Future Spartans (and winner annouced!)

A visit to Michigan State will always bring back treasured memories.  From my days in the dorms, sorority life, meeting Billy and of course football.  

We had such a great time tailgating with the kids last year that we attempted it again this past weekend.  It was all I could talk last week, completely excited for our little day trip.  I watch most of the games on tv, but it's not like I'm this die hard fan who plans their life around the Spartan's schedule (However, I will admit to screaming at the tv).  It's because I called this place home for four years, and I'd be lying if I don't have this little dream of our children getting experience what we did.  

So, the sales pitch is starting early.  College part two, right?

  We could not have asked for a better day or better kids.  Look at him, born to tailgate.

We were able to catch up with friends without chasing them around and just relax, which doesn't always happen.

While MSU may have the scale tipped in its favor, we will gladly support any decision.  

At the very least, we'll take them as lifelong fans.

AND THE WINNER IS.....

using random.org

****Congrats Megan!  You apparently have good luck with my giveaways****

Have a great weekend everyone and go green!

XOXO

Aubrey

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie...(DIY nightstand)

I posted about the lamp I found for Lauren's room a few weeks back and it got me thinking about what I could do to her nightstand.  There is a matching nightstand that I was going to paint white and use in William's room, but decided the unused one needed to be as bold as the lamp.

What do you think?  Bold enough?

I think it's perfect for my packed full of personality preschooler:)

 Here was the before.  I actually bought the set for $25 off Craigslist 5 years ago and painted them black.  I'm thrilled they are being repurposed again. 

 Unfortunately, I'm not as skilled as Billy is with a can of spray paint.

He lightly sanded everything and was good to go.

We've had good luck with this brand and the best luck when the humidity is low.  Sticky air means bubbles.

Ladies and gentlemen, please don't be fooled by Billy's charm and good looks.  He isn't always so willing to help when my wheels start spinning.  Projects usually involve beers, and not because they are difficult but because he has you-know-who critiquing and questioning him at every step.  And a post-project nap?  Let's be honest, spray painting doesn't take a lot out of you...but I go along with it because I'll need his expertise again soon.

My favorite part are the glass knobs that I had picked up at Home Goods months ago.  They complete the nightstand and dress it up.

Mrs. Mouse got her cookie and glass of milk and Mr. Mouse is praying she stays on task on completes one project at a time!

Sharing with:

Home Stories A 2 Z


XOXO

Aubrey

Friday Find

We started our weekend a little early with some family time on Friday afternoon. The weather turned just cool enough for a trip to the cider mill.

What seemed like the perfect idea to me was a complete fail.  Cider was spilled, chasing William, and one especially crabby sister.  It was more like a trip to McDonald's drive thru...in and out.  Maybe too much stimulation after a big first week of school.

But dad took time off work so I was determined for redemption, so we stopped at The Berkley Farm Stand on our way home.  I had heard about it from a few friends and after driving by a few times, I had to check it out.

Farmer's Markets are everywhere, but this little stand isn't to be missed.

It's decorated in the cutest way, as if it were ripped right out of a magazine! The owner even had pages from Martha Stewart or BHG displayed throughout with fall decorating ideas.

And talk about kid friendly...a table with puzzles and coloring, kiddie tractors to ride, story time everyday, and animal visits on the weekends (lambs this coming Saturday and Sunday)!  

We picked up some beets to roast, ghords for decorating, and some sort of squash called "sweet dumpling" that I can't wait to try! 

As you can see I've said goodbye to summer, the temperature just needs to drop a little bit more and I'm heading to Starbucks for my first Pumpkin Spiced Latte:)

Most importantly, did the kids (i.e Lauren) redeem themselves?  No.

It was early night:)

XOXO

Aubrey

************Don't forget the Stella & Dot giveaway*************

***********You MUST leave a comment for your entry to count***********

First Day.

With school starting we felt it was important to talk to Lauren about being a student, being herself, and being a friend.  And before you think "it's JUST preschool," hear me out.  They're listening and absorbing everything.  Sponges.

You may think certain things don't make a difference, but they do.  If we make it a big deal, they think it's a big deal.  And school will always be a big deal in our house.

My mom always put us in something special on the first day of school and took our pictures on the front porch.  

I'm following suit.  Lauren picked out this special dress weeks ago, but added the final touches that morning.  Sissy rarely leaves home without a belt...sound like anyone else?

We did a few little things to build up the day, but I can't get over how much she has absorbed about how to be in school.  Work hard, be you, and accept everyone.  Out of nowhere she has been talking to us about "being Lauren and nobody else."

We were just a few doors down from her old classroom and saw lots of familiar faces, so the drop off for Lauren was a breeze.  Me, well that was a surprise.  As soon as we walked into the room and I saw her name above the hook where she was to hang her backpack my eyes welled right up.  Bittersweet always gets me. 

I stayed for awhile, wait, the parents were asked to stay to ease the transition.  Maybe more so for us, then them!  Lauren got to explore the room...touching everything she could!

And pick up...this will never get old!

We ended the night with a back to school sweet treat, apple cupcakes.

A new tradition I hope my kids will look forward to, eventually role their eyes at, and hopefully carry on themselves one day.

XOXO

Aubrey

Stella and Dot Party (and a giveaway)!!

I had the pleasure of hosting a Stella and Dot party on Friday night.  Who doesn't love a little shopping, wine, and friends?  A great way to start the weekend!

 

I wanted to keep the decor to a minimum, since the jewelry was the real centerpiece.  Adding a few inexpensive things for a little personal touch.

The chevron runner is just wrapping paper from Target and I paired that with navy plates and napkins.  White mums were cut short to create a simple flower arrangement, and I created stands using wine corks for the appetizer labels.

The night had a great mix of ladies, complete with our own accessorizing guru, Jocelyn!  She will have to tell me all the ways I can wear my favorite item, the Olivia Bib Necklace.

It was such a fun evening, but wouldn't have been a success without my amazing stylist, Kathleen!  From the planning process to the follow up, she couldn't have been more helpful!  She wasn't pushy either, offering advice or assistance as if you were shopping with one of your friends.

There were so many cute pieces.  You could load up your arm with so many bangles to choose from or go simple with some of the delicate necklaces.

And since Kathleen is sooooo nice, she is offering a little giveaway to my readers!

The Felicity Hoops could be yours!

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

Here is how you can enter:

(Leave a comment below for each one) 

*Visit Kathleen's Stella and Dot page and tell me what your favorite piece is

*Like Kathleen's stylist page on Facebook 

*Become a follower of The Crawford Clan

*Order online from my trunk show (will count as 2 entries)

One person could have up to 5 entries, but you need to comment below to enter.

The winner will be announced next Friday, September 21st!

Thank you, Kathleen for generously donating the earrings and becoming our first sponsor!

XOXO

Aubrey

It's A Wrap.

I said I was going to post one last time about summer and instead of writing about how I snuck in a summer concert and fair all in one, I decided I'd rather show the entire summer one last time.  Somewhere between the must do's and want to-do's, I got sidetracked with an it's fun to-do.  

Living in Michigan summer is always a little bit sweeter, making us want to cram as much in as we can in three short months.  Enjoy the recap!

XOXO

Aubrey

William's Room: DIY Quote on Canvas

I found this idea on pinterest a few weeks ago and thought we could do something similar in William's room.  Find a quote, glue, paint and voila!

This blogger used old magazines, newspaper, or pages from books.  I wanted something that would have a little more meaning.  The Dr. Suess book Oh, The Places You'll Go! , has been a family favorite!

This book was given to me by a dear friend when I graduated from high school.  I've kept it ever since and read it to both Lauren and William while pregnant and ever since. 

Billy and I picked a few favorite pages and had color copies made.

The supplies needed are a canvas size of your choice, acrylic paint, brush, glue, vinyl letters, and mod podge for a finished look.

As much as I love the title, this quote is one of my favorites.  I laid the paper out and used hot glue (though elmers would have worked too).  Then I placed the vinyl letters in place and painted away, painting over the letters too.

After the paint dried, I removed the letters.  They pulled away easily and then applied two coats of mod podge, though I think I might add one more to give it more shine.

Like most of my projects, it was pretty painless.  

For less than $20 we've got an original piece of art.

Sharing With:

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Home Stories A to Z

Thirfty Decor Chick

XOXO

Aubrey