Hello, I'm Evelyn. I'm a self-proclaimed crafty pants, a Type A designer, a blog junkie, a nerdy gamer girl, a relentless movie quoter, a globetrotter, a foodie to the max (with a soft spot for taco trucks) and a teller of tales. If you were to ask my hubsy about me, he would tell you I like beer, bacon and cigars. Thanks for visiting! xo, Ev
{All images courtesy Flickr}6.30.2009
6.29.2009
What a Cute Pear.
Crocheted Copper Pears
Generally, I love faux fruit in surprising materials. Like wood, metal, cloth, ceramic..you get the idea. I think it began with my grandma's wooden fruit (of which I will have to find so I may snap a photo.) This old thing is so completely kitch, it's fantastic - solid wood banana, peapod, grapes and a gaggle of other fruit not so easily deciphered. I love it. We all do. It was always on the huge kitchen table at her house and anyone on that side of the family would most likely recognize it by sight. Though kept for strictly sentimental reasons initially, I have found that I now gravitate towards really cool fake fruit. Go fig :) (har har)
6.28.2009
Grosgrain: Boojiboo Flirty Apron GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!
{Courtesy Boojiboo}Seriously too cute for words. Wouldn't a Boojiboo apron make a perfect inspiration piece for a kitchen-inspired bridal shower or all around fab-o gift for some lucky lady in your life? Seriously, what woman wouldn't love it?!
Heck, I figure if you're stuck in the kitchen at all, why not look fantastic in the process :)
6.27.2009
Blog Love: Twig & Thistle
Can't get enough! It's a must visit. Just go. Now. I promise you'll love it.
http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/
And I am SO making these fruit pies. Who doesn't love a fruit pie?! And look at the box! So cute I almost can't stand it! What's more? There's a recipe AND template. Word.
http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/
And I am SO making these fruit pies. Who doesn't love a fruit pie?! And look at the box! So cute I almost can't stand it! What's more? There's a recipe AND template. Word.
6.26.2009
Uncool in the very coolest way possible.
"The only true currency in this bankrupt world is
what you share with someone else when you're uncool."
-- Almost Famous
what you share with someone else when you're uncool."
-- Almost Famous
P.S. If you're local to Columbus and could give some old vinyl a new home or purpose, please let me know. I have about 100 records that need to go (mostly organ music, thanks to an auction lot I won a few weeks ago.)
6.25.2009
The Value of My Dollar {Pt. 5}
Exhibit 5: Buy Local
And when you can't buy local, buy independent. We should all be embarrassed that we don't do this more often. Yes, it's not always easy, but is anything worth having ever as such? So much of our money goes to support overseas goods production - boosting their economies. Well, in case you hadn't noticed, our own isn't doing so hot. Don't believe me? Next time you're at a store, look at the "Made in" label. It could be pruning shears or rain boots. I'd bet you have a hard time finding anything made in the U.S.A. Why do you suppose that is? Well, my friends, it's cheaper to make cheap stuff elsewhere and occasionally, "they" make it better (read: cars.) It's sad, but true. I'm not going to be a hypocrite and say I only buy American-made goods because I don't, but I am buying less in general than I ever have before and I carefully consider where my money will go next.
More than anything, though, I want to support my local small businesses and independent retailers every chance I get. It just goes back to being a responsible shopper -- take your time and do the research. Get out into your community and talk to a real person - the farmer selling organic greens, the boutique owner who supports the local art community, the small coffee shop who is still in business, even with a Starbucks down the street. Those are your neighbors. Lift them up and they will give back by strengthening your communities -- giving people jobs and recycling money back into the local economy. They are tremendously hard-working people too. They have to be in order to be a success. Take our wedding, for example. I am proud to say that every, single vendor we have chosen is a local business owner (and most of them 1 or 2 person shows.) A couple work out of their homes. Every person hugged me at the end of our meetings. I would be honest-to-goodness friends with these amazing people. I will go to them for their services and goods and refer them as often as possible because that's what it is really all about.
I'll step off of my soapbox now, but I will ask each of you to consider everything I've mentioned. Let it linger in the back of your mind. Marinate on it for awhile.
I think that money and how we spend it is a topic that each of us needs to not be afraid to discuss, if we are to ever EpiPen some life back into our economy. Wouldn't you agree? Let me know what you think -- if you agree or if you don't. I live for feedback!
And when you can't buy local, buy independent. We should all be embarrassed that we don't do this more often. Yes, it's not always easy, but is anything worth having ever as such? So much of our money goes to support overseas goods production - boosting their economies. Well, in case you hadn't noticed, our own isn't doing so hot. Don't believe me? Next time you're at a store, look at the "Made in" label. It could be pruning shears or rain boots. I'd bet you have a hard time finding anything made in the U.S.A. Why do you suppose that is? Well, my friends, it's cheaper to make cheap stuff elsewhere and occasionally, "they" make it better (read: cars.) It's sad, but true. I'm not going to be a hypocrite and say I only buy American-made goods because I don't, but I am buying less in general than I ever have before and I carefully consider where my money will go next.
More than anything, though, I want to support my local small businesses and independent retailers every chance I get. It just goes back to being a responsible shopper -- take your time and do the research. Get out into your community and talk to a real person - the farmer selling organic greens, the boutique owner who supports the local art community, the small coffee shop who is still in business, even with a Starbucks down the street. Those are your neighbors. Lift them up and they will give back by strengthening your communities -- giving people jobs and recycling money back into the local economy. They are tremendously hard-working people too. They have to be in order to be a success. Take our wedding, for example. I am proud to say that every, single vendor we have chosen is a local business owner (and most of them 1 or 2 person shows.) A couple work out of their homes. Every person hugged me at the end of our meetings. I would be honest-to-goodness friends with these amazing people. I will go to them for their services and goods and refer them as often as possible because that's what it is really all about.
I'll step off of my soapbox now, but I will ask each of you to consider everything I've mentioned. Let it linger in the back of your mind. Marinate on it for awhile.
I think that money and how we spend it is a topic that each of us needs to not be afraid to discuss, if we are to ever EpiPen some life back into our economy. Wouldn't you agree? Let me know what you think -- if you agree or if you don't. I live for feedback!
6.24.2009
Sewing Party
How cool is this stationery set? If I had any friends who did any sewing whatsoever, I'd have a party starring these cards-turned-invitations. Wouldn't that be fun?!
Love with a capital L. I am resisting buying them just to have "just in case"!
P.S. Get them at Fred Flare. I'm SO popping into the store the next time I find myself in Brooklyn.
P.P.S. Fred Flare has a blog and it's hilarious. Show them some love.
Love with a capital L. I am resisting buying them just to have "just in case"!
P.S. Get them at Fred Flare. I'm SO popping into the store the next time I find myself in Brooklyn.
P.P.S. Fred Flare has a blog and it's hilarious. Show them some love.
6.23.2009
New Sewing Table/Desk
What do you think of my new (to-me) ex-desk-now-sewing-table? Isn't it a gem? Best part? $5 at a local auction. Oh yes. All she needs is a new coat of paint and maybe some new hardware.
6.22.2009
Saturday Smoker Craziness (Foodie Heaven)
D. has been a serious BBQ fan for a long time now, but until recently he only did the standard BBQ grilling...that was, until he bought a big ol' smoker! Now we have both a BBQ AND a smoker. Now, this isn't your average, run-of-the-mill smoker. With some ingenuity and a little help, he's made modifications to it that make it a Super Smoker.
Of course, I'm a BBQ fan myself, so all of this just came with one teeny tiny stipulation from me. Feed me and I'm happy.
Saturday was the day of reckoning. Here are D.'s photos and commentary on what craziness transpired! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did...I'm off to eat some leftovers ;)
P.S. Sorry, Tim. I know that this is a whole new level of food cruelty, posting all of this smoky goodness!!
· 3 racks of baby backs (with 3 different dry rubs)
· 2 stuffed chickens (one with onions and the other with Granny Smiths and Crasins)
· 1 fattie (sausage roll stuffed with cheese and sauteed veggies, wrapped in weaved bacon)
D. sporting the custom apron I made for him :)
getting it fired up
after reaching 225 degrees on the smoker.. on go the ribs (sorry for the junk picture, it's sunny today!)
in an hour it's chicken time
1 hour in and on goes the chicken
sprayed the ribs down with apple juice/run mix
two hours in, the ribs get wrapped in foil for 2 hours
next up... the fattie goes on
ribs and chicken are done
it's eating time!
All day cooking...it was worth it!
Of course, I'm a BBQ fan myself, so all of this just came with one teeny tiny stipulation from me. Feed me and I'm happy.
Saturday was the day of reckoning. Here are D.'s photos and commentary on what craziness transpired! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did...I'm off to eat some leftovers ;)
P.S. Sorry, Tim. I know that this is a whole new level of food cruelty, posting all of this smoky goodness!!
· 3 racks of baby backs (with 3 different dry rubs)
· 2 stuffed chickens (one with onions and the other with Granny Smiths and Crasins)
· 1 fattie (sausage roll stuffed with cheese and sauteed veggies, wrapped in weaved bacon)
D. sporting the custom apron I made for him :)
getting it fired up
after reaching 225 degrees on the smoker.. on go the ribs (sorry for the junk picture, it's sunny today!)
in an hour it's chicken time
1 hour in and on goes the chickensprayed the ribs down with apple juice/run mix
two hours in, the ribs get wrapped in foil for 2 hours
next up... the fattie goes on
ribs and chicken are done
it's eating time!All day cooking...it was worth it!
6.20.2009
Freebie: Thank You Label Love
{Courtesy: Betsy White}6.19.2009
Best. Contest. Ever.
Atomic Mama is having the best contest ever in honor of her blog making it to 100 followers (yay, AM!!) The Vintage Hairstyling book, a darling flower hair pin, wave clamps, pin curl pins...ahh!! This is one to-die-for giveaway!
If you've never visited her blog, it's a must see. Such an inspiration and a Bombshell through and through :)
If you've never visited her blog, it's a must see. Such an inspiration and a Bombshell through and through :)
6.18.2009
Tagged!
Karin over @ HennHouse tagged me in a fun little blog game of sorts! I had to read through all the rules so I understood...I am still learning all of this good blog stuff, of course :) I had to do it. It was a moral imperative!
This fun get-to-know-me is all about our Top 6 Favorite Unimportant Things. I took a gander through quite a few Top 6 lists and I have to say -- you all have some fantastic favorite things!
Without further ado, here's my Top 6 List of Favorite Unimportant Things:
1. Movie quotes. Oh. Oh yes. I have something of a problem when it comes to quoting movies. And television shows and sometimes song lyrics. Especially the funny ones. My poor sister loathes the "What Movie Is That From" game! It's all Mom's fault. She started it with the lyrics and it slowly evolved into a beast of a movie quoting monster.
2. Bed & Bath Section at Any Store. Now this is one that makes D. squirm and want to run the other direction. To see shelves chock full o' fluffy, clean, colorful towels, sheets, pillows and blankets...ah, it's bliss! I almost always find myself in the Bed & Bath section, even when I went to the store for shoe polish or a gallon of milk.
3. The water. There's something about growing up near water that somehow binds your soul to it, like the very essence of you is steeped in that water. I haven't lived near Lake Erie in fifteen years but it will always be home. I miss the water every day. My Mom fills my head full of images of early 20th century 1-bedroom cottages near the (read: any) lake. We're simpatico.
4. Shoes. Heaven help me, I have a shoe problem. Though I've grown better and reigned in the worst of it, I could spend all day trying on shoes. Especially the really crazy expensive ones. I like to pretend I'd have somewhere to wear them. It's a safe bet they would be wasted in Harrison's :)
5. Pets. All pets. All the time. All of them. Big and little, but especially the fuzzy, cuddly ones.
6. Ice Cream. Being that lactose and I don't see eye-to-eye all the time, this one can get tricky, though my denial usually helps me get through the worst of it :)
Now, here's my perfect date. Spent the day at the beach, put on a new pair of shoes, went to see a movie, then to the pet store to visit all the little guys, then ice creams on the way home. That's it in a nutshell. What can I say, I'm a simple girl!
---------------------------
Here are the "official" rules: Mention the person who tagged you, list your six unimportant favorite things, and then tag six other bloggers.
1. anna and the ring
2. Written Bliss
3. US Meets UK
4. The Vintage Housewife
5. The Metro Housewife
6. A Little Bit Vintage
This fun get-to-know-me is all about our Top 6 Favorite Unimportant Things. I took a gander through quite a few Top 6 lists and I have to say -- you all have some fantastic favorite things!
Without further ado, here's my Top 6 List of Favorite Unimportant Things:
1. Movie quotes. Oh. Oh yes. I have something of a problem when it comes to quoting movies. And television shows and sometimes song lyrics. Especially the funny ones. My poor sister loathes the "What Movie Is That From" game! It's all Mom's fault. She started it with the lyrics and it slowly evolved into a beast of a movie quoting monster.
2. Bed & Bath Section at Any Store. Now this is one that makes D. squirm and want to run the other direction. To see shelves chock full o' fluffy, clean, colorful towels, sheets, pillows and blankets...ah, it's bliss! I almost always find myself in the Bed & Bath section, even when I went to the store for shoe polish or a gallon of milk.
3. The water. There's something about growing up near water that somehow binds your soul to it, like the very essence of you is steeped in that water. I haven't lived near Lake Erie in fifteen years but it will always be home. I miss the water every day. My Mom fills my head full of images of early 20th century 1-bedroom cottages near the (read: any) lake. We're simpatico.
4. Shoes. Heaven help me, I have a shoe problem. Though I've grown better and reigned in the worst of it, I could spend all day trying on shoes. Especially the really crazy expensive ones. I like to pretend I'd have somewhere to wear them. It's a safe bet they would be wasted in Harrison's :)
5. Pets. All pets. All the time. All of them. Big and little, but especially the fuzzy, cuddly ones.
6. Ice Cream. Being that lactose and I don't see eye-to-eye all the time, this one can get tricky, though my denial usually helps me get through the worst of it :)
Now, here's my perfect date. Spent the day at the beach, put on a new pair of shoes, went to see a movie, then to the pet store to visit all the little guys, then ice creams on the way home. That's it in a nutshell. What can I say, I'm a simple girl!
---------------------------
Here are the "official" rules: Mention the person who tagged you, list your six unimportant favorite things, and then tag six other bloggers.
1. anna and the ring
2. Written Bliss
3. US Meets UK
4. The Vintage Housewife
5. The Metro Housewife
6. A Little Bit Vintage
HOWEVER, even if you're not on this linked list, I would still love (LOOOOOVE) to know what your unimportant favorite things are. In a comment. On your blog. Wherever. (ditto, Karin) Please!
His & Hers
His.
Hers.6.17.2009
The Value of My Dollar {Pt. 4}
Exhibit 4: No-Pressure Sales
Shopping when you don't really need anything is empowering. You don't succumb to sales pitches or sales racks. You know what you have and you know what you need...eventually. You have as much time as you need, too, which gives you time to research a better deal. Think about it like this: It's January and you have $20. You hit the post-Christmas sales to see what deals you can find. All ornaments are 75% off -- about $1.25 each from their original $5. You buy 10 at $12.50. Now here's the value: yes, you had to spend $12.50, but you saved yourself $37.50, if you bought those same ornaments in October, right before Christmas. Sometimes, it takes money to save money in the long run.
Shopping early has HUGE advantages, but you have to be organized to be successful. Take note and assess everything you already own, what key pieces you need and what you'd love. Keep holidays, birthdays and other events in mind throughout the year and buy on sale when you can.
Personally, I've been shopping for my honeymoon (even though it's not until December) because we're going to Jamaica and, right now, all of my local stores are featuring summer stock. Have you ever tried to find summer clothes in November? It's almost impossible! By shopping for the few items I'd like to have on my h'moon now, I get to use them all summer long, may take advantage of summer sales and have them for December. It's not so much "impulse shopping" as "carpe diem" shopping.
Now, this doesn't always apply to every item, but, given that the majority of my shopping lately is wedding-related, I've found that nearly everything I buy, if I weren't patient and in control of what I am shopping for, could end up spiraling out of control and I'd end up spending 30, 40 or 50% more than I should. Besides, everything with the word 'wedding' tacked on is more costly, so the more time I give myself to research and find a good deal, that's money in the bank. But I'm also not the kind of person who equates self-worth to material cost. An insecure bride-to-be may think she's better than buying discounted items for her wedding. Maybe she even thinks that, if she didn't spend full-price on that guest book, that people may think she's discounting her very marriage. It's sad, really.
Shopping when you don't really need anything is empowering. You don't succumb to sales pitches or sales racks. You know what you have and you know what you need...eventually. You have as much time as you need, too, which gives you time to research a better deal. Think about it like this: It's January and you have $20. You hit the post-Christmas sales to see what deals you can find. All ornaments are 75% off -- about $1.25 each from their original $5. You buy 10 at $12.50. Now here's the value: yes, you had to spend $12.50, but you saved yourself $37.50, if you bought those same ornaments in October, right before Christmas. Sometimes, it takes money to save money in the long run.
Shopping early has HUGE advantages, but you have to be organized to be successful. Take note and assess everything you already own, what key pieces you need and what you'd love. Keep holidays, birthdays and other events in mind throughout the year and buy on sale when you can.
Personally, I've been shopping for my honeymoon (even though it's not until December) because we're going to Jamaica and, right now, all of my local stores are featuring summer stock. Have you ever tried to find summer clothes in November? It's almost impossible! By shopping for the few items I'd like to have on my h'moon now, I get to use them all summer long, may take advantage of summer sales and have them for December. It's not so much "impulse shopping" as "carpe diem" shopping.
Now, this doesn't always apply to every item, but, given that the majority of my shopping lately is wedding-related, I've found that nearly everything I buy, if I weren't patient and in control of what I am shopping for, could end up spiraling out of control and I'd end up spending 30, 40 or 50% more than I should. Besides, everything with the word 'wedding' tacked on is more costly, so the more time I give myself to research and find a good deal, that's money in the bank. But I'm also not the kind of person who equates self-worth to material cost. An insecure bride-to-be may think she's better than buying discounted items for her wedding. Maybe she even thinks that, if she didn't spend full-price on that guest book, that people may think she's discounting her very marriage. It's sad, really.
6.16.2009
6.15.2009
Oh What a Weekend!
You know it's been a crazy busy weekend when you look forward to Monday as being a respite!
My ladies' night out was tremendous fun and filled with funny moments and great service - especially at Park Street Patio. Who knew they had such killer bar food?! We're all planning a return trip very soon! This time sans tulle and tiara, donning flip flops and probably riding bikes. Don't you just love summer?
Nice stems...and lilies :)
Saturday was a mellow relaxation day for me, though I did ride my bike over to the grocery for a whole chicken, a pork tenderloin and a bag of cherries. My bicycle doesn't yet have a basket, so I opted for a small back pack. Now, imagine the looks of passers-by who saw me kneeling next to my bike stuffing a whole chicken and a pork tenderloin into a back pack and driving away with cherries on my handlebars...it's a good thing it's a short drive :)
I <3>
The meat options were for D.'s newly-modified smoker. Talk about a great Craigslist find! After some ingenuity and extra parts, the smoker is working well. Just a bit more tinkering to minimize smoke loss and we'll be on our way! Here's our first attempt at smoking a whole chicken. You can't begin to imagine how good it tastes!
Sunday was the Baptism of Bubs' youngest niece. Such a lovely time and occasion to get together with family. After that, we were on our way to a going-away dinner for a friend who is moving back to California. He will be very missed.
I did manage to sneak in a bit of wedding-related jazz...mini revisions to the invitations and RSVP cards, did some pricing look-ups, printed a coupon for JoAnn's (ps. HUGE sales going on right now!) and hope to get some other projects started today - perhaps working on escort name cards or out-of-town gift bags.
Here's to a productive, happy Monday! xoxo
My ladies' night out was tremendous fun and filled with funny moments and great service - especially at Park Street Patio. Who knew they had such killer bar food?! We're all planning a return trip very soon! This time sans tulle and tiara, donning flip flops and probably riding bikes. Don't you just love summer?
Nice stems...and lilies :)Saturday was a mellow relaxation day for me, though I did ride my bike over to the grocery for a whole chicken, a pork tenderloin and a bag of cherries. My bicycle doesn't yet have a basket, so I opted for a small back pack. Now, imagine the looks of passers-by who saw me kneeling next to my bike stuffing a whole chicken and a pork tenderloin into a back pack and driving away with cherries on my handlebars...it's a good thing it's a short drive :)
I <3>
Sunday was the Baptism of Bubs' youngest niece. Such a lovely time and occasion to get together with family. After that, we were on our way to a going-away dinner for a friend who is moving back to California. He will be very missed.I did manage to sneak in a bit of wedding-related jazz...mini revisions to the invitations and RSVP cards, did some pricing look-ups, printed a coupon for JoAnn's (ps. HUGE sales going on right now!) and hope to get some other projects started today - perhaps working on escort name cards or out-of-town gift bags.
Here's to a productive, happy Monday! xoxo
6.13.2009
Eat, Drink & Remarry!
To the two pairs of friends I have who both happen to be getting (re)married today, I wish you joy. Here's to good memories and happy futures.
To my Aunt & Uncle, happy anniversary!
To everyone else, happy June 13th!
See? 13 really is a lucky number :)
5 months and counting 'til we join the ranks...
To my Aunt & Uncle, happy anniversary!
To everyone else, happy June 13th!
See? 13 really is a lucky number :)
5 months and counting 'til we join the ranks...
6.12.2009
It's All Happening
Oh my. Tonight is my bachelorette party. How scared do you think I should be? :) My sis/MoH has been given explicit instructions -- no paraphernalia, if you catch my drift...I'd prefer to retain at least some shred of dignity, if at all possible.However, if my plans go awry and you hear nothing new by Monday, please, someone call out a search party. "Last seen wearing fabulous black dress and peep toe heels, laughing loudly and generally carrying-on..."
6.11.2009
The Value of My Dollar {Pt. 3}
Exhibit 3: The Little Black Dress and All Her Colorful, More Trendy Friends
The Wardrobe Musts. Now this one is the hardest for me to follow prudently because I refuse to allow my fashion to consistently dictate into what box society will fit me. It's safe to say I like to wear a lot of hats, literally and figuratively. And my closet needed (and still needs) major assistance. Sure, I have some fantastic pieces, but a wardrobe complete they don't make. Some things are too small, some too large, some too worn and some need mending. The mending is easy, but what about the rest? I have trouble justifying The Big Clean and donating everything that isn't perfect...what would I be left with? A handful of items that are as close to perfect as I can ever get. Do I have the ten basics to survive by, a la Tim Gunn? I'd say a solid 6 of 10 isn't too bad, is it?
My biggest problem is not immediately going for the cheap when buying new and knowing when to let go of items I already have. When it comes time to donate my favorite pair of British khaki-colored dress slacks because they really are too big to wear, don't be afraid to replace them with another well-made, well-fitting pair. Consider those price versus value concepts with every purchase and think out of the box whenever possible. Maybe you find a great bargain at a discount store but they need a bit of a nip & tuck beyond your skill level to have them fit perfectly. Consider the cost of a good tailor and tack it onto the price. Still a steal or would a new J. Crew petite pair be a close second? Did you wait until the last minute before buying those pants? Did you presume the pair in your closet still fit and they don't, you have an interview in the morning and now you're desperate for another pair? "Desperation shopping" always seems to cost me double.
The Wardrobe Musts. Now this one is the hardest for me to follow prudently because I refuse to allow my fashion to consistently dictate into what box society will fit me. It's safe to say I like to wear a lot of hats, literally and figuratively. And my closet needed (and still needs) major assistance. Sure, I have some fantastic pieces, but a wardrobe complete they don't make. Some things are too small, some too large, some too worn and some need mending. The mending is easy, but what about the rest? I have trouble justifying The Big Clean and donating everything that isn't perfect...what would I be left with? A handful of items that are as close to perfect as I can ever get. Do I have the ten basics to survive by, a la Tim Gunn? I'd say a solid 6 of 10 isn't too bad, is it?
My biggest problem is not immediately going for the cheap when buying new and knowing when to let go of items I already have. When it comes time to donate my favorite pair of British khaki-colored dress slacks because they really are too big to wear, don't be afraid to replace them with another well-made, well-fitting pair. Consider those price versus value concepts with every purchase and think out of the box whenever possible. Maybe you find a great bargain at a discount store but they need a bit of a nip & tuck beyond your skill level to have them fit perfectly. Consider the cost of a good tailor and tack it onto the price. Still a steal or would a new J. Crew petite pair be a close second? Did you wait until the last minute before buying those pants? Did you presume the pair in your closet still fit and they don't, you have an interview in the morning and now you're desperate for another pair? "Desperation shopping" always seems to cost me double.
6.10.2009
It's a Major Award!
Oh if you could have seen the smile on my face when I saw that Anna (of Anna and the Ring blogdom) has bestowed upon me a One Lovely Blog Award! I did a happy dance!
Now, as I graciously accept the honor, I am asked to share the honor with my favorite blogs as well.
The rules are as follows:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his/her blog link.
2. Pass the award to 10 other blogs that you've newly(-ish) discovered.
And the blog award goes to...(drum roll, please)
1. HennHouse
2. Tea for Joy
3. Daisy Cottage
4. Atomic Tea Party
5. The Perfect Palette
6. Happy Together
7. Grey Likes Weddings
8. US Meets UK
9. Written Bliss
10. A Little Bit Vintage
I can't wait to read more - You're a talented bunch!
Now, as I graciously accept the honor, I am asked to share the honor with my favorite blogs as well.The rules are as follows:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his/her blog link.
2. Pass the award to 10 other blogs that you've newly(-ish) discovered.
And the blog award goes to...(drum roll, please)
1. HennHouse
2. Tea for Joy
3. Daisy Cottage
4. Atomic Tea Party
5. The Perfect Palette
6. Happy Together
7. Grey Likes Weddings
8. US Meets UK
9. Written Bliss
10. A Little Bit Vintage
I can't wait to read more - You're a talented bunch!
6.09.2009
There is Always Hope
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realised God doesn’t work that way, so I stole
one and prayed for forgiveness.
-- Emo Phillips
Then I realised God doesn’t work that way, so I stole
one and prayed for forgiveness.
-- Emo Phillips
6.08.2009
Eye Candy: Newby Hall + A Real Vintage Wedding
While dreaming out loud with my English cousin-to-be of lush manor gardens and quaint farm cottages, I learned of Newby Hall in North Yorkshire. Oh to be as lucky as she who can visit whenever needing a bit of a Pride & Prejudice inspiration! On my next jaunt over the pond, a visit is at the top of my list.
And look at what else I've come across, but these lovely wedding photos of Betty Doxford, of the Newby Wiske Hall to Lieut Gibson, a "gt-gt-nephew of the poet Wordsworth" circa 1928. I love her bridal cloche hat and her stunning cascade bouquet. {P.S. ladies...Newby Hall is available for weddings! Now THAT would be one amazing destination wedding!}
{All images courtesy Flickr}
And look at what else I've come across, but these lovely wedding photos of Betty Doxford, of the Newby Wiske Hall to Lieut Gibson, a "gt-gt-nephew of the poet Wordsworth" circa 1928. I love her bridal cloche hat and her stunning cascade bouquet. {P.S. ladies...Newby Hall is available for weddings! Now THAT would be one amazing destination wedding!}
{All images courtesy Flickr}6.05.2009
Eye Candy: Farmer's Market Fête
Have you seen this over at Duet Weddings? Talk about stunning a stunning collaboration between brilliant artistic minds!
These photos...wow. I am nearly rendered speechless. This would be a perfect wedding for about 12 people (which was the first wedding I had planned, before realizing it wouldn't happen for us.) Small, personal, intimate, local, repurposed, green-friendly, delicious, breezy, charming, rustic, romantic... This may be the inspiration for my 30th birthday party that I just realized I wanted to have :) If our back garden keeps growing grass properly, it will be the perfect spot. Now...on to find those birdcages...
These photos...wow. I am nearly rendered speechless. This would be a perfect wedding for about 12 people (which was the first wedding I had planned, before realizing it wouldn't happen for us.) Small, personal, intimate, local, repurposed, green-friendly, delicious, breezy, charming, rustic, romantic... This may be the inspiration for my 30th birthday party that I just realized I wanted to have :) If our back garden keeps growing grass properly, it will be the perfect spot. Now...on to find those birdcages...
6.04.2009
Blog Love: Tea For Joy
http://teaforjoy.blogspot.com/
Seriously. I'd marry it if I could, but one English marriage is enough, wouldn't you agree? :)
Lynne, you rock.
Seriously. I'd marry it if I could, but one English marriage is enough, wouldn't you agree? :)
Lynne, you rock.
6.03.2009
The Value of My Dollar {Pt. 2}
Exhibit 2: Thrift Store Faves
I have a heaping TON of favorite clothing items that I bought at the thrift store. I like to call these my 'shabbies', though by the look of my perfect-fitting vintage London Fog trench, you'd never know it. Sure, there's a seam that I need to resew and it could stand a good soak, but I'm pretty certain it cost me $3. Both of my favorite tees came from the thrift store - a baby blue Ithaca, NY one and a navy blue Foster's Lagar one. They really are completely ludicrous, but I love them so much I would consider rescuing them from a fire.
But my thrift store pièce de résistance, you ask?
This stunner: a shiny, black dining room sideboard with multiple drawers and a duo of cabinets. Those features help it to look like it's $1,000 cousins, but mine had a price tag of $22. Yes. I'm serious. In total, with paint et al, $50. I knew this was a piece I would like to have eventually, I knew to keep my eyes open. When I was at the thrift store and saw the ugly brown pre-makeover version for $22, I didn't hesitate to call D. to help me bring it home. After a lot of sanding, priming, painting and a hardware change, it was complete.
I've found the key to thrift store shopping is to not go in looking for anything particular, have a few hours to kill and look through everything. Heck, make a day of it and visit a handful of shops with a (patient) friend.
I have a heaping TON of favorite clothing items that I bought at the thrift store. I like to call these my 'shabbies', though by the look of my perfect-fitting vintage London Fog trench, you'd never know it. Sure, there's a seam that I need to resew and it could stand a good soak, but I'm pretty certain it cost me $3. Both of my favorite tees came from the thrift store - a baby blue Ithaca, NY one and a navy blue Foster's Lagar one. They really are completely ludicrous, but I love them so much I would consider rescuing them from a fire.
But my thrift store pièce de résistance, you ask?
This stunner: a shiny, black dining room sideboard with multiple drawers and a duo of cabinets. Those features help it to look like it's $1,000 cousins, but mine had a price tag of $22. Yes. I'm serious. In total, with paint et al, $50. I knew this was a piece I would like to have eventually, I knew to keep my eyes open. When I was at the thrift store and saw the ugly brown pre-makeover version for $22, I didn't hesitate to call D. to help me bring it home. After a lot of sanding, priming, painting and a hardware change, it was complete.
I've found the key to thrift store shopping is to not go in looking for anything particular, have a few hours to kill and look through everything. Heck, make a day of it and visit a handful of shops with a (patient) friend.
6.02.2009
DIY Wedding: Save the Dates
Yay! The Save The Dates have officially been sent! Now that everyone shall be receiving (or have already received) theirs in the mail (unless they live outside the U.S.), I can post about it! I've been eager to write this post as soon as we got the postcards from the printer back in February.
Now I know that our wedding is < > this big. It's safe to say we went that route for several, practical and some unavoidable reasons, but we are embracing the intimacy that our private, very personal moment will be shared with such a close group of people. That's not to say that we're completely and utterly thrilled about it because, for one, we're "the more the merrier" kind of people, but it is what it is and that works for us. At least I can say, unequivocally, that our wedding will not be a three-ring circus (thank goodness.)
Now, with that bit prefaced and out of the way, I realized how completely unnecessary Save the Dates were, but I am paper-obsessed and couldn't live with myself had we missed a chance to send wedding-related mail to our loved ones. Silly, I know, but I just couldn't help it!
Though I repulse the idea of naming a theme to our nuptials, it does have the air of something from a better time, while not being overly cliché. Just something...soft, classic, elegant and seemingly effortless. Something timeless on the surface, but quirky and personal when you get into the details. I want things to have purpose and meaning and want nearly every choice to reflect us both. I want people to feel comfortable and beautiful and romantic and in love. I want really good food, quality drinks and toe-tapping tunes. Above all, I just want to slow down and savor every moment of the day.
With all of that said, careful consideration has been my MO through the whole planning process. I've tried to bring everything together in something just eclectic enough to make me happy while still keeping a general concept or "theme" (design blasphemy) ever present in the bones of the event.
My first opportunity was found in designing the Save the Dates. I have to admit, it wasn't the most creative I've ever been, but they are cute, didn't cost a fortune and were, for all practical purposes, practical. So many of our guests will be coming in from out-of-town, we felt it was a polite gesture to give them ample planning time...also, that we're getting married just a short time before Thanksgiving was something to consider.
The inspiration: vintage-looking postcards
{Courtesy Martha Stewart}
For me, this was the one photo inspiration that got the ball rolling for me. Once I saw the stamped "post card" at the top, the vintage postage and the deckled edge, I was smitten.
After much deliberation, we decided against the deckled edge (even though I know it would've made it look even better), but it was just one more expense tacked on that we chose to avoid.
I found the perfect vintage cake topper photo to use as the jumping off point, adjusted it in Photoshop to postcard size and played with the color until it had a sepia-toned look to it. That became the "pretty side" of the Save the Date postcard. On side 2, I laid out the necessary written details using a fun mix of fonts and justifications and a vertical dividing line between the correspondence and address sections. Once I had both sides, I saved them as PDFs and uploaded to Vistaprint.com. What a handy service! In just a few weeks, we had our Save the Dates in-hand and were ready for Phase 2.
Right fter the postcards were ordered to print, we bought a great vintage-looking "post card" stamp on Etsy. When everything arrived in the mail, I stamped all of the postcards with the stamp using a gingerbread-colored ink at the top, center of the postcard.
Once they were all stamped, I hand-lettered each of the addresses using a drafting pen (size 1 Sakura Micron pen, black ink.)
Once that was finished, I knew we needed cool postage but when I saw the cost of vintage stamps, I nearly choked. It would've cost me a fortune! So I got to work scouring the Internet and eBay, waiting for something to really stand out amongst the American flags and unknown poets, heros and writers. And then I saw Cole Porter on eBay and knew I had my man. Yes, I paid more than the 29-cent face value of each stamp (which was still 1-cent over what I needed) but I didn't care. Cole Porter it was.
So that's the first official DIY project posting for the wedding. How do you like it? The nicest postal worker ever let me hand cancel all of the postcards, too, so no yucky machine stamping ruined the clean look to them. I was thrilled that I was allowed to do that! AND the Dublin, Ohio post office's hand cancel stamp says "Shamrock Station, Dublin, Ohio" -- now, doesn't that beat all for a Friday the 13th wedding? I was over the moon! I'll most definitely be taking the invitations there, too.
I can't wait to post more as they come along. You all are really in for a treat with the rest of the wedding ephemera :)
Now I know that our wedding is < > this big. It's safe to say we went that route for several, practical and some unavoidable reasons, but we are embracing the intimacy that our private, very personal moment will be shared with such a close group of people. That's not to say that we're completely and utterly thrilled about it because, for one, we're "the more the merrier" kind of people, but it is what it is and that works for us. At least I can say, unequivocally, that our wedding will not be a three-ring circus (thank goodness.)
Now, with that bit prefaced and out of the way, I realized how completely unnecessary Save the Dates were, but I am paper-obsessed and couldn't live with myself had we missed a chance to send wedding-related mail to our loved ones. Silly, I know, but I just couldn't help it!
Though I repulse the idea of naming a theme to our nuptials, it does have the air of something from a better time, while not being overly cliché. Just something...soft, classic, elegant and seemingly effortless. Something timeless on the surface, but quirky and personal when you get into the details. I want things to have purpose and meaning and want nearly every choice to reflect us both. I want people to feel comfortable and beautiful and romantic and in love. I want really good food, quality drinks and toe-tapping tunes. Above all, I just want to slow down and savor every moment of the day.
With all of that said, careful consideration has been my MO through the whole planning process. I've tried to bring everything together in something just eclectic enough to make me happy while still keeping a general concept or "theme" (design blasphemy) ever present in the bones of the event.
My first opportunity was found in designing the Save the Dates. I have to admit, it wasn't the most creative I've ever been, but they are cute, didn't cost a fortune and were, for all practical purposes, practical. So many of our guests will be coming in from out-of-town, we felt it was a polite gesture to give them ample planning time...also, that we're getting married just a short time before Thanksgiving was something to consider.
The inspiration: vintage-looking postcards
{Courtesy Martha Stewart}For me, this was the one photo inspiration that got the ball rolling for me. Once I saw the stamped "post card" at the top, the vintage postage and the deckled edge, I was smitten.
After much deliberation, we decided against the deckled edge (even though I know it would've made it look even better), but it was just one more expense tacked on that we chose to avoid.
I found the perfect vintage cake topper photo to use as the jumping off point, adjusted it in Photoshop to postcard size and played with the color until it had a sepia-toned look to it. That became the "pretty side" of the Save the Date postcard. On side 2, I laid out the necessary written details using a fun mix of fonts and justifications and a vertical dividing line between the correspondence and address sections. Once I had both sides, I saved them as PDFs and uploaded to Vistaprint.com. What a handy service! In just a few weeks, we had our Save the Dates in-hand and were ready for Phase 2.
Right fter the postcards were ordered to print, we bought a great vintage-looking "post card" stamp on Etsy. When everything arrived in the mail, I stamped all of the postcards with the stamp using a gingerbread-colored ink at the top, center of the postcard.Once they were all stamped, I hand-lettered each of the addresses using a drafting pen (size 1 Sakura Micron pen, black ink.)
Once that was finished, I knew we needed cool postage but when I saw the cost of vintage stamps, I nearly choked. It would've cost me a fortune! So I got to work scouring the Internet and eBay, waiting for something to really stand out amongst the American flags and unknown poets, heros and writers. And then I saw Cole Porter on eBay and knew I had my man. Yes, I paid more than the 29-cent face value of each stamp (which was still 1-cent over what I needed) but I didn't care. Cole Porter it was.
So that's the first official DIY project posting for the wedding. How do you like it? The nicest postal worker ever let me hand cancel all of the postcards, too, so no yucky machine stamping ruined the clean look to them. I was thrilled that I was allowed to do that! AND the Dublin, Ohio post office's hand cancel stamp says "Shamrock Station, Dublin, Ohio" -- now, doesn't that beat all for a Friday the 13th wedding? I was over the moon! I'll most definitely be taking the invitations there, too.
I can't wait to post more as they come along. You all are really in for a treat with the rest of the wedding ephemera :)
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