, MN, CA, and many more) check out the website to see if there is a local spa in your area that is offering specials and enjoy!

http://www.spaweek.com/

Needless to say I will be indulging in a great 60 minute massage on Sunday the 18th! Quality Rest and Relaxation!

Happy Easter!

Here is wishing you a very Happy Easter!

Chick Cupcakes for dessert! Aren't they cute?

Just take your basic cupcake and coat all sides with icing, then add some eyes, and feet (candy coated licorice) and toasted coconut for feathers. Quick, easy and sure to make any meal more "festive".

Thought of the day....

You Can Start Your Day Over Any Time.....

This week at work has made this even more true as there are so many things that have been making me think that I need to just go back to bed and start things over. Here is hoping that the last 2 days of the week go by quick and that the weekend is nice and sunny. I need to recharge ASAP