Christmas in July

Seriously! I can hardly wait for this weekend to get here! It feels like Christmas a little to me! Tomorrow morning I'm embarking on the annual longest Garage Sale trip, with a swing by at IKEA. If you don't know what I'm referencing than you obviously haven't spoken to me in the last few weeks! I've been rambling about it for awhile now! I'm bummed my sister won't be coming along this year and I may be making the trek alone, but I ain't lettin it stop me! I've been dying to get started on another project at home. I've got walls to cover and drawers that need organized. I can't wait to see what I find that inspires the next chapter of making my house a home. If you feel like making the journey yourself this weekend here's a few items you may want to bring along:
*a truck - for large furniture pieces
*boots, tennis or an extra pair of flip flops - some of these places can really get back woodsy and muddy
*bags/boxes to put small finds in - you don't want them broken by rolling around in your back seat.
*camera - there will be pleny of photo ops - trust me
*some good jams
*a few good friends or family memebers to spend the day with is a definite bonus!

Keep your eyes peeled for pics of the finds and the aftermath of my journey! Happy Hunting!

Contents of a Purse

I've always wanted to do this! I cleaned out my purse and here's what I found...AND For the one or two men who read this, we are about to delve into the private contents of a woman's purse... BEWARE!





14 lists/sticky notes!!! (I might have a problem!)
1 movie stub - New Moon! Ha!
1 sketch of my dream landscaping
9 receipts (4 from Kroger)
18 cards!!! (expired gift cards, or cards with $1.88 on it, old insurance cards, punch cards, business cards etc.)
1 picture - the Isons, the beloved family of 7 I used to nanny for.
1 magazine - my favorite of course BH&Gardens DIY
2 notebooks
3 wallets... !? really?
1 change purse with 15 stray cents floating about
1 Happy to be an artist key chain
1 purse hanger - never used
1 comb
1 peacock feather print nail file
1 empty eye glass case
2 pens
3 tampons
1 unopened box of makeup primer
1 job application to H&M to be a visual merchandiser - it must have been a bad day at work...
1 monthly Jazzercise schedule
2 sermon notes/bulletins
1 piece of mail
A pizza menu
4 coupons
Hand sanitizer, nude nail polish and a partridge in a pair tree!

Perspective - If I were a rich man - la la la la la la laaa

First off - any one get my Fiddler on the Roof reference? Takes me back to 8th grade choir... anyways

I consider myself to be a very blessed gal financially. I have a great job and so does hubbin. We ain't make no 6 figgers', but we get along just fine... but there's a small part of me that was born an entreprenuer and I'm always trying to think of ways to make an extra buck. Whether it be to finance a new home project, my hobbies or my shopping fund, I sometimes find myself with an insatiable appetite to make more money! Ugh!

UNTIL - one Sunday morning in church - I found myself in another sermon about money. WAIT! Don't stop reading! This is different. You're thinking not another rich church preaching on tithing, cuz this was a different kind of Sunday mornin' money sermon.

A sermon on perspective. A lesson on giving back. An eye opening reality on just how blessed we are as Americans.

Here's the facts: (these were pulled from my sermon notes, which I believe were pulled from a website supporting the fight on world hunger - 'World Harvest' I think... don't quote me)

If you make more than $25,000 a year, you are wealthier than 90% of the world's 7 billion people.

If you make more than $50,000 a year, you are wealthier than 99% of the world's 7 billion people.

Half of the world's 7 billion people live on less than $2/day.

93% of the world's 7 billion people do not own a car.

Sooo... instead of trying to sell refurbished furniture for side funds, or launch a mini photography business on the side of my day job, maybe I ought to use my artsy fartsy-ness to raise money for a more worthy cause? Lots of thoughts swirling around in my head on this one. I'll keep you posted on the status of all this... feeling very inspired to give more to those who have less.

Chocolate Cake and Meatloaf - yes please!

I wanted to share 2 new recipes with you. Both are SUPER easy and for the very little effort that's put in, you get great results. Your family and friends will think you slaved away all day!




Lets start with the chocolate cake - because I always wish every meal could start with dessert!

I'm telling you this is so Friggin' EASY!

Start with a regular box of cake mix and a can of chocolate frosting. You'll also need whole fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, about 11 Kit-Kat Candy bars and little preserves, jelly or jam - whatever you have - so long as its not cactus jelly or something - you know they actually make that!

Make the cake as directed on the box using the 2 - 8" cake round pans. Let the cakes cool.

When cakes are cool, carefully slice a thin layer off one of the cakes so that it is flat and not rounded. This cake will be the bottom layer. You could skip this step if you're into the whole leaning tower of Pisa look for a cake. The top layer might slip right off!

Frost the top part of the bottom layer and place other layer on top. Frost entire cake and sides. It doesn't have to be pretty because it will all be covered any way.

Gently break apart the candy bars into individual sticks. Try very hard not to get the jingle "break me off a piece of that - - - " stuck in your head. Gently push the kit kats into the side of the cake so they are standing vertically and the bottom of the candy is facing outward. Continue the bars around the cake until the sides are covered with the bars. There should be little to NO space left in between the bars.



Give the cake/frosting 20 - 30 minutes to set with the candy bars in.

In the mean time - clean fruit and cut tops of strawberries off. Fruit can be left whole. Mix all together in a big bowl with 2-3 TBS of the preserves. This just gives it a pretty glossy look and makes the natural sugar in the fruit come out.

Gently place the fruit on the top of the cake. Start with strawberries and arrange them in a way that looks pretty. Fill in the gaps with bluberries and rapsberries.

That's it! How cool does that look!





Experiment a little - try the white chocolate kit kat bars and different flavors of cake mix, frosting and fruit toppings.

DEVOUR!

Now for the meatloaf!

This aint' yo momma's usual brick of dry baked meat. This one is from my girl Giada on the food network. LOVE HER SHOW! Its SUPER MOIST and SO full of flavor!

1lb. ground turkey
1/4c. sun dried tomoatoes
1/2c. crumbled Feta cheese
2 chopped cloves of garlic (about TBS garlic)
1/2c. bread crumbs
1/3c. fresh chopped parsley
2 TBS. whole milk or half/half - or skim would work
2 eggs
1tsp. salt

Mix all ingredients except Turkey - add that last. Just mix until everything is incorporated. Don't over mix the meat. It will be brick worthy if you do.

Put mixture into a greased loaf pan 9"x5" or so... bake at 375F for 45 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes then serve that puppy!

A Few Shout Outs

I recieved an email link to some great Martha Stewart recipes using herbs. I thought it might go well to follow up the themed herb garden blog with some useful recipes for those delicious herbs you're growing! Martha's Herb Recipes

I also stumbled along a really great friendship blog. It has tons of great advice for relationships. Mostly based on questions readers ask. Check it out for all your friendship needs! :) Friendship Blog

Can You Feel It?

Can ya? We're on the brink of the first holiday for the summer season. (I consider there to be 3 - Memorial Day, 4th of July - duh! and Labor day) The weather is dry and hot, car windows are down with arms held out and fingers spread with wind blowing between... ahhhhh the sights and sounds of warmer weather make me GIDDY! Not sure if its the UV rays frying my brain or what, but I LOVE IT! There's a certain energy in the air right before a long weekend. Especially in the summer. The anticipation of a smoky burger or hot dog on the grill with a side of potato salad, washed down with lemonade or a cold beer. What could be better!? - Seriously I am so excited thinking about it! - That being said I hope that each of you has a safe and relaxing kick off to summer with friends and family.

Here's an old post I did ahwile back on Themed Gardens - IF you're looking for something productive to do this weekend :)


Spring is here and I love the thought of themed gardens. Here are a few different ideas I found from my favorite magazine: REAL SIMPLE

Create an Outdoor Water Garden

Water has a calming effect, and you can set up a water garden in a few minutes. Fill a metal pail or washtub with floating candles; low-maintenance aquatic plants, such as water lettuce, or delicate glass baubles.

An Herb Garden

What to Plant: Consider a themed garden,

such as one planted with lemon thyme, lemon basil,

lemongrass, and lemon balm. I think I'll do mint for sure! Spearmint, peppermint and I've even seen mint that has chocolate undertones!! Or a Salad Garden. Include different types of lettuce, peppers, tomatos and cucumber.

How to Maintain: Herbs are relatively self-sufficient, so water about once a week ― more often during dry spells and less during rainy periods. Make sure to direct the water gently toward the base of the plants, which prevents runoff and allows the moisture to percolate down to the roots.

I apologize for being SO Busy!

You know I hate to leave you hanging with weeks of un-updated blog pages, but as lame of an excuse as it is - I've been BUSY! :) I'm starting a new job next week and wrapping up things at the old job, plus the endless weekend events that warmer weather brings has just lead me to leave you with nothing. I'm sorry! To make up for it, I will now bombard you with several new updates! Enjoy!

Everyday Novelty

Meet the newest addition to my morning routine! Her name is Maxine and I look forward to using her everyday. I am ALL about everyday things in fun patterns and colors. My sister has the best knack for finding fun things for everyday use. Anything from lotions, little bottles of perfume, spatulas and keys. I love going to her house and rumaging through her bathroom and kitchen drawers. Its fun to find novelty items that make even the simplest thing like a flat iron fun. I recently shorted out 2 flat irons and was in the market for a new one. Not being too concerned with quality or cost at $17.99 and extremely adorable there was no way I was passing this beauty by! Have I mentioned I LOVE animal print? :)

Keep your senses alert for everyday items in prints, patterns and colors you love. If it makes you and ooo and aaaa chances are you'll get a little kick out of using it!

bakedbree.com

I ran across this little blog, on another blog I follow. It particularly caught my eye, not only for the beautiful photos, and not to mention the topic of food is always a good thing.... she's writing about meal planning. I've always struggled with grocery shopping and meal planning. I, like most of us, have picked up my eating and shopping habits from my mother. What I (she/we) do works I guess, but something about it has just never clicked right for me and hubbs. I've asked countless women what their techniques and tips are and they all seem to be similar, but each time I catch an article on it, I'm definitely reading. Here's an article from bakedbree.com. Meal Planning 101

The rest of her blog is pretty great too. What are your best tips?
















(Flickr-Todd Klassy)

Liberty of London

Anyone else out there loving the new line at Target? Liberty of London has the most beautiful mod floral prints in anything from dresses to bicycles! If you don't know what I'm talking about RUN to your nearest Target and get something in that adorable print! You can afford it! Mini picture frames and individual plastic ware starts around $3!

I'm back BABY!

Vacation was WONDERFUL! I loved spending time with some special gal pals, and the time away from hubby was good too. I love the feeling of missing him :) Quite frankly I'm ready to move! Its almost impossible to have a bad attitude about anything. The sunny blue skies, pink and yellow buildings and palm trees are so cheery. I feel re-inspired about everything in my life. I was introduced to an adorable little beach shop called the Sand Dollar. THE most adorable things you've ever seen. It reminds me a lot of anthropology, but beachy! Thanks for checking in even though I was away! Here's a piece of vaca I brought back for you.

I think I can, I think I can.....

Have you ever put off something due to fear and insecurity? Or avoided something because its outside your comfort zone? Sure you have. We all have. Whether its avoiding the dentist, praying you don't get the flu because you're afraid you might have to vomit, developing a new relationship or taking a class. There's been a time when you've avoided a situation because something about it causes you some form of anxiety. If you've never experienced such stomache twisting knots before - you might be dead, or you're just one bad a** gal.

For me lately its been the nearing spring quarter of a class I've signed up to take. You see, being an administrative assistant is great and all, but its really not what I aspire for my career. I know I need to do something about it, and that that something is getting my Masters.... MASTERS! The word alone is scary! I've never been a master of anything. I've always considered myself a "jack of all trades". I'm good at a lot of things, but not great at any one thing. Any way, I think what it comes down to is I fear failing or looking stupid. I've already vowed to never open my mouth in class, even though 25% of my grade is participation. Among my class mates are some of the brightest and most creative people that I work with. I feel like I've got something extra to prove being an "admin". I feel like people assume I don't already have a degree and that the only reason I'm an admin is because I couldn't get a job doing anything else (which is partially true, damn teaching degree does me no good!). Now don't get all mom on me. I know what you're thinking and you're yelling encouraging things at the computer screen, but these are my insecurities speaking. I know that I am a bright, positive and creative person, but its been awhile since I've had to use the left side of my brain - that is the analytical side right? This class will be a challenge for me. Even reading the syllabus was over whelming! Its been almost 5 years since I've really had to use my brain in a critical thinking sort of way.

I like this excerpt from an article on selfgrowth.com
"Fear causes great people to accept mediocrity. It also causes death and destruction to lives and dreams of most people. Where there is overwhelming procrastination, there is fear. Where there is great anger, there is fear. Where there is extreme hatred, there is fear. Where there is complacency, there is fear. Where there was failure, ultimately, fear was there."
- Myles W. Miller

I guess the point of this little blog was to get a little off my chest. To confess a little something to the world. But I hope that you'll embrace something you're afraid of. Step out of your comfort zone and grow a little today :)

Project Restoration

Anyone else getting fired up for garage sales!? This warmer weather has the smell and feel of bargain hunting season. Growing up, garage saling with my mother, aunts and sisters was something I never really looked forward to doing. Why would you want some one else's old stinky crap? Spending most of a beautiful summer Saturday rummaging through mostly junk for one or two good treasures was never my idea of fun. But as they say the apple never falls far from the tree and my sister and I now thouroughly enjoy an early hot summer morning on the road. Always keeping an eye out for just the right signage signaling us to what we hope is a land mine of treasures, right in my neighbor's garage. Last year Alaina (my sister) and I made a trip out of one fabulously long sale known as America's longest yard sale or Corridor 127 sale. It's literally in our own back yard! This sale runs an amazing 654 miles starting from West Unity, Ohio to Gadsden, Alabama, along Route 127. I first heard about this event on Rachel Ray's talk show. I know a lot of the cute stuff on her set was found and refurbished from garage and thrift store items. You'll find anything from country bumpkins on the side of the road, traditional houses with a garage full of crap (I mean that in the nicest way) to tents with antiques.


Alaina and I headed due west to Eaton, Ohio, hopped on Route 127 and went south. We of course had to round out the trip with a stop by Ikea on our way home. Let me assure you, we did not make it past Cincinnati. It could have taken DAYS! Equipped with my husbands truck, cash and an eager spirit, we did find find a few good things. Like an N'Sync CD circa 2004 and yes 'God Must have spent a little more time on you' got set on repeat. It made a great sound track for the trip. There's just something so nostalgic about all of it for me. Someday I'll drag my own children, nieces and nephews on trips just like this one.

ANY HOO! A hobby I've always had, but never really consistently stuck to (shocker I know, I stick to nothing - like an old post it note) is refurbishing things. Particularly furniture. I've got a shelf hanging in my kitchen that I picked up from a garage sale a few summers ago. Just an ordinary wood shelf - very 80's country home interiors feel to it when purchased. Jacob (hubby) sanded it for me and I added a few layers of white stain and some cute knobs from Hobby Lobby. I don't have a before pic, but I think it turned out great. I get so many compliments on it. I think all in all the shelf was $7, paint $3 and knobs $1 each...? So $15 total!




I found this mirror at the thrift store. I wasn't going to get it, but when I went back to the same thrift store a few weeks later. It was still there. I couldn't say no twice! I love the swirly details at the top of it.





I'm thinking of staining this one white again, but black or a fun pop of color could be great too. I'd like to add knobs or hooks to this one as well. I'll be sure to post new pics when its complete. I'm hoping to find a cool chair at a sale this summer. I've always wanted to refurbish one. Start planning a day with some gal pals or a loved one for a garage sale trip. Who knows what you'll find!

Inspiration

I AM SO OVER WINTER! I cannot remember a previous winter when I wanted spring to get here sooner! Today the sun is shining and if it weren't for the 100 some other people that work here with me I'd be sitting on the floor right in the middle of the hall by the windows that are so far from my desk, soaking in some vitamin D. I've been feeling a real lack of inspiration lately. The only thing driving me these days is my upcoming vacation. At this point I'm more than just excited about it, I actually need it. Blog topics have been hard to come by recently. Everything just seems so boring [yawn]. Needless to say my internal sources of inspiration are at dangerously low levels! Inspiration is like food to a creative person! I've got no energy and no desire to do anything but sleep! Dang am I depressing! Thankfully there are a ga-jillion creative people in the world and so many of them have wonderfully colorful and inspiring blogs. One of my new favorites is sfgirlbybay. She's got this great "blog mashup" going on right now, called Blog It Forward. Blog It Forward features 300 some selected blogs from February 10 through March 24. Each day a different blog is featured. When its your day, you post about what inspires you. I've been following it pretty regularly. Since my blog isn't featured there (tear) I thought I'd do my own list of inspiring things, in hopes that some where in this journey of blogging I'll find some new inspiration.

So here goes... in no particular order....

Friends and Family
especially my sister who is wildly talented at her Etsy card shop and so GREAT with design, everything she tocuhes is gold























Music - all kinds
especially folk/indie (below, my friends Ellery)
1.)















The Great outdoors
especially soothing, zen places
2.)




















Lists
especially on sticky notes
3.)















Nail Polish
especially fun and funky colors
4.)













Organization
especially with labels!
5.)





















Accessories
especially earrings, belts and shoes
















Magazines
especially Better Homes and Gardens - DIY
















Photographs/Photography
especially of people/kids and dogs














Pictures: 1.) Ellery Music 2.) BHG DIY 3.)Inadvertent Gardener 4.)Nail Polish by Kaarin 5.)Almost Bunnies

what inspires you? leave some inspiration or pictures, I'd love to know!

Crafty Creatures

For those of us who don't have homo sapien children, our cats, dogs and other furry friends can be quite easy to obsess over. Even folks with animals and kids know that there's nothing quite like a kid and his dog. There's just something special about having a pet as part of the family. One of my favorite things about Martha Stewart (besides her fab recipes, organizational skills and cute crafts) is her love for her own poochies, french bulldogs, Francesca and Sharkey. They even have their own blog - The Daily Wag! The blog includes things like photo galleries, pets that are up for adoption, favorite things and other miscallaneous items that would be included in a dogs life! haha! I don't about yours, but my puppies sleep all day, eat, poop, play and then sleep some more!
Josie and Ruben Burlingame


I'd like to specifically highlight a couple of pet projects from Martha, that I'm planning to try. I won't go into all the details since she's got them posted on her site, but here's the skinny. First is a pet travel cushion made from towels and quilt batting. This is much easier to cart around than blankets and its machine washable. This project couldn't be simpler! My dogs already have their own towels, so I know just the ones I would use.

The other project is a little more time consuming but I think well worth the out come. Its ADORABLE! Who wouldn't love a tote with the silohette of their favorite furry loved one on it!? Could be cute on other things too, like on scraps of fabric and framed, for some funky, fun, mod wall art.

Get creative out there and don't leave your pets out of the loop! They love craftiness too!!
Pictures from Marth Stewart.com

Prescription for Cabin Fever

Diagnosis: Cabin fever is a term for a claustrophobic reaction that happens when a person is shut in, in a small space, with nothing to do, for an extended period. Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, forgetfulness and excessive sleeping and an urge to go outside even in rain, snow or the dark.

Prescription for Relief: VACATION!

When endless gray hangs in the sky, why not spruce it up with a colorful get away! Even though gray is my favorite color, I prefer it in other places besides the weather. I love People Style Watch magazine and in February's edition they featured a few pages on Vacation Style. My friend Lindsay and I are heading to Florida in a few short weeks to visit our best friend and her family for a week's worth of gal pal time. We're leavin the boys at home! And what girl doesn't love to plan an entire week's worth of outfits for a fab get away!? I'm so looking forward to blue skies, palm trees, sand and that big yellow thing I think they call the sun - and of course quality time with friends and a break from work. Even if you don't have a get away planned, you can incorporate fun pops of color - like these yellow nail polish selections - into your outfits.

I had picked out the "Lite" color from Sally Hansen (on the left). I wore it once, until one of my dogs got a hold of it.... ergh! The one on the right is called Lemon Dash - I love that!


Here's some of the details I picked out from the article:


Glam Look - G-L-A-M, O-R, O-U-S I love that one by Fergie Ferg! Full on luxe, warm hues like orange, yellow and my favorite coral. Gold and sequins are absolutely essential for this look. I especially love the one shoulder bathing suit.


Classic Look - relaxed yet crisp, pair navy and white with red and gold (I love this color combo) It has that sailor feel. Rope details and gold accents. Great for a cruise!

Casual Look - Comfy and cool, nuetral pieces that are super easy to mix and match. Can you say jersey knit!? I love the Fedora and aviator sun glasses are a must.

What's your style? I think I'm a little of each of them, with a touch of boho!

Here's some outfits I picked out from one of my favorite Flickr folks miss vu. Her artsy shots of every day style have given me plenty of inspiration for my vacation wardrobe or for boppin around town during warmer months.

Mad Love ♥

Happy Valentine's Day! I know its a little early, but I'm feelin' the love today. Maybe because its Friday. I always seem to feel more love on Fridays. My patience level with people is always higher and I generally just feel happier on Fridays. The problem is Friday is only one day a week. Sooo one day a week I love people?? -ooo that's not good- Especially since I consider myself to be a woman of faith. I believe that Love is more than just a feeling. Its a choice. Its actions that you choose to act upon or not act upon. For example, here's where I get my cues from 1 Corinthians 13:7 - this is the message so if your familiar with the bible its not exactly word for word KJV!

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

I suck at all of these. If I had to count on feeling love, rather than choosing to take the above actions as a mind set, I would only love 1 day a week! You better hope you always run into me on a Friday. Thankfully, God's grace is bigger than my inadequate forms of feeling love. Mad love to all in my life. I both feel love for you and choose to try to love you in the above ways.

Here's a few pics of some V-Day inspiration.
Will you accept and be my Valentine!?

Vintage Love....



These pictures are of valentines I made! I even baked
the cupcakes, photographed them and added my own
photoshop text! Gotta thank my sis for the help and
the ink from her printer.

The Perfect Winter Weekend

You could say it was the universe aligning - I say it was God's good and perfect timing. The past few weekends in my life have been busy and emotional. My parents have been in town from Findlay visiting, due mostly to the fact that my youngest sister (Abbey) high tailed it out of Findlay a few weeks ago, and has since been living back and forth with Alaina (my other sister - who is a year younger than me) and I. Having an adolescent living with you can be very draining, especially one with Abbey's level of complexities in her life. I won't go there, but if you ever feel so compelled to pray for a young person in your own life, please think of my sister Abbey and send a prayer for her too. This is not the point of my entry on this fine wintry morning, but it is essential to the story. This weekend was looking to be like an uneventful one - I was pumped. After 3 consecutive weekends of visitors, my house was a mess and I was exhausted. I needed a weekend of NOTHING! The weather-lady was forecasting another huge winter storm and what do you know she was right! This weekend was getting better and better! An early release from work on Friday (due to deteriorating road conditions) was the cherry on top of the closing work week. With a pantry full of food, dry wood in the garage(for a roaring toasty fire of course) and a fresh shipment of wine from a tasting party a week ago, being snowed in was better than I could have asked for. Here's some other items - that in my opinion - make for a perfect winter weekend....
1. Zero Plans.
2. Snow - check! (and plenty of it)
3. The perfect pair of gray sweat pants and college sweatshirt, circa 2001.
4. Soup! Italian Sausage - from EatBetterAmerica.com
5. Fire in fireplace - duh!
6. Wine and coffee
7. A weeks worth of DVRed shows, books and unread magazines.
8. Internet and inspiration for blogging.
9. 2 cute dogs :)
10. A good friend or lover to bunker down with - my husband. You have to find your own of course. Mine's booked for the weekend.

Stay warm and indulge a little in the comforts of a perfect winter weekend.

Picture courtesy talents of Jared Williamson