An Ode to Annie Sloan

Once upon a time, (when I was like 15), I read a greeting card that said, "You have my heart. It is for you to hold. Forever." Or something like that. Anyway, I dreamed of the day I could give that card to someone. (Romantic, I know.) Today is that day. And I give that card to... Annie Sloan. (Just so you know, it was a toss up between Annie Sloan and the color Turquoise.)

Yes, Annie Sloan. Since the day I met you a few months ago, all I can do is think about what I should paint with you. I use you until you are all used up, and then I use you some more. I can't walk into a room without picking out every. single. piece. of. furniture. that I would paint with you and I am guilty of doing this, not only in my own house, but also in the dwellings of my friends and family. Obsessed much?

You were top priority on my Christmas list. I drive 45 minutes just to look at you (that's the closest store that stocks AS paint). I turn to you multiple times a weekend just for the fun of it. And it doesn't stop here.

My husband wants you to take out a restraining order against me. He said he would file the papers... he might even chip in.

It's a sickness and the cure for the Annie Sloan obsession is... MORE Annie Sloan!

(I have some fun projects (using Annie Sloan paint) on the way to show you.)

I judged a book by its cover...

Yep. Hate me if you want to, but today I judged a book by its cover. Ok, I lied. I didn't just judge ONE book by its cover, I judged TWO! Now, before you judge me, take a look at the beautiful books...

I bought them simply because I liked the color of their covers. I know, I'm cool like that, but please make me feel better and tell me you've done something similar.

I Spray Paint in Rhythm!

Hi there! Happy Friday! This is hilarious and I can't believe I am about to type this, but I just had a realization! I totally spray paint to a rhythm!! Yup, that's right! Call me Crazy, but it might be due to the fact that we just got back from a mini trip to Nashville where the weather was like in the 70's and then here in Michigan we had a SNOW DAY this week. But today, when I saw the sun I told myself it was time to spray paint some items.

So I dragged everything outside and began to spray when all of the sudden...

"Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, lean your ear this waaaaaaay"

(Picture a smooth, even coated spray with every word.)

What??? First off, WHY am I spray painting to the beat? And Secondly, WHY does the beat have to be a CHRISTMAS song?? Are you kidding? Have I completely lost it? Please tell me you do something equally as weird. Do you spray paint to a rhythm?? In the very least, please laugh very hard at this post and then pretend like it never happened. Hehehehehe!

Have a great weekend!

Cash and Cari / Repurpose

This past weekend was a long weekend. It was great to have some time off- I got a lot of work done and was very productive. But all work and no play makes Courtney a dull girl. So, my Mom, Aunt and I took a short shopping trip over to Novi, Michigan. We were able to visit Repurpose, which is Cari Cucksey's store (from HGTV's Cash and Cari show). It was cool to see.

Our girl Cari was not there. Neither were the producers or the cameras, well, except for the security cameras, and that is NOT an appearance I will be making! HGTV, if you are reading, don't worry, I will be back and then you can ask me to host a TV show. Thanks! Hehehe.

Snowpocalypse 2011

It's a snow day here at the four-four-oh! And let me just say, cars are not the only thing to get stuck in the snow today!

Would you like to sit and stay awhile over a cup of tea?

Perhaps we could grill up some snow-kabobs?

How about a poor little doggie getting stuck in the snow?

Is it snowing where you are?

7 Things About Me

Karin over at A Window Into Whimsy, who I proudly stalk follow, tagged me in a fun blog entry. I have been challenged to write about seven things people most likely don't know about me. Since I am fairly new to the blogging community, maybe this will be a good way to formally introduce myself.

1. I am a high school Spanish teacher. I love my job, I love my co-workers, and ask me on the right day, and I will tell you that I really like love my students. I do!

2. I am learning how to sew. My Aunt is letting me use her old Kenmore machine (thanks, Sue Sue!). The first time we set it up, I thought I was being all suave because of the internet research I had done on sewing machines, I asked her how it "automatically threads the needles," imagine the hearty chuckle she gave me when she said it's old school, and doesn't do it automatically. I am still having fun learning and sometimes the older machines just do it better!

Here is a picture of Tulah helping me sew:

3. I am a dancer at heart. I danced ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and modern since the age of 4, up through college. I also taught dance for quite a few years throughout high school, college and even after. I spent so much time with my dance teacher, she was like a third grandmother to me. I don't take dance lessons anymore, but I still love to bust a move whenever I get the chance and for no reason at all! PS: Zumba is a fun way to dance exercise!

4. I cannot explain things in a concise way. Point made: I could have simply wrote that I am "long-winded," but I decided to phrase things differently. This is something I am aware of, and working on. I am sure it drives my students and husband crazy, but oh well! :o)

5. I want to learn how to work power tools. Then I want to own a set of power tools, my OWN set of power tools, preferably in the color purple, because that would be cool. I am woman, hear me (circular) saw!

6. I had seven, yes SEVEN friends stand up for me in my wedding. Some people think it's ridiculous, but I couldn't help it. In fact, there is a group of 6 of us who email each other on an almost daily basis. It is easier and cheaper than talking on the phone and we all span the U.S. continent from California (hi Jamie!) to Nashville (hi Liz, Carmen and Sara!) to New York City (hi Anne!). We have been emailing like this for almost 10 years!

7. My favorite people to craft with are my Mom, my Aunt, my cousin (best friend/matron of honor) Andi, my grandma Toto, and my little doggie Tulah. We have a blast no matter what we do.

Hopefully you learned a little something about me, and now I think I am supposed to tag someone else next. Since I can't stalk tag Karin back, I would really like to get to know Kim at NewlyWoodwards! I like her blog.