Everyone loves Tay Tay (Taylor Swift that is): 1989 Tour

The excitement started to build as we walked up to Levi's Stadium.  The last time I was here was when I went to Wrestlemania, which was a different kind of pandemonium.  Right when we got into the stadium, we had to take a pic with Tay Tay.  Sadly, this was the closest we got to T-Swizzle, but we <3 her nonetheless.  Another great thing about this concert is mother-daughter bonding.  Who else could bring a toddler and ageless mother together LOL. 

Patiently, we wait for her.  We were serenaded by Shawn  Mendes..."I'll be needing stitches!"  We play with the bracelets in front of our seats.  "Mine doesn't work, Mom..."  Mine doesn't either, sweetheart.  We were fooled.  As the lights went out, all the bracelets in the stadium lit up.  "Welcome to New York!  Welcome to New York!"

One of my fave songs that she performed was a rendition of Trouble, which was slow-tempo and moody.  At first, I didn't even know that's what she was singing.

Only Tay Tay could make singing on a bench so cool!  She then cuts to Style and I couldn't believe it, Julia Roberts!  I heard the night before that Fifth Harmony performed, and I was bummed that they were not there on the night we went.  I am happy for Lil Mynx who got a chance to get the Tay-Stamp-of-Approval. 

 Of course, the night ended with "Shake it off!  Shake it off!"  My daughter fell asleep before her two favorite songs and told me to wake her up, but she missed it =/  I took vid for her though.  Confetti was everywhere and grown, grown folk along with kids, teens, tweens were singing Shake it Off in unison.  That is the universality of Tay Tay.  Don't forget her amazing fashion sense!  That emerald green dress!!

Upcycling: DIY Tree Stump End Table

It has been a loooong time since I have posted anything!  I really wanted to share my latest pinterest/diy attempt.  We were "trimming" down a large tree and had several tree stumps as a result.  I had seen pins and pictures of people using tree stumps as end or coffee tables.  I wanted to try it!  After all, I had the basic materials, how hard could it be?  Well there is a reason why people sell these for $100...However, after I finished this project, I felt like I accomplished something!

First, you have to access to a tree stump (check).

Second, to make your life easier, you should preferably leave them outside to dry out.  This is essential and may take months before the bark begins to peel.  I used a flat paint scraping tool, and then later (way later), a hammer to assist in stripping down the bark.  I definitely could've benefited from having better tools, but I wanted to use what I had around the house.  The one tree stump pictured, took me a few hours every other week or so because even when left outside, it would become slightly moist, and never really dry out.  Despite the extra work, I was determined to finish the project so I continued chipping away at it (no pun intended).

Third, sand it:

 

I cannot claim credit for this step, as my husband did this by hand!  We had a tool, but the sandpaper was not catching.

Fourth, prime it:

 

I can't claim credit for this step either.

Fifth, spray paint, two coats and spray sealant on it (joint effort).  Of course, I had to pick a fabulous gold color!

 Lastly, I favor gorgeous decoration and utility so ta-da!

 You can put your drink on it or...

 

Use it for assistance to stand up!