Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Best Christmas Present


car, plane, taxi, confidant footsteps, peaceful chaos, pizza, familiar thrifts, catching up with clowns, COFFEE, Potter. Staying up late, getting up early, soothing subway rides, walking, walking, walking, window shopping, satisfied cravings, stunning cozy apartments, glowing lights, friendly strangers, worthy lines, freezing time, cupcakes, missed stops, beautiful friends, meaningful memories, shopping shopping, margaritas, wacky games, fits of laughter, central park, goat cheese, fuzzy pillows, icy encounters, steak and eggs, steamed almond milk, video games, pizza, taxi, plane, home to husband, bliss bliss bliss





Monday, November 15, 2010

Speaking of Spontaneity

Sometimes you just need to quit talking about it and actually buy a plane ticket already! Chris and I figured out the PERFECT Christmas gifts for each other. We have everything we really need and want together in Ohio, so we are getting each other trips to see our friends! I've mentioned before how bummed we've been to be away from the people who know us best and we figure it is just ridiculous for us not to do anything about it.

We dated long distance for five years. We looked forward to being under the same roof for so long, now that we’ve got our wish we do our best not to take it for granted. There is nothing I love more than spending time with my husband. Though we love our time together, we both appreciate our time apart. It may seem funny, but spending time apart now is exciting because it reminds us of the fun we had while dating. We know that the time we spend apart only brings us closer together. Phone calls, texts, and of course a reunion at the end! Nothing is better than coming home to the person you love. I am super excited about taking advantage of my Christmas gift this week and super excited about coming home too!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Fill in the b_ank Frid_y

Thanks again to Lauren at the little things we do for inviting us all to tag along.

1. The most spontaneous thing I've ever done was … Last year I created a drama workshop and bought an unlimited plane ticket. I traveled all over the country for a month visiting the people I love while doing the work I love. Chris was at ASBC in Alabama and I wasn’t going to sit around by myself in Ohio. It took a bit of planning to get my dates nailed down, but the idea itself spontaneously came to me as soon as I heard about the airline deal. I love routine, but I also love breaking out of routine to go on fun adventures. Try it, it builds character and keeps you from losing your mind.

2. The best gift I've ever received was… my grandmothers wedding band. It makes me happy to have something so precious on me at all times that reminds me of my grandparents. It has a history of love. It makes our love feel all the more powerful.

3. A time that I was truly and genuinely surprised was… when I was approached by NYU. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I wanted to go to school in the city or that the city would want me. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity. I will cherish every moment good and bad I had there for the rest of my life.

4. I can't leave the house without … lipgloss. I ALWAYS have a few tubes of Burt’s Bees going.

5. My favorite day of the week is any week day because I am a sucker for morning talk shows and un-crowded places. I love being able to run errands or go to the movies without dealing with a mob.

6. Something that can always make me laugh is… Chris laughing. He laughs all the time long and loud and clear just like Uncle Albert in Mary Poppins. Even if I don’t think something is funny I end up laughing anyway as soon as I look at him, its contagious.

7. My perfect day would include … Waking up in NYC. Laughing at brunch with friends. Swinging by Texas to take my nephew and niece to an arcade before swimming and Snowcones. Spending the evening in Oregon with my aunt admiring the mountain and drinking wine. Falling asleep somewhere under the stars with Chris. It’s pretty unrealistic, but so is perfection. It doesn’t mean we can’t strive for it.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Treasure Find Tuesday

Last night was the Wright-Patterson AFB Officer's Spouses Club Totally 80's dinner. Chris and I were both born in 1986 so our closets lack fashion from the 80's (prob not a bad thing really). Luckily, Tuesday is my volunteer day at the Base Thrift Shop. I scored both of these track suits for under $5 in the clearance.
Our conversation before we left:
"I am doing this because I love you"
"I'm doing this because I love you ... now please unlock the car before we step outside so we don't frighten the neighbors"

Oh how happy we should all be that BIG hair is not big right now.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

One Mans Trash...

is another man's sticky bun? Who knew that thrift stores dedicated to baked goods existed!? Chris and I drove by this Entenmans Outlet while doing a test run to a new school I'm teaching at tomorrow (not going to repeat this mishap). Celebratory second hand bunt cakes anyone?
Seriously ... something seems off about this.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

One Hundred


This is indeed my 100th post. Craziness. This is also the perfect time to remind you that we moved over the summer. Paint colors, fabric swatches, and curtains OH MY. I know I married the right man as we are guaranteed a move every few years and therefore get to rearrange furniture A LOT. This move however was literally 10 minutes away. We LOVEED our apartment, but moving to the privatized housing near base is not only cheaper with more space, it also means guests will have a bedroom all their own WHICH MEANS more visitors and more blog adventures for us! Thank you to those who read this blog. I appreciate the opportunity to communicate with you and look forward to continuing the experience!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Treasure Find Tuesday/Halloween Wrap-Up

This post is picture heavy. I'll try to keep my chatter to a minimum, but i'll reply to comments =) Enjoy! Hope your Halloween was Spooktacular!

Wonder what we did with our pumpkin pickings? Chris' Jack was def best on the block.
Our goose-like gourds greeted people at the door.
Here is the lovely mummy I told you about earlier.
She's also got a handsome male friend. They were super easy and fun to make!
Trick or treaters had to reach into the jug for candy. The chair was thrifted for $3 so I can recover it =) . Note though that it is NOT a good idea to put food coloring directly on your hands unless you want to hear lots of "caught you red handed" jokes.
Our little pirate stood in for the statue of liberty in our mini NYC.
We had some unexpected guests pop up in our bathroom mirror!
Mom sent me these lovely spiders and some more of grandmas never ending doily collection. End result? DOILY SPIDERWEBS!

Saturday we mixed up some corn syrup, food coloring, and chocolate sauce for some bloody fun in our Dexter theme garage. We served all the drinks in here for our party which I didn't get photos of due to all the fog from the fog machine.
The pumpkin was carved out and filled with ice to chill the white wine.
Last but not least your hosts. Chris dressed up as Dexter and ... I had a little fun. I thrifted the hilarious leopard shorts and transformed myself into your crazy aunt agnes just back from her trip to Mexico. I had so much fun explaining my costume. The moment someone would ask who I was I would put on an accent and go on a tirade about how sad it is they don't recognize their own family and it's all because they don't call often enough. I am sure I freaked a few people out, but it was all in good Halloween fun.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Pumpkins

This past weekend we took a trip to the pumpkin patch with our neighbors with Laura and Phillip.
A lot of the pumpkins were picked over, but we had a great time searching for the right ones.

We also picked up a few goose-like gourds along the way.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Zombie Juice, Rat Tarts, or Goblin Vomit

I've got to figure out what finger foods and desserts to serve at our Halloween party this Saturday. Any easy creative ideas? I'm already thinking of the berry wonderful tiramisu. I've also got little smokeys wrapped in bacon to serve as gnarly toes on my list.

Halloween 2009

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Treasure Find Tuesday

This weeks treasure find post will be extended all week show off the thrift/crafty treasures I've gotten for Halloween. I'm still putting things together for our party on Saturday. Be prepared to get spooked and inspired! Here is the first peek:
This skull came into the base thrift shop. It was love at first fright. The arm belongs to a mummy you will meet later.
There is a monster in the window looking at you wether you are inside or out! Maybe he lives in the wall... This creature is simply a piece of cardboard I saved from our move. I cut out a trace of my hand, painted it electric green, and hung it in the window. The eyes are clear contact paper that I drew pupils on with a sharpie. Perhaps we should give the creeper a name, any ideas?

Friday, October 22, 2010

Fill in the b_ank Frid_y

1. i am 2. i wish 3. i like 4. i can 5. i hope 6. i think 7. i was

I am wearing a hat. I got horrible highlights yesterday and don't look a thing like myself. I'm ashamed for being so vain, but also for looking so fake. Hopefully this can be fixed.

I wish I could spend more time with my friends and family. There is little better than doing absolutely anything with someone who really knows you... even if the anything is nothing. I hate always playing catch up. Phone calls that begin with, "gee so what have you been up to for the past five months" make me sad. Not that I don't want to know, I DO. I just really miss being involved in the day to day lives of the people I love. I know I'm missing so much and nothing bums me out more than not knowing who you are dating or wether or not you think it's going to rain. I could go on forever about how much I miss you. Yes, you. Chances are if you are reading this I miss you A LOT. Thank goodness my mom knows how to text and we keep up on a daily basis.

I like talking to strangers at work. One of the nicest things about playing shopgirl is that it is acceptable to strike up conversations with people just because they are near you. Whenever I think about quitting, I think of how sad it would be to lose those moments of contact.

I can take a bubble bath whenever I need to because my water is included. I am very grateful.

I Hope my ticket request for MARTHA gets granted. I'm longing for NYC and all of the fabulous people.

I think celebrations should happen more often. I don't think they are silly or unnecessary. I think celebrating is extremely necessary in order for us to appreciate life.

I was going to make nachos for dinner, but then I got on the computer. It's def nacho time now.

Friday, October 8, 2010

High Flying, Adored

YES! Today while cleaning/setting up the office I finally found disk two of my Evita soundtrack. For YEARS I have been listening to disk 1 longing for the end of the musical. I have had the CD set since fifth grade, but somehow misplaced it before I could upload it onto my computer... which I have had for several years. Joy of Joys it is back in my life! I spent hours listening to this soundtrack as a pre-teen/teen. My siblings used to cover my mouth when I'd burst out with "did you hear that they called me a whore! They actually called me a whore!" ... I didn't know what a whore was, but I responded to all of the passion Madonna puts into the lyrics.

I hope that you get a joyful surprise today be it big or small.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Treasure Find Tuesday

I literally just bounced through my front door and sat down to tell you about today's treasure find! I was searching for a laundry hamper at ******** ****** and of course did not find what I was looking for (the first time out you rarely do). I did however come across a beautiful well kept coin purse. Nothing else made it into my cart so I just wandered into line behind some lucky people who had heaps of finds. When it got to be my turn at the register, I handed my dainty purse to the cashier and asked if he wanted to weigh it or price it on the spot. He promptly chuckled and chucked it back at me with a glorious nod that screamed, "it's yours for free!!!! Take it now and skedaddle young lady!!! It would be silly to charge you for it!!!" (without being too showy). Well yes please and thank you! I said have a lovely day and made my way to the car before anyone could ask questions. Huzzah for the kind cashier!
The purse even has a clean plastic type lining. I LOVE the print on it.
I do feel a tad scandalous - I'm going to have to make a donation ASAP
*I left out the store name in case anyone was worried about the legality of this transaction. I'm pretty sure it's all right or I wouldn't have booked it out the door without leaving a cent. I assure you i'll pass the charity on.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Oh My Goodness October

it seems like you popped up out of nowhere! Lets all have an outstanding month shall we?

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Delay


It wont be long until I finish our living room enough to post photos. I like to think that it takes me so long to finish a project because of my creative mind. Ideas have to stew for awhile before they can be fabulous. I love decorating, but for me it takes FOREVER. Waiting for a room to come together is crazy frustrating for me because I tend to be extremely impatient. I feel a bit lazy not having everything done, but thank goodness I caught Aaron Sorkin talking about his writing process in an interview yesterday. He spoke about a particular movie scene that took him months to write. He made it clear that although he was working on the scene for months, it often looked like he was sitting on the couch watching ESPN. Sometimes we just need to let the wheels turn for a bit before we leap into action. Thank you Mr. Sorkin for validating my TV habit! Just because there are dishes in the sink, paintbrushes on the floor, and empty spaces on the wall doesn't mean work isn't happening.

In a time where we can have whatever we desire almost instantly, it is important to remember that the creative process is just that, a process that often needs time.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Teaser

It's going to be a long day at the base thrift shop and beyond.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Treasure Find Tuesday

Not everything I fall in love with while thrifting makes it home with me. Fortunately for us I take photos of "items to consider" while I thrift, so I can still share them with you. I have been lucky enough to go back to a store days later and find the treasure I just couldn't forget waiting for me ... other times ... not so much. It pays to pick up an item you love the minute you see it.

I am known at the base thrift shop as the one who asks "where are you going to put it?" when volunteers start to buy buy buy rather than sell our stock. I don't like to buy things just to buy them, I prefer to have an idea of how I am going to use the piece ... this is quite possibly why my average thrift store shopping trip lasts at least an hour. It only takes watching one episode of Hoarders or How Clean is Your House to make you want to pair down.

Here are a few treasures that hopefully found good homes:
Oh how I wish I bought this tea cup! I LOVE the bold colors, but at the time, $7 seemed too much ... the curse of the constant thrifter is getting too used to a good deal.
This piece of furniture was unique and had great storage, but at over $100 it's more of an antique ... I already have a ridiculous amount of antiques for someone my age.
Goodwill. Silk Scarf. 99cents ... WHY DID I NOT BUY THIS!? Pink, Navy, and Green are my favorites.
cool coasters
Picture this $5 chair re-covered. Drool. It wouldn't fit in my husbands car and wasn't there when I went back. Hope the person sitting in it is very happy

As lovely as it is to find treasures, we shouldn't hoard them. Have you ever let an item go or given into a friend even though you saw it first?

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Treasure Find Tuesday

I don't think I ever told you I thrifted my wedding dress. A treasure find indeed! I figured I would share now since this years "wedding season" is coming to a close.
I know you are probably wondering why the look on my face is not one of a blushing bride. The truth is I found my dress while shopping for a friends gown ... and I already had one. This is my uh-oh I want this one face. After a second trip and try on, both my mom and I were convinced that the first one just wouldn't do. We took our new treasure to Olive Kane, a local seamstress. We had her take it in and make it a sweetheart.

The thrifted dress plus alterations was less expensive than my first dress.
I am so happy with the outcome.
Remember this post? Here are a some shots with the vintage shrug I thrifted. I wore the shrug while at the church and removed it for the reception. It was 104 degrees on our wedding day.
EVERYONE looked fabulous.