Charlie’s Bedroom

I wanted Charlie’s bedroom to be something that would grow with him. I fell in love with this bedding years before purchasing and when I was ready to order, the saleslady told me that it was out of stock! Fortunately she was wrong, and everything came together. I am still deciding what to put above a small chest between the doors to his closet and the door to the bathroom so I did not photograph that wall.

Charlie’s bedding is from Eastern Accents. The four poster bed was in our guest room until Jack was born. It should have slats going to all four posters, but the chandelier got in the way. The bed and nightstands are from British Traditions. The bamboo shades are from Target (no longer available online) and  the three dog pictures and lamps are from Home Goods. The tole chandelier is from Jeanne Reed.

Rex built the three chalkboards with leftover door casing, plywood, and a few coats of chalkboard paint. Charlie loves drawing on them and lately we find Jack in here drawing sticks at the bottom of the chalkboards (and eating the chalk!).

The rocking chair is from Charlie’s nursery and looks like one of his bed pillows was literally thrown in the chair. I must remember to do better on the staging!!

The trumeau mirror was a challenge to hang and is flanked by more dog pictures. These dogs, however, are a little more dressed up! Tole lamps also from Jeanne Reed.

Charlie’s dresser was actually my grandmother’s buffet. The talented Brydee of Hey Studios fixed it up for us and did an outstanding job! I wish I had a “before” picture, but it was a cherry colored wood and had a flat base. The strip of wood along the base was coming off, so Brydee took the whole thing off and added bun feet. I sent her the website to the bedding and she matched everything perfectly!! Brydee pays attention to every detail and even painted the insides of the drawers! I have to say that this is one of my favorite things in our house.

Bake at 350: Cookies for a baby shower

I had to share the link to a new blog find. Bake at 350 has the cutest cookies that I have ever seen. In Bridget’s bio she writes that she hopes “you’ll find some inspiration here”. I think if you can’t find inspiration here, you must be blind. The cookies below would be great for a baby shower, but as you will see on her blog, she does cookies for ALL occasions. Even though there are step by step instructions on how to create these edible delights, I can promise you that mine would NEVER look this good!

While you are checking out the cookie index, do not forget to also look at the recipe index. It is guaranteed to add inches to your waistline!

Bun in the Oven – my favorite

Happy Thanksgiving

I am so thankful for my family. Especially these two little turkeys (and of course all of you who have made this blogging experience so fun)!

I will be spending the weekend with family and friends. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend as well!

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Pot Pie is one of my favorites. Her Perfect Pie Crust is so buttery and flaky that it just melts in your mouth – thanks to the 1 1/2 cups of Crisco!

The pot pie is really easy to make and everyone at our house loves it. The best part is that it is even better the next day (that is if you have some left!). It would also be delicious with left over turkey from Thanksgiving!

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

1 pie crust (1/2 of Perfect Pie Crust recipe)
1/2 stick butter
1/2 cup finely diced onion
1/2 cup finely diced carrot
1/2 cup finely diced celery
2 cups leftover turkey, light and dark, diced or shredded (or both!)
1/4 cup flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
splash of white wine (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
Frozen peas (optional)
Fresh thyme, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Melt butter in a dutch oven. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until translucent (a couple of minutes.)
Add turkey and stir. Sprinkle flour over mixture and stir. Cook over medium heat for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly.
Pour in chicken or turkey broth, stirring constantly. Splash in wine (you can leave this out if you’d like.) Pour in cream. (May add frozen peas at this point if you’d like.)
Bring to a slow boil and allow mixture to cook and thicken for a few minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste (do not under season), and fresh or dried thyme to taste. Do one final taste at the end and add what it needs.
Pour mixture into a casserole dish or deep pie pan.
Roll out crust so that it’s about 1 inch larger than the pan you’re using.
Place the crust on top of the pot pie mixture, and press crust into the sides of the dish. Cut vents in the top of the crust.
Bake for 30 minutes or until very golden and bubbly.
Allow to cool for a little bit before serving.

Serve with a large spoon.

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

{Winner} Dani Notes Giveaway

 

The winner of the dani notes giveaway is comment 12: Laura !!!

Laura’s comment said:

“I love the Melamine Dot with the 3 letter monogram in chocolate with the green,as shown. I want to win!”

Congratulations Laura!!

Breastfeeding Bandit

Remember those two babies that I mentioned in my very first post??? They have both made their way into this world and are two of the most precious baby boys. Both Erin and Haley are first time moms who are trying to figure out how to get some sleep,  breastfeed, and balance life while having a newborn.

While Chloe was in the hospital at Texas Children’s, I had to pump even though she only received IV nutrition the first few months of her life. Even when she did get to feed, it wasn’t much. I spend countless hours hooked up to the breast pump in the milk bank and can still vividly remember the whooshing sound of the machine. Another vivid memory is this poster that was hanging in the hallway of the milk bank:

I have to admit, I died laughing every time I saw it. I guess this picture gets its point across…with this bra you can not only read while pumping, but talk on the phone as well!!! I always thought the bra looked like a burglar's mask with the two holes cut out for the shields to fit in.

After laughing at this and pointing it out to all of my friends who came to visit Chloe,  I finally broke down and purchased one. At the time, I have to say it was the best $20 spent in my entire life. I was a new woman! I could put my makeup on, eat breakfast, or send an email all while pumping. I have to admit I even hooked myself up once while driving to TCH!

I shared this tip with my two friends but instead of purchasing The Easy Expression (I just found out what it is called), I suggested taking an ordinary sports bra and cutting two holes in it. I am sure it would do the same trick. If nothing else, they may get a good laugh out of it!

Seawall Half Marathon

Three of my besties and I ran our first half marathon this weekend in Galveston. The weather forecast was projected to be nothing less than perfect, however I think the heat index was slightly higher than we expected. I was so sore after the race and after 11 hours of sleep last night, I think I have finally recovered!

We are split on the decision to ever do one again. I think Brooke is ready to sign up for her next one, Abby and I may try again next year, and Kaydi swears she is done. I am so proud of everyone and really appreciate the support of friends who called and our families who all came to show their support along the way! I don’t think I could have gotten through it without seeing the pink pom poms waiving at every three miles!

Go TEAM CHLOE!!!

Ready to go get Kaydi.

Getting ready to run.

Brooke and Abby

Kaydi and me

Our cheering squad

Charlie

All smiles – the race is over!!

Countdown to Christmas

It is hard to believe that Christmas is almost here. Stores are stocked with Christmas decorations and I need to get started on my holiday shopping list. Here are some darling advent calendars to get you and your family counting down the days…

Telluride Advent Calendar, $69.00

Tiny Packages Advent Calendar, $58.00

‘Tis the Season Advent Calendar, $88.00

Lollipop Tree Advent Calendar, $68.00

Here Comes Santa Advent Calendar, $39.00

And don’t forget there is still time to enter our giveaway from dani notes and get a FREE personalized plate!!

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Is there anyone else who is as addicted to this show as I am????

However, I don’t understand this “she said, she said” spat with Kyle and Camille.I mean, can’t they just replay the tape???

Ornament Shirt: Steal of a Deal

This shirt can be purchased from Chasing Fireflies for $54.00.

Love the shirt, but don’t love the price???

It can also be purchased here for only $15.00!!

And don’t forget to enter our giveaway from dani notes!!

{Giveaway} Dani Notes

I am beyond excited to announce my VERY FIRST Giveaway!!! I recently ordered  darling address return labels from Dani Notes. I emailed her about putting her on the C&C blog and not only did she say YES she also offered to host a giveaway!!

Dani Notes uses cool, stylish colors combined with sweet designs-from preppy stripes and whimsical flowers to classic, custom monograms with a modern twist.
The constant whirlwind of activity and energy gives Dani inspiration for creating designs that celebrate the special occasions in life.

Dani’s products would make great Christmas gifts. I would *love* one of these trays for out by the pool! Here are just a few of her wonderful designs. However, if you are looking for something else, I am sure Dani can do it too.

We are starting off the holiday season with a free PERSONALIZED melamine plate!!

Here are the details to enter:

Visit Dani Notes on Etsy.com and decide which melamine plate is your favorite.

Come back to Cocktails and Cupcakes and leave a comments letting us know which one you like the most and the monogram and colors you would like if you win. It’s that easy!

* Do you "like" Cocktails and Cupcakes on Facebook? I would be honored if you would join me or let me know that you already are a friend.

*Love Dani Notes??? Be sure and check out her blog. I feel like she and I could be best friends. I love everything on it!!

{only open to U.S. residents}

Makeup Must-haves

To keep your face looking merry and bright this holiday season, here are a few items you may want to add to your cosmetic bag if you are not already as addicted as I am!

The Houston humidity is no match for Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Before using this, my eye makeup would be off before lunch. Now it stays on all day and well into the night.

Ulta.com is currently offering a great deal on all of Urban Decay’s Primer products. Click here to see.

I don’t know what I ever did before the TEMPU airbrush system made its way into my life. A variety of shades are offered in pods that easily hook up to the machine. It is a little pricey, but in my opinion, worth every penny. I watched several videos on YouTube before purchasing and it really is as easy to apply as it looks.

In addition to buying the foundation, you can also purchase a highlighter and blush in several different shades. I would highly recommend going into Sephora for a demonstration before buying to find out what shade you are.

I begrudgingly let the guy at the makeup counter apply Dolce and Gabbana’s liner, lipstick, and lip gloss on me in Dahlia and now I am not hooked!! It is much darker than anything I would normally wear, but is completely stunning when it is on. Glad I decided to go out on a whim and try a new color!

And let’s not forget e.l.f. makeup. Starting at $1.00 with tons of colors to choose from for all of your beauty needs, this place can’t be beat! And the best part besides the free shipping on a $25.00 and over purchase??? Eyes Lips Face can now be found at our favorite retailer -Target!!!

Thanksgiving Crafts

While these may not be edible (see previous), here are some other Turkey Day crafts that you and your kids can do together.

Turkey Centerpiece

Thankful Tree

Plymouth Rocks

Give Thanks Banner

Colorful Turkey

Framed Birth Announcements

As a baby gift for Jack, my mom’s friend Carolyn had Jack’s birth announcement framed. It was such a wonderful idea and a gift that I will forever cherish. I liked the idea so much that I went to the local framing store and had Charlie’s done too.

Jack’s is hanging in his room (you may have caught a glimpse of it in yesterday’s post). Charlie’s still does not have a place to hang, so it is propped up on the mantle against a piece of art in our bedroom. I don’t  know if I really like it there or I have just gotten use to it, but whatever it is, it works!

Jack’s announcement from Kris-10’s Creations. Charlie’s is from Odd Balls.

Jack’s Nursery

Jack and I have been spending a lot of time in his room lately. There really aren’t any toys in there, only a big comfy rocking chair and books. This boy is his father’s son - he loves books more than anything else. Charlie “reads” to him and I love to just sit back and watch the two.

Jack’s room started out as a guest room. We were in the process of building when I was pregnant with Chloe and we had the house plans finalized before we even found out if she was a boy or a girl. We have four bedrooms in our house; the master, one with its own bath, and two with a Jack and Jill bathrooms. The room with its own bath became Chloe’s room and we gave her the most girly-ish bathroom I have ever seen.  After Chloe was born we always joked that if we ever had another child, it needed to be a boy or else we were in big trouble!

Even though sweet Jack Hudson wasn’t “according to plan”, it worked out that he did fit our boy-girl-boy scheme and the guest room quickly turned into his bedroom. My mom helped me with the room and our motto was “use what you have decorating”. The walls were already painted this color and the bathroom is wall papered in brown and gold toile. It turned out great and can easily transition into a big boy room whenever the day comes. I am hoping he stays in the baby bed until at least 3!!

This is the best I could do to try and take a picture of the entire room.

Iron crib from Corsican. Bedding done by Pine Creek Bedding. I used their fabric on the bumper, silk sheet, and bed skirt. The ties match the curtains. Curtains were from Calico Corners.

Mirrors from Anthropologie, chairs were Rex’s parents and were repainted. Chest from Hey Studios.

The antique tole lamp was my grandmothers, the chest was in my mother’s living room, and the picture came from the local Wharton flea market. Who would have guessed?? It was originally  in Charlie’s nursery and has been in other locations in our house as well.

I bought this piece of furniture for my old office that is now more of a storage room. We had it painted blue, my mom and I painted the gold and a local painter did the glazing. It looks streaking in this picture, but it doesn’t look like that in person. Birds are from Decorize, Crown from Hobby Lobby, and prints from Aidan Gray.

The pictures were in the room when it was the guest room. I had this glider custom made for Chloe’s room and it took about six months to make. When I found out I was having a boy, I knew I had to use it again, but didn’t want to have it reupholstered (just in case I ever had another girl) so we had it slipcovered. They are not the best, but definitely serve their purpose.