Weekend Wrap Up
For some unknown fantastic reason, the Soccer Head Haunchos decided to favor me this last week by giving the entire league a bye week. For those of you who haven’t had the life sucked out of you by sports, this is a fancy way of saying we had the weekend off. That’s right. NO games. An entire Saturday all to myself with no obligations to get anybody, anywhere. It was glorious.
So, I spent the day doing the following:
Sipping 2 cups of steaming hot coffee. This sounds lame,But considering that I usually inhale said coffee while burning the bejeebers out of my tongue, sipping was sheer bliss.
Taking the boys for a long awaited bike ride. Boys and bikes are always a fun combination.
Surprising bike riding boys with the new Star Wars Lego movie. Because boys can never get enough of Star Wars or Legos.
Sewing in heavenly peace while boys watch said Star Wars Lego movie. (I forgot to mention that this was my *real* motive for the purchase). I was actually able to finish up 3 (yes,3) new market bags for the shop. To be listed this week…
And finally, sweet talking my hubs into making me an iced vanilla latte. He’s so perfect for me.
So, thank Soccer Haunchos. Thank you for giving me a most rare and precious gift: A day off.
Home, Sweet Mess
I have become obsessed with home decorating blogs. There. I said it. I love perusing them, ohing and awing over the creativity and resourcefullness I see. But along with the inspiration comes conflict. I’m always envious of the pictures of nice, clean, organized rooms, with everything put in it’s place. I’m envious because that’s how I wish my house was. Not that my house is dirty or anything. I *am* after all, a self confessed neat freak. So while dirt isn’t an issue, clutter is. And for one reason only.
I am a mother.
Sarah Dawson Photography
Who would have thought that these three angelic creatures would wreak havoc on the home? Don’t believe me? I have proof. I walked through my home this morning, shooting pictures of all the chaos that lay in the wake of these three and as painful as this is, I’ve decided to swallow my pride and share them with you. Here goes:
Kitchen Playmobil explosion
Close up of the carnage
Monster Truck Madness
Sling shot. Notice the fingerprints on the table? *Sigh*.
More kitchen mayhem
The mess even found it's way into my private sanctuary.
I share these pics with you in hopes that I will give some of you peace through your clutter. I have spent years trying to follow the hurricane around cleaning up the destruction left in it’s wake. But to no avail. I’ve made my peace with the clutter and now have employed a way that keeps everyone happy. Baskets. The best invention. Ever.
Resolutions?
I think not. I’ve never been one to list goals that I know for a fact I won’t achieve. Why set myself up for failure? But I do like the idea of reflection. Reflection on the year that’s past, and a look ahead to the year that’s beginning. I like to imagine where I will be 365 days from now. So I guess I’m naming this my list of New Year’s Reflections for 2010.
1. I’m not a fan of change. Our move from Los Angeles made this reflection apparent. I’m adjusting better now, but I like things the way I like them and when that’s interrupted, I panic.
2. Parenting gets harder as you go. Whoever says otherwise isn’t doing their job. I’m just saying.
3. 30 is the new 20. And it’s *awesome*. I’m loving my 30’s waaaaay more than I enjoyed my 20’s.
4. Chocolate really does make everything better. I learned this by eating half a pan of brownies one night.
5. It’s the little things that count. Like when my husband brings me my favorite bottle of wine home from work. He doesn’t even have to ask to know that I’ve had a hard day.
6. Life’s too short not to enjoy my food. I’m tired of worrying about calories. Not that I’m giving myself license to go crazy, but I’m going to have a plate of chicken fettuccine alfredo and eat it heartily. Guilt free.
7. The dishes can wait. This one may seem lame to some of you, but for a neat freak like me, it was a revelation.
8. The older I get, the more I realize I don’t know anything. Funny how even just 10 years ago, I considered myself pretty wise. Soooooo not so.
9. I *adore* all things pretty. Another one that may seem lame, but I have to say, it gave me freedom to realize this. I always felt like my desire to paint my house pretty colors and decorate with awesome fabrics was a frilly,uneccessary thing. Not true. It’s very necessary and I make no excuses. So there.
10. I find inspiration in the oddest places. Paint chips, a cheesy greeting card, the thread organizer on my wall. I’ve learned not to question where the inspiration comes from, but to take advantage of it. It all makes me happy and produces a desire to make something pretty.
Here’s to many more lessons learned in 2011. Happy New Year’s, everyone!
We have a winner!
Congrats to Copper’s Wife, the winner of our Third Eye Artisans giveaway! And let me tell you, you couldn’t have won this cozy scarf or beret at a better time. It’s stormy in Nor. Cal right now!
Thanks to all of you who did enter but didn’t win. I’m so thankful that you took the time and effort to show Third Eye some love. And to show *her* appreciation, Julie’s offering everyone who entered free shipping good on the entire purchase of anything in her shop. Just be sure to enter the word ‘GIVEAWAY’ in the message to seller, and she’ll refund you via PayPal.
Giveaway Goodness
Alright, faithful readers. ‘Tis the season for giving, so I thought I’d get myself in the mood by hosting another giveaway! Woot, woot! This time, I’m featuring Julie from Third Eye Artisans and her cozy yarn goodness. Julie’s love for texture and color shine through in her beautiful crocheted pieces, and each item in her shop showcases her love for her craft. And if that wasn’t enough, she’s my momma. Here are a few examples of her fantastic work.
Awesome, yes? I have one of those cowls, and I *love* it. It’s a good day when one can look fabulous while staying warm. Want to learn a bit more about Third Eye? Here’s what Julie has to say about her shop and love of color:
“I must confess that my love of using bright, vivid color began at a less than happy time of my life when I was in the first grade. After being given a ditto page (remember those?) of Abraham Lincoln to color, I excitedly opened my brand new box of Crayola Crayons (back in those days there were only 8). I used every crayon in the box to color my Mr. Lincoln. When I was finished, the teacher held up my paper and used it as an example to the other students of how *not* to color President Lincoln. “Use only black or brown.” she said. I continue to use all of the colors available to me which, thankfully, are way more than eight now. Beige is not in my crayon box either. This is why you see such a variety of items, in a variety of colors and textures, in my shop. With very rare exception, my items are one of a kind (ooak). Everything is my favorite! It’s all I can do to list the pieces after I make them because I want to keep them all!….ARGH!!!! “
So, time to see what you can win! Julie is offering a choice between two of her lovely designs. Take a good look at both and then enter to win below!
First up: the Slouch Beret, a $23 value
Slouch Beret in Taupe, Navy or Plum
or: the Mesh Net Scarf, a $35 value
Mesh Net Scarf in Peacock
Want to enter? Here’s how:
1. Head over to Third Eye Artisans and heart the shop. This is a MANDATORY entry. (1 entry)
2. Like Julie’s Facebook fan page. (1 entry)
3. Follow Julie on Twitter. (1 entry)
4. Follow my blog. (1 entry)
5. Tweet about this giveaway. Simple copy and paste this: Enter to win a #handmade scarf or hat by @thirdeyeonetsy at https://handsfullcreations.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/giveaway-goodness/ (1 entry)
6. ‘Suggest’ Julie’s Facebook fan page to at least 3 friends. (3 entries)
Do not forget to leave a comment on this blog post and tell me which of the above entry forms you have chosen! Feel free to enter as many times as you like, just be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. Also, be sure to include your email address, or if you prefer, a Facebook, Twitter or Etsy user name where I can contact you. Giveaway starts now and ends on Sunday, December 12th, at 11:59pm PCT. A winner will be randomly selected and notified within 24 hours of the giveaway ending. Have fun and good luck!
Christmas is for collecting
I am *not* a pack rat. In fact, I tend to let the pendulum swing completely the other way, and I get rid of things too quickly. Then I end up feeling regretful. But, when it comes to certain things, I’ve been known to be a hoarder. Stamps for one. Can’t get enough of them. Recipes are another, even though I seem to make the same things for dinner over and over and over again. But my most favorite thing to hoard, er, collect are nutcrackers.
The whole family
My newest additions. The hula girl is *awesome*.
The classic...
...and the not so classic.
Weird, I know. But I got my first one years ago, and I can’t seem to get enough. My husband was tolerating at first, but now has been infected by this crazy need to collect nutcrackers. We both scour the stores come the holidays to see what cool new addition we can add to the family. We’ve even passed this craze on to our children for a Christmas inheritance. It’s pathetic, really.
I know I’m not alone, though, in the holiday hoarding. What do you collect? Snowmen? Santas? Snowglobes? Fruitcakes? Anything goes, right? Merry Christmas and happy collecting!
p.s. I’m announcing a new giveaway from Third Eye Artisans on Monday! Be sure to check back and enter to win some goodness!
Ahoy, there
Certain colors conjure up certain ideas and thoughts, do they not? I mean, when you think of red, white and blue together, you usually think of the good ol’ USA. Black and orange? Green and red? You get the idea. This color combo being featured today always reminds me of all things nautical, and yet I love, love, love it. It’s fresh, crisp and classic. Enjoy!
Navy Blue and Yellow
The Stockholm bag
Button Up Scarf
Set of 3 dishcloths
Joy Ride
Yellow Rose Necklace
organic infant body suit
toddler mittens
Lovely, yes? These colors are classic, timeless, lasting. A true fashionista can’t go wrong when sticking with a combo like this. Hope you enjoyed it! Happy Thursday!
And the winner is…
(drumroll, please) Jenni of Jenni 20 Designs. She has the coolest shop of her own, so be sure to stop by and check it out! Congratulations, Jenni! Send me a convo and let me know which purse you’d like!
Thanks to all of you who did enter but didn’t win. I’m so thankful that you took the time and effort to show me and my little shop some love. And to show my appreciation, I’m offering everyone who entered a 20% discount, good on all items in my shop. Just be sure to enter the word ‘GIVEAWAY’ in the message to seller, and I’ll be sure to refund your 20% via PayPal.
And since this giveaway went so well, I’ll be hosting another one next month. Third Eye Artisans has been kind enough to offer up one of her gorgeous designs, and I can’t wait to see what she chooses to donate. Check out her shop and whet your appetite for some yummy yarn goodness.
Thanks again, to all who participated! You guys are the best! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Better late than never
So, today is Friday. We’re going to ignore that, and the fact that I missed last week’s Color Thursday and forge ahead with a new color combination. That’s what you really want anyway, right?
Aqua and Orange
I really should have saved this pair for warmer weather, but I couldn’t resist sharing. I *love* this combination. It’s one of those color pairs that makes me squeal out loud and clap my hands really, really fast. You think I’m joking, don’t you? Enjoy!
Sun and Sea Earrings
Goldfish Mug Rug
Tidal Tangerine Vegan Soap
Crocheted Neckwarmer
Do you feel like clapping you’re hands really, really fast yet?
Little Goldfish Giclee Print
Oh So Chic Coasters
Fiona Ribbon Necklace
The Goldie Bag
Ah. I do love those colors. They make me smile.
So, now that I’ve caught up on our color date, I’m going to give myself a bit of shameless promotion. Be sure to enter my giveaway here. Seriously, enter. You just might win. And then, you could do the selfless thing and give the purse away as a Christmas gift, or do what I would and keep it for yourself. Either way, you come out a winner.
Beds, Bathrooms and other Inspirations
I am fighting this crazy desire to buy paint and wallpaper this morning. It’s a feeling I fight often enough these days, especially since the house I’m living in at the moment has bare, taupe colored walls, just screaming to be updated. No offense to those who like taupe.
Beds for Boys
The room I’m dying to get to these days is my boys’ room. Those of you who know me might be scratching your heads, seeing as how I’ve already painted and designed in there. But, the whole bedding situation has never satisfied me. You see, I have 3 boys. 3 boys who love to be in the same room. 3 boys who love to chat at night when they’re going to sleep, who love to listen to stories on cd together and wake up together. So, even though we now have room for them to have their own rooms, they opted not to separate. You can imagine how this did my momma’s heart good. Anyway, how to manage three twin sized beds in one room is now my dilemma. I have been racking my brain on how to place the beds, on what kind of beds, etc… After 3 months of brainstorming, nothing.
Until last night, when I was perusing flickr. There I was, flickring here and there around my favorite groups of photos and I saw it. The most brilliant idea ever, and it came from bumpercrop.wordpress.com. This chick is a genius. Click on the blog and see for yourself.
So now here I am, totally on fire to hang 3 beds from the wall. Crazy, yes. But I’ve already convinced my poor, long suffering husband of the idea, as well as building me the bed platforms. Thanks, bumpercrop. You are amazing.
Bathroom Idea
The boys have a bathroom in their room. Yes, that is *awesome*. A whole bathroom that they can use as the ‘boy’ bathroom. I’m in heaven. But, it’s a white hole. Nothing but white as far as the eye can see. So, what to do with it?
I’ve fallen head over heels in love with subway tile. It’s very strange to see that in type, but there it is. And yes, those are white too, but, just stick with me. Here’s what I’m thinking. Dark grout. It makes the white tiles stand out fantasticly. Is that even a word? My spell check says no. Anyway, here’s a visual:
And then there’s color. I was thinking black/white/lime green. Something like this:
or this:
Thoughts? Ideas? Too much? Let me know.
Other Inspirations
I bet you all thought I forgot about Color Thursday in my excitement over hanging beds and subway tile. While those are quite distracting, nothing tears my thoughts away from awesome color schemes. Today, for your viewing pleasure, we have:
Plum and Gray
Flower Brooch
Chunky Reversible Cowl
Plum Rose Pillow
Plum Pudding Sterling Silver Necklace
Grey Dresser
Purple Romance
Bee-u-tee-ful, If I say so myself. A bit of a wintery feel, soft yet elegant. And ever so pretty. Enjoy!
My Hands Full 