500th Post...and Our Puppy

She LOVES to watch football.

So. 500 posts. Who on earth would've thought that I could manage to pull THAT off?! Certainly not me! It has been awhile since any real posts, but that's because I'm livin, folks! Not that I don't miss blogging, because I do, but I have a pretty good reason. Her name is Derby and she's the newest addition to our little family.

Here is her story...
I had been a fan and follower of Ohio English Setter Rescue for about a year before we took the leap into fostering, which we knew would be an incredibly rewarding experience and help provide unconditional love and support for a rescue dog. After application approval, passing our home check, fixing a fence, many conversations, pup meet-ups, and a LOT of discussion (truth be told, we were nervous and carefully weighed every option, scenario, and never forgot our beautiful senior kitty gal Wink throughout the process), we knew that OESR was a group of people who were exactly our kind of people and we were committed to becoming part of their organization one way or another. We also knew that when it was right, it would be right, that we would know it, and the rest would be history...

There she is...far right.

 Well, during all of this time, OESR rescued an English Setter named Jordie from a high kill shelter. And she was pregnant. Oh boy. Oh boy and five girls, as it turned out. All the pups were born late June 2011 at foster momma R's house and they were the. cutest. puppies. ever. But I really didn't want a puppy. Really and truly. I wanted to give a home to an adult. Maybe even a senior dog. I felt it was a calling for me, but...But. Bubs felt a bit differently about that. He had his eye on those pups. Oh boy did he.

As a bit more time passed, Jordie momma dog was adopted out and one, by one, the pups, too, were both fostered out and found their forever homes. But R. held on to the little brownie bundle of puppy love named Josie. Josie was the one pup who was different in the litter. Out of the 6 pups, she was the one born with the most color and, of course, being the odd girl out, she tugged at my heartstrings.

Pupper McSpottypants

Josie's first foster DogMomma R. is a rock star. She's a wife, mom, dogmom to her own pack and, on top of that, she went back to school to become a vet. She had fostered Jordie during her pregnancy and was there for the entire whelping. Needless to say, she was (and is) a busy, busy lady -- one who made the very hard choice to love this pup enough to let her go. This was an incredibly difficult thing for her (trust me, you'll see how much stronger she was than me!) and her family to do, but she had Josie's best interests in mind through and through. Fate played her hand in all of this, because once I came to learn that R. might be looking for a new foster home for 3-month old Josie, I told Bubs and, after a few more phone calls and coordination, we got the green light to take over Josie's fostership and we drove to pick up our new little foster babydog!

And she was perfect. She snuggled in my lap the entire 2 hour car ride. She went potty outside at a rest stop. She didn't pee or barf on me. It was love at first sight.

Wow. It was not easy! I was raw nerves those first few days. (From what people tell me, it's a lot like what having a new baby is like...) But after some time, we found a routine and stuck with it. We were up 3 times a night for almost 2 months so we could housebreak her, knowing that even though difficult, it would be worth it in the long run to support her early. We taught her to sit, stay, come, lay down and shake with both paws. She had all the right toys to chew on (and only the toe of one flip flop and the side of one slipper ever was chewed - not bad for damage control lol!) She was our little genius dog. We were going to help her be the best dog we could help her be for her future forever family.


A couple months passed and conversations came up about whether or not we would adopt her. I stuck to my commitment as a foster (and no one believed me...), knowing that letting her go would break my heart...but I told myself it was for the best. And then, after 2 months of our fostering, she was put on Petfinder. And the next day, an application came through from someone very, very far away. And I cried. A lot. Bubs sulked in his man cave. The truth was, neither of us wanted to let her go, but it took the thought of never seeing her again to help us to see that. Even though everyone at OESR had warned us, that once an application for her was in, there's no going back if it got approved. We KNEW that. But with a hope and a prayer, we let them know that if, for whatever reason that first application didn't get approved, that we wanted to adopt her -- and so we put in our application, too. (We were such jerks. How we had waited so long is beyond me...I chalk it up to major anxiety and commitment issues. God bless OESR for putting up with us and, specifically, my neuroses.) After a little less than a week, the planets aligned (and fate once again played her hand) and we got the joyous news..."Congratulations, it's a girl!" And the rest is history...and just the beginning of our glorious foster failure.Bubs said an English dog needs an English name, so we renamed Josie to Derby. She's now our little "brown" Derby and she the best little girl ever. I never thought I'd be one of those people...the kind who forgoes normal adult conversation to tell people about Derby's poops or the custom, handmade coat I bought for her on Etsy, but I am 100% that guy and loving every minute. She helps me see the humor in everything. To get outside more (even if it means being on poop patrol), to meet new friends at the dog park, to smile and laugh, to watch my tone, to grow up.

Derby's 6-1/2 months old now and growing like a weed. She loves chewies, her stuffed duck (which is really a pheasant I think, stuffingless, beakless and stinks to high heaven), belly rubs, playing at the dog park, shaking for treats and digging holes in the back yard (but we're working on that one...) I could go on and on, but this post is long enough...I can't wait to share more funny stories and cute pics later. Thanks for stopping by :o)

Look at that face! The sun washed out her Setter spots but they're there :)

Spring Cleaning: Bedroom

Ok folks. I need to come clean about some things. Literally. Like the 84 million pairs of tatty pajama pants I had to cram into my dresser. My guilty habit of attaching sentimental value to clothing I wore a lifetime ago, back when I was this whole other person. The skinny clothes and fat clothes, none of which made me feel beautiful.

 A good start...

  

For whatever reason or another, I decided this past Friday that I was going to clean out my closet. For reals this time. I then referred to this monumental occasion as the Cathartic Closet Cleaning Experience. And boy was it.

I'm not going to go into the gory details, but I will tell you these few things:

1. I donated 4 bags and 2 bins FULL of stuff.
2. I made a nice chunk of change selling a whole bunch more.
3. Something was seriously wrong with me that I didn't get rid of that crap a long time ago.
4. I know, without a doubt, I will never neglect my closet like that again.
5. My future will focus on quality over quantity.
6. I will have absolutely NO regrets for letting go of any of it. It's just stuff taking up space.
7. That stuff doesn't define me. I won't let it.
8. I will love myself for who I am right now and embrace it with clothing that fits and flatters right now.
9. If I happen to work hard and lose weight, what was I thinking I'd wear 10 year old clothes? Hello!
10. This is only the beginning...I'm going to tackle the entire house, one space at a time.

 Still too many shoes, but no one's perfect!

So, the moral of the story is: let it go. Let it ALL go. It's just stuff. Don't dwell in the "what ifs" and memories you've attached to stuff. Because it's stuff. And it's probably old, ill-fitting, the wrong color, looks like there was a reason it was on sale, I promise if you haven't worn it yet you won't kinda stuff.


I mustered up the gumption (that's for you Bubs ♥) to toss out the old me via my wardrobe this time, but I know some things are easier said that done. As if a sign from God that I was venturing on the right path, before I did The Big Clean on Saturday, I read an article in the March issue of Whole Living about getting rid of stuff cluttering your life. It even comes with a flow chart! I adore a good flow chart. Check out this guide for help on getting started & getting finished (sometimes that's the tricky bit.) It's well worth the read. Then unplug, crank up the tunes, and get to work. I'm willing to bet you might just find yourself under all that stuff. xo

Spooky Scary Happy Halloween a la Mildred Hubble

{The Worst Witch, Mildred Hubble}

Happy Halloween everyone! Hope everyone enjoyed the very last day of October, 2010. Ours was a busy, fun, candy-filled one, that's for sure :)

 {The Grand Wizard}

And, of course, I had to share a couple pics of  how our costumes from The Worst Witch turned out. Personally, I think they turned out pretty well! And Giuseppe, the ex-lamb. He was a grass-fed guy who used to live on an Ohio farm. Then Mr. M placed an order. Giuseppe made a great stew and his head scared a. lot. of. people. And yes...it's real, despite the 6 year old girl who told her friends, "Oh, don't believe all that nonsense." I didn't have the heart to tell her otherwise.

{Giuseppe's head. Ew.}

Here's to turkeys and holiday shopping! November. Can you believe it?!

No Impact Week 3: Life Lessons

 {Not the most flattering photo, but me + Mr. C to the B are all smiles!}

I’m going to brag for a minute, if you don’t mind. Just like all first-year students at Ohio State, I got to hear Colin Beavan speak a couple weeks ago! And I got my book signed! And I got a picture with him! And a signed poster! How cool is that?!

OK. Enough bragging. Now on to the lasting impressions of that evening and of the No Impact Week experience:

1. Colin Beavan is kinda snarky and I adore him for it. As Mom put it, “I’m one of his disciples.” Amen to that.
   
2. I can’t say that I miss the feeling of helplessness or inherent naivety of being a freshman in college. Or the pride that comes with admitting it to yourself or anyone else. If I knew then what I know now…
   
3. You can do as much or as little in your lifetime, but you’re the only one accountable for those choices.
   
4. No one likes to be told they aren’t doing enough. Educating and leading by example are more effective than lecturing from within a glass house.
   
5. Replacing all the incandescent light bulbs in a house cost. A lot.
   
6. Don’t beat yourself up for not being able to afford new energy-efficient technology, like a dreamy gray water system or whole-house solar. Remember: small ripples, big waves. Do what you can and what makes sense for your life, situation, circumstances, and budget, but definitely do everything you can, even if it means redefining your norms.
   
7. Before you buy anything, ask yourself if you 1. Need it or 2. Want it. If you need it, see if there’s a more ecologically-responsible alternative. If you want it, put it back and wait a couple days. Find out why you think you want it. In the end, it’s all just stuff that will end up in a landfill. Don’t make it more important than it needs to be.
   
8. Support local, support handmade, support indie business. Big box stores and fast food are killing us.
   
9. Learn where your food comes from. It’s a scary, gross, sad realization, but ridiculously important.
   
10. Why does Styrofoam still exist? It’s not even recyclable!
    
11. You don’t need a straw to drink a beverage. Be that guy who drinks from a cup. Way cooler.
    
12. Have fun and freak out your friends by investigating the contents of your health and beauty products at the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.
    
13. I hate eco-friendly toilet paper, but I’m trying to learn to like it. Sort of. Kinda.
    
14. Challenge yourself to redefine your personal “norm” – be willing to change things that aren’t working. (*see eco life lesson #6)
    
15. Don’t give up on yourself. Trust in what drives you; be persistent in standing up for what you love.

Time for hanging my laundry out to dry. Thanks for listening. Go become the change you envision. Be fearless, relentless, and do good things.

xo

No Impact Week 2: The Process

{inhabitat}

When my husband came home and handed me a copy of No Impact Man, he said to me, “I think this is right up your alley.” My husband is a smart man.

Within three days, I had read the entire book, dog-earing at least 40 pages. I started calling people, lending out the book, just to share my crazy-fierce enthusiasm that I have for what I read, what I learned. If nothing else, it was glorious confirmation that I wasn’t the only person left in the world who cared. That you don’t have to go barefoot, stop shaving, and hug a tree every day to care about the environment. That being “green” is more than recycling. To me, it was all about personal accountability, no matter what the facts you choose to believe, your political platform, or your religious background. The impression I was left with, while reading No Impact Man, was that of one regular guy caring enough about the world in which he lives, the world he envisions for his baby girl, mattering enough to him that he try to do everything in his power to try to make his world a different, yet better place. Honestly, it made me feel like crap for every can or bottle I tossed out, thinking, “Just one more bottle isn’t going to make or break the environment.” Sheesh. What a schmuck I was.

Without getting on my soap box (for which I am renowned), I tried to put to words the sense of accountability I had when I read this book. Tried to rally the troops, tried to put a bug in the ear of folks who I felt would “get it.” Again. Schmuck city.

As a general rule, people don’t want to believe in themselves that they are part of any problem. It takes way more courage to ask someone not to throw away (or even buy) cases of plastic water bottles than to ask them to invest in some reusable jars. Turns out, my courage had limits. Also it turned out that I wasn’t even close to being the eco-friendly person I thought I was. Heck, it turned out that it wasn’t even about the stupid plastic bottle. It was about ME. What was I doing to make things better? I had to stop worrying about everyone else and start to concentrate on #1 (which works out so much better in the long-run, let me tell you what.)

Refocusing my energy back to myself, I started doing a few things. I stopped buying new whenever possible (and learned to do without, too), became friends with and visited local farmers, began recycling – even if it meant we left cans in the alley for the homeless to collect, recycle, and make a few bucks, started hemming, darning, patching, and sewing my linens and clothes, and even went so far as to make a commitment with GreenSpot, Columbus’s own place for learning about all things “green” and to strive to doing as much as you can, in your own home or business, with respect to the environment.

Some things are hard to give up, however, but that’s for another week. Until then, finish reading No Impact Man or, if you’ve already read it, lend your copy to a friend. Maybe it will spark a conversation. Just remember: it’s not about the other guy’s shortfalls. It’s about understanding and accepting our own personal level of accountability – what you’re ready and able to do toward making our world one in which you want to live. Don’t argue the semantics because it just doesn’t matter. Everyone knows that the way things are going now in the world can’t last forever. Picture what you want and ask yourself: what can I do to make it happen?

P.S. It has been my experience that sitting on my rear will get me to the answer about as fast as blaming everyone else for the problem. Action gets results!

No Impact Week 1: My Eco-Story

{macmillan press}

Remember my mentioning how I was reading No Impact Man by Colin Beavan? Remember how I said I'd follow up with a review...and then didn't? Well, how about I do one better?

I was lucky enough to be asked to participate in Ohio State's Buckeye Book Blog, which coincides with the university's participation in No Impact Week. There's an entire blog set up to share experiences before, during, and after reading No Impact Man. There are lots of folks participating -- students, faculty, community members like myself. How cool is that?! It should be a generator of much conversation. I urge you to give it a peek here over the next few weeks and read about everyone's thoughts and musings.

In addition to sharing them on the Buckeye Blog, I'll be posting them here. I know I'm a bit of a windbag, but it's hard to know where to stop talking when it comes to something I'm so passionate about. Let me know what you think :) It's all about generating a respectful conversation. Comments are encouraged!

xo

{No Impact Week: Blog 1}

I had always considered myself as ecologically-aware. Having grown up very close to my grandparents, who were of the Great Depression era, rationing, reusing, using up, fixing, and repurposing were all done because that was our “norm”. I so vividly remember helping my grandma hang the laundry to dry on the line, remember the basket of soap scraps she saved until she had enough to remelt into soap balls for extended use, remember my grandpa’s work bench – where, if something needed to be fixed, that was our first stop.

Being fully aware of the impact that my grandparents had on me during my formative years helped form and solidify my personal philosophies on saving, spending, reusing, and using up; of course, back then, no one knew it was called being “green”.

Back in the days as an Interior Design student at College of Art & Design, we were assigned a project to design a home for an imaginary couple who suffered from many allergens found in standard building materials. The project was referred to as the “Indoor Air Quality” project. Again, this was before “green” meant anything to us, aside from being a color. I loved that project. The research of alternative materials, like sustainable flooring, recycled glass tiles; organic wool mattresses, low VOC paints, grass paper wallcoverings, and building with careful consideration of solar light were endlessly fascinating to me. It forced me to ask the question: if these options exist for everyone, why would anyone choose anything else? I felt, as a student, that it was our responsibility coming into the Interior Design workforce, to educate potential clients on these alternative finishes, materials, and technologies. It was we who had the means to make those choices. It was our job. I even went so far as to write my thesis on residential energy efficiency, with a tie-in to ecologically-responsible materials. It was the most passionate I ever was about Interior Design.

It wasn’t until later that I changed my career path to that of Graphic Design, which I love, but it lacked something I couldn’t put my finger on.  That thing that I loved – the ability to influence design trending in a way that I felt held a direct impact to what I was truly passionate. Again, I had to ask myself: what can I do to marry my passions in eco-awareness and have a successful career?

Which brought me to right before I was introduced to Colin Beavan’s book No Impact Man. Up to this point, I was surviving at a job I wasn’t passionate about. I wanted to risk it all for something that made me heart-happy. I wanted to at least try to carve a niche for myself in the working world that allowed me to feel like what I was doing was making some kind of difference in the world in which we live, make money, and let my abilities shine. With the help of my ultra-supportive husband, I branched out and started Hello Magpie – an online shop offering a selection of eco-friendly, handmade, vintage, repurposed home goods, décor, and gifts. I launched on Earth Day 2010 and haven’t looked back.

Every day is a learning experience; a personal challenge to do good things and be a successful entrepreneur. Most of the time, I’m winging it with my fingers crossed, hoping that my Google placement makes me reachable and that my customers are happy and know that the things I make were made with all the love I have to give. Hoping my tweets, Facebook and blog posts and all the other connections I make with folks mean a sale and I can begin to actively contribute to my tiny family’s success. These are my passions and I have to believe that what I’m doing now will mean something at the end of the day. It’s scary to take risks, but without risks, there’s no reward. It’s my personal motto that small ripples cause big waves. Can you imagine the impact we could have collectively, if those small ripples were for the good of our world?

Hello Magpie made it to Etsy's blog The Storque!

{that's my shop! on the storque! yayayay!}

Let the gush-fest begin..!

So you can imagine the happy, yet confused surprise when I checked out the Hello Magpie stats on Craftopolis today...and saw 315 visits to my Etsy page at around noon. After a little investigation I learned that, lo and behold...my Mini Clothesline Kit was selected to be showcased in Etsy's fantabulous blog The Storque's Etsy Finds Spotlight article called "A Place For Everything" -- *squee*

Now, at 10 o'clock in the evening, my Etsy store has had 1,168 visits (and counting...) and more sales in one day than I've ever had! A HUGE THANK YOU to Etsy and author Emily Bidwell for including me in such an amazing article -- seriously, this is one of the best Etsy Finds articles I've ever read (and I swear it's not because my shop is in it.) I love every, single one of the items listed and hearted many new favorite shops and items. I suggest you check it out. I know you'll discover lots of new favorites!

Best. Day. Ever.

xo, eve

Scarlet Fever: Tailgating 101 - (614) Magazine - Columbus, OH

 {photo by Chris Casella for 614 Magazine}

Scarlet Fever: Tailgating 101 - (614) Magazine - Columbus, OH
{click the link to read the entire story}

The Reeve men and the Buckeye Squad are famous! Can't think of a better way to kick off Buckeye football season than this great write-up about our tailgate! Want to learn more? Check out the Buckeye Squad Facebook page. Go Bucks!

O-H!

Brothers (and Sisters) of the Leaf

Somehow, I doubt it. 

{source}

 It's nothing of a secret around here that my husband knows his stuff when it comes to cigars, but truly, that is only part of the beauty of the cigar "brotherhood of the leaf" (aka BOTL.) As a frequent by-stander, I have to say that the sense of camaraderie, generosity, and shared experiences is second to none. Whether trading cigars with an online friend, getting together for a herf (aka cigar smoking party...read more about the debate of the history of the word here), blogging a cigar review, or visiting cigar shops all over the world, the cigar brotherhood (and I use this term loosely, I'm not excluding you, sisters!) has the uncanny ability to bring alive a rich, historic trade, livelyhood, and hobby all at once.

For the last few months, I've been tracking how many folks find my blog...you wouldn't even begin to imagine the stats I have originating from cigar-related websites and keywords! I only feel badly that I rarely have anything to share with those seeking cigar-related content. This post is for you, dolls. This is for everyone at The Shack Herf on Johnson's Island, for your gracious hospitality; for my new friend Dan who gave me my first "real" cigar (aka not a CAO Moontrance) -- a Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne robusto (which was perfect for me); for ALL of our friends, which of there are so many it makes my heart flutter...

The irony of this satire isn't lost, just politely ignored.

{source}

Thank you for welcoming me in.. Thank you for visiting my blog! Thank you for teaching me way more than I ever wanted to know about cigars (I promise to not let my eyes glass over the next time you mention 'broadleaf wrappers'...) Last, but certainly not least, thanks to my Bubs for including me in this part of your life because I think it's incredible.

If you want to learn more about cigars, check out reviews, watch some great videos, or pick up a box, please check out these notable sites:

· Crooked Burn (Bubs' personal cigar review blog. Bunch of links here, too.)

· Cigar Explorer (Collabo of 4 very talented people. Peek the videos from IPCPR 2010!)

· New Havana Cigars (New Havana Dan knows cigars and carries the new, new.)

· Cigar Asylum (Great, active message board with folks from all over the place.)

· Eddie Ortega Cigar Blog (my pal Eddie from EO/601/Cubao/Murcielago cigar fame.)

Good Morning Ohio: Ohio State Fair

It's true. I love any and all fairs, festivals, and carnivals. I love deep-fried food on sticks, precarious rides, surly people, and petting zoos. The Ohio State Fair has all that and more and the $6 Kroger ticket price (plus parking costs) makes it worth every penny. This year, we saw a momma cow and her 2-hour old calf, got a 2 lb. bag of candy, ate both a deep-fried S'mores AND a deep-fried Twinkie (and when I said 'we', I meant 'I'), and snapped some cool shots with Hipstamatic. Because Hipstamatic is to the state fair what peanut butter is to jelly. I'm even considering entering some baking or craft handiwork next year. At only $10 to enter plus $1 per item, it's a fun + cheap way to participate.

So if you missed the fair this year, consider coming next year. Eat some deep-fried stuff. Drink a massive iced tea. Take some photos. Get some sun. Pet a cow. It's good times.

31 Years.

 

Today is my birthday. The big 3-1. That is just...weird. It sounds so old! ha! It's been a tremendously fantastic year for me; chock full o' life-changing events, happy times, growth, and laughter. One more year to relish in the idea that I don't look my age, though I haven't really the foggiest of ideas as to what a thirty-something should look like...I do have an inkling that I'll be clinging to that idea for years to come, despite the more-than-a-dozen glittery silver hairs and tiny crow's feet taking residence. (Admittedly, I think crow's feet make for "smiling eyes", so I don't mind them much at this point.)

To celebrate my birthday this year, a few of my nearest and dearest  met up with me at our favorite, local taco truck this past Friday (where I killed 2 al pastor tacos and 2 asada tacos. YUM!) Then Mr. & Mrs. M came over for cake, blueberry fro yo, and board games (P.S. Outburst is a new favorite!)

First, let me say that I made myself a lovely little birthday cake this year and was very excited. It was a white cake (with a bit of brown sugar because I ran out of white), cherry-vanilla filling, and pink vanilla frosting with clear sugar sprinkles, topped with a vintage wooden spool for a candle holder and handmade bunting on the front. It was pretty, let me tell you what! But...disgusting. Which I find endlessly hilarious. Everyone ate it, said it was good, and couldn't understand why I didn't like it, but whether they meant it remains to be seen. I didn't even finish my piece, I thought it so bad. That's what I get for using a new recipe. Better for me than on someone else's birthday!

So, there you have it. My birthday cake story. Today, I think we'll celebrate quietly with hot dogs and mac-n-cheese for dinner and, perhaps, a scoop of  Jeni's to make up for my cute-yet-inedible birthday cake.

list twenty-four: The Big Book List of 2010

 {very verdant etsy}

I'm an avid reader...and a quick one at that. Last year, I read about 30 books without too much effort. This year, I challenged myself to read 50. Then, when making my list of Must Reads, I bumped it up to 60. It's my goal before the end of the year to read every book on this list.

By the way...I live for book suggestions. Please do share and I'll put them on next year's list of 75 :)

1	No Impact Man	Colin Beavan
2	Dead in the Family	Charlaine Harris
3	The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox	Maggie O'Farrell
4	Glass Houses	Rachel Caine
5	The Dead Girls Dance	Rachel Caine
6	Midnight Alley	Rachel Caine
7	Feast of Fools	Rachel Caine
8	Lord of Misrule	Rachel Caine
9	Carpe Corpus	Rachel Caine
10	Fade Out	Rachel Caine
11	Kiss of Death	Rachel Caine
12	Ghost Town	Rachel Caine
13	Three Cups of Tea	Greg Mortenson
14	People of the Book	Geraldine Brooks
15	A Canticle for Leibowitz	Walter M. Miller
16	Cod	Mark Kurlansky
17	Alice I have Been	Melanie Benjamin
18	Half Broke Horses	Jeanette Walls
19	The People of Paper	Salvador Plascencia
20	The Lovely Bones	Alice Sebold
21	North River: A Novel	Pete Hamill
22	The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay	Michael Chabon
23	The Historian	Elizabeth Kostova
24	Home	Julie Andrews
25	American Eve	Paula Uruburu
26	What She Wants	Cathy Kelly
27	The Help	Kathryn Stockett
28	Sixteen Brides	Stephanie Grace Whitson
29	The Irresistable Henry House	Lisa Grunwald
30	Major Pettigrew's Last Stand	Helen Simonson
31	So Cold the River	Michael Koryta
32	The Hand that First Held Mine	Maggie O'Farrell
33	The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner	Stephanie Meyer
34	Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet	Jamie Ford
35	The Forgotten Garden	Kate Morton
36	The House at Riverton	Kate Morton
37	The Lost Hours	Karen White
38	A Reliable Wife	Robert Goolrick
39	Crow Lake	Mary Lawson
40	Roseflower Creek, 2E	Jackie Lee Miles
41	Sarah's Key	Tatiana de Rosnay
42	The Butterfly House	Marcia Preston
43	Those Who Save Us	Jenna Blum
44	Still Alice	Lisa Genova
45	In this Dark House	Louise Kehoe
46	House of Daughters	Sarah-Kate Lynch
47	The Guns of August	Barbara W. Tuchman
48	Olive Kitteridge	Elizabeth Strout
49	Peony in Love	Lisa See
50	Shit my Dad Says	Justin Halpern
51	The Art of Manliness	Brett McKay
52	The Kitchen God's Wife	Amy Tan
53	The Kite Runner	Khaled Hosseini
54	The Boy in the Striped Pajamas	John Boyne
55	Into the Wild	Jon Krakauer
56	Geisha of Gion	Mineko Iwasaki
57	Life of Pi	Yann Martel
58	A Great and Terrible Beauty (Book 1)	Libba Bray
59	Rebel Angels (Book 2)	Libba Bray
60	The Sweet Far Thing (Book 3)	Libba Bray

list twenty-two: agenda this week

 {linea carta}

Happy Monday, my darlings. How was your weekend? Ours was...interesting. We had planned a mini getaway weekend, but a poor forecast kept us home. That meant, however, that we hit the London Strawberry Festival (where, much akin to many small Ohio festivals, had a gross lack of said host fruit.) We made up for it with a butterscotch sundae and taco cart. Not in that order. In fact, not on the same day, but I love them both so much I had to mention it. Oh, and we went to Comfest. Which was just bonkers. So many people, it almost wasn't fun. I didn't get a chance to hit vendor lane OR get fun carnival sweets. WTF. Just had lots of great conversation, got rained on, a few skeeter bites, and a bizarre, somewhat unpleasant nightcap with friends of friends (don't ask.) I'm over it already beacuse Sunday was blissful and utterly lazy. I wouldn't have traded it for the world!

So, that leaves me with this week. I used to despise Mondays, but I'm learning to love them. The whole week blossoming before me? What's not to love?! Here's what my week looks like, aside from the obvious work and housework-related stuffs...hows about yours?

- Mock up 4 new patterns (3 sewn and 1 crochet - can't wait for my linen order to arrive.)
- Drop off a custom "flippers" (aka summer slippers) order
- Sort through my summer clothes and pare down (I have waaaay too much stuff. Time to get ruthless!)
- Recaulk the bathtub (truth be told, it's been on my agenda for weeks now. I really, really don't wanna.)
- Yoga on Tuesday (went for the first time last week and loved every challenging second!)
- Take photos of everything I've been too lazy to photograph recently
- If I find any time to sew for myself, I'm going to tackle a yoga mat bag pattern by Amy Butler
- And the biggie...

- On Tuesday, Mom + I are off to a triple feature Twilight Experience Extravaganza! Oh yes...all three movies, right in a row with Eclipse as the finale at midnight. We're getting serious and packing sandwiches, folks. I can't wait!!! Is anyone else going?

On the subject of flip flips...

Can I get a moment here? See those two flip flops? See how they don't match whatsoever, as one is brown leather and the other navy blue foam with white polka dots? Yep.  That's what I wore to the post office yesterday. I wish I were kidding. I wish it were on purpose. I'm fairly certain I'm losing my mind. For what it's worth, I laughed so hard I cried about it with Mom, who may or may not have done something very similar once.

Good times. That's all I can say.

list twenty-one: GreenSpot commitments

I posted on the Hello Magpie facebook page last week some exciting news... Our home (and thus, Hello Magpie) have been approved as a Columbus GreenSpot! As a local "green" initiative established by our Mayor Coleman, GreenSpot allows Columbus homes and businesses to commit to changes which will create a more ecologically responsible environment. Once approved, GreenSpot encourages each of us to share our lists -- to reconfirm our intentions and educate others on our actions to be eco-aware.

This is my GreenSpot pledge. Many of these, we already do; others will be gradually introduced.

Here's how I will conserve energy

• I will replace my regular incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency compact fluorescent ones.
  
• I will drive 10 fewer miles per week.
  
• I will purchase foods, goods, and services that are grown or produced close to home.
  
• I will turn my thermostat up in the summer, and down in the winter, or I will install a programmable thermostat.
  
• Other ways we will conserve energy. Please tell us what you will be doing in the space at the end of the form.
• We will line dry our laundry the majority of the time, rather than using a clothes dryer.

Here's how I will conserve & protect water

• I will water my yard only once a week, keeping in mind that 1 inch of rain/water is enough to keep most lawns healthy.
  
• I will install a rain barrel in my yard to collect rainwater, and use it to water my plants.
  
• I will install a low-flush toilet, or put a bottle of water or a displacement bag in my tank so I use less water with each flush.
  
• I will plant a tree on my property.
  
• Other ways we will conserve & protect water. Please tell us what you will be doing in the space at the end of the form.
• We no longer use our dishwasher. Instead, we use eco-friendly cleaning products and hand-wash our dishes, controlling the amount of water used.
• We no longer take excessively long showers.
• We no longer let the water run when brushing our teeth.

Here's how I will reduce, recycle and reuse

• I will carry reusable bags when I shop.
  
• I will choose products that use less packaging and less harmful material.
  
• I will request to be taken off junk mailing lists, stop catalog orders, and pay my bills online.
  
• I will avoid one-use items such as paper plates.
  
• I will buy small amounts of items that have a short shelf life and bulk amounts of items that do not go bad quickly.
  
• I will donate unused or unwanted items instead of throwing them away-and explore thrift stores instead of always buying something new.
  
• I will recycle paper, steel, glass, and plastic by using my local curbside subscription program.
  
• I will separate my yard waste (like grass clippings and leaves) from other trash, and leave it by the curb on my assigned day or I will compost it.
  
• We avoid buying petro-based plastics as often as possible.
• We are mending older clothes, making new clothes from vintage/thrift store fabrics, supporting handmade artisans, and committing to giving handmade gifts.
• My home business philosophy is that of eco-awareness and conscious consumerism, providing eco-friendly goods, functional, long-lasting products, and vintage items -- all of which support reducing waste by extending product lifecycle, reducing waste, and encouraging reusable items. All of my shipping materials are 100% recycled, repurposed, or reused.

Want to be a GreenSpot, too? If you're in Central Ohio, visit the Green Spot website to apply. If you're elsewhere, check out the application for great ideas on how to go beyond recycling!

list twenty: Crochet, Sewing, and Stuffing, oh my!

 {vintage dress form via See Change Design}

I feel like my life is cracking along at a nice pace lately, though I feel something big tugging at the corners of my mind just ever so slightly. (Do you ever get that feeling?) I do have quite a few projects coming along nicely, which always brings me to smiles.

Here's a list of fun projects I've been working on lately...note the gross lack of home improvement projects. What can I say? Creating little owly friends is way more fun than scraping mouldering caulk.

1. Working on owl #2 #3 for the Great Owl Crochet-along. They are cute! I want to make a bajillion! (Pics coming soon!) *Finished #2 owly last night!

2. Finished a darling chambray wrap skirt, recycled from a Ralph Lauren king-sized pillow case bought for $1 at the thrift store. (pics coming soon!)

3. Finished the perfect sleeveless summer top from a vintage pattern I bought at an estate sale last year -- bright white with Battenburg lace details at the straps (entirely constructed from a white cotton bedskirt bought for $1 at the thrift store...I was on a roll!) (pics coming soon!)

4. Finished two hand-crocheted cotton market totes - 1 for the giveaway and 1 for my store. Loving the pattern! (Keep your peepers open for the Wakefield Market tote...it's coming soon!)

5. Nearly finished with an all jute crocheted tote from an original pattern. Just need to sew a lining and find some leather straps. I like it, but I'd like it better if it were bigger! Next time...

6. I really should get around to hanging my inspiration bulletin board.

7. Grand plans for a sewing machine cover from the great fat quarter bundle from Spool that Bubs bought me for Christmas.

8. I have yet another fantastic heap of fabric -- this is a pretty vintage floral in lime greens and yellows -- of which to fashion this darling wrap dress from Butterick.

9. Working on some new soft goods + sewn items for Hello Magpie Etsy.

10. Before summer's over, I'd like to make I have made these flip-flop slippers :) *Done! Made my first pair last night. Love 'em but going to modify the pattern a bit I think. Best part? I didn't need to buy a thing...I had every material required!

How are your projects coming along?

*sorry for the gross lack of photos. I'm just being lazy. I'll take a bunch and share very soon! I promise! And I also promise my fingers weren't crossed when I promised just then...it will happen...eventually...)

Oh! And don't forget to check back tomorrow...Good Morning Ohio Giveaway winner will be announced!

I spy a butterfly...

This little butterfly was God's gentle reminder that every choice I make, as simple as line drying my laundry, has an impact. That's the real butterfly effect, folks.

Self-Discovery and My Path to Living Creatively...Today at Scoutie Girl

{follow the wind by Naoko Kumano}

You'll find me elsewhere today...guest posting on Scoutie Girl my personal take on what it means to live creatively. I do hope you'll pop over and give it a read. I'd love (as would the entire SG community) to know  what you think & share what it means to you to love creatively. Does it mean thinking out of the box? Consuming less? Connecting with community? Challenging the status quo? I'm all ears.

Until then, keep it real + keep it creative.
xo,
Eve

list nineteen: the home improvement list

{country home}

Happy Memorial Day! This is a special day and, first and foremost, I want to thank and remember our servicemen and women, to those who gave their lives for our country + those who serve us all proudly today. Thank you for preserving the nation that I love, in all its imperfections. Thank you for protecting us and preserving our freedoms, allowing me to live the life I choose, actively and fully.  
God bless all of you -- here and gone. Thank you.

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 So it's the unofficial start of summer and we all  know what that means...home improvement! Yippee!

There's been lots of talk around our house about getting back on the home improvement wagon. We accomplished so much last summer; I'd like to keep that momentum going. Here's the ongoing list...most of which we'll tackle slowly, but surely, and certainly, within the next few years.

1. Finish painting exterior front door (last year, we did 2 coats of black, but it wasn't enough!)
2. Powerwash the house, front porch, and back deck
3. Replace the windows
4. Improve roof/attic insulation
5. Build a garage
6. Until that happens, find or build a suitable shed for mower, bikes, and gardening tools
7. Upgrade kitchen countertops
8. Stain or seal deck after powerwash
9. Paint stairwell walls
10. Sew kitchen banquette cushion covers
11. Build a new dining room table
12. Finish kitchen nook table
13. Replace kitchen pendant
14. Full bathroom remodel
15. Paint front porch
16. Repaint exterior trim
17. Look into partial-house solar panel systems
18. Consider addition of whole-house gray water system
19. Update wood blinds to new blinds or plantation shutters
20. Cut down dead tree in back yard & plant a new one

Though this is a daunting list, rather than let it get me down, I'm keeping positive and forward-moving. Baby steps. That's all it takes! I especially am eager to power wash something. I think it looks like fun! And building anything sounds impressive and incredibly overwhelming, but the visions of grandchildren rolling out cookie dough on a table that my husbie and I made, with our  own two hands the first year of our marriage? That brings out the little Bob Villa in me.

What fun, thoughtful, and wonderful plans to do you have going on today?

My Garden Grows...with Impatiens

Who doesn't love a little pun now and again? On Sunday, I went bonkers and planted my garden. I had so many plants in my cart at the local garden center that one man told his wife, "Whatever she gets, we should get." I guess I looked the part because, in all honesty, I don't have a clue what I'm doing. When I said that to Bubs? His response: "If you get in in the ground, you're doing it right." What a novel idea :)

Here's everything I planted:

· red + orange impatiens in the front box planters
· hot pink, pale 2-color pink, and pale violet impatiens in the back box planters
· pineapple mint, parsley, cilantro, sweet basil, + lavender in a big old metal planter
· green beans, leeks, Mr. Stripey heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Scotch Bonnet peppers, red chili peppers, green bell peppers, spinach, lettuce, and a partridge in a pear tree. Ok. That last bit was a joke :)

Oh, and we found two toads (frogs? I don't know the difference.) in our yard -- 1 near the deck stairs + 1 hopping near the fence. When it jumped, I jumped. Bubs wouldn't let me try to touch it, the fraidy cat.

 I wonder why they've taken up our yard as their home? Let's hope they eat mosquitoes :)

What fun things have you planted in your garden this year?