twoyulies

anyways.

2011-10-19T17:52:00.001-05:00

If I had a British Accent, I'd never shut up (clipped to polyvore.com)

i really wouldn't.

love.

2011-05-31T13:43:00.004-05:00

looking for some original wedding or shower invitations? these are adorable. considering my abundant collection of blue mason jars i would have been all over these if i was getting married now...instead of 13 years ago! they also have an abundance of other great wedding stuff on their site, too!

(photo courtesy of the wedding chicks)

free desktop wallpapers!

2011-05-30T08:35:00.005-05:00

yippee!

some lovely vintage-y desktop wallpapers on the fossil site today. i have the beach bike on my desktop now. how i'd love to have one of these bikes...

why?

2011-05-30T07:31:00.003-05:00

i've been gone. again. i know. you can't keep up. when i'm not around. but it felt right. it felt good to be away, ok? the pressure of blogging daily can be too much. especially when you pile on job(s), littles, friends, to-do lists, travel, recitals, concerts, games, etc.

it. just felt. right.

i needed a break.

but a friend asked. "why?". "why do you think you have to blog every day? can't you blog a couple times a week?" "take some of the pressure off. do it once in awhile. keep up...if it's something you enjoy, do it as you want to do it."

i think she might be right. you see. the pressure of blogging daily became too much. another to-do on a long list of to-do's. and everyday it got pushed to the bottom of the list. i know you don't want to read about my littles everyday. sure they are cute and funny. but there are probably more interesting things for you out there. i felt pressure to be original. to be clever. to be interesting. i think i owed to you.

so i thought about what she said. "why?"

why is it pressure?

why has it become a chore. a task. a to-do lister.

where did the fun go? the interest? the inspiration?

well. to be honest. i'm not sure. but what i do know is this: i've missed it. sharing. chatting. learning. i'm going to try to be back in this space a few times a week. as i can. you'll have to check in. see my progress. encourage!

glu..ing.

2011-02-11T18:07:00.001-06:00

here's a sneak peek at a project we've been busy working on for a certain upcoming day...
care to guess?

why hello there.

2011-02-10T17:50:00.002-06:00

i know. i've been away. away from this space for awhile. again. it wasn't intentional. it just happened. i've been thinking about it here. here in this little corner of cyberspace. thinking of things to write about. thinking about needing the time to write. jotting down notes. but i haven't been. here.

january. well it happened. it was awful cold. and loaded with lots of snowstorms. and six snow days. do you know what snow days do to a person? kids love them. after two or three, moms? not so much. i think this week is only our third full week of school since before christmas. and guess what? we were home sick one day of one of those weeks. meaning that little one has only gone to school for two full weeks in 2011. enough said.

february? well. it started out with the plague. at least that's what a friend referred to it as. i was down and out. for a week. and you know what? mommy's can't get sick. because the world keeps right on turning anyways....

so here's a peek at what i've been up to...i've got some exciting things coming up that is going to take some more time, but be good. be just what i've needed. can't wait.

but in the meantime, a little show and tell perhaps?

drinking espresso. lots of espresso.

playing in the snow.

sewing...

ailing...

and dreaming of vacation.

in the rearview mirror.

2011-01-07T18:24:00.007-06:00

2010 was a pretty interesting year for us. after the awfulness that engulfed us and our friends in 2009 we knew 2010 had to be better...

we spent a bunch of time away this year. 3 weeks total on the beach which isn't bad for us land-locked folks...
we drove half way across the country for two weeks at the beach with family. we learned that we won't do that again (drive not visit!)...
my business got busier, i did a super fun show in february and met lots of fun interesting people...
little one finished kindergarten and started first (!) grade...
little two is in his final year of preschool...
i got an ipad (what did i do without it?)...
discovered the joy of prescription sunglasses...
we finally finished our basement...
we almost uprooted our family and moved to charlotte, north carolina...
little one discovered justin bieber...
we drove to texas to visit the american girl store. lord help us.
an old friend lost her dear dad...
we added clementine to our family...
we took a ride on thomas the train...
my mom got a new knee...
another friend got a new hip...
a friend decided to go back to school and move away...
we made new friends...
started a 365 day photo project (and didn't finish)...
we hiked, we kyaked...
we went to colorado with friends...
we went away for new years (lots of fun!)...
went to texas and florida.
spent time in 19 states in one year...
the littles played t-ball and soccer, danced and did gymnastics. sang in the choir...
i cooked and baked a lot...
made jam for the first time...
my computer died...
i got addicted to watching chelsea handler...
i got further into adventuring...
rode my bike a lot...
discovered a yummy new cupcake shop...
and spent oodles of time with my family that made the year perfect.

do i know what 2011 will hold?

no. but i'm moving full steam ahead...

finished.

2011-01-05T20:23:00.000-06:00

ok. so it is a week plus after christmas. but i finally finished a gift that i have been working on for way too long.

it was one of those projects that you conceptualize and think, "wow that will be a good idea" "and that's easy. won't take me anytime at all." well...
i should know better by now.

i hand cut the snowflake from white wool,
glued it on raw linen,
and then blanket stitched around it.
i added the vintage buttons at that end.

it really shouldn't have taken that long...but i started it when i was knee deep in other projects. i should really try to finish one thing before i start another. maybe this year i'll learn my lesson...

i even did button holes on the back after i made an envelope sleeve and sewed great big vintage buttons to close it. i did a modified flange hem around the edges. now. to get it in the mail. i hope they like it!

did you know.

2011-01-04T18:59:00.000-06:00

"did you know mom, that actually you will miss me lots today while i am at school?"

where. i've. been.

2011-01-02T10:40:00.000-06:00

i've been out of this space for awhile. popping in here and there. but mainly gone. just vanished.

well. you know. life. it sometimes gets in the way. and happens.

first my computer died a long slow death. took the hubs awhile to decide it was really gone and that we had to get a new one.

but by that time. well. school had started. so had soccer and dance and choir and gymnastics and some sales. and well. it was busy. really busy. and then my mom had her knee replaced. and there were birthdays. and work. and littles who just needed attention and a puppy who. has. required alot. of attention. *ahem*. and then all of a sudden it was thanksgiving. and i had to have a little surgery. and then it was christmas and new years. and well. i'm just taking a deep breath. and actually enjoying the calm of january. so that's it. that's where i've been.
busy. but no busy busier than anyone else.

and i've been thinking. thinking of where i want this blog to go. what i want it do. and i'm hoping for some revamps in the near future. but for now. i'm just going to look back and enjoy.

all is calm.

2010-12-24T23:11:00.000-06:00

wishing you and yours the merriest!

merry christmas!

oh christmas tree.

2010-12-18T21:03:00.000-06:00

elf.

2010-12-15T15:58:00.000-06:00

i'm playing elf. today. finishing up some last minute things. taping. tying ribbons on boxes. eating cookies. christmas is almost here!

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas.

2010-12-12T11:08:00.003-06:00

the lights are up. so are the angels. and the snowmen.

and the putz vintage houses and trees.

but not the big tree. that is still to come.

there are presents to buy (and make). gifts to wrap. songs to sing. christmas pageants. the nutcracker to see. the symphony to hear. and cards. to send. but for now. i'm just enjoying the twinkling lights. and sparkly ornaments.

my next top chef.

2010-11-13T11:46:00.000-06:00

someone loves himself some pumpkin bread. so this am. he and daddy baked up a storm and created a dusty mess in the kitchen. but the result was well worth the dust.

reap the rewards.

2010-11-07T12:05:00.000-06:00

last summer i put up a bunch of freezer jam. strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, peach. so so easy.

and now. so so good. i'll pass on the recipe and details in another post. but for now i'm just enjoying some bread and jam.

the little stuff.

2010-11-01T15:17:00.000-05:00

sometimes it's the little stuff. look what martha came up with for the holidays? adorable printed paper tape. now. it might not be happy tape. but it's cute. and it's right down the road at michaels.

this stuff makes me happy.

trick. or. treat.

2010-10-31T23:23:00.001-05:00

hope your halloween was spooky and fun and safe. and that you dug out all the good candy for yourself!

birthday wishes.

2010-10-30T23:27:00.001-05:00

little one is turning seven today. seven? is that possible?

i remember bringing home this little bundle from the hospital.

the way she never cried or squeaked or caused a fuss. i guess she's making up for it now with singing at the top of her lungs. laughing and squealing and enjoying herself.

oh yes. and loving. loving justin bieber. save us all.

happy birthday kiddo!

puppy love.

2010-10-22T16:15:00.000-05:00

so sweet.

the one with the waggly tail.

2010-10-20T23:18:00.003-05:00

look who joined our little family today.

she weighs all of a pound is full of energy. and is a little ball of fur. she doesn't like her leash or collar. loves to chew on fingers and give sloppy kisses. we love her already.

gone.

2010-10-08T10:31:00.006-05:00

i know. i've been gone for awhile from this space.

it's not that i meant to. but. well. summer and back to school. and sports and dance and technical issues got in the way. big. technical issues. like my apple shriveled up and died. dead. went to the great place in heaven where all good macs go to spend their after life.

yes. it died.

i fought with it for a good month. encouraging it. pleading. begging. please. please. please. turn on. but it wouldn't...it would only spin in a circle. and make a horrible noise. worries. so many worries. would i lose all my files? (no backed up). all 28,000 of my pictures? (i know. i know. I need to delete). no. also backed up. so after a it went away. to get evaluated. fixed. but then the diagnosis. and then another diagnosis. and then it came home. never to work again.

so the process began. what to get. what to replace it with?

i wanted the 27" monitor. he didn't think i needed it. we compromised in the end. got the 27" monitor and the magic trackpad. so much better than the mouse.

so. there will be no new shoes. this fall. or purses. or whatever. but there is a new member of the family in the studio. that's it for now. i'll be catching up over the next few days. all those fun summer memories, right? but for now. let's just say hello...

treehouse.

2010-07-25T20:54:00.004-05:00

i'd like to live here. at least for a day or two.

an almost invisible house up in the trees.

sounds peaceful and beautiful to me.

but i'd have to go to sweden. and i don't see that happening right. now.
(pictures courtesy of yahoo.)

fabric.

2010-07-18T20:40:00.001-05:00

now. these. are some cute fabrics. cute japanese fabrics. of course they are.

i search for cute fabrics. all. the time. i come across some. occasionally. at a boutique fabric store we have here. rarely at my chain fabric stores. all the time on line. but there is nothing here. in town. that is unique. that is cute. not like these. i might just be placing an order.

but. they might be too cute to cut...

beach chair.

2010-07-17T17:29:00.003-05:00

love these summer-y prints. makes me want to pack up and head back to the beach. you can find them here, at steven alan.

happy tape.

2010-07-16T17:20:00.000-05:00

i still need to get some of this. i could tape happy everyday. all day long.

quiz: what summer dessert are you?

2010-07-15T17:55:00.002-05:00

take a quiz at martha stewart to figure out what summer dessert you are...not that i need a quiz. but i was interested. i thinkn it's based more on what recipes they are currently featuring, but it's kind of fun. me? i'm a berry tart. funny. because i made a berry dessert last night. you?

paint.

2010-07-14T17:31:00.003-05:00

have you seen country living's paintbrush tool? a super time waster on a super-over-the-top hot day. pick a room from a choice of many and play with color.

love the built-ins in this kitchen. it's fun to repaint other people's homes.

old books.

2010-07-13T18:04:00.001-05:00

old books that aren't in great condition always make me think. what can i do with them? how to use them in decorating? i tear alot up for use in craft projects...but you can only use so many for projects. here's a good idea...

have you seen these at restoration hardware?

old books that have the bindings removed...then are stitched and tied together with twine. for $29! i think it's and interesting idea...but i do enough adventuring to know better. books are available at thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales for as low as $.25! grab some twine at your local hardware store and you could put this whole display together for under $2.

(photos from restorationhardware.com)

happy birthday.

2010-07-04T16:39:00.001-05:00

we're still driving.

yes. still. driving.

we're hoping to be home in time tonight for some this.

and this.

and this.

hope you're celebrating wherever you are.

sounds of the surf.

2010-07-03T07:34:00.000-05:00

do think. that even though this shell is broken. we will still be able to hear the sounds of the surf when we get back home. i think so.

it's been a great vacation.

but it's over.

time to head out.

and head home.

we're taking two days this time.

i'll be back amongst the piles of laundry soon.

creatures.

2010-07-02T23:24:00.005-05:00

is our vacation really over?

is it really time to go home?

i'll be buried in laundry for days.

but today. was a beautiful last day on the beach. and there were lots of interesting creatures there to entertain. don't fret. the jellyfish were dead. on arrival. no tentacles to sting.

ugh. it's our last day on the beach.

beach house.

2010-07-02T23:21:00.001-05:00

now. that's a beach house.

i wonder who lives there?

down by the bay.

2010-07-01T19:12:00.002-05:00

we did a little kayaking on the assawoman bay today. it was lots and lots of fun. lots of wildlife. lots of good waves. and the cool thing? the bay was filled with little jellyfish. floating all over. but not to worry. none in the boats. just some caught on the paddles.

cute.

2010-06-30T19:09:00.003-05:00

i wish i had seen. this site. before i left for the beach.

i'll be honest. i'm past the two piece stage. at least right now. and swim suits. ick. so old or so skimpy. i love the colors of these. and the mix and match options. cute. i think. cute.

sand.wich.

2010-06-29T19:07:00.001-05:00

now. that's a sandwich.

say cheese please.

2010-06-28T22:54:00.007-05:00

i tried to take some pictures of the littles on the beach tonight. you know the ones. the quintessential dressed in blue or white beach pictures.

i think i got a few good ones, but really. this is pretty much what i got...

and this...

and some more of that...

and lots of this...

reading.

2010-06-27T18:49:00.000-05:00

i love to read on the beach. but i don't think i brought enough books to read this time around. i decided to read real books. not books on my ipad. i wanted the feel of a book on the beach. don't get me wrong. i love. my ipad. love. it. don't know how i lived without it. but i wanted real paper on the beach.

so far. i've dug through these. i'd recommend while my sister sleeps.

the beach.

2010-06-26T18:33:00.002-05:00

a quick glimpse of what i see on the beach everyday. i could get used to this.

boardwalk.

2010-06-25T18:20:00.002-05:00

lots of character.

lots of color.

lots of interesting things.

and lots of choices in every bad food for you!

i love the sites and sounds that make up the boardwalk.

mermaids.

2010-06-24T18:07:00.004-05:00

"look mommy."

"mermaid hair."

"they really do exist."

"i told you so."

pillow project.

2010-06-23T17:36:00.000-05:00

here's a great tutorial from country living on turning old men's shirts into button up pillows. i've made aprons from old shirts...and i'm always looking for new repurposed ideas.

the fabric in some shirts is fabulous...but if i wasn't sitting at the beach. i'd probably be making some of these. but instead i'm going to dig my toes in the sand and start (another) book. enjoy! oh. and yes. if you make some of these. send me the pictures and we'll share!

beachy.

2010-06-22T17:54:00.000-05:00

we've already settled in. feel like i've been here for awhile now already.

but we're all doing our own things.

some of us are trying to surf.

some are meeting new friends.

and me? well. i'm just digging my toes in the sand. and reading a good book.

we're here.

2010-06-21T19:51:00.002-05:00

we made it!

we (finally) pulled into bethany at about 3:30 this afternoon.

it only took us about 24 hours. but that counts in a two hour rest stop, and other various coffee, gas and food stops along the way.

it was good to see the chief little owl totem pole welcoming us to town.

we're now officially on vacation!

1202 miles.

2010-06-20T05:07:00.002-05:00

our route. we're leaving today back in two weeks. nine states to traverse. new sites to see. maybe flying would have been a better idea?

packing up.

2010-06-18T16:50:00.001-05:00

we're heading out this weekend. a long cross-country trip. we're driving this year. we've never done that before. wish us luck. i think we might need it.

two weeks at the beach. i can't wait.

somewhere.

2010-06-17T21:28:00.002-05:00

there is a a pot of gold. or two maybe? if you have a double rainbow. are there two pots of gold?

thrift thursday.

2010-06-17T20:48:00.002-05:00

it's been a crazy week. vbs. work. getting ready to leave town.

not much time for thrifting for me. and oh how i have the itch to scavenge. go on the hunt. i'm so missing it...

but if you can't go yourself. it helps to have great friends.

my former neighbor, who is the sweetest person and was the best kind of neighbor, but who had to up and move to arizona last summer (we miss them!) left a goodie bag on my doorstep.

can you believe the kindness of people?

look at these wonderful finds.

vintage embroidery. pillowcases. (you know i have a thing for embroidered pillowcases), embroidery patterns (love these.) so hard to find.

and books. on aprons. when did we lose the days of wearing formals with an organdy apron over it? when did we stop dressing like that in the first place? could these pictures be more reminiscent of june cleaver? the illustrations alone are fabulous. but i love that there are patterns, too.

a special treat to come home to! thank you!

years later.

2010-06-16T08:40:00.001-05:00

i planted this little hydrangea bush years ago. i mean years. probably 5 years. i've nursed it. coddled it. loved it. and in return? it did nothing. no blooms. no flowers. just leaves. nice big green leaves.

but finally. my persistence paid off. it finally came around. and bloomed. and not only did it give me one flower. it is loaded. ready to burst with many. many pinkish-greenish blooms. here's a peek and its first showing.

lovely isn't it?

drip. drop. drip.

2010-06-15T16:28:00.002-05:00

just popping in. It's been raining here. For days it seems. No pool time. Not much outside time. It is summer, right?

We've got a lot to do. But all it seems to do is rain.

rain. rain. go away.

superstar.

2010-06-10T20:30:00.002-05:00

we have a a star amongst us today.

there's been a lot of hoopla lately about all the changes to the big XII. stories, rumors, mumblings.

cu finally set the record straight and announced they're leaving for the pac-10. it's about time. this has been talked about for years. probably a better fit.

and since someone lives cu in this house. who better than him should the news come and talk to?

the photos a bit (well more than a bit). hazy. it was humid. really. really. humid today. i think my lens caught more humidity than the subjects. but through the mist you can spy our star (of the day).

chugga chugga.

2010-06-05T18:53:00.004-05:00

thomas. seems to make a stop here every year at around this time.

since the littles love trains. we go looking for trains sometimes. they are besides themselves when we spot one.

a ride on thomas was pretty exciting for them. especially little two. sitting in our seat was hard. because hanging out the window seemed to be a better way to ride.

it's been raining here so much, that the corn is barely up. can you imagine planting all that?

they loved the ride. but i think they almost loved the petting zoo after. this little guy looked pretty sad to be locked up in a small cage on a blistering hot and humid saturday.

but this one was pretty happy to be fed by little hands.

thrift thursday.

2010-06-04T19:10:00.002-05:00

a little bit of adventuring.

i'm ready for a big adventuring day. but with the littles home. that's a bit harder to come by these days. they only are good with adventuring for little bits of time.

give them a dollar and they'll find a treasure. but they only like to do that at one or two stops...ahh summer.

but here are some of today's finds.

i still love some strawberries. i found two of these cool vintage strawberrry themed trays. love them for summer.

and this book? a girl's guide to the outdoors. i love to go rambling. and there's a whole chapter on how to do it if you're a girl.

remember these? three dimensional relief maps? 25cents. and rocky mountain national park. a place we've spent a lot of time. love them! and the color is all wrong. but those old kitchen tools with the wooden handles. the handles are actually that limey-minty green that i love. in great condition. i left this sale with only spending 75 cents!

how cute is that little fairy doll? i remember these from when i was a kid. i think we had an elf...and i think the big sterling silver and turqouise pin is fabulous. especially for 50 cents!...the yellow bakelite silverware was a rare find. hard to come by these days.

a little thrift thursday finds today.

mmm. good.

2010-06-03T06:47:00.000-05:00

ever needed to pass on a recipe and all you've got is some plain notebook paper? next time. use these. from skip to my lou. super cute and fun to fill out, too.

your friend will love you for it.

a wee bit.

2010-06-02T22:01:00.003-05:00

i know. the other yulie thinks. she has the rights to some tartan. and all that scottish stuff. but sh hasn't done this yet...

look what i made. my own tartan. you can do it to. go here.

not that i have the time for stuff like this, but well. you know. it's a good time waster.

really. enough.

2010-06-01T21:42:00.001-05:00

it's time. to get serious and get this mess cleaned up. stop the idiocy. get the job done. these pictures should be enough of an incentive.

animals shouldn't have to suffer like this. nor should the people who depend on the gulf for their livelihoods.

happy birthday.

2010-05-31T10:55:00.002-05:00

it's my best friend's birthday today.

we won't divulge ages here. it's just not nice.

but she's a special one. we've been friends since college. we actually lived across the hallway from each other our freshman year. she didn't like me. she had her high school friends. but then the tide turned. we were in the same sorority and...and well. we've been friends ever since. 24 years. i've got too much information on her. ( i suppose she would say (i know she would) the same). ...

we've been through a lot together. great times. fun times. hard times. vacations and trips. weddings. the ten times a day we seem to still talk on the phone. she's the littles godmother. she's supportive and understanding and she listens. she's well read and thoughtful and funny and sweet and well. she just gets me. and but she's always been there. she's a special special person.

the other yulie. in twoyulies.

i couldn't be as sane or happy without her! happy happy birthday princess!

lest we forget.

2010-05-31T10:48:00.000-05:00

let's remember what this day is really all about.

"Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer." (from the history channel).

you can learn more about it here.

so thirsty.

2010-05-30T22:35:00.001-05:00

the first sangria of summer.

we've had a busy month. it's good that it's memorial day weekend. to take a break and relax. regroup. before summer sets in with full force next week.

tonight we had our first sangrias of summer. there's nothing or seems to be nothing more refreshing on a warm day...

i take the short cut route to making them...a little box of boxed sangria is great. especially when doctored up. it must be doctored up! but you can always use a good wine. red or white. your preference.

cut up some yummy fruit. i like to use berries, apples, oranges, peaches lemon and lime slices. i also like frozen fresh blueberries and grapes. they also serve to keep the drink cold.

so here goes. fill your glass with ice. add your fruit.

then fill with wine and top off with ginger ale. stir. sip and enjoy!

mmm.

2010-05-29T10:16:00.000-05:00

i got a cast iron skillet when we were on vacation over spring break in texas. maybe it was a texas thing. but maybe i just wanted one. don't know why. but i seem to hear more and more about cooking in them. so why not? i can always use more pots and pans. right?

here's a goodie that i found on the internet when looking for a recipe to use in my new pan. i really didn't have any idea what the heck to do with the thing once i got it home....

i can't for the life of me remember where i found this idea. so sorry. no credit. if you know let me know and i'll right the wrong.

but really this is just so simple. and good.

take your cast iron pan. spray non stick cooking spray. i suppose you could butter it, too. but. i'm trying to be a bit good here. pool time is here you know.

take some frozen rolls. i prefer rhodes. but i'm sure any brand would work. place them in the pan. spray with more cooking spray. and top with italian seasoning and garlic salt. let rise. this will take 4 - 6 hours. depending on temps. that day. leave them alone.

once they're risen and ready to bake. brush with some melted butter or spray with a bit more cooking spray. bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

the littles love these. they love tearing them apart. i suppose it's called fun food for them.

i think i'm green.

2010-05-28T10:08:00.001-05:00

go to this site. you can learn all about your personality based on color. "the test evaluates your personality and true nature, it also allows you to get to know yourself. "

and if you ask me...it's also is a good time waster on a friday morning.

You are 54 % extrovert and 46 % introvert.

not sure if i would really agree with the results. but it's a personality test. it labels you. it's based on pretty colors. and it's on the internet. so we know the answers must be true.

more endings.

2010-05-27T21:16:00.003-05:00

the last day. the last day of kindergarten.

wasn't it just yesterday that she had her first day?

and now. now. she's going to be a first grader. she's so excited. this was such a big year. kindergarten. 6 lost teeth. learning all kinds of new stuff. making new good. friends.

the excitement was in the air.

but there was also a touch of sadness. because she. had to say goodbye to her best friend. who is moving away. far away. tomorrow.

but don't worry. she's already. asked me for her own email account. so she can email her.

bounce.

2010-05-26T21:12:00.001-05:00

somebody. likes to bounce.

eggs.

2010-05-25T16:06:00.002-05:00

did i ever share. our egg experiment? our easter decoration?

we cracked some eggs. ate them of course.

then. after we cleaned them up. the little filled them with dirty. and scattered grass seeds in them. a little water. some sunshine.

and a week later we had grass. a fun. easy project for the littles. they're so excited that the grass grew.

the end.

2010-05-24T15:56:00.005-05:00

this time of year. seems to be all about endings. last week. was his last week of school. this week. his classes are wrapping up. today. was the last day of gymnastics.

he didn't miss a chance to go a bit crazy. and enjoy himself. i guess. summer is almost here.

ahoy matey.

2010-05-23T17:51:00.001-05:00

aargh. it's my party. i'll cover my eyes whilst you sing to me if i want to! aargh...!

twirl.

2010-05-22T20:29:00.001-05:00

today was dance recital day. all the build up. and the anticipation. all over in an hour.

little one was great. tapping her heart out. singing. twirling away. all front and center.

daddy even got in the act this year. participating in the dad's dance. a perfect ending.

lots. of proud fans in the crowd, too. including all grandparents, god parents and her own bestest.

don't they look like mini me's?? two peas in a pod i tell you. and that's good. because she's a good one to look up to.

sunshine.

2010-05-21T18:59:00.000-05:00

finally. after days of grey skies. rain. and thunder. there is this thing back in the sky.

i believe it's called the sun.

welcome back.

mmm.

2010-05-20T15:23:00.001-05:00

i love this time of year.

i especially love peonies.

love the way they look. all fat and fluffy. like layers and layers of frosting.

love the way they smell. so sweet and enticing.

don't you wish you could smell this one?

because it sure is sweet.

ruffles.

2010-05-19T17:07:00.000-05:00

i love. some ruffles. i do. i really. really. do. and they are so cool right. now. on everything. i love all of these goodies.

cute. cute. and in silver. my favorite.

love this. would love to look like this in it, too.

and this. cosmetic bag? how sweet. love the prints, too. of course.

and these sheets. just what i've been looking for. really.

i do. i do love. some ruffles.

last day.

2010-05-18T15:19:00.000-05:00

today. was little two's last day of school.

this means that there is only one more year. one year. of preschool. and then. he's off. to kindergarten. kind of makes me sad.

he had a great year. loved his teachers. loved his friends. he already says he misses them.

four.

2010-05-17T15:15:00.000-05:00

somebody. turned 4 today.

4.

hard to believe.

he's as rambunctious and crazy and sweet as ever.

happy birthday. little two.

ahh.

2010-05-16T16:37:00.002-05:00

i just finished. this book. have you read it? oh. you should. you really. really. should.

i have looked at this book forever. for. ever. picked it up. put it back down. i didn't want to read about elephants. or a circus. clowns are creepy you know.

but when i spied a hard cover copy in the thrift store - never opened mind you. for one dollar. i decided to give it a try. but then. again. it sat. on my nightstand. with visions of clowns in mind everytime i looked at it. and really. who wants to read about clowns before going to bed? not me. that's for sure.

but then. a friend. (you see how easily influenced i am, right?). said read it. it's good. really good. so i started. yesterday. and i now. less than 24 hours later. i'm done. it was that good. really. trust me. on this one.

it's not about clowns. it's not creepy. it's just a snuggle in. can't put it down. leave me alone i'm reading kind of book. and now. i can't stop thinking about it. wow. i love it when that happens. i love to read. but not every book makes you feel that way. almost like you have to decompress for a few days before you dive into another book.

so really. read it. i'd love to have others to chat with about it.

i wish.

2010-05-15T16:50:00.000-05:00

i had a porch. a real. honest-to-god porch. not a slab of concrete with an overhang. a real old fashioned porch. that i could invite friends over to sit a spell and enjoy a summer sipper. that i could paint and decorate and enjoy.

if i had a porch. i'd get this book. invite you over. and we could sit a spell.

hanging on.

2010-05-15T16:03:00.001-05:00

the last of the tulips. the very last one of the season in my garden. how pretty they've been all spring. enjoying the sunshine and rain. and bringing a burst of happiness to our yard.

yes. you're right.

2010-04-28T09:20:00.000-05:00

"you know mom. life would just be so much better without boogers." - little one.

sorry. but i have to agree with her on that one.

ick.

2010-04-27T09:15:00.000-05:00

i have been down and out this week. allergies. cold. be what it may. it's taken it's toll on me. i'm exhausted.

absolutely exhausted. but you know. there isn't time for this kind of nonsense right now. there never is.

dance recitals.
choir concerts.
classes.
work.
orders.
great adventuring opportunities.

there just isn't time to be under the weather.

i'm not complaining. because everyone is suffering here this year. it seems.

one downfall of a beautiful spring. is pollen.

it's everywhere. i could've written my name in it on my car window today. if i'd had the energy. which i didn't.

everyone is complaining about it. but i guess this is better than the cold and snow and ice we suffered through this winter.

i just don't know that my nose would agree. or my eyes. or my throat.

toothless.

2010-04-26T16:46:00.001-05:00

the tooth fairy is going to paying a visit to our home tonight.

somebody. lost a tooth. that's number six for those that are counting.

"how does food stay in there?" a friend asked.

week. in the. life. day 7.

2010-04-25T21:03:00.002-05:00

day. 7. sunday.

today was all about church. and singing. little one had her big choir performance tonight. they all did so well. she sang her little heart out. maybe the next american idol?

week in the life. day 6.

2010-04-24T23:36:00.003-05:00

day 6. saturday.

it's a rainy. cold day. icky to go out in. good to stay in. and get organized. really organized. it's time. to set up the studio. and get ready for the spring version of our big kid's designer clothing sale. ugh. lots to do...lots.

8:11. breaking out the uggs. brr. it's cold.

3:12. progress. has been made.

3:45. getting there.

4:38. bathroom sink. skirt. is finished. upcycled from a crib skirt. love repurposing.

6:11. the mess in the garage. begins.

week. in the life. day 5.

2010-04-23T23:58:00.004-05:00

day 5. friday.

6:01. good. morning. pink.

10:03. stopping by for a chat.

10:15. why hello there.

10:45. still pretty. two weeks. later.

1:28. back from a little adventuring.

1:39. can you believe i got all this for ten cents each? i have enough thread to last me for five years now.

1:46. lunch. they each wanted something different. and today i gave in. (i usually don't).

2:49. yes. please do.

4:53. a bit of wii action.

week. in the life. day 4.

2010-04-22T23:40:00.008-05:00

day 4. thursday.

5:50 am. heading to work. yes. it's blurry. but you would be to. at this time.

10:25. cat on a trash can. why??

10:30. the sky suddenly got pitch black. so did the house. storm coming.

11:25, a much needed cup. and a bit of yellow on a dearly dreary day.

11:40. the tulips. are still pretty.

11:45. car pool line.

1:45. thrift thursday finds.

love. these plates. i never find pretties with birds. i wonder why. and the quote. perfect.

loved. this book. as a kid. a hole is to dig.

3:00. little two drop off. movie day at work with daddy.

3:15. heading over the new bridge.

3:20. still no recycling truck. a day later.

6:30. rain. rain. go away.

earth day.

2010-04-22T18:43:00.004-05:00

today's a good day to celebrate the earth.

from the mountains

to the ocean.

it's a lovely place.

it's raining here today. no pouring actually. but it's all good. it's all green.

so go. go enjoy. all that we have.

week. in the life. day 3.

2010-04-21T23:16:00.002-05:00

day 3. wednesday.

6:00. heading out for an am exercise session with a friend.

10:30. little two drop off. aren't those redbuds gorgeous?

2:00. target run.

6:15. where did the day go? dropping off paper recycling.

6:30. choir practice for little one.

6:35. i used to work in this building. one of the most dysfunctional places on the planet. and that's being nice.

7:30. don't you wish you still did this?

8:00. half moon.

8:25. post office. and home.

one of those days.

2010-04-21T19:31:00.000-05:00

ever feel like this?

yesterday was. just. one of those days.

week. in the life. day 2.

2010-04-20T23:23:00.001-05:00

day two. tuesday.

7:35. breakfast. pancakes. with syrup. or is that syrup with pancakes?

hmm. i guess. it's a curly hair day. i also guess. it's time to get my hair cut.

10.45. sewing. oops. forgot to pick up little one from school. forgot it was early release. call from office. off. i go.

11:05. rearranging cookbooks. the verdict? need. more. room.

12:10. these shoes seem to have lost their owner.

1:12. i look out my window.

1:00. new. carpet.

1:12. ice. for my achy. bad. back.

2:03. late again. for another little pick up.

but. he. had a good day.

3:02. late for a 3:00 appointment. seems to be a pattern today.

4:35. leaving. our appointment. wow. that's a purple car.

9:05. heading down to the studio. work. to do.

week in the life. day one.

2010-04-19T23:09:00.006-05:00

ok. some i'm late in posting. but i did play along. life has just gotten crazy. and i wasn't able to get it all done in one day. i got the pictures taken. but not uploaded. so here goes. a week in the life.

day one. monday.

early morning. up at 4:30. work at 6:00.

i look out my window.

packing up a birthday gift (retro candy and popsicles to remind him of his youth) for my brother. i guess it will be late. today's his birthday. happy birthday!

building my new front door decoration. it's been a work in progress on my kitchen counter for weeks. i want the counter back...so it's time to get this done!

1:00 dance and gymnastics. flags at half staff in memory of okc. such a sad day in history.

4:05. the wreath is done. i know. i said i was tired of wreaths. but i was also tired of having all this paper around, too. so. it's better to do this to use it all up...

7:05. dinner. i think somebody thinks i should make a trip to the grocery. grilled cheese sandwiches. and salad with red onion and strawberries. oh. and yes. some wine.

hmm. guess. it was. a hat day.

7:35. i look out my window. it looks like a pillow...

8:10. wrapping up playing outside. time to call it a day for littles.

free. coffee. no kidding.

2010-04-15T16:01:00.001-05:00

it's all good today.

free coffee at starbucks. just bring in your own mug/cup/carafe (i wish!) and they'll fill it up for free. all day. i might be there more than once.

enjoy.

week in the life.

2010-04-14T18:49:00.000-05:00

next week. i'm going to participate in a project called week in the life.

in a nutshell it's basically documenting your life for a week. taking pictures. taking notes. and summing it up. the idea is to capture you for a week. and scrapbook it somehow. now. i'm not much into scrapbooking. don't get me wrong. they're lovely. but it's just something i can't get into. i love to buy the paper and all the doo-dads. but that's as far as that stuff ever gets. so. last year i finally decided to give in. call it quits. admit. that the scrapbook thing was just not going to happen for me.

but really. i scrapbook in a different way. i blog. i take pictures. i take notes. (all over the place). so i am capturing memories. just in a not-so-typical scrapbook way.

so i'm not going to create a scrapbook at the end of this project. i'll document it somehow in someway on my blog. and there it will be. forever. for all to see. well. anyone who cares. it should be fun. it should be a challenge. i'm certain that it's going to be harder than it appears. but isn't that how much of life is?

won't you join in?

shop update.

2010-04-13T19:11:00.005-05:00

thanks everyone for stopping by.

i've updated the shop. i guess i'm in a green mood this week. maybe it's because everything is so bright colorful outside right now....enjoy!

coming soon.

2010-04-12T19:35:00.000-05:00

i'm busy working on some updates for the shop for tomorrow.

i really appreciate everyone's love and support! you keep me going!

hope you have a lovely day. i'm going to to try to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather!

more treasures.

2010-04-10T13:43:00.001-05:00

just stopping by for a brief moment today. it's too nice outside to be in here at the computer....

did get to do a bit of adventuring this am. scored the cutest quilt to use outside for picnics and such. and get this. $10! yes. you read that correctly!...i had to get it at that price. hand stitched. it great condition. i almost tumbled over when he said $10. i said sold before someone else could.

but these pictures are again from the sale. the sale. of the year. well. so far.

piles of wonderful old dishes. and linens. and trays. and ironing boards. and tins. and bowls. and. and. and. i could go on. but i promise. promise. this is the last post about that sale.

just enjoy the pictures. and the weather. hope it's lovely in your part of the world.

dance.

2010-04-09T20:15:00.000-05:00

it's the daddy daughter dance tonight at school. someone is very excited. daddy even got her a corsage. her first one. how sweet. in her favorite color. pink. of course.

she says she's going to dance all night. i wonder if daddy will. little two is a bit jealous.

it's mine.

2010-04-08T15:07:00.000-05:00

isn't it funny. how sometimes you walk by these. and never think twice. and then the next time. you are giddy with excitement. and snatch them up before someone else grabs them (even though she was trying to get the number seven one out of your hands).

she was too. slow. i tell you. too slow.

another cute find from the amazing estate sale. aren't they cute? and the mirrored trays, too. i think i'll get some pretty ribbon and hang them. instead of using them as trays. it's all about upcycling right?

color.

2010-04-07T17:55:00.002-05:00

just a little color to brighten up a stormy. spring. evening.

the tulips are in full force around here. gorgeous. colors. i really wish they'd stick around longer than they do.

we were out and about in the yard today. enjoy the sunshine. before the impending doom of the weatherman. the talk has been all about the big storms we'll have tonight. which is ok. except that the talk started this am. and as of yet. it's still just a little cloudy.

do you ever wonder if the weatherman gets paid based on his accuracy? because he really should. you know.

share day.

2010-04-06T17:37:00.000-05:00

i don't think i ever shared what i got at that amazing estate sale i went to back in march.

is this not the cutest little sewing basket you've seen? aqua blue with adorable vintage flowers. it's in excellent condition. i love that it still has the original tag on the inside.

one of the best sales i've been to in quite some time. remember the one? four generations of women in one house. stuff piled to the rafters. crazy deals. great digging. awesome finds.

you know. it takes time to come across a good sale. you just have to keep going. after you've been hitting some sales for awhile you almost get a vibe as soon as you walk in if it's going to be a good one. or one that you can cruise through in five minutes and be done. just keep at it!

look in the paper. look on craigslist. chat with others at sales. there's a pretty regular group here that goes to sales. i tend to see the same people over and over. some will be kind. and share their stories. share the locations. you'll soon learn who these folks are.

the dealers are always there early. before they open. in line. ready to snatch and pile as i call it. and sort later. some of these folks are not so kind. will try to move things from piles you've stashed with the checkout person. that's why i like to carry a separate bag. you know the kind. i always take my whole foods recyclable bag. it seems to bring me good luck on the hunt. no purses. just more to carry if you ask me. just the bag. my wallet and phone. then i am hands free and can fill the bag (and more). if it's a good one. but if you've scored some furniture. take the tag. to the cashier. write your name on it if you're still looking. make sure they know it's yours!!

and most important don't hesitate. because if you're hesitating on something. someone else is probably waiting in the wings to snatch it up. and then you'll be playing the "what if" game all day. and that's. not. fun.

sold.

2010-04-05T20:01:00.001-05:00

i am so loving. this book.

it's the first title i'm reading on this little thingy called an ipad.

i highly recommend both. i was a bit hesitant about giving up a real book. i love books. love the way they feel in my hands. love the smell of library books. my husband even used to think i bought books based specifically on the type of paper the cover was printed on. well. not exactly true. but maybe somewhat.

but the ipad. is genius. i love reading on it. love the way you turn the page. love the way you can bookmark important parts. love the way it saves your place. love the way it fits in your purse. and the way it looks.

it's all good here today. all good.

celebrate.

2010-04-04T19:35:00.003-05:00

i hope your easter was as joyful and fun as ours was.

a beautiful church service. brunch. egg hunts. fun. it was a lovely day.

looky.

2010-04-03T19:32:00.000-05:00

what i got today. i'm just giddy with excitement!

woo hoo!

good friday.

2010-04-02T21:27:00.000-05:00

there are many. many reasons that i love our church.

we were married there. our littles were baptized there. the memories are long and plentiful. good and bad. happy and sad.

but easter has to be one of the best times at our church. and tonight was no exception. our choir sang the oratorio Les sept paroles du Christ ("The Seven Last Words of Christ", 1867 by Théodore Dubois tonight. it was spectacular and moving. and a beautiful ending to the day.

i wish i had a video to post. it was that good. so. although you can't hear it. maybe you can imagine the beautiful music in a darkened sanctuary on a solemn beautiful spring evening.