something is beautiful

Warp Speed

2011-12-15T14:29:00.001-06:00

Holy moly. Time is really flying by. I suppose it is true what they say; the older you get, the faster time flies.

There are so many projects that I have lined up in my queue that I'm almost overwhelmed at the thought of starting them. My goal for 2012 is to post more often. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

My newest hobby is crochet. I've only got the basic, single stitch down but let me tell you, I'm making some pretty amazing dishcloths. Crochet dishcloths have always been on my "learn-how-to-make-someday" list because I grew up with them. They're durable, washable, and last forever.

More stuff coming soon!

Last but certainly NOT least...

WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS: ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
It was a glorious win....

World Series Bound!

2011-10-17T11:25:00.001-05:00

The St. Louis Cardinals are headed to the World Series! I have to admit that by the end of August, you couldn't have paid me to even think about the Cards playing in the World Series, let alone the playoffs. This is insane. What a comeback.

Cardinal Love

2011-10-13T19:52:00.001-05:00

It's MLB postseason and my St Louis Cardinals are involved. This city is pumped.

Gift For My Mom

2011-09-17T12:41:00.002-05:00

Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher. All that changed in high school, though, when my passion became journalism. Who would've thought I'd actually grow up to be working as a Project Manager for an HVAC company? Obviously, education (or journalism, really) wasn't the right path for me. And as I look back on my childhood dream now, I think I wanted to be a teacher mostly so I could decorate my own classroom. I've always been enamored by colorful bulletin boards and nameplates, reading corners and apple shaped notepads. I don't really know why.

Now, I can live vicariously through my Mom, who is in her first year of teaching. She's a special education teacher for middle school, grades 5-8. If there was anyone ever born to teach, it is my Mom. I've never seen a person with as much passion for molding minds as her. Because she's in her first year with her very own classroom, she's looking for things to help spruce it up. I saw this project on Pinterest not to long ago and thought it would be a perfect addition to her new room.

Crayon Monogram

Supplies Needed
2-3 boxes of crayons (this depends on the size of your letter. The "K" took a box and a half).
Cardstock Paper
Hot Glue
Small Cutting Board
Old Dish Towel
Sharp Serrated Knife
Straight Pins
Shadow Box (I got mine from Hobby Lobby)

I found a template online for a block style letter K. I added the name to the bottom and printed it out on a piece of cardstock paper. There are other ways of doing this. You could also cut out your letter and then trace it onto the backing of the shadow box.

Put the boxes of crayons in the freezer for about 10 minutes. I know that sounds really strange, but trust me, it helps ease the cutting process. Meanwhile, gather a small cutting board, an old dish towel and a sharp, serrated knife. Then dump the crayons onto your workspace.

I simply eyeballed the letter to figure out what size crayon I'd need for each line. I wanted it to be a little different in terms of which way the tips were facing.

Now you're ready to cut your crayons. It definitely helps to have a glass of hot water nearby for the knife. Dip the knife into the hot water, quickly dry with the dish towel and then cut the crayon to your desired length. I used a back and forth motion with the knife for the first couple strokes, but then the crayon just snapped in half. Repeat this step throughout the crayon trimming process.

Then you can arrange them however you wish on the letter template and simply hot glue them into place. Be sure to just glue the paper around the crayon and not the crayon itself. Otherwise it'll instantly turn into a melted crayon mess. I cut and glued as I went so that I could make sure all the crayons fit like I wanted.

Once all the crayons have been glued down, you're ready to assemble the shadow box. I used straight pins to pin the edges of the cardstock to the styrofoam backing of the shadow box. This will help keep the cardstock in place in the frame and will help hold it up seeing as how the paper becomes somewhat heavy with crayons glued to it. Once you put the backing into the shadow box, the pins aren't visible.

Mom, I hope you enjoy!!!!!!!

Yep, It's That Easy

2011-09-07T20:11:00.000-05:00

I have three reallllly simple DIY crafts that I'd like to share. There's really no rhyme or reason for these particular items, but boy are they cute.

Button Magnets

It's no secret that I adore buttons. I also happen to love magnets, so I thought I'd put the two together. What a wonderful combo!

Here's what you need:
buttons - different colors, shapes, and varieties
magnets - the ones I used came from Hobby Lobby. they're not super strong, but they'll do the job

glue

Simply glue the buttons to the magnets and let dry.

Ta da! Now you're ready to add these little babies to your fridge!

Post tickets, pictures, anything!

Cutesy Clothespins

What You Need:

Clothespins - you can get a 24 pack from the Dollar Store

Scrapbook Paper

Mod Podge

Cut strips of scrapbook paper. Strips need to be thick enough so that they fit on top of the clothespins. Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge over the top of the clothespins and adhere scrapbook strips to the top. Allow clothespins to dry. Afterwards, paint another two coats of Mod Podge over the top and let dry. That's it! Now you have cute clothespin clippies!

Button Clothespins

Lastly, why not combine buttons and clothespins? These are super cute, too. I use these whenever Matt & I attend a party and are required to bring a dish. I'll clip a note to our dish with these clothespins to let the guests know what the dish is (because yes, sometimes it is hard to tell). I always like to add a bit of flare to an otherwise boring object.

Here's what you need:
Clothespins
Buttons
Glue

Stack and glue the buttons in the order you want them to appear. Then glue them to the clothespins.

Zucchini Pizza & DIY Coasters

2011-08-20T22:16:00.003-05:00

The other night, I was craving pizza. I love pizza, but the thought of thick doughy goodness made me cringe. I ended up finding this awesome recipe; a healthy twist on a delicious meal. I actually had all ingredients on hand, minus the pepperoni, and decided to take a stab at making my own.

I made mine using the broiler, but next time I will definitely use the grill instead. Though they tasted amazing, they weren't as firm as I hoped for.

We have been in desperate need of new coasters for awhile now. I think we've had the ones we've been using for at least five years and frankly, I'm over them. I've been keeping an eye out but haven't been able to find any I truly like. After obsessing over the DIY section on Pinterest in recent days, I became inspired to make my own.

Here's what you will need.

4 plain 4x4 ceramic tiles (these are super cheap at either Home Depot or Lowe's)

Scrapbook paper

Mod Podge

Felt

Clear Gloss Spray Paint

Scissors

Paint Brush

Hot Glue or another adhesive (I used both hot glue and e-6000 industrial strength glue)

The colors in our living room are hunter green, maroon/deep red and navy. I had this great, reddish scrapbook paper on hand that matches with our color theme perfectly.

First, cut out four 4x4 squares of the scrapbook paper of your choice.

Next, you will want to use the paint brush and paint a smooth coat of Mod Podge over the top of the tile. Apply the 4x4 square of scrapbook paper and press firmly. Run your fingers over the top of the tile and smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles that may form underneath the paper. Brush a couple more layers of Mod Podge on the top of the paper you just applied. Be generous with the amount of podged layers. Let them dry overnight.

Once the tiles have dried, spray multiple coats of clear glossy spray paint over the top of the tiles. Then, let the tiles dry.

Once the tiles are completely dry, measure and cut four 4x4 pieces of felt to glue to the back of each tile. You can use virtually any felt. The felt I used is some that my mom found at a garage sale. It's navy blue and pretty heavy duty. You could also use a piece of cork. Anything to keep the tile from scraping your table. On the first tile, I used the e-6000 industrial strength glue but found it to be a bit difficult to use. For the remaining three, I ended up using hot glue. Any type of adhesive will work, as long as every part of the felt is glued down to the back of the tile. If you find your edges creeping up a bit, go ahead and add a bit more glue. You can always use some sandpaper and scrape off the excess glue once it dries.

That's it! Now you're ready to use your new coasters! Use them for beverages.

Use them under a centerpiece!

Easy, affordable and definitely stylish!

New Stuff

2011-08-02T21:18:00.000-05:00

New posts coming soon!!!!!!!!

Seeking Inspiration

2011-07-05T16:15:00.000-05:00

I make it a point everyday to at least scan my blogroll for new posts and updates. I see the amazing things other people are creating and it gets my creative juices flowing. Once I leave the page, though, I fall out of desire to create myself. I need to find a way to bottle up that energy so that I can unleash it during times when I feel lazy, which is quite often, honestly.

My newest obsession is Pinterest. It allows you to "pin" pictures from around the web to virtual bulletin boards so that all of the items you love are in one place and you don't have to remember which site had what product, etc. It's a fantastic idea, really. It's amazing how much fun and cool stuff is actually out there.

My goal is to start posting (and start posting often) some of my own creations. I am rather unhappy with the layout and look of this blog. Perhaps that's why I haven't had any interest in updating? Maybe I need to hire someone to design it for me. Thoughts?

30 days of Creativity

2011-05-31T16:45:00.001-05:00

I will be participating in this year's 30 Days of Creativity, a social initiative encouraging people to stop slacking and start creating!

Here are a few juicy tidbits from the 30 Days of Creativity mothership:

30 Reasons to participate in #30daysofcreativity
Garner a sense of accomplishment.
Form a (good) habit.
Conquer the fear of the unknown.
Find new friends.
Solve problems.
Refine your skillz.
Experiment with something new.
Defeat the resistance that’s in your head.
Save $ by being creative.
Build your portfolio.
Motivate friends and family to be creative too.
Exercise the creativity we’re all born with.
Overcome writer’s block.
Utilize the drafting table, DLSR Camera, Guitar you bought years ago.
Break the monotony of not doing anything creative.
Make your mom proud.
Network with other like-minded people.
Challenge yourself daily.
Show off and be proud of your creative work.
Join a creative community.
Do something free of judgement.
Move beyond your comfort zone
Inspire others.
Get excited about new things.
Improve time management.
Eliminate procrastination.
Have fun.
Gain self discipline.
Use this as an excuse to buy a new (camera/screenprinter/piano/etc).
Create stuff you’ve been wanting to do anyway.

30 Days of Creativity is a social initiative encouraging people to create stuff (anything) every day for 30 days in June.
Your brain is like a muscle. When you exercise it, it gets stronger.

Are you participating?

Coming Soon: Photos of my 30 Days of Creativity Projects. Stay tuned.

Fruitful Foliage

2011-05-11T21:27:00.000-05:00

Spring is ending and summer is upon us. I'm not ready for the heat, much less the humidity. I do, however, enjoy the gorgeous colors of the flowers and trees that surround the city. Everything is so green and vibrant. I'm not surprised, though, considering how much rain we've had the past couple months. These photos were taken of my very own plants on my front porch.

After my friend told me that she made her own dessert pedestal, I envisioned making one myself. I have all of the supplies, but want to showcase that project in its own post once it's finished. I picked up the plate and a candlestick holder for $1.10 at the St. Vincent Thrift Shop down the street. Add some epoxy and you've got yourself a semi-vintage and unique serving piece.

There are so many DIY projects that are promoted in the blog world daily that I sometimes get overwhelmed by all of the crafty creations. So many ideas, so little time. I hope to post a couple of creations of my own in the next few posts so be sure to tune in.

Until then, cheers.

Inspire

2011-04-28T22:41:00.001-05:00

I think I'm going to blow this up to poster size and hang it in my room so it's the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning.

Article Worth Sharing

2011-04-27T01:00:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I stumble upon an excellent article that I think is worth sharing. This is one of them.

How I Discovered Bliss From Bumper Stickers

Sometimes wisdom comes in the most unexpected places. Like the back of a car. —Stephanie Dolgoff

I was headed home from a weekend yoga retreat, and my brain must have been unusually uncluttered because I found myself noticing things I'd never noticed before—the way the road seemed to rise to meet the wheels of the bus I was on, how the turn signal clicked in time to the music on the radio. And the bumper stickers on the cars we passed on the highway.…Was it only me, or were some, like, incredibly profound?
Did I mention I'd just done quite a bit of yoga?
Seriously, apart from the occasional eye roller ("I had a handle on life, but it broke") and snarky worldview ("Just when you think life's a bitch, it has puppies"), I spotted quite a few that seemed to convey a universal truth or, at least, made good sense. It got me wondering: Was it possible to espouse a wise life philosophy on a sticker slapped on the back of a Prius?
To find out, I contacted experts in various fields to see if I should yield to these pithy sayings or let them recede in the rearview mirror. What I discovered: Happiness may be all around you. You simply have to slow down and notice it.

Not all who wander are lost.

I doubt that this quote, adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, is much comfort to parents whose grown children work in Starbucks while taking pottery classes, then move to China to teach English and ultimately return home to become Zumba instructors. Fortunately, I'm not one of those parents (yet). To me, this homily means that even when someone seems to lack a long-term plan, that doesn't mean she's flailing. She may simply be an in-the-moment planner. "People who rely on intuition to decide their path may come off as aimless, but they might simply prefer a nonlinear approach to life," says Richard Bolles, author of the best-selling career-seeker's bible What Color Is Your Parachute?
Of course, some folks who wander, do, in fact, need a Saint Bernard to track them down, give them a shot of brandy and shepherd them inside before they die of exposure. How to tell if you're in need of some guidance? You might want to consult a friend (preferably a nonjudgmental one) who appreciates your way of thinking but who can also remind you that, although your new ambition to be a trapeze artist might make you happy, it could delay your long-held plan of getting pregnant. "It also helps to jot down answers to questions like 'When did I enjoy myself today?' and 'What did I learn?'" Bolles says. What's crucial is tuning in to your feelings, then paying attention to them as you find your way to your passion.

Those who discourage your dreams have likely abandoned their own.

Back in college, I had a cynical friend who, when I'd told him how jazzed I was by the positive feedback I'd gotten from my first-ever published article, said, "Great writers write what must be written. They're not looking for praise." He then suggested that my personality was better suited to a more quotidian profession with a steady paycheck than to a potentially unstable writing career. At first, I felt like a squashed insect. Then I thought, What a jerk.
"Many people do say things to hold others back, whether consciously or unconsciously," says Nina Brown, Ed.D., a counselor and author of Uptight and In Your Face. "It's possible that they have a dream that has not been realized, then project their failure onto others." But that's not always the case. Certain dream discouragers might be pessimists—or hard-nosed realists. "Studies suggest that compared with optimists, pessimistic types can be more in touch with reality, though often painfully so," she points out. In other words, just because Debbie Downer is trying to deflate your balloon doesn't mean what she's saying is wrong.
"It's vital to look at that person's history," Brown told me. If someone has a habit of being envious or underestimating everyone, take what she says with a grain of salt. "But don't automatically dismiss a naysayer," Brown advises. "Listen to what she has to say, absorb it, then make up your own mind."

Don't believe everything you think.

This idea is the basis for a branch of psychology known as cognitive-behavioral therapy. CBT works by helping you challenge false thoughts and beliefs (e.g., I'm worthless) that can sap confidence and prevent you from going after what you want. "It can be helpful to take another look at certain assumptions that might be making you feel bad unnecessarily—such as 'I must have everyone's approval,'" explains Aldo Pucci, Psy.D., president of the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists in Pittsburgh. That reminded me of how I beat myself up one weekend after I lay down for a nap rather than spend time with my young daughters. My last thought before dropping off should have been, "This feels wonderful." Instead, it was, "I'm a bad mom."
"You're operating on the belief that a good mom must spend every available moment with her children," Pucci told me. It sounded so silly, but on some level, I did believe that. He suggested I replace my self-criticism with more rational self-talk and practice repeating it to myself. I came up with "I love my kids and spend time with them when I can. Needing a nap has nothing to do with the quality of my mothering." The next time I was tempted to criticize myself for doing something for me alone, I repeated my mantra and felt so energized I didn't even need to lie down.

Honk if you love Jesus.

I choose to translate this bumper sticker more broadly as "Honk if you love God, in whatever form you believe in Him or Her." I figure, why exclude Jews or Muslims or Hindus or any other believer from honking their horn if they are so moved? The fact is, whatever a person's spiritual views, participating in any kind of religion seems to confer multiple happiness benefits. "People who have religious beliefs and partake in spiritual activities regularly report greater feelings of happiness and feel a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in life, possibly because they're better equipped to deal with stress," says Harold G. Koenig, M.D., director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke University.
Of course, organized religion is not for everyone. And research suggests that spiritual practices such as meditating or volunteering for a good cause offer a similar positive benefit. But although those spiritually oriented activities are associated with greater happiness, "there really does seem to be something key about feeling connected to a creator who is in control of everything, extending to the next life," Dr. Koenig says.
That's a toughie for people who have lapsed, who don't believe in God or who are Bill Maher. And then there are folks like me who feel that there may well be something divine in how the universe operates but who are basically nonreligious. To my credit, I do strive to be honest and forgiving, doing unto others and all that, which in itself gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. "The question is, Is there more to life than that?" Dr. Koenig asks. "You've got to keep an open mind." I'm all for open minds, but faith isn't something I can flick on and off like a light switch. And I've never been much of a joiner, even for a higher cause. So for now, I'll have to let my own moral code be my guide and take pleasure in that.

A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.

You've probably seen this bumper sticker on a 40-year-old VW bus. Feminist Gloria Steinem popularized the slogan, but it was coined by Australian writer and politician Irina Dunn in 1970. Steinem herself ditched the motto in 2000, when she found a "bicycle" worth taking for a spin and walked down the aisle. Later, she clarified her view: "To be against unequal marriage is not the same thing as being against marriage," she said.
True enough, but is it ever OK to need a man, if not for financial support then for emotional sustenance, or perhaps to move the odd refrigerator when you need to sweep underneath? "Technically, nobody needs anybody—no adult is going to die without another human being," says Terry Real, author of The New Rules of Marriage. "But on a broader level, everybody needs everybody. Having the attitude that you don't need anyone isn't independent; it's antidependent. It isn't healthy, nor is it conducive to being in a loving relationship." I'd heartily agree with that sentiment, but after a gnarly breakup or two in my 20s, I can remember drunkenly declaring my independence from men and feeling pretty good about it, at least for a while. Maybe that's because back then, I had a bad habit of dating guys with whom I felt needy, probably because they never gave me much. It took me a number of years to realize that I wasn't abnormally needy; I simply picked boyfriends who bridled at my having any expectations of them whatsoever. "There's a big difference between saying 'I'd love a hug' and 'I will fall apart without a hug,'" Real points out. "A healthy dependency is when you can let yourself lean on someone to do for you what you can't do for yourself. That's not weak. That's human."

If at first you don't succeed, redefine success.

You're probably familiar with this saying's first cousin: "Winners never quit. Quitters never win." I like the idea of redefining success much better. If you see your sole options as winning, losing or quitting, that leaves you with only one happy outcome of the three. But if you give yourself the choice of reconfiguring your goals as you go along, the odds of coming out feeling good about yourself and your efforts rise exponentially.
Let's say your aim is to lose 10 pounds in a month and instead you lose 5 (or even 2). You can say, "I didn't lose 10 pounds and so I failed. Pass the M&Ms." You might also say, "I lost 5 pounds, but I'm still on track and I feel happy with what I've achieved." (Success redefined.) Healthier yet: "I lost weight—good for me! But I haven't reached my final goal, so it looks as if I might have to give myself some more time to lose those 5 pounds." (Success still pending; original goal slightly altered.)
Rather than focusing on how you've fallen short, "you're taking into account the wisdom you've gleaned from your attempts at achieving the goal," says Kate Ebner, founder of The Nebo Company, a coaching consultancy in Washington, D.C. "That's empowering and will spur you on."

I'm not perfect, but parts of me are fantastic.

A woman I know who modeled nude for an art class gave me some good advice: "When posing, drape something over one breast, because a breast on its own often looks better than a pair." It's only when you see breasts together and notice that they don't match—one is perkier or has a more symmetrical nipple—that you start to think other women's breasts match better and that maybe you need implants and…you see where I'm going with this.
The idea that it's possible to always be better looking, that we can get that much closer to perfection, is pervasive in our society, says Alice Domar, Ph.D, author of Be Happy Without Being Perfect. "Sometimes, it seems to me as if the only women who aren't wrapped up in the whole self-improvement thing are those who've had a serious illness," she says. "After coping with something like cancer, you tend to think, Well, I'm alive and I'm happy. But you shouldn't have to get sick to learn to appreciate what you have."
Hear, hear! Instead of focusing on an "imperfect" part, Domar suggests, ask yourself, What beauty do I see today? Maybe it's a great haircut or glowing skin. Don't stop looking until you find something kind to say about yourself. "If you keep at it," Domar says, "the exercise can really change your perspective."

The truth shall set you free, but first it will piss you off.

We all know that some truths are easier to digest than others. ("You're an incredibly generous person!" versus "I don't know who told you you'd look good with bangs.") "The problem is, truth is often a euphemism for flaw," says Karen Reivich, Ph.D., coauthor of The Resilience Factor.
That's been my experience. When someone feels that I must know the "truth" about myself, it's usually something that I'd prefer not to hear. ("As a matter of fact, you do look fat in that.") So of course that kind of truth-telling is going to piss me off! I'm well acquainted with my many shortcomings, thank you very much. And I'm not ashamed to admit that I don't mind being lied to in certain instances. ("You look exactly the same as the day I met you 15 years ago" comes to mind.)
Yet even I have to concede that, occasionally, getting another viewpoint, even a critical one, can feel like a relief, especially if it confirms something I've already suspected about myself. It all depends on the timing and delivery. "Hurt feelings arise when we point out things in anger rather than to help someone reach her potential," Reivich says. "Making a person feel judged, ashamed or embarrassed doesn't lead to openness." The lesson is that the truth combined with compassion (rather than hurled like a Molotov cocktail) can help all of us address issues in a healthier way.

I don't want buns of steel. I want buns of cinnamon.

I can really, really relate to this. Faced with a choice of doing squats and lunges or losing myself in a Cinnabon as big as my head, I know which option I'd prefer. I also know which would help my butt look better. Yet, sometimes, despite being all too aware that a cinnamon bun is no friend to my derriere, my thighs or any other part of my body, I might decide against what's healthy in exchange for a hit of pleasure.
There's no reason for me to beat myself up for that, according to Reivich. It's easy to get so caught up in the angel-devil paradigm that you forget to ask, Why do I have to choose one or the other? "That's all-or-nothing thinking, which is linked to depression," she says. When you give yourself rigid choices at opposite ends of the spectrum—yes or no, feast or famine—you probably won't be happy with whichever one you choose. You're also apt to swing back to the other extreme.
Here's another option: Go for buns of, well, not Jell-O perhaps, but not of steel either. Maybe buns of the kind of firm, smooth foam that fills the inside of a couch. And treat yourself to the occasional cinnamon bun. One at a time. And maybe not an 800-calorie whopper like the behemoths they sell at the mall. It's about becoming comfortable with the concept of enough, and about moderation and contentment. That doesn't make for a deep or witty bumper sticker, but it's definitely a healthier, happier way to live. Courtesy of Self

I'd Rather be Crafting

2011-04-19T23:36:00.001-05:00

It has been extremely difficult to put myself in "work" mode this week. All I can think about are the endless craft projects that I want to take a stab at creating. It's definitely hard to focus on work related duties when thoughts of fabric, color, and other mediums float in and out of my head all day.

Janet, our lovely Central Territory Green Team Leader, is familiar with some of the crafting projects I've been working on (I may have a few on display at my desk) and asked me to give a short presentation on some of my stuff at our quarterly green team conference call yesterday. What an honor! I must admit that it felt a little strange discussing my crafting projects with my colleagues across the country (after all, we all work in HVAC) but some of my stuff involves up-cycling and since Earth Day is around the corner, the content of my preso seemed appropriate.

One of my close friends posted pictures on her FB the other night of her own, handmade dessert pedestal! I couldn't believe it, especially since I had written about the nifty dessert pedestals over at Burlap & Blue the other day. There's nothing better than taking a number of individual objects & supplies and turning them into something magnificent. It seems like I always challenge myself to do this. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but that's the joy of arts & crafts.

One thing I do want to get better at is baking. I keep up with the one and only Bakerella (originator of the delicious Cake Pop) and must say that it's quite challenging to get my baked goods to look as fantastic as hers. I definitely need more practice. All of her stuff is so cute. Her posts amaze me. Check her site out, if you haven't already.

Here is a trend I'm loving right now.

I picked up two fabric flower headbands this past weekend. These are soooo cute for spring and can go with just about any wardrobe choice. And the best thing? They're not only for little girls.

Fantastic Saturday

2011-04-17T00:23:00.000-05:00

Woke up to a rather chilly and overcast morning. Matt made chocolate chip pancakes (my fave!) for breakfast and we ate while we watched a recorded episode of Modern Family (have I mentioned how much I love DVR)?! It was so nice to be able to relax and not be on-the-go as we so often are. We decided to spend a great chunk of our day browsing area thrift stores in search of nothing in particular. Sounded like a fantastic Saturday to me!

Browsing through antique shops and thrift stores is one of my favorite things to do. I could spend hours sifting through depression glass kitchenware and rows and rows of unique (and old!) coffee mugs. There are always gems to be found. After visiting a couple area stores, I am sad to say that I didn't really find anything brilliant. It's almost heart-breaking to think that I might've overlooked something worthy of my undivided attention. I suppose hunts don't always produce results.

By the time we exited our last shop of the day, the sun came out from behind the clouds and turned the overcast & gray morning into a gorgeous & bright afternoon. After mass, we headed to the Southwest Garden neighborhood (near the Botanical Gardens) and walked a couple blocks while sipping iced tea.
It's days like today that I wish happened more frequently. Sometimes simplicity makes all the difference.

Burlap & Blue

2011-04-15T21:16:00.000-05:00

I first came across Burlap and Blue while perusing Etsy. Granted, perusing Etsy is something that I do quite regularly but on this particular visit, I became utterly blown away by the craftiness of this chick. Her Etsy shop is packed with unique items that each scream my name and beg for me to add it to my shopping cart.

Perhaps my favorite items are the dessert pedestals.

How awesome is this? Setting vintage plates atop candlestick holders? Genius.

These are super cute and classy. I haven't ordered one yet, but it's on my to-do list. I just can't figure out which one I like the best. I'm amazed by all of the different varieties of plates matched with a variety of candlestick holders and vases.

Another one of her fantastic creations are handmade, ceramic tile coasters. Each coaster is backed with cork and has a waterproof sealer to avoid water damage. I will only use ceramic tiles in my home. They are durable and last a long time. Check these out.

Numbers can look so fabulous!

Love the colors!

You can even get Save the Date coasters!

You'll also find handmade wreaths, wooden spool picture holders and vintage clocks in her shop. I can only wish I were as creative as the lady behind Burlap and Blue.

*disclaimer: This review contains pictures from Burlap & Blue's etsy shop. I was in no way compensated for my review. These words are my own.

Rainbow Cake in a Jar

2011-04-13T22:33:00.000-05:00

While surfing the internet today, this little gem popped up.

It's no secret that I love cake, but this may be the cutest delivery of cake I've seen. It's colorful and oh so creative. I'm definitely going to have to test this recipe out at some point.

Ingredients:
(1) box white cake mix (mix according to package instructions)
food coloring (pink, yellow, green, turquoise and purple
(3) pint canning jars
(1) container vanilla frosting
rainbow sprinkles

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Thoroughly wash and dry the inside of each canning jar. Spray the inside of each jar thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Scoop about 1/2 cup of cake batter into five small bowls. It doesn't have to be perfect, don't panic if you get a little more or less of one color or another. Tint each bowl of cake batter with the food coloring until very vibrant.

Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the purple batter into the bottom of each jar. Spoon equal amounts of turquoise batter, then green, yellow, and finally pink. Place the jars on a shallow baking dish; add about 1/4" water to the baking dish. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Remove jars and allow to cool completely before scooping a small portion from the top of your cake and adding a hefty dollop of vanilla frosting to the top of each jar. Sprinkle and serve, or cover with a lid and store in the refrigerator or pop in the mail and surprise someone you love.

yum.