Lovin' the Texans!

As most of you know, Derek works for the Houston Texans. I've been pretty fortunate to do some really neat things thanks to his job. Lets just say there are a few perks that come along with it! The last home game, we were able to take part in the sideline experience. We had an amazing breakfast and then got to watch the Texans practice before the game. Those guys look so huge from our seats, but up close, they are massive! We had such a fun time!

Sideline Experience

My fave: Andre Johnson

Jacobie Jones

Coach Kubiak

Kevin Walter

Matt Turk

GO TEXANS!!!!

Happy Halloween!

I just cannot believe it is Halloween! Thanksgiving is right around the corner and then CHRISTMAS! This is one of my favorite times of year. AND my first time to have a Halloween party. My friend Kortney's birthday was about a week ago, so we made it a Halloween/Birthday party. I have the best time going to different blogs for party planning inspiration and ideas. Something I just love...white pumpkins! The past two years I've had white pumpkins in my yard. I found these pictures of some painted pumpkins and decided I could do it.

My painted pumpkins

The table

I am not too crazy about the huge blow up Halloween yard decor (no offense if that's your "thing"). I copied these little ghosts from a house in my mom's neighborhood. I simply used felt, ribbon, a dowl rod and a styrofoam circle. Super easy and super cute!

Here is the kitchen table. I went a little overboard with the tulle. It just felt so Halloweeny to me! I just loved this Halloween garland! So cute and easy easy! All you need is ribbon and/or fabric. I just may have to make one for Christmas!

Here is mine Close up

I needed a little something for the entry way and saw this precious idea...pumpkin lanterns! I simply bought the glass containers from Hobby Lobby, used Modge Podge (in matte) to "glue" the tissue paper on. Then I added the tulle bows at the end. Don't forget to add the lights!

I hung bats from the ceiling in the entry way as well. I just found a template I liked, copied it onto black cardstock and hung them with ribbon from the ceiling. (Lovely how you can see the tape!)

I love banners! I just think they are so fun. I found a font I liked on the computer. Traced the letters onto different types of black and white scrapbook paper and hung with ribbon. Oh, AND I added two little bats on both ends.

Coming up with a Halloween costume is always hard for me. I'm 28 years old. Dressing up as a sexy anything just isn't my cup of tea. Alli and I thought it'd be funny to dress as ourselves circa 1992(ish). Let me just say that my sister and I always had matching OR coordinating outfits, and ALWAYS had big, beautiful bows. The bigger the better! Alli had to wear and eye patch and corrective shoes. Unfortunately, we didn't come up with an eye patch, but she was able to find some shoes that resembled the ones she had to wear when she was little. Here is the finished product:

Alli and Ashlee circa 1992

My besties

Cruella Deville My Jessy Marie

Kim and Justin Bieber (with Khloe's wig)

Jaime Lou

Alli, Kortney, Cruella and me

Katie and Phil

One of my favorite Baylor Bears

Katie and I

Kim and Khloe

The birthday girl: Kortney Kardashian

Me and my Lumberjack

I hope you all have a Happy Halloween!

eat: black bean quesadillas

This is one of my favorite week night meals. I got this recipe from my precious friend, Jessica. Jess and I have been friends since we were 12. We have had LOTS of great times. Some of my fondest memories, are those we had right after college. We were both single and living by ourselves. Shopping, eating and going out were just a few of our favorite things to do together. We also liked to try different recipes...and attempt to cook. Some things turned out great! Well, this is one of those yummy recipes I stole from my dear friend. It is super easy and just delicious!

Mexico 2007

Ingredients 2 cans of 15 oz black beans (I prefer fat free) 1 tbsp olive oil 1/2 c cilantro chopped 2 c roma tomatoes 1 1/2 tsp garlic jalapenos chopped (if you like the kick) grated Mexican cheese flour tortillas Directions 1. Heat up the olive oil. Add the garlic and roast for 30 seconds. Add beans, tomatoes, cilantro and jalapenos. Cook for five minutes. 2. Put the oven on broil. Spray the bottom of the tortilla lightly with Pam. Put cheese on tortilla, then add black bean mixture, and then more cheese. Top with second tortilla and make sure to spray the top of the tortilla with Pam. 3. Put in oven. When the tortilla starts to look brown and toasty, flip. Enjoy!