rachel marie

Just Drive

2011-08-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Chris and I just drive. We did a TON of driving this summer to visit friends and family. One of my favorite things about driving aimlessly around our own community is that you always discover something new. This mural was CRAZY. It was beautiful and we never would have seen it had we not wandered off the highway.Doesn't it look like you could step right into it!? I had to do a double take and we may have sat through a green light so I could snap a photo. The only sad thing is that I don't remember where on earth we were ... I only remember we had just been to IKEA ... hopefully we'll drive by again someday and take a moment to walk around the town.

In This House #6

2011-08-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

This spring we decided that weeds are plants too ...
now we are a little frightened each time we walk by the "flower" bed.

re-arrange

2011-06-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

I just can't help myself. We have lived in our current "home" for a year and I am sitting here on my hands to keep from rearranging the furniture ... AGAIN! I'm beginning to wonder if I could ever be settled in one decor. I need to do something to ease the decorating itch that drives me crazy every time I walk through the living room, it's an unavoidable space with our floor plan. I'm hoping pillow covers, a lampshade, and just a few moved pieces will pacify me for more than a month.

Before

After

who knows what's next

Fill in the blank Friday

2011-06-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy that today is FRIDAY and Lauren has provided me with posting inspiration via her blanks.

1. The last movie I saw was ... we watch LOTS of movies, but Chris and I have mainly been enjoying Legend of the Seeker and House on DVD/Netflix each night this week .

2. I want to do everything in the sunshine now that its summertime .

3. Surprises are not nearly as fun as anticipation .

4. The best accessory is something with a story - great conversation starter!

5. My favorite warm drink is tea and coffee especially when you have a dear friend to drink it with .

6. My favorite cold drink is really good diet coke if I'm "being bad" or coconut water if I'm behaving myself .

7. Currently loving thrifting for a purpose other than myself. Chris' softball season. The characters in Legend of the Seeker and (can't believe I am saying this)spending time a the gym .

soak up some sun and get a laugh in this weekend!

In This House #5

2011-05-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

We don't keep animals in our home, but we always have lovely visits at the zoo.

Roar! Happy Birthday!

2011-05-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Today I accidently made a dinosaur cake for an elegant surprise party ... oops =)

The icing kept sticking to one side of the cake ripping it apart so I thought it best to remove that section. It was a blessing in disguise because thats how this guy was born.

2011-05-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

Something exciting is about to happen! Actually, lots of exciting things are about to happen. This week in our house we are going to celebrate a birthday, hang out with a best friend, complete not one but TWO intense craft projects, attend a "broadway" show, Interview, and go on the hunt at the Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market EXTRAVAGANZA!

Can't wait til next week so I can let you know how it goes ... actually I can wait because I am going to make this week last as long as possible!

Nevermind

2011-04-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

I came across this poem a few days ago. Enjoy!

Never Mind
by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Whatever your work and whatever its worth, 
No matter how strong or clever, 
Some one will sneer if you pause to hear, 
And scoff at your best endeavour. 

For the target art has a broad expanse, 
And wherever you chance to hit it, 
Though close be your aim to the bull's-eye fame, 
There are those who will never admit it.
Though the house applauds while the artist plays, 
And a smiling world adores him, 
Somebody is there with an ennuied air 
To say that the acting bores him. 

For the tower of art has a lofty spire, 
With many a stair and landing, 
And those who climb seem small oft-time 
To one at the bottom standing.

So work along in your chosen niche 
With a steady purpose to nerve you; 
Let nothing men say who pass your way 
Relax your courage or swerve you. 
The idle will flock by the Temple of Art 
For just the pleasure of gazing; 
But climb to the top and do not stop, 
Though they may not all be praising.

-------

I love the message. I particularly appreciate the line, "For the tower of art has a lofty spire, 
With many a stair and landing". We do our best to reach our highest potential, but this line shows that there plateaus along the way. When we reach a pause for any period of time it can be easy to look around and say, "what the hell am I doing way up here!" and start to doubt ourselves. Sometimes people or situations can be discouraging, but we must carry on with confidence. How do you avoid/fight off those who attempt to disrupt your art and keep climbing higher?

I tend to immerse myself in the chaos of creating a collage and/or head to the nearest thrift store. Sorting through chaos helps jolt my brain into action and come up with new and exciting ideas.

In this House #4

2011-03-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

We are SO ready to frolic in the spring sunshine. BRING IT spring ... seriously, pretty please?

I haven't been ignoring you

2011-03-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

I have just been CRAZY BUSY. I am happy to report that my schedule has been FULL... and not like I have had so much TV to watch and sleeping to do that I couldn't possibly blog. My schedule has been legitimately full of rehearsals, teaching, styling, and maybe just a touch of must see TV. Its been awhile since I have been challenged and fulfilled artistically. I have just finished directing an 8th grade production of Macbeth at a private catholic school in Ohio ... say what!? Yeah, never imagined I would face a challenge like that. The students I got to work with blew. me. away. Most had never acted before and went above and beyond to make the show the best it could be. During the first performance I paced in the back admiring their courage. My heart almost exploded.

I also thrifted 97% of the costumes so be looking for a treasure find post.

Hope all is well in your world.

L O V E

2011-02-14T06:35:00.000-08:00

Shower the people you love with love - and have a sense of humor about it.

Tomorrow I will share the construction of my handmade thrifted valentines with you.

In This House #3

2011-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

This is our dream freezer.

Treasure Find Tuesday

2011-02-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Everything (other than a paycheck) is cuter in miniature form.

A few weeks ago at the base thrift shop, I took in an order of old tools from a friendly older gentleman. Though I have no idea what half of them were designed to do, each piece was visually interesting. I was tempted to buy all of the pieces and hang them on a wall as art. Tools tell a story. They have purpose. They are made to withstand challenging situations. They make our lives easier. Worn tools send my mind deep into endless wonderings. Who came up with this? Why is this necessary? Has new technology replaced it? How often was this used? by who? WHEN? WHY? HOW? I managed to stop myself and finished taking in the man's order. A few of his items were pricey which helped me rationalize. A splurge on old tools was just not going to happen ... yet. I have daydreams about stumbling across an abandoned barn full of odd interesting old tools and making wall art out of wrenches, but now is not the time.

Now is the time to appreciate what I did buy. One of the last tools in his order was this 1 inch red C Clamp. HOW ADORABLE ... and functional =)

I got it for under a dollar and immediately clamped it to anything I could find in my house. I had no idea they made C Clamps this small.

Right now I am using it to keep my note cards in order. Any other ideas on where I can put my new mini clamp to use and admire it at the same time?

XXV

2011-02-07T08:47:00.000-08:00

February 7th is Chris' birthday. We celebrated on Sunday with steelers colored cupcakes even though they didn't win.

We celebrated again today with Japanese dinner and The Kings Speech. This Kings Speech was amazing. We highly recommend it. Now I am off to spend the rest of the evening with my handsome 25 year old.

...ok I tried my hardest not to get to mushy, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt either of us to let you know how loving, hilarious, and all around outstanding Chris is. I am lucky to be married to my best friend. Looking forward to many happy birthdays to come.

fyi I made his cupcakes from a yellow cake mix, but did the icing from a MARTHA recipe. I would have done the cupcakes from scratch, but Chris wanted a fluffy cake and mine from scratch always come out dense. I got the idea for the toppers from my lovely phraner lady friend . I adore her cupcakes.

Treasure Find Tuesday

2011-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

I enjoy order, but my eye LOVES chaos. That is why ever since I can remember I have been doing collage work.

Back in July, my sister Sarah sent me out thrifting for her birthday present. She gave me free regin "anything creative and thrifted"

We both have a passion for art. I set out to Goodwill Outlet with no idea of what I would come up with. I was taken back by all of the little scraps of paper hanging around in the bins. Who is gonna buy random hooked on phonics cards and children's books with busted spines and water damage? ME! Those scraps of paper and broken down books were inspiring.

Her birthday is 7/16 so I tore out all pages 7 and 16 from the books and used them as borders on either side of the piece.

I liked the end result so much I had to have one for my house, so I made one using our wedding date 6/27/2009.

The final products together.

So you have an idea of scale, my picture is hug on the wall to the left above the pink chair that needs to be recovered. How do you decide what fabric to recover a chair in?

Monday Morning

2011-01-31T07:18:00.000-08:00

If this is what Monday morning looks like I can only imagine what this week has in store!

(at last they both have stripes ... that bodes well)

In This House #2

2011-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is what a lap full of relaxation looks like.

Recorded TV

Laptop with endless possibilities

mug of Red Rose tea

Treasure Find Tuesday

2011-01-25T10:10:00.000-08:00

I have a thing for glassware. I don't know how I get off collecting so many breakables when I know we will be moving about, but when these four heavyweight tumblers caught my eye at Goodwill I couldn't say no. I didn't go crazy for them just because pink glass is gorgeous light, feminine, and refreshing. These glasses remind me of the glasses pictured below that are a staple at my parents house.

They have light and dark green goblets. I can't believe I stumbled across light pink!

The thick glass bottoms give a pleasant weightiness. I appreciate how substantial they are, it somehow makes every sip seem more important.

This is what the flash looks like inside the glass. Pretty funky huh? Oh and did I mention they were only 79 cents apiece? Yeah. AMAZING!

If I were going to splurge on drinking glasses I would go with these recycled beauties

In This House #1

2011-01-19T12:54:00.000-08:00

There is no such thing as too many bubbles.

Fill in the blank Friday

2011-01-14T12:19:00.000-08:00

1. I feel happy when my house smells like warm banana bread. I feel happy when I am thinking of my grandparents and remembering all of my special moments with them. I feel happy anytime Chris and I hug – even if it is because I am extremely upset. I feel super happy when I am with my friends - extra bonus if we are in New York or drinking tea.

2. I get silly when I am working. When I am doing what I love and am encouraging others to not be afraid to be creative and express themselves.

3. Something that makes me sad is When people are too selfish to consider others safety and make foolish decisions.

4. Something that makes me annoyed is when people are angry about little things and try to get you to be angry about them as well.

5. A time that I've been truly surprised was when my nephew first spoke to me. I spent a lot of time with him as a baby and was used to talking to him. One day while driving him in the car I asked him a question and he responded like a real grown up person! It was bizarre.

6. I am so thankful for my mom and dad’s ability and willingness to text message. I love being able to keep in touch about the little things going on.

7. I feel loved when I get mail. I LOVE mail.

You can find more blanks at Lauren's Blog the little things we do

Just Make It Up

2011-01-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

V I S A T I O N

This afternoon I will be teaching a class that is part of a six week program without an end goal. I'm going to talk with the head of the program so I can have a better idea of what they want their students to get out of the experience. For today I am just going to make it up. This may seem a little irresponsible, but I guarantee it is not (I still have a lesson plan and training to back me up). We are going to enjoy our hour by learning about and exploring improvisation. We all have to improvise in life. None of our personal daily conversations are scripted ... unless maybe you are on reality TV =). Recently I have observed a few grown people who seem afraid to commit to who they are and make themselves vulnerable. I consider it a shame to be fearful of yourself. I'm hoping that our work with improv will help these kids realize it's healthy to put yourself on the line and see what you come up with. You often are surprised at how strong you actually are. If I could grant people a personality trait, I would def consider granting them self confidence. Imagine what we could do if we were never afraid of ourselves! performing improv in front of a group can be terrifying, but it is terrifying in a good way. I haven't always been confident myself, but I guarantee you I am much happier when I am. I think Julie Andrews via The Sound of Music is a prime example that confidence and a positive attitude can take you far.

Are you a super planner or do you make things up as you go?

How do you boost your confidence in order to accomplish things you are afraid of or timid about?

happy new year

appreciation of little things

2011-01-11T06:42:00.000-08:00

My snow boots came in the mail the night before a heavy snow. Tramping through fluffy crunchy snow is a joy when you don't have to deal with sloppy soggy shoes. Bring it on winter. It is easy to complain about snow. I've heard a lot of moaning and groaning. I can't complain because I prayed my whole childhood to get those white sparkly crystals to come down.

Best Christmas Present

2010-12-15T06:31:00.000-08:00

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

Speaking of Spontaneity

2010-11-15T10:35:00.000-08:00

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!

Fill in the b_ank Frid_y

2010-11-12T15:38:00.000-08:00

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.

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-11-09T21:12:00.000-08:00

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.

One Mans Trash...

2010-11-07T17:02:00.000-08:00

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.

One Hundred

2010-11-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

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!

Treasure Find Tuesday/Halloween Wrap-Up

2010-11-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Pumpkins

2010-10-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Zombie Juice, Rat Tarts, or Goblin Vomit

2010-10-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

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

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-10-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

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?

Fill in the b_ank Frid_y

2010-10-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

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.

High Flying, Adored

2010-10-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

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.

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-10-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Oh My Goodness October

2010-10-01T05:17:00.000-07:00

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

Delay

2010-09-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

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.

Teaser

2010-08-31T04:55:00.001-07:00

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

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-08-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

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?

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-08-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

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.

A Bin of Sharp Objects

2010-07-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

You all know I have fallen in love with the Goodwill Outlet. I haven't even posted all of the treasures I have found yet. The thrill of saving abandoned objects from going to the dump is amazing. During one of my last trips I walked by this bin and had to do a double take.

SERIOUSLY! Who approved this!? I find it both frightening and fabulous. I know I missed Treasure Find Tuesday this week (Tuesday was insanity around here). My apologies, hope this post of crazy makes up for it.

A Colorful Morning

2010-07-22T06:32:00.000-07:00

Don't you love waking up to an "unknown" phone number! I began my morning by practicing a few hellos (hello hello HELLO hello ) before answering the phone to discover that a home maintenance person would be arriving six hours early ... aka ... IN TEN MINUTES! Yikes! It turned out to be just fine. I speedily made the bed, changed, and threw the dirty dishes in the sink. Just as the doorbell rang, I thanked god I had brushed my teeth before going to bed. Now that the maintenance man has come and gone, I don't have to spend all day getting ready for him! Now I can use by day for much more than I had intended! Off to coffee and the paint store!

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-07-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

Browsing the bins at Goodwill Outlet, I spotted a toy I thought my husband might like. Everyone knows grown men like toys, and it is good to bring little gifts home every so often. This is why I tend to pick up every Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle I find for under a buck. This (as any true Lord of the Rings fan knows) is Treebeard! He is my husbands favorite LOTR character. Score. This toy is by far the largest I have picked up.

He has a significant weight to him too. Chris was pretty impressed with my find, but even more so when I looked him up online and discovered that he is worth $50 used and ones in mint condition are worth about $80.

We were even more pleased when we found out he can talk! It didn't take long to figure out where to put batteries. His mouth moves and his eyes light up as he says all his different sayings! This was an exciting find. He is proudly on display in our office.

Sectional

2010-07-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

I've been looking at this couch all evening. You know you should be afraid when they don't show you the prices online. I want it.

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-07-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

You need to meet this pig.

I found him at the base thrift shop and went gaga. He is technically a place mat, but how cute would he look in a frame!? If I had a child, I could design an entire room around that striped smile. I'll make sure to let you know the moment I get him behind glass. He even came with a colorful friend.

Double Feature

2010-07-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

The thing about being married is you always have someone to hang out with. However, even though you have devoted yourself to a person they don't ALWAYS want to do what you want to do when you want to do it. This is where compromise and/or bribery comes into play.

I have written before about my dislike for the movies on a saturday night. Chris LOVES the movies and therefore suggests we go out ... but its Saturday (can you hear the whine in my voice?). Since I had earlier asked if he would accompany me to a gigantic local antique show and flea market on Sunday (which he was less than giddy about), we both saw opportunity. AH HA! This light bulb leads us to this weekends double feature, an "If I go with you to this, will you go with me to that" scenario. We ended up having an amazing time all weekend long.

Chris' Saturday night was amazing because not only did we go out for wings, the movie theatre was not at all crowded! I made sure to tell him He was right and I was wrong. I suppose Saturday nights at the movies during the summer are acceptable. We saw Despicable Me which was HILARIOUS. I highly recommend it if you love to laugh.

My Sunday afternoon rocked with beautiful weather, treasure finds, and homemade rootbeer. Here is a sneak peek at my find (I promise you will see them in their full glory in a few months).

Compromise doesn't always mean you miss out! Hope you had a lovely weekend!

Jug

2010-06-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

If I were a member of a Jug band this would be my instrument. I walked into TJ Maxx the other day to browse (as if). I approached this oversized recycled glass jug and spent the rest of my time in the store trying not to drop it.

Treasure Find Tuesday: Helen Marie

2010-06-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

"It is a curious thing, the death of a loved one. We all know that our time in this world is limited, and that eventually all of us will end up underneath some sheet, never to wake up. And yet it is always a surprise when it happens to someone we know. It is like walking up the stairs to your bedroom in the dark, and thinking there is one more stair than there is. Your foot falls down, through the air, and there is a sickly moment of dark surprise as you try and readjust the way you thought of things."

— Lemony Snicket

I am blogging while drinking Red Rose black tea. This is the tea I grew up drinking during tea parties with my grandma. In May, my grandma passed away peacefully five days after my last visit. I needed to take a pause from blogging in order to spare you my unfiltered emotions. I hope that you are still eager to hear more as I am eager to share!

Todays treasure is a salute to Helen Marie. You will undoubtedly learn more about her as this blog goes on. Not only was she quite a character, I wouldn't be at all who I am today if she hadn't shared so much of her love with me.

She read me many poems as a child, but this one was our favorite. I even looked it up on my i phone and read it to her on my last visit. Please enjoy.

The Sugar-Plum Tree

By: Eugene Field

AVE you ever heard of the Sugar-Plum Tree?

'T is a marvel of great renown!

It blooms on the shore of the Lollipop sea

In the garden of Shut-Eye Town;

The fruit that it bears is so wondrously sweet

(As those who have tasted it say)

That good little children have only to eat

Of that fruit to be happy next day.

When you 've got to the tree, you would have a hard time

To capture the fruit which I sing;

The tree is so tall that no person could climb

To the boughs where the sugar-plums swing!

But up in that tree sits a chocolate cat,

And a gingerbread dog prowls below--

And this is the way you contrive to get at

Those sugar-plums tempting you so:

You say but the word to that gingerbread dog

And he barks with such terrible zest

That the chocolate cat is at once all agog,

As her swelling proportions attest.

And the chocolate cat goes cavorting around

From this leafy limb unto that,

And the sugar-plums tumble, of course, to the ground--

Hurrah for that chocolate cat!

There are marshmallows, gumdrops, and peppermint canes,

With stripings of scarlet or gold,

And you carry away of the treasure that rains

As much as your apron can hold!

So come, little child, cuddle closer to me

In your dainty white nightcap and gown,

And I 'll rock you away to that Sugar-Plum Tree

In the garden of Shut-Eye Town.

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-05-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

Now that I have made a trip to Texas to deliver my Mothers Day gift, I can finally share it with you. My mom is amazing. It's a fact. She is surrounded by a husband, six children, a daughter in law, son in law, grandchildren, mother, mother in law, and fantastic friends who all adore her. The idea for her gift came to me as I was sifting though the bins at Goodwill Outlet. When I tell you the backstory of my idea you may think I am mean, but it is all in good fun.

Mom and I never resist an opportunity to get an annoying song stuck in the other persons head. We walk past each other humming "we're here because we're here because we're here because we're here ...", "soon and very soon", or "john jacob jingleheimer smith". When I pulled this beautiful piece of sheet music for "Skip to My Lou" from 1959 I knew I had to work it into her gift somehow.

Further digging produced this frame that I knew could be beautiful with a little but of work.

After a trip to the craft store for paper, lots of windex, and a bit of wood polish, the gift was ready to make its way to Texas.

It goes great in moms family room by the piano. I love the graphics. Now every time she walks past it, she will begin tapping her toes to Skip to My Lou and know how much her daughter loves her ... or loves to torture her ... but after all what are kids for. Think I'm mean now? Like I said, its all in good fun.

Love you Mom

*just in case you are not familiar with the song here is a raffi version

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-05-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

I came across a stack of what I thought was plain writing paper while thrifting with one of my dear friends in San Diego, CA. I was sold with the twenty five cent price tag when I thought the pages were blank. Once I unbound the pages I discovered that quite a few in the pile had decorative borders and images. I LOVE letter writing. Wouldn't you love to have one of these designs pop up in your mailbox?

Fortune

2010-05-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

My fortune last night was pretty amazing.

I busted out laughing when I read Chris' after mine.
Apparently we both have good things coming our way ... Chris just has to work harder for his ... unless bad things are included in my "everything", but that's not how I first read it so that can't be right.

For some reason there was a third cookie which we split.
This is a fortune we can both live with.

Enjoy your first May weekend!

The Mess Above the Fire

2010-04-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

The other morning when I clicked onto one of my favorite reads { Pinecone Camp } I had to laugh at myself because I immediately looked up and saw this:

The post was all about collecting. Now, I know everything on the mantel doesn't go together as a cohesive collection per say ... but I am sure I can create a convincing argument that it is a collection of stuff (or "duff" as my adorable niece would say). All of this business ended up on our mantel because I am not sure where to put it next. I set it there to get it out of the way. The longer it sits there, the more I think I like it. I know that simple mantels are supposed to stand out in a room, but there is something about the clear chaos that keeps me staring. What do you think? Jumbled mess? Should it stay or go?

I have also got quite a few wine bottles I am about to take to recycling ... something tells me I should peel off the labels and keep them around somehow. Any ideas on what to do with them? I would love to decorate with them, but then again I don't want people to walk in and think gee ... that's a lot of bottles ... awkward. (CONFESSION: that is usually what I think when people openly display their alcohol, I can't help it. It's an automatic reaction.)

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-04-28T06:39:00.001-07:00

Happening at this moment: Goose on the water, duck in my house.

I made an amazing discovery a few weeks ago. After dropping Chris off at the airport, I began to wander around town. Driving around exploring our area has become one of our favorite past times in Ohio. This particular day I was on the lookout for thrift shops. I am sad to say that Chris is not as fascinated about sifting through items as I am, which is why I was going it alone. While I was out, I hit the crazy jackpot - a Goodwill OUTLET. I know! You would assume Goodwill already has the lowest prices possible, but how much you pay at the outlet depends on how much everything weighs. All clothes are on racks and are less than $2 an item. The only shelves in the place house electronics and artwork EVERYTHING else is dumped in bins that you have to dig through. This place is literally a workout. Each bin is madness filled with glass, action figures, movies, crutches, games ... you name it, it's in a bin. What you do is fill up a shopping cart and roll it up onto a large scale at checkout. Items are priced by the pound. Trust me there are many treasure finds to come from these blue bins!

This is a wooden duck I threw into my cart on my first dive into the bins.

After a coat of light pink paint (Paint color = Romance) I have let the duck live inside.

I forgot to take a before picture of this wooden frame that I thrifted at the Base thrift shop, but it was the wood color that you can see in the upper left corner of this blurry photo. I painted it white after falling in love with Anna's white coffee table at Your Trash, My Treasure .

The frame is perfect for our mini hallway.

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-04-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

I know. Last Tuesday went by without me posting a treasure find. I assure you I have not run out of treasures! Quite the opposite. To make up for it though, please enjoy the view from our balcony.

I couldn't keep my eyes off this old wire milk crate at the base thrift shop over a month ago. I immediately knew I wanted to use it as a centerpiece. I got to work pulling all of our glass jars our of recycling and then soaked off the labels. I used a little goo gone and took an old toothbrush to the glasses that had stubborn tacky glue. Once the jars were ready, I ran into these gorgeous pink roses at the grocery. It was five dollars for the milk carrier and five for a dozen roses (a week later they have yet to wilt).

Good morning Spring!

BONUS FIND

We have also been admiring one of our pretty pink roses in an old whisky bottle we picked up at a thrift shop in San Francisco. Not a bad look for a buck!

Towards

2010-04-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

I grew up in Texas. I have taken countless standardized tests. Even when it wasn't our year to test, we were the lucky ones who got to take practice tests. I have been told read the directions CAREFULLY my whole life. I have even been on the other side informing children of the importance of reading directions several times before acting. Heck, I even recommend underlining and/or highlighting key words to make sure the directions are clear.

Today, I (lowers head in shame) read driving directions WRONG and ended up missing a fundraising meeting. The direction to exit towards such and such does not mean such and such is the name of the exit. How silly. How embarrassing. Once I actually make it to a meeting I will let you know more about it and the organization the fundraiser is serving. For now dear readers I hope that you take my blunder and use it to your benefit.

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-04-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's about time! Last week I got back to work at the base thrift shop after two weeks of vacation. This Fossil watch came in for just $5! The watch has never been worn that I can tell. It even still has the plastic wrap on the glass. I looked it up online and it retails for about $65. Oh retail, how ridiculous you are.

I like that it is a "cuff" watch. This style works because...

it looks good on a man

and a woman.

Now that my schedule is getting busier it is going to be super helpful to have a watch. It is amazing how time flies when you are being productive. Have a WONDERFUL day.

Good Food . Great Friend

2010-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Yea, that's a giant delicious cinnamon roll smothered in cinnamon butter. I met this scrumptious pastry at breakfast in Los Gatos, CA with Ashleigh Hill. This girl knows how to show a lady a good breakfast!She is also a great friend and freaking hilarious. Check her out at An Ashleigh Renaissance.

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-03-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

I never even THINK about intimates such as underpants and most night time garments when I am thrifting. Those are usually items you keep to yourself ya know! I used to think of swimsuits as an "intimate" item, but the week before our trip to California I was wading through the dresses at Goodwill and turned around and saw this top. I am always attracted to red, white, and blue. I don't know if it is because I am an air force wife or the fact that the combo is simply classic ... could be both. This bathing suit top was $3.00 and most importantly I didn't have to go through trying on all the bathing suits from our honeymoon to see if they still fit. Can't beat that! Fortunately, I already had navy bathing suit bottoms (Target) so that (and the fact that I machine washed it before wearing) eliminates any ick factor. The suit was perfect for soaking up the California sun!

San Diego, California

Seaside

2010-03-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

This past Friday Chris and I drove up highway 1 in California. We had stayed the night before at Vandenberg Air Force Base and were on our way north to visit friends and family. We stopped by the Commissary before heading out to prepare a picnic. Ham, Cheese, Sourdough, watermelon, hummus, and pita chips, oh and the pacific ocean made a perfect guest appearance. So Beautiful.

We were in our travel clothes so our wedding rings snuggled up for a photo

Yes!

2010-03-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, California
I LOVE skeeball. If I had a gameroom and lots of money I would have a skeeball machine over pinball. For sure.

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-03-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

This weeks find comes from here:

Los Angeles, CA

I mapped a route of local thrift shops and somehow ended up in little Ethiopia to find these:

only one is pictured because the rest are nicely wrapped ready to go home, but I found five and scored the lot for $5. The shop where I found them was interesting. It advertised that EVERYTHING was 50% off, but nothing had a price tag! Their policy is to make up prices on the spot when you ask. Needless to say I tried my best to hide my enthusiasm when I asked the price of these beauties.

Love the crackle and color ... these actually remind me of this treasure find. On the bus ride back to the hotel I actually had a lovely conversation with a woman carrying a Goodwill bag. She had been thrifting all day too, but unfortunately did not find the kitchen table she was looking for.

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-03-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

This Tuesday we are going bedside. It has been a long day and I am awfully tired.

Welcome to my side!

I don't want to ramble about this swan ... but I can't help it! Bear with me or skip ahead. I probably wont find out if you do. I came across this swan in Columbus Ohio after dropping this lovely lady off at the airport. I was a great ride and an excellent excuse to go to Anthropologie (there is one in Cincinnati and Columbus, but not Dayton). I had never been to this particular shopping center before. It was dark, raining, and I was kinda lost. While looking for Anthro, I stumbled upon the seasonal store Glad Tidings. It was BEAUTIFUL. The girl behind the counter explained to me that the woman who started the store includes seasonal items she purchases in bulk and thrifted items she picks up throughout the rest of the year. The woman has great taste and all of the items I saw were reasonably priced. I was so impressed that her stock included items she thrifted. Can you say rachel's dream job!? This swan was one of the thrifted items and thus the only swan like it in the store. What a neat idea! The shop was quite a treasure find, but I do love my swan. It is perfect for storing bobby pins, gum, hair ties, lip gloss, and the rest of my small bedside clutter.

This is a photo of William R. Monks and William J. Monks aka Billy aka my dad aka greatest man alive. My father and grandfather were, are, and always will be my most beloved role models. They are the real deal.

These plates are always a joy to look at. The larger plates served as centerpieces at our wedding reception. I ended up creating cake stands out of them using velcro and candlesticks via recommendations from others. The smaller plates were part of our amazing wedding cupcake display. Oh and all of them were of course, thrifted.

Some of the stands ready to go.

potential cupcake set up

Cupcakes at the wedding

(Could only find poorly cropped photo on short notice =/)

Thanks for sticking with me ...or skipping to the end... either way have a lovely evening!

Oh and btw this Thursday the base thrift shop is hosting the officers spouses club luncheon and we are doing a fashion show. I know. Be excited about next Tuesday!

This Day In History Unveiled

2010-03-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

A lot has changed for me in the past two years. I'm married and living in Ohio for crying out loud. I keep thinking "hmm, what was I up to this time last year?". Luckily I have an ical and can travel through time. Ok, I'm still in the now, but I like that I can do a few clicks and remember where i've been. Try it. It can be particularly fun if it is a day when you had a big test or paper due. It's a relief to know its behind you. Well, I did this today and realized that exactly a year ago was the day mom and I found my wedding veil. See!? Good times. I also realized that I never mentioned it before.

I didn't expect to go for anything fancy, but like many unsuspecting "simple" brides, I tried on the bling and was mesmerized. Fortunately the dress was simple. I LOVE that it has two layers.

What were you up to a year ago?

Booking It

2010-03-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

I just booked my flights for California! Sunshine here I come! Chris is going to be taking a week long course at UCLA later in March and I'm tagging along. He is even taking a few days off afterwards so we can travel a bit ... and I'm staying a few days extra since I can use as much vitamin D and friend time as I can get! AH I can see it now:

Los Angeles (betcha didn't know that's where my title pic is from)

San Jose

San Fransico

San Diego

*photos are from my previous CA adventures

The Sun Is Out

2010-03-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

for the second day in a row! This feels like a record! I wish I could feel it all over, but it is still FREEZING outside. At this point I will happily take what I can get!

...any ideas on what I can do to enjoy it without having to freeze?

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-03-02T23:39:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends! What a Tuesday indeed. Today I pulled double duty at the thrift shop because it was my week to provide lunch for all of the volunteers. You can imagine how nervous I was considering my cooking background. Chris was a HUGE help in preparing two homemade lasagnas on Monday night. I am a very lucky lady. Last minute I was invited to a theatre scholarship event downtown and literally ran out of the apartment saying "I love you please layer the last lasagna, put it in the oven, and make room in the fridge for both of them k bye!". No worries, I made sure to return with a butterfinger milkshake for the man (and one for me so I wouldn't eat all of his). Lunch is one of the best things about working at the base thrift shop. Every week someone cooks and it is ALWAYS a hot delicious homemade meal. It just so happens that I am the baby and everyone else is far more experienced. BAH! Happily lunch was a success. I got a lot of support from my fellow volunteers and even had some time to search the store for todays treasure finds.

A quick note about our "thrift shop"

We do consignments for military members... I don't really understand why they call it a thrift shop when it is a consignment shop, but no one has asked me for my opinion on the title. When you bring in items to consign (you are limited to sixteen a week), they are displayed for five weeks. On Monday of week six volunteers do a sweep of the shop and move all "expired" items to the welfare room where everything is discounted and ALL the money goes to charity rather than a portion to charity and the other to you the consigner. If you want you can also donate items which people often do if something has a stain on it or they just don't want to hassle with ... making money? I don't know why you wouldn't want to make a little on the side but to each his own. Donations immediately go to the welfare room. Sometimes it seems a bit complex, but it is actually an efficient system.

This morning I mentioned that todays post would include items found today. This added a little pressure because I don't like to buy things I can't use/don't need and you never know what will be there. Here is what came of it:

Magazines are by far one of my favorite items at the thrift shop. Someone out there donates rather than consigns their old Country Living Magazines each month which means they go straight to the welfare room. This means they are current, thirty cents, and all the money goes to charity and scholarships. Every now and then I pick up a Better Homes and Gardens or score a MARTHA, but Country Living is my favorite.

This shelf was a whopping fifty cents. I had my eye on an old ladder weeks ago, but alas someone else snatched it. I mentioned the ladder to Barb, a lovely lady I work with, two weeks ago. When I walked in this morning this ladder-looking display wall hanging was set aside for me. She felt bad that I didn't get the ladder and thought this could tide me over until I find another one. It was SO sweet of her to think of me I had to buy it ... any ideas on what I can do with it???

Now these I really did need. I have been looking for more practical cooling racks and for fifty cents these are perfect!

This three wick candle was originally fifteen dollars. I bought it for two. Now that it is in my home ... it kind of smells. No lie. I may be re-consigning this one. You Can't win them all.

This cast iron mold is my favorite find of the day.

I wanted to buy it last week.
I'm glad I resisted, so I can share it with you today.
It makes a beautiful home decoration and I am dying to see if heart shaped pancakes and cornbread work out! This was pricer than my other finds, but at 5. 25 it is still worth it. All together I spent about 9.98.

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed!

Chris made me feel bad because I am posting this on Wednesday night, but I am going to label it as if I posted on Tuesday ... i'm a liar, but I was tired and had friends over for leftover lasagna last night and Treasure Find Wednesday isn't as catchy.

T day

2010-03-02T05:07:00.000-08:00

It's Treasure Find Tuesday. Excited? Me too. I'll be posting this evening. I think I'm gonna put the pressure on this week and post something that I find today while working at the base thrift shop. Who knows what will come in today, or better yet what will go on clearance =) Stay Tuned. Enjoy your day. See you Tonight.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. -Audrey Hepburn

Sweet Sunday

2010-02-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

Today Chris and I ventured to Centerville, OH to try Bills Donuts. Delicious. Consuming those sweets reminded me that I neglected to share my sweetest valentine. To die for. I know. These were from the yummy Phraner lady. You can find her recipe here. I delicately devoured mine with a hot mug of tea. They were perfection buttery, tart, and sweet. I miss this girl so much!

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-02-22T10:42:00.000-08:00

This weeks treasure comes from Goodwill in Ohio. I usually lightly browse this Goodwill, but last week I spent 2 hours digging. One of the deals I came up with was a new leather wallet. My current wallet is small and difficult to get things in and out of. I have to take my ID out a lot to get on base and the hassle has been wearing on me. I thought this wallet was a great deal for 99 cents and was even happier when I got home and found a forever stamp inside! This means I only spent a quarter and a dime on it.

It is a soft genuine leather with a buckle and coin purse attached.I also found two other small bags to keep things organized in oversized purses.You may be thinking 2 hours in one Goodwill!? Well, I spent a lot of time trying things on. I found some great spring dresses I'll share come warmer weather. Happy Hunting!

The Wolfman

2010-02-20T13:58:00.000-08:00

No not that one silly.

This one.

I don't know how he did it, but Chris convinced me to go to the movies on a SATURDAY. I typically try to avoid any mall or theatre on a weekend if I can. I can't stand a crowded movie theatre full of dun dun dun ... teenagers. I did the whole teenager thing. I get it. It is time to be loud, outspoken, and make out in the dark. fine. I just don't want to be a part of it (anymore). It's not just the teens that get me, not all adults are well versed in movie theatre etiquette. This is another reason why we usually do movie date nights on Tuesdays. It is glorious. Most places are discounted during the week and you pretty much get the place to yourself. Try it if you can. I'm not the only one who loves it, I know my puffy winter coat always prefers its own seat next to me over popcorn covered coke spills.

Anyhow Chris did convince me to go see Wolfman with him this past Saturday. He has been pretty amazing dealing with my cabin fever, so I couldn't say no. The film is made well, but I don't recommend it if you want to learn anything about warewolves or don't like to see guts strewn about. I spent a good portion of the attack scenes with my eyes shut. They really went all out making prop guts for this movie. I was a bit disappointed with the lack of history and explanation behind the whole Lycanthropy thing. I didn't realize I was disappointed in the lack of details until the movie was over though, which means they did tell a story. I tend to prefer stories that include a detailed history. I like to know how things get started. Anthony Hopkins of course is amazing. I would watch it again (but not pay for it) just to watch him more closely.

Climbing Mt. Laundry

2010-02-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

The sun came out yesterday and it was glorious! I even went to Goodwill and got a few goodies that I will share on Tuesday.

Once the sun set, I was off to climb Mt. Laundry.

I know. Judge me. Whatever. I managed to do all 10 loads while we had a break in the weather. We don't own a washer and dryer yet. We still collect quarters and haul it to the clubhouse. I am hoping to improve this method before next winter. The main thing is that I got it done and did it with a smile... that's all that matters right?

If you know how to get a washer and dryer cheap or have any tips for picking one out I am all ears!

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-02-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

I scored this tool chest for Chris' birthday at the base thrift shop. The woman who brought it in listed it as a filing cabinet,

but I think it makes the perfect size tool chest for a man in an apartment.

I had the tool chest sitting in the dining room wrapped up a week before his birthday. Of course Chris never mentioned the tall comic covered gift all week, but I knew he had to be curious as to what was under there. I love gifts that are unexpected. Chris opened his gifts at midnight after a serenade of Happy Birthday. It was a pleasant surprise and should fit our apartment and limited tool collection quite nicely.

Pig Out

2010-02-15T17:21:00.000-08:00

"when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

We spent our valentines day playing pass the pigs and watching When Harry Met Sally (the movie we watched right before Chris and I proposed). All in all it was a good day ... even though we are beginning to feel like we are living in a snow globe.

I didn't get to send out all of my valentines which is a bummer, but no worries everyone it's not a snub. I love and miss you a gazillion times over. So far the snow is winning the battle of Rachel in Ohio, but come spring time this state better watch out because I will be all over the place.

Valentine

2010-02-14T20:48:00.001-08:00

A Shopaholic Confession

2010-02-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

I have gone over a month without buying a piece of clothing. This is a good and bad thing. It's great because it means I haven't been spending, but considering I usually shop for clothing as a celebration or reward... YIKES! What does that say about my 2010?

To ease my winter woes I did some online browsing at forever 21. I had the idea when I saw this top

on this blog YOUR TRASH, MY TREASURE. Check out these other tops (drool)

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Week before last I left the base thrift shop feeling like a pirate. Usually I come home with a mason jar full of buttons, but this week one came in that was full of intrigue. I couldn't wait to empty it out to see what treasures were hidden inside.

SO many things were crammed into the jar! I couldn't possibly post pictures of them all but here is a partial group picture.

There were quite a few brooches

almost a dozen wacky screw on earrings

charms

necklaces

and much much more for just 3.75

On the Menu

2010-02-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

This Sunday was Chris' birthday. I thought hard about what to get him. He isn't very materialistic and I refused to get him another video game that I can't play too. I know it sounds selfish, but I prefer games that bring us together rather than the ones that he gets sucked into and becomes dead to the world. If you or a loved one plays video games you know what I am talking about.

If you keep up, you know I am not the best cook. I still need lots of practice and am often discouraged (which I assume is less than pleasing for the hungry bear I married). As his Birthday gift I made him a menu with dishes planned for all weekend! I took on quite a lot since every meal was a new recipe, but we managed to avoid a meltdown with the help of this months Food Network Magazine and this beauty:

This copy of the Joy of Cooking was my great aunt Laura's and is not exactly an easy read. After a day of sifting through the text and sifting through cake flour I somehow managed to pull this off from scratch with no pictures!

We also enjoyed sipping these sweet lables with our weekend meals.

Happy Birthday

Thought Bubble

2010-02-03T14:37:00.001-08:00

My mind is on overload today. I have so many thoughts and ideas. There are things that I want to do and see, but I keep sitting and thinking. For some reason all of this thinking is very satisfying in this moment. Should I feel bad that I am not getting anything done? It feels like I have been doing a lot because I have been thinking a lot … I just have very little to show for it.

I totally got up bathed and put pajamas on =)

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

This dress was another amazing NYC find. I picked it up over a year ago for $20 at the Goodwill in on 25th street in Chelsea. Though I normally consider twenty dollars a hefty price for a second hand item this baby was spotless, just my size, AND still had the Anthropologie tag on it. JACKPOT.

on our honeymoon in Antigua

This particular Goodwill has never disappointed me. When I was in NYC this past September I met up with this striped DKNY jacket. (I love it so much. When got to Texas and I realized that I had lost it at the airport I had a fit. I was leaving for Ohio from a different airport the next morning. After I left, my parents called lost and found then they drove back an hour each way to pick it up from the first airport and mailed it to me in Ohio. They are amazing.)

Hot pink J.Crew top

and X-Large J.Crew argyle sweater

I pretty much live in this oversized beauty when I am around the house.

Turtle Love

2010-02-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

This little guy now has a happy home on my office filing cabinet. Turtles always make Chris and I laugh. When our nephew was little we took him to the zoo and no matter what animal we were looking at be it lion alligator or elephant he managed to find and point out turtle in the exhibit. We would say "oooo look a tiger" and he would say "look a turtle!" When we found this drawer pull we had to bring it home.

I just wish I could throw one of these rugs down on the floor to pull the room together.

All of these lovely items can be found online at Anthropoligie.

Treasure Find Tuesday

2010-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

As I have mentioned before I LOVE thrifting. I figured it is a shame to keep the treasures I find to myself and therefore should share some good ones with you. Look here each Tuesday for a new Treasure.

I found this set of three flower shaped bowls at City Opera Thrift Shop a few years ago in NYC. So far I have used them as serving dishes, candle holders, and now they are on display in my curio cabinet.

Blue

2010-01-25T11:13:00.000-08:00

Can you keep a secret? My guess is that you dear internet are like me and have a hard time keeping anything to yourself. One thing that helps to distinguish me as a person is that I don't believe in hiding. Sometimes I try to hide and it just seems ridiculous. If I am feeling something, it is likely that it is obvious to everyone around me. I HATE not telling the truth. I HATE pretending I feel a certain way when I actually don't. If I feel great I want to share it and if I feel lousy why shouldn't people know? How am I going to feel better if I just swallow my feelings. No thank you. Not me.

I feel as if I have been hiding for the past few months in my daily life and boy is it getting old quick. Because I don't know people here really well I have had a hard time opening up. I always reach for my phone, but for real who wants a slew of unhappy phone calls? Blame it on the season, being lazy, the weather, piles of laundry what-ever feeling down is an all around lame situation ... especially when you are hundreds of miles away from the friends you have come to feel like you share parts of your soul with.

I had a moment the other night. Chris and I were standing in the kitchen and I saw his eyes move towards the sink. Before he could say a word I leapt into the air and laugh/shouted "I don't want to do the dishes" I began pounding gently on his chest exclaiming "I will get a job just get those dishes away from me" it's the kind of scene that I would include in my lifetime movie. It was more hilarious than dramatic. The moral of the story is I realized I need to get myself out of the house so that normal tasks can be normal tasks and not what I define myself by. I am not a dishwasher, a toilet scrubber, a vacuum diva, or an ironing board master. If you are sane enough to stay home and rock out while dusting more power to you. I'd currently like to keep these things on my to do list rather than my resume.

This is one of my first rambling personal posts. It will be the first of few I promise, I'm just sick of editing myself and hiding behind my happy posts. I am blessed that I have so many happy moments and hate to be a complainer.

Thanks internet for providing an outlet. To my dear friends, the truth is I miss you. I miss you terribly. I feel less myself the longer we go without each other. I thrive on your excitement for life and want so badly to be with you. There is no substitute for your positive energy. You continue to amaze and inspire me. I want to laugh, dance, teach, drink, brainstorm, work, learn, make art, and eclectically move with you. I'll get over this gloomy mood in no time, but know that I will always be missing you.

Dear Laundry,

2010-01-20T13:50:00.000-08:00

Please wash, dry, and fold yourself. Afterwards I will gladly put you away.

love,

rachelmarie

THANK YOU

2010-01-20T08:46:00.000-08:00

I LOVE handwriting, stamps, and stationary. More importantly, I love the messages these things bring with them. One letter can go a long way in boosting someone's day.

That being said, I still haven't finished all of our wedding Thank You notes. Do I feel terrible about it? Yes. Am I working on it? Yes. It is always important to show your appreciation when people think of you and I can not believe I haven't finished yet.

I know that you are supposed to have a six month grace period, but I am hoping for an understanding extension. Wether or not you have received your thank you, THANK YOU! We haven't forgotten you and are very grateful!

Shock

2010-01-19T05:38:00.000-08:00

I actually got up on time this morning, showered, had breakfast, made husband's lunch, and am leaving the house on time with an acceptable hairdo... PLEASE make this a habit!

Do You See What I See

2010-01-15T17:59:00.001-08:00

Ummm is it just me or is there a swamp thing crawling out of our pond!

See him reaching his arm over his head like he is trying to climb out onto the ice!?

CA Calling

2010-01-14T16:23:00.000-08:00

I got to talk to two of my favorite ladies today and it made me SO happy!

I know Its a Bit Late in Life ...

2010-01-14T16:21:00.000-08:00

... but I just discovered string cheese

... and its delicious

You Never Know What You Will Find

2010-01-12T16:46:00.000-08:00

I could happily spend every day digging though thrift and consignment shops. A hobby I inherited from my parents. Department stores are just too easy and cookie cutter for me. I like the hunt for the perfect item (not to mention the price tag that usually go with them). I have had a dream lately of opening my own special finds shop. There are so many jewels hidden among the junk. I would love to be able to excavate them and make them available to others. I only have room for so much myself. I would probably have to have an online shop considering we are military and bound to be on the move ... which means I could store all of the items in my office and pretend for at least a little while that they are mine. Oh my goodness even if I could design rooms for other people using thrift shop finds I would be in seventh heaven. That should be a TV show (Its probably obvious that I am watching HGTV as I write this). Sigh. SO much love for these ideas - this isn't over.

For now I volunteer at the base thrift shop on Tuesdays and I LOVE it. I get to hang out with interesting people, do good, see crazy things, get great deals, and I get a homemade lunch for only $2. Delicious. Amazing.

The only downside is that I can never seem to leave empty handed ...

... and I always seem to walk out with a classic mason jar of buttons.

What Now?

2010-01-08T17:09:00.000-08:00

I have been sporting sweats for quite some time now thanks to the weather, my lack of snow boots, and no snow tires.

These babies are from J.Crew

Any ideas on what I can do to keep from getting cabin fever?

It's Snowing

2010-01-07T15:46:00.000-08:00

a lot.

"152 Insights into my soul"

2010-01-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

If you know what the title quote is from then you have seen a little snippet of what makes my soul happy.

You've Got Mail is one of my all time favorite comfort movies. I used to fall asleep to it in high school on VHS. After college I could have sworn I owned it, but couldn't find it anywhere! Panic. Turns out I had been living off of Bethany's DVD copy for four years. Thankfully Chris took me to the video store on Christmas eve (I got him Kung fu Panda which he could have sworn he owned, but also had been movie mooching off his college roommate).

I recommend both, but especially You've Got Mail. With Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, New York City, Children's books, and somewhere over the rainbow you can't go wrong.

Watch it. I know you'll love it.

btw Bethany i'm pretty sure I ran off with your copy of When Harry Met Sally =/

Burnt Toast

2010-01-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

I can't cook. Negative statement, I know. I have tried and tried and tried, but have had very little success in the kitchen. I want to cook. I need to cook. The flare for combining meat, spices, pasta, cheese, and other delicious things has not found me... I haven't found it either, but i've been looking! I beg Chris not to give away my dirty little secret and it usually goes, "please don't tell people I don't feed you"! No worries people I do feed him, but I plead guilty to saying, "what do you have against cereal!?" more than once.

What can I say, I make a mean breakfast and married a man who only eats lunch and dinner.

I've heard the rumor that if you can't cook well, you are usually a baker. Is this like the whole Geometry/Algebra situation? Because I aced geometry and still have nightmares about algebra. Since I make an outrageous banana bread and fluffy waffle, am I doomed to serve overcooked and under par dishes for the rest of my life?

One of my new resolutions is to read MARTHA Stewart's Cooking School cover to cover and see if I can pick up on any of it. I have been able to locate numerous cooking schools in the area, but they are geared towards professionals rather than home cooks.

FYI I stumbled upon my copy for $9.99 at TJMaxx where at a regular bookstore they are still about $45.00

I find myself wishing I had half of the culinary skills of one of my dearest friends, the berry beautiful Erin, at least three times a day (usually around breakfast, lunch, and dinner ... and snack times ... and of course after meals when you want something sweet) Visit her at food n femininity you wont be sorry, but you will be hungry. I still don't understand how I lived with this lady for months and didn't take notes!!

So many people I know are creative in the kitchen. How have you managed scrumptious successes?

Recycle Joy

2010-01-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a happy happy holiday.

This is a simple brown paper bag I stamped on to use as a gift bag for my brother. Always remember to think before you throw something away - you never know how creative you can be until you try.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Decorate Yourself

2009-12-21T07:57:00.000-08:00

These earrings always make me heart melt. I came upon Catbird, a brooklyn boutique, last year while walking to the subway after student teaching. I often find myself daydreaming of re-walking the streets of new york and Catbird is one of my frequent stops. I can not count how many times I walked through their shop in person. Now I settle for perusing their web-cite and blog.

You can read their blog here. These ladies always make me wish I had millions to spend. All of their merchandise is genuine which I find refreshing in our consumer world. Check them out, but beware - you will want everything.

Our First Christmas

2009-12-20T13:47:00.000-08:00

Chris and I decided to celebrate our Christmas in Ohio a week early so that when we return from visiting family we will already have things cleaned up. Also, we really wanted to be able to share the spirit of Christmas just the two of us.

We chose Saturday morning to be our mini Christmas because it snowed ALL Friday night! Not only did we get to wake up to a white Christmas we also fell asleep between a roaring fire and beautiful tree. Bliss. Bliss. Bliss.

Winter Poem:
Ev-er-y winter we scamper about, gather wood, wrap presents, sing carols out loud

We open up boxes, bring in a tree
decorate cookies, drink coco, snuggle clo-se-ly

Pine in the air filling our lungs, fire in the place toasting our buns

Throughout all the world there is no place to be, that is as quite as special as near stocking and tree
-rm

The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer...

2009-12-18T11:21:00.000-08:00

... Is singing loud for all to hear!

Photo from my mom's Christmas decorations

(Get it? singer sewing machine - singer on magazine)

Cant wait to be home for the holidays! So far this season I have experienced two rounds of spontaneous caroling, keep it coming!

Six Geese A-Skating

2009-12-17T02:12:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen a Goose fall on its Caboose?

(Sing this to the tune of the children's song "down by the bay")

This is just a small clip of a hilarious day watching a gaggle of geese glide across the frozen pond in our "backyard".

...and if geese don't give you a giggle maybe this kid will

enjoy

A Paper Plane in a Pine Tree

2009-12-16T10:32:00.000-08:00

We have been very lucky this holiday season. between generous family donations, my thrift shopping, and a little creativity, we have been able to deck the halls and make this apartment our home.

Chris and I drove five minutes (yes you read me right only FIVE minutes) down the road to a tree farm to saw down our tree. We figured our first christmas needed a fresh tree. Plus it is the perfect time because there are no pets or small beings to mess with it ... the only downside was the family of jumping spiders I discovered while decorating ...

When it comes to ornaments on your tree, it is well known that your first year can be a bit skimpy. When my brother got married my sister and I were still young, so his beautiful wife invited us over to make ornaments with popsicle sticks, glue, and lots of love. I believe some of our masterpieces still hang on their tree today.

For our first tree, I had picked up some shining glass balls at the base thrift shop and we were pleasantly surprised with the Christmas cheer passed onto us in ornament form by our families over Thanksgiving break. I look forward to the day when we get to pull out the ornaments and tell each of their stories. Right now I will share one of them with you. Two of our favorite handmade ornaments make our hearts soar with pleasant memories each time we look at them.

These paper airplane F-16s were lovingly thrown at us as we left our wedding reception rather than rice or birdseed. Somehow I stumbled across a how-to paper airplane F-16 video in the wedding planning process and proceeded to cut, fold, tape, and stamp until I had a few hundred prepared. I am so happy that we have found further use for them! (and thanks to those who helped me fold!)

Thanks also to my ADORABLE nephew who picked up each airplane after it was thrown, we still have dozens of them ... any ideas for other uses?