Chasing Trucks... and other things

This week I am spending my time in places that look like this...

...with pools and fun colors that look like this...

...and have names like this... (I am living the dream.)

...and palm trees... oh the palm trees!

And I'm sitting on porches that look like this...

...and getting off the porch to chase trucks that look like this...

...and I'm spending most of my time here...

...with friends that look like this...

...this week is great! I hope you're having a great one too!

Best Holiday Decorations. Ever.

Two questions for you. One: Have you ever been to the Opryland Hotel in Nashville? And, Two: Have you ever been there at Christmas time?? Holy decorations!! Their decorations are so spectacular, they must make Martha Stewart look like a Scrooge!

The hubster had some business to do there right after Christmas, so I *had* to go with him (and by "had" I mean "jumped at the chance"). Nashville is so fun and I couldn't wait to get junkin/antiquing.

Now, look at the next picture and answer me this... Can you imagine how long it takes to put up over 2 million lights and decorations?? And I thought decorating my house was bad...

That's a lot of lights!

Everyone appears to be out looking at the light show...

...and listening to the charming Christmas music.

Watch out for the little lambs, I hear they bite!

But really, no disrespect intended. The GINORMOUS nativity scene truly is awe-inspiring.

And that's only the outside! Don't even get me started on the inside. If you are lucky enough to find your way around, you will find 3 atriums full of indoor decorated gardens.

Giant Christmas tress and wreaths hang overhead.

One of the lobbies even had a giant poinsettia tree... meow!

Cascading lights.

Magical hot air balloons.

Toys taking flight.

After my experience here, I thought I might like to live in such a grand place! On second thought, who am I kidding? Something about having to clean 2,881 rooms does not appeal to me. I'll settle for a vacation there anytime though.

Sea Shell Plaster Mold

Hey everyone! I am back from Spring Break in South Carolina. The weather was great and we were even able to fit in a fun craft thanks to my Aunt's brilliant idea. This would be a great craft to do with the kids on the beach. It's easy and fast and so much fun!

Start with a shell of your choice and push it into the sand face down.

Use an old frame to also push into the sand.

Carefully remove both pieces.

Fill the hole with Plaster of Paris.

Continue to fill it all in.

This is what it will look like.

Let it dry in the sun while you go swimming.

An hour or so later, gently pull it out of the sand and rinse it in the water. And now you have a mold of your favorite shell to remember your favorite vacation.

I will be linking to these parties!

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.

Spring Break Destination

Hey all! I haven't forgotten about you (or crafting)!! Remember awhile back when I asked y'all for input on where to go for Spring Break? Well, I am on vacation to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina!! So far, I am loving it!!

I hope you all have a great week and I will be back next week when life is back to normal.

Coming to a City Near You?

Spring time is quickly approaching, and do you know what that means?? Two words. Spring. Break! I am not going to sit here and brag tell you that I am going somewhere warm and tropical, but really, I need WANT to go somewhere warm and tropical. Actually, I just want to go SOMEWHERE.

That's where you come in to rescue me wonderful blogging world! Any suggestions on a trip for my mom and I to take? Here are the details:

• We live in West Michigan.
• We both work in schools, so we have the same Spring Break, which will be at the beginning of April.
• We will not be traveling internationally.
• We are looking for a fun, inspiring place that is not too expensive.
• We prefer to drive, but we're open to flying.
• We like to craft, shop and go to the beach. (Ahh the life!)

Does anybody have any suggestions? If we don't go somewhere, we will end up spending EVERY day at Michael's, JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby (where the clerks already know us by name). There is nothing wrong with this, but are there any craft-inspiring places that we aren't thinking of? And if not inspiring, then, warm, sunny places that we would like?? Please share your thoughts, ideas and information. My buoyant teacher attitude (that needs recharging) thanks you in advance.