just what I don't need.

Another freaking show to watch. Ugh.

While sitting at home last night, I happened upon this new show on ABC Family, Pretty Little Liars. The show is based on a book series by Sara Shepard.

Think forbidden student-teacher relationship, dysfunctional families and a dead best friend who may or may not really be dead.

And, before you tell me that I'm way too old to be watching a show about high schoolers, let me tell you that it's really good. And, honestly, I already feel too old to be watching a show about high schoolers.

Anyway, here's a little clip to whet your appetite, and if that doesn't do it, maybe you can sit at home on a Wednesday night and watch 3 episodes online, like I definitely didn't do last night.

i need more hours in the day.

I have so many fun post ideas {edit: fun to me...}, but haven't had the time to put any of them together.

I promise, I'm not gone, but, once again, the blog is taking a little backseat.

In the meantime, here's a visual snack of something  I've been working on.

What does it look like that's a picture of?

Texadelphia is opening a new location in Bricktown and we've been asked to do some of their design work. Very cool and very time consuming!

I'll be back as soon as I can!

happy birthday.

Happy 28th birthday to J.

We're headed to Arlington for a couple of Rangers' {Ranger's?} games. Catch ya on the flip side.

say whaaaat?

The other day I was signed in to Twitter and saw this tweet from Heidi Montag:

I wasn't aware that Christian Louboutin made hiking boots with his signature red soles.

Nature girl, my butt!

HMT: on to tha next one.

That's right, I'm training again.

If you're new here you may not know that earlier this year I ran my first ever half-marathon. I had a great time, and even after I finished the race and my legs were aching I knew I wanted to run another half. I've been terrible about running since the end of March. But, I've resolved to start training again.

So, last week I started my 12 week training. And, although I have several more weeks than 12 before the half that I want to run, my plan is to jump right in and if I need a little cushion here and there, I have it. And maybe I can talk another novice runner into training with me?? Anyone? Bueller?

What race am I running, you ask?

This one. It's in Tulsa on November 21. Nice and cool running weather, just the way it should be. I haven't signed up ... but that's definitely on my to-do list!

I'm hoping my friend Libby will run it with me. She's having knee issues, but I have a little something up my sleeve to help alleviate her pain. And, no it's not a cortisone shot.

Anyway, so my first week back to training went pretty well. My only issue is that I know I can run 3, 4, 5, 13 miles, but it's getting back on the horse, so the speak, that's difficult. I have to recondition my body to get my runs in. And, let me tell ya, the heat {specifically 94 with a heat index of 108} is not helping.

So, back to the HMT updates, and if anyone wants to join in on the fun, there's only 18 weeks until the big race!

eye of the tiger.

Ya know, animal print is one of those mainstays. No matter what's going on in the world of fashion or interior design, a little pop of animal print will always be ok. Now, remember, too much animal print is just plain too much, but a little here or there can be a good thing. I consider it a neutral like black or brown or navy or gray.

Here are some of my favorite animal prints.

The Safari Chair from Home Decorators {an affiliate with Home Depot} $219

A hand-tufted "Gammin" rug from Overstock.

{I guess I really like Zebra print...}

Tory Burch Leopard Revas {have them, love them!}

Snake Print Revas {Is snake skin/print even in the animal print family?}

Lucite tray from iomoi. $100 - $995 and they come in many different patterns, not just animal prints {mom, dad, brothers, J? I want one!}

What do you guys think of animal print? Do you have any in your house?

what i want.

I'm one of those people who is always making lists -- things I need to do, things we need from the grocery store, walgreens, etc., and of course, things I want.

So, here are three of the thing on my want list, in no particular order:

With two shedding machines pugs, we should be are constantly vacuuming the hair that they shed. Imagine how much more fun it would be with a Dyson!

The J. Crew Minnie pants. I've been wanting some black skinny ankle-length pants. I really think you can dress these up or down.

The Le Creuset Dutch Oven is not only gorgeous {and comes in many different colors} but it's nice and big and is oven-safe! I'll take one in every color, please.

What's on your want list?

the end.

The Hills aired its final episode on Tuesday, and I think it was a little stupid. Like I said before, I've watched the show from the beginning but I'm not really sad to see it go. Sorry.

Anyway, I saw this on someone else's blog, and had to share it with you guys.

Joel McHale at his best:

auntie em and unkie john.

We had the best time in Denver with my brother, sister-in-law and niece and nephew. It's been awhile since we'd spent a lot of time with a toddler and a 4 year old, but wow, by the time we got back to Oklahoma, we were exhausted! Kudos to B & T for putting up with those two, because they are nonstop! But I can safely say, we loved every minute of it.

On Saturday we loaded up the car {4 adults and two carseats...} and headed to downtown Denver. We had breakfast at Sam's 3 and then after hearing requests for it all through the meal, we walked toward the mall area and rode a MallRide bus. We even made it to Hard Rock Cafe so J could get a Denver guitar pin to add to his {dorky} collection. After that we went to the historic and gorgeous Brown Palace. That hotel is out of a different era. It's so retro and classic. I'd love to stay there sometime.

After our downtown adventure we loaded back into the car {again, 4 adults and two carseats} and headed back south to B&Ts house. When we got back, we played with the kids some and then it was naptime! Ha...now I realize why every parent loves naptime so much. The quiet was welcome!

After nap, we went to the neighborhood park/pool where one of our nephew's friends was having a birthday party. The rain came and went and by the time we made it, we skipped the pool and played on the swings and ran around on the playground equipment. Hannah stayed on the swings 98% of the time we were there and she insisted that J push her on the swing. She wouldn't have it any other way.

We had dinner at B&Ts that night {kabobs, mac&cheese and artichokes} and then we just hung out and played with the kids. 

I know both J and I had a great time. I really wish that they all lived closer so we could see them way more often. But, I guess, for now, we'll have to really enjoy the times that we get to spend with them and make a better effort of going out to Denver to see them {and them coming to see us!}. 

But, honestly, they need to move closer. 

this weekend.

J and I are catching a plane to Denver to see my brother, sister in law and these two crazies. I can't wait!

What are you guys up to?

i'm really just trying to save you money in the long run.

So, J and I have this agreement: If one thing happens, I get a pair of Christian Louboutins, if the other thing happens, he gets a gun {ugh!}.

But, I've been thinking. We own our own business, and I don't dress up for work. Sure, I'd get a classic black or nude pump, but really, who wears 5" heels on a daily basis {more like, who wears 5" heels on a daily basis that isn't a Kardashian}? The only time I'd really have a place to wear CLs would be at a wedding or other special event. And, really, I would love a pair, but I wouldn't get much wear out of them.

So, I've proposed a change to our agreement:

If one thing happens, I get a Louis Vuitton Speedy {it's so classic!}, and if the other thing happens, he gets a gun {ugh!}.

The CLs and the LV are both around the same price, which means, I'm not asking for anything more expensive, just something I feel like I'll get more use out of for the money. Plus, like I said before, it's classic!

What do you think? Fair trade?

oooooklahoma.

I took this picture for the cover of our magazine -- we're doing a feature about the effects of the oil spill in Oklahoma.

I think the picture kind of shows how, although Oklahoma's oil industry is directly related, it's small potatoes compared to what those in the Gulf are experiencing.

my thoughts on ...

This season of The Bachelorette.

I haven't been diligently watching each episode, but I've seen enough to have many opinions about Ali as the current Bachelorette.

First of all, I remember Ali on Jake's season and she definitely didn't have that nasty hair. What does this mean? She has nasty extensions. And those nasty extensions look neither real nor good. They're usually pretty stringy. Good work hair people, good work.

The girl's got some nice abs, though.

Also, Ali used to be such a cute all-American type of girl. Now, she's caked with make up. And, a big kudos go out to the make up people as well.

Ali seems to be a pretty smart woman, with a good head on her shoulders {save for that time that she chose her job over Jake, but really that probably wouldn't have worked out anyway, seeing as how he's a total famewhore}, but she has got to stop giggling. And hugging.

Everytime someone opens their mouth, Ali is already giggling in anticipation of what they're going to say. And, anytime someone shows her something or she and her date{s} arrive at a new location, she's all giggles and hugs. I like to laugh and hug as much as the next person, but Ali is on a whole other level. Someone {namely whoever scripts this stuff}, please tell her to cut it out.

But, all in all, I feel sorry for Ali. Here she is looking for love and she doesn't have squat to choose from. Most of the guys are pretty terrible, and even though I don't know their names, I have a good idea about the potential suitors. There was the goofy "Weatherman" and the most-hated-man-in-Bachelorette-history, Justin "Rated R" Rego. And, there was that guy that sounded like he had a constant bubble in his throat {so annoying! clear your throat, already!}. And the guy that supposedly quit the show because he was still in love with his girlfriend.

Anyway, I hear that Ali doesn't choose anyone {thanks RealitySteve} but does get a fabulous vacation in Bora Bora. Pretty nice consolation prize, huh?

But, really, who's surprised? Like I said, the guys were nothing to write home about.

cohen.