Monday Monday

I hope you had a great weekend. I did. Yesterday I made a yummy chili,(I used angus beef sausage instead of turkey) with cornbread. Then for dessert I made some chocolate rasberry chocolate chip cookies. Such a nice ending to a low key weekend. We had some storms yesterday, a bit crazy out there. But we were nice and comfy with our chili.

I was bummed at the start of the weekend when I noticed that someone decided to steal on of my garden gnomes. Bummer with a capitol B. I have collected one or two every year, and they are all different. This one had a cute cane that he held while he stood next to the door. To make sure noone made off with anymore I brought them in. I used to love seeing them greet me when I got home. I may put them around the back yard this spring.

Wow, did March go by super duper fast!

On Saturday I went to Sephora in search of some new makeup. Ever since I've turned 30 I notice my skin is different and my normal make-up routine needs a change. I usually use Neutogena makeup but the foundation keeps drying my face out, which I then look flakey. My friend recommended try BareEscentuals, Bareminerals powder and foundation combo. So I went and bought it, not cheap but not too crazy at $25, but I really wanted to see how this worked. A+ I must say. After I applied it I didnt' feel like my skin was tight, didn't have dry skin, and it leaves your skin with a nice healthy glow.(I am not receiving compensation for this review, even though I sound like I'm trying to sell this ;) I believe this will be my new make-up regime. I am not a huge make-up wearer. I usually do the foundation, powder, blush, and mascara, and that it. This even makes the process faster with the combo powder.

I have been in search for a dollhouse recently. I am not sure what to settle on. If I could have my dream dollhouse, it would be a vintage Lundby Stockholm. Ugh, I love the vintage colors the rooms, well everything. I have been searching on ebay for some time. I had once bid, thinking I would win, but at the last second it became a bidding war that was way beyond what my pockets had. Thats the one thing about ebay and bidding. It somehow tricks you into spending more then you ever would if you were in your right mind. But nevertheless, you can't find these things anywhere else;)

Have a great Monday!!

Weekend Movies and a Shop Update.

Just thought I would share some of the pieces that I have finished for my shop as part of the Curiosity series. I have more in the works and more that I'm reworking. I tend to do that. I finish a piece and then stare at it for several days before I settle on the design.

Last night we watched the movie "Get Low" with Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek, and Robert Duvall. This was a great movie. I am a fan of all the actors in the movie and this really was great. Based on a true story, 1930's era, of a man who wants to attend his own funeral, so he plans it so that it is a party. Well as the movie unravels you are slowly revealed the depth of Robert Duvalls character and tragic life.

I started reading "The Bell Jar" and I am totally loving it.

I am looking forward to watching the Oscars tonight. I love seeing all the gowns, and seeing unexpected people win an award. I think the red carpet is my fave part. My husband and I have to watch it every year, snacks and all. It's such a great excuse to eat finger foods, even if it is just the fam. I might even make a chili.

Have a great rest of your weekend!!

Rainy Day

We are getting all kinds of rain around here. I don't mind the rain too much. I think the older I get I really enjoy being a homebody. I like getting out, but my home is where its at sometimes. I love snuggling up with a book, watching a show or two, embroidering, cooking, playing Nintendo, well the list goes on.
I just finished my mystery by Amanda Lee called "Stitch Me Deadly." Once again, a fun read. Love those books. I am really wanting to read "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath. I have heard so much about her works and have yet to read one. Such an intriguing women dealing with depression and mental illness whilst writing. Sounds like a good read.
Have you read anything lately that has been good?
I'm always up for new books.
I really do love the work of Hayao Miyasaki. I have looking through Netflix adding some I hadn't even heard of. I really do love his love of the earth and protecting the land that we have been given.
We recently borrowed "Kiki's delivery Service." It was so good. It really taught integrity. It also taught respect for others and how we can help others, especially those older. Just a great film.
I finished another piece. I did some sketching last night, but didn't do much embroidering.

This piece is called "Peering."
Have a great Thursday!

Progress...

Hi, I just thought I would pop in and share another installement in my "Curiousity" series. This on is spying. I did the coloring on the opposite side of the door to signify how we always think whats happening on the other side of the door somehow is more colorful. I know as a kid spying was something I loved to do. I am having fun with this series. I have some more I sketched last night that I hope to have done this week. I am toying around with the idea of embroidering words somewhere on the pic, just not quite sure how I want to go about it. Hmmmm...

I have been enjoying borrowing the MTV show Daria from Netflix this week. I totally could relate to her when I was in highschool. The melancholy, not excited about school, attitude. It makes me crack up. Funny to think what my adolescent mind was feeling at that time. Ackward, shy, and artsy fartsy. Those were the days. I'm so glad that phase of our lives doesn't last as long as it felt at the time.

Have a great Tuesday!

Presidents Day!

We took the day off today, for Presidents day. It's nice to get a three day weekend sometimes. We learned a bit about the presidents this year. My son memorized the first 12, he loves to memorize. We did a special study on Abraham Lincoln as well, as his birth place is nearby. I have always loved history.

I did a bit of shopping over the weekend. I have need a new pair of jeans for awhile now. Am I the only girl who absolutley despises jean shopping. I am not kidding when I say I went to about six different stores and tried on , almost 20 pairs of pants. Either they are too baggy, too long, too low cut, too tight, too skinny, or are faded quite funny. I finally found a pair of levis that fit quite nice. They are the skinny stretch type. The are very comfortable, yet don't look outrageous. I had hit up some crazy deals at PacSun and AE. Were talking clearance on top of clearance. I got a couple of cardis that I can finish out the season with and have for next year that were regularly 50 down to 10. Now thats exciting.
I am now on the hunt for some shoes for the spring, but I'm pretty settled on some canvas vans. I had an all black pair before that I loved. I might switch it up and get some blue. I know, I'm quite adventurous ;)


I made garlic knots myself on Friday. Garlic knots you ask? Well the most amazing creation since pizza. We used to eat these all the time in college at our fave little pizza joint. I was determined to make these myself.
I found a superb recipe by Emeril Lagasse on Food Network Recipes.
You can see my pic at the top. The recipe makes enough for the next day as well. Just heat them up on 350 degrees for about ten minutes.
Do Try!

I got some re-ment in the mail all the way from Hong Kong on Saturday. My pic that I shared with the ferris wheel was part of the loot. It is part of the Re-ment toy story series. I want to get more from this set, I almost could not believe the detail! Funny thing happened with the delivery. So we were hanging out on the couch watching golf (yes, we like golf), when I see the mail truck wiz by.
I went to the box to see what goodies may have arrived, when I see a slip of paper that says, sorry we missed you! What the, I was sitting on the couch with the front door open. Grrr... Our mailman has notoriously done this before, come on, its your job to deliver my goods on time. Well, quick witted, we know that he does a circle and comes to the other side of the street. We see him, and my husband books it to his truck with our slip. He actually had to get in the car, because the mailman conveniantly didn't see us as well ;) He catches up with him and asks why he didn't come to the door. "I rang the bell twice, and I saw your dog." What the... Really the door was open, our dog would have barked, and I was sitting on the couch. So strange. I know it was Saturday, but come on people, how silly ;)

Well before I type your ear off, I had better go! Have a great Monday, and make those garlic knots!

Hope Your Weekend Is A Thrill !

So Much Sun!

We have been having Spring weather here! Its beautiful! We were outside without jackets, crazy. Needless to say, I haven't been inside as much. Gotta get some sun!
Have you heard of Theopholis London? He music is 80's poppy, rap, well I dont' describe music well, but it is so awesome! The other night he was on Letterman with Sara Quinn from Tegan and Sara (another amazing duo). The beats remind me of the 80's.


I have been making some progress on some new pieces. Here's a few peaks.


My new serious will have a theme of "Curiosity." I have been sketching alot and can't wait to transfer some to embroidery. Eventually I would love to sell prints of some of my drawings.
Well I'm off to do some History ;) Have a great day!

Happy Valentines Day!

I hope everyone is having or had a great Valentines Day! We celebrated over the weekend with the family by going to our favorite Japanese grill Kobe. The kids love watching the chef cook the food in front of you.
I plan on treating myself to some re-ment as a gift from my husband. Mini's are the way to my heart, and chocolate of course.

I have been making some progress on embroidery pieces recently, which is exciting.
I feel like I have been stumped artisticly lately. I think it is my brains way of telling me I need to unwind and just relax. And when I do, I can usually come back refreshed.
I took some time to just brainstorm and read. I just started the new "cozy mystery" by Amanda Lee called "Stitch Me Deadly." I love these books. They are craft themed. They are a really fun read.

I made some Valentines Day themed sugar cookies on Friday. I found the recipe in an Christas cookie book and they are delicious. They are more of a butter cookie then a sugar cookie. I added the red icing for the kids. I found the cookie cutters at the Dollar General, and for a dollar ;) I will have to share the cute bunny gnome and mouse lawn ornaments I found at the Dollar General as well. I am enjoying them inside as of right now. I almost am not sure I can sit them outside. They are just too cute.

We had some beautiful weather over the weekend. We are talking jacket weather! I know the weather is just teasing me, but I sure can't wait for Spring. I even got to take a spin on my newly amped up moped. My husband put some faster parts on it, so I am now topping speeds of 40mph, whereas a stock moped goes max 25. Yeah, he's smart;) It is so much fun though. I can't wait to take it out all summer.

Well I'm off to enjoy some relaxing! Happy Valentines Day!!

Warby Parker Home Try-Ons

Yay! Today I got my five pairs of Warby Parker glasses to try on. I was so excited to try them out. I believe I've narrowed them down to two. They have such a great selection as well. They are only 95 dollars for your frames and lenses, and free shipping. Caraazy! And you get to try your glasses on at home. So fun!
Here's a peak at the fun.





Check out their website, they have a bunch more to choose from.
Have a great day!

Granola and Blankets

It's Friday, Yay! I was hoping to not have to wake up early on a Saturday. I had an eye exam last weekend then the weekend before that I had to take my driving test. Funny thing, I get a phone call yesterday, the license bureau, telling me they need to retake my pic because my bangs were hiding my eyebrows. Are you serious! My state has the funkiest laws. You can't even wear glasses in your photo i.d. So I will be once again heading to get my picture taken. Quite frankly I'm kind of happy to take it again, because the one they took is, ho-ho-rrendous to say the least.

I made some granola this morning again. I took a pic to show you its deliciousness. Seriously my favorite snacky thing right now. I love the crispy coconut, and the overall toasty taste. Make some, you won't regret it!


I took my pic for my mini 365. I thought I would share. I am really loving my light box this winter. I need to make a bigger one for my items in my etsy shop this
winter.

I have to say, I have been quite unmotivated to produce lately. When it gets dark early I just want to snuggle up under a blanket and read or watch a show. I hope to get creative here soon.
I have been sketching alot. I have some ideas I need to put to fabric. It's just a matter of resisting that blanket on the couch.
Well hopefully I don't sound like Debbie Downer. Just whats on the haps right now.
Have a great weekend!

(mini pic)


It is bitterly cold here today. We didn't get the snow that eveyone else is getting, but we definitly have the cold winds. I am prepared with my sock monkey slippers today.
I can't beleive its already Feburary. Valentines day is right around the corner. I love to look at all the funny little valentines characters at the stores that sing songs. I was the kid who had to push all the buttons on the singing toys, and I still do that. A couple of weeks ago we came upon a little heart guy who walked and talked in a funny voice and said," Kissy, Kissy, I love You." My kids thought it would be funny while my husband was checking out the dvds to make a seveal them into walk into him. He was totally oblivious for awhile, until he felt the little heart bumping into.
While I was on bloggy break, I made my own granola. I didn't take pic because I gobbled it up like way fast. I make it sans nuts, but I put a few chocolate chips for that extra spunk. I put coconut, sunflower seeds, oats, honey, and brown sugar.
It's super simple an inexpensive. If you like granola, seriously make your own, you'll have fun adding your own ingrediants. I like raisins, but no one else liked that idea much. It takes great too on yogurt. There are a bunch of good recipes at "All Recipes."

What's your fave thing to bake or cook? I'm always up to try something different.
You know what I really want? Some really authentic Mexican recipes. That is my fave style of food. I also want to make a good gumbo.
Well now that I'm really hungry, Im going to eat leftovers from lastnight.
Have a great day!

T.V. and Movies

I don't typically buy Martha Stewart Living, not because I don't like it, just not in the budget every month, but the latest one has a feature on collections. If you haven't checked it,do. There is a feature with bloggers from "Somethings Hiding Here." They have the most amazing tin dollhouse collection. They even sit them up with little lights at night to look like a neighborhood. Me want. I haven't had much luck finding these at garage sale or thrift shops, but when I do, the addiction will begin.

I think I want to go fabric shopping here soon to make some cute comfy dresses. I really like wearing them with leggings. Well the couple that I do have. I really want to get some buffalo plaid to make one.

This past weekend we watched "The Social Network" and "Easy A." I'm not sure what the buzz was about "Easy A." It was rather boring, even for teen flick. I have to say to date, that "Mean Girls" is my fave of that realm. I guess having been written by Tina Fey, that's what makes it so good.
Now "The Social Network" was interesting. Now I am not a facebook user, just a blogger, but his idea was quite amazing. Not sure that his path with completely honest, but you know, he had the brains to create it. Definitly one to check out.

I am a Thursday night t.v. watcher. I watch the whole line up of "The Office", "Community", " 30 Rock", and "Parks and Rec." I have say, having loved Amy Poehler on SNL, I absolutely love her in "Parks and Rec." The cast is hilarious as well. Just a whole mess of funny people. Here's a sneak peek.


Okay , have a great day!!