On My Wall

Print by Samantha Hahn.

My Three (AKA: The Post With Bad Bedhead)

Thank you all for visiting my blog this year. Your lovely comments bring me such joy. From our home to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Be Still My Heart

I've been working on breaking Mabel of the binky. She's plenty old enough, but dang it. She'll only be 2 once. She'll never be this little ever again. Do I really need to rush her to grow up?

I vote no.

And as it turns out, she's a good self-soother, too. I've never had a finger sucker and she doesn't do it often. That's good because it might be the cutest thing I have ever seen (made worse by the darling pom pom hat).

Those New Stockings

Back in the day, we really did it up for the holidays. We had 2 trees usually - one formal tree in the living room and a kids tree in the family room. I used 10 pine swags in our doorways and made holiday centerpieces for the formal dining room table. The kids had fancy quilted stockings from Pottery Barn Kids and there were FAAAAARRRR too many gifts.


When we moved out here and then moved again, I somehow lost 3 of those stockings. Mysteriously, I also lost my desire to be precocious and snooty at the holidays, too... hmmmm, food for thought there.


So we needed new stockings this year. Four of them. I decided to take a tip from Dottie Angel (whom I adore and you will learn more about next year when I take her Challenge of the Utmost Kind) and MAKE THEM. I used the one PBK stocking I had left as a template.


I did not pin anything. I barely even traced lines.


I used entirely repurposed materials for this project. Specifically, I used two old tablecloths, an old linen dish cloth and half a dozen doilies. I was even lucky enough to find a huge pile of white felt that I bought last year (to give structure to my stockings) and some old interfacing that had never been used - cut for an abandoned project a year ago (so what; I used it anyway) to reinforce my stockings and make the white sheeting more opaque.

I was fortunate that the tablecloth I found (for $4, by the way) was trimmed in darling Santas and yule bells, and Christmas trees. I cut 8 of them out - 2 for each stocking - so that all 4 could be displayed on either side.

Over the course of two nights, I sandwiched my layers together, adding bits and details along the way. It's silly the amount of excitement I gain from repurposing fun things. Truly these stockings came together in no time at all. Believe me when I tell you: not ONE single pin!

And, voila.

The kids are already arguing over who gets which one. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to embroider names on the cuffs or not. Doesn't matter. They are all delicious!

Hoar Frost

From Wikipedia, Hammer51012, Ashrunner and bullboy1983 on Flickr

Last night as I was being walked home by a certain viking gentleman, we noticed a heavy fog around us. And oh, was it chilly. I bet it was just below zero with very little wind. Our feet crunched the snow beneath us. Every road in our little town is still white-washed. It really is lovely.

While walking arm-in-arm, I lost my footing at the corner of 4th and Swoony (darned chucks are a bit slippy, quite honestly). My viking kept me vertical and we both noticed something beautiful swaying above us.

The branches of every tree lining every road (gosh, what HAD I been looking at instead while walking?) were glistening with furry, white ice. The moonlight cut the fog and the branches absolutely glowed.

Talk about romantic.

One more thing to love about Da Plains. Hoar frost. I'd never seen it before, and now, I'll never forget it.

Le Sigh

I love you, Aldo... oh yes, I do... I love you, Aldo... and your shoes.


My birthday presents to myself this year include:

Le sigh.

33

Okay, I guess my sneak peak from yesterday wasn't very sneaky, because all of you who guessed were right. I'm making new Christmas stockings. And I'm ready to show them to you except I need to celebrate something today first.

Yes, it's true that I was born 33 years ago this very day. But that's not it (I'm celebrating that later).

Yes, there is someone new in my life. But that's not it (also, celebrating this later).





Oh no. I am addressing a certain matter that pertains to Lulu's reproduction facility.

As it turns out, Muterus has taken heed and obeyed my orders. Taco, not turtle. In case you're not Lulu and can't understand bestie code, MINDY IS HAVING A BABY GIRL! And since I am living vicariously, I am profoundly excited!

Ahhhh, yes. Auntie Rach will be ready to make a collection of all things PINK.

What a wonderful birthday present. Thanks, Muterus...er, Lulu!

Sneak Peak

Any guesses?

In My Head

All of these image sources can be found on my Tumblr.

This is going to be an amazing winter season in Da Plains, full of plaid and flannel and snow boots and hearts drawn in the snow. Lots of quilting and man-scarves made, perhaps sitting in front of a fireplace. A horseride in the snow is entirely optional. SWOON.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

.... and it has very little to do with the 6" of snow on the ground.


It has to do with this darling photo from Creative Kismet, which inspired me to decorate with yummy vintage Santas this year. Except I didn't have any yummy vintage Santas.









Cue cheesy vintage-searching-thriftstore-finding-green-living theme music!

TA-DA!!!

Much better.

Das Bigmouth

I heard Mabel yelling at Andy the other night.



"Annie. ANNIE! Annie, help me! Mama said AndWOO do it. AndWOO, come on! AndWOO, you do it!"



He was supposed to be helping her pick up her toys. Of course, he'd seen something shiny and distracting and has lost his focus entirely. She was merely trying to get his attention.

I wonder where she learned that a big mouth will convey the message a bit louder. Well, at least I know she's had good training.

The Toy Box (AKA: I Am A Vintage ROCKSTAR / Stick It To The Man)

Remember this?

I've been looking for a large crate in all of my favorite shops for months now. In fact, I was so sure I'd find one eventually that I almost bought the casters ahead of time when I found them at Home Depot.

Oh Dee Doh

Good thing I didn't buy those casters.




This handmade, solid-wood box already has them. And she came home with me last Friday for a whopping $8. I may or may not repaint it. Can't decide. But we filled her up within 5 minutes of her arrival.

A new wooden toy box like this? Easily over $200. Boy, do I love sticking it to the Man.

Stumbled On The Big Q

So the other night was a frazzle.

Mabel was full of coughing and sputtering, snot all squishing down her face. Andy was talking a mile a minute about wigwams and whats-for-dinner and the 29 books he'd recently read. Trevor was tentatively trying to tell me a story that may or may not have included the words "butth0le" and "farts" (it's just a good guess, really). We had just walked in the door at the end of the day and I was... tired. I worked all day and was not hungry for cooking. I was hungry for pizza.

So pizza was ordered.

Then the kids found the pom-pom pile again. It was C H A O S until I just... stopped. Who cares if they throw pom-poms around the house? The giggles and glee coming from the living room was contagious and I joined in, nailing Trevor in the face with 3 red poms and 4 cream poms consecutively. Andy grabbed the brown ones and ground them into Mabel's armpits. Then I got one in the mouth from Moo. There was fuzz flying everywhere, glistening in the warm glow of the Christmas tree.

I learned two things:

1. A skein of yarn can produce MUCH more than a sweater or a scarf or a hat.
2. Mabel has an incredibly good arm for her age. This shouldn't surprise me since the kid can think and speak at a 12 yr old level most of the time. I'm also pretty certain she's right handed.

The pizza arrived and we ate. Then, we tucked into the couch with a variety of handmade and vintage quilts and afghans surrounding us. Mabel climbing, Andy hopping, and Trevor tucked so tight into my armpit that I could barely breathe. He was reading a particularly scary Goosebumps book. I'd read a page and then he would read a page. Then Mabel would practice spelling her name (see number 2 above) on the chalkboard in my lap. Andy was busy drawing and I just... stopped.

There it was. The elusive Big Q. Quality time, found by accident.

Andy and I practiced drawing block letters over and over again. I'd write a name and he'd decorate the letters - including a very fine flame design (on his own name, of course).

Mabel grabbed her green Barbie-storage suitcase and we dressed up Barbies. Pom-poms and Mabel's giggle filled the air as Andy nailed her over and over again. Trevor and Mabel cuddled on the floor. There were tons of kisses and Mabel did her favorite thing while sitting on my lap; she examined my eyebrows.

Sure, there were a few times I raised my voice. I thought a few times about folding laundry or ironing the basket full of items that needed it. But instead I just... stopped.

I was surrounded by awesomeness. I love it when I don't plan the Q and it just happens.

I Wanna!

Little Green Notebook

Oh I wish I could say I thought of this myself, but I did not. Gutters repurposed as bookshelves. SERIOUSLY?! How wonderfully GREEN!

I can tell you that wooden bookshelves like this cost at least $20 apiece (for the size above). You can get gutters at Home Depot for nearly $5 for 10 FEET!

I wanna, I wanna, I wanna!

This is going on my list of things to do. Wonder how much weight they can hold. In other words, I wonder if Trevor's to-be shelf can hold a Harry Potter book 5, 2 Magic Tree Houses, and a few notebooks all at once. I bet not. Might have to be careful there.

Still. I wanna!

Brain Burp

Social Designer

I need to get this idea in my brain out somewhere so that I can keep track of it. Make myself do it.

I am on the hunt for a type tray - about an inch deep - with most or all of the dividers MISSING (or easily removeable, I guess). It needs to be approximately 18" tall or wide. I need it for a home project involving colored pencils.

As an alternative, my money tree could actually sprout a leaf so I could afford the super crazy pricetag on those acrylic colored pencil holders up there. Either way.

There. I feel better.

Christmas Is Coming

Creative Kismet

Oh hey, the countdown is on, say!

With Thanksgiving out of the way, I say BRING ON THE SNOW! I have some great ideas for Christmas already. I'd like for this to be a green holiday again for us. Lots of vintage, handmade, and reusable items. Here are some things on my mind for this year:

Last week, I found 40-ish vintage Christmas cards for $4 at Savers.

I picked up a boardgame for $2 and the entire Sesame Street library (circa 1980?) and Captain Underpants set for less than $6 total.

I bought a black, beaded halter top (you know the type) for a Christmas party for $6. I had budgeted WAY more than that for my outfit, let me tell you!

I want to fill some vintage jars with mini marshmallows for the boys as a gift. Just because. Just because can you imagine what their little faces will look like if they open a jar of marshmallows that is theirs alone? Just because? FUN!

I want a photo wall for Christmas (which really starts with me buying some Polaroid 600 film for my vintage Polaroid cameras).

Cookie

I found this idea on Apartment Therapy and have already picked up 4 pairs of gloves and enough velcro dots and wiffle balls to fill two big buckets! The boys are going to FLIP OUT when they see this!

If I find the time, I know two little boys who are getting a colorful door in their room by Christmas! I can't be the only one who decorates for Christmas, am I?

Dottie Angel

I'm making a pom-pom garland for... somewhere in the house. Andy saw the pile and gasped OUT LOUD as he ran over and squooshed them up to his face. He asked for a basket of poms for Christmas. Isn't that the most precious thing you've ever heard? Why certainly, Son. You may have a basket of pom-poms from Mommy. Bet you a dollar he names them.

Posie Gets Cozy

Someone is getting a handmade bunting with thrifted linens and fabrics for their room!

I've also picked up a few craft kits for the kids, and a baby doll with blinking eyes for Mabel. Though, that shouldn't count for Christmas because she's already found her and started carrying her around by the head.

We're going to paint some more of the dough ornaments that we made last year and get them on the tree.

I'm looking for a vintage typewriter for Trevor.

This one from here

And, Folks, the goodies I find aren't in bad condition. If you knew me, you would know that I hand-picked every handout in elementary school and would only select the most crisp and new-looking piece of paper. I eyed the exact mint-condition textbook I wanted from across the room. Even today when I shop, I pick the best I can find. So, the boxes aren't cracked and broken. There are no stains or rips. And with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and a little elbow grease, these items look brand new.

I'm also going to wrap presents with the pretty pages from my Antropologie catalog or the comics. Believe me when I tell you the kids don't care what they are ripping open.

Dottie Angel

I love this season!

*All links properly credited on my Tumblr here.

A Smörgåsbord

What a tremendous week! I am so incredibly thankful for my life. Every piece and part.

The kids traveled with their dad to Ohio for the Thanksgiving holiday. They had fun while they were gone and are happy to be home. While I did miss them desperately, I was licking my chops at the free time on my plate. It was a smörgåsbord of free time. Five days to myself.

I stayed up late every night and watched The Golden Girls until the cows came home. I ate what I wanted and caught up on laundry.

I hung out with friends and I slept in every morning.

I removed my kitchen cabinets, painted, and reattached them in an afternoon.

I cut, pieced, sewed, basted, AND top-quilted a throw quilt on Saturday. All that's left is the binding. Now that's some productivity.

I painted a bible verse on my wall and made a dozen pom-poms.

I put up the Christmas tree (though I saved the decorating for the kids when they got home yesterday) and did some Christmas shopping.

I had notions of doing more but a sinus headache wiped me out for most of Thursday. Still, I think I did pretty well.

I did take pictures... stay tuned!

Jane Quilt ON SALE

I have lowered the price on my Jane quilt just in time for holiday gift giving!

This is the first quilt I made from beginning to end with my two hands.

Ric rac detail on both front and back.

Handstitched binding and beautiful fabrics - some vintage, some new (Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, Anna Maria Horner).

And that pink polka dot makes me swoon every time I see it. It's big, too - 54" x 46"!

Oh. My.

Please visit my Etsy shop to buy this up for your little one.

The details:

Various quality quilters cottons used, including Heather Bailey and Amy Butler. Warm & Natural cotton batting, with ric rac detail on front and back. This quilt was machine pieced and top quilted, with handstitched binding. It was then washed in homemade earth-friendly detergent to give it a soft, vintage look and feel. This quilt can be machine washed in cold water and dried on low or medium heat in the dryer. Made in a smoke free environment.The finished size is 54" x 46".

Find it HERE.

My Second Honest Scrap

OMG. This is so, like, totally cool, like. My friend Diva has awarded me the Honest Scrap Award! This is my second Honest Scrap and I'm beginning to wonder if I've overshared again... flashbacks to 7th grade abound right now, lol.

How about 10 NEW honest things about myself?

1. I took pictures of my children before they left with their dad this afternoon, just in case I never see them again.
2. I met Aerosmith, Kansas, Color Me Badd, Kenny Chesney, and The Grateful Dead when I worked for a hotel chain. The coolest? Hands down, Aerosmith.
3. I love to paint. I'm pretty good at it, too.
4. I am craving sushi in the worst way right now.
5. Someone threw gum in my hair in the 10th grade. I didn't notice until I got home that night, after I stopped and made out with a boy!!!
6. I can honestly say I still hate Kiki's smelly farts. I also hated when she stink-bombed the babysitter last week and he nearly died for thinking it had been ME!
7. I've always wanted to be an artist. Acrylic on canvas primarily. I'm going to give it a go soon.
8. I have owned the Twilight book series for several months but haven't yet cracked the first book.
9. Theologically, I stink. I can't quote but about 10 bible verses. I know many of the stories, but I feel like I should be able to better quote from memory. I need to work on that. And read Daniel and Revelations.
10. If I didn't think I'd gain 1,000 lbs, I would eat avacados for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All the time.
    

The last time I received this award, I passed it on to several ladies. This time, instead, i'm going to encourage you all to spend some time writing and sharing about your life.

Thanks to Diva for the award, and thanks to all who read this blog!

The Pillowcase

I recently found a vintage pillowcase while out and about and washed it up before using it.

Moo found it in the laundry basket, waiting to be folded.

Then I found her in the dining room pretending to be a pilgrim. Or a bride. Or a cowgirl. Or something.

"Mama, I foun dis pillowcase. Mama. Mama? MAMA!" "Mama, see me?" She ran to find me, the pillowcase flapping behind her.

"Mama, I wearing da pillowcase. Is funny! Is SO funny!" Flap, flap, flap. Jump, jump, jump.

"Annie? Trebber! Watch me wif da pillowcase!" Hop, flap, hop. "I'n silly!"

Hmmm... pausing here for effect, I think. That or waiting for Davy Crockett to come pick her up in his wagon. (Please don't judge me for the booger in her nose.)

"Mama. Mama? MOMMY! Look at me ageeen! I jumping wif da pillowcase! Is funny, Mama."

I can't decide if she looks like Laura Ingalls or Annie Oakley.

Yes, my girl has lots of imagination. We won't mention how she was scarred for life by Nana and Andy.

That has nothing whatsoever to do with her interest in putting everything on her head.

At least I hope not.

Oh my cuteness. Stick a fork in me. I'm done.