Lolies' Abode

22 facts and questions

2012-02-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

Sophie tagged me in a little random question and fact meme. I haven't done one in a long time and had nothing in particular to blog about. Here we go!

11 Random facts about me

I was on a traveling, performing jump rope team when I was younger. We went to different schools and functions and did fancy jump rope routines. I did flips and used pipes and "props" whilst jumping rope. I liked it, my knees do not now.
I grew up in the middle of no where with horses and chickens and lots of other creatures. I loved it and hated it all at the same time.
When I was little I wanted to be a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, or a Solid Gold dancer (yeah, you may have to Google that if you are not a certain age). I loved to dance. I hardly ever dance now.
I didn't believe in Church or the bible or Jesus when I met my husband, I thought it was nice that he did, but not me. Then I saw too much, felt too much, and just knew that God was real.
When I was little I wanted a peach wedding. I'm talking EVERYTHING peach. My wedding didn't have a drop of peach in it. It was very natural and plain.
I wish I could do my wedding over again. I would make a bigger deal out of it than I did. I didn't have a real wedding dress or reception. It was very very plain. I would wear a pretty flowing hippy white dress and make a huge fuss.
I broke up with my now husband when we were first dating. We were apart for 2 weeks. Those were the worst 14 days. I thought he was way too serious about us and it freaked me out. Turns out I was just as serious about him I just didn't want to see it.
In high school I named my car Blue Doom. It was a piece of junk and I loved it. It had no A.C and I had to tie the hood down with rope.
My dad calls me Lucy. When I was being particularly clumsy he would call me Vera (if you're of that younger age you'd have to Google that one too).
I got my first tattoo when I was 16 - sssshhhhh.
One semester in college I almost failed my classes because I would go home and start playing Tomb Raider. I wouldn't make it to the rest of my classes, thus I was very close to failing due to lack of attendance.

Sophie's 11 Questions for me

What's your favorite childhood memory? I learned something from this question. I have a few very vivid "bad" memories. I can rattle those off quick. I was very happy to have to filter my favorite memory. I have a lot, maybe not as clear as the bad ones, but I have so many that it was hard to choose. I think it would have to be of a night that it was snowing a lot. We stayed in, gathered the candles 'just in case', and the WHOLE family played Yatzee and gin and I loved seeing everyone around the green metal table.
How many careers do you hope to have in your life? This question is great for a lady who's already had quite a few. I think at the least I want to do 4 more very different careers. I have plans to do more design/publishing, I've always loved healthcare related careers (I actually was going to school to be a surgical tech at one point), I think there's some ministry work in my future, and maybe even writing where I get a check?
What are the top 3 books you've read in 2011? Very good question. #1 Thunderstruck by Erik Larson, #2 The Help (I put this off forever, but it was very very good), and I don't know if this was last year, but it's so good it's going on the list #3 Half Broke Horses Jeannette Walls.
What are your 3 favorite songs? Tough one. Ok, this one I'll always love - Positive Negative Modest Mouse. I really like this song right now - Islands, Young the Giant. This song will remind me of being young. The first 2 chords hit me every time - Bittersweet, Big Head Todd and The Monsters.
Who is the first person you run to when you have good news? Without a doubt my husband. The first one I run to with everything.
When was the last time you cried and why? A month ago I rented The Help. I cried so much, not so much at the injustice, but the strength and the love. I was crying and my poor son came in the room. I managed to stop, he asked if he could eat the last of the ice cream - I lost it again and he said "I'm sorry, did you want some?" Oh I love that kid.
What was the last thing that made you laugh? Just now my youngest came running by shaking his booty singing something about a Power Ranger.
What's the best joke you know? I'm really bad at jokes. I mess them up. My husband will answer the phone on occasion with fun things he learned from the Simpsons "Joes crematorium, you snuff 'em we stuff 'em." or he'll say "Rib shack" and people get very flustered. I can't do that, I feel bad and have too many pauses and sound like a dork.
Do you sing in the shower, or when you're home alone (or dance instead)? I used to sing a lot, and dance. I don't so much any more. I think because the times when I would there's always cartoons or kids noise. I'm not a shower singer. I will turn on the Kinect Dance game (whether people are home or not) and dance.
What cable channel do you find yourself watching the most - if you watch TV? Hmmm, I used to watch a lot of Food Network, but I think it's lost a lot of depth lately. I usually watch Netflix or Hulu - I'm really behind on a lot of shows and movies. I've just gotten caught up on Modern Family, and Breaking Bad (that show is good, but I can only do small doses because it's so heavy).
What is your favorite classic book? Is Bridge To Terabithia a classic? If not I really liked Of Mice and Men.

So my turn to tag people. I think Sophie's the only one who reads this. I'm tagging people who read my food blog in hopes they'll have time to play along.

Maranda of Jolts and Jollies and My Camo Colored Life, and Emma from Of Agates and Madeleines.

So, tagged people, if you have time you simply post 11 random facts and answer my 11 questions:

What is your dream job if money, skills, and family where not a consideration?
Did you attend school dances and if so what was your favorite song to dance to?
Do you have any annoying habits?
Name 3 of your all time favorite songs?
What is your favorite food?
If you could live during another time/era what would it be and why?
What is the next book you plan to read?
What is one skill that you really want to learn?
What was your favorite toy when you were younger?
Chocolate or vanilla?
Best thing about your day today?

Forgotten Before and Finally After

2012-01-27T07:28:00.001-08:00

This is the desk that has been stuck in a corner in my sons room for way too long.It was my husbands, and before that his grandfathers. I will adore this desk for those reasons alone, but now I finally love they way it looks.

Now it's a little girlier, slightly polished, then roughed up, and perfectly cute.Here's the play by play on how I fixed it up.

Last Week at Lolies

2012-01-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

It's citrus season. My favorite time of the year. Everyone swapping oranges for lemons, bags of grapefruits come home from work, and new recipes every year (meyer lemoncello here I come).

Self portrait from last week. I like having guests in my portraits!

The last birthday of the month. He looks so handsome!

Met up with friends and watched what happens when our offspring interact.

Had a lunch date with this girl. Very fun to see her in her setting.

It was nice and busy, filled with so much good stuff that looking back I'm feeling so grateful. Gosh, I feel like such a blogging sap. How can I not though? So freakin' blessed!

Another One

2012-01-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

Today I'm lucky enough to have another birthday.

Another year to celebrate LIFE, and LOVE, and HOPE, and FAITH, and JOY, and all the little feelings that we can. Some scary, or nervous, or heavy and dark. Others that make you feel light and beautiful.
I'm so blessed to be here for them all.

So I felt so good about last years list. I mean I crossed off more than I thought:

Lots of ~~furniture finished~~.
~~Plant pomegranate tree.~~ (Thanks mom!)
~~Tattoo~~ (I LOVE IT!)
~~Font entrance light~~
~~Fishing~~
~~The Poet and The Cook up and running~~
~~Big piece for my bedroom~~ (coming soon)
~~Small trip with Cambrell~~ (Just in time to cross off the list)
~~LET GO!~~

A lot of these things could not be done unless someone else ushered me to it. My dad is behind the fishing, Anty T with the blog, and my wonderful husband taking me on a trip.

I really feel like I was able this year to actually LET GO! I was stuck wondering what to do (job wise). As soon as I threw up my hands and said "Lord this is all you, I have no idea." - things fell in to place. A camera, a client, another client, a printer. It was all very perfect because none of it was me.

I also learned a lot from what wasn't crossed off: I kept up the garden for a while, but now I know what needs to be done and what my limitations in that area are. I don't want to run like I used to - it hurts. I didn't do a picnic because I'm really good at over thinking and over planning things. Sometimes life is best when I don't think.

I have a new list that I'm also VERY excited about.

I have some photo goals. I need more pictures of me. I'm so often not in any picture of any event. I love seeing pictures of my mom, I want my kids to have some. (The picture up top is my second self portrait - Yay!)

The house needs a lot of work, but these are the ones I really want to get done some time this next year. Most of it is about my room, but lately I really wish it was more me. More green is meaning plants. I used to horde plants in my house, but now I have 1. I think I'm going to make some terrariums and some other succulents since it is the dessert.

The self stuff is just my own goals or wants. Business has slowed, as have I on the marketing, but I would like to get at least 3 NEW clients by June. I have another Tattoo idea for the other arm (hence the need for more clients). Happy workouts - I really have been thinking that working out should be less painful for me and more fun. I don't NEED to run and hurt my knees to get a work out. I've been doing the Black Eyed Peas dance game on the Kinect. I sweat and it's pretty fun.

Lot's of things to make. Most that I didn't get to from the last list and some more new ideas. I have a plan that involves Anty-T again for my food blog. Lots of random but fun ideas.

The Happy Stuff are things that I would like to start on a continual basis. Things that I think our family would really enjoy. These things aren't complicated, but I just have to get up and do them. Like the dates. Sheesh why is so hard for Cambrell and I to get out together. We have a great support here with family, but we just don't think to get out by ourselves. I'm thinking even small home dates - late dinners or desserts, etc.

Remember is simply what I think I need to keep in my head every day. Things to help me breathe and be closer to the Lord. To be a better mom, friend, wife, and human.

Hello 35! I think we're going to get along just fine.

January Ten On Ten: Winter Light

2012-01-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

I made it to another 10 on 10. Yay!

I was thinking it was going to be a rather difficult one as my only plans for the day were to clean.

Then I noticed how different the light is in the winter. How much higher the sun is and everything sort of lost it's warmer tones.

It may be 70º out here, but the light is for sure winter light.

First sign of winter light - the lights are still on in the morning.

8:30 and still no good light from outside.

Winter hangings to cheer up the house.

He still dresses like it's pool weather.

January in AZ means citrus.

A self portrait because it's one of my goals.

Losing the light again.

Long cool shadows during homework time.

See other fantastic Ten on Ten posts here.

Cheers To Christmas Recap

2012-01-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

This was our christmas:It was merry!

Waiting

2011-12-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

It's one week before Christmas and the waiting is creating constant hysteria.

I remember that feeling, and it wasn't just about waiting to get a bunch of loot. It was the whole thing; the night before trying to sleep, waking to find cookies eaten, paper all over the floor and everyone was together.

In my family not everyone was together that often. I mean like my brother and dad in the same room with me at the same time. It was magic to me.

I sent a text this morning saying that leaving me alone with 3 kids a week before Christmas was cruel and unusual punishment. While yes, they are pumped to the point of sending me over the edge, I decided that I need to embrace this. I need to take hold of all of their enthusiasm while I can. I need to remember that it's this enthusiasm in everything that wanes with age.

I have one major project to finish up today, and the rest of my week I WILL steep myself in the child's wonder of Christmas. Making cookies, drinking hot cocoa, starring at lights, plinking coins in bell ringers pots and just being together.

Together is always magical to me no matter how old I get, and the waiting will never be as fun as it is now.

Happy Little Things

2011-12-01T13:05:00.001-08:00

Just a quick post on some happy little moments from my cell phones point of view.

He sings in the car now, or lip syncs to rap.

I made this simply because I needed to make something out of it. It's actually the front of my bathroom drawer. It fell off in my hand and I thought "darn it, I'm going to make something pretty out of this piece of crap." I like it. It's just coffee filters and paper.

The oldest's room. It's so bright that it makes the hallway glow sometimes. I like it. I also like the painting he did above this desk. It looks like an abstract of aspen trees.

These came in and they make it feel more professional . . . and stuff.

I finally redid my desk. I'll have a before and after soon.

And this is just my favorite. The day was sweet and he wanted me to take a picture to show daddy because "he would really like this candy." So sweet.

Hello Little World

2011-11-10T16:44:00.001-08:00

It felt good to participate again in another ten on ten. I'm always amazed at how much more aware these days make me to light and the little things. It makes me feel like maybe I miss out on a lot those days with my nose to the grind stone.

morning work out fuel

are you sure it's fall?

zombie impersonations

abandoned dolls always look so creepy

tea's empty, it's time to get things done

shopping retaliation

treat for enduring shots

gray hair be gone

Mad Men and Modge Podge

work? sorta

You can link up here and check everyone else having a very aware day too.

Simple

2011-11-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

I feel like this spot is my land of simple wonders. The things that I hold most precious in their ability to ground me to life.

I haven't necessarily been void of them, I think I just forgot to snatch them up and share lately.

The simplicity like a coat that can make you feel like a super hero.

New-fangled-futuristic machines solely for sloshing out your soda.

The people who know you, and the smiles.

Projects you finally finish.

Tomorrow, I am going to try another 10 on 10. It helps to ground me more into the daily beauty that I sometimes forget to notice.

The Everyday

2011-09-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

It's the everyday that can smother you. The simple tasks that happen without much thought or merit; cleaning the bathroom, making dinner, loading the dishwasher, homework. This week it hit me how even these repetitive and drab tasks are such a blessing.

There's so much to be thankful that I wasn't sure where to start. I just grabbed my camera and tried to get the things that I never want to forget. I have many of those moments that I'm sure I've let slip through the crack. Moments holding them and I thought "I never want to forget this." Like I never want to forget how he called it the remope instead of remote. Or tolater instead of tomorrow. I wanted to remember that brief simple, everyday homework time. The snacks, the papers and crayons, the chatter.

His stories.

Her imagination.

The inability to sit still.

Her undying love for watermelon.

Him, capturing his chance at complete TV control.

I felt overwhelmed with blessings and love. Somedays being a mom isn't the most lucrative job in the world, but that day I felt richer than any person on the planet.

When Kids Commandeer Your Phone

2011-09-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

The kids have been taking my phone and taking pictures with it.

This is what I found -
scenes from the desk

portraits I didn't even know about

kisses

peeks

silly sneers

dancing

hot pavement

hands

portraits I knew about

feet.

It was fun to see what they thought worthy to take a picture of.

Happy Place

2011-09-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

I think I pretty much grew up in antique stores. My mom loved them.

There was one in particular, close to the small town where we lived. The owner was infections, smart and loving. She packed her space with the best of everything. I loved going and imagining how people used to use some of the trinkets.

I would squeeze every ball on the perfume decanters, and try and not to touch anything else. The owner would give me ornaments to take home and Pepsi for a treat.

My mom ended up getting a second job at that store, and when I got older I worked in the restaurant next door. It was small town at it's best, and I sort of felt at home knowing the antique shop that I used to tinker in was right next door.

Yesterday my mom brought me to an antique mart here in Chandler. It reminded me of those days when I was little. It was packed to the gills with happy old things waiting for someone else to admire them.I snapped some cell phone pictures of my favorites.

Above are old table linens and sewing patterns. I love the illustrations on sewing patterns, and I even have a few that I want to actually use. There was a great table runner that I'm still decided if I should go back and get.

This place is set up with different "booths" and different vendors rent out space and fill them. Some booths were just my style and some were more my moms. This booth had a great mix of everything, lots of kitchen gadgets and some of the best tin boxes I've ever seen. I want the one up there. It was big and not too messed up.

This isn't the best place for a little Ranon, but he managed.

There's even a huge out door area. This area really has me dreaming. It had great iron gates, outdoor tables and chairs, old windows and doors. And then the most perfect dusty pink wall oven and drop in stove you've ever seen.

I have no idea if it works, and I don't care. I love it. My mom had a great idea of using it in some sort of out door kitchen. Oh, how I wish I could.

Claw foot tub - 2 of them.

This is just a small slice of how much is outside.

This was my favorite little scene of the day. I love that coffee pot and tray with the cups. It was the perfect light shade of turquoise blue.

Then, as we were about to leave (we didn't make it through the whole store on account of the little bird being absolutely fed up with not touching). I beheld a site so thrifty thrift store beautiful that I forgot to change the setting on my phones camera setting to get the best picture.

It was a wall of Fiestaware. Oh, so pretty and bright. My mom said the real expensive old collectibles were to the left in a locked case. It was delightful.

I had so much fun to find another antique happy place. It was also funny to see how much stuff was there that we had when I was little - juice container from tupperware, pie plate my mom still uses, some toys.

Tomorrow is another 10 on 10 and I've missed a couple so I'm hoping to get back in to it. Are you going to snappy snap some 10 on 10 pics?

Feasts

2011-09-06T15:26:00.001-07:00

Chicken and waffle breakfast.

Labor day bbq.I'm so blessed and so full.

Keeping Cool

2011-09-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

It's still ridiculously hot here and the kids are still finding water everywhere.

We got to swim with grandma. My kids could live in a pool. They have no fear of water, and that means I have to vest them up and teach 'em quick.

But more often they just turn the hose on and make a giant mud hole in the back.

If you look this cute how can I refuse?

No More Caves

2011-08-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

Where did the term 'man cave' come from? And why are we trying to put men back IN to caves. Haven't we just complained and spent like thousands of years to take the cave out of men?

I finally did it! I finally tackled no mans land.I'm not saying that if I had complete and total decorating control over this area that it would look like it does now. If I had my way there would be no toys, no games, perhaps just one sleek and easy computer. There would be flowers and knick knacks of a girly variety. But, I will say that I'm much happier with it now than the discombobulated look it had before.

I decided that he deserves his space the way he wants it. Yes, it's in the open and it will somehow need to flow with the rest of the house. Yes, it's full of electronics, but that's what that area is for. Yes, he loves his toys. Some of them are actually cool. I decided to run with all of the yeses. To just go with it, and go with it all the way. I figured that is the best way to tackle this.

I made him set up a system under the table for all the wires and cords. It's not a dessert of calm under there, but it's so much better then all the cords before. He mounted everything to under the desk and all gajillion wires go through this nifty trough that I found at Ikea.Then I decided that for the toys to stay they needed to be displayed so they looked less like junk. I painted the shelf white, then edited the toys that are on top.

I think this helped A LOT. I'm under know delusions that there are not going to be more joining the party, so I plan on adding some smaller shelves on the top (square box shelfs to add more). I think that by keeping just a few together and lightening the color they sit on, they sort of make more sense.

Next up was his papers tacked to the wall. That alone drives me nuts. I thought if there was some way to give him a bulletin board that wasn't too stale and boring he would like it. I burned a Pac-Man board into cork then spaced them out.

He almost didn't notice the Pac-Man under the papers, but that was sort of my point. Now, he can pin away and it will look much more purposeful.

I rearranged his pictures and his painting I did for him. He was adamant about those elements staying as well. The entire afternoon I was doing this I couldn't stop thinking about the crappy state that his desk was in. I was humming along thinking of ways to make it look better - paint it white, scrap it for a new one, cover it. Oh yes, cover it.I asked him for a few simple things - lot's and lot's of magazines and comics.Then I went to town on the ugly.

One day of crazy cutting, 2 days of glueing then sanding, and another day of making sure it was all protected and dry, and his desk and area is complete.

I'm totally aware that this is not for everyone, but like I said, I decided to run with it. I don't want my husband sequestered to a cave. I married him and this is him. He loves his kids, me, games, and yes toys. I actually love walking past it. It makes me smile. The kids love it and helped me with some cutting and glueing. I like that no one else has this desk. I like that my husband will come home and love his new space.

It finally passes my specs - organized, cleaner feeling, less clutter. No cave needed.

Week Before School In Cell Phone Pics

2011-08-08T11:16:00.001-07:00

Had to stop for a treat after all the back to school shopping.
Had to get caught up on all the shots. Sad day.
Played 'salon'
In lieu of a pool.
At the bus stop.

I'm all over the place

2011-08-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

Last week we got to take a little vacation. It was to Vegas, and even though that is not my favorite place on earth, it was wonderful.

It was the perfect out of town momentum I needed to get everything done. I've been trying to finish a couple projects all summer, and by the time I got back I was ready to plow right through it and get it all done.

I finally have internet homes for my two budding projects.

It's Lucy Not Vera is going to be the home of all things furniture. I'll list current sales and projects.

Peachy Photography is a nice cozy place for everything photography related.

Now Lolie's Abode will be my little comfortable home for all things comforting and home to me. I loved designing and working on each site and I'm so excited about both. I have no idea where God is going to take me with either one, but like my trip it's been so much fun along the way.

What Not To Wear

2011-07-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

He was seriously ready to head out the door in this. He thought I was crazy when I told him it didn't match - he said "stripes and stripes, they match."

I just noticed the streaker in the background. She would leave the house in nothing if she could.

Food Inspired Rooms: Figs

2011-07-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't a room filled with these colors be great? Is it just me, or does food remind your of decor too?

Anthropologie of course

Urban Outfitters

Royal Image Designs - the wall!

Yes. A fig styled room. Delicious.

Goodnight Kisses

2011-07-13T21:58:00.000-07:00

My husband works a later shift. It's sometimes very difficult. He sleeps late, leaves when everyone gets home, eats at odd times. Apparently I can't sleep well with out him and have developed some wicked insomnia. I guess I love him or something.

This time is coming to an end and we couldn't be happier. We've been waiting for this blessing and although sometimes we weren't feeling God's timing, of course it's perfect. In fact, it's so hard to explain how perfect his timing is without writing a short novel.

While it was rough having to go to sleep with out him by my side, technology made it capable to still send a goodnight kiss. This is a small compilation of our kisses over the past couple years -

I'd say I'm going to miss this ritual, but I think I'm going to much prefer the real thing.

Refreshing

2011-07-06T21:51:00.000-07:00

I've been working a lot on my own stuff, my own worlds. I've been trying to create these digital homes to display all that's whirring around. I feel like I'm de-cluttering and refreshing my ideas. At the same time I feel like my head is going to explode with trying to complete things far beyond my technical level. I can't wait to be done put it out into the world.

Multiplying Projects

2011-06-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

I was so excited for summer, thinking the heat would keep me indoors knocking off all those projects off my list.

Turns out I like to just keep creating more for myself. I'm ok with this, it means there are ideas that keep coming in.

I hate when I don't have something brewing in my brain to work on. After I had my first kid I felt like all my creativity was like a faucet and someone turned it off. No matter what I did I couldn't come up with anything. I felt like I didn't work right, or that some part was lost.

I've learned that sometimes you need a project from someone else to jump start your own. Letting my hands start making allows my brain to run free with ideas. It works this way with recipes too. Some days I only want a recipe and to stick to it to a T. Other days I'm in the kitchen flinging around this and that, bringing something together.

Creativity is out there, waiting for me to start doing.

Some Summer So Far

2011-06-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

Summer always leaves just as soon as it comes. It's true, it's so hot that I cannot muster up enough energy to think, but I revel in the laziness. Why is it so fleeting? There are so many perks to summer that I don't want to let go of.

Water from hoses turn into pure entertainment.

Gelato is a good idea, all the time!

Countless hours of siblings together, in one place. Most of the time inseparable, sometimes it's a negotiation extravaganza.

The night time turns photos into art. Night time extends on into darkness, and bedtime is all but forgotten.

There's even more to share. Our days are slow, and filled mostly with simple indulgences that make me feel so blessed. There's just something about summer that harnesses life into lightness and makes me wish it never ends.

Nerdy Lately

2011-06-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

Lately feels like such a safety word. You can add it to a sentence and it seems to denote a sense of very weak commitment. This time, I'm using it because of where I've opened my eyes and seen where God has placed me.

I used to color correct photos for a wedding photographer. We worked together years ago at Starbucks, and then our lives took separate paths. He left to work out his photography business and I left to take care of our growing family. I heard he was looking for employees and I made my way in. He took me on with little editing skills and software know how and taught me everything. He sent me to seminars and was more than patient with me.

I was so blessed to have that opportunity. This recession hit his business hard and he decided it was time to start doing something different. I didn't blame him, and while I know it's sad for him, I also know he is on a path to do great things.

This left me wondering what's next, asking the same question; "what do I want to be when I grow up?" I've never had a solid answer for that. My husband and I have career ADD and so many things interest us. I decided to actually let go. I remember the morning when I said "Ok God, I don't have any clue, everything I try and put together I second guess myself. This is you, all you. Make me into what you want."

Then it happened, lately. All of a sudden everything fell. People I know where asking me to take pictures for this event or that holiday. I was super reluctant because I use a very simple point and shoot and I just wasn't convinced I had any skills at all to give them what they want. With the encouragement of friends I decided to just take their pictures and try it out. They ended up liking them.

Then, Cambrell had a friend tell him he was selling a very nice camera for a price we couldn't let go. Was this it? I prayed, I tried to not let own self get involved. Then I heard Him say "This is rest. This is being in my rest." Everything came so easily.

I'm not sure where or what this all means. All I know is I like taking pictures of people, I like being home and working in the same area that I was given the opportunity years ago to learn.

I want to be able to be a blessing and I feel like perhaps with photos I can. I saw this broken down shack on the way to my daughters school and just had to take pictures there. I called up a friend because her sister was in town and I thought they would play along. I hadn't realized that in a couple of months they would each be in totally different states not knowing when the next time they would all be together was.

It happened again, something I wanted but didn't know how to do it was just given to me. I was entirely in His rest, and lately that's the only place I want to be.

All the pictures above are with the little point and shoot, but since I'm such a nerd I decided to run some test to see if there's was really any difference between my sweet little camera and the behemoth I just bought.

These are all straight out of the camera, no editing and almost exact settings. The point and shoot is on the top, and the DSLR is on the bottom.

There is a definite noise reduction on my new camera at the higher ISO. I really can't wait to see what comes out of my life and this new camera.

I feel so spoiled, so full and so ready to see where my next stop will be. I've learned that it's better to spend your lately letting God tell you where to go. I've ended up in a far more peaceful place than I ever imagined myself in.

Say cheese!

June 10 on 10: ING

2011-06-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

It's June 10th, and another 10 on 10 day. This is my -ing addition. Perfect summer day if I do say so.

Pretending

Beginning

Observing

Adoring

Cooking

Cleaning

Recharging

Sleeping?

Balancing

Enjoying

When Your Vision Takes A Left Turn

2011-05-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

It's done, and I have to say that while it isn't what I saw in my head when I first got this piece, I like it better.

I saw this lonely soul of a dresser sitting in someone's carport, waiting to be put back after not getting chosen during a garage sale. I immediately saw in my head what I wanted to do to it -
vintage fabric on the front, garden like, painted kelly green and slightly distressed with some white and maybe red or yellow peeking through. Glass knobs to highlight it's new glory.

Obviously I took a different turn along some road to this, but I'm so glad I did. I love this fabric, and think that is what was calling me to stray from my path.

I like how there is some white, allowing a bit more of an airy effect then what I would have originally done. I first painted this rest of the dresser an avocado type green to match the green in the fabric. It wasn't bad, in fact I really love that green, it just wasn't IT. IT turned out to be this subtle light and lovely blue. I was painting a little table next to it, and happened to set the fabric right next to it. Then I knew the green would be just a little something peeking through.

After 2 coats of blue (sanding between each) I decided that some slight distressing would give this piece the feel I wanted. My lovely and dear husband disagrees, he liked it left clean and fresh. This normally would be my preference (I really don't like aging every piece of furniture that comes my way), but the top had numerous nicks that I thought made the fresh look seem fake and cheesy. A couple hours of sanding all my paint, and I was thoroughly satisfied.

I also used some of this antique glaze diluted with water. I just brushed some on, then wiped it off with a damp rag. It made a nice dirty effect over it so it didn't seem like a piece that I just painted then sanded.

I finished it off with a couple coats of polycrylic, and now just have to line the drawers to make it perfect.

I decided to take a different turn on the little table. My plan was to etch the top of the glass with some little design. After seeing the fabric with the blue I needed more. I simply used Modge Podge to glue the fabric to the under side of the glass. I love it.

I think I want more fabric + glass projects.

I am selling these little treasures if you are local (it's hard to let them go, but my house would be a wreck if I kept everything). Together I'm selling these for $110. Separately - the dresser is $95 and the little table is $35.

On to the next lonely soul furniture!

Fabric On Furniture How To

2011-05-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

I've had a few people ask how I did the fabric on this piece that I made ( I still miss it). I've had a new piece that that I'm putting fabric on for almost 2 months now. I can't say exactly what is taking me so long, but at the least I've remembered to document how I've done it. This post is heavy on the photos, but I think it's easier than me typing my life away in details of all this (and I probably make less sense when I type).

Here is the before of this lonely lost soul of furniture. I was on a little walk around my hood and some people were putting things away from their garage sale. I picked it up for $8, but I think I should have paid much less (I pulled eight bucks from my pocket and they saw what I had).

I knew immediately I wanted the drawer fronts to be fabric, and I knew the feel that I was looking for. This post I'll just document the fabric part, and when it's totally finished I'll post up the rest.

First step is to clean, sand, prime, sand, and prime again. This goes for the entire piece, even the parts I cover with fabric. I've found that having this base ensures that the original color doesn't show through, and I think it sticks better.

I used wood filler to fill in the holes from the hardware. I wasn't sure if I wanted to use the same holes so I just filled it it. I think it's probably easier to have a smooth surface rather than work around holes. I figured I can drill them out later.

The next step is to line up your fabric and cut it to size. This fabric was easy because there isn't one direction it needs to go in, and no stripes to keep straight. I think I may avoid fabric that's striped for any project like this. Maybe some time I'll get over that fear, but fabric can give and pull and look wonky very easily during this process. Just make sure that you are cutting pieces that have the design or direction you want.

As you can see I used the super technical measurement tool of "place the thing on it and cut around". I find that is much easier for me this way because I don't have to measure at all. I cut just enough to turn under the edge, but not too much to bunch up causing any problems when the drawer closes.

Next, I lay out the pieces on the fronts to make sure they go together, are all facing the right way etc. With the pink piece I didn't check to see what part of the design would be facing the font and found it looked stupid and had to rip the piece off and start over.

This is the step that I found after trying this procedure more than a couple times. If you add some Modge Podge to the fabric back in a nice even thin layer, then let it dry. It becomes more like a stiff canvas and is much easier to work with. I had a lot of fabric stretching and bubbling before I figured out this step. I just let this dry for about 45 minutes before placing on the top.

To place the fabric to the drawer I just would add Modge Podge to the drawer surface and brush it into a nice even layer. This makes it so that you can reposition the fabric and sort of "scoot" it around to where you want it.

Then begins the smoothing process. I haven't found a better way of doing this other than just keep using your hands to chase the bubbles out and smooth it over. You may have to pick up a corner to a bubble and smooth it back down. After a couple minutes you should stop obsessing and move on, most will go away if you just keep moving forward.

Next is the very first layer of Modge Podge. I should probably talk about what kind I use. I know there is one specifically made for furniture, however I have not been able to procure this bottle. I use the original with a gloss lustre. I would love to hear from anyone who's tried anything different. I think that after all the coats and the poly finish I put over it is hard and won't get damaged.

This first layer of Modge Podge (hereafter referred to as MP) is perhaps the most nerve wracking. Once you spread the MP on in a nice layer your fabric may or may not start to bubble. This was drastically cut down after I started adding a layer of MP to just the fabric, but I still keep a close eye on it while this layer was drying. Every so often during the drying time of the first layer I could come and smooth out some bubbles. However, with all the next layers it was easy to smooth almost everything out.

Now, I just repeated this step 2 more times before I moved on to the corners. This is something else I found out the hard way. If you work on just the top, turning the fabric over the edge is much easier. If you start to turn the edge over from the beginning there's always the chance of more fabric pulling and stretching causing more bubbles. After the top is down nice and thick it's much easier to pull the fabric tight over the edge.

Corners are messy, but not that hard to do. I added MP to the drawer edge and to the fabric. I started turning the fabric over and sticking it to the edge. For the corners I just make minimal folds so there isn't too much bulk.

I'm not entirely happy with the corner method, but have yet to work out something better. It looks nice and clean, but I think there's a better way. After the edges are stuck down, I would brush MP on top of the fabric (now turned under). I added one more layer over the entire drawer - edge and front.

After these 3 coats I start the sanding process.

I use a combination of this 3m fine grit sand/sponge, and 320 fine grit paper. I use the sponge to get the font slightly wet and begin sanding with a light touch.

I go in circles working over the whole piece, first with the paper-

- then with the sponge. I rinse the sponge off every so often to get the glue off. I try and keep the surface just damp. After the sanding I dry it off with a rag and let dry for about 45 minutes and repeat about 3 more times. Be sure when you do the edges that you don't over work it. Edges are the easiest to go too far and get down to the fabric. It feels like you shouldn't be sanding glue, but it really does a brilliant job of getting out the brush strokes.

At this point the fabric begins to look more like the surface itself. Almost as if it's the drawer not something laid over the top. This is when I know it's nearly done.

*** There are probably some instances where I want to keep the brush strokes visible. You can completely skip the sanding and the next step if you want to keep a brushed appearance.

Now is my least favorite step EVER.

Steel wool. I hate the way it feels in my hands and on my nails. I know I need to wear gloves because my hands are looking like they're granny hands already and all this isn't helping. This step ensures a super smooth surface.

I pretty much just buff and buff until the wool nearly wears out. I bought a large bag of fine steel wool at the hardware, and they were along side the sand papers. This process is a nice work out for the arms.

After all the sanding is done, I add one coat of polycrylic over the top. It adds a nice gloss, dries completely clear and protects all that work.

I'm just finishing up this piece and can't wait to post the final product. I love this piece too, and wish I had a space for it in my house. This furniture refinishing thing is challenging my ability to let things go.

I hope this post is helpful, and if anyone has any other tips or projects please share!

Week In Cell Phone Pics

2011-05-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

It's rose weather (and rose and blt's are delish together).

Lots of car seat shenanigans.

I learned that when you ask the littlest what are you doing, he now responds "just chillin'".

I also finally got to do a fun photo shoot with my shack discovery (I'll post my favorites soon).

It's a Plan, Stan

2011-05-16T17:36:00.000-07:00

I finally have gotten something down on paper (or more digitally) what I would like to plan for my room. I Laid out my entire room for all to see just how desperately I need to do something to it. I think it was a good idea (even if I didn't win) because it's made me think about what direction I want to go and really what my room would look like if I could anything I want to it.

I took a good look at my Pinterest board to find what sort of looks I'm drawn to. I also thought about if I could creates worlds what would they be like. I came up with a couple of inspiration thoughts. I guess I'll explain those first, then whip out my board.

My first influence comes in the form of a photoshop action. I really love the look that something like a Strawberry and cream action gives a picture. Here's a couple of examples of how I've used this sort of action:

I also so love the way My Pencil Box processes her photos. This rosy creamy tint to everything makes me want to dive in and live in world that looks all soft and dreamy.

My second muse was this color palette.

Source: thesweetestoccasion.com via Sarah on Pinterest

It had a lot of the colors that I was looking for and it made me just dive right in.

My other inspiration was more of a thought. I want a room that mimics what a hippie grandma garden would look like. That may not make sense to many, but it does in my head. A hippie granny garden wouldn't be like an english garden all kept and mapped out. It's more half hazard, bobbles and trinkets from some groovy far off place lurking behind peonies. Walls would be over run with sweet peas and small iron tables would prop up little glass bottles with ranunculus snippings. There would be walls painted in bright colors slightly washed and worn.

Here is the board that I put together to show you more of what I'm thinking.

The background color is similar to what I want to paint the walls. I want just a barely there color, more white than anything (I darkened it a bit here so it shows). I want something ever so slightly pink with a drop of orange in it. My walls are vast and I just cannot in my heart do straight white, but I think it needs to be a warm color that breathes.

In that super deep planter cave I want to hang some giant Moroccan lights. I'm not sure if I can wire them to actually work, but I would like some bit of light to create some sort of "soft atmosphere" light. I had a thought to use vintage scarves up there too, but I'm a bit worried that they would just be covered in dust as soon as they are up. Any input with that would be great.

I want to keep my white bedding, but add some small flare with ruffles for texture. I think it would match the granny nature. My green lamps stay, but I want to find side tables similar to the one I have pictured. I saw that on Twice Lovely and while I adore the colors she used, I just want something with those lines.

The squares behind the bed are a piece in progress. Think Dottie Angel meets me. I really need to get working on that pieces. The frame has been sitting there for months.

My white dresser will stay, and the creepy faux chipped paint one will be made over. I'm thinking of staining that one something dark to give the room more weight since there's a lot of airy white going around.

The colors on the bottom will be sprinkled in. I have sheets that plum color and hope to find some fun fabric to make pillows with hints of that in it. The green will be one of my primary uses to get the feel of a garden. The turquoise will sort of tie my bathroom in and I just am loving that color now. I think it will also anchor in some of the funky Moroccan lights, and vintage fabrics I plan to use. I'll make a board for my bathroom soon so that way I can see my goal for that as well.

I would love any input (constructive that is) that you have. This will take me a rather long time, but I know that just starting will give me greater peace. I like that now I have something to look forward to and items to seek out.

Oh, yes if anyone has any thoughts on what the heck to do with those mirrors (#5) I would so appreciate any input. I don't know how to address them. Maybe use Mandi's acid mirror technique? Would that be too much for those huge mirrors?

May 10 on 10: Scattered

2011-05-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

It's already the 10th and this time it was so hard for me to get pictures every hour. It was a day packed with things to do, very little resting, and lots of things to actually take pictures of. Funny how much more difficult it is to take a few more shots on these sorts of days.

For the zoo. Can't go to the zoo without it.

Curly kind of day.

Everything about this shot makes me love him more.

Mothers day gift opening up.

Going to seed, but looks like a firework.

I feel like this one was a stretch, but I really marvel at the design of some technology.

This is the sort of day where there are still dishes in the sink, but I cannot measure it on how much I think should have gotten done. This is sort of day that I'm so thankful that I'm home to suck up every bit of this time with my kids. Today, all of the things I didn't get done are actually making me happy.

Every Year

2011-05-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

It seems every spring here in dessert I gain a new revelation on some plant that I hadn't seen before. I've written before about how much I hated Arizona when I first came here, but it has become my home and my heart (except for some major governmental flaws, I'm pretty much speaking of landscape and weather here).

I've always seen the palo verde trees and how they bloom in a spectacular yellow, but this year, these are the plants that spoke to me. The brilliance of the yellow against blue skies, and the fact that the trunks are so very very green. When I actually stopped to look at how unique it was my heart leapt a little.

This year the palo verde tree was me noticing God. He was saying "see look at this beautiful tree I made for you, I know you like color and weird stuff like green trunks on trees." I wonder what he'll show me next?

A little Help

2011-04-30T23:51:00.000-07:00

My last post was me taking a leap of crazy, but it isn't finished. To go deeper into this experience I need help. If you would be so kind as to jump on over here and vote for me it would be ever so appreciated. I would kindly pay you tomorrow for a vote today. I'm number 51 - Sarah.

Thank you kindly.

Kinda Crazy

2011-04-25T17:15:00.000-07:00

Just the other day I decided that I needed to come up with a plan. A plan for my bedroom. All the years in every house I've never really decorated my bedroom. I've made dents and plans for every room in the house, but when it comes to my own room I just can't seem to nail anything down.

I've bought comforters before and set out in one direction and then get lost somewhere and change my mind (or move). Now that we know we will not be moving (perhaps ever again I hate it that much), I decided that maybe if I sit down and devise some sort of theme or color palette that I would be going in a direction. That very moment that I decided to try and formulate something I saw this -

About a month ago I was poking around the giant internet, finding info on refinishing furniture and I found Vintage Revivals. I thought to myself it was pretty nifty and added her to my reader. A few days later my mom, who has a serious 'thing' for the Nate Berkus show, told me about this cute lady who redoes furniture and had a little bit on the show. I realized it was the same person and we laughed at the coincidence.

Then I see her little event as I was settling in to my "plan" and I decided to just throw my card into the hat. I mean why not? I have no clue what to do with my room and I think it would be best if someone just took over. What a good deal! Some stranger volunteers to come and make my life much easier by taking over decision making and will help me refinish furniture. Oh and yes the fact that she has money in pocket to do this only makes things sweeter.

So now it gets even crazier because I'm going to post pictures of my catastrophe of a room on the internet. It is terrible, I am aware. There is just so much to be done that I'm totally overwhelmed and honestly I feel like it will never look good so any help would do. Did I mention I cook? Does that sweeten the deal?

Here's a little look around the room:

1) One of the only things that I like. I love these lime green retro looking lamps.
2) The window covering are from the 80's. Rust colored metal blinds and they are broken.
3) The side tables actually have a higher purpose for something else, but we needed something to hold our junk so those won.
4) I don't mind the bed so low, but I hate seeing the bottom mattress. Also my bedding is boring.

5) The mirrors! Don't get me started. I have no idea what to do or say.
6) The fans - I do have a ceiling fan, I'm just waiting for it to be magically installed.

7) The ceiling is pop-corn and there's water damage marks. I do know how to fix both, I just need to do it.
8) I did refinish this piece, but I haven't decided on knobs.

9) This is another big one. WHAT THE WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THAT SPACE? I could rent it out it's so huge.
10) I know people have all sorts of feeling about TVs in the bedroom, but we are a TV in our room family. I hate the way it looks, but I love all piling on our bed and watching a flick. I also hate that it covers my cool top, but for now it works.

11) I have plans for this piece, eventually it will be a groovy headboard.
12) This dresser is one of many things I can remake but again I don't know where to go with it all.

So there it is, my entry, my leap into crazy and me begging to be picked. Please oh please come and fix my room. Did I mention I have furniture laying about to use (and will probably collect more before June because that's what I tend to do). Did I mention I cook? I will feed you delicious food the entire time!

My Week In Cell Pics

2011-04-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

Sandwich found here.

Not a bad week. On to the next.

April Ten On Ten: Late Sunday

2011-04-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

I'm linking up again.

Sundays are the best when they start late.

OJ for everyone.

Bible study at home since the morning was so late.

Getting around to getting ready.

Making lunch/dinner.

Desert spring.

Speeding away.

Changing the weekly "to do" sign.

Party favors.

Al fresco dining, aka: waiting for owls.

Squeeze in time for finishing up a project.

Many other Ten on Tens found here.

Little To Nothing

2011-04-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

I love decorating. I love painting the walls of my house and making them mine. However decorating is a luxury. Sometimes one that is not in the budget. But I have managed to make things pretty for little to no money. I have actually only made the smallest little dent. Like microscopic, but it has really made such a difference in my attitude towards my home.

For some reason decorating the tiny little space in the front entrance has been very easy. The curtains were replaced for minimal money and much of what is hanging on the wall I already had. I plan on taking the circle thing all the way up the wall. My eyes are constantly searching for round "things" to hang up there.

I got the dresser from Anty T. It was in her grandmas house and she was such a dear and wonderful woman and I love that I have something from her. I left that piece in that space while I was deciding what to do with it. I was thinking paint, perhaps a fabric top, maybe for the baby's room. Then it hit me. I love it where it is. It just fits. I love the wood, and the warmth but didn't like the knobs. I didn't like any knobs for it. I decided that spray paint may just be the answer. If it looked bad I would just buy new ones. I sort of LOVE it. I like the pop of color and how cheery it makes the whole piece.

The prints are from Arian Armstrong. I actually won them in a giveaway, but I have bought 2 other prints from her and I just can't get enough of her work. These remind me of pureness of our relationship with God. Her work has a sweetness of having a relationship with God that is beyond any words.

This is also the space with my super funky flower light. Every time I walk past this area I am reminded that home isn't quickly blown up into perfection. That it's progress, and sometimes hard, a little worn and maybe creatively put together, but it is what we create and constantly changing. I'm sure this area is far from finished as with the rest of the house. This little entrance is my inspiration and incentive to keep going.

Sad to See Her Go

2011-03-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

I finished another piece of furniture, and I just dropped it off at my cousins. It was my intent all along to sell this because I just don't have the perfect spot for it. I didn't think I'd be this sad to see her go, but it's so pretty and I've had this idea for so long. I just keep telling myself she's in a better place (really it matches her room perfectly and she promised to tell it how pretty it is every now and then).

I've had a few people ask how this is done so I wanted to do a little post about it. I'm planning on doing a step by step with pics very soon as I've learned so much from this one.

First off I sanded down the veneer as much as I could without going through the veneer. I really wanted to use this table and didn't want to just scrap it because of the veneer. I used Kilz primer and I sanded it once after applying and then applied another coat. I should have sanded a second time, but for some reason I just applied my paint. It doesn't look bad, but I would feel better about it if I sanded each time.

Now for the part I think everyone is waiting for. The fabric top. The only way this table would look good was to cover the top. Each edge had some wonky sides that didn't line up and I had this fabric laying around waiting to be used. This isn't my first attempt and fabric on furniture, but I tried a different approach and think that after this one I've finally found the tricks.
I added Modge Podge to the surface then laid the fabric down and smoothed out then applied another coat over top. However, I forgot when I was doing the corners about the front and I didn't like the way I did it. I also was having the hardest time smoothing it out to my liking on the top. I pulled it off thinking I was just going to use a different piece, but noticed that this was a blessing in disguise.

First Tip - add Modge Podge to fabric first, let dry so it is stiff. This makes it much easier to position and get all of the air bubbles out.

Second Tip - After the fabric is on you want to add more layers of Modge Podge (about 4 total). I found it best to let each layer dry at least 3 hours then get it slightly wet and sand. This will remove the brush strokes and eventually make it look very shiny.

Third Tip - This process will darken the colors of your fabric so keep that in mind when choosing colors.

Fourth Tip - A water based polyurethane coat really makes it shine. This last step made the table look so professional and crisp.

I added a coat a polyurethane to the entire table to shine it up and protect the paint. To finish it up I couldn't resist a little knob from Anthropologie. However, Sophie tipped me off to World Market's selection of great knobs. Saving me some money next time.

Soon I'll post a full how to with pics, but that is the basics of how I did this table. Stay tuned, I have the perfect little piece to add fabric to.

You're Killing Me Smalls

2011-03-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

So I just popped on over to Anthropologie's web site because I needed some hardware for some furniture I'm fixing up. They have the best knobs and pulls of anyone in the whole wide world. I sort of hate it. While I was there I made the mistake of window shopping at the pretty clothes. There was an entire section labeled eyelet and lace. For some reason I have a VERY weak spot for eyelet fabric.

Case in point, the above is a dresser in the middle of a makeover. I added some eyelet fabric on the top and painted over it white. It looks awesome! I could just use white eyelet fabric for my whole house and be ok. It's so clean and airy.

So look what Anthropologie is doing to me. A whole series of beautiful clothes all airy and fresh.

In my dreams I shop at there for clothes. Oh well, I can droll over my dresser and wish it was a dress.

Getting Around To It

2011-03-12T13:15:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to do something with this light for way too long. I was walking past it and had moved an old lamp shade into the living room from the garage. It looked just wide enough to fit around the circle of the lamp and all of the sudden it hit me. Flowers and more flowers.

About $35 dollars worth of fake flowers, the addictive smell of a hot glue gun, and a couple episodes of glee that I missed and the shade was transformed.

I love the glow through the flowers. It's the cheeriest light I've ever had.

It really is the perfect brightness for the front entrance.

It's just as fun in the day. I was thinking of painting the hardware black, but I'm not hating that odd gold now. It sort of fits. I don't know, maybe I'll spray it black soon.

It's over the top, it's bright, but now it's more us.

Found: New Fun For The 10th

2011-03-10T16:29:00.000-08:00

Oh I found a new fun game to play via Ashley Ann. I love blogs!

Ok, so on the 10th Bit of Sunshine had this great challenge. 1 picture every hour for 10 hours. My day was destined for a bit of crappiness so I decided that this challenge would be good. It would force me to open my eyes to all the beauty in even what is supposed to be the bottom gunk on your shoe type of day.

My little girl was going to the dentist, very early, to have cavities filled. However because of her young age, and the fact that doctors don't like to deal with yelling at kids, they sedate her. This stuff is brutal and she's had it before. It's like she's super drunk, and doped, and scared, and restless, all while her mouth is numb. It wasn't peachy, and no fun at all, but honestly my day has turned out pretty swell. She is ok despite chewing her lip to incredible proportions. She was so altered it was so hard to keep her from biting her cheek. God blessed us with a quick recovery and a pretty groovy day. Here's my past 10 hours in pics.

6:00 AM Grover to greet me letting in the morning light and getting sweet babies out of their crib.

7:00 Am Morning tea, toast with homemade Meyer lemon marmalade.

8:00 AM New old shoes. A bit too big, but too cute to pass up.

9:00 AM Resting in the room with my girl, soaking in the color.

11:00 AM Driving the truck while dropping off the car. New tattoo that I LOVE!

12:00 AM After school cool down.

1:00 PM First coke in weeks. So delicious.

2:00 PM Spring is here. Green grass, and naked toes.

3:00 PM 15 minute date to pick up the car. I'll take whatever I can get.

4:00 PM Tending to the sprouts. Grow baby grow.

This was so much fun and I feel like it was the best time for a project like this. It opened my eyes up to soak in what I thought was going to be a yucky day, but instead allowed me to have a really purposeful day.

For Love At The Last Minute

2011-02-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late on posting these, but this is one of the easiest Valentines we've done yet. These are perfect for last minute Valentines. I wanted something cheap and that the kids didn't need to spend a lot of time on. I made these cute little 'stickers' that you could put on suckers. One of my favorite Beetles songs was the inspiration for these.

I think you could use these beyond Valentines day and use them as little party favor gifts, or even for a wedding or bridal shower.

I put this little PDF up on Scribd and you can download these anytime you please.

Groovy Love Notes

These were so easy to put together. All you need is glue, scissors, paper and lollie pop of choice.

This would have been much easier with one of those uber crafter punches that cut out circles perfectly. Does anyone have something like this that they recommend? Is there something where you can change the size of the circle?

Well, someday I'll get something that cuts out better circles, until then scissors work just fine. After you cut them out (10 lollie pops to a page), you just add some glue to the backs and stick them back to back around the stick. You have to sort of hold it for a couple of seconds until the glue sets a bit.

I suppose this step would be completely eliminated and the whole process would be much faster if you happen to have some sticker paper to print on. I didn't have it, and wasn't about to run out to get some. If you happen to keep that on hand, you're ahead of the game.

The finished product is so cute and these would make very adorable cup cake toppers if you do the same process around a toothpick.

I hope you enjoy these and have a wonderful day full of LOVE - it's all you need!

Very cute heart font found here.

One Down, A Ton To Go

2011-02-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

I just finished with the first of many refinishing projects I have. Well, technically it's not the very first, but it's the first of the year.

I was so encouraged by everything that has been going on over here.

Such amazing things from this group. Look how amazingly talented. This group has everything from furniture, to crazy crazy shoes, and everything in between.

I'm so inspired by how everyone in this group has such talents in repurposing. I now know I'm not alone with my visions of junk to lovely stuff. The fashion remakes in this group have me on the floor. I really would love to be able to see how one wacky old dress holds such potential. I need to hone my fashion skills first. Until then, I will just make over junky old furniture.

This little telephone table has followed me around my moves for years. I just didn't have a place or need for it here and it remained outside for a couple of years. I rescued it, primed and painted it. Then I added some chalk board paint on the top so you could leave little messages. I stenciled some butterflies for good measure and fancied up the drawer pull.

Now this piece is off to live in another home. It was hard to let it go, but now it's on to another treasure.

Live In a Box

2011-01-26T19:52:00.000-08:00

We moved the cabinet that was holding our TV in our room, out to the front. Now it holds all of my MAKE STUFF stuff. I want to live in it.

It's the one place in the house that is super organized, has everything in one place, and isn't too shabby on the eyes. I just need to buy some very cute new pulls for the front and it will be entirely perfect. Or nearly so. I'm not sure if it will stay this color green. My plans for the area it is in are not solidified and oh so far from being a reality. For now, it is a cheery spring green and that is fine.

I've even pulled the table down on the right and used it to sew. It is such a luxury having everything right there when I need it.

In the future it will solely contain sewing paraphernalia, but for now it also bears anything and everything under the heading artsy fartsy. That will all be moved into another area that I have brewing in my head. I love it when all that mess in my head is made pretty in my house.

Turning A Year Older

2011-01-17T21:11:00.000-08:00

I had a lovely celebration of turning a year older. My mom made me dinner the night before. She made me a banana cream pie to shove candles into.

I love banana cream pie.

Birthday pie for breakfast is my favorite thing on earth, and completely justifiable because it was MY DAY.

My birthdays used to breeze past with a good day and on to the next event. Lately I've taken time to reflect on not just what I've done in life, but what I want to do. So I'm starting to make a list, every year.

I don't want to number my goals, you know like one goal for each year of my life. I can't be that structured it makes me nuts. This is my list for my year.

More than half the list are the projects I have set up for myself around the house. I have so many pieces of furniture waiting for a new life. Some have been hanging around longer than others and it's time to make a move.

I ran a 10k right before (or maybe during, who knows) I was pregnant with the second. It felt good to finish something, but I'm still on the fence about doing another. Running doesn't feel the same anymore, but perhaps that's just me being a wuss.

The tattoo has been on my wish list ever since I got my last one, what feels like ages ago. I just haven't felt like I should spend that sort of money on getting more. This is the year. Someday I will tell the stories behind all the others, but I cannot wait to add another.

Much of the list is about reminding myself to dream. To put it on paper and look it in the eye. That every year is a gift that I am so blessed to have. Oh, and I like crossing stuff off to feel so very accomplished.

My Girl

2011-01-11T18:50:00.000-08:00

This girl turned 5.

There were cupcakes and sprinkles.

Pinatas and candy.

She is classy and goofy, magically so.

Hotdogs and nacho cheese.

Pom poms and dress shoes.

She's thoughtful and honest, quiet and sarcastic.

Nail polish and Barbie toys.

Paper dolls and soda.

She's strong and tougher than she looks.

Singing and candles.

"She's getting so big" s and "It goes by so fast" s.

She's calm and perceptive.

The colors will change.

The food will be different.

She will always be my girl.

Sparkle and Shine

2010-12-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

I love that this time of year is all about the shiny. The more the merrier. When I was little I loved glitzy and glam. I grew out of it to completely the other side, earthy and calm. That little girl who wanted fringe on her boots, sparkle tights and a sweater with lights still lives on.

Christmas is when I get to reveille in the sparkle. My mom took us to the zoo lights and I just loved it. I've gone before, but this year I really enjoyed it so much. It's absolutely amazing

The little one does not like the dark, at all. I think he really wanted to love the lights and music, but you could hear little whimpers from the stroller from time to time.

The trees are my favorite. They loom over you and every branch is covered in lights. I wish they looked like this all year.

The best part to me is the Nutcracker trees. It's a rather long row of very large trees and every few minutes they put on a show. It's beautiful, and brilliant. Everyone in the crowd is silent watching the trees. But what was so fun was after the little show people start to walk and let the new crowd come and everyone was singing along to "Winter Wonderland". It was so pleasant to be out in a crowd and it felt NICE. Dancing sparkle trees must do that to people.

How to make a gif

Seasonal Being

2010-12-12T15:45:00.000-08:00

Winter is here (or supposed to be. Today I saw someone buying their Christmas tree in shorts and T-shirt totally appropriate for the 80 degree weather). The other night I was just reflecting on my goals that I had set for the fall.

There are things I have really stuck with, and other goals that are close to a complete fail. I'm not exactly unhappy about my fails. I feel like after setting those goals it was easier to pick apart why exactly I always fail at them. Not just that, but seasons change, life keeps flowing and needs change too.

Work schedules have changed and it threw me in some completely funky loop that I could not get out of. I think I was so set on keeping things the same that I missed the boat of change that would have made things much easier.

The garden may not be over flowing with prospects, but I learned that my priorities in that area need are, shall we say, skewed.

One goal that I did the best on was creating things daily. In fact I feel a big shift in this area. I'm not sure how to explain it, but I feel led to stay on this course. Maybe I can explain that more later. For now I've used this creative inspiration to try and spruce up my home.

My house needs a lot. Top to bottom. But I've learned to take these things slowly. To do what I can and keep my end vision in mind. No, I cannot just rip up the carpet, lay beautiful hardwood, paint every wall and gut the kitchen. However, I can take my time, use some creative McGyver moves and make it a place pleasing to me.

This is one wall to my front entrance that I just added some items that I've had laying around. I painted the big mirror. It was black and just didn't go too well.

This used to be my grandmother's and my mother saved it for me. We contemplated opening the back and fixing some of the flowers, but opted to leave it. I like that it's been moved, hung and loved.

I covered the light switch with some beautiful paper and I love how it looks with everything else.

I'm for sure going to paint the area ASAP, but I think I'm also going to keep collecting round objects and hang them all the way up the wall.

I've been thinking about my goals for the winter. My birthday is coming up. That means a new year of creating, a new year of learning, and more growth. YAY!

More Conscious Shopping

2010-12-05T12:27:00.000-08:00

Every year I feel that pressure of Christmas shopping ease away. I used to feel like everyone I knew needed some sort of gift. Then on year I saw the futility of gifting to those who a: didn't give a flip, and b: I would rather give more meaningful things to them when it moved me. Then I let go of the need to buy things that were beyond my financial means. I still hate it when I see a something for someone, but know that I just don't have the means, but I'm more willing to let it go.

Lately, I feel like I want more going into the gifts I give. More conscious thought, more thought not into the giving, but into the creation. I like knowing someone thought about it and toiled over it whether it's myself or some other person. I guess I'm just tired of the mass produced. And while yes, my kids still get and I will still give them something mass produced and packaged most ridiculously, I want someone on my list to have handmade.

I highlighted two personal friends of mine on this post that have beautiful handmade items to buy for gifts, but today I'll share with you the rest on my Etsy favorite list. I've actually purchased items from these people and can vouch for their quality and reliability. I think if you hurry, you will still be able to order for Christmas delivery.
All remaining photo's are from the highlighted shop's site

Dressing On The Side is my new favorite T-shirt shop. I did a little post here on Life Is Still Sweet if you need more details. These are so soft and of great quality. If you know someone who loves food, this is the gift for them.

Royal Buffet is paper art that I adore. I gave a piece away as a gift and now I want one too. I noticed her note, orders in by Dec. 10th for Christmas delivery.

Your Dirty Laundry has the most adorable home made bath bombs. All cupcakes, all divine. I also bought these to give as a gift, however she was so sweet and sent along 2 small samples that looked just like macarons. I added it to the little girl's bath and it smelled heavenly! I love these and her peppermint cupcake looks so fun.

If you need a fun and unique jewelry gift Kelly Johnston is perfect. I have a pair of her earrings and I have never seen anything else like them. Her jewelry is modern, but not completely over the top.

Perhaps my favorite prints ever, Arian Armstrong. Every piece of hers makes my heart dance and I love every one I've bought. I even was so blessed to have won 2 prints from one of her blog contests.

Last, if you would like to make a little something yourself, but need direction, Keyka Lou patterns is perfect. The patterns come via email as a PDF and they are great. Concise, easy to read and fun designs.

Those are my handmade gift ideas and favorite shops. Someday perhaps I will become so enlightened as to be totally beyond the realm of gifts, but that would be a bummer to my friends and family. Until then, hand made will be the way to go.

Crazy Trees

2010-11-26T08:15:00.000-08:00

I think I would like a few of these!

or these

Apartment Therapy highlighted this crazy tree place Treetopia

I love all of them!

Black Friday By Hand

2010-11-23T08:12:00.000-08:00

I know the holiday shopping craze is coming. I'm not too big on waking up early to stand in line for a deal. I don't really have any idea what I would stand in line for, but perhaps it's out there.

This year I would just like to you to keep in mind some hand made goods. Sometimes it's impossible to buy all handmade for everyone on your list, but I really believe in supporting people who live off of their passion.

Above I've highlighted two people that I personally know who both have amazing handmade skillzzzz! The beautiful platter, bowls, and dooda is from my super talented friend Leah. I cherish every piece I have from her. They are so original and the craftsmanship is beyond my ceramic comprehension.

You can find so many wonderful handmade items in her Etsy shop Spirit of the Rocks. If you are in Colorado you may want to stop by her gallery, and check out her web site.

The adorable knitted items are from my Shannon's etsy shop - Crafty Like Katie. I helped her photograph these items so I've held them and let me tell you they are soft and beautiful. She even takes custom orders.

There are so many other lovely sellers of handmade goodness out there that I highly encourage you to seek out. Redvelvet art, is a one stop shop for all things vintage and handmade, Etsy home page is like a rotating gallery of goodness and you can find many different ways to search for that perfect gift.

I'll highlight some more Etsy favs later this holiday shopping season, but I just wanted to get everyone to start thinking about supporting handmade this season.

Let the shopping begin!

Need To Give?

2010-11-22T11:37:00.000-08:00

I know this time of year is a very conflicting time of year in the donate department. Often money is tight with travel, gifts to get, food to buy. With the added bonus of constant reminders about what we are so blessed to have, that it makes it so easy to dig into our pockets and give.

Donorschoose.org gives you a chance to select what is near and dear to your heart. Take a look, maybe let the kids help you choose, and give if you can. My mom was a teacher and I know first hand how much money she would spend so her classroom was a place of learning. There were some things she would rather go without herself so her class could have a new board game, art supplies, posters, or even special gifts for special kids.

I really feel if we stop complaining about all that is happening in education and step in and give, there will be much less to complain about. That is all.

All That For Nothing

2010-11-15T20:15:00.000-08:00

New outfits, new batteries, 2 hours, many tears, lots of blur, NO PHOTO for the holiday cards.

Christmas Picture out takes from sarah roberson on Vimeo.

Pile Drive To The Chips

2010-11-09T18:23:00.001-08:00

Eliana Jump from sarah roberson on Vimeo.

Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?

2010-11-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

Halloween was enjoyed by all. The chicken left the chicken on all night.

The butterfly flitted about and collected more candy than any butterfly every collected.

This one stayed in character all night, even though no one knew who the heck he was.

Afro Samurai. (Fake smoke, fake cig, and a little fake fluff to the fro).

Hope everyone had a safe and fun evening.

A Message

2010-10-30T18:23:00.001-07:00

Have a fun and safe day full of delicious treats!

How to Go Fishing

2010-10-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

For a really great "how to" to pretty up your bloggy space, check this post out!

Fullness

2010-10-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

It's fall break and as I was assembling this apple pie yesterday, amongst the flowers the little girl had to have, I was feeling so very full.

Kids running around, husband kissing me off to work, food a plenty. Blessed indeed.

My mom and I took the little bird to dinner, just us. Just like when it was only one. He's the youngest and it's harder to get out and about so these times are rare and he is still getting acclimated to eating out. He kept himself entertained by sticking his thumb in my ear and making silly noises with his tongue.

Fall To Do List

2010-10-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

To further my goal setting ambitions, I'm going to make a fall 'to do' list.

Make lots of things with pumpkin

Pie
~~Ice cream~~
Soup
Raviolli

Take more pictures of myself WITH the kids.

Spend lots of time OUTSIDE! Plant a few more things in the garden + take kids to the park more.

Last but not least and a big one - finish at least 2 pieces of furniture that are begging for my attention.

Easy Peasy Fall Birthday

2010-10-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

It's fall, it's finally cooling down, and it's the Little Bird's birthday. He's pretty much the only family member with a birthday not in December or January, and if you couldn't tell, he is the baby through and through.

He's silly, he's spunky, he's sweet, and he knows it.

While it's really easy to go completely over the top with a kids birthday, I've been down that road before and find it's daunting for child and parent. This weekend we had a very casual little birthday party for Little Bird Ranon, even more casual as one of the other kids was sick scaring off most of the guest list. We were also double booked this weekend with a fishing trip the same weekend. Everything had to be simple.

I also don't like to spend a lot of time and money on decorations that will only be used once. Many of the things I made can be used again, or kept up for the entire fall holiday line up.

I started out with some very simple votive candle holders. I was hoping to use some Japanese masking tape, but the time to ship was too late for the party. These were made from the many baby food jars that I have stored in the garage. I knew they would come in handy someday. Other supplies - festive ribbon, scissors and craft glue. Oh also a hotdog from Costco because they are so delicious and so cheap. First measure the ribbon around the jar with enough to overlap and glue into place. Cut multiple pieces to cover the entire jar. Glue the ribbon tight around the jar.

Add votive candles to the inside and repeat using different ribbons. I've been setting these all around the house to add a little fall to little corners here and there. I used them on the table during our brunch party for Ranon. It was such a quick and fun decoration.

The next little decor touch was a little pennant flag row for his cake. I rarely buy the kids cakes and was looking for something else other than sprinkles or Happy Birthday in frosting. These are adorable and can be used for almost any occasion. I could even keep it and use it later for a little cupcake display for Halloween. I found some very inexpensive fall scrap book paper at Target.

I used some hemp twine that's been living in my junk drawer forever. It's a little tangled, but I eventually find the end and away we go. I also used some grilling skewers, a stick of glue and I made a little triangle pattern out of recycled card stock. I traced the triangle face up then flipped it point down so it looked like a diamond. I cut out each diamond and folded them in half. I measured the hemp twine a little longer than the length I wanted the skewers in the cake so there was some swag. I glued the flags around the twine until it was full.

The little girl noticed the leftover cutouts made tie shapes. Just because I was feeling nerdy, everyone got a tie to wear to the party.

I used the leftover fall paper to make little hanging signs. I just used my x-acto knife to cut out letters and some recycled cardboard to glue everything on. This will not stay up all season, but at least it's recyclable. I also had grand ambitions to make a table runner this fall with these fabrics. It turns out I like to sleep more, so I whipped out the iron and folded away. I simply layered the fabrics on the table, no sewing. I realize this method is probably not for everyone, but I like the effect and I also like the fact that these fabrics can then be used again for something else.

Pancakes, bacon, potatoes, good morning oj mix, and some zucchini cake. All the fixings for a wonderful fall brunch birthday. Happy birthday my Little Bird. You are now 2! You will always be the baby!

No Mans Land

2010-09-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

I really don't want to be that person. That wife who winces every time her husband makes a decorating suggestion. Relegating him to some small corner of the house to display his masculine wares. But, I'm eeking ever closer to that woman and I need help.

You see he has his space, above his computer desk, that resides just off the family room, out in the open. We like to keep our work spaces out with the kids so we aren't sequestered off alone. Plus, this is where the kids will be going on line and I would like to keep my little eye on that activity. He has this collection of sorts and I actually think he should be able to display what he chooses in his own home.

I think I just wish it wasn't this -

Comics, figures, and who's it's. Ok some it isn't too bad and actually sweet like the pet rock his daughter gave him -

The Maw that one of the kids made (it involves video games, art and his kids I gotta let him have that right?).

I think part of the problem is the hodge podge of it all. There are too many themes going on here.

Not to mention what lurks below that gives me daily grief.

I was thinking of repainting the desk and shelf white to make the figures seem to have some presence, but then I think all that hardware would stick out. He is trying to organize a better way for the cords, but that hardware will still exists. We constantly have rotating computers with an extra monitor so he can fix peoples computers.

So, I need some help. How can I give my wonderful husband space to be himself with out looking like a comic book store threw up near my front room? I mean the rest of the house is pretty much mine. Not that he doesn't give his input, but if I checked with him on every little detail about how this place is going to look there would be much wasted time as he would say "You always tell me something crazy, I look at you, you do it anyway and it looks great." So I go with that and the fact that he HATES red and I decorate. He's so nice about giving input, but letting me run free with a can of paint (although no power tools YET). I want him to display his fun stuff. I just need to know how to do it better. Any advice would be good here. I'm a bit stuck with thoughts of decorating with vintage lovelies, and sewing a frilly duvet.

So these guys are here to stay-

and so help me Jesus needs a better place to reside in this house too....

And yes I meant to color the wall that bright mango orange, but honestly it will flow with my big plans for the rest of the house eventually.

Begging For Scraps

2010-09-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

It's the official end of my home-ec class and I haven't really graduated. I still have about 8 projects to finish and I've run into a snag. Apparently you need fabric to sew things. Silly me. I have this small stash of fabric, but it's a bit sparse for some projects. I really have loved this class and fortunately the projects remain up for a year. Surely with in a year I will have found a way to buy more fabric.

I've been sort of blue because not only the sewing but other projects I've started are piling up due to lack of funds. Our fantastic IRS has sent out yet another letter begging for money. I honestly am one that believes we should pay our taxes, so we can have roads and such. However I happen to forget to add one tiny W2 on the last taxes (I really did forget, not the purposeful sort of forget). It was a side job my husband worked for 2 days. They have now charged us 50% of that check in taxes. Really? We don't have that 50% right now. Are you in such a hurry to get my money to bail out some other rich folks? Can you not bail us out for a mere pennies as to you what you silly government folks paid all those fancy corporate types. I would really like to sew a duvet cover!

That's enough complaining. That is pretty much the worst of my woes and I'm fortunate enough to have gotten the money in the first place to complain about. I'm just desperate for a can of paint, some foam and pretty pretty fabric.

There is progress around here. I have made good on MOST of my goals. I'm so happy Elsie got me going. My sink has been empty to nearly empty every night.

This would make more sense to you if you hop on over here. But really it's only necessary if you have house work ADD like I do. I needed serious help and that place is serious.

Other news for goals there is growth. The garden is sprouting.

There is promise of lettuce and yellow wax beans. Some other critter has taken a liking to the leaves and I need to research some organic methods of destroying these creatures. I don't want to share my beans with the likes of them.

I still haven't gone on a date with my love, but we were able to relax and watch an entire movie all the way through thanks to grandma. The little one was asleep and it was early enough to start a movie with the prospects of not falling asleep on it.

For creativeness daily I think I've been doing good. I've started too many things, and have thought of just as many more. Hopefully I'll finish something to show. For now check out some fun creative photo presets I've found.

I love working in Lightroom, but I also adore actions in Photoshop. I've come up with a couple of my own presets, but I found a fun site for tutorials and a couple of free presets. The picture above is using "Scorched Honey". They have a really cool fake tilt shift action, but I haven't taken any good shots to use for it lately. I think I need to get out and shoot more. Perhaps another goal?

It's a great site for catching a few tutorials and they have some pretty good actions too.

Peace of Mind

2010-08-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, there's so much peace that comes from seeing something that started as an odd imagining in your head, in real life, set up, in use. I've had a vision for these bifold doors ever since they fell off our pantry and have been waiting in the garage. The application has changed a little, and the hardware was something off the path, but it's finished and it looks great.

These started as bifold pantry doors. I removed all the hardware so they were just 2 separate long pieces of hollow core door. I had to get a bit creative with stacking them. My original idea was to use some sort of industrial connectors. So the receiving end would be screwed onto the wood, a pipe with threading would screw into either end. According to the lovely folks at Homedepot this would involve having the pipe threaded and was a bit more costly than what I ended up with. I bought 4 threaded bars, washers and nuts all for about $10. I drilled 4 holes into each piece of wood and then screwed the poles into the wood. That was work.

I had to work to get it spaced evenly, then I freshened it up with a new coat of paint.

To make it a length that was sturdy enough I had to have the pole stick out on both the top and the bottom. Even though it's not intended at all for anyone to sit on it, I wanted to cushion the top so no wee-ones would be hurt.

I used his old crib bumper and did some more creative rearranging so that it fit the shelf. I wish I had a before pic of his room. To give you a better idea of what a complete disaster it really was.

No one wants to snap pics of how icky their rooms are. I originally was going to put some casters on the bottom, but it fits so nicely under the window that I may just scrap that idea.

It's so nice to have some organization going on. I need to buy more bins, to separate some of the toys better, but for now it works.

I still am on the prowl for a dresser to replace the lingerie chest that I'm using in his room now. I don't really care how well it looks, I want to paint it either red from the bin or blue from that pot. I'll have to check Craigs list the next paycheck.

One more project checked off the list. No wayward piece of furniture is safe around the house. I already have an idea for a book holder made from his recalled crib.

Working It

2010-08-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

I've actually been keeping to my goals! I even have proof. Check it out -

Four projects down and many to go, but it's getting done. I'm even keeping to my cleaning regime. My room is very sparkly clean with 2 new retro looking lamps. There are seeds waiting to enter the earth which will happen some time in the next week. Everyday I have done something to make the ideas running around my head a reality.

I have a project finishing up drying involving bifold doors that I can't wait to get in Ranon's room. My list is getting checked off. Ok, so I have yet to get out of the house with just my love, but perhaps this weekend I can make that happen!

Enough updating I have a zippered pencil case to make and a mirror to paint. Happy days!

Joining the Team

2010-08-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy A Beautiful Mess

I hate resolutions. They seem trite, yet I still set out once in a while to have some. They never stick. I've even posted a bit ago about such failure.

I read this post the other day, and was thinking that I had a list of goals already set in motion in my head. Perhaps I should put it out there for the great universe of the internet. Then maybe I will have some measure to see if I'm actually getting somewhere.

Here are my 4 simple goals:

1. Something creative everyday. ANYTHING. I have much adoration for people like Elsie, my friend Leah and many others. Their art is their work. They have the guts to say that they indeed are artist, and know their worth. Not only that, but they live off of it. I'm not saying that I would like to live off what I make, or that what I make would sustain me. I don't even know what I would make. But I do know that I have ideas. Creative oddities running around my brain. Most of the time I forget them, or they never get done. Sometimes I write them down, and every so often something gets started. I would like to put a stop to this.

So, everyday I would like to spend at least 5 minutes on something I want to make. Even if it's just getting the ideas out of my head and on to a paper I will be satisfied. Later I'll start working to make sure everything is made. I'll need some new goals.

It's sort of a cheat I know, but I enrolled in this super cool Home Ec class and now I almost HAVE to make something everyday. I will count the sewing because it's something I want to be proficient at. Here's a couple things I've churned out.

2. Stay on top of the house cleaning. I need cleanliness to be able to create, and I need to balance my time better so I can create. I actually researched ways to organize myself better. It's dorky I know, but when you need help and don't have clue, you must go outside your area. A while ago I happened upon the Fly Lady and although it is super silly, I get her emails. I haven't been following along or adhering to any plans. You can imagine the state of my house. Not every method of hers works for me, but I want to implement a better system to keep the house and kids more in working order. It's much less stressful to stick to a plan, than to find myself digging us all out of "chaos".

3. Spend more time with just my love. We've said it before; that we would implement more dates. They hardly ever happen. I miss seeing my Lolie, talking with him. We hate burdening everyone with ALL the kids. We actually don't like leaving the kids period. But, I think to maintain this love we need time. I'm going to be safe here and say at least one date a month. I would love to commit every other week or even every week, but these goals should be reasonable.

4. Keep the garden going. This one is like a nice blanket goal - it will cover so many other small goals. The gardening season here is so long that I want to take full advantage. I want food from our yard, I want to be outside more, I want to pack in the veggies in our meals, I want the kids to learn new things. I have high hopes for our little bit of dirt, but I think it's so worth it. So from September to next May I would like my garden working. I also want to keep the composting up for at least half of that. We'll see how it goes.

Thanks Elsie for getting me to commit myself to the little things. It is these little steps that matter in life and that make it sweeter.

Makin' Stuff

2010-07-20T17:37:00.000-07:00

I've actually started putting all of these thoughts and ideas in my head into some real tangible projects. I'm going to start putting them up on this little site, just as a bit of documentation that I actually do things.

I have these lists all over the house with plans. Plans for little sad objects in corners of this place. Plans for big hanging ugly lights. Plans for looming walls in need of change.

I need some sort of show and tell for all these scattered thoughts and ideas.

This is my little clock project. I probably saw it somewhere in a magazine or on show, but I just needed to try it out. Turns out that it's so easy to make a clock with these kits. After I finished it I was looking around for other things to turn into a clock. I even have plans for a giant wall mounted clock.

It looked pretty sad on the wall, small and alone. I wasn't sure if that was just because the wall desperately needs to be painted, or it is because it was just too small for that spot. So I added a frame that I have had in the garage waiting for love.

It looks much better with something keeping it company.

I just added a few coats of Mod Podge to adhere the fabric to the canvas. I didn't do any sanding because I liked the brush strokes. Then I painted on the numbers and cut a small hole in the center for the clock. Once the clock was in place I hung it up and smiled. That's one idea to cross off my continuous list.

Pretty Dull

2010-04-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

I've had this message center board for many years now and I don't even know why I bought it in the first place. I think I thought it would magically organize my life of clutter and keys. That never happened, and I've always thought it was a little ugly.

It's been sitting under my computer desk for a couple of years and while I just couldn't throw it away I decided to give it a new look. I saw this post a bit ago and thought it was just the thing for the ugly board.

I couldn't really get the fabric tucked under so well, but with a bit of glue and some scissors I managed just fine.

It's so cheery and pretty that I don't even care if it doesn't magically organize me.

In a couple days I think I'm going to paint the wall behind it orange. It sounds extreme, but it's already on the other side of this wall and it looks great. I'll get that picture up as soon as it's done.

Failed Resolution

2010-03-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

I feel like I've totally failed on my resolutions as far as photo assignments. I do however feel like I've been collecting a lot of ideas for other projects to put forth (once I get some money). I'm not sure why this makes me feel better than actually doing stuff, but it does.

I have, however, been enjoying the shots that the baby takes upon sneaking the camera. This is one of his favorite things to do. Steal camera, turn it on, take some pics, run away. Sometimes I don't even know he's had it. I just find these shots when I download the files.

Perhaps I should take some lessons in perspective. I keep thinking that wouldn't it be great to have a nice fancy camera. I really need to change this mindset, and be thinking - what can I push myself to do with this camera. I do it with dinner and minimal groceries all the time. Even some of my other art. I think it's time to forgo the waiting for money, and use what's here. Yes, I know. Ground breaking thought process right? Just as slow on the uptake as I am about making money.

I was thinking I should post once a week a picture that I find that the baby has taken. This thought sort of frightens me as it would only be a matter of time until he becomes bored of the clicking sound and then camera becomes a new ball thrown on the tile floor to see how high it bounces. Not my favorite game at all.

Well, here's to more inspiration and one day doing something about it.

Stylish Stuff

2010-02-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

I really like the nonchalant style of Neil's place on the show White Collar. I like to watch this show on Hulu as I fold clothes. It's a catchy show with not the best dialogue writing in the world, but it's catchy. I adore his apartment even though it's a bit more subdued than I would probably be.

His stove is amazing and I like how they mix old with some graphic shots of color.

I love the windows.

But what I really love, and would really like to have any sort of information on is this painting. It's in so little shots of his house that my mom was shocked I even noticed it. I must have this. Does anyone know anything about this?

Make

2010-01-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

I'm here, I really am. This time of year is exciting around here with birthdays, anniversaries and general goings on.

I've been meaning to get down my thoughts and promises for this year. I feel like if I put it out there, if I stake my claim on what I want to accomplish, than perhaps it will get done.

I always feel like there is so much running around in my head. So many things stuck in there that need to get created. I've spent a lot of time creating life so to speak that I haven't had much time to get all of this randomness made. This year I will.

I've already started. This is just a small before and after of an idea that has been stuck in there forever. Meet my ugly office storage unit:

Ugly storage unit meet Amy Butler decorator paper:

So much better and brighter don't you think. I adore ModPodge - just you wait! I've got plans and an entire container of ModPodge waiting for me. Hello 2010!

Here is my other project for 2010. I have given myself photo assignments for this year. Yes I take pictures of the kids and yes I have thing for taking pictures of my food, but I needed something to stretch me. Something to make me see things differently and perhaps interact with my photos differently. I've assigned myself one word for 2 weeks. I can interpret this word with photography any way I choose. So far I haven't stretched myself too far yet, but it's the first word. "Curious". I used a random generator and I think I already have my first 2 months assigned. If anyone wants to join I'll create a Flickr group.

Here's my curious pics:

Baby with camera

My next assignment is broken. I have some thoughts and ideas for Photoshop. I need to think outside my usual box. It's just so dang hard when my usual subjects are so dang cute.

So thanks for listening, and thanks for holding my promises. Now I need to get out there and start making.

Jaunt

2009-11-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

This is the path to Target.

What doesn't everyone need to go through the field and fake forest to get to their Target?

Why is this town so against pedestrians? Where have all the sidewalks gone?

One Year Ago

2009-10-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

One year ago today I woke up and got myself ready for the day. Did my hair and everything. I took a couple pictures of myself because there just wasn't enough of the belly.

From Little Bird Ranon

One year ago I took the little girl to the mall to unload my wallet on products for her hair. We walked slowly and lingered. Partly because of the pain, partly to soak in my time with her. We sat as my belly tightened and drank lemonade and ate cookies.

One year ago I tried to take a nap and the contractions would wave over me stealing my sleep.

One year ago we called Mimi and told her to come spend the night just in case we had to leave in the middle of the night.

One year ago I cleaned the bathroom at 7:00 pm wishing I had done it earlier. I was washing and grabbing my tummy every two minutes.

One year ago I arrived at the hospital and they wouldn't let me sit in a chair they ushered me as quick as could be into a room.

One year ago he hurried into this world, early, quickly and perfect.

One year ago I held my Little Bird close and thanked God for his joy and newness.

From Little Bird Ranon

One year ago I sat in a hospital room praying for God to intervene fighting tears, when an hour later I realized how silly the tears were. I learned how far I had to walk to solidify this thing I call faith.

One year ago my heart grew to fill itself with love for another little miracle.

Nature

2009-07-27T16:19:00.000-07:00

Nature is for wee-ones

to divide and create universes in.

It's where they find new fears, and conquer them.

Watch time move through water

and make ripples in their open futures.

A place to learn where true beauty stems from

to accept nothing but the real thing.

Nature is for wee-ones

Who'd a thunk

2009-07-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

The other day Cambrell asked me if when I first met him did I ever think I'd be married to him and have 3 kids. "Not really, you were on the phone with a girl and told jokes I didn't get." (long story, not for today). But no, I didn't think I'd be married to my best friend and running around after 3 kids.

The most surprising thing to me about these little lives isn't their mere existence, but how they are each their own little selves. I wasn't expecting clones of us necessarily. But that's the thing, you don't really know what you're going to get.

The super sensitive one who cried at the sound of other babies crying. The spicy often aloof who is actually a big goof.

The even tempered one who takes it all in, but is just slightly off which is perhaps the most endearing thing you've every seen in a little human.

There is nothing more complicated or interesting on the this earth, to me, than how in the world all of these different little folks comprise such a giant portion of my heart.

Max Finds A Guitar

2009-05-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

This makes me smile!

Movie Kitchens

2009-04-22T20:02:00.001-07:00

I just watched Secret Life of Bees and while of course the book was better, I do want August's kitchen.

I couldn't find a good picture of it. But it's bright, clean, with rows of cups that look like they were someones grandmas. There was color thrown around that all made sense.

Sort of like this:

Summer and citrus and blue sky on the floor.

Writing on the Floor

2009-04-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

I need to write on my floor, like this. Is that ok with everyone living here? There will be writing on the floor.

Picture From Decor8

Also I think I need a bedroom sort of like this -

Shouldn't we all wake up in a fairy tale land?

Overwhelming Beauty

2009-04-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

This was one of my favorite days. Packed with so many visual treats. The funny thing is these pictures don't even do it justice.

This one is my favorite. It's like a cloud.

If you get a chance you must see the Chihuly exhibit at the Desert Botanical Gardens. It was beyond my expectations and goes on the list of one of my favorite days.

The butterfly garden was also such a joy. Just watching kids get so excited over seeing them was great. One landing on my little bird was the icing on the cake.

Decisions

2009-03-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

I found this T-shirt company by reading Pioneer Woman's blog on her cake pop day.

Now I just can't decide. I like them all. Plus they're hosting a nice little give away if you add one of their widgets you are entered to win $ to their store. Gotta give it a go right?

Sorry, now you can't make up your mind.

Layers, Masks, and Actions

2009-03-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

A while back I went to a photo conference and took some very cool, yet very creepy editing classes. I don't trust any photo that I see anymore as I watched someone manipulate an eighty something year old woman, into someone who could easily pass for 40-ish. It didn't even looked touched up.

We've used some techniques to enhance people in photos that JT has taken, but these techniques were above and beyond. I've been experimenting with some things from the class and some methods we've already been using. I realized that life would be grand if we could just Photoshop our faults.

If only we could just brighten the good parts, and blur the bad?

Perhaps take on a trendy facade so it looks like all is ok?

Maybe purchase really cool things to make us happier if but for a moment?

Or completely change your stance, your basis.

In the end there is no hiding who we really are. The nitty gritty dirty truth.

We are but from dust, our hearts desperately wicked. There is only one way to change and it is hard, and it is an uphill walk. Lately I've felt like everyday I've failed Him. I'm learning that straight out of the camera is better. That He is my Photoshop and truth will never fail.

Dear Little Bird,

2009-02-24T18:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Little Bird,
Last night was the last night that you would be living in my room. Today you moved into your own little room, and although you are just next door I feel the need to tell you good bye.

Perhaps it's because you are the last, that I have become so weepy and sad. Or maybe I will actually miss your little night sighs and wiggles. I know that still you will creep back under my covers and cuddle close, but tonight you feel so very far away.

This, my bird is our dance in life. You grow and learn and inch away, and I must equip and nurture and sometimes push. This is just the first of a number of times where I let you go out of my sight and ask the Lord keep you and protect you. Where you must learn your own way. But I am close, and will always be there when you call. Except of course, if He wants me to stay so that you can learn to call out to Him.

So trust Little Bird, that God will keep you and give you peace. I will trust in God to fill this empty space that I feel. This happy hollowness.

Good night my son. Sweet dreams.

Love
Mamma

This makes my heart melt

2009-02-19T18:58:00.001-08:00

It makes me laugh at times, the bickering, the taunting. But this can bring you to complete useless mushiness. The arms draped over the neck, the laughter. Why as parents do you want them to not just get along, but love like this, always?

Mrs. Lolie li

2009-02-14T19:40:00.000-08:00

I was reading this post on Pioneer Woman the other day, and found myself thinking about reasons why the era of using your husbands name is gone. Or maybe just that simple act. Don't get me wrong, I understand the mentality of an era to pigeon hole a woman into one role and how degrading it must have been. The oppressiveness of being expected to act and play a part regardless of your own goals or desires. But I do believe that if each person in that relationship understood what could be, becoming Mrs. John Doe wouldn't have sounded so bound.

I met my husband when we were pretty young and knew that he was the one that I was going to marry. Don't get me wrong I ran for the hills (that's another story for another time), but I knew that being his wife was exactly what I wanted. That is the one thing in my life that I actually knew without a doubt. I changed majors in college like dirty socks, had many different jobs, and even hate making the major decision of what's for dinner. But from the moment that we decided on the date I never wanted to be anything else other than his wife.

I've never once in 10 years of being married to him felt anything but free. I've never felt like my voice didn't matter, or that my goals weren't his. I think about the future and am still not sure what I want to be when I grow up. The one thing I can say is that I know for sure I still want to be his wife. I have never once been ashamed to be Mrs. Lolie Li.

He has never abused his authority over me, and has set himself before God everyday to seek how to love me the way Jesus loved his church. This I do believe is key. The one and only element needed to keep peace in our house and abounding love day in and day out.

I thank you my lolie, for your heart and your commitment to God and this family. I thank you for pushing me to be not who I want to be, but who He wants me to be. Thank you for making the position of your wife so easy and fulfilling. Thank you Mr. Lolie for making me Mrs. Lolie Li.

I totaly get this!

2009-01-29T09:19:00.000-08:00

This is her going outside to ride my bike uniform, couldn't ya tell?

Hidden Powers

2008-12-21T10:13:00.001-08:00

Don't let these faces fool you. These are not just the sweet cherubic faces they appear. These wee-ones possess great powers.

Sure it seems innocent. All the cooing, laughing, silliness. Then you realize you have been hoodwinked. Perhaps into giving them candy or an extra cookie (that's those weak grandparents mainly, and that's only the beginning).

Then wham, you do things like forget homework that's right in front of your face. You lock keys into your car, and you forget small things at work that poor Heather must wait for you to fix.

They have stolen your brain.

I haven't figured out exactly how, but I'm sure it's them. Before them I wasn't so absent. I'd have small moments, but not a complete collapse of brain functioning.

Don't get me wrong, I can tell them where they can find their left shoe (behind the couch on the left side), but I can't remember to turn the oven off AND take the cookies OUT.

I need my brain back. I must find their weakness and use it to get back what is rightfully mine. Maybe I can play up to their kindness, or remind them that without my brain one of them may get left because I simply forgot. If you know how to deactivate their powers, please let me know.

clicking and sniffing

2008-10-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

I finally gave in to the cold that swept through the home. It's sort of a right a tradition I suppose that I get a cold at the end of my pregnancies. Why should this one be any different. Fortunately it's not a severe cold and I am still functioning, all be it slow and barely.

I was given strict orders not to do anything today. Since I kinda like the orders I decided to take it to heart. I'll I've done this morning is clicked around drooling over design web sites. I've for sure been bitten by the whole new wave crafty type bug that has rolled over the land. I am so impressed that people have put to use their wonderful artsy side and revamped the world of craft into something modern, purposeful, and just visually cool.

I first made it to How About Orange, because well I have quite a thing with orange for the past few years. So many great ideas and fun things to do. Then she brought me to Decor8, so if I had any money at all to decorate my house this place would be most dangerous. Lucky for me I can handle clicking a drooling without breaking out the card. But when the time come watch out.

Then I thought about all of the projects for the home or gifts or just to get out my head that I have on a burner. I like to sew and was trying to gel together some Christmas ideas in my head. Look at this ladies fabric, Anna Maria Horner. How many beautiful things to be had out of that yardage.

I'm more of a self taught sewer and am actually not doing so bad considering I pretty much wing it all through my projects. I don't know the terminology - bias, straight stitch, flounce. But with the internet and some books I manage. Check out the baby swag I made for Little Sahra.

When I saw these burp rags for sale at every swanky baby boutique for $25 plus, I thought, for sure I can do that. It's not too hard and they make such nice gifts. I got the bib pattern out of Amy Butler's book, Bend the Rules Sewing.

At the risk of sounding infinitely cheesy, this book changed my sewing life. The woman doesn't pin - I thought she's just a pro that's why. But really you don't have to pin.

All of these sites have really inspired me, or maybe I have a fever and am delirious. But I love creating, I love design. I miss school at times because of just being exposed to new ideas, and challenges. Well, not when I see my husband hunched over his books scribbling out numbers, and erasing and checking and then the light bulb moment hits. That looks daunting, and well too many numbers.

I started out an art major, but knew that was nothing, then moved on to several others: environmental biology, journalism, nutrition, lastly surgical tech. I have an amazing amount of credits that don't amount to much except a well rounded school experience (I've been exposed to the artsy, mood swinging, free spirit, to the super anal pre-med with an ego, and the desperate health care student). But I am not with out goals people. Goals other than feeding wee-ones and cleaning a bathroom. I rather like this little design program - Illustrator. I know it's a monster of an application, but my goal is to master it. To create from it and perhaps maybe make money with it?

Oh and I want to embroider. Yup, just like your granny, or just like when I was girl scout. But not those creepy dead eyed patterns of people in bonnets.
Many people like these vintage patterns, but I'm thinking a bit more modern. Off the pattern path. Like here.

This is just me with a cold, typing away, perhaps not making sense. But if it's on paper perhaps I might actually do it. Be ware.

Hippy Tushy Wipes

2008-09-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

I've decided to take on the task of cloth diapering the latest wee-one. I'm not sure what exactly drove me to the edge of insanity, but I'm there. I feel like I may have my own private landfill already and also the pain of paying for diapers is getting a bit annoying.

I have amassed my arsenal of super cute cloth diapers and the other day I thought about the disposable wipes. I immediately called my friend who is a tried and true cloth diaper veteran and asked "ew, do you just carry the poopy wipe to the trash?" Her answer was clear and concise - "yes."

That seemed gross when you've got this stinky package all taken care of in the bin and you run through the house with smelly wipes. Also those disposables are expensive.

My next step was researching cloth wipes. Oh yes, they exist my friends and there are plenty of sites for homemade wipe solution. So I added those to my registry and was feeling pretty good.

I started gathering baby goodies given to me by lovely friends and family. I had collected a huge amount of blankies, so many that it was beyond ridiculous. I called my same cloth guru friend to see if she needed any and being the genius she is advised me to make cloth wipes out of them. BRILLIANT.

So the other day I found myself sitting at my machine edging many a small square of recycled blankie and thinking I had gone mad.

I really feel like perhaps I should be in a frontier house, or maybe tie-dying something next. But imagine all of the trash I'm avoiding, and the money I'm saving. Oh my, how many of these will I use in a day. Probably that giant stack pictured above. Well as you can see I have wipes to sew - I must be off. Hopefully this will be just what I need to keep me occupied for the next 4 weeks.

Good Intententions

2008-09-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

From Life is Still Sweet

As modern moms we are now more more self aware, open to faults, confident in our mistakes, and perhaps carry less guilt right? I remember at the hospital when they handed me my first born and said he's hungry. Oh, right, feed the thing. They flopped him in my arms like I had a clue as to what I was doing. I waited for the natural instinct to just rise and take over. Instead apprehension, awkwardness and panic ensued. I had some instruction from the nurse and thought he was eating like a champ. Later when it seemed like there was nothing I was doing right to get him to breast feed I wept. I wept with failure, and guilt. What the heck was wrong with me?

Later at home I tried and was on the most part successful but in serious pain due to how he was latched on. I decided that I would a happier less painful me would make a much better mother for him. Low and behold I was right. And he lived, he ate, he grew and is fine.

Even to this day I am taken a back by how much pressure I put on myself to make that work. How much pride I exuded when I didn't just consult a professional on the matter. In my head it was something that should just be innate, and I failed. I don't like to fail, I don't know many people that do, but as a parent we fear failure of any form.

We've all read the articles too, encouraging mom's to stop the guilt. Bidding us to free ourselves from the bondage of expectations. However, I believe that this concept of high expectations is just as primal as the drive to feed your child. It is what has kept our kind alive. It is part of being a mom, and it has evolved.

I recently had a friend ask for advice because she wanted this, her last birth, to be natural. She felt like she had failed the previous times and wished so much to do it naturally. She also was hoping that breastfeeding would go much smoother this time around. My only advice I could think was to pray. Pray for all you want because this course of motherhood is loaded with surprises beyond any assumptions you could place on yourself. She has also decided to take on my most recent hope - cloth diapering. I never realized until listing these tasks in my head what a windy road mothers have. We want health, peace, patience, and beauty, but put all of this upon ourselves to make it happen. How can we?

I have been blessed with good deliveries, good eaters, and wonderful help (my Lolie), but honestly I gave it away with the plus sign on the stick. I was so afraid of all this failure that I told God "you do it, I can't." Sounds like defeated words, but probably the smartest thing I've ever said. This time around I feel like I don't even have to ask - He's already said "done".

Progress

2008-09-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

All things must move forward, grow, and eventually end. This is more than likely the last time I'll get to carry one of my babies. I don't feel the need to do this again. I have 3, what more to ask for right.

This is so bitter sweet to me. I love carrying them around for 9 months. I adore that this is MY time. My time to shelter them before the world can become harsh. My time for feel every one of their movements from the small swirling, to the painful nudges. I nourish them completely and fully with out hearing "this doesn't look like an omlette."

But it can make me feel like this:

This go around has been more symptomatic. Not at all complicated or even hard. Just harder than the others. Maybe it's because the others are out here with me asking for juice, blankies, and food every 5 minutes. Of course the odd rash was not their fault, or the extremely swollen feet. But I guess when you are waiting for something so close to you to be over early you want someone or something else to blame. You don't want to carry or admit that guilt.

I have loved this despite of whatever symptom I may be feeling that day. Soon my baby will be in my arms, and my little girl will try to squeeze in. I will stare at all of them in awe and perhaps even lose all grasp of reality and think I should do this again. For now I think I should put my feet up, let this one rustle quietly around inside while I watch how quickly it grows up play around me.

Follow Me

2008-09-01T18:04:00.000-07:00

Here I am writing another blog. This one is more for my domestic thoughts and what I love and wish for this humble little house hold. Maybe it's the burgeoning belly that makes me so reflective, but it just feels good to get some things out on a page. To see where this may lead to.

I have many ideas, wishes, aspirations, hopes and plans. Most of these are completely different than what the person I was 10, 6, or even 2 years ago wishes. I suppose that's what these people can do to ya.

My Lolie, my love has changed much about me. About who I am in God, about who I want to be in God. He's brought much more to life than a companion. He is my very best friend and I love sharing every moment of life with him. Sometimes I feel like he is my very breath and with out him I wouldn't have air. The wee-one next to him can really do a number on your heart and soul as well. With nearly 3 in the house life feels so full. Admittedly tiring at times, but they are the colors to our backdrop.

So follow me here wherever we go. I'm sure there are many a bumps, and lessons to be learned, and things to gussy up. I wouldn't have it any other way.