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Friday, September 30, 2011

Visit Me at A Little Etsy Love!

Come visit me at A Little Etsy Love today!  I'm writing about the lovely Feltcraftic...and they've got a super fun giveaway for you!




Thursday, September 29, 2011

I did it.

I registered to go to BlissDom in February.  It's a blogging conference...in Nashville...about blogging...for bloggers.  And I am super (super, super) nervous.  I don't do craft shows because they make me nervous.  I don't do concerts (especially lawn seats) anymore because they make me nervous.  Rollercoasters?  Yep, I don't do them...too nervous.  And really, even though I am nervous, I am also super excited.  And I do really like Nashville.  Especially since I can drive there.  And as long as its not dark and raining, it should be a good drive.  Dark and raining?  Makes me nervous.

I used to go to NCTE - a conference for English teachers - for several years with my wonderful group of roommates...and they always made me nervous too...the conference, not the roommates {I miss those girls...lots} But I found that I  LOVED them.  Especially the roommate part.  And the vendor hall.  I really, really loved the vendor hall.  And when I sat next to Harvey Daniels in a session.  That was pretty awesome.

Have I told you that February is my worst month?  I think every family has one.  It's my birthday, the girls' birthday, my dad's birthday, my brother's birthday, valentines day, and its cold.  And a short month.  And we usually have every weekend booked.

But I have to do this.  I need this weekend to myself...for myself.

So here's the big question...Anybody else going????  :)

 

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Bad Days.


And then there are skies like these.  My favorite.  With the dark puffy clouds and bright, bright sunshine behind them.

And my husband makes things like this for me to eat while he finishes cooking dinner...


And then bad days really don't seem quite that bad. 


ps - You should do a little shopping here.  You'll be glad you did.  :)

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The children were instructed to clean their rooms.

The children were instructed to clean their rooms.  And this is what went on instead...


Amid the mess, do you see what I see?  Maybe not?  Perhaps we should take a closer look...


Yep.  That would be Casey's feet.  She's in the fort that they built out of Quinn's bed (because God knows he's not using it to sleep in) with her computer watching a Disney show on Netflix.  Instead of cleaning.

Where is Chandler, you might ask?  No fear, she's not cleaning either...


Crafting.  She's crafting.

And all of that awesome direction following that my children do makes me want to eat this...


...all by myself and lick the hard sauce straight out of the bowl.  Just sayin.

Although I would have to make the pie first.  And I'm just not sure I have it in me right now.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Found!

I love finding pictures that I've forgotten about.  Although, it is kind of sad when the pictures were just from last weekend.  So it seems to me like I shouldn't have had that much time to take them, forget about them and then remember them again, but, alas, that's precisely what happened.  I think its a sign of aging.  That and my gray hairs.

Anywho, we went to Cracker Barrel last weekend.  They had a floating broomstick that they had put a witch's hat on that laughed like a witch.  It moved about the store.  All the other children were afraid of it.  Except for Quinn, who thought it was a spectacular thing.



And then there were these from Loralai's breakfast visit....  My cute, cute boy. 


And then this one...which is now one of my favorites...


How sweet is that???  See.  My heart is melting.  Just so you know.  (On a side note, the girls look a hot mess in the mornings, don't they???)

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Progress.

Progress is being made in the closets.  I know that you have been on the edge of your seat waiting for another closet post...

And now I present....


...THE LINEN CLOSET!!!

Here's a before picture, in case you've forgotten...

  
After...


Here's what I did...

I listened to Chris. 

No, seriously.  I did.  He reminded me that in our old house - the t-tiny one with no linen closet at all - we kept the sheets for each bed in an under the bed storage bin under said bed, and that he liked it so much better that way.  Also in that house with no linen closet we kept the towels under the bathroom sink.  Huh.  Go figure.  And its even easier to do that in this house because both of the upstairs bathrooms have double sinks.  Which means double the space.

So, the sheets are now in order by the bed they belong on - under said bed in a container.  And we already had the containers.  Score.  Then, I paid attention to the comments and liked what Erica had to say about the baskets.  Genius.  And the Ho Lo (that would be the Hobby Lobby in CB terms) had baskets on sale last week, so I bought some.  A small one for wash clothes, and then 2 bigger sized ones - one for hand towels and one for pillow cases (because those are interchangeable on the beds in our house).  In case you were wondering, I paid less than $20 for all three baskets.  Holla. 

We also have our extra blankets, pillows and beach towels in there. 

And I packed up a big bag of stuff for Goodwill. 

Yay!  One closet down, 800 billion more to go!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Antiquing Saturday!

I went to the gym today and ran 2.5 miles.  Then I went antiquing.  Even though I was really stinky. 

One of the nice things about living in a small town is that we have some really cute little antique shops.  I was a frequent visitor over the summer, but haven't had a chance to go since school started back.  So, I went.  And I saw LOTS of things that I really felt that I needed.

Like these things, for example...


And then there was this booth at the Braselton Antique Mall and I almost fell over myself when I saw it.  I wanted everything that they had.  Everything.  And then I want the lady to come out and decorate for me.  And I don't even consider myself a shabby chic kind of girl.  Dreamy.  Absolutely dreamy.



And then I had to walk away from the case of shakers before I walked away with an army of shakers.  I do love the shakers.  Truly.


I did come home with a few things.  And I must say, while I love vintage things and I like to go to the antique stores, it makes me nauseous.  No kidding.  I start to panic.  And find myself on the verge of an anxiety attack.  Seriously.  I worry that I am going to miss what I am looking for.  Or they there is going to be something that I can't live with out, but must live without because its either going to be that or not feed my three children.  It is so overwhelming to me.  And when I hear people talk about "the hunt" being part of finding the treasure and the feeling of joy when you find the perfect piece...I get it, but sometimes I think I would be better off making my purchases (and perhaps paying more) from the comfort of my couch via etsy.  Just to not have to deal with the stress of the antique store.  But then on days when I find something like this...


...I think it might just be all worth it.  A late 1920's portable remington in blue.  Does it work?  Um, no.  Is it in great condition?  Um, also a no.  Was it $25?  Yep!  It most certainly was!  Yay!!!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Friday Night Lights (A Guest Post by Chris)

So, most red-blooded American families probably spend Friday night cheering on their local high school football team, and, while we can hear the local team playing from their stadium less than half a mile away, it is seldom that we actually venture out to see a game. Occasionally, Angie or I will take in a game to see former students in all of their athletic glory.

This Friday night, was not one of those nights, though. So what did we do? Did we take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood enjoying the slightly cooler weather? Did we all pile on the couch for a family movie night? Or maybe we ran down to dairy queen for ice cream after dinner....

No, this is what we did this Friday night:

Yeah, that's math. And not only is it math, it's the same problem done three different ways. Because, you know, good mathematicians need to have lots of ways to solve a problem.That's how we roll.

Now, before you boo and hiss and call me some sort a tyrant, math-teacher father, let me explain. We got some not so great news about the girls' most recent math test today, and so I decided to do a little mini-lesson while the girls were finishing their blueberries at dinner. You know, kind of like a math pep talk. But then this happened:

Yeah, they pretty much begged to do a math problem on the wall. Pro-tip: your kid doesn't want to do their homework, practice their math facts, do sight words, etc.... let them write on the wall (chalkboard paint recommended).

So now that they have proven to me that they can multiply multi-digit numbers using multiple methods and various strategies,  we just have to figure out how to get them to do it on the test as well as they did it on our wall. Do you think if I emailed these pictures to their teacher, she'd give them extra credit?

A few weeks ago, someone commented on one of Angie's posts that Friday nights will never again be what they used to be, and I think this is proof of the rule.

Visit Me at A Little Etsy Love!

Today I'm blogging about The Ruby Queen *big sigh, love their things* over at A Little Etsy Love.  I think you should check it out.  For reals.  :)


Thursday, September 22, 2011

Finally.

My in-laws bought me this print, from this shop, last year for Christmas.  I've been waiting to hang it until I felt like I had the perfect spot.

I'm not sure if its perfect or not, but I couldn't wait any longer.  I really love it.  :)  I stole Chris's dresser and moved it to my side to take the place where the vanity was that I moved to the foyer.  With me?  There was this big open space when you walked into the room and I had to solve that problem.  So I did.  With Chris's dresser.  And now it is cozy and pretty close to perfect. 

He is threatening to...

a.  take a picture of what his side of the room now looks like (barren) and post it on the blog along with a guest post about how he feels about the loss of his dresser. (Please keep in mind that his things are still inside the dresser.)
b.  buy a weight bench for his side of the room. (Um, that's not really going to go with my decor, thankyouverymuch.)



The bottom print is the Chapel on North Campus at UGA which is where we got married.  In case you were wondering.  The dresser is on loan from my parents.  It was my aunt's and God only know how old it is.  Old.  Super old.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

What I Wore Wednesday Week OMG 20

I can't believe that I have written 20 of these posts.  That just seems crazy to me.  Crazy.  But, here we go...  linking up with Lindsey!



one
(messy hair day...no blow dryer :) )
gray t-shirt - loft outlet
cuffed denim capris - target
black leather flip flops - gap
two
my new favorite gold shirt - banana republic outlet (love the ruffles...and the sheer!)
gray herringbone pants - dockers
perfect tank - banana republic outlet
gray cardi - macy's juniors dept
shoes - not pictured - BUT I just got the cutest (most comfortable) pair of ballet flats ever - gray Sperry's from Rack Room Shoes.


birthstone necklace - my shop
silver scroll earrings - LOVE! - my shop
earrings - my shop!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

A Story About Peanut Butter.

Apparently Quinn likes to use peanut butter as an exfoliant.  And now I know.  And knowing is half the battle.


Um, yeah, so that's gross.


You may, or may not, have caught on to the fact that the boy is naked to boot.  Naked.  This may, or may not, have worked in my favor.  I tried to look at it as a positive thing...I'm sure the clothing would have been covered in peanut butter.


In case you were wondering, he had apple slices and I gave him a spoonful of peanut butter to dip the apples in.  I won't be doing that again.

Monday, September 19, 2011

I was in an owly mood this weekend.

Meet Cecilia.  She's a little sassy...


Alice...


Virginia...


And Eloise...she's the wisest of them all...


And there's a new little deer too.  Because little deers are just too cute.  Take Bambi, for example, cute.



ps - have you noticed how close I am to 1000 online sales???  It's pretty amazing.  And kind of unbelievable.  Spectacular.  There is definitely going to be some kind of party when that happens.  Like, a real deal Holyfield kind of party.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Wedding Orders

Every so often, I get an email from a bride wondering if I can make her bridesmaids' gifts.  I love it.  I love being part of someone's special day.  This latest one has been one of my favorites to work on.  All 6 of her bridesmaids are wearing different colors and styles, so the earrings had to be different too.  Such fun!


Saturday, September 17, 2011

Today was a busy day.

Sometimes busy days sneak up on me.  Today was one of those days.  But first let me say that...

1.  I didn't leave the house.
2.  I didn't get out of my pajamas.

But I accomplished a lot.  And I love days when I don't leave the house or get out of my pajamas.  It's one of those things that has changed about me the older I have become.  I love my house and I want to stay in it.  Enjoy it.  I think that I get this from my father.  He prefers to stay home.  (Unless the other option is going to the gun club.  Then he will always choose the gun club.  Hands down.)

Anyway...it was a busy day in my pajamas.



Loralai came over this morning.  These two have big fun together.  Quinn will tell you that Loralai is his best friend.  He dreams about her too.  In these pictures, they both kind of look a hot mess, which is how you know that the playing is good.

I got a ton of laundry done today.  Hooray!  And while that was going on, Chris was making beef stew {sorry, Joy, no pictures...next time, I promise} in the crock pot because it was chilly (you know, in the 70's) today and it made the house smell won.der.ful.  Yum!

I cleaned our bathroom and the girls' bathroom.

I daydreamed about what I want our closets to look like.

I finished reading my book of the week, Just Kids by Patti Smith.  Excellent read.  My aunt was right...fantastic.  But now I am heartbroken and don't know what to read following that.  For the past month I have been reading the Mortal Instruments series, but I finished them.  I have The Power of Six, the book that follows I am Number Four, but I'm afraid that after Patti Smith it will just be a disappointment.  Big sigh.  I am almost considering re-reading The Paris Wife because that book is equally heartbreaking.  But I'm not a re-reader, so even though I am considering it, I know that I won't.

Good grief, what a digression that was.

So I finished my book.  I worked on jewelry.  I listed a few new things in the shop...



 

Friday, September 16, 2011

Visit Me at A Little Etsy Love!

Hi Friends!  Come visit me at A Little Etsy Love today!  I'm writing about this cute girl and her cute shop.  I am definitely going to need one of these...


Good thing Meg's offering a coupon for Little Etsy Love readers.  ;)  So, you should head on over there and get that coupon code for yourself!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Have You Entered?

Little giveaway going on over here.  You should definitely go enter.  :)

Juli...this post is for you!

My most outstanding friend, Jules, travels the country...writing and running and having a billion adventures.  I have adventures too, only mine have to do with nine year olds getting stuck in their training bra.  Her's are much more exciting.  Sometimes there are even bears involved.  ;)

Anywho, she posted a picture a few weeks ago on her blog and it made me laugh.  I told her was going to use my chalkboard to write the same message.


Last week was kind of crummy and this week has pretty much been the same, but let me tell you, I laugh every time I read that sign.  Soup.  Budweiser.  Funny.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

I Miss This Guy


Chris hasn't been home the past two nights because of work obligations, and, well, I miss this guy.

Just Some Randomness

Talk about a post that has a lot to do with nothing.  That would be today's post.  Its really just a random collection of, well, randomness.  :)

During our cheat weekend we went shopping and then swung through the drive thru at this place...


"Yes, please.  I'd like a venti of everything on the menu.  Its a cheat weekend."

No.  I didn't really say that that. (Yes, a part of me wanted to, though.)  But I did get an 800 calorie pumpkin spice (Hello, Fall!!!) latte.  (It may or may not really be 800 calories.)  And then I did a little dance in my seat and sang some Ke$ha.  

Quinn really did want one of everything on the menu and tried to order from the backseat.  We were good parents and got one of their new cake pops for him.  He was cracked out within 45 seconds.  Literally, shaking his head like a wild man.  I'm not gonna lie, it was a little disturbing.  But then 3 minutes after that, there was this...


And then it all made sense.  The crazy head shaking was a staying awake tactic.  Do your kids do that?  When the girls were little, they would pull on their eyelids, eyelashes and eyebrows to stay awake.  Where do they learn this sort of thing?  God knows, its not from me.  I most certainly do not fight the sleep.

Not during the cheat weekend, I made this healthy dessert...


I'm sure there is an actual recipe out there somewhere, but I just did what I wanted to do.  Its two boxes of fat free, sugar free vanilla pudding, blueberries, sliced up strawberries and bananas, topped with Bare Naked Vanilla Almond granola (oh how I love the granola.  Just in case you were wondering.  And no, I am not being sarcastic. Love.It.)   It really was yum!  And easy, which is always a bonus.
I found this on the fridge....


Apparently the girls do not have any self esteem issues, but we do need to work on their spelling.  Just sayin.