Painting With a Twist Review (Ferndale, Michigan)

Get ten ladies from a women's Bible study together in a room with paint brushes, Valentine's Day snacks, wine and beverages, mix them together and what do you get? Well, a stinkin' good time, that's what!

Melissa, our group's self appointed "entertainment coordinator", suggested that we have a fun group activity one week in lieu of our study. We had been studying "Be Right: Romans" and started delving into "Bad Girls of the Bible" and thought it might be nice to take a week's break to enjoy each other's company and fellowship. Luckily Painting With a Twist was suggested and even luckier for me... The nearest location is just a mile down the road from my house!  

I had always wondered exactly what was behind the idea and I was honestly scared for the place when it opened on West 9 Mile Road in Ferndale. I figured it would be gone in six months, but I was definitely wrong. The idea is simple: Get a group of people together, choose a painting to recreate, add snacks and "BYOB" wine and beverages, mix it all together, and voila! As evidenced by the photo at the top of the page, everyone has their own take on a painting.

Our group chose to do "Moonlit Cherry Blossoms" (or something to that effect), which was a good "beginner" painting. They look sort of complicated at first, but the way that our leader, Wendy, broke it down, the painting was actually a snap. Complete with bedazzled apron, Wendy was our homegrown "Bob Ross" and walked us through each step of the painting. I have painted for many years, so it was easier for me than for some. However, everyone people really owned their painting and made each "masterpiece" their own, from changing up the colors (the original was a pinky-purple) to changing the placement of the branches, etc. I was impressed at how well everyone did.

The wine was "BYOW," but you can bring just about anything you like. They provide some tiny snacks and silverware. I brought some dessert to contribute. Others brought wine, non-alcohol beverages, cookies, cheeses, cured sausage, etc. I wouldn't eat a full-on meal, but I'm sure you could probably pull off a pot luck!  The rule was if you took yourself too seriously, you're supposed to take another sip of wine and reevaluate. (Wink.) Nobody was getting "drunk," but a nip and sip made the evening fun.

Overall I really have to say that the Ferndale Painting With a Twist has their stuff together! I would absolutely book a private party (minimum 10, prepaid individually or as a group online or in person) or take a couple friends to an open paint session. For Michigan folks, there are two locations, Ferndale and Farmington. Across the country there are over 55 locations in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. If you have a Painting With a Twist in your area, I highly suggest it... Even if you don't have an "artistic bone in your body," you can still make a painting you'd be happy to hang in your house.

Photos by Carrie except top, courtesy of Painting With a Twist Ferndale.

Rockin' the EVOO! (Menu Plan Monday)

Oh, Rachel Ray with your "sammies" and your "EVOO". People love to hate your foodie slang, but I still think you're "delish," girl.

This week's Menu Plan Monday features plenty of Ms. Ray's favorite food words because I decided to whip out the Rachel Ray 365: No Repeats cookbook we received at my bridal shower some six years ago. We had a lot of Rachel Ray cookbooks, but after some major book cleanses, 365 is the one that remains. Anywho, pair the rediscovery of this book with the fact that it's a very interesting, busy Valentines Day week and voila! Interesting, busy meal plan.

Monday
"Fend For Yourself": Monday is sort of "fend for yourself" day in that I have women's group every other Monday night, which typically involves food. So it's frozen burritos for Nate, but they're homemade... by him!

Tuesday
"Valentine's Sushi Night": We love each other. We love sushi. So why not spend Valentine's Day getting sushi together at our favorite sushi place? This is destined to be a two-sushi week.

Wednesday
"Citrus-Marinated Chicken and Orange Salad": This little gem seemed easy to make and also utilizes things we have around the house, for the most part. An onion and perhaps some fresh oregano will need to come from the store, but otherwise we're set.

Thursday
"Concert In Ann Arbor Night": Well, we bought tickets some weeks ago to go and see singer/songwriter Jill Sobule in concert at The Ark in Ann Arbor. I've been wanting to see her for round-about fifteen years and finally get the chance! So this Thursday we'll be dining at Gizzly Peak, one of our favorite "A2" hangouts.

Friday
"Boo's Butternut Squash Mac 'N Cheese": Ms. Ray seems to have picked a winner with this one. The flavors are all dancing in my head, so I'm assuming Friday night they'll be dancing around on our plates, too.

Saturday
"Sushi 2.0": We like our weekend sushi trips. I'll probably have yasai-itame, which is actually a sauteed veggie dish perhaps with miso soup. I know Nate will have his chili tuna roll, per usual. It's tasty!

Sunday
"Subway and Pasta": Okay, that sounds gross! But we have a mini-ritual after going to church and to the gym of going to the Subway across the parking lot for a quick and inexpensive lunch. Nate likes to do it, so I like to oblige. For supper though, we'll probably have pasta and tomato sauce later in the evening. I like this because it makes good leftovers for Monday lunches.

Photo © Olga Rumiantseva | PhotoXpress.com

Exhaustion Pattern

"Have you had trouble sleeping lately?"
"I fall asleep at the drop of a hat and sleep for at least eight hours."
"How would you rate your quality of sleep?"


Oh, um... Exhaustion. The conversation above is one that I had with my chiropractor, Dr. Vanloon. She says I exhibit an "exhaustion pattern" and I would agree. For as much sleep as I get, I am exhausted. I go to sleep quickly and can stay asleep for a long time, but it is never enough. Yes, I probably have mineral and nutrition imbalances, acidic pH, etc. I have a needy puppy who needs to go out in the early morning. I'm sure there are some emotional whats-its that I'm holding on to. But why am I just pooped when I get up every morning? This has been going on for nearly a full quarter.

Sometimes when driving or doing work, I get the overpowering urge to shut my eyes. Relief comes with the occasional 20- to 40-minute mid-day nap, when I can sneak it in. My eyes are heavy and I rely on stimulants like caffeine to boost me during the day if I have to keep working.

This cycle is not good. I can't operate at 100% and I'm not used to not feeling rested.

So yes, I am still trying to get to the bottom of my concerns. My KST adjustments with Dr. Vanloon have helped. I feel like I can breathe and rest after an adjustment, which doesn't use the traditional "crack and pop" of what we think of in chiropractic. If only I could get an adjustment every day!

Despite my body's sleepy tendencies though, life seems to be very blessed. I find that despite the gray rain clouds hanging overhead (or over my pillow), it is important to say "Thank You" to God for the amazing things that happen each day. Compared to many of the world's problems, my lack of quality sleep is negligible.

So I'll leave with some gratitudes and perhaps you might leave me with your thoughts and suggestions on getting a night of quality, restful sleep. I would be most grateful.

"Paying your gratidues" is all about publicizing what you're grateful for. If more people did that instead of complaining about what they hate... life would be happier."

Gratidues #234-245

234. Warm, warm blankets (and lots of them)
235. "Rock Your Marriage" date night
236. New challenges to think through
237. Health insurance with chiropractic coverage
238. Booked tickets to Germany & Denmark
239. The promise of growing some veggies this spring
240. Friends' healthy new babies
241. Leading by example
242. Choosing the Next Right Thing
243. Sleep-in Saturday
244. New tires on the PT Cruiser
245. Grace, Mercy, Patience, Love, Kindness

Photo © Jaimie Duplass | Photoxpress.com

Menu Plan Monday?

I thought I would try my hand at this Menu Plan Monday thing. Maybe pre-planning can help some of our dinner woes, especially with a widely varying schedule? Do you plan weekly, daily, or do you just do what we usually do... Fly by the seat of your pants!?

Monday
Frozen burritos (Nate makes the best burritos! He makes a batch and freezes them individually. Much healthier than frozen burritos from the grocery store.)

Tuesday
Baked chicken breasts with veggie side (Putting some aside for Nate because he's going to trivia)

Wednesday
Roasted Red Pepper Pesto & Pasta (from cookbook La Dolce Vegan! )
See it @ Amazon: La Dolce Vegan!: Vegan Livin' Made Easy

Thursday
"Fend For Yourself" night. We usually keep it simple on Thursdays because I teach. Sometimes I precook food and sometimes we just make a sandwich or heat up leftovers.

Friday
Sushi night! We love Edamame Sushi in Madison Heights!

Saturday
We'll probably have dinner out because we're heading to a hockey game. BUT... Lunch sounds scrumptious in the form of soup & sandwich combos.

Sunday
Sunday lunch comes just after we go to church and then to the gym. I think I'll pre-prep some pirogi to have with veggies when we come back! 

Photo © Monika Olszewska | PhotoXpress.com

Gossip Lessons

Late last week I learned that someone in my life said some disparaging things about me to several other people. Specifically she said something about my business skills and the fact that I was "moody"*. I was angry, as this person holds a certain place of authority. Even this morning I felt a pang of anger and resentment.

Then I stopped to think about her words and her actions and found out several things about myself and about all interpersonal relationships as well.

1.) I do wear my heart on my sleeve. If I'm under stress and I don't want to be doing what I'm doing, or if I'm taking direction from someone I wholeheartedly disagree with... I am moody and I let it be shown. Stoicism is not my strong suit. While I have become more mature about the way I handle it, I think this is an area where I will never "solve" the problem if there is indeed a problem needing solving. Although I disagree with her conclusion regarding my line of work, in her point of view I was rightly moody and she wasn't wrong, though the way she disseminated the information was wrong.


Lesson learned: If you are taken aback by what someone says to others, ask yourself if what they're saying has merit. Don't worry, I'm not "blaming the victim," but I do like to use "negatives" as learning experiences. It's okay to be angry that someone is gossiping about you or if they were lying about you, but ask yourself if you're more angry that they were gossiping or because what they said had a pang of truth that you don't want to hear. Even in lies there is usually a grain of truth, so keen self-examination is always necessary so that you might improve yourself.

2.) I learned how to set boundaries with this person. I know now that choosing to be too friendly up front was a disservice in hindsight. Especially in business, being friendly, not familiar, is what will serve you well. Politely speaking up when the person in question oversteps her bounds is a good idea in my case.

Lesson learned: There is power in what you don't say. Getting too familiar can be a hindrance to relationships, especially professional ones. Gradually letting someone in is much better than laying it all out there and then having to attempt to "take it back" later.

3.) Know the culture and have a game plan in order to react to it. There is a culture in this circumstance to talk and share ideas, which is unfortunately a natural progression to gossiping about other people. I know this full-well now and plan to do what I feel is my Biblical duty (or "Golden Rule" duty if you're not Biblically inclined) to do unto others as I wish others to do unto me. If I go in with the game-plan of being above reproach, I can more easily extricate myself from situations where negative gossip pops up. '

Lesson learned: The right choice is usually the hardest one -or- "Honor the absentee." If someone isn't in the room to stick up for themselves, they probably shouldn't be spoken about, unless you're celebrating them. If you mess up, be willing to admit when you're wrong and ask for forgiveness. If someone starts the gossip train, politely remove yourself from the situation. Stay above reproach and live your values if "do unto others" is one of your values. Saying, "I'm so glad Aunt Sally won that award!" is celebration, but "Aunt Sally's being so snide about her award, don't you think?" is gossip, if you needed an explanation! To quote a childhood friend, "Don't hate... Celebrate!"

Miffed though I was to hear that this person was gossiping about me, and for as many "zingers" as I had running through my head most of the weekend, this really served as a wake-up call to me to listen much, speak little, and mind my values. I will never pretend to be perfect. If I do, feel free to slap me around! But I will certainly proclaim to be enlightened on the subject this week! Trials bring revelations and pain brings with it life lessons. Hopefully this turns a light bulb on for you as well.

*I chose my words carefully to avoid being gossipy myself. Self-restraint is hard, believe me! As an illustration to the point at hand, I feel I chose them fairly well. You may certainly disagree politely in the comments if you feel otherwise.


Photo © Sven Hoffmann / PhotoXpress

All Critters, Big and Small

Critters! I love critters that look at you soulfully and contentedly. I love critters that look at you playfully with the overt desire to cause mischief. I even love the ornery critters that don't want much to do with me. To quote little Agnes in the movie Despicable Me, "It's so fluffy, I'm gonna DIE!" That's the best summation of how I feel about most animals.

Why is this important today? Frankly, I don't have a big reason. I just really appreciate my cat perching on my arm, and my puppy trying to hone in on all of Nate's and my attention, and our older dog looking stoic as he asks for belly rubs. Perhaps it was this video at Godvine of therapy dogs helping wounded soldiers. The power of an animal to heal, should we let them, is immeasurable. I simply appreciate that today.

"Paying your gratidues" is all about publicizing what you're grateful for. If more people did that instead of complaining about what they hate... life would be happier."


Gratidues #218-233

218. The healing powers of an animal with fur and slobber
219. A Saturday with no work to be done
220. My turn on the receiving end of a massage trade
221. A friendly jewelry party with girlfriends
222. Workouts with my husband despite feeling gross
223. An "old" chiropractor in a new space
224. Louis, a man I met and talked to at Staples (Pray for him as he starts seminary)
225. My apprentices in class at work
226. Evolving friendships, even when the outcome doesn't always suit my preferences
227. Parallel paths
228. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's preventative initiatives and health coaches
229. Fancy push pins with "animal skins"
230. A husband that brings you a stack of fresh clothes, neatly folded "just because"
231. Dill and Honey Poached Salmon from the Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook
232. Stories of life and birth and bucking the status quo, reputation-be-damned
233. Morning tea, perfectly brewed, one cup at a time

The photo is by me. It is circa February 2011 of a cat I used to cat-sit, "Whitey". I miss him and his brothers.

Would you willingly put stickers over your paint job?

I am a fan of bright colors. I'm also a fan of decorating rooms. I'm not a fan of painting or the thought of painting a mural that will one day be covered by another layer of paint, or worse... feeling guilty and not covering it even though trends have moved on! 


Nate and I took a brief shopping trip to Five Below, a "finer" dollar store with real, usable items often found in other stores, but at prices of $1-$5. They had calendars on sale for $3 as it was already mid-January. One of the calendars was a "wall art calendar" of birds and a vintage cage. I figured for three dollars we could spruce up a well-scuffed paint job in our massage storage room-slash-reading room between the hall and the office. 


I went with a "birds bursting out of the cage" theme and allowed the giant, removable stickers to flow across the wall, anchoring the design with the birdcage, which looks like it is perched neatly on top of a side organizer unit where we keep our Scentsy air freshener lamp. I debated actually putting up the paper calendar pages, but it went so nicely with the birdcage, I figured, "Why not?" After twelve months, it will still look nice.


Overall we enjoy the effect. It's very bright and splashy, and we thought it was a very nice addition to an otherwise boring and overlooked room. I might actually sit and read here now!


Have you used wall art? Painted murals? Removable pressure-based vinyl art? Wall stickers? I'd be interested to hear your experiences.