Random Friday

:: Sometimes I like to pretend that I am the kind of person who has personalized stationary for which to write to-do lists on. This leads to me drawing headers on the top of all of my post-it notes. Do you do that too? No? Just me?

:: N8tr0n and I have big plans for the weekend that I have been looking forward to for a few weeks. I can't wait to tell you about it in a Weekending post. What are your plans for the weekend?

:: I just painted my fingernails gold.

:: N8tr0n fixed our water heater (thank you, N8tr0n!) and slightly flooded the basement in the process. Fortunately no damage was done and truthfully I'm kind of glad it happened. I've been meaning to organize that side of the basement for a year and now I have no choice. Wish me luck.

:: We are supposed to get snow this weekend.

:: I can't think of another time in my life when I have been happier.

A few things

:: First of all, a whopping big THANK YOU is long overdue for your kind comments about our bedroom. I'm so pleased that you like it. It is nice when I put so much thought into something to have it turn out exactly the way I want it to. I've gone back and answered a couple of questions in the comments so be sure to check them out if you have a pending query.

:: It rained all day yesterday and looks like it is going to do the same today. Also, we turned on our heat last night. I was probably more excited about this than is reasonable. I would however like to cold weather to put off coming for just a bit longer (or forever but you know, can't have it all) so we can finish stripping our deck and planting bulbs. Fingers crossed.

:: My dear sweet little Z-cakes. She wants to be Cinderella for Halloween. We looked at a few costumes at the store but they were....well...let's just say they were sub-par. I have taken on the task of sewing her a costume even though this is hands down the most technical thing I've ever tried to sew. Skills needed that are not currently in my repertoire include but are not limited to: sewing with satin, gathering, lining, and you know, sewing anything other than a straight line. But I love my daughter, so I'm going to try. And I have the rest of the month to work on it. And it doesn't have to be perfect. And most importantly...I can do this. Right?

Right?

I do have more to say, shocking I know.

Here's the thing.

I'm finding that if I want to write anything of substance on le blahg, I have to do it at night after Z-cakes goes to bed. You didn't really think that I was up in the wee hours of the morn writing posts to be published before 6:00 AM did you? Nooooooooo, no no. Umm, no. I write my posts late and schedule them for the mornings.

Except sometimes I don't.

Because I'm also a big fan of procrastination. And sometimes I go ahead and let myself think, "I'll write that post in the morning." And apparently I'm an excellent liar because, I believe myself. Honestly, you think I would have lost my trust by now.

I want to give you details about the Epic Cake. And I want to tell you about my motivation behind Crafternoon. But instead I'm going to ask you to get a load of my adorable family (see picture above) and those piggie pajamies that absolutely kill me with their soft pink heavenliness. Then I'm going to hit publish and go hang out with Z-cakes and bake this bread. Because I've been itching to bake and was trying to think of something sweet to make when I realized that all I really want is homemade bread. In the desperate kind of "all I've ever wanted is homemade bread!" kind of way.

I'll see you all tomorrow. Especially you knitters and friends of knitters, I have a giveaway for you!

XOXO

I forgot to title my last post

Hi friends.

Have I mentioned lately how much I love blogging?

Today my one and only goal is to clean the house. Because when you live the kind of disarray we have been living in it seems easy to forget that the toilet still needs cleaned and that our one rug needs vacuumed.

I love our house so much, but the messiness is slowly wearing on me. I'm working very hard to only think about the small areas that I have de-cluttered and organized rather than the million billion areas in which I have not. Oh! Like yesterday I figured out the perfect arrangement for that one shelf in that one cupboard. Oh but that felt good.

It's silly how many craft supplies I have. I mean, I'm a little embarrassed with myself. I have been doing some massive editing and am thinking about selling a few things on my stash right here on le blahg. I would love to hear if you are interested. Giant bag of grosgrain ribbon, anyone?

But I'm hoping that all of this editing will help me feel more inspired in my crafting. Only keeping the things that I truly love. Like, take my breath away love. Because I have that kind of love for some craft supplies (I'm horribly lame, I know). For example, certain ridiculously soft yarns and fabrics by my favorite lady.

I'm in between books right now and I'm flat out dying to read this one. Am I the only girl who will probably never tire of reading about all-things-wedding? No? Whew. That's a relief. Anyway, I can already highly recommend this book and I haven't even held it in my hands yet. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Wiggs is awesome.

I've been feeling lately like my blog is missing something. I don't know what. Like there is some level I should be taking things to and I'm just not getting there. This is about as far as my thoughts on the subject go. Deep stuff, I tell ya. If you happen to know what that one thingie is that I'm missing, you'll be sure to let me know now won't you?

I've been feeling restless lately. Does it show? Something about the disorganized home, lack of crafting, blog missing thingie is making me feel twitchy. Plus January. It has like, a million days.

In conclusion: this made my day. I hope it does the same for you.

Random Wednesday

01. My blow-dryer is MIA.
02. My hair does not do well when left to its own devices to dry.
03. It was on its last leg anyway.
04. The blow-dryer, that is.
05. Not my hair.
06. I finally ordered some boots.
07. These.
08. And these.
09. They are supposed to arrive today.
10. I'm excited.
11. And nervous.
12. That they won't fit over what I have learned are my "athletic calves."
13. My handmade holiday is coming along nicely.
14. I need to buy more yarn though.
15. And apparently a new blow-dryer.
16. How is your handmade holiday coming along?
17. I'm hoping to offer you a little help with that.
18. Starting Monday!
19. More details coming Friday.
20. I have a lot of work to do between now and then.
21. Which is why you're getting a random post today.
22. We FINALLY caught a mouse last night.
23. Which is good.
24. Because they idea of the mouse at large was starting to wear on my nerves.
25. I was getting all twitchy and paranoid.
26. I'm sure there are more.
27. Nearly positive.
28. I've been profiling the mice I've spotted.
29. The one we've caught was light gray.
30. And I know I've seen a dark gray one.
31. Shiver.
32. Now I have to go to the store to buy a blow-dryer.
33. With hair that hasn't been blow-dried.
34. Shiver.
35. And hope that the UPS lady doesn't try to deliver my boots while I'm gone.
36. Fingers crossed.
37. Happy Wednesday!

Random 28(th)

01. Do you miss seeing finished craft projects on my blog?

02. Me too.

03. Z-cakes is watching Sid the Science Kid.

04. I'm not a fan.

05. I had an excellent thrift shopping experience a couple of days ago.

06. I should probably write a post about it.

07. But I should take a picture first.

08. It is cloudy today.

09. I should take pictures while the clouds are out.

10. Which is similar to "making hay while the sun shines."

11. Sid's friend Gerald is creepy.

12. I'm a little shocked at how much work the roses in our front yard are turning out to be.

13. I mean, I'm sure I could just leave them alone.

14. But they bug me when the blooms are all dead.

15. FYI: pruning is awesome.

16. Instant gratification.

17. Plus I get to use those cool clippers.

18. I keep thinking I need to potty train Z-cakes.

19. She's two and a half.

20. I try to tell myself that I'm just a big believer in child-led potty training.

21. But I'm pretty sure I mostly just don't feel like it.

22. Oops, clouds are gone.

23. Guess I won't be taking pictures until this evening.

24. But I suppose I could make some hay now.

25. I have three craft projects that are like, this close to being done.

26. Picture my fingers really close together.

27. Do you miss blog posts that were actually worth reading?

28. Me too.

Random 28 (on the 27th)

01. Z-cakes fell on her face the other night.
02. Now her lip is all swollen and blue-ish.
03. I still think she's pretty cute.
04. We're going on another vacation soon.
05. N8t0n's family this time.
06. Should I make Z-cakes stop jumping off of things?
07. Because that is how she got hurt.
08. But she loves jumping.
09. I don't think I have the heart to make her stop.
10. I don't want to do anything since we're leaving soon.
11. I'll clean the house when we get home.
12. No I won't.
13. I just realized that I probably don't have the power to make Z-cakes quit jumping.
14. I got halfway through writing this post when I saw this.
15. I thought about writing something else.
16. But changed my mind.
17. Obviously.
18. I bet Tiffany doesn't mind.
19. Do you Tiffany?
20. And while I'm linking, you should probably check out this girl too.
21. She was friends with N8tr0n in high school.
22. Wiggs is indeed awesome.
23. I ate the most amazing chocolate cake for dinner last night.
24. Yes for dinner.
25. Okay, I had a small sandwich too.
26. And Nate had french fries.
27. French fries + Chocolate cake = my dream dinner.
28. I'll tell you all about it later.

Wednesday afternoon brain dump

:: I meant to write this post last night but I was too busy watching Glee and 9 By Design. N8tr0n is sweet enough to watch both shows with me and even tolerated my teeny-bopper-ness over all of the Madonna songs on Glee. Do any of you watch 9 By Design? I'm not usually a reality TV watcher but I totally dig the Novogratz family. Maybe it is because their life is such a stark contrast to my own. N8tr0n and I probably won't get around to having seven kids and we definitely won't get around to building and selling multiple million-dollar homes. I mean...maybe one of two, but probably no more than that.

:: I've also been meaning to THANK all of you who participated in my reader survey. It was so fun reading your responses and getting to know you. I hope I keep posting the things you like to read. Also, thanks for the recipes that a few of you included! I'm impressed with what y'all eat for dinner. And whoever was having cabbage + barley roll ups--I'm going to be needing that recipe. Thank you.

:: It has come to my attention that very few of you know I am a speech pathologist. AKA Speech therapist. So when I'm "seeing clients," or "being professional" that is what I'm doing. Consider yourself informed.

:: N8tr0n and I have been a little bummed ever since we came home from our vacation. I think it is because oh my gosh you guys we've been underemployed for freakin' ever. So I made a chocolate pie yesterday. I think things are looking up.

:: I have started yet another early-to-bed, early-to-rise campaign. N8tr0n and I seriously have the sleep schedules of college freshman. I often wonder if I'll ever be able to happily go to bed at a reasonable hour.

:: At the end of next month I'm going to the Casual Blogger Conference. I can't believe I'm actually going. Will I see you there?

:: Tomorrow is Earth Day! Be sure to swing by. I'll be posting a couple of fun green crafts and, you know, other tree-hugger-ish tips and musings.

Mmmm....that feels better. Thanks for listening/reading.

Random 28(th)

01. I thought it was March 1 like, four times today.
02. I'm dying for spring to get here.
03. DY-ING.
04. N8tr0n made some delicious smoky beef tacos for dinner today.
05. I never finished the laundry on Friday.
06. And I probably won't finish it tomorrow.
07. I keep thinking that I've gotten sick of winter earlier this year.
08. But I bet I feel this way every March 1st.
09. February 28th.
10. That's five times.
11. We went thrift shopping on Friday.
12. Z-cakes found a tambourine.
13. She was holding my hand and walking next to me, and she said "*gasp* I found it!"
14. So I had to get it for her.
15. You know how it is when you find the perfect thing thrift shopping.
16. I have got to take a vacation of Arizona or something.
17. Somewhere with like, the opposite of snow.
18. I've suddenly become obsessed with wallpaper.
19. I found some that Sherwin Williams sells that is easily removed.
20. You know, for renters like us.
21. It is really annoying to be obsessed with wallpaper.
22. Since I made the resolution to play more boardgames, I have played a game every single time N8tr0n has asked.
23. How's that for resolve?
24. I bet it wouldn't cost that much to put wallpaper on that tiny wall in our bathroom.
25. I mean, not that it's the most hideous wallpaper ever.
26. Burgundy et al. had its day.
27. Is it snowing where you are?
28. Can I come visit/live?

Random 28(th)

01. There was snow on the ground this morning.
02. Not like the winter wonderland kind.
03. More like a dusting.
04. Now that I'm actively trying to work on "finding style" I'm scared to buy clothes.
05. I'm supposed to be mopping my kitchen floor right now.
06. Says me.
07. It's like the snow just came to say, "yeah...it's winter. I'm still here."
08. Quit pining after spring.
09. When Z-cakes went through a whining/crying phase I would give her a minute to do her thing and then I would say, "okay, all done crying now!"
10. Now whenever she cries she ends with, "alldone...crying now."
11. Every year I've lived here the weather lady has said, "remember March is our snowiest month!"
12. Rolls eyes.
13. I fell on a big patch of ice yesterday in one of my clients driveways.
14. There was ice because as you may recall winter is still here.
15. I have a band-aid on my hand.
16. And my elbow hurts real bad.
17. I made a Valentine yesterday.
18. To get myself in the February spirit.
19. Note to self: planning for daughter's February birthday will impede your Valentine decorating/planning.
20. I graduated from high school 10 years ago.
21. And I was a class officer.
22. Which means I have to get to help plan the reunion.
23. Go Bobcats.
24. Don't ever buy a futon.
25. They're not going to be comfortable to sit on or to sleep on.
26. No really. Don't buy a futon.
27. Also...No I'm not turning into a vegetarian.
28. Don't worry dad.

Okay, This is Kind of Freaking Me Out

WHY are so many of Martha Stewart's baby costumes edible things? Check it out.





Seriously.

Creepy right? I mean, I loved the baby lobster in the pot costume as much as the next guy but do you see that turkey? What's with the pie? The delicious presentation...all of them on plates and garnished with lemons and shallots? Maybe it is the realistic-ness that freaks me out. I care a great deal for babies dressed in pea pods...but then never look like I could take a bite out of them.

Anyway...MY baby won't be looking like a fancy dinner. Just an adorable *not telling*

photos via: Martha Stewart