I'm giving them a try. This is very scary for me. It was only about a year ago when I was only wearing three colors.
White. Black. Grey.
Now, I have a splash of color on every single day. OMG! Who am I? This is nuts!
I'm 36. It's time to step out of my comfort zone. My weight sure did - who's to say I shouldn't follow it's lead. You know, because my weight has a mind of it's own...
Any-who I bought myself a pair of leopard print flats and a leopard print scarf. Ahhhh! I can't believe I did it. I wore the scarf on Monday. I thought, why not? And you know what? It was ok. I survived.
I think tomorrow I'm going to break out the flats...
Who is this crazy girl!?
These are the looks that inspired me to step out of my comfort zone.
Bill recently told me that he hopes he's not going to die soon. When I asked him why he would think that he then explained that I'm a little obsessed with our cats. There's more photos of them on my phone than anything else.
I talk to them like they're people.
I think they can understand. They just choose not to answer any of my questions.
I haven't shared any adorable photos of these two little critters lately so, now, I will.
Whidbey loves Willa.
But, sometimes Willa doesn't feel the love
And, other times she loves him so much she showers him with kisses.
There you have it. My favorite two little critters.
A couple of years ago I discovered that I really enjoy sci-fi TV.
Ok, let me clarify, I've never seen an episode of Star Trek and I started Dr. Who (but, can't get into it) but, give me any show with paranormal happenings and I'm a happy camper.
I adore Warehouse 13.
Can't get enough of Lost Girl.
Disappointed Alphas was cancelled.
I even got Bill to watch Continuum.
And I recently discovered Falling Skies and can't wait for the new season!
I also can't get enough of dystopian books. Anything that doesn't have to do with the world as we know it. The last book I started was part of the Wool series. Crazy weird. The government is planning for a disaster by building silos under ground. Like I said, crazy weird. I'd love to tell you more but, that would really ruin the story. If you have an open mind you should check it out.
Some of the other dystopian book series that I've enjoyed are -
Matched - The government makes all of your decisions including who you will marry. Crazy.
The Uglies - Basically everyone is considered ugly before they turn 16 and get a surgery to become perfect. I know, I know sounds horrible. And in a way it is. But, it's an interesting read.
Enclave - The world has been decimated. Everyone has moved underground into enclaves. Seriously like hunger games in a way but, this isn't a competition. It's survival.
Delirium - Love is a disease. It needs to be cured.
Divergent - Everyone is divided into a faction. You live with your family until 16 and then you choose a faction. I was so excited to hear they are making a movie of this series! I'll have to read it again. It's been almost 2 years since I read this one.
Although I have a new found love of sci-fi and the dystopian world. My favorite TV show of all time is still The Gilmore Girls and my favorite books of all time are the Harry Potter series and Ken Folletts' The Pillars of the Earth and The World Without End. None of them have anything to do with a dystopian world... so, Harry Potter is a little sci-fi but, who doesn't love a sweet wizard boy?
So, there you go. Now you know just a little bit more about me.
I got to work at 6 am and left a little after 6 pm.
I helped out in the classroom and realized that I'm not cut out for that anymore.
Seriously, the hardest part of my day was keeping up with the kids' energy level at the end of the day. I wanted to curl up in the book corner for a short nap but, they were still going strong.
So energetic and chatty.
I asked if they would give me a little energy but, they wouldn't. That's ok though because we had some great conversations.
For example, one little girl told me that her and her dad share a brain. He uses it in the morning and she uses it in the afternoon.
Another little girl told me that she weighed 45 pounds. I told that I did too. She thought it was so cool that we were the same! If only she knew that I weighed 45 + a couple more!
I also had a "why?" conversation with a two year old. If you have kids you know what I'm talking about. She asked, "what's that?" I said, "a bird feeder" She said, "why" I said, "because the birds eat from it", she said, "why?" I said because they need someplace to eat when they're hungry" she said, "why?" Yes, this went on for a while. I didn't mind. I think as a two year old she appreciated my willingness to explain. But, don't be me wrong - eventually I answered with "because that's just the way it is."
Now to the lazy part of my day.
I got home.
I was tired.
We were going to have leftover chili but, when I got to the cupboard there weren't any clean bowls. So I had a banana.
Yes, I'm adult and I ate a banana for supper because I didn't want to wash a bowl.
I'm back with a little post about dressing for Fall.
Fall is my favorite season. Except for that time in the Spring when the snow is gone and it seems as though it's always sunny.
So, anyway, I love Fall.
I also find Fall a difficult season to dress for. In North Dakota you can have one day when it's 40 degrees and the next day it's 80 degrees.
I'm ready to dress in dark colors and warm comfy clothes but, I'm still stuck wearing the cool clothes of summer. In preparation for the cool weather I took a little trip to Old Navy on Saturday.
Here are a couple of things that I purchased and consider basics in my Fall wardrobe.
Hallelujah is FRIDAY! I thought it was never going to get here this week. It's been "one of those" weeks. Ugh. You know, when one thing after another just doesn't go as it's supposed to go. But, that's ok because last night was fantastic!!
Here's my little story about last night and how it saved my sanity.
Bill and I had tickets to see the Court Yard Hounds. I love this sassy song. You have to give it a listen.
So, anyway, Bill and I had tickets to see the Court Yard Hounds last night. Well, after the week I was having I wasn't in the mood for going out but, I knew it would be fun once I got there. I got ready in about 3 minutes. Not exaggerating. 3 minutes.
We get to the theatre and there's not much of a line. The tickets said 7:00. Umm... we got there at 7:00. I thought for sure there would be a line. There wasn't. We went in and sat down. We had awesome seats - third row center.
After about 15 minutes we figured out that the doors opened at 7:00 show at 8:00. Yeah. Would've been nice to have that printed on the tickets. But, I didn't let that get me down.
We went for a drink. It was nice just to be out with Bill. I was excited because there was supposed to be a meet and greet for VIP's at this bar. I thought I'd get a glimpse for sure.
Not only did I get a glimpse but, a friend of Bill's came and gave us wristbands to join the VIP event!!!!! Ok, that made my night. The first thing Bill told me is that I couldn't take pictures or geek out. So, they walk into the VIP area and Bill and I are still at the bar at this point (that's how fast that happened!)
We walk through the black curtain and I'm not kidding. There's only about 20 people in this area. 19 other people and ME! First thing they did was take photos with everyone.
They were so cool. And, yes, I geeked out. They introduced themselves to us - "Hi, I'm Martie..." So. Normal. I said "Hi, I'm Laura" because I'm sure they cared. That's when I geeked out. No details needed. But, I wasn't the only one. Bill has had a big crush on Martie for a long time. He turned all red and got sweaty. It was adorable.
After the photo I realized that I didn't get anything signed so, I went to get a CD signed and they were walking out. What did I do? Followed them of course. I tapped Martie (first name basis) on the shoulder and asked If she could sign the CD. She said yes, but the big security guard said no. That's when she said to me -
"I'll be out in the lobby after the show. Come find me and I'll sign it for you then."
So nice. So genuine. I think that made me like them even more.
Long story short - it was a super fun night. Even the stupid drunk girls sitting in front of us didn't piss me off...too much.
You probably think that I have a very exciting life because I haven't blogged for awhile. Unfortunately, you're wrong. Not much excitement here.
But, I have been a busy little sewer. I have been sewing up a storm and I love it! I'm working on all sorts of clutches and makeup bags. I even have two wedding orders!! For one of them I am making 11 clutches! ELEVEN! That's nuts-o!
I'm so happy at where this little business of mine is going!
So, I've been busy working on Poppy and Pippa....
What else is new?
Bill and I are working on saving money so, we made some changes.
Cancelled cable
We have an Apple TV and are able to get Hulu (super cheap) and Netflix (also super cheap) and Amazon (prime membership) as well as watch pretty much everything we want online. It's fantastic!
Cancelled my People Magazine subscription
Cancelled my Real Simple subscription
Cancelled my gym membership for the summer
Cancelled my monthly shipment of Zevia
Bill also made sacrifices...
And
I haven't purchased nail polish in about a MONTH! I'm trying really hard not to spend money on frivolous items. And you know what? I don't miss cable, or the magazines, or the gym! I miss the Zevia because it's just so delicious!
Whidbey and Willa are as adorable as ever. Willa decided to take a little swim in the toilet the other night. Boy, was Bill pissed at me! You'd think that I purposely put her in the toilet. I guess it was my fault the toilet lid was up. Not sure what I was thinking by not putting it back down. Oh well, she survived and seems fine to me :)
Well, that's a little sneak peek into what's been happening in my life lately. What's up with you?
It really is. For many, many reasons. All ages have their challenges. If you're a parent you know what I mean. Being the director of an early childhood center, I work with children from age 18 months through 3rd grade so, I've seen the good, bad, and unfortunately the ugly of working with children. But, that's not what this post is about.
Working with kids is hard because you can never "just be gone." Ever. There are people (tiny humans) counting on you to be there every single day to care for them and keep them safe. It's not one of those jobs that when you're gone the work will be on your desk when you return.
Working with kids is hard because when you're having a bad day more than likely they'll be having a bad day too. They won't listen, they may be emotional and even whiney, and they will most denfinately do exactly the opposite of what is asked of them. They have fabulous perception.
Working with kids is hard because you have to have a college degree and continuing education credits, you come early and leave late from work, and most of the time take work home. All of that hard work adds up to getting paid with hugs (basically).
Working with kids is hard because even though you're not their parent you spend 8 to 10 hours with them every single day (or most days.) You are their first teacher outside of the home. You are responsible for setting them on a positive educational path. You teach them to love learning. If they don't like it when they're young - they probably will have a hard time throughout the next 12 years.
*a little tangent*
Did you know that most states in the US (probably almost all) spend more on the prison systems than on ensuring children are getting the proper start in life? Did you know that children who have positive early childhood education and care are less likely to commit crimes as adults?
Did you know that early childhood teachers make wages that are almost at poverty level? We are the ones entrusted with the care of tiny humans - fragile little people that aren't able to make decisions or care for themselves and yet, we pay famous people such as Lindsey Lohan millions of dollars to get high and set a bad example. Awesome. I love America.
That's why working with kids is hard. I just wish the rest of the country understood how important children are to the future. I really don't think people understand how important, now more than ever, early care and education is to our children. More parents are working and those parents are working longer hours. There's more video games for ALL ages than ever before and more and more children are occupying themselves with these hand-held devices rather than learning and exploring. Ugh. I need to stop.
*...and end tangent*
If you've read this far you deserve a medal... or a hug (I'll check my paycheck - I may have enough left to share).
Now, if I just would win the lottery I could forget all about this and move to a tropical island. Just kidding! Or not, I could really use the money - I work with small children.
Stay tuned next week for - why working with kids is the most rewarding career choice!
Do you ever wonder what we see in romanic comedies - you know, the ones that have you rooting for the adulterer or wishing you were the hooker? Seems strange when you read it, doesn't it?
Last night my husband and I went to a play called, Same Time, Next Year. It's about two people who have an extramarital affair one weekend every year for 24 years. As we walked out of the theatre I told Bill that I really liked the play. That's when he really made me think about the types of characters you root for. He said, "It's kind of weird to enjoy them cheating on their spouses." I agree. 100%. But, that doesn't change the fact that it made me want them to end up together... eventually.
After the play, I started thinking about all of the other movies/plays that have you wanting something that you should never want.
Pretty Woman. I love this movie. Seriously love it. I wanted to BE Julia Roberts character in the movie. After seeing it for the first time (when it first came out in 1990) I wished that that would happen to me. I wanted the Pretty Woman experience. The shopping, the dinners, the clothes, and the romance. At the time I didn't think about the fact that I wanted to be someone who was paid for sex. Yup.
How about My Best Friend's Wedding? You find yourself hoping that Julia Roberts character wins the guy. Never mind that means that she has to rip apart a relationship in the process. Seriously.
Or even Titanic. It's such a beautiful love story but, when you get right down to it, Rose was cheating on her husband. I know he was a "jerk." Should that matter?
I could go on and on. And I really want to but, I'll spare you the lengthy post.
I don't know what made me get up on my moral high horse all of a sudden. I guess after being at a wedding this weekend and seeing how they were meant for each other and thinking about Bill and I - I just hope Same Time, Next Year never happens to me.
To preface this - I get my work clothes out and ready the night before because I get up at the crack of dawn and I don't want to wake my sleeping husband by digging through my closet. (Wow, that's a long sentence!)
Do you ever have one of those moments when you're looking through your closet and you actually find something different to wear? You know, mix and match items that you've never put together before that moment? Well, I had one of those moments last night. I thought I found the cutest combo. White crops and a bright coral button up.
That brings me to this morning. Ugh. I put the outfit on and it's hideous! I'm not exaggerating at all. It's lumpy and too bright.
What was I thinking last night?!
Or, do you ever have one of those days when you're picking out clothes and you think, "hey, I have some cute clothes" I can't wait to put this with that and that with this it's going to be sooooo cute. Then you wake up the next day and can't find anything to wear?
Seriously.
So, today, I look like I'm old enough to retire with the outfit I'm wearing. Oh well, can't win them all.
But, If I did have endless amounts of money and someone to put some things together for me - this is what I'd like. Simple and kinda preppy.
I'm here, at the lake enjoying a beautiful view...finally.
my favorite room - it's screened in and oh so wonderful!
My vacation started off a little rocky. Which is no surprise to anyone who knows me. For some reason I have the worst luck with vacations. Last year I had my first real "no problem" vacation and it was wonderful. I was hoping for the best this year. Well, I can't win them all.
It started with two trips to the walk-in clinic and a prescription for antibiotics that make me feel like shit. I'm crabby and nauseated and generally uncomfortable. I started the antibiotics on Sunday. Tomorrow is my last day. Thank God!
Here are my plans for today...
Don't forget - tomorrow is Poppy and Pippa's 2nd Anniversary!
It was two years ago that Poppy and Pippa was born! I can't believe it's been two years. You know what they say - time flies when you're having fun! Not to toot my own horn but, I'm darn proud of myself for how far I've taken this little hobby of mine.
I love looking back at the sold items from when the Etsy shop opened. You can clearly see how the shop and items have changed.
This is one of the first items I took photos of and listed. So. Much. Color. WOW, that's a busy photo!
I moved on from the scrapbook paper background to items on a book. {Very fancy...}
Then I went back to scrapbook paper. At least this one was a little more subdued.
Before I had product cards I used card stock.
That first year was really trial and error. I learned a lot! As you can see, quite a few of those first items were pre-made scrapbook items that were purchased and changed into clips / headbands. I'm proud to say that 99% of what is listed in my shop now is all handmade by me!
I still have a few button accents on clips but, that's it! Here's an example:
I love this Poppy and Pippa journey and all of the support I've received from customers, friends, and family. So, how about we celebrate with a little discount? Here you go!
For years I've wanted to learn how to sew a zipper.
Yes, years.
I have no idea what was stopping me in learning about sewing zippers. I mean, I taught myself to knit. Sewing a zipper can't be that much more complicated. But, nonetheless, I didn't do anything about it.
This post is not a tutorial - there are enough zipper tutorials out there - just go to Pinterest. This post is about finally learning how to do something that I should have learned a long time ago.
About two months ago I signed up to finally learn how to sew a zipper. And you know what? It wasn't difficult at all and it's so satisfying! Except for the seam ripping because my machine skipped a stitch, or even tossing a project because it just didn't work out.
I'm so excited about using my new skill to create all of the new little zipper pouches in my shop. I only have 14 listed right now but, I have plans for lots more! In fact, I have 5 more started in my office right now.
This is my current favorite! It's big enough for a bunch of make-up or even as a catch-all in your purse.
Well, first of all I'm fighting off this stinkin' summer cold which makes life no fun. No fun at all.
Even though I felt like dirt I was able to get together with a friend from high school for coffee on Saturday morning. I love getting together with her because it's like no time has passed. There's never a pause in the conversation. I should've taken a picture. But, I didn't. Oh well. There's always next time.
I spent the rest of the day on Saturday cutting fabric for new zipper pouches. Check out some of my new fabrics
Work in progress - A little blurry.
Here are a few of the new pouches I listed in the shop - Poppy and Pippa
I felt like crap but, got a lot done. I even had a chance to enjoy some sunshine and reading. It was a bummer that I didn't get to spend Father's day with my family because I didn't want to get anyone sick so, it was just Bill and I (and Whidbey and Willa).
Oh, by the way, there's only two weeks until my one week vacation!! It really can't come soon enough. Just glad that I'm sick now instead of then.
My home office has been a work in progress since last spring. Meaning May 2012. You wouldn't think it would take that long to complete one room. Well, it can and it's not even done yet.
This is what it looked like May 2012.
Simple AND clean.
You can read about it here.
A better chair - Herman Miller Aeron Chair - I love it more than any chair I've ever sat in. I could sit in it and work for hours and I do. (I did not purchase this chair!! Way too expensive for me.)
And a little more decoration on the wall. I added embroidery hoops with some of my favorite fabrics.
I'd been searching for the perfect "artwork" to put on that wall space when I found this inspiration on Pinterest.
Isn't it funny how when you get sick you always blame another person...or the grocery store? I have a sore throat and I was looking to blame someone. In all actuality does it really matter who got me sick? Nope. Does it make me feel better to blame someone? Yup.
I hear it all of the time when someone gets sick - they always say it's so and so's fault. Never taking the blame on themselves. I've always wondered why we need to blame someone for our illnesses. It's not like a person is going to plan revenge on the person who "gave" them a virus. It's not like you think to yourself - "just wait until I get sick next time, they're really in for it! I'm going to lick their phone!"
Yeah, no.
Anywho, I'm sick. Well, not really full blown sick...yet. I'm fighting off a sore throat with Elderberry, Vit. D, Echinacea with Goldenseal, sleep, and lots and lots of water. I'm hoping all of my efforts pay off.
It's not really pizza day at school. I just have to work. But, that's how I feel.
I CAN'T BE SICK TODAY! Because I have to do so many things.
As I'm getting back into blogging again I was looking through my visitor stats and previous posts. I have published 297 posts. Who would've thunk that I had that much to share!? I also have 32 drafts. I love looking through the draft titles and wonder what I was thinking at the time. Most of the drafts have nothing but a title. Nothing else. Just a title.
Here are a few *drafts*
Follow Me -
um, I believe this one is about Bloglovin'
Peeps I Love -
This is from the Blog every day in May challenge that I didn't complete.
Blah -
I'm thinking this one has to do with the crappy weather.
Yeah, I'm sure you really wanted to hear about crappy weather!
New Exercise -
Not sure where I was going with this one...
Lunch -
Oh sounds so exciting.
In My Opinion -
another link up that I never followed through with -
Misc. -
Another fascinating title.
Cat Crack -
haha - I remember this one. It was about Whidbey's favorite treat.
Yup. Another post for the masses.
Nails, Nails, Nails -
Let me guess... this was going to be about my nails!
DIY Goals -
Pretty sure those goals were never accomplished - the draft is from last July.
Funk -
Not sure this is about music. Probably about the weather again. Ugh.
Sometimes I wish -
Sometimes I wish I had good ideas that people actually wanted to read about...
there's actually nothing written in the "body" of this post.
It's so interesting to see what I was thinking about a year ago. I think what it shows me is that I have trouble following through with things. What's funny is that I'm not that way in real life. Sure, I start projects at home and it takes me a while to finish but, I always finish. At work - I finish everything I start. I'm sure I forget about things I've started from time to time but, for the most part I think I follow through.
I guess we'll see what kind of draft titles I have a year from now. Who knows, they might be even more fascinating that Cat Crack.
I'm linking up with Carissa today to write random.
I have been off of my blogging game for the past few weeks. A lot has been going on and in all honesty, I just didn't feel like blogging. Well, lucky for you, I'm back!
Here's a snippet of the last couple of weeks.
My best friend had a baby girl - Elodie
Whidbey got a little sister - Willa.
Sophie turned 3! She's a bada$$ princess with a sword.
I guess I'm not going to do the whole Blog-every-day-in-May business. Just got too busy. I'll try it another month...maybe.
It's been crazy around here with getting ready for the Junk Market this weekend. I have so many new items I'm going to be showcasing on Saturday. I'm excited for all of these new products. Hope everyone likes them!
Here's a sneak peek (unless you follow Poppy and Pippa on fb than you've already seen everything!)
Hair Ties | Hair Clips | Retractable Name Badge Reels | Elastic Headbands | Headbands | Fun Clips
At 4:12 pm on May 15th, a beautiful baby girl came into this world. Her mom and dad (and A LOT of other people) have been anticipating her arrival.
Elodie Genevieve Marie is an adorable little string bean - 7 lbs. 1 oz. and 21"
I'm thrilled beyond words at the fact that I get to watch her grow into herself. As some of you know, Bill and I aren't having children. When I held Elodie for the first time I was incredibly happy. I am so lucky that I get to have all of these children in my life...even if they aren't my own.
Meet Elodie.
On May 15th Elodie wasn't the only one to meet her mom and dad for the first time. Bill and I adopted a tiny sweet kitten. Her name is Willa. Right now she's living in my office. Whidbey is very curious as to what's behind the door making all of that racket. We're hoping they'll be good buddies. If not, we hope they won't kill each other. It's really all you can hope for...right?
Meet Willa.
I'm sure you'll be hearing a lot more about both of these little gals.
Welcome to my little corner of the "blogosphere." I am not a writer. I have horrible grammar and punctuation. I love commas and dashes - especially when they are not needed. But, I enjoy having a little spot to share what's on my mind.
If you have a little time, I'd love it if you'd stay awhile.
