Everything in its Place!

My cousin's room on Teen Vogue by TORI MELLOT!!

2010-11-16T21:51:00.002-05:00

My cute little cousin (a high school freshman) won a room makeover from Teen Vogue designed by Tori Mellot..amazing right?!. And she totally deserves it. I'm so excited for her.
Pictures are finally online and in magazines. Check it out HERE. Go see the rest it's so beautiful. The lucite console is outta control. I love it all!

Cool Contest...

2010-10-17T21:46:00.000-04:00

Working on stuff. Out of hibernation soon. Promise. In the meantime. How badly do you want one of these bikes? SO. FREAKING. AWESOME. Just click on the link.

Best & Easiest Meal EVER.

2010-06-22T22:48:00.002-04:00

Roast, crockpot or buy some chicken...then shred it..this is literally the hardest step. I put mine in the crockpot for just about 4 hours (anymore and it gets dry) with lemon pepper, garlic salt and seasoned salt..way more than you think you should use.

Make No Biggie's Salsa..mmmmm

Make some Guacamole...or just buy it. Whatever is easiest..

Buy some of this cheese. And I beg you. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE (unless it's another mexican cheese) with some hideous shredded cheese.

Put some of these in the microwave.Corn. let me repeat..corn. NOT flour.

And put it all together....if you must have cream. Buy Mexican Crema. It is so so good and this is coming from a girl with a aversion to white foods.

I could eat this every day.

pretty...just cause.

2010-06-20T17:31:00.001-04:00

(Image)

I'm Baaaaaack....and other things...

2010-06-09T12:12:00.007-04:00

Well first of all....It's Summer Time! YAY. My little boy's last day of school is tomorrow and in a few weeks we will be moving to one of those states in New England (sorry I removed the state because of creepy people), where I will be attending Law School this fall. I'm not exactly sure if I should keep blogging, honestly, I don't really have anything new or interesting to say and blogging really does take a lot of time--besides..have you seen what other bloggers are doing?! Amazing, creative, original stuff. I really don't need to be yet another blog showing pretty pictures of homes I love. Honestly. We have enough of those already. I guess the only original thing I can offer here is a little slice of my life, which is definitely original, but interesting......I don't know. Anyway. Here I am. I do have a few more thoughts to share--maybe.

so quick and dirty update.
took kid to school. took kids to park. took big kid to piano. big kid had second piano recital recently,awesome.dealt with some serious issues.called a lawyer.sold stuff on craigslist. dieted. worked out.working out. lost 10 lbs. but only because i had gained some lbs and panicked. realized i do like running. but only on the treadmill.bought awesome compressor and paint sprayer attachment. painted a lot.wondered why i ever painted any other way. went to art fair at big kid's school.bought my own kids art at aforementioned art fair.applied to 4 law schools. got into 2 schools got rejected by 2 schools. ouch. went to the beach. a lot. played the wii. got beat by a then 6 yr old at pretty much every game. did laundry at least 300 times.took big kid to basketball games on saturdays. grateful for indoor sports in this florida heat.tutored friends son for 2 weeks. realized that you don't really know someone until you spend a lot of time with them in their home. realized how amazing my friends are. realized just the other day that florida is kinda home now. realized I will miss it. a little. got a ridiculously expensive ticket in the mail. realized i hate cameras at traffic lights. felt sad i broke my 10 years without a ticket streak. paid ridiculously expensive ticket.planned bridal shower games. realized i don't like party games. took little kid to story time. found awesome sushi place. found awesome pizza place. went to lunch with girlfriends. went to dinner with girlfriends. went to movie with girlfriend. snuck in sushi and ice cream to movies. wondered why I ever watched a movie any other way. went to a wedding. took flowers to a grave. went to a bbq. planned a bday party for big kid. bought an old sewing machine that weighs more than me.made some skirts. made a dress. made a messenger bag for big kid. made gwyneth paltrows shrimp tacos. read love in the time of cholera. read the brief wondorous life of oscar wao. read one L. read eat pray love. reading four other books. went to ikea. went to norstroms half yearly sale. went to the gap. went to the loft. went to target. went to poco patino. went to banana republic. was gifted a suit for law school. bought sperrys. wondered why i put myself through pain in any other shoes. bought tory burch flats for practically nothing. bought kids shoes. bought kids clothes. bought another striped shirt. bought stuff everywhere. realized i may have a bit of shopping problem. realized i will be poor because of law school debt, therefore i should learn to control spending. doing better. called uhaul. said goodbye to some friends.

So there it is friends. I have at least a few more posts in me...at least until I decide if this is for me. If I do. I have to find a way to make this blog cool enough to get on the sponsor bandwagon...what is the deal with that?

Thanks for reading. I have loads of pictures to come.

Help Haiti Rise

2010-02-04T14:46:00.002-05:00

The shirt. I just got mine in the mail today. They're $15 and 100% of the proceeds will go to Partners in Health, and NGO (Non Government Organization) helping the injured Haitian People.

go HERE to order yours.

Banana Bread Recipe

2010-02-01T17:24:00.002-05:00

This Banana bread is so good it should be called Banana Cake.

Found Here.

French Peasant Bread Recipe

2010-02-01T17:17:00.000-05:00

I don't have a picture for this one, but trust me you won't care. This bread is so so easy and so incredibly good. Everyone that has tried it has asked me for the recipe.

The ingredients go in a bowl..you mix with a large spoon and let rise..then you flour your hands and take the big blob and separate it into two pieces....set it on a cookie sheet let it rise and bake. Read the recipe for specifics, but really that's about all it takes. It's so so good.

French Peasant Bread

1 Package Dry Yeast

2 Cups Warm Water

1 Tablespoon Sugar

2 Teaspoons Salt

4 Cups Flour

Oil

Corn Meal

Melted Butter

Place yeast, water, sugar and salt in warm bowl and stir until dissolved. Add flour and stir until blended. Do no knead. Cover and let rise one hour or until doubled in size. Flour hands, remove dough from the bowl and place in 2 rounds on an oiled cookie sheet sprinkled with corn meal. Let rise an additional hour. Brush the top with melted butter and bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees and cook an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven and brush again with butter. Serve warm.

So True...

2010-01-21T19:11:00.000-05:00

Print found here.

Cupcake Tower Idea.

2010-01-20T17:39:00.001-05:00

Very pretty and seems do-able.

Found on Martha Stewart of course. Click here for instructions.

Elizabeth Gilbert on being Creative....BRILLIANT!!

2010-01-16T21:05:00.005-05:00

Chairs Chairs Chairs

2010-01-15T16:34:00.004-05:00

Chairs I do adore...
Name that song...except it's not chairs.
I have a problem.
An addiction.
To chairs.
Besides a massive sofa, two smaller matching sofas and a settee, I own.....10 chairs (not counting dining chairs, two awesome outdoor chairs I should show you sometime..two kids chairs currently not in the house since they're being painted..and the 5 at my mom's)
settle in for a long post..
*Disclaimer: I am NOT a hoarder. In fact I get rid of things too easily. There are a few things I have a lot of beauty products, lamps, picture frames, shoes, books..ok maybe more than a few things..but they're organized and I can stop whenever I want. I can. Becca, Summer,,help me out here you read the blog and you've seen every inch of my house..

My latest. My mom bought me these two channel back chairs...Love them, and I love that they're not super popular. The wood will get painted and the fabric will be one of the above or charcoal velvet and white for the wood..not sure....maybe...opinions welcome..

This red one is and old Ethan Allen chair...I've had it for a long long time. It is super comfortable and sits in our little reading area. My kids sit on it almost everyday.I got it from the girl used to do my slipcovers in Utah..she was amazing. If I could remember her name..I'd get a group of friends together and fly her out to do all our slipcovers. Her Slipcovers are perfect!

This little one is adorable..also Ethan Allen. I got a good deal (at least I think so). This chair is small but mighty.. I sit on it all the time..the kids watch TV on it or scoot it up to their table.. needs a slipcover though.I'm thinking blue &and white ticking.

The Rocking Chair. Because every house needs one. This is where I sit while my daughter screams..don't leave my room mommy..almost every night.

You've seen theses two many times. Love them. One day will have them reupholstered and will only use the white slipcovers in the Spring and Summer. One day. BTW..i know that picture on the wall is lonely..I've had a box full of frames waiting to be hung for the last oh..5 months..and I'm already planning the next move. Maybe in my next place.

I just got this one...$5. Vintage and has a sticker that says Stendig. I think that's supposed to mean something except I really don't care. It's adorable and just got painted black. So far my little girl likes to drag it in the kitchen and climb on it to help me cook. today it's holding pretty books.

This one I could do without honestly. Although my daughter uses it to climb my bed..and one day could sit near an entry table for tying shoes or putting my purse on.....This was a dining chair. I bought the wrong model...it's a little too small in scale for what I wanted. I'm thinking I may die the slipcover dark (black or Navy) and add some detail with grosgrain ribbon..someday maybe.

This is my desk chair in the master bedroom. I love it. But not the frou frouness of it all. This will also be redone sometime very soon in a simple solid fabric.

So..I have a lot of reupholstering in the coming months and I don't want to be super neutral and boring but I don't want a a cartoonish look either.
Anyway...
In conclusion, although it may seem like a lot. All my chairs serve a purpose and are well loved and well used. Less isn't always more. Chairs are so verstatile, they can be moved from room to room, they serve more than one purpose and they are so much cheaper to redo than the big pieces..

Happy New Year..

2010-01-15T15:34:00.001-05:00

Image by Paul Costello

And more importantly..happy new century. And what will you accomplish in the next 10 years. Here's my list of the top ten highlights of my last ten. 

1.Became a Mom--had two kids. Learned I love the way I look pregnant, babies are miraculous, kids are born with their personalities, and most of all that I have a lot of love but little patience. Will improve.

2.Graduated From University of Utah..(exactly 1 month before becoming a mom)

3.Learned to cook, blog, make bread from scratch, sew (poorly), party plan, improvise,jump a car battery, run, and became dare I say it: ew Crafty ew.

4.Moved across the country--made new friends--became a beach bum.

5.Wrote...and got published...or almost...I guess when the magazine is printed it'll be official..cannot wait.

6.Taught English in Middle School and still feel shame and shock to find so many grammatical errors in my writing.

7.Learned to say No. To be honest with myself, and to spend as little time as possible with projects that will not make anyone's life better. Also learned to spend time on projects that make my life better-even if it's only my life they improve..because that's ok too. Still learning all this..

8..Learned (and still practicing) the art of gratitude and forgiveness.

9. Learned that what I love most of all are: motherhood, books, NYC, Spring & Summer, A good workout, a good movie, good food, family & friends, the ocean and music... and that what I hate the most is the LSAT.

10.Celebrated a 10 year wedding anniversary and turned 30..that seems crazy doesn't it. I was a child bride.

As for the next 10...still thinking..

Do you YUDU?

2009-12-23T20:05:00.004-05:00

Mrs. Limestone has floored me with this project. I don't even know where to begin with how fabulous it is and how everything she does is so beautiful.

All done with a YUDU. A fabulous new machine that has brought screenprinting to the masses. YAY! I'm Obsessed. I have to have one.
This girl has tons of info.
And this website has the actual product.
Very cool Provo Craft. Very cool.

Poetry.

2009-12-20T14:55:00.004-05:00

The Sun

Mary Oliver

Have you ever seen
anything
in your life
more wonderful

than the way the sun,
every evening,
relaxed and easy,
floats toward the horizon

and into the clouds or the hills,
or the rumpled sea,
and is gone--
and how it slides again

out of the blackness,
every morning,
on the other side of the world,
like a red flower

streaming upward on its heavenly oils,
say, on a morning in early summer,
at its perfect imperial distance--
and have you ever felt for anything
such wild love--
do you think there is anywhere, in any language,
a word billowing enough
for the pleasure

that fills you,
as the sun
reaches out,
as it warms you

as you stand there,
empty-handed--
or have you too
turned from this world--

or have you too
gone crazy
for power,
for things?

Oh yeah...the Tree. Almost Forgot.

2009-12-15T21:30:00.002-05:00

Type A's resist the urge to reach in to your computer screen and adjust my lamp shade.
And yes the little frames have yet to be filled with pictures. I'm on it.

Make Sugar Cookies......Check

2009-12-15T21:22:00.004-05:00

Must have friends over tomorrow to eat these all up.. Cookies & Caroling. Check.

Recipe here.

Other Advent Activities in case you're out of ideas:
Decorate Tree
Make paper snowflakes
Write Santa Letters
Watch Christmas Movies (every friday)
Toy Purge-Donate toys
Make ornaments
Snowscape (shaving cream on a table)
Write xmas story together
Go to Night in Bethlehem (amazing show put on by our church)
Gingerbread house
At Dinner describe what you love best about each family member(my son informed today that the key word at Christmas is love...SO SWEET.)
Service Project
Caroling (neighborhood)
Make treats for friends
Go Ice Skating
Read Christ Birth Story in the Bible
Read Twas the night before Christmas the night before Christmas
Open presents play eat and go to the Movies..

Today

2009-12-15T21:14:00.003-05:00

Still to do tonight:
Finish Article
Study
And try to sleep through My 2 year old little girls crying. Reasons she cannot go to sleep in her own bed in her words.

I hit my head
I need to go potty
I"m "Fusstated"

the saddest is the Mommy I'm done crying..I'm sowy...

oh and then there's
I'll be nice now mommy...SO SAD!!

Holiday Card Wreath...

2009-12-04T21:33:00.002-05:00

Martha (or rather her talented staff) always manages to create simple but brilliant ideas. Why didn't I think of this?

Christmas pretties...

2009-12-04T21:25:00.002-05:00

For Wreath How To Go here.

Changes

2009-11-24T20:46:00.003-05:00

Sorry I've been MIA. Lots of changes happening. For one I'm studying for the LSAT--again! I have to retake it as it just expired this October...

Oh and I'm turning 30 tomorrow. I'm going to Disney World with my kids. Updates coming soon. I miss the ol' blog.
Becca and Me at a friends farewell. Can you tell if I'm laughing or crying?? Kinda how I feel about turning 30.

....

2009-10-14T21:34:00.003-04:00

Thirst

Another morning and I wake with thirst

for the goodness I do not have. I walk

out to the pond and all the way God has

given us such beautiful lessons. Oh Lord, I

was never a quick scholar but sulked

and hunched over my books past the

hour and the bell; grant me, in your

mercy, a little more time. Love for the

earth and love for you are having such a

long conversation in my heart. Who

knows what will finally happen or

where I will be sent, yet already I have

given a great many things away, expect-

ing to be told to pack nothing, except the

prayers which, with this thirst, I am

slowly learning.

Mary Oliver

New York on my mind....

2009-10-14T18:36:00.003-04:00

You can get these images and many others..think natural curiosities..beautiful botanicals for free. Here.

Why I haven't posted in a little while...

2009-10-09T10:09:00.003-04:00

A typical day in my life. This was yesterday.

*disclaimer: I love my life. I'm not complaining about my busyness . I know I'm not the only person juggling a million things at once and I also know that these are all choices I make. I often find myself re-evaluating my days, replaying them over and over in my mind to make sure I'm not accidentally slipping into a meaningless existence of time consuming tasks that don't make a difference to anyone. Writing all of this down yesterday was actually quite good for me--I felt validated for being exhausted and my husband was very surprised at the amount of things I do in a single day.

· 7:20-wake see Daniel off to school-husband has fed him, dressed him and made his lunch

· read/plan for life

· izzie wakes-drinks milk quietly for 15 minutes

· get semi-ready…dress izzie brush teeth, tidy daniel’s room (pick up his pajamas..turn off lamps, open windows…

· 8:40 finally make it downstairs for breakfast..isabelle has first meltdown of the day over what she’s eating..wants my yogurt not her gogurt or eggs or roll.

· eat yogurt with kashi (standing up)while browsing anthro catalog-decide yet again everything is too overpriced for me..throw it out

· unload dishwasher—load mornings dishes (usually take dinner meat out to thaw-decide it’s frozen pizza for dinner instead)

· make bed

· fold laundry and watch funny girl while doing it (WHAT A GREAT MOVIE! Laudry done in 30 minutes..movie not so much..)izzie requests noodles for lunch-when she wants to eat I jump. She happily eats I snack on crackers..

· (izzie poops in her panties)DANG IT!

· 12:40-ish P90X YOGA (this was super hard today)

· 2pm Walk to pick up Daniel from Bus stop-feel like I will be attacked by any of the 15 weirdos I see on the way but I’m prepared with the razor scooter as a possible weapon. Pick up mail.

· Izzie naps (way too late—I’m in for a late night with her)

· daniel snack & homework

· Shower for me

· Daniel computer games

· Izzie wakes so Daniel practices piano

· I’m finally on the computer at 4ish…Kids play with art stuff and as a treat stickers.

· Check emails return a phone call, make a few phone calls

· Work on thing for moms friend (stuck..call mom for more info..have to wait for her to get it)

· Checked on FS GIRL ???????????not working! Guy who can fix it is in Spain..argh.(more on this later)

· Husband home at 5! NEVER HAPPENS-send to store (with kids(which they love) for strawberries for smoothies for dinner

· 5:41-husband returns home from store—Forgot his wallet. This happens ALL THE TIME….

· Waiting for my computer…could’ve been almost done by now with mom’s friends thing…NEED MORE MEMORY-mental note to check ebay.

· Work on mom’s friends thing

· Husband is back-make smoothies (pizza is already in the oven)

· Run over to neighbor’s (3 doors down) (while pizza cooks) to pick up doilies for another friend

· Dinner (husband leaves right after for meeting)

· Walk with kids (actually drag Isabelle in wagon-while daniel rides scooter)

· Baths

· Stories & time with the kids

· 8:30ish-finally finish moms friends thing..so much easier than I expected..why do I procrastinate?

· listed thing on craigslist for my brother

· research for small article I’m writing for Eliza.

· research for SEO article..decide I cannot possibly spend another minute on this particular topic and come up with new topic—will write tomorrow.

Today…so far

Drove Daniel to school and husband to work (Left at 7:20 got home at 9 am..almost got into a horrible car accident--was honestly saved by angels)

yogurt, stuffed lib books into tote bags, called mom,printed directions for later

Izzie has a total meltdown this time it's because she wants me to wear a turtleneck sweater and I refuse...comfort her

call from aunt who is planning her wedding..mental note to send her some images later

Still to do…..

Pick up Daniel early for allergist appt. (will probably take me 2 to 3 hrs…that office is horrible and he has to have skin testing again)

Return Library books-pay fine! Stock up on Olivia books for Izzie

Halloween crafts and cookies (as promised)

Playground(if time and if not too hot)

Pick up husband

Ikea –it’s close to husbands work and I have a credit burning a hole in my pocket.

Home.

Dinner

Walk on trail…

Baths for kids & Let them stay up for a movie TGIF!

Prepare Sunday lesson…

Write seo article

File paperwork

Albums on picasa-burn them onto disks

Have a great weekend.

Love this.

2009-09-19T01:18:00.002-04:00

found on shelter blog

Kids books

2009-09-18T18:52:00.003-04:00

I copied this idea from ohdeedoh. This was so so cheap and so so easy to do. I plan on using these raingutters for a picture ledge. The hardware used to mount them creates a little shelf and allows for a piece of wood to sit in it. The piece of raingutter cost around $6 I had them cut in in half. The harware was about $6 for a bag and I have 3 left--enough for 1 more. and the end caps were jst over $1 a piece.

Total Cost: About $16

And yes this is my landing upstairs. I have to use every inch of space in this tiny place.

Home Projects Update

2009-09-18T18:33:00.002-04:00

Thanks for the comments and advice--I love them all. I think for the setee I'm still undecided but everything else has been decided and I can't wait to get started. I had my son choose a number and the winner is Shelley! Please email me your mailing address (tampaorganizer(at)gmail.com) for a little package from me. Thanks for playing..all 5 of you. My traffic reports I'm now convinced are bogus.

Sorry for the Fuzzy picture. I sold our dining set..it was too mission style for me..and bought this one on craigslist for $50. It was a nightmare to paint. Let me clarify about that for those curious you can paint with latex paint over oil based primer. In fact that's ideal. What you should never do is oil paint on oil primer..or something like that. Anyway paint was only peeling in one little area, the table looked a lot better once I stepped away from it for a day or so. I'm still not 100% happy and as you can see below I still have 3 chairs to finish. The chairs are in terrible condition (which stinks because I really like them) so we might do the ikea chairs seen below (2nd pic) or something simple and more modern to avoid a too country look..

I also painted the chairs by the piano (the piano will be painted tomorrow...I'm going with black) those were a NIGHTMARE..I got so much paint on the fabric..I had to scrub the fabric clean for hours..they need to be resanded and repainted or sold. We'll see. But they sure are pretty.

This was by far the easiest of all..and made a big big difference. I spray painted the legs on the wingbacks black and I love them.

I have more to show so stay tuned.

DIY-Charging Station

2009-09-17T13:34:00.004-04:00

I just bought this green Lacquer charging station from PB. Available here but cheaper in the stores (I paid $25 or something like that).

This homemade charging station from Martha is fabulous though. I definitely like this one better.

Something I've been waiting to tell you.

2009-09-09T19:19:00.006-04:00

That, is Jayma Mays of Glee premiering tonight on Fox. Watch it. It's a very very good show. Also, and this is big news for me. I actually got to interview Jayma Mays for Eliza Magazine. My article comes out in this Fall's Issue. I cannot wait! Jayma is one of nicest people I've ever spoken to. I can't wait for everyone to know her.

On a more personal note, this Summer, by pure serendipity, I got the opportunity to meet, hang out with, fall in love with, and subsequently bribe (with delicious treats) the magazine's Editor to allow me the opportunity to write.

I'm so honored my first published piece will be in Eliza Magazine--a quality magazine that I proudly stand 100% behind. Every issue is beautiful, positive and incredibly smart. If you haven't subscribed yet. Go Here.

I'm in Painting He$#

2009-09-09T16:34:00.002-04:00

Painting furniture: Warnings

I will post a pic soon.

I'm a failure at painting. I hate it. I'm in the process of painting a table and chairs, and kid chairs and frames and those barrell chairs by the piano.. and after making every mistake in the book I've realized I need an air compressor and a spray gun attachment..both of which I don't have. I've been sanding, priming, painting and spray painting for 3 days now and I'm miserable. I want my life back. Any advice?

here's what hasn't worked.

sanding, priming with oil based primer, painting with latex semi- gloss: the problem: the finish is cakey and the paint is peeling (yes I let it dry in between coats)

Spray painting: Works but you need too much of it so it's not cost effective..plus the pieces smell like toxic fumes

Painting deciding you hate the finish sanding and then repainting is the worse. I now have to strip my kids 2 chairs

WHAT A NIGHTMARE!

if you are expecting a phone call, a card, or a handmade baby gift from me..my apologies. You'll get them when I'm done scrapping the paint off my body and when I've successfully rehydrated my body from being in the hot Florida sun for hours. Oh and when I can comfort my children enough so they don't feel abandoned or mistreated.

I NEED your HELP!

2009-09-04T11:57:00.003-04:00

I have a bunch of projects that have been sitting on the back burner. I'm about start buying fabric and paint and pricing upholstery..So. Please help. I will be giving away a fabulous little secret favorite things package to one random person who posts some help for me-deal?!

WARNING: WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO SEE IS NOT PRETTY. ALSO, WE CANNOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WALL COLOR AS THIS IS NOT A PERMANENT RESIDENCE..SO THEREFORE NOT COLORS I WOULD CHOOSE.

Exhibit A-THE SETEE

I love it! LOVE IT! I'd like to be able to use it in a front room, breakfast nook(like now) or my master bedroom so it needs to be somewhat neutral..what say you? My thoughts so far have been linen..or deep charcoal velvet (somehow velvet sounds disgusting but you know what I mean right?) P.S. the silhouettes on those pillows are my kids--cute right. I found the idea on Brooklyn limestone

Exhibit B-THE PIANO

first of all the chairs are getting painted white this weekend. (Thanks Michelle) and secondly the piano doesn't look as rich and fabulous in real life..

so what color? black for classic? orrrrrr something fun. I just don't want it to be cartoony. Oh and the bench painted with fabric skirted?? what do you think?
Exhibit C-THE BROWN SOFA

This is the "family room" sofa I will NEVER EVER get rid of it. This thing is worth almost $4000 and I got it for a ridiculous price. It is very well made and so comfortable I've had guests try to buy it from me on the spot. No kidding. We love it. But let's be honest. The fabric is gross. What to do here folks.
Exhibit D- THE ACCENT CHAIR (THAT I HAVE IN MY MASTER BEDROOM AS A DESK CHAIR FOR A SKINNY CONSOLE TABLE I USE AS A BEDSIDE TABLE) the question is--how do I de-frou-frou it? It's sooo fancy and soooo not me. But it is a very good quality well made chair (which I scored for $40 on craigslist--don't judge me for my addiction please)

It's really hot here...

2009-09-01T01:09:00.002-04:00

I've been walking to pick up my son from the bus stop.. It's way way hot still in Florida. I need this for my stroller. Desperately. Poor Izzie is getting sunburned on her legs.

I saw a lady using it at the zoo and it shaded the baby completely. Reviews anyone?

FABULOUS!

2009-08-31T07:00:00.003-04:00

Elle Decor featured Badgley Mischka's home..It's gorgeous. Those pillows are incredible.

UH-MAZING!!!

2009-08-29T10:17:00.003-04:00

Sutton Grace Blog (new to me) is amazing. This mom turned an old entertainment center--into this..go see the before and how she did it. Seriously drool-worthy. If I ever have a playroom again I'm so doing this.

I found this via simple mom who has the best links up here. Go see the fabric bos tutorial too.

Make.

2009-08-29T10:15:00.000-04:00

Found here.

Want.

2009-08-29T10:11:00.002-04:00

From here. For $38. Thanks Leslie of Imaginary Shopping Spree. You always find the best stuff.

The Lovely List giveaway...

2009-08-29T08:55:00.001-04:00

One Each month. INSANE! Spread the word and visit the Lovely site to enter.

I have pictures again..YAY

2009-08-26T20:32:00.003-04:00

So it took me a whole day, literally an entire day to figure this out but I've got working pictures again.

Here's what I learned. When you run out space for pics on your blog you don't have to buy more space..the simple solution is to upload your images into a free image hosting site like imageshack.us or photobucket.

Use the same little picture box in blogger to add images, only add it using a url (which the site provides--if using imageshack click on image details button and the link to use is the second one called direct link to share image)

Also on imageshack when you upload an image it gives you the option of rezising it. I've been doing the 600 x 800 (or something like that)for larger pics.

Also, and this is key.

You must change your blogger template to say....minima stretch, which allows for bigger pics.

I'm very humbled by my ignorance and the time it took me to figure this out. Ask me questions if you need help.

A $2.50 shirt makeover

2009-08-26T16:40:00.003-04:00

The original Yoyo was too big, Izzie was able to destroy it fairly quickly. The Yoyo below is the perfect size..

First Day of First Grade..sigh

2009-08-26T16:22:00.016-04:00

Daniel Started 1st grade yesterday--at a new school (with uniforms-yay!). He had a terrific day. Can I brag a little? It's my blog so yes. We got a phone call from his teacher saying what great young man he is and what a great role model he will be for others…can you say Validation! Sometimes I wonder if we’re making a dent in our kid’s development and we feel like failure, it's so good to hear things like that. Although honestly, I can’t take the credit. Daniel was born like this.

Apron Love

2009-08-26T16:09:00.010-04:00

Darby posted this awesome apron tutorial. I seriously made 3 in 2 days. Super Easy and so pretty.

Thanks Darby! You are the BEST!--you should have an easy sewing book.

ELIZA MAGAZINE GIVEAWAYS

2009-08-24T10:04:00.002-04:00

Eliza Magazine is having a Favorite things giveaway all week. It's going to be amazing! Go check it out

and enter...

and please bear with me as I have run out of space for pictures so I'm debating buying more or buying my own domain...any suggestions, knowledge, advice would be greatly appreciated.

My Plate Wall

2009-08-08T15:38:00.023-04:00

Coming soon to a wall near me. I may add more white (maybe near the squares?)I found myself telling my friend the other day, I will never feel fully happy about my house until I have a plate wall(even with the long list of things I need to make/buy/paint)--I have no idea why? maybe becayse one of my few and earliest memories of living in the Dominican republic is the massive plate wall my mom had . There were a ton of plates, all hand painted by her, all gorgeous. The front room they were in (I think front room) had cane & wicker furniture with beautiful fabric, I think blue & white..anyway. I LOVE plate walls.

On a different note. I saw Julie & Julia, the first show (at midnight) It was so good. There is so much that is so good about cooking....and eating.

P.S. I am well aware some plates are crooked.(pattern wise) I apologize to both you.

THE BEST Whole Wheat Bread EVER!

2009-08-06T21:17:00.006-04:00

I've tried at least five whole wheat bread recipes. This one is my absolute favorite. (I had to bug my friend for months to share this)
I know you can't see that very well so here goes:

Measure ingredients In order listed into Baking Pan:(of bread machine--I got mine for $7 at Goodwill)
1 1/2 Cups Water
2 T. Powdered Milk
2T. Shortening
2T. Honey
2T. Molasses
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
3 1/3 Cups Whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp yeast

secure baking pan. close lid. select: Whole Grain Setting (my machine burns bread in this setting I selected basic bread with light crust and it turned out perfect..) Oh cool on rack so the bottom doesn't get soggy. The outside will be slightly crisp and the inside is soft but hearty.

It is so so good.

More Corners of my Home

2009-08-04T23:11:00.003-04:00

This is the master bedroom. I need better pictures--we have an antique armoire in here and a great lamp I spray painted white with a linen shade and I also hung linen curtains.

This is a $7 corkboard from Target. I stapled linen on it (no batting obviously) and used upholstery nailhead trim from Michaels (it only took 2 small boxes) and now it hangs on my upstairs landing for my kids art. This was an easy and inexpensive project.

and this is one of two chairs I bought on craigslist. They're on either side of the piano...what color should I paint them? black or white? I need advice here.

Tiny Ghost Chair giveaway

2009-07-31T15:41:00.002-04:00

Allmodern is giving away this adorable kids size Ghost Chair via Brooklyn Limestone one of my favorite blogs. So.. jump on over to Mrs. Limestone and enter this awesome little giveaway.

More of Summer

2009-07-30T12:50:00.005-04:00

We moved! To a very small but very cozy little townhome. We're still debating moving back West or North or nowhere...this is the perfect spot for us to think in.

We have A LOT of furniture, lots of chairs, more armoires than any one family should ever need, and a piano..so it kinda looks like a used furniture store but we've already filled one whole room in my mom's house with stuff we can't fit in so we're making things fit, even it means walking around furniture. I'll show you all an after once I find my camera (tears have been shed folks).

We've also been reading a lot. Our weekly trips to the library have been super succesful. Have you read The Library Mouse?..great little book.

I've also been baking. Lots.

This little chair is one of my favorite things. I need a slipcover for it though.

The kids are sharing a room, which means I've had to put away some great little things I've been collecting for Isabelle..a chandelier, some fabrics, etc..thankfully Daniel has white bunkbeds so it works great for the kids. (pics to come) Those little red chairs are getting painted white too. So yeah. lots of fighting and fort building going on in this little room.

Our favorite thing so far has been playing at home. It's been either pouring rain or blazing hot so we've been spending lots of time on this couch. Have I mentioned I love chocolate brown with stark white. Not shabby white. Glossy, shiny, clean white. I plan on getting some white shelves for above this couch.

Ok so I've got to go. I have 3 girlfriends over and were chatting about a dress appropriate for a wedding.

Summer Catch up..

2009-07-30T12:29:00.000-04:00

So..we kicked off Summer with a Birthday Party for Daniel who turned 6! SIX! unreal.
Daniel is OBSESSED with all things Star Wars, so, using inspiration from a party I saw featured on Cookie magazine's blog we came up with
JEDI TRAINING ACADEMY..

I used Bubble swords as lightsabers (green =master jedi)

Fabulous burlap costumes with thick brown satin ribbon as belts were given to each child upon arriving.

We also had tons of food a bouncy house and of course Jedi training with a challenge to defeat Darth Vader (AKA Daniel's dad)

And in the end, as we've done every year for the last 3 years we let the helium balloons take flight along with birhtday wishes.
It was a total success.

P.S. I'd post more pics but then there's the question of people possibly not wanting to have their childrens faces up on my public blog..

Passion Defined

2009-07-14T01:12:00.004-04:00

An amazingly talented artist friend recently introduced me to this great artist and this incredible painting.

Le Charite: William Bouguereau

"Each day I go to my studio full of joy; in the evening when obliged to stop because of darkness I can scarcely wait for the morning to come...My work is not only a pleasure, it has become a necessity. No matter how many other things I have in my life, ifI cannot give myself to my dear painting I am miserable."

--William Bouguereau

I Tweet.

2009-07-14T00:58:00.004-04:00

follow me on twitter.. http://twitter.com/haydeetau
Should I be following you? Let me know.

UPDATE: I DON'T TWITTER. YOU DON'T HAVE TO FOLLOW ME IF YOU DON'T WANT TO.: )

Ana Maria Horner designs=eye candy

2009-07-14T00:10:00.002-04:00

Fabric Designer Ana Maria Horner can do no wrong. She is genius. Her blog is full of amazing pictures full of color and life. I love her! Those lovely bags were made from dishtowels and the super simple tutorial can be found here.

DIY- A Classic Black Dress

2009-07-03T23:05:00.003-04:00

This dress by Adrianna Papell sells at Nordstrom for $122. Very pretty right? Classic and feminine.

This pattern is sitting in my project stash..Butterick B5316. I bought it for $1. Of course fabric is another story but still. My point here isn't even price, the point is originality--as in, is there any left? Hmm? The only slight difference is the panel in the middle and the sleeves on the black dress are cap (capped?), which can easily be adjusted on the pattern so I'm told.

Swap Time!

2009-07-02T16:35:00.003-04:00

According to Kelly is having her annual swap. Have you signed up? Go Here.

DIY China Cabinet

2009-07-02T16:27:00.001-04:00

This not so pretty china cabinet is selling for $100 somewhere near my area...

This is what I would do to it....

Spot on match! so pretty.

The Swimsuit I wished into being

2009-06-30T23:39:00.000-04:00

Hi! I've missed you. I have lot's of updates to come--we've been enjoying the summer sun and moving so all is well here. Before I get into all that I have to share this amazing find. So, lucky me--When you live in a vacation spot like I do you get to meet some pretty fabulous folks--recently I got to meet and hang out with the Fabulous Heather Fish of Pearl Swimwear. A peek into her collection of high-end swimwear has got me seriously hooked. It's obvious Heather knows fashion and understands the female form--her swimsuits cover in just the right places but they completely define classic, modern, fresh and beautiful, the attention to detail is insane--I've honestly never seen swimsuit fabric or construction that looks like this..so, since flattering swimwear is so hard to find ( I honestly have this conversation with my girlfriends almost year-round here in FL), check them out, you'll love them and all your swimwear related problems will be solved.

You can win this!

2009-05-29T22:23:00.003-04:00

Just click on the banner. Isn't it gorgeous?!

10 Years later...

2009-05-29T07:03:00.004-04:00

Salt Lake Temple

photo/painting by metamer6

My Laptop is broken. On the upside..I was in New York for a week with my husband and kids and have great updates coming..Also today is my 10 year wedding anniversary (What?! Crazy! more on that later)...I was married in that gorgeous building depicted above...

Elizabeth Martin cont..

2009-05-04T18:03:00.000-04:00

Some people want to retire in Italy. I'll take East Hampton, NY please...

Images from Elizabeth Martin's portfolio....

Elizabeth Martin is a genius.

2009-05-04T17:24:00.007-04:00

Ali Wentworth & George Stephanopoulos' Fabulous home as designed by Elizabeth Martin was featured in Elle Decor recently. Click above to see the 14 picture slide show (there's much more to see). And now for my commentary..as if you need it.

Where do I begin. First off this home is the perfect balance between feminine and masculine. who would've ever thought pink poufs and a rug with lavender swirly things could look so sophisticated and elegant.. Love love love the dark walls. I think it works great with light floors. Love the pop of color on the bookshelves, love the fabric on all three chairs...love the long curtains. I especially love that its not uptight, decorator-ish and predictable.A Fuschia Settee in a room with muted, organic, textural materials..again the things Ms. Martin has paired up here are so unexpected. It's like a girl with natural beauty (you know the kind) great skin, natural hair, no makeup, wearing a pair of fabulous pink beaded earrings..
I love the shells. (Ali W. has collected them her whole life). Sentimental. Clean. Pretty --all showcased in a very utilitarian no fuss way. LOVE IT!

Eliza Love

2009-05-04T17:05:00.003-04:00

I got a shot out on Eliza Magazine's blog (sigh)!... See here. Its editor is seriously the most stylish girl EVER so the magazine never disappoints. The spreads are gorgeous, the articles are thoughtful and interesting...I no longer feel like a nerd because I choose to dress modestly (the clothes featured are amazing) etc etc etc...

But seriously all shot-outs and doting aside,are you reading this magazine?! It's impressive. Go get it!

Awesome Idea we should all copy...

2009-04-29T22:25:00.002-04:00

Sarah, a very cool mother of five and blogger over at Clover Lane (my new favorite--new to me)came up with this great idea. This dresser works as a family landing center of sorts. Isn't this genius?! Recently she painted the dresser a new fresh color for spring. I love both colors. I'm officially on the hunt for a dresser like this.

Green Home Blue Room

2009-04-27T23:24:00.001-04:00

This is the master bedroom in the HGTV green home. You know the one..the giveaway one. I love the color and shape of those tables..LOVE. I think they make the room. I also like that headboard..and I don't usually like the DIY- looking upholstered headboards...I like the height on this one though and the linen. I could definitely make that. I think...

Food Storage...

2009-04-27T19:30:00.004-04:00

The food posts are getting out of hand. I know. And I haven't even updated you on Easter..LAZY blogger over here. But I have to share something important so bear with me.

THE THING ON MY MIND....

For years The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (which I belong to)have counseled members to have a year's supply of food and other essentials...I'll tell you why briefly.

We have been commanded to be "self -reliant and independent,"

Emergencies and Natural Disasters..it gives us peace so as to not live in fear of what if...(you should see the supermarket shelves here in FL when hurricane season comes..can you say panic?!)

and Lastly, hopefully it teaches us basic food preparation (knowing how to cook with basic ingredients as opposed to canned, frozen...not that I don't)

THE SOFTWARE TO HELP YOU DO IT ALL..

So if you have no idea where to begin let me give you the best resource I know out there. Our friends developed this faboulous website. www.trackmyfoodstorage.com and I think the basic membership is free. Basically you can put in your family's demographics and it will tell you how much water, flour, sugar....everything you need. It also allows you to electronically catalog your food storage and emails you updates of when things will be expiring so you can begin to use them. The whole thing is genius, super helpful and takes the guess work out of it all.

THE BLOGGER WHO'S HELPING US..

Lauren, a fellow blogger with an adorable little family will be blogging about recipes using food storage. This week alone she's sharing her Tomato Basil Soup, Southwest Chicken Chopped Salad, and Chocolate Mousse recipes..yummm.

MY BIG TIP

(actually my friends) assuming you have the space, instead of going through the canning process for dehydrated foods, flour, sugar, rice,wheat and such, you can store food in these special bags (she recommends the ziplock kind) to store massive amounts of food. Just throw in an oxygen absorber. Then place the bags in the 5 gallon buckets they sell at home depot (for easy storage) the bags alone are great and will keep for like 20-30 years but the buckets help to keep the bags from getting damaged, riped. The buckets may not be food safe because of the dye (they're orange) used to color them so don't put your food in them alone.

RECIPES

For now here are two recipes using food storage supply that are so so good.
Crepes Carrot Cake muffins and more-Great for Mother's day Brunch...
and this one just looked good. Dandee's Carrot Cake Muffins.

Oh and if you want to be super resourceful and make your own sweetened condensed milk...it's easy here's how:

"Eagle Brand" Sweetened Condensed Milk 14 oz. can

1/2 C. hot water
1 C. Powdered Milk
1 C. Sugar
1 T. Butter

Blend in blender very well. Can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen.

Any tips or ideas? Please share.

Ummm

2009-04-21T01:00:00.002-04:00

Key...
Found here. This is one of those items that's very cool in theory..I think. But I neither have the coolness nor the neck strength for such a lovely piece. It's more art than Jewelry don't ya think? Someone should buy this and hang it up for display with one of those gallery lights over it.

Easy- peasy Messenger Bag

2009-04-17T13:20:00.003-04:00

Design Mom has a guest blogger this week who I am loving. Amy has this great tutorial on her blog for a messenger bag perfect for my 5 year old and all the books he has to schlep to piano.

Also, check out this easy and free tutorial from Oliver + S for a simple little skirt. I might make one for every little girl I know. They are perfect for Spring and Summer.

Chicken Salad

2009-04-17T13:07:00.004-04:00

Once a week I make really simple dinners. This Chicken Salad recipe (not pictured above) is DELICIOUS! My version of it was

A mixture of 1 Cup Mayo 1 t paprika 1 t seasoned salt
Then I added...
4 cups of cooked and shredded chicken
about 1 1/2 C diced celery and green pepper (i used 1 whole medium sized green pepper)
2 green onions
about 1 c dried cranberries (craisins)

It's AWESOME. 466 reviewers couldn't be wrong, right?!

I hope you have a....

2009-04-12T02:36:00.002-04:00

Banners can be found here

I made this banner today for a friend who hosts an annual Egg Hunt Extravaganza. I also took my son to his flag football game, made strawberry Jam with Becca, baked a pie for dinner tomorrow, made dinner for my family tonight, hemmed my son's pants, finished sewing a b-day gift for another friends little girl, assembled my kids Easter Baskets, Finished Isabelle's bow, Ironed tomorrow's clothes and printed my lesson for Gospel Doctrine class. My husband who is always beyond helpful gave the kids baths and took over bedtime stories tonight.

Yesterday we spent the day at the beach and after my husband took our 5 year old son on his first Father-Son campout. He loved it!

and since it was Spring Break this week here are some other things we managed to squeeze in:

Movie night, Day at the park which included a picnic, a football game, and an Egg Hunt. Cookie making, egg dying, a playdate...I'm sure I'm missing something....

I am TIRED! So so tired. But Happy. I love Easter. I love Spring, and I absolutely love every minute spent with my family.

UH DORABLE!

2009-04-09T23:09:00.003-04:00

My friend Kelly just told me about Bear Feet shoes. I love every single pair. They are expensive though...Boo!

Meal Planning

2009-04-07T12:24:00.004-04:00

My friends are always asking me to share my Monthly Menu with them so they don't have to think about it. So here goes..But first a quick note on organizing all this.

As previously stated in my Organizing Meals Post you can use google calendar to plan your menu. The easiest thing for me is to use my portable monthly calendar (more on that in another post) to quickly plan it out. I plan my menu while I'm waiting for my son during piano, it really doesn't have to take that long if you break it down. For instance I force myself to use a whole chicken at least for one meal a week. I put it in the crock-pot with lemon pepper, seasoned salt and garlic salt on low for at least 8 hours(I've forgotten about it and left it overnight and it turns out great--you can't mess this up) A whole chicken once shredded makes for great lunches and soups etc...and it also freezes really well.

Then I basically break it down like this:(Sorry to be so repetitive, I've written this in another post)
Mon-Mexican
Tue-Pasta
Wed-Something Easy
Thu-Whatever or asian..
Fri-Homemade Pizza & Dessert
Sat-Something New
Sun-Something Good (comfort food)

**Disclaimer...I only plan for the main dish, obviously salads, breads, and sides can be added. Also, my meals are so not gourmet by any means.

Another note. In my recipe binder, on the inside pocket I keep print-outs of recipes to try. When I plan the monthly menu I plug those in first.
So here goes...4 weeks of meals

Week 1
Beef Fajitas
Creamy Fettucine (Martha Stewart)
Homemade Hamburgers & Fries
Tortilla Soup
Chicken Pizza & Brownies
Rosemary Chicken
NOT COOKING THIS EASTER SUN..YAY!

Week 2
Tacos
Stuffed Shells
Chicken Salad Sandwiches(on croissants) fruit salad
Potatoe Soup
Pizza & Fruit Cobbler (whatever fruit I find in the store)
Breakfast for Dinner(French Toast, sausage, fruit)(sometimes we have Belgian Waffles)
Roast Potatoes, green beans

Week 3
Chicken Burritos
Creamy Fettucine With Chicken
Tacos
Beef Stroganof
Pizza
Chicken Lomein
Lasagna

Week 4
Chicken Fajitas
Penne Pasta with Golden mushroom sauce (and seasonal veggies..zuchinni and whatever I find at the store)
Nathan's Hot Dogs with everything (the only ones I'll eat and my kids will love this)
Free DAY!
Pizza
Lemon Fusilli with Arugula
Chicken Chili

I also use a Spreadsheet where I put my grocery list along with this menu. I'll try to save it as a PDF or just leave a comment if you want it.

Kids with Allergies

2009-04-03T22:06:00.005-04:00

My son has a nut allergy. It's pretty scary actually, he carries an Epipen, which is actually even more scary since he's never had a reaction that would warrant using it and I'm afraid someone might jump the gun and use it without him having an actual anaphylactic shock--using an Epipen can actually cause cardiac problems and FYI if you even need to administer one you need to call 911 right after.

Anyway. I found a really nice medical sportsband he can wear. It's completely customizable too. His would read, Nut Allergy, Use Epipen if necessary, call 911. It comes in a million colors and desings but I like this brown one with the silver plate. Get them here.

Product Review

2009-04-03T21:46:00.002-04:00

The Foogo sippy cup is THE BEST sippy cup period. My little girl still drinks lots of milk in a sippy cup and she has destroyed (chewed through) almost every sippy cup out there. She needs a soft spout strong enough to withstand her teeth and this little cup does the job--there is nothing worse than finding milk puddles on the bed..(Did I ever tell you I don't drink milk, I haven't for like 15 years. I hate it. in fact I have an aversion to most white food...sour cream, mayo, plain yogurt..ick)

Back to the cup. It's made by the thermos people so It also keeps the milk cold, and it's stainless instead of plastic which is a huge plus...odors, wear & tear etc Plastic cups also don't wear very well and this cup still looks brand new, all the parts are made of an indestructible heavy duty plastic that doesn't even seem to get scratched.

Ok so the downside is that it cost $16 (you can get them at Target or here) but with this cup..you only need one. Seriously. I love this thing.

Custom Banners!

2009-04-03T19:26:00.001-04:00

I will be selling these custom banners in my Etsy shop. They can be made using any combination of colors (as in top pic--fabrics will vary) or using the same fabric (as in the second pic). I'll be making some Easter ones if anyone's interested (Pics to come soon) They will be up in the shop with a few other little items within the next two days. Leave a comment or shoot me and Email if you're interested in buying one.

The banners will be $35. (Cutting out those letters is quite time consuming).

Some details: I use 100% cotton fabrics all prewashed. The banners are machine washable (on gentle/cold cycle) and have a solid color background or can be made using patterned fabric for an additional $2. I'm working on shipping prices still but it won't be much.

Handmade Easter Gifts

2009-04-03T18:45:00.006-04:00

Betz White has a tutorial for these adorable cashmere Bunnies--although I think they'd be great with any sweater and/or fabric combination.
This chick is from molly chicken. I want to make an oversize version of this for my little girl's basket.
This is just pretty and reminded me of Spring. I would put several of these on a buffet table, or on an entry table saying Welcome to our nest...hee hee..

Oh and this last idea I don't have a picture of, but I picked up some plain orange fabric to sew into a huge carrot for my kids baskets and fill with Jelly beans and twizzlers ( not a traditional Easter treat but a favorite around here) I'm gonna use some green ribbon to tie around it. I also thought of making mini carrots to hand out to friends kids at our annual Egg Hunt.

Funny Note:I took a Myers Briggs personality test and these are the first few sentences.."Guardians of birthdays, holidays and celebrations, ESFJs are generous entertainers. They enjoy and joyfully observe traditions and are liberal in giving, especially where custom prescribes." Hilarious and so so true.

I'm either an ESFJ my husband who I've always known to be my complete opposite is an ISTP which is literally completely opposite.

Bring on the Sunshine....

2009-04-02T12:11:00.003-04:00

Yes I know April is known for it's showers. But I was feeling the need for sunshine yesterday. I put on my White linen pants and a loose Navy shirt and pretended I lived on the beach. I went to the market (aka Target...go with me on this one) and proceeded to pick out the smoothest and heaviest little limes I could find, picked up an overpriced watermelon and helped my 5 year old pick out a birthday present for his friend's party. I rushed home and made Martha's Key Lime Pie. It was incredible. Delicious. And I even had to substitute regular limes for Key limes. I figured it was OK and actually got me thinking about substitutions..in cooking, and in life. So often we have to substitute with what we've been dealt instead of what we planned or wished for, and for me anyway, what I've been dealt, although not pretty Key Limes, is just as good and sometimes even better. In the end I got my sunshine.

A little deep to tell you about pie, but, bear with me please, I'm on a little quest right now to find light and sunshine, in whatever form it takes. And although I've been in a constant April in my life for quite sometime, I'm looking forward to those May flowers. Even if I have to grow them myself.

I want....

2009-03-31T20:57:00.004-04:00

Mighty Girl's Review of this workout is HILARIOUS. I want to buy it so badly. Apparently this is Gwyneth Paltrow's trainer..

Just one last interior shot

2009-03-31T20:53:00.004-04:00

K. One of my dream careers would be an interior designer,--I know join the other thousands of bloggers feeling the same.

I don't know if I'd make it though because I might be slightly too predictable (is that a bad thing designers? or does that brand a person?hmm) I just love symmetry. This could work with any colors, wood finishes and fabrics--switch out the lamps and ta da..I would be done. It's just the perfect formula I think. I guess the trick might be in the fabrics and finishes not the actual furniture placement..maybe I'll become a legitimate designer someday and find out.

Chocolate

2009-03-31T20:41:00.002-04:00

I love this. I don't get the placement of huge TV that only one chair faces but this is gorgeous. If this is your image let me know and I'll give proper credit.
I also think this would be fairly inexpensive to recreate..any dresser with simple lines could be painted white, any desk painted..I think the point here is the enveloping color all over..and the great fabric on the curtains and the parsons chair..

Great Chairs

2009-03-31T20:35:00.002-04:00

I love these chairs. I'm usually into a more traditional look, but these are cool. I like those floors too.

So Beautiful.

2009-03-31T20:28:00.002-04:00

Easy Easter Egg Excellence..

2009-03-31T01:57:00.001-04:00

From Ms. Stewart..who else?

From My Picasa Files

2009-03-31T01:49:00.003-04:00

In case you can't see my sidebar

2009-03-31T01:44:00.002-04:00

“It humbled my ego and scratched my soul. It awakened me to eternity. It made me know my own humanity, my own mortality, my own limits. It gave me whatever crumbs of wisdom I possess today.” --Erica Jong on motherhood

A Lot!

2009-03-31T01:36:00.004-04:00

I'm really drawn to this living space. I think it's the big window and the books. As much as I like simplicity I would love to have a fussy (for me) well worn in room like this someday. It doesn't look contrived--I love that.

oh and some very random thoughts (in list form)...feel free to skip this as I may wake up tomorrow and realize I wrote this in a drunken slumber at 1 AM and I should delete it all.
thought 1.
*I have tried to start cutesy themed posts..target receipts, link days, what's so great about Florida (oddly I've only found like 3 things)and I never follow through. mostly because people don't seem to care and sadly because I've found consistency is apparently not my thing--however I do have a bunch of great images in my picasa (see above) that I've collected, borrowed and stolen. I think I'll start sharing these as my only regular themed post.

thought 2.
I really like saying Bloody Hell. That's that.

thought 3.
I've been giving a lot of thought to blogging--and after reading a few articles and seeing some pretty cool people bow out of the game I did some evaluating. I've had to question the purpose of spending hours doing this. I don't make any money with ads (in fact I made the decision to take them off the blog completely) I don't have anything to advertise personally (my Etsy store remains yet another pesky avoidance on my to do list) and my original purpose, to talk about organization and display my handiwork, doesn't seem like enough of a reason. In the sea of this community, I am like a Goldfish, nothing new, nothing special--at this point organizational advice, coming from me, and I'm not being modest here, seems like a lot of white noise.

So anyway, the question remained. Why spend countless hours doing this? and worse, countless hours entertaining guilty feelings for not doing it well. Is it worth my time?... ... for now the answer is yes. First let me establish what I've settled on and then the why--The content should be, correction, will be, whatever I want it to be...(I should probably change the name to reflect that....) I will not find a niche, or an audience-- I'm speaking to anyone who cares to listen to my ramblings-- random, poorly written, and with the overuse of dot dot dot and dash and the underuse of punctuation and brevity. Cool? good. k. Now here's the why.

I am literally inspired every single day by all the bloggers I follow--i am in awe of the smarts. ingenuity, strenght and skills (in the kitchen, in the home, with the kids, in the writing, in the everyday) I am in AWE. I have learned, I have grown, I have laughed, I have been pulled out of the dephts of darkness by their musings-- I still cry everytime I read a nie nie post and she has no idea who I am...I love the blogging community and I want to be a part of it, as trivial as my contributions may be. So, for now I will, no I must stick around, because how else would I be able to quickly tell a bunch of my friends that gdiapers (CHARLENE THIS IS FOR YOU) are not worth the hype, that this NY Times Man Bread is ridiculously easy to make, taste delicious and will impress your friends. That if you sign up for a membership on audible.com you can have 2 free book downloads, but you cancel within your free trial period and keep the books and legally burn copies for all your girlfriends..(want to meet at Panera for bookclub?) I'm listening to A Tale of Two cities and I am transported by Dickens....how else would I tell you that thanks to you, I eat better, excersice more, am now considered a good cook and can sew my daughter an outfit out of rags, a mans shirt, a pillowcase or a dishtowel If I so desire...I Love, not heart, LOVE, this so called waste of time, and although much like in High School, I'm not sitting at the most popular table, I am happy to be the almost cool enough but missing the mark girl.
If you've read this far, pretend the next flower you see is from me.

A pretty picture and some food for thought...

2009-03-30T23:31:00.003-04:00

If there is light in the soul,
There will be beauty in the person.
If there is beauty in the person,
There will be harmony in the house.
If there is harmony in the house,
There will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation,
There will be peace in the world.
--Chinese Proverb

Here's hoping for more light...

My kind of art

2009-03-28T01:15:00.001-04:00

Where, I wonder, could I find a poster like this...but a number 3? Anyone?...pleeeaaseeee..

Gorgeous!

2009-03-28T00:35:00.004-04:00

This is really really beautiful.

Found on Skip to My Lou

Look what I made

2009-03-27T23:16:00.001-04:00

I was inspired by Liz who was inspired by someone else (she has the link) to make my own chalkboard mirror. This thing is huge. Mine is not metallic as I could not find sheet metal big enough at my home depot and didn't want to buy metallic paint.

But Here's how I did it:
Purchased large mirror on craigslist (for a little more than I would've liked) I talked them down to $25. It was actually quite pretty.

Purchased hard backing material at home depot for super cheap (like $6) and I have enough for another if I want. My husband had to jigsaw the hard backing which is very easy to do but you have to have a jigsaw.

Primed and painted the frame (spray paint of course)

Primed and painted the hard backing with like a gazillion coats of chalkboard paint and realized it would never look perfect and that's ok because the chalk covers it up.

Used original back cover and a large carboard box jammed between it and the chalkboard to hold it in place tightly.

Had husband hang it at a good level for the kids to use..

used an plain white box of those toilet wipes for toddlers (target brand--I love recycling these empty little boxes to store buttons and odds and ends--after removing the target labels they are nice and plain)and filled it with a ton of chalk and an eraser.

My kids love it!

I want to make this.

2009-03-27T22:58:00.001-04:00

Look what I found on Oodeedoh...this looks super simple to make and so pretty. Find the how to here.

P.S. I'm finally better but now my little girl is sick--throwing up everyday sick, and unwilling to take her antibiotics--I've tried everything short of duct taping her arms down and forcing it. Anyway--I'm a bad blogger as I'm struggling to stay in the sunlight these days but trying.
Have a happy weekend.

Things to Love

2009-03-13T12:54:00.003-04:00

If you're in bed like me because you have what feels like the beginning of the Flu or death as you know it...you can watch all episodes of the Mary Tyler Moore Show on Hulu. Click here. I am so in love with this show that it might make this illness enjoyable. The clothes, the apartment...the girls..all so stinkin' awesome-- but Cloris Leachman...what a fox she was. I love her.

Now i just need some dark chocolate m&m's a cranberry limeade from sonic and maybe some french fries and I'll be in heaven. Except have I mentioned I also have some sort of canker sore in my mouth that makes it almost impossible to drink even water. Yah! oh p.s. I have no insurance--what are Dr's prescribing these days for the flu or pneumonia or bronchitis or death that I can possibly acquire illegally or otherwise. Any thoughts dear readers?

Happy Weekend.

Cheap Clothes

2009-03-11T22:49:00.007-04:00

Cheap Clothes are like junk food. Ultimately you know it's not the best thing for you, in the long run you might regret it, but they offer a quick fix and satisfy the craving.

Last months lucky mag featured the cutest seersucker skirt from none other than Kmart so I went online to hunt it down. I didn't find it, but look what I found..
Jacquart Skirt $4.99 For this price I might be willing to take a chance.
Sheath dress $29.99 not super cheap by kmart standards but this could be so cute.

These sandals are from the Gap (ruffle sandals) in the store they are $14.99 I loved them in black.

This is one of many cute belts at forever 21. This one sells for $9.80 and would be so cute with a simple skinny jeans a white tunic (or even a button down shirt) and my blue t-strap sandals.

The options out there are endless--and we've all heard it before, the trendier the style the lower the investment should be. I try to save my money for good jeans, a nice bag, and leather shoes.

Look where we were...

2009-03-11T21:52:00.001-04:00

We took a 4 day mini-vacation to Disney World last week. It was magic! It was the first time for all of us and we loved every part of it. This was around the end of the night, right before the fireworks and before our big dinner with the characters--at this point we had nearly been on all the rides.

We met up with our good friends/cousins who coincidentally took their trip at the same time.

We were all giddy when we saw this upon entering. Magic I tell you.

See what I mean giddy. And they hadn't even had sugar yet.

We even had front row seats to the character parade. (if you've never been and need a tip--The best spot is right across the street from the bakery) we were in the shade the whole time..arrive an hour early and feed your kids a bunch of fruit snacks or send someone to buy icecream while you wait--they didn't even notice the wait) This was our grand finale for the trip...we had dinner at the Crystal Palace with the characters. The kids were so tired and hungry that I really didn't even think they'd care at this point, and of course Isabelle didn't. Daniel on the other hand who was asleep,resting his head on his dad's lap was thrilled to be woken up to meet these guys--it always surprises me just how sweet and innnocent he still is. He said Eeyore was funny but we loved Tiger. (another tip definitely do a character meal, but schedule it for lunch or breakfast, this was brutal) It was nice to stay in too we did a lot of swimming, golfing, and resort activities...but downtown Disney was also very cool and worth the trip ..
Here's Daniel in Legoland and below it's me and the kids again. (after reading a ton of reviews and advice we felt we should try the Ghirardelli store for ice cream (which was good except the peanut ingestion scare) and had dinner at rainforest cafe where a giant Gorilla scared my kids throughout the meal..the food was ok but Daniel had a blast with the periodic jungle rainstorms)Besides jumping on the bed in the hotel and staying up late to watch the Disney Channel, the only thing that made the trip sweeter for Daniel was getting a silly little toy (1 souvenir only!) on the way out of Disney World. For us it was getting to spend the next day eating and swimming with one of our dearest friends from Utah. ( I even snuck a little trip to Ikea, Winter Park and Millenia Mall (mainly for Crate & Barrel)

We had a such a great time. The next day I asked Daniel if he told his friends in kindergarten about his trip and he said, it's too long the story mom, and he's right. I'm still smiling at all the little moments we had, I just hope he remembers it all. There's nothing like the first time.

I Make Things.

2009-02-27T00:25:00.001-05:00

I have an enourmous stash of inherited vintage fabric from a professional seamstress who was apparently a major hoarder. I made this shirt for my friends little girl's birthday. She loved it! the only new fabric is the green stem and leaf. I may make a few more of these for my Empty Etsy shop. That is, if I ever work up the courage to sell things I make. I'm thinking one of these flowers on a cardigan would be adorable.

18 months

2009-02-27T00:04:00.001-05:00

For those of you who don't read the family blog. Isn't she darling. We love our girl.

The Mother of Good Reviews

2009-02-26T23:27:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had such an amazing customer service experience that it made you want to shout about it from the rooftops? I have. Seriously—

It all started a little while back when we bought our Phil & Ted double stroller from a little store called A Running Stroller, in a quaint little town called Safety Harbor. We met the owners and were carefully guided, step-by step through pretty much every option on the market. We happily purchased our stroller and told everyone about this place.

Fast-forward 18 months or so. The tires on our stroller were going flat-- a lot—inexplicably, since our use did not warrant this type of wear. We spoke with the Phil & Ted distributor (regal lager not Phil & Ted themselves) and got nowhere. The handle was also really bothering me, since the foam padding around it had become all torn up—which is admittedly only a cosmetic issue, but a big one for me..

Today we made the trek out to Safety Harbor and within 5 minutes of being there and telling the owners our issues--and I’m serious, within 5 minutes--they were putting 3 new tires on our stroller and Marilyn, who gets the whole cosmetic issue, agreed the handle looked disgusting and put on a new one for me (or rather her stroller fixing expert husband did). FOR FREE! I seriously expected to go in and order a few new parts but A Running stroller, once again, went above and beyond, no questions asked.

They are like the Nordstrom of babygear—with regard to customer service-- but with better prices and a mom & pop shop feel that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy. I kid you not. I love it there. On our way out, Mr A running Stroller explained proper car seat safety to us..and made a few adjustments on Izzie’s roundabout for us. These folks actually care about their customers.

Case in point. Shop there. You will be happy you did. You can actually shop online and they have free shipping but If you can physically make it into the store--even better. Marilyn and her husband know everything about baby gear on the market. She will say things like yes that’s a good stroller but this one is better because it weighs less and when you’re carrying the diaper bag and the baby and etc..they just really know their product and their customer. In fact I think one of their daughters a mother of 4 tests a lot of the gear for them.

Did I mention they have the sweetest dog which our son played with the entire time, the dog loves kids and loves to play catch and Daniel gladly obliged throwing the tennis ball to her over and over. It was the sweetest thing. The only catch of this place is you will want to buy everything and your kid will beg you for a dog the entire ride home.

A few other things I want to mention...we had the best afternoon in Safety Harbor, it was a gorgeous day, we went to the pier, had an early dinner and walked around Main Street with the kids.

By the way this car seat came highly recommended...I want it.

I'm here...still

2009-02-25T22:55:00.000-05:00

I have so many things to blog about...but so little time. In the meantime..lookey here.

More Love Things

2009-02-04T17:08:00.001-05:00

I Love a Tutorial. In fact I have a folder full of them just waiting. To Make this little beauty click here The possibilities are endless

A little memory book with pictures..a little story book for my son to write his own..a book of quotes...an all felt book for baby.

Nothing Spectacular...

2009-02-04T16:04:00.000-05:00

But I've been looking through the old pictures. I refashioned this shirt for my little girl. It was the cutest fitting shirt from the Gap and they no longer carried them. It was bright orange and it wasn't fitting her anymore....soooo I dyed it (it was supposed to be red) and it turned out this salmon-like color..Then I folded some fabric, ironed it, and sewed it on (quite badly actually).

Now it's way longer and will fit her for a few more months--it took a little effort but I wanted to see if I could succesfully dye something.

and P.S. I know it looks crooked--it's not.

What if...

2009-02-04T15:36:00.001-05:00

See my brown sofa? please don't judge the lack of color or decor..this was our last place and we never got around to decorating it all...I was teaching full time and at the end pregnant with my little girl so this is what the family room (off the kitchen) looked like. Anyway
This sofa is Fantastic. it's as deep as a twin mattress..insanely comfy but it needs to be reupholstered. When that happens, should I keep it dark brown (since it is a family room couch)

or..should I just have a long cushion made for it..and make a ton of pillows for the back like the sofa below. The only problem with kids and lots of pillows is they always end up on the floor.

What say you?

Important Note....TV's should not be hung this high (in my opinion) this was to keep it safe from the kiddos..I so need something for under that TV. I may have the perfect thing already. Pics to come.

So pretty...

2009-02-04T15:13:00.000-05:00

Do you all remember this tent from the movie The Holiday. It's magic!

I like plates on walls

2009-02-04T14:46:00.001-05:00

2 images above are from Eddie Ross..who I absolutely love..