My birthday party was a lot of fun.  Jon and I stayed out way later than we have in a while, he probably regrets that more than me.  It was a fun night of great food, drinks, company & inside jokes.

Not much has changed since I've aged a year, but I may be getting younger with my purchases.  I'm sure you'd like to know what I bought, so I'll tell you.  An inflatable remote controlled 5 foot shark.  No, I'm not kidding, take a look:

I figure with my 20+ foot ceilings it will be a nice accessory to have air-swimming around. 

This may have been one my favorite years for the Art's Festival.  Oklahoma City has done so much to that area that it would be fun just to go down there even if you have no interest in the Festival itself.  Of course I go mainly to get a turkey leg.  We parked off of Sheridan & Hudson in the parking garage across from the bus station for $5 in case you're wondering where to park down there.

Happy weekend to all & to all a good Friday.

Two-Five

The first Wednesday of 25.  Not too shabby.

I recently got my hair done and you know I love to share deals with you, especially good ones.  I went to Thomas at The Velvet Monkey Salon on NW 63rd & May.  Besides the atmosphere being eclectic which I love, he did such a good job (obviously, I'm blogging about my experience).  My mom referred him to me and she called me so ecstatic about her experience and how it was "the best haircut ever!" She loved the ambiance of The Velvet Monkey and was thrilled about her new products.  My experience was parallel to hers---no complaints here.  I had my hair trimmed (yes, trimmed...he didn't get scissor happy) & colored for $100.  My mom's haircut was $40 I believe.  If you do decide to visit The Velvet Monkey, here's their number: 405-879-1002 they are also really good about getting you in pronto.  I was kind of slacking on my hair and with my birthday here I didn't have time to wait a few weeks--Bravo, Velvet Monkey!

My birthday weekend was busy with photography, but it was a lot of fun with my best guy friend Heath as my assistant.  I still had some time to do the birthday thing with the fam.  I had a wedding to shoot all day Saturday so my parents had us over for brunch.




Jon's sweet parents got me a GRILL!! I am pumped to put it to use.  There's just something about Summer, a pool and grilling out that doesn't get any better.

  I think one of my first things to make will be kabobs.

I hope everyone is having a great week thus far and I look forward to seeing you all this weekend.

Dresser Re-do



Dresser Re-do
 

Before



I can't seem to find the how-to-tips that I used to re-do my dresser, so here's what I did.

Supplies:
*All supplies purchased at Home Depot for under $50.00
1.  Wood filler (I bought Elmer's http://www.homedepot.com/Paint-Interior-Paint-Stain-Stain-Wood-Fillers/h_d1/N-5yc1vZblfd/R-202302980/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051 )
2.  Puddy Knife (Small)
3.  Paint (flat) - I used 1 quart for my dresser and still have a lot left.  The color I used is called "Classy" by Valspar (http://www.valsparpaint.com/)
4.  Sand paper (or sander if you have one) light or medium, not hard--paint sands off easily!
5.  Satin Clear Coat
6.  Stain (if you want to stain--I opted out because I liked how it looked after sanding)
7.  Cheese cloth (if you're going to stain, or an old t-shirt works too--anything without lint)
8.  Wine (there are lots of 2-hour breaks while it dries)


How-To
1.  Remove all hardware 
*I suggest putting in a baggy because screws & knobs get lost easily.
2.  Clean the surface. (Mine wasn't too dirty so I just brushed it off with a dry rag)
3.  Fill in any unwanted gashes or imperfections in the wood with the wood filler and puddy knife (I actually used my hand for a lot of the wood filler, but if you're avoiding a mess opt for the puddy knife)
4.  Let the filler dry (I gave it 2 hours) then sand it until you have a smooth surface.  You may need to puddy again if the first round settled into the wood.  I think I puddied some areas 3 times.
5.  Sand until you no longer have a shiny surface.
6.  Make sure your surface is clean from sanding.  Once you're satisfied with the surface you can apply your paint.  The directions I read suggested to roll a layer on, let it dry, then brush a layer on and let it dry.  I chose to brush all layers. *Be sure to paint in the same direction
7.  Once you're done with the painting and it's completely dry (2 hours) sand away!  I mainly focused on edges & crevasses.
8.  At this point you can either apply your clear coat and be done or apply your stain.

If applying stain follow these next steps after:
1.  You'll need two pieces of cheese cloth (or two pieces of an old t-shirt)--Yes, there is such thing as cheese cloth in case you're wondering if I'm fibbing.
2.  One piece will be used to apply the stain, One piece will be used to wipe it off
3.  Apply the stain of your choice to the dresser and wipe off until you're pleased with how it's setting on your piece.
4.  Let the stain dry completely (I would give it 2 hours minimum)
5.  Apply your clear coat and let it dry (Another 2 hours)
6.  VOILA!

After

After

This ultimately could be done in a couple of full days with lots of time to spare.  I only had a few hours per night and no weekend time to dedicate to it so it took about 2 weeks.  Essentially I filled, painted & sanded if you want simple steps :)

Hope this helps & Good luck!

Feliz Cumpleanos.

My last Wednesday as a 24 year old, boy does it feel just like any other day.

I was finishing up my latest home project last night, a restored dresser.  Anytime I'm working on something I get all sorts of thoughts.  One of my thoughts last night was awkward things people say that will probably never stop. For example: "I have got to lose weight."  This is so awkward to hear because sure we could all afford to shed some lbs, but don't you dare agree with the person.  I've found that the most common awkward statements tend to be negative jabs at yourself.  With that being said, I'm going to take a stand to not put anyone in awkward situations ever again.  If I feel like I need to lose weight (which I do), I will simply think it and take the appropriate steps to accomplish that.  Although we all enjoy those little white lies from our friends trying to mask the truth, we know deep down inside if you see that you need to lose weight, so does everyone else.

Last week I managed to crash my computer at work, shatter my screen on my phone and....well there isn't a third yet, but I'm assuming it's following close behind the first two.  Let's hope this isn't foreshadowing my 25th year of life.

I don't have a lot of deals for anyone today, but I do have a heads up.  I put drawer liner in the dresser I've been working on (pictures soon), and let me warn you, it is not easy to perfectly match & align the liner with the drawers.  I don't even have any tips or suggestions so take it for what it's worth.

My 25th Birthday will be spent taking pictures at a wedding, but the following weekend the celebration will occur.

Enjoy the rainy day, Okies.

Good Friday Eve.

The first Thursday of the month is here and happening.  This is the day where I meet Heath at Fox and Hound, a new tradition going 3 months strong.  Why Fox and Hound?  The first Thursday of the month they have free appetizers & promos as long as you have your All Star Club card, if you don't have it they will get you one upon arrival. 


I can't indulge too much as I have to work on Good Friday.  I guess since I've been out of the religious scene for a while I shouldn't be granted the day off.  No, I'm not saying I'm not religious or no longer believe in a higher power, I'm just not actively involved with socially organized religious groups.  Ever since I went to OCU and learned more about Judaism and other religions I've really started to evaluate beliefs.  I personally don't think I'm capable of choosing a specific religion until I've learned enough about them all.  I do favor Judaism in a lot of aspects, but there are so many to explore.  I should also mention that I recently watched Religulous, a comical flick.

Back onto the subject of deals & drinks.  Jon was in Oklahoma City on Tuesday and we participated in Happy Hour at the new Lumpy's off of May.  The special for ladies was said to be $1.00 domestics, but it ended up being 92 cents.  I'm sure you don't believe me so here's my proof:


Even if you're not a lady those 5 bottled Buds for $11.55 is a pretty snazzy deal too, gents.  The new Lumpy's is definitely recommended over the old one off of NW Expressway.  It feels safer & seems like a place you're less likely to be roofied.  Besides it's within walking distance of my new residence.  R&K Cigar shop is next door to the new Lumpy's, don't knock it 'til you try it. 


Happy Friday Eve Ladies & Gents, enjoy the deals the world has to offer.

april in the house.

Well if it isn't my favorite month of the year here to pay a visit for the next 28 days.

I turn 25 in twelve days.  I am getting the feeling that this age is one that you're supposed to make a set of goals and accomplish something big.  I don't have many goals set up for the big two-five, but I did want to own a home before 30-check check.  I wish I were like Drake and could sing "25 sittin' on 25 mil" but that might have to wait until 26.  Dream big, right?

My actual birthday I'll be taking pictures at a wedding and the following weekend my parents are taking myself and some close friends to dinner and perhaps a gathering at the condo afterwards. Birthdays sure do change a lot from the days of balloons and clowns to sophisticated dinners and drinks.  Back in the day I used to determine a good birthday by the quantity of guests, now it's definitely about quality.  I think someone's birth is a big deal to celebrate. If you're not 100% sure that someone values your life then why should they be included in the celebration of your birth?  Exactly.

This past weekend included a lot of driving and a lot of on-the-go events, which made the weekend seem longer so I'm all for it.  We watched Jon's 4 year old niece play in her very first soccer game Saturday morning, it was a lot of fun and not to mention she scored TWICE. #teambelt 



I hope no one got April Fooled too bad, Jon got me and then did a celebratory dance. No lie.

Happy start to the week everyone!