BRITISH INVASION

Have you seen Downton Abbey? It is a British period drama series and it's absolutely "Brilliant". Season 4 will be premiering January 5, 2014 and I can't wait. I've already watched seasons 1 and 2, have yet to watch season 3.

I've been inspired by the British culture so much, that I'm helping my daughter decorate her room with a British theme. We went to IKEA and she purchased this large picture featuring their underground subway and I found this picture of the Tower Bridge at Unique for only $2.12.

Just the other day I found a nightstand at Unique for $4.99 that I'm going to paint red to resemble their infamous telephone booths.

Before I started, I put down plastic to protect my floor from the paint and I removed the door pulls.

I used some left over primer from when I painted my kitchen. Using primer gives you a blank slate to work with. I used the brush to put on the first coat of primer and then the roller for the second coat. 

*wait at least 30 minutes between each coat of primer*

I bought red spray paint from Home Depot, and I took this project outside. Spray painting this nightstand was easier and quicker than using a roller or brush. It took me less than 20 minutes. I left it outside to dry for about 2 hours and also because of the fumes.

I purchased gold door pulls from Home Depot for about $1.67 each to resemble the door knob on the booth. I'm thinking about writing "TELEPHONE" on the inset of the drawer to really pass for the booth. What do you think? Too much? Taking it too far? Or just leave it as is?

Voila!

When her room finally comes together, I'll update ya'll.

SUEDE ANKLE BOOTS

Ladies, have you seen the celebrities rocking the suede ankle boots and admired them from afar? Or do you already have a pair and I'm the only one late to this trend. I was a little leary whether or not I could pull off this look.

I found these suede Adele ankle boots online from Asos, but at almost $76. I only wanna dip my toes in the shallow end; not dive into the deep end. There's got to be a cheaper option.

Well. they done messed up now cuz, I picked these up at Forever 21. They were originally priced at $37.80, reduced to $18.99 and the final sale price $9.49. Now that's up my AL-LIZ-ZI-A.

(Translation: alley.) Shout out to Lil Scrappy!

Blouse-Alfred Dunner thrifted;
Pants-Zara thrifted; Belt-Ralph Lauren

Too equestrian looking? I shoulda scaled back a little, huh? See, I told you I was leary. Imma try again with some skinny leg jeans.

PANERA BREAD

Yesterday, I had a cheeseburger on an "everything" bagel with fries for lunch. I was kinda full but I knew I would be hungry later and didn't feel like cooking. My daughter suggested we go to Panera Bread.

 I said, "Ok, but Imma just get a salad".  Well, when I got there, they had a 1/2 salad 1/2 soup combo. I decided to get the onion soup and chicken caeser salad. Look how big the salad bowl is. Oh, they done messed up now! You will find me in Panera on the regular.

Look at the cheese and croutons in that soup! It was to die for. The french baguette. What!  Soooo good.

Plus, they have free WiFi!

DIY PERSONALIZED NECKLACES

Remember the first time you saw "Sex in the City" and wanted a necklace like just Carrie's? Either you didn't have money for it or if  you're younger, your mom said no! Well, let's make our own!

Is your name uncommon or common but spelled differently? No problem. That's the beauty of DIY, we can do whatever we want. Since, my daughter's middle name is uncommon, I decided to make one for her. 

I went to Wally World a.k.a.Walmart and picked up a pack of Alphabet Beads for $3.97 and a Necklace Kit for $3.00 that includes a chain, lobster claw clasps, toggle clasps, "O" rings, crimpers and wire.

This was so easy to make. I measured (2) 7 1/2 inch chains and laid out the letters with gold ball accents.

Thread the wire through the crimper and the chain link.

Fold the wire and go back through the crimper and use your pliers to flatten the crimper. This will prevent the wire from coming out.

Clip off the excess wire and thread your beads.

Once you have done that, repeat step one, thread wire through crimper and chain link, flatten crimper and clip off excess wire.

Now just use "O" rings to attach the lobster claw clasp.

I got carried away and made one for my friend Brittney and me. Since my name is so short, I added beads in between each letter.

So for about $7.00, I made three necklaces and have the materials to make many more. I think I'll make a bracelet next.

QDOBA

Have you ever been to the Qdoba Mexican Grill? If not, you must go! I go to the one on Rt. 22 in Union, NJ.

They have the best Mexican food. It's so good, you'll wanna slap your mama! Sike, don't do that, but it is good. They make everything fresh right there. I always get the 3 cheese nachos with chicken, salsa, cheese sauce and sour cream for about $9.25 with a drink. 

The restaurants are clean and the atmosphere is nice. They have a flat screen and play lite music.

They done messed up now because they are opening up one 2 minutes away from my house!!!!!!!!!!!

*Update: I stopped in the Qdoba in Watchung, NJ and the whole staff greeted me when I walked in the door. Very friendly. I got my 3 cheese nachos to go and wasn't sure how it would set up once I got home, and to my satisfaction it was excellent. Kudos to Qdoba!!!

DIY LEATHER BIB NECKLACE

Bib necklaces are all the rage. Look at Kourtney Kardashian making a statement with this bold feather bib necklace.

I decided to make my own, not feather but leather. I had a piece of black felt from a previous project, an old leather coat that I cut the sleeves off, glue gun, ribbon and my sewing kit.

*didn't use the glue gun*

I cut off a piece of leather, sketched a bib template, pinned and cut the felt.

I measured and cut about (17) 2 inch strips of leather.

I folded each strip and sewed the first piece at the bottom and continued upwards.

 I needed another piece of leather to hide the stitching on the strips and to have a finished look.

 I placed the "C" shaped leather on top of the strips and added ribbon to each side.

Here's the final product.

Not too shabby, huh?

Rockin' my bib at work!

HOLD ON, WE'RE GOING HOME

Drake's much anticipated new CD "Nothing was the Same" dropped today.

In honor of the release, I decided to make a T-shirt showcasing his hit song "Hold On, We're Going Home. I pulled out my trusty utensils, chalked the center of the shirt and laid out the letters.

I took my time, because I didn't want the paint to bleed through under the stencil. 

If I Instagram this picture, do you think Drake will see it and "Like" it?  #fingerscrossed

I got my eyes on you

You're everything that I see

I want your hot love and emotion

Endlessly, I can't get over you

You left your mark on me

I want your hot love and emotion endlessly

Cause you're a good girl and you know it

You act so different around me

Cause you're a good girl and you know it

I know exactly who you could be

Just hold on we're going home

Just hold on we're going home

It's hard to do these things alone

Just hold on we're going home

Also, check out the track "Pound Cake" featuring Jay-Z. Hotness!