Building Something Good

Love is a Wonderful Thing

2012-01-16T08:30:00.001-05:00

Pride by U2 on Grooveshark

The Greatest Commandment:

"Of all of the commandments, which is the most important?:

'The most important one' answered Jesus, is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your sould and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Mark 12:28-31

Watch: A Hospital Comes to Downton

2012-01-15T22:45:00.000-05:00

(That picture of Mary is from the first episode, but I just loved it so I'm using it here)

Dare I say last weeks episode was a little to much Downton - I found it hard to follow exactly where we were in time. This week it was much easier to follow. So lets see the highlights. Mr Bates! Couple of the week Anna and Mr. Bates for the win! Oh Branson I can't say that I'm sorry he will not be going off to war or jail, some how I have a feeling that he is going to make it work with Sybil. But the real surprise of the episode for me was Edith. Girl is really coming into her own and becoming almost lovable!

Watch: Moonrise Kingdom

2012-01-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

I saw this trailer last night and just had to share it with you. Regardless of what you think of the plots or the crazy characters there is no denying that Wes Anderson creates some amazing worlds. In this trailer I love Suzy's dress and the cute camp tent. What is your favorite Wes Anderson movie?

The year of the kitchen

2012-01-12T13:00:00.000-05:00

I think it is well established that I am a fan of the color yellow. And yellow in the kitchen is totally the cream in my coffee so when I received and email from Crate and Barrel with the above image I had a styling crush of the utmost kind. Between the amazing Italian appliances and the bright tea kettle I was sold. I had already declared to myself that 2012 would be The Year of The Kitchen over here at the little mouse house so I figured what better way to kick off my plotting than to share this wonderful bit of inspiration. I'm giving myself the rest of January to pull together ideas and then start the projects in February, I'll be sure to share what is going on each step of the way.

But now I want to know if you have any big house plans for 2012, are you going to repaint, add-on, or start fresh? I'd love to follow your progress so please let me know, there is nothing like DIYing vicariously through the blogs of others! Oh and you know if anyone asks you, yes I'd love that yellow toaster, my birthday is only five months away! If you'd like to see how my kitchen looks right now you can take a quick tour right here.

Clean slate

2012-01-10T08:30:00.000-05:00

One of the things I love about putting away the Christmas decoration is all the clear surfaces left behind. Not because I like clean, empty surfaces, but because it is a fresh start to fill up! So this past weekend with all the Christmas things boxed away for another year I took on the major task of filling the top of my massive record player (left behind by the last owner of my house).
I thought some of my milk glass and the green depression glass from my Grandma would make a good combo. I think I was right, but I have something else in mind for the milk glass so on to the next idea.
My second thought was to gather a bunch of elephants from around the house. Believe it or not these aren't even all the elephants that I have. My Grandpa had a great big collection of elephants that resided on his mantel so this gave me a nice nostalgic feeling of glee. Needless to say I really liked this look and tried it a few ways, with all the elephants facing forward.
I also tied this look - but it was a little "elephants on parade".
And finally all mixed around, but I decided that all the elephants together might be to tempting for little hands and because I'd like to keep all my pachyderms I moved on to idea number thee.
In the end I when with this. I pulled out my trusty silver picture frames and a nomadic collection of vintage cameras that move around my house like they are trying to use up frequent flyer miles before the airline goes under. Have you been making any tiny changes around your home for the new year? Do you think I should have gone with the elephants? Do you like nice clean spaces or are you a filler like me?

Watch: Downton is Back!

2012-01-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

I'm sure I'm not alone in my joy at the return of one of the best shows on television Downton Abbey. Last week my facebook was full of Downton chat so I thought it might be fun to post about with season's episodes. Episode one was long and I'm still a little unsure of how much time passed over the episode (and the time between the two seasons for that matter), so I thought I'd just throw out a few of my thoughts and beg you to join in on the conversation.

Did you notice how pretty everyone looked, either the actors have been spending some major time on their beauty treatments or they have some kind of make everyone gorgeous filter. And while we are on the topic of how things looked on the show and not on the actual plot, I loved Mary's walking dress and Isobel's chairs and matching curtains. Oh and how hansom is Matthew in his uniform?!? But what was with those horrid flesh colored gloves the ladies were wearing - yuck.

Okay on to the good stuff:

Loved Violet she was just as snappy as ever and in some ways she seems to be handling the changes that the war has brought better than anyone.

Ethel - at first I thought I would hate her, but she is actually kinda sweet and O'Brian's jokes while mean were funny.

Now Vera I actually hate her, end of story I think she is totally going to be the Thomas of this season. And Thomas, man what is going to happen with that guy?

Lots of good stuff with Sybil I think being a nurse will be good for her. I think she will end up marring Branson, don't you?

And while we are on the topic of marriage I can't even start to talk about Anna and Bates so up setting.

Well and talking about up setting topics, I don't know if I can handle another whole season of Mary-Matthew not being on the same page. I mean come on they are so in lurve.

It is getting late, but I wanted to say that Edith almost had me this episode, I think I liked her better than I ever did in the first season. Then she had to go and kiss that farmer, that girl really can't pick 'em can she?

So did anyone else watch last night (or online months ago)? What did you like? What did you hate? Do you think Matthew and Lavinia will actually say "I do"? Will William make it home from war? Will Daisy fall in love with him? Do you have a tiny bit of a crush on Mr. Carson? I know I do!

I heart Michigan and the Winter Blues

2012-01-05T08:30:00.000-05:00

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I've started at least half a dozen posts this week, posts about resolutions and goals, posts about the good the bad and the ugly of 2011, posts about hope and about being down, all fine, all true and all posts that will never see the light of day. The last few weeks I've had a hard time putting my thoughts in words and as a result I haven't had much to say here, in the one part of my life that is all words. Winter is here and it has made a little down and like hibernating for the next 3 to 4 months. So my first goal of the year is going to be to do something that makes me happy every day in an attempt to fight off those winter blues. Today I'm thinking about how much I love Michigan and listening to this song over and over and over (now tell me that doesn't lift your spirits, just a little bit)!

P.S. isn't that print the cutest? I gifted one to my Brother and Sister In-Law for Christmas, along with this TX (my SIL home state) one.

Merry Merry Merry!

2011-12-25T13:30:00.000-05:00

While enjoying a wonderful day with my family I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and remind us all of the promise that is fulfilled through the most wonderful gift of ever given. I can think of no better expression than these words from my favorite Christmas Hymn: O Come O Come Emmanule.

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Fashion Show, Fashion Show, Fashion Show at Lunch - Christmas Party

2011-12-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

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Every once in a while I like to pull together outfit posts where I do things like imagine things like what I would wear if I was redoing my first day of college. When I saw this sweet vintage Christmas card pop up over on Pinterest I knew it was just the thing for an outfit up dating.

Happy Holidays! by elizabethfink featuring gold plated earrings

I'm certainly thinking I'll make my Christmas party get up red, white and polka dotted!

A very pinterest Christmas

2011-12-13T12:00:00.000-05:00

I have been pinning Christmas-y things over on Pinterest for, well, ever, I think a Christmas idea might have been my very first pin. For almost as long I've had this Pinterest Christmas idea rolling around in my head. So friends today I share with you three Pinterest inspired Christmas projects I've been working on over the last month. To get things started I found this picture of a glittered village with custom dyed bottle brush trees (originally from here).
Then I added some "pinspiration" from this image (found here). I loved the jars so much that a complete idea was formed.

I started by bleaching, dying and spray painting some craft store bottle brush trees. I used this post as my guide to tree dying.

For my little houses I used the great template from Little Glitter Houses four via this post from A Field Journal.
And here they are all mixed together with jars, that I had around the house and my large collection of vintage Readers Digest books (I have never read a single story from one of these books, but they have such great colors and patterns on their covers that I find myself pulling them out over and over again).
For my last project I used this picture of Anthro bobbles as my jumping off point. I'm going to go ahead right now and let you know I'm not all together happy with how they turned out.
I picked up a six pack of clear glass bulbs at the craft store (I broke one so I ended up with five), for one, I just emptied a two packages of sequins and for another I stuffed it full of the Highligh fake snow stuff (it is really more like Easter grass). For the other three I coated the inside with paint and here is my problem; I used glitter paint and it did not coat very nicely, but I'm sure they will be fine hung on a tree.
Finally if you just can't get enough, you can check out my Holiday Ideas board.

Have you been working on any Christmas projects? Inspired by Pinterest or not I'd love to take a look so leave me a link and I'll check 'em out.

P.S. sorry my pictures are so crummy, it is just so dark in my house these days. I can't wait until we are on the other side of the Winter equinox and coming into the light.

It's beginning to look a lot like . . .

2011-12-12T18:30:00.001-05:00

We have had our first real snow of the season, it was the perfect kind of snow, you know those big beautiful flakes that stick to tree branches and make the whole world look a little more magical. Love that, just love it. Meanwhile things are starting to look fairly Christmas-y around my little house I've put up my new white tree (squeal! so cute!) I'm going to share a few other Christmas project this week - for real I finally feel like I'm coming out the other side of this cold from hell two and a half weeks later so I think I can finally get my act together to take photos when the light is still good (so hard when it gets dark at about 5 o'clock). But to hold you over I thought today I'd pull together a little list of fun Christmas things.

1. Remember when I was all: "I'm putting together gift guides for guys" and then did nothing? You don't oh good, but incase you do remember and are still hoping for a little shopping insterpation, I'm hoping to meet you halfway. I'm not going to pull together the gift guides, but I will share the Pinterest boards I was using to organize things. So here, here, here and here you go.

2. While we are on the topics of gifts I wanted to point you to a wonderful gift idea, one that is so great I only wish I had someone on my list that I could buy one for. Not only are these Hearts4Hearts girls dolls very cute a portion of the sale of each doll goes to work that World Vision is doing the country that the doll's character is from.

3. And you know while we are on the topic of World Vision, if you are stumped on what to get that person who has everything maybe the gift of an animal, an education or clean water to a child in need. I receive the World Vision catalog every year, but this is the first year I have gifted anything. (And for a gift that would be good anytime of year, my cousin Lydia and I were just talking about how this little goat stuffed animal and the gift of a goat to a child in the babies name would be a great baby shower gift.)

4. The Girls with Glasses Show has put out another Chirstmas song/video this year, it is cute, but I still really love this one from last year:

5. Later this week I'm going to post my 12 favorite Christmas movies. The Flight Before Christmas will not be on the list, after helping my mom decorate and clean on Saturday my sister and I watched this movie, because we were just to tired to find something else. It is the worst ever!

Read Something Good: The Hunger Games

2011-12-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

Well I have been hit with one killer cold, you know the kind that makes breathing a chore and makes you start inventing a throat scraping device. Yeah that kind. So my brother gift guides will be up over the weekend, but for today a Read Something Good post will have to do. I know I am so far behind on the whole Hunger Games thing, so very far, but now I'm on board and unlike all you early adopters I get to read all three books in one big binge. And that is just what I intend to do for this months reading pick. So there you have it the last month of Read Something Good and I'm going out with a bang!

P.S. All my other read something good posts can be found right here! And I'm working on a little round up/review sorta thing for the end of this month as well, so keep on the look out for that!

Lets Hear it for the Boys

2011-11-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

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This time of year there are gift guides popping up all over the place. I love them, they are always full of wonderful ideas, but as the sister to four brothers I've noticed that they tend to be a little on the light side when it come for gifts for guys. So this week I thought I'd put together my own little guide for giving gifts to guys, because I have four brothers I have spent years looking for the perfect gifts for boys. For the next four days I'll have a round up a gifts inspired by each of my brothers, ranging from my Tech-y brother to my Sport-y Camping loving brother.

2011-11-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

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Lately it seem that every time I turn around I'm being told or reading a sad, devastating or heart ache inducing story. They are stories about the unexpected happening, about things falling apart, about the things that make you wonder if your life is going anywhere. At time like these I fall back on this verse over and over. Knowing that even when I can't see it, understand it or really want it, God has a plan is the best comfort I can have.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Flowers in Her Hair

2011-11-18T08:30:00.000-05:00

If you remember in September I slipped away for the weekend with a few of my closest gal pals. Craft Cabin wasn't just a chance to spend some quality time with my nearest and dearest it was the kick off to four years worth of 30th birthdays. That's right our little quartet will all be thirty by the end (well really middle) of 2014 and the next birthday is coming up fast. My beautiful cousin Hannah will be thirty on the 1st day of 2012. With her birthday being smack dab in the middle of all the holiday frenzy there will not be any January trips to lakes or long walks on the beach with best friends, but that doesn't mean that a low key little bit o' birthday love can't have some festive touches. So I knew when I saw these amazing flower "party hats" over on Oh Happy Day that they would be the perfect addition to a little Thai dinner party. Don't you agree. I'll be sure and post a few pictures of my creations in action when the big day comes. Do you have any fun celebrations coming up? Any plans to force your friends to eat dinner with huge blooms flopping a top their brow?

P.S. I have been working away on a bunch of Christmas crafts, my dining room table has turned into Santa's little workshop!

I smile because it's worth it

2011-11-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

Marcel is back and cute as ever - "all he cares about is treats and snoozing, snoozing and treats".

What a Pair

2011-11-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

The other day I stopped by Homegoods to pick up a little Christmas surprise when I spotted these cuties. It might be a little hard to tell from the picture, but they are covered in the most lovely velvety stripes and while not exactly the colors that I'm going for in my living room, they have given me a great idea for how I can recover my beloved, but very shabby looking, pink plaid chairs. There just might be a set of stripy chairs in my decorating future.

Shiny Happy Music

2011-11-15T08:30:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I'll love any song that has hand claps!

For Today

2011-11-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

Things around here have been a little quite the last few weeks, but that is all about to change. I have a few fun posts coming up, some gift guides, my favorite Thanksgiving sides, my very pinterest Christmas and oh so much more!

In "Stitches"

2011-11-04T18:30:00.000-04:00

Ooooh bonus post because I forgot about up dating you on my Pinterest Challenge. Well I've finished and I'm 95% happy with the out come of my little interpretation.
In case you forgot here is my inspiration image. This cute "cross stitched" bedroom wall.
And here is my finished project. I'm not ready to commit to painting hundreds of little Xs all over my wall (yet), so on a canvas was the way to go. To begin, after much trial and error I ended up drawing a 1/2 inch grid out in pencil (I wanted to use a while colored pencil, but (perhaps as a sign that I am getting older) I could not see the lines well enough (or at all) so I gave up on that idea and just went with the regular pencil (warning if you do this, you will end up with a hand, wrist and arm covered in pencil). I then just painted bunches of little Xs by following half of this cross stitch pattern. I went with a wild rose because I knew that for now I was going to hang the painting in my living room and my new rug (I should show you a picture of my new rug, shouldn't I?) has a more traditional rose print on it.
And and action shot. I need to hang it a little higher and I think I might go back and "erase" the grid with white paint and maybe add a little gold around the edge.

So have you ever made anything from pinterest? Let me know I'd love to check it out!

Read Something Good: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

2011-11-04T08:30:00.000-04:00

I'm sure this is no surprise after I squealed about Mindy's return to blogging. This month I'll be reading Mindy Kaling's newly released book and you should too!

P. S. can you believe there is only one more book selection for 2011? It is crazy town, next month in addition to introducing my last pick, I will also give you the low down on what I thought of the monthly books and confess to the one I didn't finish reading.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T14:00:00.000-04:00

A few crummy pictures of my little house in all her Halloween semi-glory. I really did try, but I waited until it was to dark out so everything just kinda looks orange, thanks to the orange twinkle lights.
I'm going to take a few more tonight, when the actual trick-or-treaters are around, but then Halloween will be over, oh well. Better luck next year, hu?

Martha Stewart Yarn

2011-10-28T14:00:00.001-04:00

You guys I am way to excited about Lion Brand's new collaboration with Martha. I actually saw some a few weeks ago while at the craft store, but didn't really have a chance to check it out, so when I got my weekly email from Lion Brand I made a point of poking around their website. Is this the greatest yarn I've ever seen? No. Are they the best colors out there? Well not the best ever, but the color is what has my excited, with the exception of going to my local yarn shop (and spending way to much on the most lovely wool), it is really hard to find wool yarn in "good colors". Just ask cousin Lydia (my partner in yarn buying crime!), all the yarn that you find in your regular craft/fabric store is going to be either baby or granny (not that I'm not a fan of the granny, I think you have to be a little bit of a granny fan to be a crocheter, but I'm not really into the colors that they think grannies want to work with). And say what you will about Ms. Stewart, lady knows color. And say what you will about me, but I know an impulse yarn buy and this is the kinda stuff those are made of. Check out the whole collection right here, and please tell me someone is going to make those super cute sheep!

I'll take on that challenge

2011-10-27T14:00:00.001-04:00

There are a few lovely bloggers who have put together a little Pinterest challenge. This is actually the second challenge they have done, but I found myself a little to busy to join in last time, this time however I am ready and already have my inspiration all picked out.
I have been lovingly gazing at this paint treatment for a while now. I'm not going to be painting a cross stitch roses on my walls, but I am going to be using this idea as a starting point for my project. Check back next week for the finished product.

If you love the pinning as much as me and want to join in on the fun, you can find all the deets over on Young House Love.

Wrap it Up

2011-10-26T14:00:00.000-04:00

Now that the temps have started to drop for good my thoughts have turned to cozy wear for cold days. That mean coats and jackets, tights and sweaters, and gloves and scarves. Now I was not a scarf wearer until college (much like my feelings about turtlenecks, I couldn't get over the feeling that I wasn't able to breath), maybe it is because of that fact that I don't really know how to wear scarfs. Sure I can wrap one around my neck or slip the ends through the folded over middle, but really nothing great and believe me I have some lovely scarves that I am not doing right by. So I was thrilled to run across this video over on Pinterest, it has been kicking around the internet for a while, but I still think it is worth sharing with you here today. Enjoy!

Blog Vacation

2011-10-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

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This week I'm taking an unplanned blog vacation. I've been spending all my "free" time working on projects around the house so look for some house-y posts to start popping up!

Totally awesome girl alert!

2011-10-13T12:00:00.001-04:00

You guys I'm way to happy about this news: Mindy Kaling (aka Kelly from The Office) has started blogging again. Many moons ago Mindy was writing the funny and fun: "Things I've Bought That I Love" while that blog is still debunked she is back with: "The Concerns of Mindy Kaling". Oh and bonus share Mindy has also written a book, so look for that too!

P.S. I seem to have messed up auto posting this week, so lunch time post today and no post yesterday. I think I'll save yesterday's for a day next week.

Eat 'em up Tigers!

2011-10-11T08:30:00.000-04:00

I was way to busy watching the Tigers play last night to write a real post. Here's to a win at home tonight!

Nephews and Nieces are Fun Fun Fun

2011-10-10T08:30:00.000-04:00

Well I didn't really get as much done this weekend as I had hoped, but I think spending time with these folks was worth the dirty dishes! Are his cheeks squishy or what?!
Oh and this little gal, so cute! Bonus she is wearing a sweater made by Aunt Libby! I'm so happy that they are here for another week. Love it!

This week - I'm in love

2011-10-08T12:00:00.000-04:00

Image from Craft Cabin that has nothing to do with this post!

Friends, I am totally falling in love with this Michigan fall! This happens to me every year about this time, October washes away all the ill will of cold snowy winters and hot sticky summers. I'm telling you I can not get enough time out side gazing at sun kissed trees and listening to the crunch of leafs. Loving it, loving it, loving it! Okay anyway onto this week's round up:

Is it bad that I want an iPhone this week, not because of Apple's big announcement about whatever new things their phones are doing that I never knew I needed a phone to do, but because I really want to have a phone with a cross stitched case?
What is your favorite animal? Clearly I love the elephants!
You know that I'm a crocheter and I love it, but I'm not the best teacher so I was super happy to find that Craftyminx was running a Crochet School that I can point everyone who wants to learn to.
Hey are you on Pinterest? No! Why not? This week I rounded up my fave pins!
I've started a new book of the month. So far loving it!

So do you have big plans for the weekend? I'm planning on spending lots more time snuggling with a fat little friend. Yep the worlds chubbiest nephew has come to Ypsi for a little visit (oh and he brought his mom and sister along too!)!

Read Something Good: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

2011-10-07T08:30:00.000-04:00

I'm still waiting on my copy of this month's book, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children to arrive so I haven't gotten the head start that I usually have by the time I write these posts, but I'm really looking forward to this one. Here is what Amazon has to say (sounds good right!):

As a kid, Jacob formed a special bond with his grandfather over his bizarre tales and photos of levitating girls and invisible boys. Now at 16, he is reeling from the old man's unexpected death. Then Jacob is given a mysterious letter that propels him on a journey to the remote Welsh island where his grandfather grew up. There, he finds the children from the photographs--alive and well--despite the islanders’ assertion that all were killed decades ago. As Jacob begins to unravel more about his grandfather’s childhood, he suspects he is being trailed by a monster only he can see. A haunting and out-of-the-ordinary read, debut author Ransom Rigg’s first-person narration is convincing and absorbing, and every detail he draws our eye to is deftly woven into an unforgettable whole. Interspersed with photos throughout,

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

is a truly atmospheric novel with plot twists, turns, and surprises that will delight readers of any age.

Pinterest Faves: Autumn

2011-10-06T08:30:00.000-04:00

Pinterest just gets better and better as more and more people join so I thought it might be fun to add a new post series highlighting my current faves from the site. Today's faves are all about autumn and they are really making want to have a harvest themed party. What do you say? Wanna come over and sip hot apple cider and snack on pumpkin cake?!

You can find all the info about these pins right here on my Pinterest page and if you are a pinner, leave me a comment with a link to your page I'd love to follow your boards!

Mug for the Camera

2011-10-05T08:30:00.000-04:00

Before Craft Cabin is just a wonderful memory in the distant past I wanted to share one last thing. My wonderful cousin Hannah had these super cute mugs made up for us crafters! Aren't they great?! I think she had them made up at cafepress. Isn't this just the best idea to leave us all with a lasting way to remember our fun weekend away? I think so!

My little animal family

2011-10-04T08:30:00.000-04:00

The other day I was going from room to room in my house and noticing how big my elephant heard is getting. Here are just a few of my favorites!
Can you spot the elephant tea pot?
Sadly this little guy is fake jade, but he still looks cute along with my books!
Hummm he must be waiting on a few dinner guests.
And finally my all time faves this gathering of teeny tiny pachyderms.

So do you have any faux four legged (or more legged!) friends around your place? I always love finding out about other peoples collections.

Welcome October!

2011-10-03T08:30:00.001-04:00

Ahhh yes my favorite time of year is here in full swing! It is time to start adding little autumnal details around the house. To change from floral scented candles to ones with a little more spice, to move from bright summer yellows to mellow fall golds, its times for mums, apples and pumpkins.
It is time for walks in the park under leaves that have been kissed with touches of red, yellow and orange. Time for Pumpkin Spice Lattes, apple ciders and cinnamon sugar doughnuts. For football games (if that's your thing - it isn't mine, but good for you) and play off baseball. The air fills with falling leaves and the smell of bonfires.
It's time to visit pumpkin patches and the apple orchard. We will eat pumpkin muffins, pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie, maybe even a whole pumpkin or two. I already have a giant bag of candy stashed in my cupboard and plans to cut out paper bats.
It's time to make caramel apples and string orange twinkle lights (well that might just be in my neighborhood!). Time to pull on tights and pull out jackets. For adding extra blankets and wearing wool sweaters.

My (not so) Storybook Life

2011-09-30T10:00:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite bloggers, Elizabeth Owen is giving away a few advanced copies of her up coming book: My (not so) Storybook Life. You can check out an excerpt here and head over to her blog to enter for yourself!

***

Once one has breathed in the deep pungent aroma of sewage, you never again forget the nose-hair singeing, eye clawing, throat gagging experience. It comes over you slowly. You begin to feel like a character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest as your muscles involuntarily jerk and you run screaming and blowing raspberries. Anything to get away from the mind-numbing stench.

But let me explain.

It was 6:30 a.m. I was standing in my retro pink tiled bathroom trying to open my bleary eyes and ready myself for work. As I stood there, peering into the mirror and wondering what demented nighttime fairy had planted four new wrinkles on my face, I paused and sniffed.

“Matt… what’s that smell?”

Matt staggered from the bedroom in his underwear, eyes half shut. “I don’t smell anything.”

I pointed my nose into the air like a hunting dog. “Seriously? You can’t smell that? Did you go to the bathroom in here earlier? I told you to use the room spray when you do things like that.”

Matt puffed out his bare chest and gathered his pride as best a man can with sleep in his eyes and a small hole in the side of his underwear. “I just woke up!”

I frowned, catching a glimpse of my makeup-less hot-rollers-in-hair state and tried not to think about the fact that I looked fifty instead of twenty-nine. “Well, help me figure this out. Because something smells ripe.”

We sniffed the sink drain and ruled it out as a suspect.

“Is it coming from the toilet?” Matt asked, examining it from top to bottom.

“No, that’s not it,” I snapped. I’m not known for my milk of human kindness in a disaster. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a survivor. I plan on eating my radish like Scarlet and clawing my way out of the nuclear dust while dragging my loved ones with me. But I won’t be doing it with positive phrases and a smile.

“Hon, I just don’t know. We’ll call a plumber after work, maybe it’s coming from under the house.” Matt staggered a little, trying to get past me and out of our tiny bathroom.

“Well, that’s just great,” I moved aside and pulled the shower curtain back so I could perch on the side of the tub and give Matt room to move out the door.

That’s when the full brunt of nastiness filled the air around us, a swirling mix of excrement and acrid stench that would have brought the sewer dwelling Ninja Turtles to their knees. Where the normally slightly-clean-with-a-hint-of-soap-scum bottom of the tub should have been, there sloshed gallons and gallons of brown sewage.

I clutched the front of my sweatshirt and held my breath. Matt began to dry heave.

“Get out and shut the door!” I screamed as we bumbled into the hallway.

“I’ll deal with this,” Matt grabbed my shoulders, trying to talk and hold his breath at the same time.

I could feel my eyes glaze over, the horrors of typhoid and hepatitis in our bathtub filling my mind. But more importantly, I could envision our evaporated savings account. In my mind’s eye I could see the long, gray hallway at the bank. A worker shrouded in a black suit pulled a set of keys from his pocket and unlatched a small locker labeled “Owen Bank Account.” Inside were two small stacks of quarters and a few crumpled dollar bills. It was bleak, not only because the banker with an unimaginative wardrobe gazed at me with an expression that could only be interpreted as “You’re a Big Fat Loser,” but also there was a very definite possibility we wouldn’t be able to pay for a plumber.

I wasn’t necessarily a spend thrift. In fact, I was downright frugal when it came to decorating with thrift store furniture and rewired vintage lamps. But the fact was, we were poor. We were starting out at starter jobs with starter salaries. We were starter adults with a starter bank account.

“Okay,” I nodded numbly, thankful that Matt was taking the lead on such a disastrous biohazard. “But make sure the plumber is super cheap. We don’t have much money!”

I left for work like a wino stumbling through a fog, not really remembering my commute, not really doing any work as I sipped my coffee and stared blankly at the computer screen. A disaster of such gargantuan proportions had previously been unthinkable in my life, and now I found myself attempting to push the image of a vast sea of bathtub poop from my mind. But I was sure of one thing: Anne Shirley never had to get ready for work while breathing raw sewage.

Happy Hootlidays!

2011-09-30T08:30:00.001-04:00

The theme of our little get away last weekend was "Craft Cabin" so with that in mind I pulled together a very quick and easy craft that we could all do in addition to the crafts we brought with us. Using this pattern found via pinterest and some craft supplies I just had hanging around my house we were each able to make one small owl to adorn our Christmas trees. This project was great because almost any skill level and style of crafter can do it, you can easily talk while working on it, it doesn't take a lot of special materials and you can easily complete it in one sitting. I highly recommend it for social groups that want to work on a little project while spending time in fellowship. I also think it would be great for older kids to do at a birthday party or a play date.

Are you a crafter? Have you ever made a felt Christmas ornament? Please share I'm always looking for fun new projects to do!

Lets Wrap It Up

2011-09-29T08:30:00.000-04:00

Hey friends, because I've been in a celebrating mode these days I thought it would be nice to share a gift wrapping idea with you today.
I started by wrapping all the boxes in white paper (I have big roll of butcher paper I use for things like this and pattern making etc.) and taping the boxes together.
Then I taped some crape paper streamers up to the box (you will be able to see how this works better at the bottom).

I then taped a bunch of little loops of crape paper together to make a little bow.
Ta Da! I think next time I could make the bow a little better, but not to bad for a first try of an idea.

Do you have any great ideas for gift wrapping? October and November are big birthday months in my family so I've got a few more of my own that I'll be working out and sharing with you soon.

Little Changes: Ironing Board Storage

2011-09-28T08:30:00.000-04:00

Because I do my ironing in my down stairs hallway (more on that later) my ironing board lives in my office/craft room. Up until a few days ago it hung on the inside of the closet door by balancing one side on something that I guess was used for more hanger space (the last owners of my house were big on installing 1950's storage solutions, so time I really should do a post on all the fun little gems hidden around my place). This wasn't the worst thing ever, except every fifth time I opened the closet door the iron board would come crashing down on me.
I've been on the look out for something that would solve this little problem for months and then one day last week I was at TJ Maxx when I spotted this split over the door hook I knew it would work perfect. And wouldn't you know it did!

P.S. sorry about the blurred photos, there will be better ones when I do that room tour I've been working on.

P.P.S. my ironing board cover is from City Chic Country Mouse.

What I'm Watching: PanAm

2011-09-27T12:00:00.000-04:00

Did anyone else see the new ABC show PanAm on Sunday? I already wrote about how it was the new show I was most looking forward to, so you know I didn't miss it. I for one found it to be enjoyable. You know I love me some Mad Men so it isn't a surprise that I would be into another show set in the 1960's, but what about you? Did you watch? Do you like it? Do you think it is silly? Fun? Dull?

Craft Cabin!

2011-09-26T08:30:00.001-04:00

Late Friday morning I jumped in the car with a few of my favorite girls to head out of town for the weekend to celebrate my dear friend Mel's 30th Birthday! We drove from our hometown in south eastern Michigan to the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. Where we met up with one more gal to craft the weekend away.

Our weekend was filled with chatting and laughing, car dancing and beach walking, blanket stitches and yarn hooking, snacking and game playing.

It is a little late in the year to have a full enjoyment of the lake, but I feel like anytime you can fall asleep to the sound of waves hitting the sand and wake up to pink sun shining on blue water it is worth it!
Saturday morning I took a watch on the beach with my little cousin Peter (seen in a much smaller form here) we both felt like it was a little early, but very pretty (please note that this picture was taken just after he spit up inside - yeah inside - my shirt)!

I'm sure that there will be a little more about the trip showing up this week, so stay tuned for that!

CooCoo For Coconut

2011-09-23T08:30:00.000-04:00

Okay I don't do a lot of review-y types of posts, but because I keep seeing references to LaCroix Coconut sparkling water popping up all over these here internets I thought I'd through my two cents in. You know, because everyone wants to know what I have to say about Coconut water. Okay guys, I don't really love it. I thought I would because I love almost anything coconut flavored (I get this from my mom, my dad has a deep seeded hate for anything that has to do with coconut) and because I'm a fan of most LaCroix waters. So I wanted to love it, I really did. At first I even thought I did, but then I drank another can and then another and even had my coconut loving mom take a sip, this is what I came up with; it tastes like a melted lip smackers. Plus it kinda made my mouth feel a little buzzy. Oh the coconut smell is just way to much. So in closing I'm going to stick with the Grapefruit LaCroix.

If you want to try it for yours self (we say yours self in my family I have no idea why) unlike other flavors of LaCroix the only place I have seen it is Target. Oh and for the record can we say how annoying that this is because I will have to return my cans to Target, where they don't have a can/bottle return machine, if I want to get my 80 cents back (another weird thing the Coconut water came in an 8 pack, not a 12 pack). Not worth it. So these bad boys will be going in the recycling.

So Cute!

2011-09-22T08:30:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure where I first saw this and I'm not sure what it is for, but I thought it would be a nice little something fun for your Thursday morning!

I'm Diggin': Urban Outfitters

2011-09-21T08:30:00.000-04:00

Today I thought it might be fun to showcase a some things that I am lovein' from UO right now. Lets get started. I think this little guy would be a super easy and cute DIY, deff going on my to do list.
I can't tell you how much I love this shelf, I think it would look great with books or plants or stacks of fabric or pots and pans.
You better believe that this lamp is going on my wish list.
This is the home of a gold fish that is far to cool to hang out with me.
This is such a great idea for anyone living in a small space.
I'm a fan of using wood crates in home decor, but I think you should look for vintage before you buy a replica.
I'm brainstorming a place to put this octopus hook so I can justify buying it. I really like the slightly worn out look of this wall hanging.

So are we all over chevron? No. Good because I just love both the rug and the bedding.
I have had these mettle flowers on my wish list for years. I think finally have a place for them to go, I will let you know if I end up picking them up.
Clearly I'm into the whole letter wall art thing right now. Can you tell?
Yellow - check, Seedstitch - check, on my Christmas list - check!
Is there anything not to like about this chair? I didn't think so.

All of this stuff and so much more can be found over at the Apartment page on Urban Outfitters.

Tips From A Recovering Over Packer

2011-09-20T08:30:00.000-04:00

Oh yes I am squeezing those 36 hours spent in a car for everything it's worth and getting yet another road trippin' out to ND post going. Lets start by saying I was once a major over packer, just ask anyone who has traveled with me! I'm not saying that I've completely gotten over my desire to just keep stuffing things in until I walk out the door, but I am getting better. Here are a few of my tips:

Tip 1: Take a smaller bag! When the airlines started charging for checked baggage my life as committed over packer was changed. I couldn't stand the idea of spending all that extra money, just to take more stuff for a long weekend. I now take only a carry on sized suit case for any trips less than a week.

Tip 2: Work in outfits. I start every packing adventure by making a list of the days that I will be gone, any events or special items needed. For example for this trip I needed something different for the rehearsal dinner than what I had worn all day on Friday so Friday got two sections on my sheet one for Friday during the day and one for the rehearsal. I list every item needed for each outfit, I then put each outfit in a pile everything from bar to shoes. Moving repeat items from pile to pile, just to make sure I have it all. Then everything gets packed away nice and tight.

Tip 3: Do you need to take fancy shoes? I like to pack nicer dress shoes in a shoe box so that they don't get smashed.
Tip 4: How not to forget toiletries - I like to pull out my handy dandy toiletries bag a few days before my trip and then over the next few days anytime I use something that I will need on my trip I put it in the bag. That way I know I wont leave anything behind and it's no big deal to live out of a toiletries bag for a couple of days.

Tip 5: You can buy almost anything you leave behind. It is really freeing to know you can pick up pretty much anything that you need almost anywhere you go.
Tip 6: Treat your jewelry like your clothes. I pack my jewelry just like I do my clothing, by outfit.
For example my jewels for the wadding. I also recommend picking up one of these little travel jewelry boxes.
Closing Confession: This is everything that I brought with me (oh and an un-pictured bridesmaid's dress). Because I was driving I allowed myself to bring a few extra bags, if I was flying I would have ditched my craft bag and packed an empty purse after putting all my pursey things (cell phone, wallet, ipod, etc.) into my computer bag.

So are any of you over packers? Do you have any great packing tips. I feel like packing is one of those things you just get better and better.

mirror mirror mirror mirror on the wall

2011-09-19T08:30:00.001-04:00

This morning I thought we'd take a little look at a rarely seen corner of my house. Okay it isn't really a corner, but a stairwell. Unlike the back stair (where is oft photoed white board lives) I don't think I've ever snapped a shot of one of my favorite parts of my little house. When I moved in I thought that lining the walls of the stair up to my bedroom with mirrors would help bring light into the space. Just for fun I also took some glamour shots of my favorite mirrors of the bunch.
I really love this faux victorian by way of the 1970s one with the stain glass.This beauty was a gift from my brother Andrew and sister in-law Lauren.
The multi colored one was once just a black mirror from Homegoods, marked down because of damage that I covered with fabric.
Finally there is nothing special about this one, but it has lived in the bedroom of every "grown up" place I've lived so I have a soft spot for it.

Do you have a great way you have used mirrors? Do you think I'm crazy for being willing to walk past all those mirrors before I make it to the bathroom every morning? I'd love to hear all about it!

This Week: Is it fall yet?

2011-09-17T10:00:00.000-04:00

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Hi guys, boy what is it about a weekend away that makes you drag the whole next week. I'm also getting back into the groove of my school year schedule (I like that I have been out of school for EVER, okay like 6 years, and yet I still have to do a little reworking every fall) so that doesn't help. Anyway one with the show or weekend round up, whatever you want to call it!

Did anyone buy anything from the Missoni for Target line. If your Target looks anything like mine there is nothing left. The one thing I really wanted was a pair of ballet flats, but it was not to be. I did get a few gifts for a few little(ish) girls I know. Let me know if you had any good scores!
In case you missed I broke down my long weekend by the numbers.
Recommended by my new sister in-law Kelsey, Picker Sisters is my new favorite show!
I will be wearing my hair like this over the weekend. The one with all the yarn in it!
Please read what might be one of my all time favorite posts on a blog and not just because I love the mom and the little girl it is about.

Do you have any big plans for the weekend? I'm hoping to get a lot of work done and enjoy the crispy fallness of it all!

Two To Tango

2011-09-14T08:30:00.001-04:00

I'm still in post trip catch up mode, so today we just have a quick tip/buy. Here is my tip: buy more shoes! As you know I was in North Dakota over the weekend for my brother's wedding, but did you also know that I was a bridesmaid? No, well I was! And as I'm sure you know that task involves spending a lot of time traipsing around in high heals and not just any high heals, the fancy kind that wage war with your feet. The shoes I wore for the service/pictures/dinner were this cute pair of peep toes, with black satin ruffles from Nina, picked up for a song at DSW. In addition to my party shoes, I also picked up a pair of dancing shoes. These black sparkly flats are by Wanted and can be found on Endless.com. I'm not going to say that my feet didn't hurt at all by the end of the night, but I will say that it is a lot easier to stumble up to your hotel room after a night of dancing when you aren't trying to cram your feet back into heals (because I know that if you don't have a back up pair of shoes, you are for sure dancing in your bare feet by the nights end!).

P.S. I'm also a fan of the sparkled flip flop for such events.

Numbering a Weekend

2011-09-13T08:30:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I traveled to North Dakota for my brother Sam's wedding. I thought today it would be fun to break the trip down by the numbers. So here we are some of the things you would have seen or experienced if you had joined me this weekend.

2,160 - miles traveled (round trip) in a mini van with my aunt, uncle and cousin, just like when I was a kid and went on vacation with them.

36 - hours spent in a car seat.

25 - Finks gathered together to welcome one more to our ranks!

23- people (if my math is right) that drove from Michigan through the night.

16 - guys and gals in the wedding party.

13 - cousins dancing out on the dance floor.

10 - million bobby pins holding my hair up.

9 - ty (90) % of the guests on the bride's side confused by the wedding party dancing like crazy to this song! Yes that would be Sam's pick. The guests on the groom's side, just understand that we were mostly just a group of kids from Ypsi.

8 - girls in black dresses holding yellow flowers.

7 - times I listened to the Meg and Dia album Cocoon on the drive.

6 - states driven through

5 - siblings hugged (I think it was the first time the 6 of us have been all together in a year)!

4 - AM the time I finally went to bed Saturday night (okay it was 3:00 local time, but to me it felt like 4)

3 - giggling girls sharing a hotel room (many thanks to our friend Lynn for letting Phoebe and me crash her pad).

2 - grown men crying like little girls (the groom and his father).

1 - newly married happy couple.

Long Weekend

2011-09-12T08:30:00.000-04:00

Both wonderful and exhausting more to come!

P.S. Check out those fantastic raccoon eyes! HOT!

Fabric "Wall Paper"

2011-09-09T08:30:00.001-04:00

How About Orange is one of my fave design/craft blogs and this post about how to wall paper with fabric is a must read. Don't be surprised if you see this project popping up in pictures of my little house.

Go Ahead Give It A Try

2011-09-08T08:30:00.000-04:00

Fox is letting us all get a jump start on our Fall TV watching, you can now get the pilot of New Girl on iTunes. Give it a watch and tell me what you think. I'm not in love with the show yet, but I'll give it a few more episodes.

Rewind

2011-09-07T08:30:00.003-04:00

First Day of Class - Re-imagined by elizabethfink featuring headbands hair accessories

Oh Sunday I realized that it was the 10 year anniversary of my first day of college. Now that sure will make a girl feel old(ish) and wonder what she would do differently if she had to go back. I don't want to dwell on if I'd only known then what I know now my life would be so different thoughts. It is fair to say that I wouldn't have done some of the things I did and I would have done some of the things that I didn't, but that isn't the point of this post. No no, the point of this post is fashion! Specifically what I would wear if I had to walk into my first day of classes at Calvin once again. I haven't a clue as to what I wore the first time around, but I'm sure it wasn't as fantastic as the one above.

P.S. I am loving those small heart earrings so much, I'm going to have to add them to my Christmas list!

P.P.S. You should be listening to Better Than Ezra's Closer on repeat while reading this post, that is what I was doing 10 years ago.

Read Something Good: The Devil in the White City

2011-09-06T08:30:00.001-04:00

Oh my in all the hub-bub of last week I missed posting our Read Something Good book pick for September. With murder and mystery set against the background of the Chicago world's fair, The Devil In The White City, sounds like the perfect read to keep you up on crisp fall nights!

This Week: The Joy of Laboring

2011-09-03T14:15:00.001-04:00

Hummm that kinda sounds like this post is about giving birth. It is not. It is about making the most of the "last" weekend of the summer. So do you have big plans for the next 2 and 1/2 days? I wrote a big list, but I'm going to end up reneging on post of it I already know! I hope you have a fun holiday weekend.

Window Shopping - HomeGoods

2011-08-30T08:30:00.000-04:00

I thought it might be fun to do a little window shopping this week. So I stopped over at my local HomeGoods and thought you might like to be my virtual shopping date!
I'd really like to get a drink dispenser and while the sign says that they start at $14.99 the ones I really liked, this one that looks like a bee hive and the blueish one in the middle were more in the $30-$40 range so I'm thinking I'll have to wait and see if they make it to the clearance section in the next few months.

I thought that both the sweet tea cups and the colorful mini casserole dishes would make great gifts both are only $7.99.

I'm a big fan of pretty storage and I think all three of these baskets/boxes fit the bill. The cool lime colored metal one is $12.99 and both of the awesome burlap baskets are $14.99

Moving on to the rug section. The two rugs about are big (7.5 ft x 9.5 ft) and only $299. Sadly they don't really work with my style/colors. But if browns and olives are your thing they would be a lovely addition to your room.

Now the light green and yellow rugs are a little bit smaller, but are also more what I'm looking for. Oh and at only $199 for the green and a mere $149 for the yellow it doesn't get much better.

The lamps are another example of item I loved, but have no relation to my personal style. The blue and green pottery was really beautiful in person ($49.99) and in the right room the faux coral would look fantastic ($39.99).

Okay storage centers. The top bookshelf is shallower than others with the same look that I've seen, it would work great for DVDs or CDs (though who owns that many CDs any more). I really, really, really loved the media center, as in I came this close to bringing it home, but it would be for my basement and I'm not really ready to work on that project yet. The self is $299 and the sideboard/media center was marked "as is" for $99.

Now here is where we hit the stuff that is more my cup of tea. The pink chairs, I almost don't want to tell you that they are only $89 because I think I might go back and pick up one (or maybe both). Now the silky pink chair while lovely is at $499 a little to rich for my blood. Well you know I love yellow I don't need to say more and did I say it is only $39.99. And the low bench/ottomans, yes, the yellow and green one would look AMAZING in my bedroom ($119).

HomeGoods is a great place to find bedding. I liked the sixties look of the Style Happy sheets (on clearance for $15). And in another case of cute, but not my style I love the black, white and green Hillcrest bedding set (I didn't make a note of how much the sheets were, but for just the duvet cover it was $39.99 and for the "bed in a bag" it is $79.99).
Here is where my battery died and I wasn't able to get any of the fun stuff in the accessory section. But as it was giving up the ghost I was able to snap one last one of this leather elephant (I actually own a vintage on very much like this), it didn't have a price tag, but the one stuck to the shelf next to it was for $14.99.

Okay friends our little shopping date has come to an end. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! Where should we go next time? Target? Meijer? World Market?

This Week: The Fun Never Ends!

2011-08-27T21:40:00.000-04:00

I have been so busy this week I can hardly think and there is sure to be another one coming up. So in the meantime here are a few weekend links to fill your time!

Do you love Downton Abbey? You do, I know me too! Here is a little bit of info on season 2 via Linda Holmes from NPR (she loves Downton Abbey too!).
Speaking of Downton Abbey, I bought the show on iTunes, but now I wish I had it on DVD. Is it crazy to own the same thing in different formats? Should I just get myself a DVD copy of Bring It On first because you know I'm never going own a VHS player again?!
Do you have any book recommendations? I had a great conversation with a few of my friends on Thursday about books we have been reading lately. The only problem is I don't think any books came up that I hadn't already read. So I'm looking for something good to read. Oh and here are my monthly reads, I've finished this months book and LOVED it!
Are you working on any projects? Here is one that I've just finished up

Okay well that is about all I can muster, I hope you have wonderful weekend full of fun, fun, fun!

How does your garden grow?

2011-08-26T08:30:00.000-04:00

In the middle of all my end of summer craziness, I have managed to squeeze in a little time to work on a few projects. One thing I really want to finish by the end of the year is my guest bedroom make over. After the wall painting and the bedding (that is a little more of a slow and steady wins the race kinda project) the next thing I wanted to tackle was the question of what to put on the walls.
A few weeks ago I found this wood plaque at the thrift store and thought I might be able to come up with a fun little project with it.
For starts I gave it a light spraying of paint, I wanted the wood to still "shine" through a little.
Next I went to my big stack o' magazines and ripped out a few pages that had just type on both sides.
I then made two flowers much like I made the felt flowers for my springy wreath only with glue in place of sewing. And finished them off with button centers.
To finish things up I cut out leaves from some pink and gray fabric you will be seeing again and drew a stem using a gold sharpie pen.

So there you have it quick and easy the project only cost about a $1.50 and was finished in the time it took me to watch two episodes of White Collar. I'm rather happy with how it turned out, it kinda reminds me of Victorian shell art.

Yeah me too

2011-08-23T17:55:00.002-04:00

I'm still not happy with my ringtone. And by no means have I been picking out paint colors for my living room for the last year and a half, no way I am way more with it than that!

Moving Right Along

2011-08-22T08:30:00.001-04:00

All signs are pointing to summer coming to an end. I took this picture of the apple trees in my parents yard, you you see the apples starting to put on their rose-y cheeks for their big debut. I hear that kids are already returning to school. My town had our Heritage Festival this past weekend (I didn't make it down to the park to have an elephant ear for breakfast, but I did go on the home tour and wouldn't you know one of the houses that I put an offer in on during my house hunting days was on the tour. It looked great, but I'm so glad I didn't buy it.), as a kid that always signaled the end of summer for me.

Even though this is the busiest time of year for me at work and I'm getting back into the groove with my school year commitments, it seemed like I was looking forward to fall a little bit extra this year. But then I took a quick walk down memory lane and low and behold last august I posted not one, but two post that high lighted my love of fall clothes. Oh and wouldn't you know it last September I made a fall wreath and waxed poetic (not really poetic) about the color of the leaves in Michigan in the good ol' autumn time, in October I even dragged a few little friends out to enjoy the reds, oranges and golds. In fact it looks like every year at about this time my thoughts turn toward my favorite season, o take this as your official warning. I am so over summer and I have fall on my mind, get ready for posts about corduroy skirts, cool nights, odes to maples and oaks, apple themed recipes, orange twinkle lights, felt leaf projects, and at least one more mention of my unending love for Better Than Ezra and their perfect fall song This Time Of Year. Get ready friends, it is going to be awesome!

P.S. I hope you've been humming this song while reading this post!

Testing Testing!

2011-08-16T08:30:00.000-04:00

Did you know that next year is the year of the dragon? So when the big brother of a new little fellow asked for a stuffed friend all his own, I took a little break from the bunnies and gave a dragon pattern a whirl. What do you think? Are you going to try and pop a baby out in 2012 so you can have a little dragon all your own? Did I just encourage you to have a baby for the swag? Yes, yes I did!

Its the little things

2011-08-15T08:30:00.000-04:00

Okay I've got a confession, my bedroom light fixture has looked like the picture above for the last year and a half. So I finally did something about it last week. In the middle of the night I woke up with a revelation. See I had the wrong idea about fixing the problem.
The original shade was broken when I moved in, I had thinking that I need to just replace the light fixture. Then it dawned on me, or really more like 2 am-ed on me. That I should check out the Kiwanis weekly sale for a replacement shade.
To my delight they not only had a replacement shade, they had a bunch of shades that would work for my light. I picked out this one, because it reminded me of a dandy lion just before you blow and make a wish.
Oh and the best part, it was only $1.50. Gotta love fixing a problem with just a little pocket change! What do you think? Was I crazy to sleep under a light that was literally hanging by a thread (well cord) for over a year? Have you ever thrifted a home improvement item?

This Week: Yeah that happened

2011-08-13T16:05:00.000-04:00

I was just the worst little blogger last week wasn't I? Oh well next week is already off to a better start! For today I just have this to offer, a few of my favorite "summertime" songs!

Cry Baby

2011-08-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

Look I don't have any excuses I've just been sorta busy this week so I gave myself a little time off at night when I normally write the next day's (or twos) post. Not that it is a big deal to anyone, but here is my little peace offering to you anyway!

This Week: Thank God For Weekends!

2011-08-05T13:52:00.002-04:00

I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to this weekend all week. I have a whole host of plans up my sleeve that I can't wait to share the results with you. Are you curious? You will just have to wait and see! Okay on to this weeks round up:

We are back to reading peeps, check out this month's book!
Anyone else planning to see this movie, just as soon as they can?
Are you as into school supplies as me?
I wish I did more camping so I could justify a collection of these cool plates from Mod Cloth.
There might be a hint or two in here about some of my weekend plans!
I've been thinking about using these as the back splash in my kitchen, but are they too much?

Do you have big plans for the weekend? Are you just going to enjoy a few summery days? Whatever you do I hope you have a great one!

Read Something Good:The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pit Society

2011-08-05T08:30:00.000-04:00

Well, well it seems that another month as slipped by and it is time to start a new book. This months selection is a recommendation from the lovely Kelsey. As always I would love to chat about any of the books I'm reading this year so let me know if you've read along or if you have one you think I might enjoy.

You've been Schooled (I really wanted to spell it skooled, but I thought that was a little much)

2011-08-03T08:30:00.000-04:00

Maybe it is because I was home schooled for most of my education or maybe it is because I'm a bit of paper goods nut, but I just LOVE school supplies. It is my pleasure to teach a class once a week during the school year where there is a need for binders, pencils, note books and folders so I have a good reason to indulge in some school supply lovelyness (yay me!).
This year I am in love with the Greenroom collection from Target (big surprise!). It started with this animal print pencil case. (That I filled with pencils from the same color/pattern family, but didn't take a picture of them.)
Then I moved on to the comp books. I actually got three so I could transfer everything from the yellow legal pad that organized my life.
And I had to get a few folders for all the loose papers that end up shoved in my bag. I really only needed one, but they came in a two pack and I'm sure I can find a use for the extra one.
Last a binder to keep all the lessons in.
The best part of all, they were all just 2 bucks! Are you a grown up that can't get enough of school supplies? Are you like me and can't help but love a fun printed pencil box in great colors?

Inspiration

2011-08-02T08:30:00.000-04:00

You guys I'm going to be a super lazy blogger today and just share a bunch of pictures that I am finding inspiring these days. The image about is the inspiration for the up coming living room remaster - it will be a-maze-ing, just you wait.
Um yeah I really have been working on making the guestroom a pink and gray haven for all my dear loved ones, it is just very slow going.
This is sort of backwards inspiration, I already decided to paint my front door bright green and my trim black and then I found this picture to give me motivation.

I've always liked the salon look when it comes to hanging art, I hardly every feel like there is to much stuff on a wall.
Can't you just see painted steps leading up to my attic bedroom?
I really want to do this in my tiny entry, I'm thinking about doing it the faux way though with paint and poly.
Need I say anything!
Is it weird that I really want to make a mini version of my own house? Yes. Oh well I think we already all know that I'm weird. Right? Glad to get that out of the way.
I wish my yard was a smidge bigger, I would so build (okay who am I kidding have built) a little house of any kind back there.
Oh how I long to go fancy camping!
Even better fancy camping and floating down a river, the stuff that dreams are made of people!

I hope you enjoyed your little trip into my browser/mind (what you can't tell me that they aren't the same thing). What is inspiring you these days? I'd love to know.

Watermelon Salsa

2011-08-01T08:30:00.001-04:00

I made watermelon salsa twice last week and both times I have had someone ask me how to make it. Well I thought it they were asking for it, you might like to have it too. Okay first things first, I love having this bad boy in my back pocket because it is unexpected and is super easy to make if you are having folks over or if you are going to a party at someones place. Second things second I have to give a shout out to my cousin* Sandy because she introduced me to the amazingness that is watermelon salsa. Third things third lets get this show on the road!

What you need:

1/2 a small(ish) seedless watermelon

1 red onion

1/2 bunch of cilantro

2 jalapeno peppers

juice of 2 limes

salt to taste

sharp knife

cutting board (notice my cut yellow one, you know because yellow is my THANG)

What you'll do is:

Chop, chop, chop! Yep that is the big secret lots of chopping. Dice the watermelon, mince the onion and the jalapeno, chop the cilantro and toss everything into a big bowl. Mix and mix and mix some more, no really I hat when salads and the such are not mixed well. Now lets see, oh yes, juice the limes and season with the salt to taste. And there you have it! See I told you, ever so easy.

Some tips and serving ideas:

Cut your watermelon small and even, your pieces should be square with sides no bigger than a quarter inch. Same goes for your onion small even pieces. As for the peppers, I don't know if this is the best way to cut hot peppers, but it is the way I always do it; cut each pepper in half and remove the seeds. My trick for removing the seeds is to work under running water. Then cut the pepper into tiny pieces.

I have only ever hat this salsa with chips. But I have been thinking of other ways to enjoy it, my dad put some one his taco the other night and I think it would be great over a white fish, yep that sounds yummy!

* I think it is high time that I put this disclaimer out there, for the record as a girl from a big close knit family when I use the word cousin I might mean anything from my actual cousin, to my mom's cousin that I'm face book friends with, to my 1st cousin once removed to my dad's sister's husband's identical twin brother's daughters (yep that is a totally true thing and they are totally fun and cool gals!). So there you have it sometimes a cousin is really a cousin and sometimes it is someone you're not even really related to.

So You Think You Can Dance - Melanie and Neil

2011-07-28T13:04:00.002-04:00

Did you see GaGa on So You Think You Can Dance last night? Her shoes - crazy town. Now this dance is worth watching just for a amazing jump/catch? So do you watch this show? If you do who are your favorite dancers this year. Mine at Melanie and Marko, for sure!

Ooooops

2011-07-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

Wooops I've messed up my posting for this week. So no real post today. In it's place enjoy this cute reminder that Boden's new fall clothes are out.

Songare un piccolo sogno di:

2011-07-25T08:30:00.002-04:00

It seem that I have been dreaming of Italy these days, I go through these spells every six months or so, times when I can't get enough of things that remind me of a country that stole my heart. I have been reading Under the Tuscan Sun, watched both Enchanted April (not great) and the Masterpiece Theater A Room With A View (wonderful) and been plotting about where I would go if I was visiting all the lovely cities there. Is there a place that you find you dream of over and over?

This week - It is gettin' hot in here

2011-07-23T13:00:00.000-04:00

Like most of the country we are experiencing one hell of a heatwave, with everyday in the high 90s (I think we topped out at 101 on Thursday, but it felt like the surface of the sun!). Well anyway in addition to being one of the hottest months ever I'm dubbing this July the Month of Babies. So far every week this month someone that I know has had a baby from my friend Peter born on July 1st to the very tiny Mary born this week to my cousin and his wife.

Did you have a play house growing up? I didn't and I think that is why I have such a love of magic little houses like these. I have great plans to one day have a small gypsy wagon in my back yard for a play house for people big and small!
My latest obsession is the band Meg and Dia, for reals guys listen to Cocoon like NOW!
Are you a crocheter? I know what my next project will be!
I pulled together a round up of Moon Landing inspired goods.
I've invited you to take a look around my house - see my dining room and my kitchen.

What are your weekend plans? I'm looking forward to a fun night with friends and cousins!

Fun with Fungi or I'm sorry about writing stupid titles

2011-07-22T08:30:00.000-04:00

Do you want to know what I've been working on while rewatching Cameron Crowe movies? You do? Good because I was going to tell you anyway! I have been working on a few new Christmas ornaments. Like what you see? There will be plenty more coming up in the next few months.

Share - Meg and Dia

2011-07-21T08:30:00.000-04:00

Did you watch The Voice earlier this summer? Around here we (my mom, my sister, my fake sister Kimmy and my soon to be sister in-law Kelsey) were big fans of the show and even more so of the (in my opinion) break out star Dia Frampton. So you can imagine how tickled I was to discover that she had a band with her sister Meg that had already put out a few albums, the most recent being the very cool Cocoon. You can stream the whole album on their website, which I did over and over after discovering it, and you can also buy it on iTunes and Amazon, I did because I want to be a supporter.

It was hard to pick a favorite song, but for today I think this one is my fave. Ask me again tomorrow it is sure to change!

Fly Me To the Moon

2011-07-20T08:30:00.002-04:00

On this date in 1969 the first man to land on the moon took his first steps on her dusty surface. In celebration of that momentous occation and to mark the end of the current space shuttle program I have pulled together a little space themed round up for our Wednesday Find session!
This collectors plate was issued in 1969 and show cases a lovely artist's rendering of what the first men on space must have looked like hard at work.
If you want to believe, you might like this flying saucer charm, I'm thinking I might need one for my charm bracelet! Personally, the Tomorrowland the future through 1960's colored glasses has always been a favorite, these magnets based on a 60's game fit right in.

Personally, the Tomorrowland the future through 1960's colored glasses has always been a favorite, these magnets based on a 60's game fit right in.

Now if this bad boy wasn't 90 bucks I'd be announcing here that it was on it's way to me as I was typing this for you to read. Sadly it is $90 and I just can't do that right now, but if you have a spare hundy kicking around I would so get behind your buying this. I think it is amazing!
Finally we have this cool quilt, it looks like they may not sell it any longer, but if you are truly crafty you might be able to make one with your own two hands!

As always when I do these little round ups there is more over on Pinterest, check it out and let me know if you have any other spacey finds!

And of course if all else fails, you can always just sleep under the stars!

Come on in and take a look around - Dining Room

2011-07-19T08:30:00.001-04:00

Did you like last weeks look around the kitchen? You did, good because this week we are going to take a quick look see about the dining room. The dining room is painted the same light blue as the kitchen and has the same blah flooring, but that isn't really all that important because for all it's faults the dining room has wonderful windows that fill the room with the most beautiful golden light in the early evening just as I'm arriving home from work.
I was still in college when I found the yellow dishes (that if you have been following the blog for a while you might remember used to be the header), I loved the color and design so much I bought them even though I had no use for them and they were not a full set. Over the years I have added some other white and yellow pieces into the mix. These dishes are the inspiration for the yellow in the kitchen.
Along the wall covered in weird 70's faux wood paneling I have framed a post card collection from The Black Apple. I think the bearded lady is my favorite!
Okay some details, the table cloth (crooked) is from Target, but the last time I was there I didn't see them any longer, so I think they are done selling it. The chairs were found by my brother Sam at a consignment shop in Ann Arbor, they are not the forever option, but work well for now. The table was free from someone moving and has a very cool feature where the sides fold down and the whole table goes down to about two feet across. I just have simple white sheers on the windows because I like as much light as possible to come in during the day. The carnival glass is from my grandma (she always passes along green glass when she finds it because she knows how much I like it). I made the paper chains just for the fun of it a while ago and can't bring myself to take them down (ever!).

Yay! I hope you have enjoyed having these little looks into my home. I really love creating spaces that are totally me!

Cool Treat for Hot Days - Cherry Lime Ices

2011-07-18T08:30:00.000-04:00

The kitchen is getting a lot of action these days! Today I'm sharing a recipe that I have been making a lot this summer and nice cool alternative to ice cream and popsicles.

Cherry Lime Ices:

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

Juice of 8-10 Limes

4 cups of cherries pitted and halved

Make a simple syrup by boiling the sugar and water together until the sugar has melted completely, set aside to cool. Juice your limes and pit and half your cherries (This takes a million years be warned.) toss cherries into lime juice. Mix juice and cooled syrup and let sit in the fridge for at lease one hour. The longer it sits the most the cherry flavor gets mixed in.
Finally put it all in the freezer for a few hours and then enjoy this nice ice-y treat!

For Today

2011-07-17T09:40:00.001-04:00

I missed yesterdays weekly wrap up, but it is fair to say that my week was made up of mostly late nights and sleepy eyes. Today it is going to be a scorcher and I'm heading to the ball park with: a father, some brothers and sisters, a few aunts and uncles and a dozen cousins or so! Lets go Tigers!

All Day and All of the Night baby blanket

2011-07-15T08:30:00.000-04:00

I started this blanket a million years ago and finally finished it, just in time for the birth of another little friend! As almost always I used knit picks yarn, in shine sport this time, I don't remember the names of the colors though - might be caution and high dive. There is no pattern for this bad boy it is just one giant granny square I love how it turned out I really do, but I will say there were far to many ends to weave in for my taste (if you are ever with me when I am crafting this is a normal whine of mine, it is horrid I need to stop being such a baby about weaving in ends, but my word they suck!). So there you go a nice light summery baby blanket named after a rockin' song by The Kinks!

Happy Bastille Day!

2011-07-14T13:00:00.001-04:00

Hello ANOTHER bonus post, don't get used to it this week I just have to much to say! If I had a vintage Paris pin like this I would be wearing it today!

Share - Mollie Makes

2011-07-14T08:30:00.001-04:00

Finally after much searching (okay I just checked the fabric store a few times) I have found a copy of the new British crafting magazine Mollie Makes! And let me tell you it was so worth it, each issue is packed with projects, home tours and resource guides plus a cute little kit to get you started.
I think I have already flipped through the magazine at least 5 times and you will definitely be seeing some Mollie Makes projects popping up around the blog! To start things off I've made a few of the strawberries featured on the cover.

I'm always on the look out for new craft and shelter magazines, have you found any good ones lately?

Caught on Film

2011-07-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

This week is all about the fun extra bonus posts! There is a movie being filmed across the street from my mom and dad's for the next week and a half and I am a little crazy obsessed with the way they have done up the house for all it's late 60's glory.
I know that the swing is from Athro, but I wish I knew where the chair was from. So cool and groovy.
Please don't get me started on the bikes, they are way to much. I'm still hoping to score a tour of the house, though I'm not counting on it. Maybe they will just let me move in after they are done filming!

The Girl In the Heart Scarf

2011-07-13T08:30:00.000-04:00

I have always loved scarfs and have often been tempted (and sometimes give in) to buy them at second hand shops and yard sales. My problem is that I never know what to do with them, but after seeing this Girls With Glasses video I have been inspired and have had a scarf in my hair at least once a week for the last few weeks. Now I'm sure you will be able to find some awesome scarfs if you keep your eyes peeled at your local Goodwills and neighborhood yards, but for now you might want to join me in saving your pennies for the totally cute ban.do signature scarf!

Meet my new friend IV

2011-07-12T13:00:00.000-04:00

Extra bonus post to welcome my new little nephew to the world he is named after my brother Andrew (his father) and is the fourth Fink with his name. His mom and dad don't know what he will be called yet, but for now I'm thinking of him as little IV (Ivy)! Is he a cutie or what!

Come on in and take a look around - Kitchen

2011-07-12T08:30:00.000-04:00

When I was taking the pictures of the iced tea I wrote about yesterday I thought it might be fun to give you a look tour of how the kitchen looks right now. Some day I plan on painting the walls white and I need to tile the back splash sooner than that, but here is what things look like these days. This corner (you can see the whole thing better on the "change something good" button) is one of my favorite parts of my whole house. The yellow utensil holder is actually a planter from Target and the vintage nut grinder came from my great grandma's kitchen via my grandma on my mom's side.
I do not fear nick-nacky things so I like stuff like bunches of salt and pepper shakers lined up a long the back of the stove. That star burst clock doesn't work, yet, but it is so cool I don't want to wait until after I get it working to hang it up. The yellow blender is Cooks brand from JC Penney (It looks like they are on clearance now, I actually think they were on clearance when my mom bought mine for Christmas) its is totally cute and retro.
Okay here you go you can see in this shot that the kitchen is kinda small and doesn't really have much counter space. Oh and the floor, I HATE the floor, I'd like a nice black and white tiled floor like this. Lets see the rug I've had for a long time it is yellow and white squares and has seen better days, but much like my beloved pink and blue plaid chairs I can't replace it until I find another that's just the same! The pot holder hanging on the stove is Orla Kiely for Target, I also have a table cloth that matches. And the fridge covered in stuff, that is one of my favorite things to see in anyone's home tour all the junk they stick to their fridges.
Looking into the kitchen from the other side. You can see just little of the Best Year Ever calendar on the side of the fridge.
Final shot a close up of this funny little collection on the back of the stove, complete with a big mouthed Cherry Chomper and a light up garden gnome!

Drink Up

2011-07-11T08:30:00.000-04:00

This is my new favorite summer drink. It isn't juice though it does have a lovely deep red color.
I have been making batches and batches of iced tea with this Pomegranate White Tea from Trader Joe's. I make mine by seeping four or five tea bags for a few hours (I usually boil the water before bed and let it seep overnight) and then mix 1 to 1 with cold water, serve over ice and start the kettle again.

This Week - I'm Trying to Enjoy the Summer

2011-07-09T13:45:00.000-04:00

I have two confessions for you: first I love Mary Engelbreit and without pause or shame buy one of her calendars each January (wow glad to get that lack of cool off my chest!) and second summer is not my favorite time of year. Yep I'm going to go with, I'm okay with Summer, but the season that holds my heart is fall, so loverly. Anyway on to what's been going on this week.

Babies abound, last week I wrote that I was with my cousin when her sweet son Peter was born, this week I was many miles away when my sweet Nephew Andrew was born.
It was project week around this here blog.
I've been rewatching episodes of Haven getting ready for the new season. Do you watch that show? It is so creepy/good!
Emily Henderson has a blog, she is totally like your cool friend that knows just the place to find all the best stuff (cloths, food, funky 70's wall hangings), plus from reading her blog I now know she also has a love of tiny things, just like someone you all know.
Oh on that note the new season of Secrets of a Stylist starts tonight!
I'm wondering when you watch shows online do you do other things and just kinda listen along or do you actually watch the show?

Alright just a short list for today. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Pom-Pom Magic

2011-07-08T08:30:00.001-04:00

In late June we had a wedding shower for my brother Sam's fiancee Kelsey at my parent's house. Once we settled on a Friday evening event out on the veranda I was set on decorating with crape paper streamers and tissue paper pom-poms.
We used these Martha instructions and flattened one side so we could tape them to the brick wall. Over all I loved the look, but word to the wise sizing the pattern down to make the smaller poofs was not as easy as you might think. The key was fewer sheets of paper, we decided that six sheets worked best.

Plus once the party is over you can wear one as a hat. See how cute Phoebe is!

Black Eyed Beauty Pin

2011-07-07T08:30:00.000-04:00

I made this pin a while a go, but never got around to show it off. I love Black Eye Susans and really wanted to add an over sized pin to my accessories collection so I whipped this bad boy up (it is about 4 or 5 inches across). I get complements whenever I wear it and it looks really great with a black dress and black cardigan (one of my go to outfits).

What is Life - Cross Over Baby Sweater

2011-07-06T08:30:00.000-04:00

This little sweater is named after my favorite George Harrison song (that is to my dismay not on grooveshark so I can't make a little widget to share with you), the red and aqua colors remind me of the way the song sounds. This is one of those patterns that I just kinda know, I don't really know where I first learned how to make them, but I have made at least 1/2 a dozen of these little guys the stripe-y thing is new though. Made from Knit Picks yarn (what isn't these days?) I think it is Comfy Worsted, but is might be Shine Worsted in Sea Foam and Serrano (the best red cotton I have found) and is 0-3 month sized. If you look close you can see I had a bit of a wondering seem on the arm, I don't know what is up with that, but I had that problem with the last two striped sweaters I have made, I think I must be doing something weird when I change colors, but I don't know what it is (has anyone ever had this problem?). Over all I'm going to say that this is one of my favorite baby sweaters that I have ever made.

Now real quick before I go I do have a question for you. What are your favorite color combos? I'm getting ready to place a yarn order and need some color mixing inspiration, I feel like I have already done so many of my faves.

Hanging Up - Pin Wheel Wreath (and a how to!)

2011-07-05T08:30:00.001-04:00

Well folks, I think it is safe to say that summer is really underway these days and is was time for me to take down the spring flower wreath and move on to a more summery one. So I came up with these little pin wheels (have you noticed pin wheels popping up all over the place?) and a new wreath was born.
To start you will need one, two or three pieces of fabric, I would recommend that at least the outer most layer be felt, I made my by sandwiching a layer of regular quilters cotton between to pieces of felt it seemed to be the perfect amount of stiffness. So lets say for the purpose of this post you want to make a three layered pin wheel. You are going to start with cutting a small square out of felt, this will be your inter most layer, you will then cut two more squares each about 1/4 of an inch larger than the one before.
For the next step you will snip from the corner up to about 1/4 of an inch from the middle (maybe even less), you want to cut all three layers together.
Next you will fold one half of each corner into the center as shown. You want to sew each corner as you go, overlapping them slightly.
Finally once you have all four corners sewn down you need to sew a button in the middle to top it off!
I hot glued mine onto a florist's wreath that I wrapped in some (cheap!) variegated yarn. This project is super easy and quick, my eleven year old sister spent the night on Sunday and was able to whip up enough for her own wreath in the time it took us to watch Nancy Drew and that included all the time it takes to put together the right color combinations!

As always I'd love to know if you make any of my projects, so drop me a line (even better if you send pictures!). Also as promised this is project week so check back every day for a new project I'm working on.

This Week: Relax it is summer!

2011-07-02T06:35:00.000-04:00

This week: I don't know how it has been in your neck of the woods, but here in the mitten the days have been long, sunny and the perfect 76 degrees. To bad I had to work all week and now that the weekend has come it is going to be a million degrees and I will just want to stay in the A/C all three days, ugg. Anyway here is a round up of fun things from this week:

Yesterday I was able to be with my cousin as she gave birth to her 5th child (2nd to be born at home) and it was amazing!
I want to live-in Benny & Joon, after seeing this post you will too.
My cute friends have started a new blog! Check out Nearly Normal Girls.
I can't get enough of this wonderful idea: sending someone a party in a box!
We've started (well I've finished!) another book.
Speaking of books, NPR has a great round up of books to read this summer.
I am finally learning how to knit, more on that later.

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday weekend, stay cool and see some fireworks!

Read Something Good: July

2011-07-01T08:30:00.000-04:00

Okay this month I am cheating and recommending that you read a book I have already finished. My cousin Lydia lent me this book and I fell down a rabbit hole and came out a few days later wishing I hadn't hit the bottom. Baby Catcher, is another work of non-fiction, this time a memoir written by a Midwife working in the Bay Area during the 70's, 80's and 90's. Peggy Vincent is a wonderful story teller and her words make you feel like you are standing the the room watching the events unfold. I know that this is a book I will come back to time and again.

Our Idiot Brother

2011-06-30T17:00:00.001-04:00

I first saw a preview for this movie a few weeks ago and am really looking forward to seeing it. So many of my fave actors are in it; Paul Rudd, Emily Mortimer, Zooey Deschanel and Hugh Dancy (Every time I see him in a movie I come away with a little crush!). Anyone else looking forward to seeing this movie?

Nearly Normal Girls

2011-06-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

Holla! I'm still having a hard time getting pictures to up load from my computer to blogger (I'm thinking it is a me problem and I'll have to try and fix it over the weekend) so I am going to go with a regular ol' Share Something Good post today and I hope that next week will be full of project posts (I have some really good ones guys, it is going to rock!).

Anyway today I'm happy to share with you a brand spankin' new blog:

Nearly Normal Girls

This blog is written by two sweet gals Hannah and Kimmy, (that I happen to know in Reals Life) and I know you are going to love it! So join me in wishing them welcome to the blogging world!

Bike Riding Weather

2011-06-29T20:15:00.000-04:00

Well friends it is truely summer now and my mind has turned to trying to spend as much time out side as possible. Another one of my 28 Things for this year is to ride my bike more.

I have my very own vintage Schwinn, a Christmas gift from my mom and dad a few years ago, but if you don't have to good fortune to find a vintage one, I might be willing to trade you mine for one of these brand new beauties! The pink one reminds me of that perfect 1960's convertible and if you put a wicker basket on that green one you could just call it the picnic mobile!

Technical Difficulties

2011-06-29T09:30:00.000-04:00

Having some blogger issues, hope to have a post up later. Anyone else having issues up loading photos to blogger?

Daisy Daisy Baby Blanket

2011-06-28T12:00:00.000-04:00

Last week I took a few days off so I though this week I'd change up my normal posting for the rest of this week. One of my 28 Things to do While 28 is to finish 28 projects. I am counting this as my first finished project, though I think I might have finished it the night before I turned 28. For this baby blanket I returned to the much loved by me African Flower pattern, it might be my favorite one yet (are you one of those people that the last thing you worked on is always your favorite? I kinda am) so I am bummed that I didn't get a better picture. Oh well maybe I'll just have to make another!

Here are the details:

African Flower Pattern (I use the English translation from Flickr)

Knit Picks Yarn Shine Worsted in:

Peapod

Creme Brulee (it looks like they don't have this color any more)

Cream

Black

Puzzled

2011-06-22T13:30:00.000-04:00

After reading this funny post about "tweenysomethings" over at HelloGiggles I was inspired to share one of my favorite birthday gifts for today's find. I am sure that if I was in middle school when these Japanese Puzzle Erasers came out I would have collected them all, but it seems that for an adult I think one is probably enough, don't you? My sister Phoebe gave me the little gray elephant, and he is just totally cute! I plan on putting it up on a shelf with all my other tiny elephants, but if you are brave you could use them to erase mistakes on this weeks math quiz or remove all those heart encircled JTTs from your trapper keeper!