Halloween Decor: Spooky Wreath

This Halloween, we aren't doing much. Our stuff is still in storage and we are preparing to move, hopefully next week! {last years projects and parties}

I did of course make a trip or two to Michael's & the dollar store for a few cheap and easy projects.

 Spooky Wreath

Wreath- $3.99- 50% = 1.99

Purple Spider Garland- $2.99

Snake- $3.00

Spider Web- $0.49

Spiders- $1 for four {dollar store}

TOTAL= $9.47 

 Pumpkin Planter

 Pumpkin- $1.00 {dollar store}

6 bunches of flowers- 50% off = $7.00 {Michael's}

Flower Foam- $1.00 {dollar store}

Rock to stabilize planter- Free from yard

TOTAL= $9.00

Halloween Headband- My mom sent this down for me. It is so cute!! I honestly don't know how much it was, but she bought it at Room With a Past. The shop is only open once a month and is a must visit if you are in the San Francisco area.

Michael's had their autumn and halloween items 50% to 60% off, so I couldn't resist a few more purchases! I am not quite sure what I am going to do with these yet, but I'm sure I'll find something.

Basket- $4.79

Leaves- $4.99

 Cinnamon scented Pinecones- $1.99

Do you have any great Halloween projects?

XOXO,

Annie

Great President...or Greatest President?

This summer I visited the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. With all the talk of presidential candidates and debates it seemed like a good time to post this. {The Republican Presidential Debate was actually held there last month}

In case you aren't a fan of Steven Colbert, I'll explain my title. It is not really meant to reflect Reagan's presidency, Colbert would often asks guests, "George W. Bush, great president... or greatest president?".  I always loved it when he would do that and then tell them they only had the two choices. I love watching the Colbert report, so funny, I miss having comedy central. {click here to watch what some of his guests said when asked}

 Me and the Reagans

Inspiration Quotes can be found throughout the museum, and boy did he have a lot of great quotes!

The museum takes you through his journey, from his childhood in Illinois, through college, from hollywood to his military duty and inevitably his road to the White House.

His Military Days- I can see why he was an actor ;)

The origin of the yellow ribbon to symbolize support for Americans overseas and their safe return.

 There are so many presidential mementos to see,

The Oval Office

Air Force One

A portrait of the first lady, Nancy Reagan

Did you know Nancy Reagan founded the "Just say no" campaign?

My favorite Reagan quotes were on his desk in the oval office.

The grounds were beautiful and there was so much to see. 

One final quote from Reagan

"Are you better off than you were four years ago?"

It was a great museum and no matter your political party or beliefs it was a page in the history of America and is an amazing an inspirational place to visit. Reagan really was "The Great Communicator"

{more quotes and speeches can be found here and also here in the book The Wit & Wisdom of Ronald Reagan}

XOXO,

Annie

Crow Thief Opening

Last night we attended the opening of my friend Melissa's handcrafted men's wear store, Crow Thief. She is an amazing designer and each of her pieces is unique. She uses beautiful quality fabric and each of her pieces is assembled right here in California. It is not very often you find clothing made in the USA anymore and I'm happy to support her and her company.

Everything about her storefront is beautiful from the clock in front to the reclaimed wood on the walls. It is a great environment reflective of the designs it holds inside.

The Store

The Designer

Each of her exquisite pieces is produced in limited quantity and numbered. She also creates custom pieces in the Custom Craftsmanship division of her company. You can call to schedule an appointment for a piece custom designed just for you.  If you don't live in the San Diego area, you're not left out, you can purchase this handcrafted menswear online- here.

The Clothes

There were drinks, appetizers and even live screen printing with a custom design. You know how I love fashion and clothing, so I was happy they had something there for me to buy as well! I have never seen a shirt screen printed before and it was really cool to see my shirt being made. Expect to see me wear it soon.

The Screen Printed Shirts

Crow Thief is located in the cute community of South Park, I haven't spent much time in the area, but that might have to change soon. It is located just southeast of Balboa Park and has some great shops and restaurants, including Alchemy, who catered the opening last night. They even have their own wine label. Their food and wine was delicious, we will be headed there soon for dinner. 

The Food and Drinks

Crow Thief is located at
3009 Grape Street
San Diego CA 92109

XOXO,

Annie

Navy Wife

I know my posts recently have been few and far between, but well I've been busy ;) Between job hunting, trying to close on our condo, my new ombudsman duties and my new addiction to Pinterest I have had no time to blog!!! 

Don't worry I have a few things in the works, we went to the Miramar Airshow a few weeks ago and once I go through the 200+ pictures I will put it together... also Knott's Scary Farms last weekend. 

With my new Ombudsman duties have made me really respect all that we military wives can and inevitably will go through. So I thought I would do a post dedicated to all of you military wives {husbands too!}. 

NAVY WIFE

She stands behind the man she loves,

A Sailor from the sea,

And waves farewell and sheds a tear,

When err he has to leave.

Each day she humbly carries on

This prayer upon her lips,

"Our Heavenly Father keep them safe,

The men who sail our ships."

She often writes and tells him of,

The things gone wrong ashore,

His oft reply "I love you dear,

But I must sail some more."

So oft she stands out on the pier,

A kiss upon her lips,

Reserved for him who holds her heart,

Her Sailor on the ship.

His final day along the rail,

"Request to go ashore,"

"I love you dear, I’m home to stay,

In ships to sail no more."

Lance Brady, 15 Aug 2000

Dedicated to his Wife, Joan

http://www.navythriller.com/tributes/navy-wife3.htm

The Silent Ranks

I wear no uniforms, no blues or greens.

But, I am in the military, in the ranks rarely seen.

I have no rank upon my shoulders. Salutes I do not give.

But in the military world is where I live and am rarely seen.

I am not in the chain of command, orders I do not give or get.

But my husband is the one who does, this I can not forget.

I am not the one who fires a weapon, Who puts his life on the line.

But my job is just as tough, I'm the one who is always left behind.

My husband is a patriot, a brave and pride filled man.

And the call to serve his country not all can understand.

Behind the lines, I see things needed to keep this country free.

My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do my kids and me.

I love the man I married. The military is his life.

So I pledge to support my hero and stand among the silent ranks known as

THE MILITARY WIFE.

The Sailor's Spouse Creed

I am in love with a United States sailor. 

I will support him in his defense of the Constitution of the United States of America. 

And I will understand that he must obey the orders of those appointed over him. 

I represent the true backbone and fighting spirit of the Navy. 

And for those who have served before me I salute you with all the strength and loyalty my heart can muster.

I proudly stand by the one I love with Honor, Courage and Commitment. 

I am committed to support my sailor and the United States Navy.

Thanks to the women and men behind those serving in our armed forces!

XOXO,

Annie

Guest Post: Easy Fixes for Blemished Furniture

Today I am super excited, I will be doing my first ever guest post for my friend Taylor over at Our Military Home. 

{click her button below to head over to her blog} 

I ♥ Taylor's blog and every monday she does Make it Monday, where she gives great DIY tips. Head over to Our Military Home and check out my guest post, Easy Fixes for Blemished Wood Furniture. 

Thanks Taylor and happy crafting everyone!

XOXO,

Annie

The Threadery

My Friend Jen, over at Rellas Bellas is doing her first ever handmade market. She makes amazing and beautiful creations, just check out her Etsy to see what I mean. {it's easy, just click the button below!}

If you're in the Southern California area October 22nd you should head over to the Threadery to support Jen and all the other handmade designers. I know there will be tons of amazing stuff, such a great opportunity to get your holiday shopping done early! 

 

NAVY WIVES UNITE

Jen is also in the process of putting together a great website to help navy wives, it will give helpful tips about duty stations. It will also be a great resource to help you navigate being a navy wife and a place to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Putting together a website is not only time consuming, but budget consuming. To learn more or to donate please visit the link below.

http://www.rellasbellas.com/p/donate-to-navy-wives-unite.html

XOXO,

Annie

Truths for Mature Humans

Source: stumbleupon.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I found this on Pinterest and I ♥ it! I am truly addicted to Pinterest and blame it for my lack of a real post today ;) Hopefully I can tear myself away and post something original!

Khaki Ball

Last weekend we attended our first of what I am sure will be many Khaki Balls. Now that my husband is Chief, we are part of a group of phenomenal service members and spouses. Every year after the Chief pinning, they have a Khaki Ball to welcome all the new chiefs as well as a chance to let you hair down a bit and party! It was a perfect evening and as my husband said many times, this was my kind of event. I got to dress up {buy a new dress!}, get my hair done, and play with my Laura Mercier makeup. There was dinner, drinks, dancing, and good friends all things I ♥!

It also came with gifts {you know how I ♥ anything free!} my husband received a wonderful plaque and in the raffle we won not only a set of Bose computer speakers, but also the grand prize, a new flat screen TV!!! Which will look amazing in our new condo, yup we are in escrow... again. If you don't follow me on twitter then you may not know, but we have been trying to buy a house for six months and have even been in escrow twice previously, but there was always a major flaw with the property. Hopefully the third time really is the charm.

♥  me and my new TV!!  ♥ 

MY OUTFIT

Adrianna Papell Dress {Nordstroms}

Necklace- vintage broach and earrings on silk {Alameda Antique Faire}

Vince Camuto peep toe pumps {I bought mine at Nordstroms, but they aren't available on-line. can find them here. } super comfy without insoles, I think that is my only pair of heels without Dr. Scholl's inserts! he is my new fav shoe designer

Congratulations to all the new Chiefs!

XOXO,

Annie