monday musings: i heart pioneer woman

Wow, this week has been straight up crazy-town... so sorry I have neglected my precious 8 followers!  I'm gonna cut to the chase and update you on my Monday Musings, Tuesday Tunes, and Friday Fun all in one day!  So here goes!

I had the opportunity to attend the Pioneer Woman's book-signing event last Monday w/ my performance manager.  Seriously, I think I have the coolest manager - she is like Martha Stewart part 2.  Her cookies and cupcakes are always to die for.  I love that I have found someone else in my accounting world who loves cooking, baking, and crafting as much as I do.  Check out the yarn wreath she made...incredible!  Way to step out of the box GT and make some killer flowers!  Can't wait to make another wreath soon!

Please tell me you have heard of the fabulous Ree Drummond

{the gorgeous soul behind the Pioneer Woman} 

I have loved her blog for such a long time.  She is so genuine in her writing approach and inspires me to keep blogging and let my voice be heard.  Her food is amazing and her story is even more impressive.  I'm reading her newest book 'Black Heels to Tractor Wheels' and it's such a good read.  Check her out and I guarantee you will fall in love with her photography, recipes, and overall spirit!   

catch-up

No blog posts in the past month since I have been on the road for work.  I've got a little bit of a reprieve this week and am so grateful the holidays are among us!  I haven't had a lot of time for crafting on the weekends, but I was able to finish this beauty late last night while watching repeats of old CSI episodes.  I probably should have been writing a report for work, but a girl has to get creative sometimes...and I am pretty sure my manager would rather me not get too creative in my reports :)

What do you think?  I'm working on 2 more for the french doors on the study.  By the time I finish them, though, my fall wreaths will not be necessary because Christmas will be here!  I saw the inspiration for these wreaths on my favorite craft blog.  She spotlights different crafts and I was thrilled to see this tutorial.  I might just make one for every holiday - super cute and easy on the wallet {I know the Mr. appreciates that!}

Last Friday night, the Mr. and I got to see my bff {she just doesn't know it yet} perform at House of Blues.  She overdelivered an incredible show.  I was in such need to hear some REAL music with depth and be reminded of how much more there is to life.  The best part about her show is that she doesn't make plugs for herself (sure there is a merch table) but pleads for the crowd to do something to make this world better for those who have less.  For her 27th birthday, she is trying to raise $50K for clean water wells in Africa.  How many people do you know that choose to refuse all gifts and ask for support for those who can't help themselves?  How refreshing!  I love the message and I love the power that clean water provides.  It brings hope to those who have no hope.  The Mr. and I have joined the water crusade - and it is amazing to see how many people are supporting this vision today.  I read a lot of blogs to get craft or recipe ideas, to catch up with friends, or to just escape.  I love seeing this movement on other people's minds and in their words and using their blogs to promote a better world.  Watermark also supports clean water dwelling and I hope you will consider the impact of clean water on your life... and give thanks especially during this season.   

To continue with the water theme... I'll leave you with Brooke! 

Next up - a week full of posts for thanksgiving!

boo & brooke

We all know I love spray paint.  And I love chalkboards.  So I have taken my love to a new level with chalkboard spraypaint {THIS might be the best invention ever!}...

...and painted some pumpkins!

I've been busy trying to decorate on a budget and start getting some great ideas for the upcoming holidays.  I've also been dabbling a bit in the wreath-making world {in the event this career gig as internal auditor just doesn't pan out}.  I'm pretty proud of my cheap-chic creations and I'm sure Dollar Tree has enjoyed my random $5 purchases.

{front door wreath}

Now my inspirations for the next project came from this blog.  Her work was featured on TT&J {best craft blog out there}.  While I can't claim the initial idea, I am digging the double feature on the french doors...makes for a spooky entrance.  

I am so ready for Halloween!

And... let me just say I have been listening to this album ALL day long the past 2 days... and can't get enough.

Brooke has blown me away once again.  Her tunes have been on repeat all day long the past few days and I can't get enough.  Flags is different from her prior work - I love the fun songs but she still manages to challenge the soul and sing truth.  Flags is my favorite track and a wonderful follow-up to Albertine.

Listen to both... and listen to Brooke's story {WOW}.  She is the voice for those who cannot speak.  She has seen the horrors of Rwanda and has been forever changed.  She refuses to keep her life change quiet.  She has boldly challenged us to identify our own 'Albertine' and to fight for those who cannot stand for themselves. I'll leave you with some words from Flags and let this truth wash over you.

You who mourn will be comforted

You who hunger will hunger no more

All the last shall be first

Of this I am sure

You who weep now will laugh again

All you lonely be lonely no more

Yes, the last will be first

Of this I'm sure