2/24/08

TODAY I LOVE


* Making Plans
* Making Quilts
* Making....Other Things

* Smelling Coffee Grinds
* Smelling Wet Earth
* Smelling Clean Bathrooms

* Taking His Picture
* Taking Home New Fabric
* Taking Time to Rest

* Watching My Waistline
* Watching Him Sign for the Train Whistle on iTunes
* Watching Across the Universe Twice

* Finding Money in the Dryer
* Finding Light in the Evenings
* Finding Out I Am Good at Something New

2/22/08

Flickr Favs.


1. From the wardrobe, 2. Untitled, 3. we'll all be here for you, 4. bonehead, 5. gray, 6. Real Living Magazine Nov. '07, 7. little otsu love, 8. saarinen, 9. Wardrobe, 10. Bedroom, 11. my kitchen wall, 12. The Boudoir, 13. two, 14. color, 15. Untitled, 16. guggenheim, 17. kitchen, 18. Bag shoes, 19. Room, 20. Guestroom, 21. Sad cowboy, 22. Right Brain Terrain {eco posters}, 23. the best kitchen colors ever, 24. perfect color combination, 25. Domino Magazine - Great Headboard, 26. West Elm Summer Quilt - I love the pattern and color, 27. From the blog: Making It Lovely, 28. 14 Studio Space by Starlee Matz, 29. Meet Tanya Whelan of Grand Revival Designs, 30. Blissliving {bedding}, 31. Blissliving {bedding}, 32. Coffee Cup Tags, 33. hmmm... interesting..., 34. lovely letters, 35. Power Poufs!, 36. domino
I only just now figured out how this works.

Oh, and if you're reading this Martha and/or Sarah Highfill, I am SO glad you all posted to say hi. I need your e-mails! Mine is in my profile. I was so happy to hear from you. (For those other than Martha and Sarah, we went to college together.)

I'll be away from the computer this weekend trying to finish up some projects in order to make way for a large one. Busy, busy. Its supposed to rain buckets here so it'll be a good excuse to stay inside and make stuff. Love to all!

~R~

2/20/08

'The Plan'





This is my attempt at knowing how I'd like to decorate and make purchases for our next home. I need something with a strong sense of style that reflects our family's taste. When you're decorating on a really tight budget, you need a plan so you don't waste money on pieces you don't really like or lose focus of what you really need. I'll be filling it up with images and lists in preparation for the new place.

I found these this weekend at a local antique store. I love Mellimac! I've been collecting the Mellamine that Target started putting out last Spring because I love the idea of a bright, mix and match kitchen. My mom has always had Pyrex in her kitchen so it feels right to have it in mine. Brett and I are planning to move to the Midwest near the beginning of Summer via U-Haul and are hoping to catch an Ikea on the way to load up on a few pieces of furniture in a box. One of the benefits of having moved so often in the last four years is getting to start fresh with furnishings. We've given away and sold most of the furniture we've ever owned every time we've relocated but having a child means doubling the amount of 'necessary' furniture to take with you.

Flickr has been a fabulous source of inspiration for the new place.
A girl can dream or a girl can plan.

More news later. My mind is starting to shut down for the night.

2/17/08

Tagged and Memed~Sounds like Punishment


I was tagged by Lorie and Memed by my sweet friend, Katelyn, a LONG time ago so its about time that I return the favor.

*********************
You must post the rules before you give your answers.
You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name.
Each fact must begin with that letter.
If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name.
After you've been tagged, you need to up-date your blog with your middle name and answers.
At the end of your post, you need to tag one person. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and need to read your blog for details).

A:rtistic. I've always enjoyed the process of repurposing and making something new. I think children naturally tend to repurpose and use their imaginations with objects around them so I guess that part has been nurtured enough to join me in my adult years. I think I have a responsibility to share it and use it to help others enjoy theirs.

L:ovely. This lesson is still a work in progress. Brett bought me a necklace with the definition of lovely in the locket for Christmas one year. It helps me remember.

L:istener. One of my best traits.

I:nternational. Well, I've lived in other countries, learned Chinese, enjoy Thai food, and this letter was hard to match.

S:illy. I had a friend in college that encouraged this part of my personality. We had the best times together. It was so comfortable.

O:ptimistic about fitting into my pre-baby size again since I've doubled my mileage each week.

N:ervous. I get this way around new people and with small talk. I totally get awkward unless you're the 'warm' type.

Consider yourself tagged.

Memed? Not even sure what that means but I used my flickr favorites. So handy.

I really want a room like this.

I really need one of these.

Someday, I'd like another of these.

I want to give away lots of these.

Everyone should know this.

I am so happy to have him.

You've been Memed, too, if you want to play.

Happy long weekend.

2/15/08

Postaholic

Any husband who is willing to hang a pink print on his wall is a keeper. I had to track this one down from the Reform School website and decided to guide Brett towards a 'really good idea for a Valentine's Day gift'. He was all about it. It came in the mail on Wednesday and even though I knew what it was, I wasn't allowed to open it until yesterday. We aren't going to frame it until we move in case it breaks on the way but I am so happy to finally have this print in my possession.
Next is a pic of my workspace today. A completely lovely mess of pink. I've got some kits to pack and some quilt bits to finish so I'd better get started with the relocating of piles. Have a lovely weekend, ya'all. I'm bound and determined to rent 'Across the Universe' even if its not in the Dollar DVD machine. I don't want to be the last one in the world to enjoy the eye candy.

p.s. Thanks to everyone who bought a project kit this morning. I updated the shop with a few more in case someone missed out on the first batch.

p.p.s. CHARIN! I just got a box from the post man. Sebastian is out running errands with his Papa but I'll be sure he gets his Valentine from Katie Shae. His first girlfriend!

Handmade Journal Kits




February's Project Kit is everything you need to make a journal for your doodles and secrets. Make lists, test out pens, write love notes or fill with pictures of your mom. Using a journal that is already visually stimulating will make writing in it more fun. It frees up your thoughts in ways blank pages don't and you can mess up and call it part of the process. Add your own masking tape, paper clips, staples and handwriting to make something lovely to look at on your shelf.
Find one for your hot little hands HERE.

*EDITED: I've just added 10 more to the shop this morning (2/15/08 @ 7:50 a.m.). Thanks for the great response!

2/14/08

Who Do You Love?


How are you showing them?

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you lovely readers, commenters, and lurkers alike. You make this place special.

2/12/08

While I Was Out


Sebastian made good friends with the animals at the petting zoo. He's still learning about personal space.

2/11/08

WOWZA!






It was a thrill to be in the middle of the scrapbook/craft chaos at CHA today. I went down last night and got to spend some down time with Elsie and Shannon Tidwell before things got busy. I got into registration before the line exploded and as I was sitting patiently, saw Ali Edwards get stopped by a few fans. I smiled on the inside because I am not a 'stop and say hi' girl. I'm a 'look from a distance' girl. I'm much more likely to introduce myself to someone who may recognize me. When I saw the lovely Celine Navarro and her friend checking out product at a booth, I rushed over and grabbed her. I also stopped by Daisy D's and met Stephanie Dos Reis, who's first line just premiered at the show. I was feeling pretty brave until I saw Jeanette and some others from SIStv. I just smiled on the inside again and walked on by. I ran into Michelle and Amy Tangerine and Kristina Contes and Morgan at the Love, Elsie booth and met a lot of lovely scrappers.
I made the rookie mistake of not bringing wheeled luggage to carry all those catalogs! Check out some okay pics of some of my favorite product here. I'm off to bed. More soon!

P.S. The top four LO's were samples for the show. LOVE the Daisy colors and the whole Forrest line. They are so beautiful.

2/8/08

Friday


Making progress on Emma's quilt. Finishing the quilt top is always satisfying. When its been pieced together it looks different than just lying on the floor in bits. I may add some white strips to the edges to frame it and add some inches. I'm using a vintage sheet with pink flowers for the backing. Bright pink binding and then it'll be ready for Hollywood. I think it'll be hard to part with this one. I love how its turning out.
Brett caught this one at the table tonight. He's signing 'Daddy'. Love the look in his eyes.
Snapped this after nap time. A little sneak peek into the shared sleeping space! So far, the curtain is helping. I think its easier for him to go back to sleep without seeing us.
Final details for CHA to organize. Lots of pictures on Sunday night!

*What are you doing this weekend? What are your dream weekend plans?

~r

Happy Chinese New Year...(11:00p.m. Thursday)


Brett and I celebrated by me taking a nap on the couch while he and S went to Panda Express for some fake, takeout Chinese food. We shared a fortune cookie with S. He loves them. (we totally splurged by 'buying it' for Chinese New Year)
S and I took two long walks today and played in the front yard for a long time in the sunshine. We finally put the swing back up. I wrote in my journal and he pointed at all the airplanes and birds and cars and the water in the gutter. He's so excitable. I had a tutoring session with my 3rd grader and we both about threw up our hands in frustration. I think it has something to do with the drop in our blood sugar levels in the 4 o'clock hour. Next time I'm bringing some pixie sticks. His family is Armenian and his grandpa makes the BEST espresso for me every time I'm about to leave. They are so hospitable and lovely.
I've been collaborating on a project with Lisa Leonard that feels really great. More about that soon.
Ran errands to make things happen faster today. Brett starts subbing tomorrow. He got the detention class! I'm nervous for him and totally happy at the same time. He's been hired on as a permanent sub so he'll have some regularity to his schedule. Its a good thing. Starbucks on the weekends to keep the great insurance. Less and more of a lot of things.
So, not much in the way of eye candy or craftiness. I'm wondering if I need to go to the doctor and see if she knows of something going around that keeps you up late and causes numbness in your extremities. Oh, maybe its the INTERNET!

Sweet dreams.

2/6/08

KI Giveaway winner

kawaii crafter said...
Bootleg blue jeans, a boat-neck 3/4 sleeve navy & cream striped knit shirt, and a navy cable knit cardigan.

You're the winner! It was fun to hear how many of us like the fallback jeans and sweater at home. Those who have to/choose to put more effort into their wardrobes gave me some wardrobe remix ideas.

Ok, back to regular programming.

I *Heart*...

Sunny Days
My computer
Being a Mama.
I found this picture from my 40th(!) week of pregnancy and wanted to share with you how large I was with Sebastian. I can't imagine what its like as I sit bent over my laptop (not possible at 40 weeks) with my regular jeans and coffee (also not possible). I'm not ready for another one quite yet. I didn't love being pregnant. I wasn't sick much but it was like an out of body experience for 9 months. I think I'm still getting my mind around how a person can grow inside a woman's body. Its so strange and so incredible. I'll do it again someday. I am really thankful that I'm even able. (p.s. This was our apt. in Seattle.)

I got a fun package from Marie this weekend with this sweet owl mini book. Its really adorable. Its got batting inside! We finished packing the kits and they have all been shipped as of this morning! Woohoo! Its getting easier every time.
CHA preparations have been underway all week. LO's to be made using the new Love, Elsie product, pictures to be converted to be displayed on the L, E refrigerator, schedules to manage, clothes to pack, projects to finish before I leave, etc. I'm really looking forward to seeing new faces and checking out all the products for the kit club. I think we're going to be stunned with the goodness.
Check out Project52! Courtney DeLaura is sharing a new project every week to stretch your creative muscles. She's got a list of great designers on board to add their flavas! I was so happy that she asked me to be a GD this week. This is a little sneak peek of the V-Day inspired project. Check it out HERE. Its well worth the subscription!

Happy Wednesday, ya'all.

2/3/08

The Day Before the Super Bowl



TODAY:

* Fed Sebastian
* Jogged 3 miles!
* Organized bedroom
* Packed Kits
* Unscrewed S's crib
* Re-screwed S's crib (in our room again)
* Vaccumed upstairs
* Ate dinner
* Hung curtain barrier in our room with hopes that S will not see us when he wakes up at night.
* Played with S
* Put S to bed
* Spent too much time sitting in front of the computer looking at nothing much.


Not a big fan of football but I like that most of the country is involved in the same thing on the same day. Makes me feel all sentimental and such. Going to a game day party at our friends' house. Bringing a fruit tray. Will try to avoid the pigs in a blanket.