Meet Millie

Hi there! This last weekend was one of the best weekends in a long time. I not only got to spend all day Saturday with a great friend and share an enormous amount of time laughing, dancing and being silly while doing her countertop project BUT I also got to bring home something, a new addition to our family.

This is Millie, my very own horse! I have been wanting a horse for years and The Hubs surprised me with a visit to Idaho to look at one. The next day, he bought her for me. Isn't he the best; I'm still floating on Cloud 9! Here are a few more pictures; she is incredibly sweet and gentle.

It's funny (not to be gross here), the minute we got her home she smelled Shrek (The Hub's massive 16+ hand, roping horse) and instantly she started her special lady time. I mean come on, no way is she in heat but yes she was. She thought Shrek was a fine specimen of a man and wanted him to be her boyfriend. It's funny how they interacted the first 10 minutes of her arrival; I wish I had captured it on video.

I took her out for a spin Sunday, literally...we did do some spins, nothing scary just trying to show her who is boss. The Hubs is more comfortable around horses then I but he says it just takes time and practice. I had a great time riding her (in our pasture-too chicken to take her on the trails) and just getting acquainted with one another. I didn't bring the camera or my phone in case they ended up broke so next time I will be sure to ask The Hubs to take a few pics of me riding Millie.

The previous owner said that her favorite treat are the peppermint candies like these. 

                                         

Crazy, huh?!?! I never would have thought a horse would like something like this. I've always known horses to like apples or carrots (aside from their grass diet) but never candy. Right after the previous owner said this I learned something new about Shrek his treat is Pringles; he will go bananas for Pringles. Animals are  funny and unpredictable but I believe they are key to unlocking a bit of happiness in each of us.

Traveling Blog: Kate's counter tops with Giani

I'm taking the blog on the road, folks! Well not really, just my camera and my useful hands but you get the idea. We are heading to my dear friend Kate's house; she is so amazing people! When she wants something done she does it herself, no waiting around for a professional to bail her out. This project was no different.

Kate has been remodeling her kitchen, one project at a time, for a few months now and today's focus is the counter tops. They desperately needed a face lift and she found this product and has been drooling over it for some time now. She took the plunge and found a local place that sells this product and they even had her right color (Sicilian Sand). *Disclaimer, neither Kate or I are being paid by Giani to use this product or promote it; we simply found it was awesome on our own.

Here are a few shots of what her counters looked like before.

As you can see they were in need of a makeover. They are outdated and the gold flecks clashed with the rest of her upgrades.

First step in this process is to apply the primer, which is black, and cover the surface you are working with. Kate said after it dried it was smooth like butter. The priming stage takes a full 24 hours to dry before you can start the other steps.

                            

                            

Kate taped off the places the primer would get on the molding or walls but she didn't worry about the backsplash (same countertop material) because she has another plan for it that involves this (imagine in white though).

The next step was for us to practice on the paper they gave us. This was just to make sure that we had enough confidence to tackle the actual counter top. We cut the sponge in half; one half for the brown paint and one half for the white. Then you must wet the sponge and ring it out so that it is just damp.

                            

                            

You apply it in an up/down motion. You don't want to wipe it or smear it. It's like stamping cardstock.

The practice run went well and we were stoked to start the actual project.

First we grabbed several paper plates, then we poured the first brown (darker hue) onto the plate and dipped the sponge in. This project is a one person project so I just took pictures and held the "blotting" plate so that it was close. Once you dip the sponge and then blot it you can apply to the primed surface.

There is no wrong or right way to apply this as long as you are "stamping" it on. You can put as much or as little of each color you want to get the result you desire. You repeat the same steps with the next color, light brown.

It doesn't matter if the browns mingle a bit; you can use the same plate.

Kate has her sink out because she is replacing this

with this...

(only $75.00 total, including faucet on Craigslist)

Now back to the project; then you apply the white paint. This step we used a fresh sponge, a new paper plate for both the paint and the blotting.

They are starting to look A-mazing! Once you apply all the color you want, even after you apply the steps you can take a step back and dab more of any paint color on spots you think need it, then you must let it dry 4 hours before applying the first coat of sealer on it. Then another 4 hours (I believe for the second coat of sealer). Then 72 hours before you can put the appliances on the counters again and 14 days before you can wipe with soap (you can use warm water just not soap or chemicals).

I wasn't available for the sealing steps but applying the paint to make the counters look like granite only took us 1 hour folks and again it was only a one person job. We even had to take small breaks to dance (because we were so happy it was looking incredible) and to chase our little helper who thought something was on the other side of the fence (there wasn't).

This project turned out so incredibly great and we were super elated.

Before:

After:

I can't wait to see this once the backsplash is installed and the sink is in!!! I had a blasty blast being the "blotter girl" and the camera crew! Thanks Kate!

***Updated 5/10/10; here are some more after shots. It's totally gorg!! Kate decided to save the couple hundred to install tin and just paint her backsplash-love it!**

Off to the Races

Lately horses have been on my mind; maybe its because we live in the country, maybe it's because I desperately want to tag along with The Hubs when he goes riding or it could be that we are finally at a point where we can buy me a horse and tonight we are looking at one. Whichever the reason, it got me thinking about the Kentucky Derby. I have always dreamed of attending the Kentucky Derby (it's tomorrow folks, tune in) and wearing a fancy, flouncy, ginormous hat but haven't made that dream a reality yet.

If you, like me, have always wanted to attend this prestigous race but haven't (or maybe you have-lucky duck!) you can still throw yourself, and your friends, a fabulous soiree geared toward this race. First things first though, get yourself an incredibly, beautifully BIG hat like this one.

Me personally, I like how the brim is wide and flops over in front of one eye (and it doesn't hurt that it is in pink!); Gorg! Next is a beautiful dress or dapper suit for you fella's; definitely needs to be fitting for spring. It looks so fresh and bright. Love it!

Now onto the menu, you can't have a Derby party without a Mint Julep. I personally do not care for them but if I secretly make me a mojito (what it still has mint in it-ha!) and put it in a non clear glass who would be able to tell?!?!

Recipe:

• 8 mint leaves
• 1 Tbsp of sugar
• 2 ounces of bourbon
• splash of simple syrup; cooled completely (1 cup water/1 cup sugar brought to a boil until sugar is dissolved)
• crushed ice
• sprig of mint for garnish

Put mint leaves and sugar in the bottom of a tall glass and with a wooden spoon (or I find the handle works well too) crush the ingredients. Fill the glass with the crushed ice and pour in the bourbon; top it off with the splash of simple syrup. With your spoon, stir the cocktail and garnish with the sprig of mint.

No one can have a party without some amazing food. In keeping with tradition, here are some past time favorites. 

Grits (who better than the Southern Queen herself, Paula Deen, to turn to for grits)

Burgoo

Derby Pie (I have had this and it is phenomenal)

It's a bit too late to host a party on such short notice this year but maybe I will be able to make this happen next year. If you have ever had a Derby party or known of someone that has I would love to hear all the amazing details and see some pics. Happy Friday everyone!