Sunday, May 30, 2010

silver bells and cockle shells


So my garden is a plenty, but not to beautiful to look at. I have three garden beds and about 20 pots going this year. Here is my veggie rundown.Carrots
Corn
Tomatoes
Tomatillo
Jalapenos
Broccoli
Lettuce (2 varieties)
Leeks
Peas
Bean
Spearmint
Cilantro
Bok Choy
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Basil
Artichoke
and Fennel. I think that's it. I figures plant a LOT and I'm bound to get something out of it. I am determined to rearrange the many pots, tables and stools to make it look beautiful to look at back there.
Also yesterday I hit a estate sale on the way home from work an found this totally awesome water cooler. Oh be still my heart. Now...what to make of it?

Friday, May 28, 2010

pretty finds....


Cameron and I both have Thursdays off. I love being able to spend at least one day a week with my darling doing what ever we wish. Sometimes it's hiking. Sometimes it's eating chips and watching crime shows ALL DAY! Yesterday we ate yummy mexican food till it hurt, play some wii and took an evening walk with BOTH the girls which is totally unheard of! They sky was beautiful. Some days I really feel spoiled to live in such a lovely city. Other days I want to cry my eyes out if I see one more raindrop.
I've been playing with all my goodies for my "one day" shop and decided to post some pics of my lovely finds.Isn't that the most beautiful stuff. I'm really excited to find some time to post these bad boys in my shop. Stay tuned for that.
Also I have been working on some upcycled grocery totes. (side note: not really loving the word "upcycled". Am I alone with this feeling?) I'm still working on what the finished project will look like. I'm thinking some embroidery will be what I need to make the totes complete.Hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

BFF"S

As I clean my room this morning I am sorting through my thoughts at the same time. I am feeling grateful for being blessed with sooo many amazing friends through my life. Many of whom I have not kept in close contact with as I had hoped. These people are on my mind and in my heart always, but it's hard to find the time to tell them that. I feel so pressured to make good relationships here in Portland that my long distance friends are getting the short end of the stick. Is that backwards? I have decided that my new goal is to reconnect with my long distance friends. I'm not one to spend hours chatting on the phone, but I can spend quality time writing emails and sending fun packages.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

A day off.

It starts like this. I am so spoiled by Cameron!Then these creatures came on over, chaperoned by my parents. Please meet Molly and Brutus. Mother and son. We got Molly 18 years ago outside Safeway in Soldotna. I begged and begged my mom after she made the mistake of letting me stop and look in the "free puppy" box. One lick was all it took. I got my way and we added a puppy to the shopping list. Brutus is 17 now and blind after multiple puppy strokes. He is so precious with his little head always tilted to the side.
Then Mom and Dad were gracious enough to help Cameron and I dig up the yard a bit and throw down some grass seed.....FINALLY! I can't wait to have a lawn to lay in again.
Then as a reward we all went to The Couve for some thrifting and boy did I make out like a bandit. Good Will, I love you I love you I love you. I was so dazzled by my treasures I took pictures of my new wardrobe. 9 new garments and a self healing cutting mat for under $60! Please excuse the poor photo quality. It was one shot per outfit with the self timer in the craft room. Some pieces need to be altered, but these are the rip, roaring and ready to go ones.

Soon I will get to borrow my mom's fancy camera for a while and finally take some decent pictures of my lovey life to post for my dear friends. Hope you day went as well as mine. Goodnight!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Date Night and Day Dreams

My parents have FINALLY made it to Portland. We have been filling our days with family dinner, yard work, laughing and antiquing. It's been really awesome having them here. They bought me a belated birthday present. !A kick booty gas BBQ! Let the summer begin. I have got all I need. Family, food, friends and love. Speaking of love, my handsome man took me on a date Monday. We took the max downtown and ate delish pasta till we burst,day dreamed at a few sporting goods stores, and browsed Powells. I suppose I did more shopping then browsing. Walked out with Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Craft. SHWING! This book is amazing. I'm taking sewing classes on Wednesday nights and getting my sewing groove back. This book has totally inspired to attempt embroidery. I have chosen my first project. It's a secret! I will post pictures as soon as my masterpiece is complete. Hope everyone is making it through the week. The weekend is just around the corner. Time to BBQ! Come on over.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Game Plan


I've finally made up my mind and decided to open a vintage shop in Etsy. Honestly, what would be better that thifting for a living, (or part of a living). I really squelched my thifting habit as of late, but now I feel totally justified to kick it back into full swing. Here are a few gems I've found the last few weeks.


Now to decide what to keep and what to sell. This could be trouble. I will keep you all posted as to when my shop will be open. Hip Hip Hooray!

Here is a link to my (empty) shop.

Here is also a little wish list that's been sloshing around my brain today.
1) Grammar and punctuation lessons
2) Knowledge of how to take lovely photos.
3) Sewing classes (this wish is becoming a reality in April!)
4) A lush green lawn (as opposed to the dog pooped lawn I have now)
5) STORAGE!!! And pretty storage please.


Oh and here is my new "red" hair. It's so subtle. But I love it.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Let's get personal


I've been really into cooking at home for the last few months. Cameron joined the carnivores world in February and that blew my cooking world wide open. I also received a KitchenAid from my darling mom and dad for Christmas! (thank you thank you thank you!) There is something so calming about cooking dinner. Chopping veggies, boiling water, and adding dashes of this and that. And then the total reward, sitting down with my love to enjoy and a delicious meal. I've really been trying to cook relatively healthy things with fresh ingredients. I also started reading "In Defense of Food" and that has been totally eye opening. I don't even know where to start. Mostly I'm affected by his point to eat food. Not all "food" is food I'm starting to realize. That may have been my inspiration to grow my vegetable garden this year. If I grow it I know it's food. I can't wait to cook with my home grown goods....and not paying for it.
The main reason for my post today was a reality show. Now let me explain. I just finished watching the first episode of "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution". Sure it's got all the typical reality show qualities...such as drama, tears, and conflict. But it's also got some really awesome things to say. I hear all the time about how our country as a whole is really blowing is as far as eating healthy is concerned. I hear it all the time on the news, in the papers, at the cafe, and it makes me feel guilty. I'm not sure if you know this but I get a little self conscious when weight and obesity is being discussed. I remember in high school figuring out my BMI and realizing I was "obese". It was awful. It hurt. And it was far worse than any teasing I had ever endured. And worst of all it sticks with me. If we, as individuals, had to label ourselves, "obese" would be on the top of my self chosen list. So when I hear all this news and read articles about how America needs to shape up I take it very personal. Like they are talking to me. My eating habits, my cupboards, my waist line. But you know what people.....I realized something recently. THEY ARE NOT TALKING TO ME! I'm doing just fine. I eat wonderful foods! (most the time) My cupboards and fridge are full of healthy wholesome foods. And my waist line. Psh, you can just ask Cameron, there is nothing wrong with that. So goodbye guilt, hello wonderful life full of tasty foods.P.S.
I just bought new nail polish! I never get fun colors but my life it is a changing! Also dyeing my hair red tonight. Pictures to come!

Sunday, March 21, 2010


I've been inspired! This last week I worked my butt of around the house. Thursday Cameron and I got some serious work done on the yard. Our house was painted recently (love it!) but all the garden beds got a little trampled. No problem...just an opportunity to start a new.

PLUS...I am attempting to start a vegetable garden. I've been working on a 20ft x 5ft area in the back yard. I've got broccoli, salad lettuce, jalapenos, celery, and Romain sprouting in the window. Oh yummy yummy! There will be plenty to go around. So please come one come all!
Also tonight I did a little work on a onesi I've been dying to try out. I love little babies with frilly outfits. I used some vintage pillow cases to make the frills and bought some "organic" onesies. Ta da! I can't wait to play around with some more frill ideas.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Long Awaited...


(The ones, the onlys, the parents)
Something that I've wanted for so long is finally in reach. My parents house has finally sold in Alaska and they (and 3 dogs) have packed up and hit the road. There are so many mixed emotions coming from these events. I'm absolutely ecstatic for my parents to be less than 100 miles from me. We have had Canada between us now for about 9 years. However it is horribly sad losing my childhood dream home. Our house in Soldotna has held so many great memories. I was incredibly blessed to have parents that enjoyed having a house full of kids and pets and NOISE! We had the best snacks, the best movies, the bus, and our door was always open. Those days are sadly missed. I think that has been the hardest thing for me since moving to Portland. My parents home was always full of visitors. My homes in Carlsbad with Jake and Tara were always home base for my OPC family and living with the Jefferson Benditos was always a riot. Since getting to Portland my house is been empty except for my lovely traveling guests. You need friends to fill a house and I think having Mom and Dad here will be a wonderful start to a bustling home.

(Me enjoying some nature)
Second order of business, I am finally feeling crafty! I think being outside riding my bike and having the wind in my hair has helped so much. I've started a vegetable garden. I'm in the process of picking colors and decorating our bedroom, and have got a few wonderful ideas for crafts to sell. I feel so relieved to have some ideas. Oh and an extra hour of daylight after work has made me oh so giddy. I hope to be posting pictures soon of some of my new inventions.
(A little something that makes me happy)

Wednesday, February 24, 2010


Okay maybe the second post will be easier than the first. Last night after work I concord the craft room. Last week I went through all my beads and it was a mess. I just dumped everything out and went for it. Until I can find a "cuter" method I have ice trays full of beads all over my desk. Next to tackle the fabric pile. Strange that getting rid of still helps me start projects.
I'm still in a slight panic about finding time. As of now I work 34 hours a week as a nanny and 12 hours a week as a server. I've started "working on my fitness" which takes about 5 hours a week. Then cooking and cleaning, caring for wild beast (Cameron, dogs, cat) and sleeping I'm booked! Time to re introduce the late night coffee induced craft sessions! Oh how I wish I had my friends here to art around with. Drop cloth down, coffee cups up and let the crafting begin!(wild beasts)

(My handsome life supporter)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The beginning of my imaginary life

So it's official! I've decided to take the plunge and begin crafting as a part time job. Now for the fun part. How the heck do I do it! My dear friend Chels, has inspired me to start a blog and Cameron gave me a wonderful book for Valentines Day about selling handmade goods.

I'm totally pumped but still searching for the time to spread my wings and make an utter mess of my craft room. If anyone has any input on what craft I should pursue to sell I would LOVE to hear from you. I thought blogging my progress will keep me accountable.

So come with me friends and followers into this new chapter. I need all the support I can find...
I've posted some of my past crafts. Please be patient while I figure out this blog world. I honestly can't even figure out how to get this thing all in the same font. BAAA!!!