Belula Oliver

new blog....

2012-01-20T22:43:00.003-06:00

I have made the leap...my new shop & blog name is (drum roll please....)

the Prairie Fair

all future blog posts (as well as all past posts from this blog) will be located at the Prairie Fair Blog. Things are very much under construction there right now but will be looking pretty soon! Hope to see you there! :)

public service announcement...

2012-01-18T16:03:00.000-06:00

Please bear with me for the next week or so....I'm in the midst of a major blog and shop overhaul & even a name change! (still working on that one, very difficult...) Looking forward to new photos for the shop, adding some new products, a blog makeover...super excited!!! :)

Meet Rufus...

2012-01-17T23:19:00.002-06:00

Rufus is the newest member of our family. He is a black-footed ferret. He and the cat love to play & fight; the dogs ignore him & vacate the premises whenever he is out of his cage. I swore to Cory that we would never have a pet ferret in the house but his little raccoon eyes won me over. He sleeps about 22 hours a day in a hammock in his cage. He has successfully mastered the arts of eating from his food bowl, drinking from his water bottle & grabbing then playing with the toys hanging from the top of the cage, all without leaving said hammock. I have a stuffed raccoon that he always steals & drags around. Once he even tried to squeeze it through a hole in the wall (that he made himself, thank you very much). He has foiled nearly every attempt to keep him in the cage. How can something with such a small head & therefore brain, untie knots?

red pepper soup...

2012-01-16T19:13:00.002-06:00

I was actually pretty excited the first day it felt like winter last week...I've been waiting for the cold weather to make all my favorite winter foods, particularly the soups! This creamy, roasted red pepper soup (a Giada recipe) is super easy & very healthy! If I've made a batch just for Cory and I, we freeze half for an easy dinner another night - definitely a favorite in our house :) You can find the recipe here or on my recipe box page. Enjoy!

road trip...

2012-01-13T01:00:00.001-06:00

We're headed to Lake Sara for the weekend to meet up with our friends from St. Louis. One of my goals this year is to visit the lake at least once every season...winter: check! After a week of sunny days with temps in the 50's, we have been blanketed in snow and the temperature is barely in the double digits. It will be a cozy weekend with lots of time spent inside - we have already discussed reading time and a mandatory pajama-style uniform. It's group hibernation really :)

our big day...

2012-01-12T14:38:00.001-06:00

The happiest day since I've been away from the blog was definitely November 5, 2011...that is the day that Cory & I got hitched! Yesterday I got all the photos & above are a few of my favorites - our photographer was Michelle E. Swierczek, I loved working with her & all the photos are fabulous! I'm working on putting my 100 favorite photos here & will be sharing more about the planning and the big day here on the blog :)

back in the game...

2012-01-11T17:46:00.001-06:00

me & Avry, my niece

Wow, I haven't written here since last summer. Where do I even start? I guess just like you start anything else - one step at a time. I'm working on a few things....a little blog re-design to freshen things up, taking new photos & adding some new products to my shop, sharing the story of the last few months, and of course I have made some resolutions for 2012 & I can document that process here. Even if it takes me a little while to get it all sorted, updating here regularly is part of the plan....stay tuned! :)

Where did I go?

2011-07-20T17:39:00.002-05:00

The past few weeks have been crazy! And I neglected the blog for more than 3 weeks...oops! As planned, we went to Lake Sara with my family to celebrate the 4th. We did a lot of swimming, jumping, ice cream making, napping, eating, and fawn-watching. The fawn up there was only a few feet from the house! I love my family soooo much & it was a great weekend.
The next week Coco & I babysat my nieces Addie and Avry while my sister & brother-in-law went on a much-deserved cruise! Wow, exhausting. Everyday I dropped them off at a home daycare before work & picked them up after. Avry was teething, Addie is 2, and we all ended up getting really bad colds. It made for some late nights & I was completely wiped out. But I love love love my nieces to bits so it was super fun to be with them. Plus Cory got a diaper-changing lesson & even held down the fort by himself a few times so I could nap! Adorable :) Our first day back home I missed them so much! I think my body held out on the cold until I was able to actually be sick, because sure enough I felt like absolute crap all of last week. I went to "Harry Potter church" on Sunday morning with Cory & my 2 awesome cousins from California who were visiting. We had a jam-packed weekend with pool parties, mini golf + pizza, and a birthday bbq so a 10:30 a.m. show was the only time we could make it. It was a sob-fest. We loved it, I would watch it again right now if I could.

Road Trip!!!

2011-06-30T21:17:00.001-05:00

After work tomorrow we are heading off for the lake!!! I'm looking forward to getting out of town for some swimming, hammock time, watching fireworks on the water & hanging with my family. I will be back with lots of photos after the weekend!

Recipe Share: Spicy Pork & Sesame Ramen

2011-06-27T21:08:00.005-05:00

Slightly adapted from a recipe in Let's Cook Japanese Food...

1 teaspoon sesame oil

4-6 strips of bacon, fried then crumbled

1/2 pound ground pork

1 tablespoon chili bean paste

1 teaspoon finely minced garlic

2 packages instant ramen

3 cups chicken broth

1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted & ground

2 green onions, minced

Hot chili oil

In a frying pan, cook the slices of bacon and set them aside. Wipe out the pan leaving some of the bacon grease and add the sesame oil. Over medium-high heat, brown the pork breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Add the chili bean paste and the garlic and continue to cook until the pork is cooked through and is very crispy. Remove from heat & set aside (I recommend draining both the bacon and the cooked pork on a paper towel). Cook the ramen according to the directions but discard the flavor packet. Once cooked, drain the ramen noodles and set aside. Divide the ground sesame seeds between two large bowls and then pour half of the chicken broth into each bowl. Add the noodles, then top with the cooked pork, crumbled bacon & green onions. Drizzle hot chili oil according to your taste & enjoy!! This is one of our favorites :)

P.S. I can usually only eat half a serving but the leftovers reheat really well & can be eaten the next day for lunch!

Weekend Update

2011-06-26T20:50:00.011-05:00

Cory with my niece Avry....these coordinating outfits were a complete coincidence & I had to get a photo of them. Don't they just look like they're deep in conversation? We had a pretty good weekend: some good friends got hitched on Friday night, an a-mazing meal with my family on Saturday, a Sunday picnic in the park with the dogs (forgot the camera - boo!), and checked lots of things off my to do list!

Wedding Update: Inspiration

2011-06-22T06:00:00.005-05:00

I saw this ring pillow over on A Beautiful Mess probably years ago at this point. I tucked the photo away for someday and now that day is imminent! I have a rad collection of felt from Benzie Bazaar that I got a while back and happen to have the exact colors I need to make my own.

Father's Day Weekend

2011-06-19T11:04:00.024-05:00

Our friends Travis & Becky tied the knot on Saturday and we celebrated with the most fantastic BBQ dinner EVER! I don't think I've ever had beef brisket & corn bread that good before. YUM. On Sunday we had a laid back little burger grill at my parent's house to celebrate Father's Day. My little niece Avry was napping for most of the get together, and when she woke up she was so darn serious! Isn't she ridiculously adorable? Not that I am biased or anything :) My dad is doing pretty well. Since I last updated, he had another surgery (this time at Duke) and has started treatment. He gets very tired but just last week he golfed a full 18 holes twice! Please continue to include him in your prayers, we are feeling very blessed that he is doing so well but we know he has a fight ahead of him. Happy Father's Day!!!

Projects: Daisy Chain Wreath

2011-06-16T13:09:00.003-05:00

I've been meaning to make a summer yarn & felt wreath for the past 2 years...finally I can check it off my list! A really simple project but extra nice because I can use it in both the spring & summer. My least favorite part is definitely wrapping the yarn around the wreath form - kind of annoying. Making the felt flowers & hot gluing them on the wreath is the best part :)

Happy Birthday Mom!

2011-06-15T16:23:00.019-05:00

We love & appreciate you so much more than we can say...we always wonder how you survived our childhood & continue to be in awe of the sacrifices you make for your family. Your grace & strength through life's challenges are inspiring. We all wish you sunshine, love & peace for your birthday this year! Summer birthday bonus - DQ ice cream cake!!!

Wedding Update: Sweets

2011-06-15T09:50:00.020-05:00

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We haven't finalized the details - but we know we want to celebrate our marriage with cupcakes & mini-pies! Some thoughts on cupcake flavors - chocolate marshmallow, carrot or spice with cream cheese frosting, orange, ginger lemon, cinnamon sugar, & chai latte. As far as the mini-pies are concerned, we would love to have dutch apple, pumpkin & pecan! We'll have to see how it all pans out - but we are having so much fun planning & daydreaming about it!

Weekend Update

2011-06-12T10:57:00.003-05:00

The weather was AMAZING today - absolutely perfect for a picnic at the park with my sister and my nieces. We took turns chasing Addie all over as she was just running and singing all over the playground equipment. She's still pretty little and there seemed to be lots of places for her to fall & from heights that make your stomach flip. We were only there about an hour and a half and were completely exhausted! While chilling with Avry on the blanket, I could see all the rest of the parents looked pretty tired & defeated as well. Kids can be crazy, irrational, lacking in any sense of reason or logic, and they fall down a lot. But seeing their excitement in just running, playing, & being outside is pretty fun to witness.

Projects: Craft Room

2011-06-09T20:04:00.001-05:00

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Keeping my supplies & workspace organized is key in me actually completing projects. I need to be able to find what I need & fast so I can pick up a project when the mood strikes. We have also acquired an extra monitor that I need to make space for + reorganizing my supplies is also a good way to visually see what I have to work with & helps me from purchasing duplicate supplies. Friends & family know I like arts & crafts so I also get a lot of donated supplies that I forget I have! I'll be back next week with some photos of my newly organized space!

Wedding Update: Vista Bricks

2011-06-08T13:08:00.000-05:00

The top photo is of my dad looking out over the Vista Bricks at Wildlife Prairie Park. Weather permitting, this is where our ceremony will be. We had our tasting and got another tour this time with Mom & Dad. We saw lots of bison & elk in the pasture just beneath the Hespell Deck where we are having the reception. We made some big decisions - it feels good to have things falling into place!

Wedding Update

2011-06-01T14:47:00.001-05:00

I freaking love the Augusta gown from J. Crew but it is no longer for sale. Insert big fat frown-y face here.

Dog Walking

2011-05-31T14:29:00.001-05:00

My favorite form of exercise lately has been a very brisk 2 mile walk with the dogs and my iPod (or Cory). We've had a few hot days this week so we've walked after 7pm when its finally starting to cool down. We walk around Miller Park, pictured above. It's a great way to get out my frustrations from the workday & I love listening to all different kinds of music. I'll admit when I'm on the back side of the lake by myself I've belted it out to a few songs. The only thing nearby is a cemetery and I don't think they mind my singing voice :)

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-30T10:42:00.000-05:00

We had a busy but excellent Memorial Day weekend. My sister and uncle were home visiting from out of state & we didn't let 5 days of rain ruin our fun! My cousin's high school graduation party was on Saturday at the park - I babysat for him when he was just a baby, which doesn't make me feel old or anything, ha! :) We saw Bridesmaids (sooooo love Melissa McCarthy), grilled beer can chicken, sat around a campfire, played Shrek Operation (crazy fun), had burgers & shakes from Steak 'n Shake (which was founded here), got a super short but still sweet visit with my best bud at her baby shower (cutest pregger ever, by the way), & went on a country cruise with my sister (on our way to the airport) on which we sang our ever-loving hearts out to Alison Krauss's new album (which I have become obsessed with) & considered but did NOT break into a huge scary mansion just to see the inside. If I only had $500k to buy it and another $200k to fix it up. Excellent weekend.

Projects: Rainbow Quilt

2011-05-26T10:32:00.000-05:00

I made a quilt for my bestie's baby shower! It was a mix of 2 rainbow quilt sets I got from Red Velvet last year....I love the hot pink binding! I asked Coco to help me on a few rows...he got so into it he asked to see it through :) I ended up adding 2 rows later when I realized I had done my math wrong, then I did the actual quilting & binding late one night. I always want to skip things like - ironing and pinning - but have had my fill now of ripping out seams so I will be a good little girl & follow the rules!

Wedding Update

2011-05-25T07:20:00.005-05:00

We have just a little over 5 months until the big day - November 5, 2011!!! We will be getting married at Wildlife Prairie Park. We are hopeful that the weather will cooperate and the ceremony can take place outside, which will be followed by dinner and dancing on the Hespell Deck. Above is the save the date I have ordered from Hello Lucky. I plan to get invitations and RSVP post cards in the same design - it really suits the colors we have already chosen as well as the venue & season!

Fitness Goals

2011-05-24T09:27:00.024-05:00

There's definitely been too much laying around going on in my house and unfortunately it's not just these guys. But I know that the girls need exercise just like I do. When I got home from work, I grabbed my iPod and took them on a brisk walk through my neighborhood and around Miller Park. The weather was perfect for a walk. I think they were still worn out from spending the weekend at my parent's house because by the last part of the walk they started to drag.
One of the new techniques I am using to reach my fitness goals is to set more reasonable expectations for myself so that I can actually succeed! It's sort of like playing mind games with yourself, but hey whatever works right? I have not been exercising much the last few years, so my goal this week is to do something active at least 4 days - it doesn't matter whether it's taking the dogs on a walk, doing a P90 DVD or walking with a co-worker over lunch break. And when I succeed at reaching this smaller goal, I'll be proud of myself & even more pumped up to set another , more difficult goal for myself!

Recipe Share: Sugar Cookies

2011-05-23T21:22:00.000-05:00

Sugar Cookies
3/4 cup softened butter
3/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder (this is not a typo, use full tablespoon)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups all purpose flour

Cream butter and shortening, then add sugar, baking powder and salt. Beat to combine then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in flour 1 cup at a time. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350, roll out dough, cut and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are starting to get golden brown.

Royal Icing
3 ounces pasteurized egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups confectioners sugar

Combine the egg whites and vanilla and beat until frothy. Add sugar gradually and mix on low speed until sugar is incorporated and the mixture is shiny. Turn up speed to high and beat until mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks. Add food coloring if desired and spread on cookies.

I. Love. This. Recipe.

freshening up...

2011-05-20T18:32:00.003-05:00

goal clipboard from decoylab

yoga inspiration

snack stations from real simple

fridge snack station from real simple


pillows from shop dirtsa

Long time no see! I've made a few changes to freshen up the blog & the shop. I'm also working towards some new health & fitness goals through some pretty basic lifestyle changes. Living and feeling better is just a few simple changes away - why does it seem so difficult? I'm also working on some new ways to deal with stress, anxiety & depression by making time for art, journals, sewing & other craft projects. I plan to have a regular blogging schedule to help keep me on track & accountable. I have definitely had some struggles this year & I keep having to remind myself that this is all just temporary. In the most perfect & cosmic timing, I saw this quote over on Elise's blog earlier this week:

Last year was shitty & this year, I live in Paris. So if you're having a hard time, cross your fingers for luck & put your head down & work.
-Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day.

oh, bugger...

2011-04-29T13:47:00.001-05:00

Under the weather today & confined to spend most of the day lying down...so in honor of the Royal Wedding, I am watching Four Weddings & a Funeral on Netflix. The main reason I chose this movie is because I read that Mr. Bean was a guest at Will & Kate's wedding earlier today. I just love the part in the movie where he flubs up the wedding ceremony so terribly. And I must say, what I watched of the Royal Wedding on the internet was beautiful. I loved the trees inside the first part of Westminster Abbey. I loved her dress. I loved the hats. Why don't we wear hats on this side of the pond?

hello there...

2011-04-26T21:57:00.000-05:00

We had a lovely Easter celebration with my family. Above is my niece Addie while hunting eggs in my parent's yard. We had a huge lunch, took lots of photos & the kiddos hunted for eggs in the yard. We were expecting rain that never came so even though the sun wasn't really shining, we still felt lucky to be outside.

happy happy happy...

2011-04-16T19:24:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my bearded beau!!! I made Boston Cream Pie cupcakes for the occasion and they were a hit! We were feeling pretty low-key and it was gray and stormed most of the day. We found ourselves making Coco's favorite (breakfast for dinner) and watching movies curled up on the couch. It was lovely :) And henceforth, Cory may often be referred to as Coco, which is what Addie calls him.

update

2011-04-12T17:12:00.001-05:00

OK, this is not my dad's x-ray, it's Homer Simpson in case you happen to be from another planet. But since the topic of this post is a brain, I thought the image (somewhat) appropriate. And at least it is lighthearted (poor little pea-brained Homer). We have had quite the eventful past few weeks, and unfortunately not in a good way. The story is long & scary. Maybe I will share the details later. But to make that long story very short, my father has brain cancer. It was a total shock. He is pretty young & in very good health (other than the brain cancer obviously), so we are trying to keep the most positive outlook we can. He is home recuperating after 2 brain surgeries and we will know more when we get lab results back. The last few weeks have felt almost out of body, like I was watching a movie or something. This is a game changer for sure. Please keep him in your thoughts right now. Life has settled down (somewhat), so I hope to be back sharing craft projects, new shop products and recipes very soon! And please take a moment today to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.

Dear God, it's me Sarah...

2011-04-02T17:27:00.002-05:00

Please keep us calm, strong and together. Please give us all the peace to get some much needed rest. Help us to remember we must take care of ourselves so we can be the absolute best support for Dad. Please watch over him and speed his recovery. Please give us all the strength You know we need and calm our minds when we need it. Please hear all the prayers from everyone who is sending their thoughts to Dad and our family. Give us patience with each other as we embark on this new chapter. Help us learn the lessons You intend for us. Help us hear Your voice when you are speaking to us. Help us feel Your embrace when you hold us. Please allow us to let go of negative energy so we can focus our minds & our hearts where they should be focused. Let us lean on each other when we need to, give hugs often and keep our hearts always praying. Thank You for the gift of our family and give us all courage, conviction and fighting spirits. Amen.

record-shattering longest post ever...

2011-03-17T15:52:00.003-05:00

My lovely little niece, Miss Avry Plum Miller came for a visit this past week. She was the bright spot in an otherwise gloomy & secluded week. I have been under the weather in more ways than one and have pretty much been a shut-in. I didn't even mind that she spent half her visit asleep! And she is looking more & more like her sister Addie every day. Look at all her hair!!!
My friend Bethany posted this happiness flow chart earlier this week.

original source unknown

I absolutely love it. I am actively working towards getting myself healthy & happy again...and I'll take any bit of sunshine (whether from the sky or in the form of my beautiful niece) whenever I can. I was hoping to make these Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes to celebrate St Patrick's Day...maybe I'll make them a weekend project instead. My sister has made them before & they come highly recommended.
I also want to share a warm welcome to the world Mister Isaac Ross and congratulations to my dear friend Shelbi & her family on their new addition. I can't wait to see her this fall for our wedding as it has been far, far too long.

And one last but not least important thing, please send prayers to Japan. It is the only other place in the world that has been my home and my heart has been breaking this past week watching the devastation there. I was terrified the first 2 days waiting to hear if my host family & all my friends still living there were all right. Everyone that I know of is fine and was not near any of the most hard hit areas. But my mind is constantly focused on what is happening there; the unimaginable devastation, the suffering of the people, the triumphs and small miracles, and the grace with which Japanese society as a whole is handling these disasters. Please be sure to send your prayers and whatever other assistance you can to the Japanese during this time.

DC Rocks...

2011-03-09T21:18:00.000-06:00

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We had a fantastic visit with my sister Molly and her boy Alex in Washington D.C. this past weekend...but it was way too short (I have already been looking into tickets to go back). I also got sick while we were there which sort of threw a wrench into our plans. When we got in on Friday night we had margaritas & great Mexican food at Alero. I was able to keep it together enough to have a huge day on Saturday - walking the mall, seeing the White House, visiting the American History and American Art museums, China Town, and a fantastic dinner at Heritage India. But on Sunday, I was pretty much down for the count. Cory and I had late brunch at Scion just 2 blocks from my sister's apartment and then it absolutely poured rain the rest of the day. It kind of ended up working out OK that I felt like crap and didn't want to go anywhere. We made my sister's famous "brick oven" pizza for dinner that night - our favorite pizza was the bacon & sliced apple (with a touch of barbecue sauce). We baked chocolate chip & sliced almond cookies and I learned why my sister has trouble baking (she tries to wing it). The girl also does not have a set of measuring cups. We had an amazing meal at Ted's Bulletin (see the above homemade pop-tart they are famous for). I also learned that my yahoo email address really makes me seem old but it suddenly became cool/vintage when I revealed that it was my 1st ever email address (I do have a gmail address I just rarely use it). I always laugh a LOT when I am with my sister....miss her already!

headin outta town...

2011-03-03T23:50:00.000-06:00

I am going to Washington DC tomorrow for the first time!!! I can't wait to play with my sister....Anthro, Lush, Ted's Bulletin, the National Mall & Memorial Parks, the National American History Museum (to see Julia Child's kitchen, among other things)...martinis at some Russian bar....possibly some kind of NPR cocktail party, a house party. I'm not sure we're going to fit all these things in as we are only there until Tuesday but my sister is pretty energetic & ambitious + she's been waiting for this visit for a while :)

for BP...

2011-03-01T14:35:00.002-06:00

Saw this over on Sometimes Sweet & I thought it was really cool & touching. It made me think of my uber amazing soon to be single mama friend Bethany. Watched it before work & then came home to blog about it on lunch. Ha! I'm super excited cuz I got a bunch of new beads & the flower girl & bridesmaids dresses are scheduled to be delivered today!!!

new obsessions...

2011-02-27T10:38:00.000-06:00

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I may have talked Cory into building (or restoring) one of these teardrop camping trailers for our very own! They are light & can be towed by a small car, are endlessly customizable + you can build one for a pretty reasonable price. Also, my obsession continues with crochet - I finished my first hot pad and am working on a scarf now. Next week we learn granny squares!!!! Learning to crochet has been on my "birthday to-do" list for the last few years (I know - that's bad)....I am so excited I finally know how! And it's an especially fine hobby to undertake while watching indulgent TV in the evenings (True Blood & now Carnivale). I can also see myself crocheting while in front of a camp fire...next to our teardrop trailer :)

in love....

2011-02-23T22:19:00.000-06:00

bhldn

hello again...

2011-02-20T21:10:00.001-06:00

I got to spend some time with my adorable nieces (see above) this weekend. The cute just doesn't stop with these two lovely ladies :) I have been utterly neglectful of the blog but I hope to start sharing some of our wedding plans in the coming weeks & I have a few new items to add to the shop as well!

from my crew to yours....

2011-02-14T21:18:00.000-06:00

Bella & Lulu just love it when I do this to them...they really are the sweetest little Valentine angels :)

new items!!!

2011-02-12T00:57:00.000-06:00

There are a few new items in the shop - check it out!

DIY Valentines...

2011-02-11T01:54:00.001-06:00

Grab a pack of blank cards & envelopes (I used these same kraft cards for Christmas!) + some paper doilies from your local craft or dollar store. I already had this super cute stamp & red ink pad....but you could cut out heart shapes from paper or even put a photo of your own mug on there! Stamp the doilies & when they are dry glue them onto the front of the cards. Include a heartfelt message inside & send to all your favorite sweethearts!
P.S. I fixed the comments so if in the past you have tried to comment & been unable to...try again!!
Also, I had my first crochet class on Tuesday & I think I'm already addicted :)

snowtorious b.i.g. 2011

2011-02-01T19:40:00.000-06:00

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Like about a third of the country, we are getting snowed in right now. We knew it was coming so we are all stocked up & ready to stay cozy in our little cottage for the next day (or two). I just got some embroidery patterns in the mail today, I'm in the middle of a really good book & I also just started watching a new (to me) show! As long as our power doesn't go out we should be good to go!!!

shop is open!!!

2011-01-29T02:07:00.000-06:00

bird watcher necklace

camera happy necklace

estate sale necklace

sweet matryoshka necklace

grr.

2011-01-28T18:49:00.001-06:00

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I am finally feeling better! But have been frustrated this afternoon trying to put this good-feeling energy to work taking product photos for my shop. GRRR!!! It is sooo hard to get the look that I want. I even had the shop stocked with about 15 products and then de-activated them because I was embarrassed of the crap-tastic amateur photos I had in there. Cory is bringing the tri-pod home for me so I can try again tomorrow. I think I have to give up for tonight. I also just realized that it is almost 7 pm and I have not eaten anything yet today! What?! Now that we have some Monical's pizza on the way I am starting to get rrreally hungry!

sherbet row

2011-01-27T23:17:00.001-06:00

Today while driving home from visiting my Grandmother (she had surgery the same day I did actually), I spotted this row of colorful rainbow sherbet houses & had to stop to take a photo. They look like they belong somewhere warm & tropical, don't they?

equations...

2011-01-26T12:32:00.001-06:00

= 1 very happy fiance

I will definitely be using Amanda Johnson's adorable how-to video to make some from scratch kettle corn! And our Netflix just arrived...Cory's favorite came, WILLOW! I have agreed to watch it with him tonight; he's been such a good nurse while I've been recovering ♥

photo 1/ photo 2

wish list...

2011-01-25T20:51:00.001-06:00

fabric flag bunting from Sparkle Power

owl hedgehog clutch from Tsuru Bride

Finnegan from Sleepy King

painted owl nesting dolls - source unknown

resting...

2011-01-24T19:43:00.002-06:00

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I am still not back to my normal self just yet & will be at home recovering for a few more days. I plan to go into work for half days later this week. Believe it or not, I am anxious to get back into a good routine! I am still hoping to get my Etsy shop opened sooner than later, but have had to somewhat rearrange my plans. I have just not felt up to doing much of anything. My main hurdle at this point is product photos. Maybe I'll have some good light this week :)

off the charts cute...

2011-01-23T22:13:00.001-06:00

Well it was not the Bears best game...but I did get to hang out with the cutest cheering section ever! My sister Erin, my nephew Treyton and my nieces Addie and Avry are just off the charts cute all decked out in their Bears gear :)

da bears...

2011-01-23T19:43:00.001-06:00

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We really aren't huge sports fans in our household...neither Cory nor I really care for competitive sports. But the rest of my family is pretty obsessed & it is fun to get together to cheer on a team & eat yummy food. So today we will be watching the Bears vs. the Packers at my parent's house with the rest of my family!

wedding workbook...

2011-01-21T11:06:00.000-06:00

mason jar twinkly lights

shoes for me - Jessica Simpson/Zappos

new Lisa Leonard design

flower girl dress - J. Crew

Gerbera daisies from Costco

bridesmaids dresses in matisse blue from J. Crew

i ♥ this bag

2011-01-20T19:02:00.004-06:00

I slept most of today...it felt so so good to sleep & heal. When the pain meds start to wear off I get pretty miserable, but I think that the worst is over now. Here is my latest "my bag & what's in it"...I got this Orla Kiely bag from Piperlime last fall & I am still in love with it!!! I will be back tomorrow to share some of my wedding ideas :)

recovering...

2011-01-19T22:21:00.003-06:00

My gall bladder surgery went just fine yesterday...I am feeling pretty sore today but Cory has been a fantastic & attentive nurse!!! I have been taking it very easy, snuggling up with the pups & watching movies...Grey Gardens, Girl Interrupted and the House of Yes. Thank goodness for Netflix.

three generations...

2011-01-14T13:14:00.001-06:00

source & article

There was a really cool article in today's local newspaper about the 3 generations of my family that played in the same county basketball tournament in 1952, 1972, 2002 and 2004). Above, from left to right: my brother Nick, my grandfather Bumps (real name William), my dad Rick and my other brother Michael. Another interesting tidbit, the yearly tournament is held at my (and my father's) alma mater - IWU!

oishi = delicious

2011-01-13T22:51:00.005-06:00

My mom got me this amazing cookbook for Christmas this year - I LOVE IT!!!!! We have only made a handful of recipes from it but each & every one of them is crazy authentic & makes me miss Japan. But I am so happy to be able to recreate my favorite meals and also to share them with Cory. My stomach has been a bit of a drag lately. Today I received news that I will have my gall bladder out next Tuesday. I think it's pretty common & I've never had any trouble with anesthesia so I'm not worried or nervous; I'm just looking forward to getting it over with and tackling more recipes from this awesome cookbook!

2011-01-11T14:06:00.003-06:00

Baby belly laughs always make me smile, Conan usually does too :)

tgif...

2011-01-07T10:40:00.006-06:00


my favorite type of tea in my very favorite cup

I have now seen 3 doctors in 2 weeks and up next is a surgeon who will decide whether or not a scope is needed to look at my gall bladder. And subsequently if it will need to come out. Stupid gall bladder. The GI specialist I saw today says it sure sounds like the gall bladder but that it is sort of smushed in there with lots of your other digestive organs & can be tricky sometimes. Tricky gall bladder. I am jumping through the HMO hoops as we speak. Hoping I feel better & can get a few things done this weekend; here's my list:

~~new blog header & shop banner~~
finish up latest mini-books
~~clean the house & do laundry~~
take product photos
~~organize the craft room & shop supplies~~
~~visit with my sister~~
~~mail a package to my BFF in Montana~~
~~go to the market & make a nice dinner~~
~~discuss wedding plans with Cory~~

updates...

2011-01-06T11:15:00.005-06:00

It is really too bad that Jason Schwartzman is married & just had his first baby....and that I just got engaged! Because, dang, you just gotta love him. I think a record collection for a baby is just perfection. I just wanted to pop in here & share this video I saw over on Tara Whitney's blog. I have been having upper GI problems for the last few weeks so I have not been around here very much. Yesterday while in the process of getting a CT scan, I had my second arm vein blown out in 2 days (the other was during some lab work the day before) and then they put an IV in through my wrist. When they began to pump the saline & dye into my arm, we discovered the IV was not actually in my vein. I ended up having the tissue on my wrist pumped full of dye; it swelled up huge & hurt really, really bad (imagine burning then the feeling your hand/arm may explode). Ugh. Definitely ready for my medical dramas over here to be over.

guess what?!?

2010-12-27T22:10:00.004-06:00

I got a pretty fantastic gift this year on Christmas Eve....Cory proposed and gave me this dazzling ring!!!!!! I cannot stop staring down at my finger, it's almost embarrassing. I have to say being engaged to Cory & having a rock on my left hand has made me pretty giddy indeed ♥

warm wishes....

2010-12-23T17:59:00.002-06:00

Lulu Claus

Bella the Reindeer

our tree - minus tree skirt

sparkly tree collection

bowl of ornaments

our holiday cards - love my Gocco!!

I haven't been around here much lately and I really hope to change that soon. We are still hurting computer-wise around here and that makes blogging tough + I have been feeling really under the weather. Actually, the last few months have not been so great in the health department...another thing I'd really like to see change in 2011. Anyway, I just wanted to drop in this space and send some Season's Greetings out into blog land! While I may not know any of my favorite bloggers personally, their blogs have truly inspired & enriched my life...hopefully someday, this blog can be that place for someone else....♥

so sweet...

2010-12-14T09:44:00.001-06:00

Thought of You from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.

I just had to share this beautiful video I saw over on Rockstar Diaries today. I worked this past weekend and had a replacement day to use this week - I decided that day was today! I have a long holiday to-do list...but the sun is shining & I had bowl of hearty oatmeal for breakfast, along with some earl grey tea. I am ready to rock this to-do list! I will be back later today to share some photos of my accomplishments ;)

please stand by....

2010-12-10T21:21:00.001-06:00

*estate sale necklace - sneak peak at my shop*

I'm having technical difficulties.....
My laptop has been knocked around a bit and finally, the worst of the worst happened - dead hard drive. And worst of all to say, not backed up. It's a pretty major loss. Only days before that, the screen on my cell phone went out completely & had to be replaced (18 days before I was due for an upgrade, of course). And the heater in my car is blowing out cold air...not kidding. Why when it rains must it pour?
I am so thankful for the photos I put up on flickr and here on the old blog as well. To think about all the inspiration I had gathered and was saving...all the awesome downloads & tutorials....my mind reels. But I guess a fresh start is necessary every once in a while, so I'm trying to make the best of it. It will be just a little while before my hard drive is replaced so I will be pretty scarce around here.
But I did want to share something lovely that has been happening around here lately...my preparations to open my very own etsy shop!!! I decided that I would sell only things that I love and would buy myself and that I would try to support as many other etsy sellers as possible in building my business. That means buying supplies from various etsy sellers; everything from product packaging to charms and what's in between (like felt and fabric and beautiful beads)! And my suppliers come from all over - some within the state and some across oceans! I'm working on building a (rather small) inventory and am having a total blast! So stay tuned for more...I'll be back! ♥

to make u smile...

2010-11-28T20:42:00.000-06:00

source via elsie's blog

I couldn't help but re-post this photo I saw today over on Elsie's blog. We saw Harry Potter last night - it was wonderful. I almost found myself in tears when Harry's owl Hedwig was killed during some early scenes in the movie (sorry if that was a spoiler for anyone). And I definitely lost it when Dobby the house elf was killed. At the theater we go to, the staff waits outside with baskets of peppermints when the movie lets out. Clearly I still looked a mess as we were leaving because the girl with the peppermint basket gave me the most concerned & pathetic look. Today we had a little pre-birthday celebration.....for me :) Birthdays are kind of....difficult. I feel like all I can concentrate on are the things I haven't done yet! Anyway, I'm having a bit of the birthday blues combined with a bit of the Sunday night blues but this owl made me smile so I thought I'd share ♥

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T22:50:00.002-06:00

my photo

We had a wonderful & whopping 11-hour Thanksgiving celebration at my parent's house today! I have redeemed my pecan pie from last year's terrible disgrace (I tried a different recipe & failed miserably). We played a new game called Word on the Street that was a TON of fun & pretty hilarious; bear in mind my family can make darn near any game super competitive & you can count on copious amounts of trash talk :)
I am truly thankful for my big, loud, hilarious, loving family. I know we won't always be able have these big holidays with all the extended family; but a holiday just isn't a holiday for me unless there's a crazy & chaotic house full of family, food & games! Those are the kind of holidays I remember from childhood and as the oldest of 5, I'm likely to have big holidays for the rest of my life...so I guess it's a good thing I wouldn't have it any other way ♥

the eve...

2010-11-24T18:37:00.002-06:00

source

I just got home from work....to start my 4-day weekend! I'm still reveling in that great feeling of having the entire weekend ahead of me. Not to mention that tomorrow is turkey day!!!!!! I will be missing my sister who lives on the east coast but will otherwise be surrounded by loved ones.

Only twice in my life have I missed this holiday with my family; I was living in Japan at the time. The first year I got super lucky & was invited to have Thanksgiving dinner at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. And the second year, I celebrated with a group of American friends, potluck style. I was in charge of the turkey (partly because I had a car & a Costco membership & that was the only place you could find turkey). But the teeny tiny oven in my shoebox-sized apartment wasn't big enough for the turkey! So I had to take the turkey to the junior high school I taught at and roast it in the oven in the home ec. room, during a school day. The scent of roast turkey filled up the. entire. school. You know the aroma I'm talking about. I felt pretty guilty leaving work with my freshly roasted turkey in tow after torturing the entire staff & student body all day.

bad, bad blogger...

2010-11-23T20:15:00.001-06:00

my niece Avry

Sorry to have disappeared & left my blog unattended...I have been under the weather & not feeling much like myself lately. I am feeling much better now, but the month of November has completely gotten away from me. I can't believe that Thanksgiving is in 2 DAYS! It is definitely my favorite holiday of the entire year. I will be contributing pecan pies & gravy to my family's humongous Thanksgiving dinner. At some point, Cory and I have a date to see the new Harry Potter. I don't plan on doing any Black Friday shopping....well, maybe online :) I am going to try making most of my holiday gifts this year so maybe I'll spend that day doing some gift-making instead!

sunday sunday...

2010-11-07T15:14:00.004-06:00

I got the old glue gun out this afternoon and finished up my autumn yarn & felt wreath. I feel like it could use a little something more...but I've got other chores to finish up first. We got the yard in order for the season and are just finishing up a little reorganizing in the garage. Next up is taking out the window AC units and sealing up our old (& very drafty) windows. It feels good to get the house in order while the weather outside is still so beautiful. Speaking of which, it is the perfect sunny fall day - just like it was a year ago when my sister Erin & her husband Tom got married. I got a crazy awesome coupon code from Snapfish for buy one 8x11 photo book and get TWO FREE!! I am going to finish up their wedding photo album today so I can get in on that awesome deal ♥

projects...

2010-11-06T17:48:00.001-05:00

autumn mini book

I've been working on my autumn mini book over the last few weeks. I finally got a few things tied together (enough) to take & share some photos. I love working on these tiny pages. My autumn yarn and felt wreath is almost complete as well. I keep tackling smaller projects...but what I really need to get working on is Avry's quilt. I went to a Christmas Expo at a local craft store with my mom and voted on my favorite tree (which had a peacock theme & colors). Also, I am really itching to do some baking this weekend. I'm sure my co-workers wouldn't mind if I turned up Monday morning bearing treats. Oh! And the absolute cutest owl hats arrived for Addie & Avry...hoping I can deliver them soon!

cute overload...

2010-11-03T07:46:00.000-05:00

This is the Plum! She is the Peach's sister...and she is just the sweetest little girl. She has a funny little pterodactyl cry and she is already very bright-eyed & looking around everywhere. And we have decided that she just looks like...herself! We can see similarities of course, but she definitely has her own look & she will give you a toothache with her sweetness ♥

get your vote on....

2010-11-02T18:03:00.004-05:00

happy birthday!!!

2010-11-01T13:45:00.001-05:00

So ecstatic to meet my niece Avry Tague Miller today!!! Everyone is doing very well and are resting now. Her brother & sisters are already fighting over who gets to hold her ♥

boo!

2010-10-31T17:06:00.000-05:00

to you & yours...

Cory, Sarah, Bella & Lulu

a nice little saturday...

2010-10-30T16:35:00.001-05:00

Bella, Oliver & Lulu are worthless around here today...but Cory & I have been fairly productive! I had an easy morning of work, then we grabbed some lunch & ran some errands. Some super fun & for right now secret errands...!!! We're watching Shaun of the Dead, enjoying our new Autumn Leaves candle and I'm going to work on some craft projects. And the weather is absolutely perfect...there are just so many reasons that I love this time of year!

tidbits...

2010-10-29T08:39:00.000-05:00

source

Isn't this old photograph totally creepy? I think we're going to have a low-key Halloween weekend. I have to work tomorrow until noon and then I want to get some pumpkins & mums, make caramel apples, cook up a big batch of chili & watch scary movies! On Sunday I am going to spend some time with my sister on her "baby eve" - we plan on getting pedicures & I want to take some photos of her belly. And I found out my niece is dressing up as a cheeseburger for Halloween - too cute!

weekend dreaming...

2010-10-27T20:54:00.000-05:00

source

I absolutely LOVE these owl cupcakes! I just love owls & for some reason, owls just seem like autumn to me. I think I may have to make some carrot cupcakes this weekend..wonder if I can make some as cute as those?

family....

2010-10-26T21:39:00.001-05:00

My niece Addie is going to seem so grown-up when her little sister Avry arrives in a few days. Every time I see her I am amazed at how she is growing & changing...her hair is getting so long! She loves to play with cell phones...she says "hi" and then she babbles, and ends with a "bye-bye." It's pretty much the cutest. I got to hang out with my family on Sunday...we watched the Bears game & helped my parents put a new rug down in their living room. We talked about the plan to help my parents with their leaves (they have a really overwhelming amount of leaves...maybe I'll take pictures this year, it's a battle). And my mom pulled out some of the super small baby supplies (the things that Addie has already grown out of using). I still can't believe there will be another member of the family here so soon! I seriously can't wait....♥

my poor dogs...

2010-10-25T21:07:00.001-05:00

So we had a little test run with the girls' Halloween costumes tonight...I think this will work! And they seriously don't seem to mind at all. They just know they get lots & lots of attention and treats when I put costumes on them. We will definitely be taking a long walk on Sunday to spread some of this overwhelming cute around the neighborhood. ♥

still in bed...

2010-10-23T14:31:00.000-05:00

We woke up to a thunderstorm today & have both come down with some sort of stomach bug. I am still in my pajamas & in bed (watching the Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus with Cory). And while this is not what we had planned for today, it is kind of nice to enjoy a visually interesting & rainy movie while listening to the rain outside. I keep hearing what I only assume to be a very tiny kitten crying outside & have twice now gone out and looked for it. But it must hear me coming & get scared because as soon as I am out scouting the crying stops!

deadlines, countdowns & what-not...

2010-10-21T21:08:00.002-05:00

an iced chocolate sugar cookie i made last fall

Countdown:

I can barely contain my excitement that my new niece Avry will be here in less than 2 weeks!!!! I know my sister is counting down the days and I am doing the same. I have a quilt to finish for her ASAP (hopefully this weekend). I am also very curious to see how Addie is going to react to her new baby sister. She can say "baby" & gives kisses to her mama's belly, but little does she know that her own lifetime BFF is coming soon..... ♡
Deadlines:
It has been a dream of mine for quite a while now to open my own etsy shop and I have decided that the best thing to do is to set myself a deadline & just get cracking on it. I am ready to turn some of this dreaming into doing! As a loyal supporter of independent business & handmade crafts, I feel I am ready to be brave & put myself out there. I will share details here on my blog as soon as I can....so please stay tuned!
What-Not/Confessions:
I have yet to buy a pumpkin this year (despite a trip to a pumpkin patch).
I want to start baking regularly because I really love it.
I am super proud of my brother right now & it is such a great feeling!
I am excited to see my parents when they return home from the west coast this weekend!

weekend recap

2010-10-10T19:28:00.000-05:00

We had a very fun but hot day yesterday at Tanner's Orchard with my sister & her family. It was in the high 80's and super crowded there. But we did have the best apple fritters & came home with some other treats as well. My niece is getting so big! And she is a quick one, too. She was everywhere & hadn't napped so there were a few meltdowns...but mostly she is just crazy adorable & very entertaining. We got a few things done around the house today but I still have a long to-do list I'd like to work down...

buy pumpkins
make an autumn yarn & felt wreath
sew a quilt for Avry
start my autumn mini-book
finish cleaning the garage
bake angel food cake with an apple cider glaze
make a terrarium
start a painting

happy anniversary to us!

2010-10-08T17:48:00.011-05:00

I came home from work to find our house entirely cleaned & this beautiful flower waiting for me! He knows me so well....a clean house to me = priceless. We had dinner at one of our favorite places, Kobe - a Japanese steak house & sushi bar. Then we came home, dragged our mattress into the living room for some "camping" and watched The Ring (one of my favorite spooky movies). It was a perfect evening!
P.S. My summer mini has been done for a while but I finally posted photos. Check!

cowboy cookout

2010-10-03T21:12:00.003-05:00

Today was the 1st annual cowboy cookout. We brought a party pack of mustaches, some cowboy hats & handkerchiefs along. Then we took some photos. It was so much fun! We decided today that this will be a family tradition and are already plotting for next year (we're talking bringing in some indian gear & more props). My dad grilled steaks over the wood fire and mom made calico beans, corn, and biscuits with homemade apple butter (I'll have to get my mom's recipe cause it was ah-mazing). For dessert we had apple crisp baked in a cast iron pan. So good. I still have to get together with my sister for a maternity photo session....and the dogs need costumes! I have so much to do....I love this time of year! ♥

cinema love

2010-10-02T19:05:00.000-05:00

The weather was finally chilly today; I am so ready for it to start feeling like fall. I just want to watch spooky movies cuddled on the couch! I have quite a strategic netflix queue lined up right now...tonight we're watching Pan's Labyrinth, dark yet beautiful. I have also been daydreaming about more cooking & baking. It's always nice to warm the kitchen by making a homemade meal. I'll try to share some of our favorite standby recipes. Our goal is to knock off our eating out habit, so we will be doing all our cooking at home. I'll be sure to share any new recipes we try that turn out successful!

fun video...

2010-09-30T21:32:00.003-05:00

saw this today via rockstar diaries & just wanted to pass it on...
Also, I am feeling so much better today! I am excited for fall weather, to walk the dogs this weekend and for the cowboy dinner at my parent's house this weekend. I am going to take photos of my family, maybe I can find some props...
My sister also told me that my new niece Avry will arrive on November 1st! I am super excited to meet the little November baby ♥

true love...

2010-09-27T14:54:00.000-05:00

I am still really sore from my surgery so I'm spending another few days recuperating & resting at home. Cory came home to check on me & make me lunch today...isn't that adorable? I am a lucky girl...but I can't wait to be feeling back to normal again ♡

2010-09-25T23:05:00.002-05:00

It has been a challenging week. I had a trip to the ER on Wednesday (don't worry - I am fine, and believe me - you do not want details). I am also recovering from a minor surgery I had on Friday so I have been camped out in front of the TV most of the week & weekend...I have not gotten anything done & the house is a total mess. I have watched the movie Babies twice in the past 2 days...it is just beautiful & who doesn't love babies?!! It's definitely a must see in my opinion. And thank heavens for Cory, who has been taking care of me & making sure I'm comfortable. While I'm confined to my bed, I am making lists & brainstorming. I can't wait to put up all my autumn & Halloween decorations - and a new yarn & felt wreath is in order I think!

red pepper soup

2010-09-19T18:32:00.000-05:00

The weekend has gone by too quickly, yet again. My preggo sister has been jonesing for this roasted red pepper soup I've been making for the last few years (it's a Giada recipe from Food Network). It's super easy, healthy & muy delicioso! I made her a whole batch of her very own today so she can freeze some to enjoy later. And I heard that my 19 month old niece loved it to - it's a winner!

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, chopped
2 carrots, peeled & chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 teaspoons chopped, fresh thyme
6 cups chicken broth
2 - 12 ounce jars of roasted red bell peppers in water (drained)
1 russet potato, peeled & coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon sugar
salt & freshly ground black pepper

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy, large pot over medium/high heat. Add the onions, carrots, garlic and thyme and saute until the onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the broth, bell peppers, potato, wine and sugar. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Decrease the heat to medium/low, partially cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender (about 30 minutes). Cool the soup slightly. Then using an immersion hand blender, puree the soup in the pot until it is smooth. You can also do this in a blender, working in batches (be careful transferring & blending any hot liquids). Season the soup to taste with salt & pepper. Enjoy! ♥

2010-09-17T21:11:00.005-05:00

I am so glad the weekend is finally here! Tomorrow we are celebrating my sisters' & brother's birthday with dinner at our favorite Italian steakhouse. Above is a gift for my sis, just wanted to share the lovely packaging - I recycled the box & lace from the packaging from an order from spinthread and inside is a Lisa Leonard necklace! I stamped & added the tag, simple but lovely! ♡

2010-09-14T22:00:00.001-05:00

source: bakerella

I really want my own copy of bakerella's new book...cutest ideas ever :) I particularly love the owls! This week is kind of creeping by...I'm on the early shift this week & went to bed at 8:30 last night. Seriously. And I was still tired this morning. Anyway, we have fun dinner plans this weekend & I think we might try to hit up the drive-in. One bonus to the early shift is getting off early - plenty of light to take photos...of the summer mini that I need to finish....the one that has been staring at me from my coffee table. Grr!

little things...

2010-09-11T16:04:00.001-05:00

Trying to notice & appreciate the little things today....
The above photo is of my favorite chopsticks from when I lived in Japan. They aren't expensive or fancy but I love them anyway. The blog re-design is done...for now ;) I find I need to freshen things up every season or so. And I may even try a blogging schedule to keep myself on track! I had work this morning and have been cleaning house this afternoon. Looking forward to some down time & a relaxing Sunday. I vow to get that summer mini finished too. If I don't do it now - I"ll never get it done. Besides, all I want to think about is AUTUMN! Happy Saturday ♥

under construction...

2010-09-05T23:05:00.002-05:00

source

Pardon my mess for a day or two while I am working on a blog re-design. Thank you. ♥

summer days...

2010-08-30T22:50:00.004-05:00

my niece Addie & I in my aunt's pool - hoping I get my summer mini book done this week!

tiny toes

2010-08-29T07:59:00.000-05:00

This is my favorite photo from yesterday's pool party.

dog stories...

2010-08-28T08:59:00.007-05:00

When Cory and I moved in together in August of 2005, we both immediately wanted to adopt a dog (we both grew up with lots of pets). And so we got Biscuit:

Biscuit 2005

Biscuit was a bit of terror. She would destroy things while we were away. She had lots & lots of energy. We loved her dearly. And less than a year after getting her, she was struck by a car & died. It was devastating. Our home felt empty. We casually perused the inter-webs, knowing we would want another dog. And then we found Bella and Lulu.

Bella & Lulu - March 2006

Cory drove a total of 9 hours to bring them home. Within the first week we had them, they both became violently ill. They ended up being quarantined at the animal hospital for over a week with parvo...we were told they had a 50/50 chance of survival. We visited them everyday; and many days they had no energy to even lift their heads to acknowledge our presence. It was such a tough time. They managed to get better & have been healthy ever since! In addition to being the cutest dogs ever, they are also the cuddliest. No foolin. Even though it is a constant battle with the dog hair around here...I couldn't imagine my life without them!
P.S. Not totally sure what is going on with the decor in these photos, you'll want to go ahead & ignore that ♥

foiled again...

2010-08-27T21:12:00.004-05:00

source unknown

So I got up, drove to Lexington with Molly, made B&G for breakfast, then promptly got a terrible migraine. I actually had visual auras today for the 1st time - kind of scary & quite painful. I literally had blind spots, like when you stare directly into a light then look away. Then my vision became very blurry and it was like the outside edge of my view was cloudy. I spent the rest of the day hiding in my dark, quiet house. I wouldn't wish migraines on anyone. Hopefully I will feel much better tomorrow. Oh...and the panda/dog picture? No real reason, it was just cute & distracting ♥

ready, set.....weekend!

2010-08-26T18:56:00.002-05:00

my photo - 2004

I have officially started my weekend! I am super excited to be having a sleepover with my sis tonight, who is home visiting from DC. Tomorrow, my other sis & her kiddos will be joining us for B&G in the morning (it will be Addie's 1st) and a day of doing whatever we please! I made a killer round of B&G at the lake last Sunday....then bragged about it to the fam. Now I have set some pretty high standards for myself to live up to. We have a pretty busy weekend planned so I don't know how much blogging or crafting I'll be doing...but I'll be back! ♥

blah...

2010-08-23T18:57:00.007-05:00

my finished (free hand / car ride) embroidery project

I had such a great weekend...and then kind of a rotten Monday. The only thing that kept me going today was knowing that my sister Molly will be home tomorrow for an entire week! And even better than that, my other sister Erin and I are both taking off work Friday to so we can have a girl's day together!

our fantastic weekend...

2010-08-22T20:47:00.005-05:00

On Friday after work, we headed out of town for one last summer weekend before Cory heads back to school (tomorrow). We went to Lake Sara and met our good friends Andrew & Michelle and Mollie & Jon. We drank too much, ate too much, swam and played in the sun. There were games of bags, naps, and even a quiet reading hour. We played Grateful Dead-opoly for many many hours and we laughed, hearty belly laughs...the kind that make your soul shine. I am thankful for such a fun weekend with friends & looking forward to many more just like it ♥

the plan...

2010-08-14T16:39:00.008-05:00

source/inspiration: elsie

1. be healthy - eat better, exercise regularly & drink h2o
2. be creative - paint, sew, craft, art journals
3. be thrifty - budget, save, pay down debt
4. be happy - appreciate the small stuff :)