the Prairie Fair

recent pins...

2012-03-08T00:02:00.017-06:00

Source: shewearsmanyhats.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: wanelo.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: rosenberryrooms.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: rstyle.me via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: redneckmodern.typepad.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: modcloth.com via Sarah on Pinterest

make me happy....

2012-03-07T19:10:00.005-06:00

a clean house + fresh laundry
a really good job interview earlier this week :)
Triscuits with raspberry jam + white cheddar
unbelievable 60 degree weather + crazy wind
2 movie dates + a photobooth ♥
making lists :)
2 easy sewing projects
my Project Life album (photos coming soon)
my first Skype date with my sister
Cory taking his last midterm > spring break next week!
the movie Dan in Real Life ... ♥ it all over again!
new recipes + projects from Pinterest
a stack of new books to read
Fat Mum Slim's photo a day challenge! ♥ the prompts
tickets for Jim Gaffigan later this month!
phone dates with my long-distance bestie :)

spread the word...

2012-03-06T23:44:00.002-06:00

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

play time...

2012-02-28T16:12:00.005-06:00

photo source: Children's Discovery Museum

I spent my morning today volunteering at the Children's Discovery Museum. I seriously love that place. Today I was assigned to the 3rd floor (Arts Incorporated), which has a mix of art, music, math, and theater. It was pretty slow at first, but then a few field trips came through and they were lively! The kids were hilarious putting on shows in the Imagination Theatre (a complete stage with costumes & props, lighting, curtains and backdrops). Most of my time was spent cleaning up after the kids enjoyed the Museum Paint Wall (a room of windows you can paint on!). I noticed many of the kids seemed to enjoy playing with the spray bottles & squeegees just as much as the paints!...squeegees are just fun (there's that OCD again)! The photos above are of the Fresh Market, the Luckey Climber (which hangs from the ceiling of the third floor) and the Toddler Backyard exhibit. There are photos of the exhibits I worked in today on the website, but I didn't want to post photos of random children on my blog :)

c is for cookie...

2012-02-23T00:01:00.000-06:00

This is my all-time favorite sugar cookie recipe, given to me by my mom. I was about a week late getting these valentine cookies done, so I opted for spring colors (I went with hearts anyway). ♥

Sugar Cookies
3/4 cup softened butter
3/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
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 or overnight. If left in overnight, take out the dough 20-30 minutes before you are ready to bake.
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 (is awesome on gingerbread cookies too).

mini-binder...

2012-02-22T00:01:00.108-06:00

I wanted a centralized place to keep track of all my goals & projects. So I got this awesome mini binder (in charcoal) from Russell + Hazel along with the colorful mini index dividers. Then I used my favorite free printable pages from the Project Girl to build this little get your sh!t together journal! I printed her pages 2 to a sheet then cut them in half to fit the binder. Perfect! I included the following: the food journal (the best way for me to stay accountable), the workout worksheet (to help get me doing something physical everyday), and the blank to-do (to divide, organize & conquer that to-do list). I think I'm going to add some of her project pages and maybe the meal planner/shopping list combo (here's an edit-able version of that last one).

Pardon me if my OCD is showing :)

confessional...

2012-02-21T12:05:00.017-06:00

ecojot

Reading Kyla today, who discussed her anxiety & the major improvements she has made (yay!), made me realize there is a real lack of content here. I know not everything is blog/internet appropriate and I don't want this space to be a big downer; but if it's just about me & what I'm going through...then I think it's OK to share. So here goes...

For the last year or so (maybe longer realistically), I have been dealing with depression.
Even typing that word is hard. Depression wants to hide & fester. Last year was certainly not as I had envisioned it. It was tough planning my wedding and feeling like I could barely get out of bed. There are times when I wish I had lost those extra 40 pounds I've been carrying around or I see some rad wedding idea on Pinterest and I want to do it all over again! Then I remember how relieved I felt after the wedding was over :)

I'm still navigating the process of pulling myself out of the funk that is depression. Maybe it's something with which I will always struggle. Have I done everything in my power to get better? No. I still have lots of work to do. I find myself saying "tomorrow" about many, many things. I am not proud of that, it's one of my biggest shortcomings. Despite the obstacles, I can still envision success! I know I can do this!
I am forever thankful for my patient hubs, family & friends who have stuck by me. No one but me can grab these bootstraps but knowing they all have my back means the world to me. I want to start sharing more of my journey here...though it's hard for me to talk about, even with those closest to me. For me, depression often feels like a weakness. One day I hope to wave at it in my rearview & check it off the list of things I have overcome.

2012-02-16T20:37:00.002-06:00

under the weather print by Arian Armstrong on etsy

We are still sickie sick sick over here. Ugh. Worst day so far. The congestion is traveling south from my head and settling in my chest. These unplanned sick days have thrown a dent in my week. I even had to reschedule my Downton Abbey date with mom :( We have yet to cook the Valentine's dinner we had planned & I have cookie dough in the fridge just waiting to be baked! Hoping for a little boost of energy tomorrow!

did I mention...?

2012-02-15T19:06:00.004-06:00

Source: sprinklebakes.com via Jenna on Pinterest

that I am going to be an auntie again? My brother & his fiancé are expecting a baby boy in late July! ♥ I am so excited to meet the newest member of our family. I'm sure my future sister-in-law would agree with me when I say - I can't wait until July!!! Being an aunt is the best! :)

xo...

2012-02-14T13:13:00.004-06:00

I absolutely love everything about this video...but especially the illustration and more importantly the message (notice all the sweet couples at the end!). Cory and I both woke up sick today so our Valentine's Day has been postponed. We're not much for big valentine celebrations, but it was pretty exciting to buy a card for my husband for the first time! ♥

paper...

2012-02-14T00:01:00.003-06:00

I saw this over on Etsy & had to share! ♥ Simply lovely!

valentine wreath...

2012-02-13T14:45:00.008-06:00

I made this yarn & felt valentine wreath a few years ago but only just got around to taking a decent photo of it! I didn't do much in the way of valentine decorations this year but I think what I did put up I will leave until the end of the month...why not celebrate love all month long?

party food...

2012-02-12T19:04:00.004-06:00

Two words: bacon crescents. Oh man, these were really good. Not exactly diet friendly - but really, really good. My mom made these at Christmas and they were an instant hit. I've just been waiting for an occasion to make them. Let's face facts, you can pretty much put anything in a crescent & it will amaze you. But bacon? Everything is better with bacon. I love bacon, plain & simple. I used this recipe - easy peasy.
I doubled the recipe for a friend's 31st birthday party last night & didn't bring any home! We had so much fun! Cory and I are pretty much hermits most of the time. Being more social is something we're always working on...but last night made me remember how much fun hanging out with a really good group of people can be. I met some new folks, had great conversations, laughed a lot and even wore a purple wig! :) Hanging out with pals (old & new), listening to music & laughing turns out to be a great medicine for the winter blues!

to do...

2012-02-10T13:51:00.004-06:00

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I want to do this. Seriously. How fun does this look? I would really really love to get my mom & dad in on this fun too. Not sure if Dad will be up for a 5K in June, but I just think it would be such a happy & fun memory to make :)

shop update...

2012-02-06T00:01:00.003-06:00

I have my shop photos all updated + I added about 10 new pieces to the mix! Head on over and take a look...and Happy Monday! :)

game day food...

2012-02-05T15:37:00.010-06:00

The original recipe for these little morsels came from my Dad's cousin Nancy, who brought these to Christmas a few years ago - super easy & so so yummy. We were trying to come up with a clever name for them...essentially they are "brown sugar & pecan pigs in a blanket." Cory suggested "sweet pigs with warm nuts in a brown blanket." That's my man :)

Ingredients:
1 package lit'l wieners
2 cans of crescent rolls
1/2 stick of butter
1/8 cup of brown sugar
3 tablespoons honey
handful of chopped pecans or pecan chips

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Assemble your pigs in a blanket then bake them on a cookie sheet for approximately 10 minutes or until they are starting to turn golden brown. While those are baking, melt and mix together the butter, brown sugar and honey in a sauce pan over medium-high heat. After the pigs are done cooking, transfer them into a 9 x 13 baking dish. Pour the brown sugar butter mixture evenly over the pigs. Return them to the oven for another 3-5 minutes. Remove from the oven & sprinkle with chopped pecans...Enjoy! This recipe makes approximately 30 pieces, I doubled the recipe for Super Bowl Sunday!

loving...

2012-02-02T20:45:00.007-06:00

Source: flickr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I really love Ashley G's new abstract pattern pieces! I'm a real sucker for lots & lots of color :) We are headed to the lake tomorrow morning for a quiet weekend (well, it'll be quiet after we meet pest control to take care of whatever is living in the ceiling of the lake house). I think it's a raccoon, probably a 20-pounder at least! I'm hoping the weather stays mild so we can take a hike with the dogs & maybe even squeeze in some hammock time. There is no internet at the lake; it is so refreshing to unplug for a few days! I'll be back Sunday with an awesome Super Bowl recipe :)

our dinner via Pinterest...

2012-01-31T19:09:00.007-06:00

Source: aht.seriouseats.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: theartofdoingstuff.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Isn't Pinterest the best? Our dinner this evening, thanks to Pinterest, is crispy baked sweet potato fries & yummy burgers! Every recipe I have made from Pinterest (so far) has been a success! I need to start documenting my successes! My Pinterest wish is a "you have already pinned this!" warning; sometimes I get crazy déjà vu when I'm pinning!

Rewind: Cowboy Cookout...

2012-01-30T21:29:00.003-06:00

Is there anything more fun than a party pack of fake mustaches, a crew of (mostly) willing participants, and a camera with a timer? These photos are from our family's 2nd annual Cowboy Cookout last October. We grill steaks over an open fire, my mom makes her famous calico beans and of course there are s'mores. I think the year before we had cowboy hats but I'm not sure what happened to them. There's been talk of some kind of pirate party next...I'm thinking eye patches & parrots :)

DIY: centerpiece

2012-01-26T00:29:00.001-06:00

These are the centerpieces from our wedding! I love this photo because you can see us in the background enjoying our dinner :) I discovered Pinterest about 6 months before the wedding & got my inspiration from this photograph. Cory and the best man cut an elm that needed to come down anyway and sliced it up to serve as bases. We already had a ton of mason jars, so we filled the bottoms with river rock, added water, floating candles & some brown raffia. Next we added some reindeer moss, pine cones and a few votive candles...voila! A centerpiece fit for a rustic venue!

new adventures...

2012-01-25T13:03:00.009-06:00

Addie, Molly & Avry at the Children's Discovery Museum

One of the many big life events that happened while I was away from the blog was that I lost my job. I sort of saw it coming & had been really miserable there for a looong time (6 years long actually), but it was still a big blow & since then, life has been...different. I know there are a lot of other people out there who have lost their jobs and are just like me... "between jobs" as I like to say. I speak now from firsthand experience when I say: it is no fun. Like everyone else with a crappy job they don't like, I would dream about not having to work & fantasize about what I'd do with all the time! But without the benefit of independent wealth, this scenario quickly becomes less desirable. Obviously there are lots of negatives - like the added financial stress, my crumbling self-confidence & the pressure my unemployment puts on my personal relationships. I have to be careful not to get too excited about jobs because if they don't work out it's a huge emotional letdown. Then there are the feelings of guilt if you are not devoting 24 hours a day to the job hunt. There is also truth to the old adage "the busier you are, the more you get done!"and unfortunately, the reverse is true as well. Sometimes I feel I have all the time in the world, but the next thing I know I've blown an entire afternoon on the internet! At times, I feel really, really lost. Most days it's fairly easy to convince myself that I'd rather be a little lost right now, than find myself in the same miserable job in 15 years. I am constantly working to establish a routine & some balance in this new situation. Tomorrow afternoon I am headed to a volunteer orientation at the Children's Discovery Museum! I have been there with my nieces & it is so amazing! My sister Molly suggested volunteering to me. In fact, it's how she got her job at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian - so cool! I don't know yet how often I'll be there or in what capacity, and I don't expect to land a job from this experience; but I am really excited to do something different & meaningful with my time & to find out more details tomorrow!

shop update...

2012-01-23T00:26:00.003-06:00

Last week while house-sitting, I was able to get just a few photos for my shop. Just like the blog, the shop name has been changed to the Prairie Fair ... I have some new products I'll be unveiling later this week! :) It's amazing how change can revive excitement about a project! I can't wait to get the rest of the photos updated & make a new banner for the shop.

hello!

2012-01-22T19:56:00.010-06:00

source

Welcome to the new space!!! What do you think of my new blog template? It's from Little Grey Willow on Etsy..I absolutely love it! Her designs are incredible, really affordable & so easy to use. Currently fighting a nasty cold so I've had ZERO energy. Also, I've been dying to take shop photos but haven't had a sunny day in what feels like ages :( I need some natural light!!! Come on sunshine!!! Find the burlap doorstop shown above here on Etsy.

PSA...

2012-01-18T16:03:00.001-06:00

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...

2012-01-17T23:19:00.000-06:00

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...

2012-01-16T19:13:00.000-06:00

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...

2012-01-13T01:00:00.002-06:00

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...

2012-01-12T14:38:00.000-06:00

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...

2012-01-11T17:46:00.000-06:00

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?

2011-07-20T17:39:00.000-05:00

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!!!

2011-06-30T21:17:00.000-05:00

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

2011-06-27T21:08:00.000-05:00

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

2011-06-26T20:50:00.000-05:00

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

2011-06-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

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

2011-06-19T11:04:00.000-05:00

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

2011-06-16T13:09:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-06-15T16:23:00.000-05:00

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

2011-06-15T09:50:00.000-05:00

source

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

2011-06-12T10:57:00.000-05:00

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

2011-06-09T20:04:00.000-05:00

source

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

2011-06-01T14:47:00.000-05:00

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

2011-05-31T14:29:00.000-05:00

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

2011-05-25T07:20:00.000-05:00

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

2011-05-24T09:27:00.000-05:00

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...

2011-05-20T18:32:00.000-05:00

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...

2011-04-29T13:47:00.000-05:00

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...

2011-04-16T19:24:00.000-05:00

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

2011-04-12T17:12:00.000-05:00

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...

2011-04-02T17:27:00.000-05:00

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...

2011-03-17T15:52:00.000-05:00

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

source

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...

2011-03-01T14:35:00.000-06:00

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

source

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...

2011-02-20T21:10:00.000-06:00

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...

2011-02-11T01:54:00.000-06:00

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

source

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.

2011-01-28T18:49:00.000-06:00

source

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

2011-01-27T23:17:00.000-06:00

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...

2011-01-26T12:32:00.000-06:00

= 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...

2011-01-25T20:51:00.000-06:00

fabric flag bunting from Sparkle Power

owl hedgehog clutch from Tsuru Bride

Finnegan from Sleepy King

painted owl nesting dolls - source unknown

resting...

2011-01-24T19:43:00.000-06:00

source

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...

2011-01-23T22:13:00.000-06:00

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...

2011-01-23T19:43:00.000-06:00

source

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

2011-01-20T19:02:00.000-06:00

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...

2011-01-19T22:21:00.000-06:00

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...

2011-01-14T13:14:00.000-06:00

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

2011-01-13T22:51:00.000-06:00

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!

2011-01-11T14:06:00.000-06:00

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

tgif...

2011-01-07T10:40:00.000-06:00


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...

2011-01-06T11:15:00.000-06:00

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?!?

2010-12-27T22:10:00.000-06:00

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....

2010-12-23T17:59:00.000-06:00

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...

2010-12-14T09:44:00.000-06:00

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....

2010-12-10T21:21:00.000-06:00

*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!

2010-11-25T22:50:00.000-06:00

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...

2010-11-24T18:37:00.000-06:00

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...

2010-11-23T20:15:00.000-06:00

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...

2010-11-07T15:14:00.000-06:00

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...

2010-11-06T17:48:00.000-05:00

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....

2010-11-02T18:03:00.000-05:00

happy birthday!!!

2010-11-01T13:45:00.000-05:00

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...

2010-10-30T16:35:00.000-05:00

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....

2010-10-26T21:39:00.000-05:00

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...

2010-10-25T21:07:00.000-05:00

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. ♥