Down the Rabbit Hole

Do You Watch Portlandia??

2012-01-12T18:23:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Friends

2011-12-21T07:15:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I haven't been around much...

I am hoping 2012 will find me blogging or at least visiting blogs again.

Until then,

Merry Christmas

and

Best Wishes for 2012

Cheers,

Callista, Moose and Mad Dog

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from Callista and Mad Dog!

This Is Halloween

2011-10-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

Catch Up

2011-10-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

Well... I've been on the new job a month now... it's super busy!!!

This past weekend was SteamConIII in Bellevue. The local Steampunk convention. We had a great time!! We celebrated our 13th anniversary and Mad Dog's birthday.

Callista and Mad Dog on Saturday of the convention

Misty, Callista and Mad Dog on Saturday

My Saturday outfit without the coat

Misty and I were given badges for our mustaches on Saturday

Large group shot on Saturday afternoon

Saturday Night was the Nautilus concert for the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea theme. We made diving outfits. Mad Dog has an extra StormTrooper helmet laying around, so we Steampunked it for me.

Sunday was the Wayfarer's Brunch. Non-British Steampunk attire. I made the traveling case.

Mad Dog wore his sheriff outfit

What have you all been up to?

Catching Up

2011-09-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

WOW! I can't believe how long it's been since my last post and Blogger has changed soo much! Life has been pretty much the same around here... still looking for a job... still working on the house...preparing for SteamCon III (the local Steampunk convention in October) and crafting when I can.

Well, I DID go to my 20 year (cough cough) reunion and while I am glad I didn't have to pay for the tickets (BIG WASTE of money in regards to the food and venue) I had a FANTASTIC time!! It wasn't really anything about high school and kind of became this bragging contest about who you knew the longest. Like who went to pre-school together. I've actually gotten together with a few people since the reunion and NONE of them were people I was close with in high school. It was a strange night! But I am soo glad I went! And I am looking forward to the end of October because one of my former classmates worked at a local stamp shop for over 10 years and still has all her supplies she bought over the years. We are getting together for a BIG stamping day!

Craft nights are still going strong... we recently moved nights to Fridays and we are getting a little out of hand with the addition of jager bombs and cocktails. LOL. This past Friday was all about Mustaches on a stick and Honeybadger. LOL!!!

And tonight we just got back from celebrating Chuseok (aka Korean Thanksgiving) with friends! Such a fun night and wonderful food!

OK, picture time!!

Craft Night getting out of hand.. and my new Steampunk Mustache on a stick!

Red paper flower

Lavender paper flower

Steampunk Necklace I made based off something I saw at Ben Franklin

Steampunk earrings. The glass tubes are filled with tiny gears and pices from watches

Paper flowers made from pages of an Alice in Wonderland book

What have all of you been up to? What are you working on?

I have an interview this week and an appointment at WorkSource... hopefully they can help me find something!

OK, if you haven't watched Honey Badger yet... please do so, but beware there is some foul language..

To Go or Not to Go... that is what is on my mind

2011-08-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

This Saturday is my 20th high school reunion and I still can not decide if I want to go or not. There was suppose to be a casual Friday night event at a local tavern that I was going to crash, but that has been cancelled. Now there is an un-official Friday event in the works, but it sounds like two different people are planning it in two different places. So... did you go to yours? What do you think? Should I go or skip it??

Go Ducky! Go!

2011-07-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

In my home town of Renton, Washington there is a yearly event in July known as Renton River Days. It's a four day town festival that includes a kid's day, parade, art show, food, vendors, music and the most famous event of all..... the Renton Rubber Ducky Derby. For $5 the Renton Rotary will sell you a numbered ticket. The number on your ticket correspondenes with a number on a rubber duck which is "set loose" in the river. The first five ducks to cross the finish line win a prize. This event is taking place TODAY! And today just happens to be CORA's birthday!! And Cora just happens to be from Renton!!! And the Rubber Ducky Derby just happens to be one of Cora's favorite events in Renton! And you may know that Cora got married last year and moved to Chicago and this is the first time ever I can't remeber her being here for her birthday and the Rubber Ducky Derby. So when I heard she didn't have a ticket, I rushed down there and got her one...

Happy Birthday Cora!!!!!!

Blogger isn't letting me post the pictures I was going to share today. BOO!!! So do me a favor and go on over to Cora's blog and leave her some birthday wishes today!! Thanks!!! I'll even make is super easy for you to get there. Just click on the purple Happy Birthday Cora above.

TGIF

2011-07-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday Everyone!!!

No real plans for the weekend as the hubby is picking up as much OT as he can this week and that means Saturday as well. I am thankful for it, that's for sure!

Went to the consignment shop today to see if there was anything I wanted to spend my credit on... nope. Then went to the used bookstore to do some trade. I've been dying for books to read and the library waiting list is way too long!!

My friend M that I craft on Wednesday nights with made me this purse and I've been meaning to share the pictures. She got the pattern at JoAnn's.

She rocks!

What are you up to this weekend????

Happy Mail

2011-07-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

So not only did I come home to that great Star Wars craft book from Maggi, but the next day I received another goodie in the mail from her....

This book is AMAZING!! I can't stop flipping through it! Thank you Maggi for making my week!!!

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-07-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Rewind to Thursday... my friend Jenna, her SIL and MIL all arrived on Thursday afternoon. After they all got settled, we sat around the kitchen table drinking wine and eating these amazing appetizers they made for me. Rice cracker with goat cheese drizzled with honey. YUM! I made my infamous spaghetti for them and served it with salad and garlic bread. After dinner we all piled into the TV room and watched "Hot Tub Time Machine" then Jenna and I left for the midnight showing of Harry Potter. I am so glad that I got to see the final movie with Jenna. I just wish Cora had been here to see it with us as well.

Friday we got up and made a Starbucks run. Then it was off to Pike Place Market to walk around for a few hours. I picked up a box of my favorite Cherry Blossom green tea from Chuckar Cherries. After we left the market, we headed to Chateau Ste. Michelle for wine tasting.

Jenna, Callista, Melissa

Jenna, her MIL and SIL

After wine tasting we headed back to my house to pack up and get the cars loaded. Then it was off to the airport to pick up Jenna's FIL, Niece and youngest daughter. Then we drove up North to Lake Samish where Jenna's relatives live. They had prepared a wonderful dinner of BBQ chicken, pasta salad, biscuits with fresh preserves, corn on the cob and veggies. For dessert was strawberry shortcake.

Saturday morning we woke up looking out on the lake. Such a gorgeous place to wake up. After breakfast we packed up and headed to Camp Kirby (where Jenna and I met as counselors in 1992) to pick up her girls from camp.

Callista and Jenna outside the Camp Fire Lodge at Camp Kirby

Camp Kirby beach

The girls built a beach fort during camp

Camp Kirby Tee-Pees where the high school kids sleep

The girls out on the beach

We left Camp Kirby and headed north to Everson to visit some more relatives of Jenna's. I had a killer headache so I slept in the car for about an hour. We spent the afternoon/evening sitting under shelter while it rained off and on. The girls picked salmon berries, raspberries and strawberries. We had BBQ brauts, hotdogs and burgers for dinner. Then we drove to spend the night in Blaine with Jenna's cousin. After everyone was settled Jenna, Melissa, Karen and I went to the bar at the Semiahmoo resort for a drink and dancing.

Sunday morning Karen made us a wonderful breakfast of eggs, toast and sausage with mimosas to drink. Then we hit the road and went to the Peace Arch.

Flowe Sculpture

Rocking Dog

Peace Arch

After we walked around the Peace Arch, it was time to head back to the house on Lake Samish. We brought Papa Murphy's Pizza for lunch and hung out by the hot tub while the girls took the paddle boat out. Then I said my goodbyes and headed home to hubby and Moose.

I came home to this new dragonfly necklace

and Maggi sent me this book!!!!

Thanks Maggi!! You are too sweet!!!

Hope everyone had a good weekend!! What did you do???

This & That

2011-07-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been around much, been working on house/yard projects in preparations for our company which arrives tomorrow. Been painting doors, touching up wall paint, getting the house and cars clean and all that sort of fun stuff! I had an interview today and will find out if I get to the second round on Monday.

In the meantime... my friend Jenna, from AZ, arrives tomorrow!!! I haven't seen her since Jan 2010 when I met her at Disneyland so I am sooo very EXCITED!!! We are going to the midnight showing of Harry Potter! Then Friday we start our road trip up north to pick up her girls at the summer camp we met at back in the summer of 1991 as counselors! Then we are off to Blaine, WA and who knows where else the road will take us before I come home on Sunday. I can't wait!!

What are you up to this weekend???

Summer Time

2011-07-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

Being a native of the Pacific Northwest, I am NOT a person who likes heat. Once the temps reach about 65 degrees I am a happy camper, but when the temperature rises and hits 70+ I am looking for any place to stay cool. Currently outside my door, it's 78 degrees, but out there in that BLASTING sun... I'm guessing it's about 80!! Phew! I had some yardwork I wanted to accomplish today and I KNEW once the temps rose I was going to be in trouble, so I got outside at 8AM and started my work...I hauled 7 50lb bags of rock to my backyard to fill in some areas along our house. Here is my favorite of the areas I created today, my newly "planted" Alice in Wonderland Rock Garden. My Brother gave me the Alice stepping stones several years ago from the Disney Store and I believe my hubby's aunt gave me the little statue....

(sorry it's not so clear, taken with my phone)

I have a couple interviews, but still NOTHING... unemployment runs out next month so I am a lil worried.

How's your summer???? What have you been up to??

Monkeying Around

2011-06-16T04:08:00.000-07:00

A little card I made based off one I saw at Impress. Uses Graphic 45 Paper and monkey brads.

I had an interview yesterday which seemed promising. I should find out whether or not I get it next week. Fingers are crossed.

What's been going on with you?

Keep in Touch

2011-06-11T02:48:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been blogging much these days... still looking for work and that's my #1 priority.

Have had some real world falling outs because the hubby and I decided to stand by a friend... basically friends telling us they can no longer be our friends because of who our friends are. This seems so Jr High to me and it makes me sad. It's pretty much why I am awake at 2:45 this morning. I can't sleep. It started spilling into my FB world as well. Because of this I just deactivated Moose account, so if you were friends with him I just wanted to let you know. I have also created a new FB account for myself, so if you want to keep in touch over there, let me know and I will send you a FB request. I don't really plan to do much with my original account and I may deactivate it as well. We will see how things play out.

Hope things are going well for you all. Have a great weekend!!

Rewind to Saturday

2011-06-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

Going to take a quick trip back to Saturday... it was a day I waited TWO years for due to the reschedule!!!! The U2 360 tour!!!! Woohooooo!!!!!! I had one of the best nights of my life thanks to my sister-in-law. I have a million pics from my phone, but I will only bore you with two. The stage was freaking AMAZING!!!

The only sad part was not being able to get a t-shirt, but hey I have pics!!!

Hope you all had a great weekend and are having a wonderful week!!!

Another Update

2011-05-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

I took the second letterpress class last week. We played with mixing colors and layering colors on paper coasters. Here's are couple of pictures of what I created.

I ordered the Damask plate and can't wait for it to come in so I can play with it!! I see a coaster banner in my future!

Poor Moose had to go to the vet last week for his bi-yearly exam and dental cleaning. They put him under for it and he did fine at the vet, but later in the day he had a bit of a crying spell. Poor lil guy

He is fine now though, thank goodness!

On Saturday I picked up my first Bountiful Basket. There was a lot more than I expected! Not a bad haul for $15.

I made some cards over the weekend as well...

Cards using the Cosmo Cricket Odds and Ends papers, CTMH ribbon and some flowers I had on hand.

These were made using Hambly Wood Grain Screen Print paper, chipboard animals and twine

Sunday was the Camp Fire event that I was helping to plan at Magnusson Park. I was a bit disappointed because I was hoping to climb the rock wall, but didn't get a chance.

What have you been up to???

Update

2011-05-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

Things have been busy...

Volunteering for Camp Fire and getting ready for a BIG event they are having this Sunday.

Went to a midnight wedding. Here's the happy couple....

Free Comic Book Day came and went...

And the hubby got a new job!! YAY!!!! Now if only my turn would come around. :)

Hope everyone is doing well.

Crafting Garage Sale

2011-05-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

I still have a few items left that I am selling so I thought I would post them here... if you are interested in anything you can e-mail me at callista72(at)hotmail(dot)com for more information. The prices do not include shipping.

Creative Imaginations Sydney Mailbox with 12 postcards (new) $5

Martha Stewart Collectors box with padded backing $5

Imaginisce A Shore Thing Kit

~~My Minds Eye Ooh La La Kit $5 SOLD~~

~~Teresa Collins Welcome Home Album Kit $10 SOLD~~

Graphic 45 Transatlantique papers 10 12x12 double sided cardstock papers $5

Halloween embellishments etc $5

December Daily Album kits $5

Ice Resin Kit $15

Thanks for looking!! Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Creating, Creating, Creating

2011-04-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

I had questions about the fuzzy looking cards I pictured in my last post. I used a product called Angelina "Hot Fix" Fibers. You basically use a Brilliance stamp pad to ink a stamp image, place the fibers over the image, cover with baking parchment and iron on the silk setting. My mom actually picked these up for me over a year ago at the Sew Expo. I've been trying to de-stash by posting on Craig's list or by using the stash up.

I took the letterpress class Tuesday night at Impress in Tukwila. We used the Life Style Crafts QuickKutz machine which utilizes the Epic 6. The instructor was someone who had the machine for over a year and had come up with better instructions for using and cleaning the machine than the ones that come with it. Definitely worth the money because it suddenly became soo less intimidating! Very easy to use and clean with her instructions. There definitely is a technique you have to learn to get the plates properly inked so that you don't have bare spots, ink in places it shouldn't be or too much ink. We made 3 samples and I still need to practice before I am comfortable showing my work. The best part is there is a company that does customized personal plates for $30, which isn't much more than buying the plates that are available that EVERYONE else has.

So, since I'm not sharing my letterpress work yet. Here is a little book I've been working on this week...

Cover

Pages 1 & 2

Pages 3&4

Pages 5 & 6

Back Cover

All products were from Close to My Heart. I was suppose to do this at a class, but unfortunately I missed it and was left on my own to do it.

So, I had a women show up to buy some items I had posted on Craigslist and it turned out to be someone I sold to before. Anyhow, she came for 2 items and left with about 6!! Score!!

Sat thru an all day Excel class today and I will be at it again tomorrow. Ugh! But we have plans to see friends this weekend so I have something to look forward to!

Still no work for the hubby. Ugh! Have a great weekend!!!

Been Crafting

2011-04-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone, still around... still looking for a job and well now the hubby has been laid off as well. Not good days around here, but I've been trying to do some crafting...

Easter Cards I made

Flower hair clips

Dragonfly Cards

And Alice card

Other than that I cleaned out part of the garage and all of my craft room and have been posting a ton of stuff on Craigslist.

We had a great Easter... Saturday my family came over to celebrate and Sunday we spent with the hubby's parents and sister.

I am really excited for tonight because I am taking a Letterpress 101 class at Impress.

What have you all been up to? How was your Easter??

Tea Wreath

2011-04-09T22:11:00.000-07:00

I finally finished a tea wreath for my own kitchen...

Come on over for a cup of tea and we can get caught up! ;)

Texture

2011-04-04T23:36:00.000-07:00

Several months ago while I was at the Urban Craft Uprising show, I came across Texture Clothing. I was overwhelmed by the gorgeous colors of the garments hanging in the booth which was crowded with people. As I was able to get closer I recognized the owner, Teresa, we had gone to college together. As we started to talk, I asked Teresa about the fabric she uses and she told me it was a blend of organic cotton and hemp. I was quite intrigued because the fabric was so soft. Teresa's booth got extremely crowded and it was time for me to move on, so I did.

Since then I have been in touch with Teresa via e-mail and received my first Comfy Skirt in Indigo.

(picture taken from the Texture online shop)

I have to admit, I am not much of a skirt wearer and I scoffed a bit when I read the production description, "this is how the story will go when you buy this practical skirt: you will wear the ‘comfy’ for 5 days in a row. your family and co-workers will begin to tease you. you will find yourself on this website again, buying the same skirt in another colour. please know that you are not alone! these skirts are just that good!"

So, I wore my indigo comfy skirt, then I wore it again and again and I realized I was in trouble for scoffing at the product description. This skirt is truly comfortable! It's almost like wearing your favorite pair of sweatpants, but a heck of a lot more stylish! And it washes beautifully! Plus the skirt has a secret pocket for carrying money, keys, driver's license or passport. Next I found myself at the Ballard Farmer's Market on a rainy Sunday so that I could purchase a comfy skirt in violet! I also picked up one of Texture's colorful scarfs and a pair of knit mitts.

(Callista and Teresa that rainy Sunday at the Ballard Market)

I love the description of Texture on the website, "texture is a boutique without the pretense ~ hard wearing, high fashion ~ figure flattering cuts ~ street legal HEMP product ~ not the coffee sack fashion typical of HEMP clothing ~ lovingly made, deftly stitched, beautifully patterned in the Pacific NW ~ clothing with a conscience"

Teresa founded her company in October of 2002. She has a shop in Bellingham, an online shop, an etsy shop and can also be found at the Ballard Farmer's Market on Sundays.

Currently Teresa is offering a special to all of my blog readers. If you would like to order online at http://store.textureclothing.com/ you can use the code "callista20" to receive 20% off your order from now until May 5, 2011. I'm going to suggest that you go ahead and order two... otherwise, trust me, you will be back!

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-03-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

Been awhile I know...

Rewind to Friday. We went out to our local Borders which is closing down. While books were only 10-20% off, magazines were 40% off! And I picked up a few of the crafty ones I never splurge on. Then we headed over to JoAnn's where I got my first set of alcohol inks to play with.

Saturday was a fairly quiet day. We ran a few errands and then we headed out to meet some friends for dinner and drinks. I had been really wanting to try a place called Knee High Stocking Company. It's a speak-easy in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. A few months back Groupon had certificates for here so I snapped them up! It's a very tiny place, but we had a great time. The plates are small, but the food was good. The four of us shared assorted nuts which were so good, we ordered seconds. Marinated olives, mashed potatoes with broccoli and cheddar cheese, a pretzel, goat cheese set ablaze with Brandy, and lumpia. I was the designated driving for the evening since the antibiotics were still in me. I had two cups of the most fantastic press coffee. The others shared a flight of absinthe among other drinks and were totally snockered for the drive home.

Sunday I had to drive out to Ballard, but I will share that story with you in April. Then we had to take Moose to the vet. He had a spot where his fur and skin was gone and we didn't know why. Thankfully he is OK. We are treating it with Neosporin and keeping an eye on it for now. Then it was dinner with friends followed by SuckerPunch!

All in all it was a pretty good weekend. How about yours? What did you do?

Happy Friday

2011-03-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to the Pacific Science Center's Science with a Twist. It's basically a 21+ evening at the Science Center with food and adult beverages. (a whole lot of run and lil bit of cola) This time it was for the StarWars exhibit so a bunch of our friends were there in costume. As ususal... I kept forgetting to take pictures. Here are the few I did take.

hubby hanging out in front of the death star

hubby in carbonite

And the next picture got me in a bit of trouble. LOL!

I told the "guys" I wanted my picture taken with a REAL StormTrooper. Yeah, as you can see I didn't get my picture with "him". They all got offended and told me that the armor wouldn't even pass standards any longer to get into the 501st. Uh yeah... but still.. that is REAL StormTrooper armor!! LOL!

I picked up the new StarWars Craft Book. It's a whole lot of funny fun! The hubby got a StormTrooper nutcracker that I got 20% knocked off for him since the box was all beat up and it was the last one.

So any BIG plans for the weekend?!?!

I'm Still Here

2011-03-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone enjoyed Joanna's post. I was soo excited that she wanted to write something for my blog. If you didn't get a chance to read it, you can pop down to the post below.

So, what's been going on??

I'm still here... was sick for almost two weeks with a sinus infection. My eye was swollen, my face hurt, my teeth hurt and I couldn't breathe. Such a totally miserable experience!! I'm done with the antibiotic now and hopefully saying goodbye to the lingering cough.

I've been doing a little part-time work and it's nice to get out of the house and feel like I am helping someone.

Still looking for a job.....

Found a screw in the truck tire the other day. Got the tire fixed, but need to get 2 new front tires here quick. Probably this weekend.

Still trying to get into a routine so I can hopefully get some more things done. I can't seem to sleep at night so my days are pretty upside down.

I think that's about it.... After doing my online classes and job searches I am about done with the computer for the day. Still trying to get my blog reading in and get caught up.

Hope everyone is doing well!! Miss you all!!

How Being a Crafter Makes Health Goals More Reachable

2011-03-11T18:18:00.000-08:00

I'm going to try something a little different today.... Just before I was laid off, I was given the opportunity to participate in a free holistic health assessment by a friend I had recently re-connected with. At first I was a little worried about what this assessment might bring up, but I have to tell you, it was one of the BEST and most POSITIVE things I have done for myself in quite sometime. I hope you enjoy the post Joanna has written for you and I encourage you to check out her website which is listed below and sign up for her free newsletter! She has great tips for life!! Happy weekend!!! -Callista

How Being a Crafter Makes Health Goals More Reachable
Many women are the health caretakers in their homes and families. They know the value of good health and want the best for themselves and their families. And they still struggle with making those changes happen. Maybe you want to exercise more, or eat better, or prevent/reverse some disease. Maybe you just want to feel better about being in a body. Either way, you’re looking for a change…an improvement.
Luckily, improving your health is just like crafting. (Who knew you already had all the skills you need to improve your health and make it part of your routine?!? Handy, huh?)
Many people create a health goals list that looks like this:
1. Eat right
2. Exercise
3. Lose weight

But, as a crafter, you’d never create a list that looks like this:
1. Scrapbook entire 2010 year
2. Crochet sweater
3. Make quilt

You know, just by looking, that these crafts are more complex than just ‘doing it’. They require chunking things down into smaller parts, the right supplies, time, and that magic ingredient I call ‘fiddling.’ Let’s see how these skills might also help you improve your health.
Chunking Projects

If you have ever created anything, even a paper chain for holiday decorations, you know you need to chunk down projects into smaller steps and goals. You cannot, suddenly, scrapbook an entire year. But you can do it one month, or one special event at a time. And you can learn to run a marathon by first walking down the driveway and back. And you can practice eating more healthfully by adding one fruit to your diet each week. Small tasks, easy to finish, and- if at all possible- enjoyable- this will get you to your goals in just about any situation.

Supplies

To create a quilt you need some supplies- fabric, thread, batting, needles. You need these supplies to help the project come to life and take its final shape. The same is true with health goals. This might literally mean supplies- in the case of folks with chronic diseases, you need medical equipment. If you want to move more, you might need different shoes. If you want to feed yourself better, you might need more nutrition knowledge to see more options at the grocery store. Having the right supplies makes all the difference in creating what you want.
Time

Time is a precious commodity for so many of us. And yet, when we really are interested in something, or really need it (for health or sanity) – we make time to do it. Crafting is a respite and joy for many of you, I’d bet. You feel fulfilled when you’re creating and this enjoyment makes you want to do it more. So you make time for it.
Health goals need time, too. But not a lot. I recently recommended that one of my clients make a commitment to 5 minutes a day of putting things away in her house. Why? Because it meant that, for five minutes, she’d be walking up and down the stairs in her house. This dramatically increased her daily movement and burnt extra calories (and kept her house neater, too!).
Fiddling

This, to me, is the ultimate spark of genius that crafters have to help them reach their goals. Fiddling is the creative attitude that helps you pick the perfect color of yarn, or mix quilt fabrics, or move some piece of paper around over here….no, over there…no, turn it like this…until it looks ‘just so.’ In that ‘fiddling’ space you are willing, as a crafter, to let go of things that don’t work until you find the thing that does work.
And this is an amazing skill in helping you reach health goals. You have to find what fits. Exercise that fits your schedule and your personality. Nutrition that fits your family life and helps you feel really good. Making these components fit just right into your life and your goals is what will make them stick over the long haul. And fiddling until they fit is a huge help.
Creating small chunks for projects, gathering the right supplies, making time, and fiddling can help you felt a new purse and craft your health. If you have health goals you want to reach, your crafting skills can get you there.
Joanna Meriwether, BS, MSW, is a holistic health educator in private practice in Riverside, RI. You can catch her blog at http://joannameriwether.com and sign up for her holistic health newsletter at the site. She used to ride around the back of Callista’s red truck a very long time ago. They reconnected recently via that new-fangled internet thingy.

Steampunk Debutante Book Part 3

2011-03-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pages from my Steampunk Debutante Book using Graphic 45's line.

what have you been working on?

Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante - Part 2

2011-03-01T15:53:00.000-08:00

Here are some more pages from my book

Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante

2011-02-23T11:31:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day, the hubby paid for me to take LaVonne Harrington's Steampunk Debutante class at our local stamp store, Impress. This was a four hour class using the Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante line, along with some other items including Tim Holtz product. It was a fun class and I have been adding photo pages to my book since the class last Sunday.

Cover

Page 1

page 2

page 3

I will have some more pages to share later this week.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Hello Again!

2011-02-17T17:04:00.000-08:00

Well, I finished up my last week of work and survived the "going away" lunch. It was UNCOMFORTABLE and a STRUGGLE, but I am DONE!

I was rewarded that Friday with a day of hanging out with CORA who happened to have the GREAT timing of being in town. We hit the thrift shops and had cupcakes.

I survived my sleep study on Saturday night. I dreamt I had snakes in my pants. Yep, those crazy wires got the better of me. And Sunday morning I arrived home to find out that I hadn't gotten all the paste out of my hair and had to wash it yet again!

Monday, I was stuck at home doing a 24 hour test for the doctor since she can't get my former urologist to respond to her and needs to figure out if I need to be back on my kidney stone medication aka Potassium Citrate.

Tuesday, I had an interview. Yep. I'm not good at reading how things went. So we will wait and see.

Wednesday, an old friend took me for coffee and pedicures. Just love when they do the paraffin on my feet. I just want to melt into the chair.

That brings us to today... I had to go back to the old office to pick up an order of Girl Scout cookies that a client brought in. YIKES! Then I stopped for pizza on Broadway and visited Urban Outfitters where I picked up a new hat on clearance for $3.50!!! Then it was off to meet with the Sleep Doctor to be told...
I DON'T have sleep apnea!!! YAY!!!!!

So, I apologize for not being around. I am trying to put together some sort of routine for myself and it is still in the works. While I am relieved to be out of that office! I am concerned about the financial ramifications since I was the main income source and also the one that handles the bills. I KNOW deep down that things will be fine whatever happens...but I am still experiencing those lil panic moments and trying to figure it all out.

I have some exciting posts coming up in March... well, I hope you will find them exciting! LOL! If you are a women who has her own business and is interested in being featured, let me know at callista72(at)hotmail(dot)com.

Hope everyone is doing well... I hope to start getting around to every one's blogs again soon! xoxo

Eliminated

2011-02-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

Friday late afternoon I was told my job was being eliminated due to financial difficulties. Yeah, they never were able to bring in enough money to justify taking on a third executive in July. So now it will be 3 executives working with NO office staff what so ever! Good plan guys! LOL! I won't be around much this week as it is my last week in the office and I am suppose to be wrapping up my work and teaching my bosses everything I do so they can take it on. Now they are also forcing me into sitting with them for 3 hours this morning so I can plan what I am going to do next. UNCOMFORTABLE!! It was bad enough having to come into the office this week. While I know there is going to be financial difficulties ahead for the hubby and me, I am entirely RELIEVED to know my days are numbered here.

I hope everyone had a great weekend! What did you do? Tell me so I can keep my mind on happy things! :)

Thursday Catch Up

2011-02-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

My friend Misty didn't come over for crafting night, so I was lazy and sat in front of Netflix streaming all night. Been watching "Desperate Housewives" never followed it before now. It's such a crazy show and makes me wonder what my neighbors are up to even though we don't live on a pristine street like Wisteria Lane. But yep, I am fully addicted to the show now.

Monday night I spent just under two hours on the phone. Yep, that was a hard one for someone like me who LOATHES talking on the phone. But I will share this story another time.

Tuesday night we ran all over the place. I got new shoes so I can get my butt back on the treadmill. I stopped by my Macy's to see if they had any more of the dishes I posted about and was a little ticked! They had a great assortment but they weren't marked down as much (yes, I price checked them) and they weren't on the extra 40% off. So I walked away...only to go downstairs to find four sweaters I liked that were marked down to $10 each! So sweaters in hand I steared clear of the shoe department. LOL!

So, now it's Thursday and I am hoping our glasses and contacts come in by tomorrow so we can go out and get them on Saturday. Otherwise we have to wait another week and I am really itching for my new frames!

Friday night I am going to a Close To My Heart Valentine's card making workshop. I am really excited for it! This weekend will be a quiet one...just need to get the house and prep food for Monday night. It's my turn to host Ladies Night at my house. Can't wait to get caught up with some friends I haven't seen in awhile!

And lastly, I wanted to share a pic of my new (to me) ring. I was given a few pieces of costume jewelry that previously belonged to a dear friend's grandmother. I was quite honored to receive the pieces as I loved this woman like my own grandmother and I knew how hard it was for my friend to go through and pick pieces out for me. This ring is my birth stone and I absolutely LOVE that it is set in silver rather than gold. It was hard to get a good pic of it, but here we go...

What have you been up to?

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-01-31T10:49:00.000-08:00

Rewind to Friday, my head was still throbbing so I packed up the laptop and left work early. Since the buses no longer travel to my neck of the woods in the middle of the day, I hopped the light rail to Tukwila and my mom was generous enough to pick me up. I had a couple of coupons for free candles at Bath and Bodyworks, so I gave one to her and we went to pick up the candles before she dropped me off at the park and ride. Once I was home and set up to work, I monitored the vm and email in between Advil and naps. The hubby wanted to hit McGrath's one more time before Crabfest was over so we went to dinner. I had their GIGANTIC crab cocktail and a cup of there yummy chowder. The hubby had crab legs which were HUGE, but the way I was feeling I just didn't want to deal with the mess! LOL!

Saturday we had our annual eye doctor appointments. We drive 45 minutes to see the eye doctor. Crazy I know! But these two doctors have been the BEST we ever found... although unfortunately their office staff has been lacking the last couple of years. Anyhow, we were greeted with Starbucks gift cards as an apology for a mistake the office staff made while scheduling us. So that was a GREAT start! Yay for coffee!!! It was 3PM before we were finished picking out our new frames and getting the bill paid and all that fun stuff! So it was well after 4PM when we finally arrived home. So needless to say we were a bit late getting to my brother's for dinner. They were already eating when we got there. He made pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, beans and plenty of chips, veggies and pickles. The meat he did in the crock pot with root beer and then you add the BBQ sauce in the last hour of cooking. It was sooo good! We played Buzz Word after dinner and some other games.

Sunday I headed out to meet my MIL and SIL at In Spa for our pedicures we all got from Christmas in our stockings. And because we have the In Spa membership card we got free manicures as well! BONUS!! I LOVE the heated booties that they use during their pedicures! HEAVEN I tell you!!! After our pampering we decided to head over to Macy's for a lil shopping. But first, my MIL and SIL had a surprise in the car for me. They had been at TJ Maxx and found two pillows for my couch! They are a gorgeous purple with lavender, light green and silver which are the colors in my living room and they match perfectly. They also surprised me with a new sweater and some battery operated tea lights which I LOVE for my chandeliers in my living room. Then we hit Macy's and my MIL saw SALES and I would up with...

My new Franco Sarto Shoes which are WAY more cute in person. This picture sucks IMO. LOL!

And these Martha Stewart plates were on super clearance. Basically they were giving them away! LOL! I have the red Fiesta Ware so these will be a nice addition to mix in. I also got the serving platter in the same style.

So that was basically my weekend. How was yours?? What did you do??

Craft Night Part 2

2011-01-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

So, I mentioned I CREATEd a headband Thursday night for craft night. I got the idea from a lot of feathered hairpieces I've seen lately on Etsy and in the Steampunk Scene. This one is fashioned more to look like a little vintage hat although it really is a headband. I ordered the Lady Amherst Emerald Green Feather pad applique from Pegasus22 on Etsy. I had planned this headpiece in case I went to the Steampunk Ball, but since I decided not to go, it kind of got put on the side burner. It really turned out to be a simple project. Hot glue, headband and the feather pads. The emerald green is a little hard to see in my hair, but they were the best pictures I could get.

Top View

Front View

Side View

I'm soo glad today is FRIDAY!! Woohooo!!! The hubby wants to see TRON again... I'm trying to talk him into seeing it with a friend so I can have some un-interrupted time cleaning up my crafting space. Saturday we both have eye doctor appointments and I am hoping to have lunch at the cute little cafe that is near by. They have the BEST soup, sandwiches and salads! Then we are going to dinner and game night at my brother's house so I am hoping to stop by Ben Franklin Craft's to check out what goodies they have in stock! Sunday, I am meeting my MIL and SIL and we are using our In-Spa gift cards from Christmas for pedicures! And since we all have the In Spa membership card we get free manicures as well. And Sunday evening we are meeting friends for Thai Food! What are your weekend plans?!?

Happy Friday! Happy Weekend!

Craft Night

2011-01-27T09:33:00.000-08:00

My friend Misty came over last night for craft night. While she crocheted I CREATED a headband that I will share another day and I made up some thank you cards.

This little card has become a sort of "go to" card for me. It's quick, easy and totally cute. Plus I love the puny "Thanks a latte". The coffee penguin is by Memory Box. I just use a 1" round punch for the circle which the penguin fits nicely in and inside I stamp the saying. Easy peasy.

I also looked through the new Cricut Magazine

Has anyone else gotten this magazine. I loved that the front cover was another take on the Thanks a latte saying. There are some great ideas in here and one in particular that Misty and I LOVED. But I have to go shopping and see if I can get my hands on the cartridge we need! I added tags to several pages which is a good thing! I was hoping that this magazine would inspire me to CREATE more with my Cricut.

I also got the latest issue of Paper Crafts. There are some really cute Valentine's Day ideas in there! I don't tend to pick up a lot of magazines, but I figured I needed some inspiration to get me CREATING!

What are you working on these days??

Stylish Blogger

2011-01-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

I got this from Julie's blog this morning...

I am suppose to list 8 facts about me... I wonder if I can come up with 8 LOL! Let's see, here we go...

1. I use to LOVE to drive! Especially long drives where I could just turn up the music and GO! But now I hate it. I don't mind short trips to the store, but I would rather live somewhere where I could walk or ride my bike around.

2. I am NOT one for talking on the phone. I wish I were because I feel like I miss out sometimes, but every job I've ever had required me to talk on the phone for hours a day and somewhere along the way I just stopped doing it if I didn't have to. I really need to get over this, so someone give me a call! LOL!

3. I LOVE to text! I bet you aren't surprised after #2. ;)

4. I have always absolutely LOVED paper! It started with stationery for all the letters I use to write my penpals, friends and far away family. When the hubby and I were engaged, I took on a second job at a store called The Paper Tree. I LOVED shopping there, so I decided it would be a great place to work. I got to design my own wedding announcements and the few invitations that we had made. But I HATED the snobby rich clientele with all their OUTRAGEOUS demands. I wouldn't have minded if they had been nice about it, but they never were. I really miss the discount when I left and sadly the store has since closed.

5. I started collecting rubber stamps when I was somewhere between ages 8-10. I use to have hundreds of them, but a few years ago I seriously cut back and donated a TON of them to the local CampFire office. I still have quite a few, but for some reason I no longer have any working ink pads, so I never use them. I need to remedy that.

6. I can't drink hot coffee. It makes me sick to my stomach, so yes, even in 30 degree weather you will see me running around with an iced latte in hand.

7. I met my hubby in an AOL chat room my first night on AOL. I was trying to figure something out and went into a chat room to ask a question. The first and only time I've ever been in one. LOL! I was already engaged and trying to figure out how to tell the person that I couldn't marry him. Really weird timing, but it also confirmed that I couldn't marry the other guy. *Bonus Fact* My hubby was the one that gave me the online name Callista.

8. I absolutely LOVE getting a pedicure! I think it is the most relaxing and cheapest "get-away" type experience one can have. But I have extremely ticklish feet!!

OK, there you have it. All the things you NEVER wanted to know about me. LOL! Play along if you like!

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-01-24T09:33:00.000-08:00

Is it really Monday already?!?

Rewind to Friday... I went in for the ultra sound on my heart and then headed home to take a nap. My head and neck were killing me, I think I got way too stressed out. After I got up, the hubby and I decided to go to McGrath's for crab fest. Yum-o! I just LOVE crab!!

Saturday morning I made a breakfast potato casserole and Lil Smokies for the hubby. Then we ran some errands and then it was home to do a bit of cleaning before our friends M&J came over for dinner. We had veggie tempura, marinated cucumbers, brown rice and shrimp stir fry with TONS of veggies. The hubby had put aside an organic sake from his sake club which was just the right pairing. M&J brought dessert. Homemade chocolate cake from scratch and Bailey's on the rocks! Mmmm... good food, great conversation and wonderful people to hang out with!

Sunday was a lazy late start of the day for us. We went to Seattle and had late lunch at the Center House and then went to emp/Sci Fi museum. Unfortunately, 2/3 of the Sci Fi Museum was closed for renovations and there was no sign out to tell you this and didn't say anything when we paid so the hubby was a bit ticked. He did enjoy the Battle Star Galactica display though, so that is good. After that we drove to Lynwood and met the hubby's parents at Macaroni Grill for dinner. We all got gift cards for Christmas. I had a salad and grilled chicken on rosemary skewers which was delicious! The hubby had lobster ravioli and was in heaven. Then it was home to watch a few episodes of "IT Crowd" on Netflix streaming before bed.

How was your weekend?? What did you do??

Happy Friday!

2011-01-21T09:46:00.000-08:00

My day started out with the vampires taking 3 vials of blood. Yuck!

The middle will consist of a trip to the cardiologist office to have an ultrasound on my heart. Apparently my new doctor is convinced that I have sleep apnea.
Reason #1 - my airway is small
Reason #2 - the EKG showed that my right ventricular is strained, which is a sign of ?? You guess it, sleep apnea.
Reason #3 - while she was asking me about oxygen flow and if anyone had every talked to me about any of this, I recalled a comment that was made to me when I was coming out of anesthesia the last time... something about that I couldn't leave the recovery room until my oxygen level was up and stayed up.

Anyhow, she is quite upset that no one ever thought to check this out. So here I go. Consult with the sleep center is set up for February. Fun stuff ahead! LOL!

And last, our Friday will wind up with celebrating this guy's birthday...

Happy Friday!! Enjoy the weekend!

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-01-18T11:02:00.000-08:00

Blogger is hating me today... won't let me share any pictures. *sigh* I guess that's what happens when I abandon it for a few days huh? :)

Thursday evening after work I went to a Camp Fire Puget Sound Council Alumni event at the Pike Brewing Company. It was a fun casual event and a chance to meet other Camp Fire Alumni from the area.

Friday, I met a friend for coffee which lasted about 3 hours. Then I returned a book to another friend. Hit the grocery store. Then I finally got to deliver the tea wreath I made for my friend. That was a lot of fun, but lasted much longer than I had planned on. Her 3 little ones are way too cute and entertaining. By the time I got home though, I was exhausted and the hubby came home to find me passed out on the couch.

Saturday morning I went to a committee meeting for planning the Camp Fire Alumni weekend at Camp Sealth on Vashon Island this fall. I haven't decided if I am going to serve on the committee yet, I just basically went to check it out. On the way home, I stopped to pick up salami, Manchego cheese and olives from our favorite shop as a surprise for the hubby. When I got home we made up a tray and snacked in the den while watching a movie. Saturday evening after a meal of leftovers we went to the Pacific Science Center for the Harry Potter Exhibit.

Sunday morning the hubby and I went to see The Green Hornet. Kato definitely stole the show, but I still wasn't all that impressed with it. Then we came home and worked on moving some furniture and tried to start organizing our creative room. That is definitely going to take some time! LOL!

Monday the hubby had to work and I found myself lounging in front of Netflix streaming. We ran a couple of errands when he got home and then I made tacos for dinner.

I didn't get one thing done, that I had planned to over my four days off, but oh well.. I feel more rested. How was your weekend?

Crazy Week!

2011-01-13T10:54:00.000-08:00

So.. Monday night I came home and was at it again. Cooking that is. I made a batch of meatloaf muffins (basically your favorite meatloaf recipe cooked in muffin tins which quick freeze well for individual portions), a pot of spaghetti sauce and TWO lasagnas. I got a bit of a late start so the lasagnas weren't coming out of the oven until almost 7:45PM and they were HUGE! I texted a newer friend and said I knew it was kind of late, but did they want one for their freezer? (I usually cut mine up and freeze it in individual servings for quick lunches/dinners.) She wasn't feeling well and was already in bed, but asked if she could pick it up after work on Tuesday.

Tuesday I spent the day watching the sky. The forecast was for snow between 4-7PM (just in time to mess up the evening commute) Our weather people NEVER get the forecast right, so I kept waiting for snow to fall and even got out of work in time to catch the first express bus home at 3:30PM. No snow! My friend and her husband came by and picked up the lasagna and after they left I started dinner. Honey pecan crusted chicken, green beans and crescent rolls. After dinner, we FINALLY started taking down our Christmas decorations and I noticed something outside.. yep snow!! It was 7:45PM! By the time Christmas was packed away and I was headed for bed we had a good 2 inches or so covering the ground. The forecast was for rain to hit at midnight and wash it all away for the morning commute.

Wednesday morning I awoke to a text from my hubby saying the roads were safe but slushy. I stared to get ready for work and got a text from my boss saying he was snowed in... so I worked from home. It turned out to be a crazy busy workday and I really wasn't able to get anything done at home around it with the exception of 1 load of laundry. I didn't even get the pot of veggie soup on the stove that I had planned to make. *sigh*

Today, I woke up, got ready and was at the bus stop when I realized my bus pass was missing! I had to go all the way home and did a quick search (no luck!) and grabbed some change so I could pay my way. By the time I got to work I was soaked through to the bone! Ugh! I've had a thought to where my bus pass MIGHT be, so my fingers are crossed. Thankfully I don't have to worry about the commute tonight as I am attending a reunion event and already had a ride back to the park and ride tonight. Phew!

I decided to take tomorrow (Friday) off as a vacation day... this coming weekend, last year I was headed to Disneyland. This year I am just taking a long weekend (4days with Monday being a holiday) to catch up with some friends and get some things done at home. With our laptop in the shop, I probably won't be back until Tuesday so have a fabulous weekend! What are your plans?!?

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-01-10T09:12:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning found me at the local market doing a major stock-up. There was a BOGO FREE deal on roasts, country style boneless ribs, chicken breasts and ground beef and it was mix and match type deal. There was also a steal on the snacks the hubby likes to take to work. So once I got home, I pulled out the vacuum sealer and went to work. Then I tackled organizing the chest freezer in the garage followed by the pantry. All this in between loads of laundry. When the hubby was up and moving we headed down to Tacoma for lunch at Chevy's. Love their chips and salsa! Mmm.... then we stopped by the comic book shop to pick up his comics, then it was a quick stop and Target (yay! Nick and Nora PJs and sock monkey slipper booties on clearance!) and Fred Meyer (sale on storage containers). We stopped by the house to check on Moose, start another load of laundry and put things away and then it was off to Bellevue to visit our friends and their 2-1/2 week son. Then it was back our way and I went to the monthly ladies spa night with a couple of friends. Ahhhh....RELAXING! Perfect end to the day.

Sunday morning I found myself finishing up a couple loads of laundry and then I don't know what happened, but I had 4 cookie sheets of meatballs, 2 dozen savory breakfast biscuits, 15 quesidillas and 4 two cup bags of taco meat headed to the freezer. I was still in my new Nick and Nora PJ's and Sock Monkey slipper booties at 2PM when I finally had the kitchen cleaned and was headed for the shower. The hubby then took me to Jamba Juice and we ran a couple of errands before he treated me to dinner at Wally's Chowder House. Mmmm... and we went home to watch a few episodes of Burn Notice before I totally crashed!

That was my weekend. Totally not relaxing, but I certainly feel accomplished! LOL! How was your weekend. Oh and we got snow, but thankfully it didn't stick. Woohoo!!

A Huge Thank You, I get Crafty and Happy Friday

2011-01-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

You all know Maggi right? The super creative, super sweet, super blogger over at Just Add Glitter and Stir? She's one of the people I feel totally blessed to have met online and hope to meet in person one day! Truly a WonderWoman! She surprised me with an utterly AMAZING box today. It was sitting on the welcome mat when I got home. All wrapped up just waiting there for ME!! I should have gotten a picture of it before I opened it, but I was soo excited I couldn't contain myself. I never thought I would be soo excited to unwrap a Huggies box. LOL! Here is what I found stuffed inside!!

a Hello Kitty bag, a crochet cupcake scarf, two art canvases (one of me with Alice and one of me with the Mad Hatter), a HUGE cupcake stuffed ornament, a set of mini Martha Stewart glass ornaments, a Sanrio Keroppi watch, a Hello Kitty spiral journal, a bag of lavender, a card with a picture of Toot in it. She also put something in the box for the hubby he hasn't seen yet. And her mom made me a tin of Muddy Buddies, a tin of lavender shortbread cookies and an Almond Lavender loaf! I hope I'm not forgetting anything here!! It took awhile for me to pick my jaw up off the floor. I was texting Maggi and gushing and waiting for the hubby to get home so I had someone to share my excitement with. I am sure I was doing my happy dance while I was bouncing off the walls as well. I can't tell you how much this box meant to me!!!

my new Maggi made cupcake scarf that I will probably sleep in because I LOVE it so much. LOL

the art canvases, one of the sweetest things anyone has ever made me

and she never leaves Moose out.

He is guarding that piggy with his life people!

A BILLION THANK YOU's doesn't cover this Maggi!

You totally spoiled me girl!!!

Oh and the goodies her mom made are TO DIE FOR people! Seriously! As I told Maggi it's a good thing I can still wear the scarf no matter what size I am!! Thank you girl! And thank your mom too.

Hugs all around!

Earlier this week, Maggi sent me a link to a tutorial at kojo designs for a fantastic idea! A tea wreath for the kitchen (yes the purple is the link to the tutorial). It's been on my mind ever since and Wednesday night when my friend Misty came over to craft, I tried my hand at it. As typical when making something for the first time I found a few things I would do differently the next time around and I apologize, the pics were taken before I did some clean up trimming on the wreath, but here is my version. I used a couple of papers from My Minds Eye Oh La La collection that I had on hand.

the completed wreath without the tea bags

and here is the completed wreath with some bagged tea I had on hand. I made this wreath for a friend who has all her tea shoved in drawers and I thought this was a great way to organize her teas. It also made me realize I don't drink too many bagged teas. Mine are all loose! Thankfully I had enough to fill it for the picture though.

The hubby came home from school Wednesday night and surprised me with this book:

photo courtesy of Amazon.com

I looked through it a bit, but I am excited to actually sit down and read it. Some really neat designs in there!

I got invited to a Steampunk Ball later this month, but I haven't decided if I will go. I really don't have the right costume for a Ball and I don't know that I have time to work on getting something together, but I will keep you posted. I am really rather intrigued by the idea though and think it would be a great night to people watch and check out costumes!

So, what do you have planned for this weekend?? I can not believe I am headed into a weekend with NOTHING planned, well except to get my Christmas decorations down. Yes, mine are still up. I wanted to enjoy them just a little longer. Plus I haven't taken pictures yet. Oops! There are rumors of possible snow here on Saturday, so we shall see what happens.

Happy Happy Weekend! Can't wait to hear all about it!!

This & That Wednesday

2011-01-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

A couple of my favorite things these days...

LOVE Burt's Bees Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey and Shea Butter Body Butter! YUM-O!!! Not only does the moisturizing last ALL day and sink in without any residue type feeling. It smells of HONEY! There's not a day that goes by that I don't slather this on. Feels and smells great! And I haven't been having the winter dry skin issues I tend to deal with.

Origins Flower Fusion hydrating lip color with floral extracts. I LOVE the Mulberry color, unfortunately I couldn't find a good picture of the color in the tube. Great lasting formula when I want a lil something more than my go to Burt's Bees lip tints.

Sweet Petula Nail Butter and Cuticle Balm a great smelling product! Love it! My neglected nails are definitely looking better thanks to this wonderful product. A new must have for me!

Tonight my friend Misty is coming over for craft night. Can't wait to get back to having this time to craft and visit while the hubby is in class. I am also very excited about the project I am starting tonight. Hopefully I will have some pictures to share tomorrow.

What are some of your favorite things these days and are you working on any projects?!?

P.S. I was finally able to connect with Callie and the Winter Wonderland Box will go out this Friday. Yay!!

Happy New Year!!! Weekend Wrap Up

2011-01-03T15:19:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Years!!

The hubby and I went to see Abney Park at Studio Seven in the SODO district. (SODO use to stand for South of the Dome as in the Kingdome, but since it was imploded years ago, it now means South of Downtown.) I didn't care for the opening act, but the hubby liked it. The Fire Breathers, Aerialists and Light Hoopers were FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!!!! This was a 21+ show so both floors of Studio Seven were open to everyone. There were TV's if you wanted to sit down and relax and get out of the crowd. There were only a couple of vendors at this show, which surprised me, but then again it was NYE. In the past there has been a row of vendors selling their Steampunk wares.This was an amazing night of people watching. I absolutely LOVE Steampunk because everyone interprets it differently and there is a WIDE arrange of attire. Plus when do you get to see soo many guys dressed up in their finest looking absolutely smashing! And then there are always the people who are checking it out for the first time and they are so much fun as well! No pictures to share since you aren't really suppose to take cameras in, but if you are curious to know what a Steampunk band looks or sounds like, you can check them out a couple of videos here.

Saturday aka New Years Day the hubby and I ran all sorts of errands and it was a CRAZY day! His parents came down for dinner and I made orange chicken, brown rice, wonton soup and marinated cucumbers for dinner. Afterwards we all went to the mall so I could exchange a pair of pants I got from the in-law's for Christmas. Unfortunately, I didn't find a new pair of pants so my MIL says she owes me. LOL! However, I did score the wonderful winter (not wool) coat which was marked down from $150 to $50 plus my MIL was stocked with great coupons that made it even a better deal! Thank you Macy's! And thank you MIL!!!

Sunday was a quiet day. The hubby and I had an errand to do then we grabbed lunch at Mama Stortini's. I had the Maytag Blue Cheese Salad and 1/2 Smoky BLT Club. The hubby had the hot dungeness crab melt. Which was basically crab mixed into artichoke dip. I have an incredible artichoke dip recipe so I think next time he wants this I will just make it for him. After lunch we headed home so he could do the homework he had been putting off all of his winter break. LOL! And I did laundry, made a HUGE pot of soup (ham, veggie, beans) and watched Couples Retreat which we got on DVD from the hubby's Uncle for Christmas. It was a great weekend and a great start to 2011.

What did you do to celebrate the New Year?

Time to Say Goodbye...

2010-12-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

to 2010

and

Hello 2011!!!!

Whatever you do tonight to celebrate, I hope you have a safe and wonderful time!!

The hubby and I are going to this...

I can NOT wait!!!

So, are you choosing a word for 2011?? Mine for 2010 was SIMPLIFY and believe me it was always on my mind.

My word for 2011?!?

CREATE!!

Yep, I need to get my creative mojo back and hopefully 2011 will be the year. So that's mine. What's your word for 2011?!?

Best wishes to you all for the New Year!

xoxo

PS does anyone know Callie?!? Or know how to reach her? She hasn't responded and didn't leave a way to contact her. IF I don't hear from her soon I will draw a new winner. Thanks!

A Few More Christmas Pics

2010-12-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pics from our Christmas. You can see more on the previous post.

Cora, Scope and Moose

Me, Cora and Scope

My niece

my mom, Moose and my SIL

my new bag from my in-laws

Holiday Wrap Up

2010-12-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

WOW! What a wonderful Christmas weekend! I hope everyone had a great one!

I have to apologize that I don't have all my pics, I only have what was taken on my phone as my camera and computer are having a dispute... so hopefully I will have more pics later this week.

Rewind to Friday... Cora and her hubby Scope came to visit and while they were at our house I had Cora do the drawing for the winner of my Winter Wonderland giveaway which I announced was CALLIE!! Callie if you are out there, please e-mail me at Callista72(at)hotmail(dot)com, you didn't leave a way to reach you and I haven't heard from you yet. I really want to get your winnings in the mail this week. I visited with Cora and Eric and then my family showed up for the evening. We had a great time eating, opening gifts and playing Apples to Apples Disney Version while sipping on Pomegranate Campaign Cocktails and Shirley Temples. I scored a programmable Shower Radio and a weather station. Both of which I've been wanting since we no longer have TV. Now I am a little more prepared in the mornings. LOL!

Saturday morning we headed to the in-law's. Thank you Starbucks for being open so I could get an iced latte to try and wake up on our drive! We enjoyed my MIL's fantastic artery clogging brunch of sausage tarts, eggs, hash brown casserole, pumpkin bread and grapes. Yum! Then we settled in to open gifts before the calls from the extended family in VA started to come in and poor lil Moose went to sleep with a full belly. By late afternoon I had to make another Starbucks run and it was good timing because I got up to the register and turned around and the line was out the door! I thankfully beat the rush! We watched A Christmas Story and then the Storage Wars marathon. We were all glued to the TV. What a crazy show! Then it was time for dinner which was more relaxed for us. Honeybaked ham, sausage balls, olive balls, crackers, pickles, celery, carrots and potato salad. Followed by my MIL's fantastic black walnut pound cake for dessert. Mmmmm good!! Such a nice relaxing day and as always we were completely spoiled!

the hubby and me in front of one of my MIL's Christmas trees

Tuckered Moose

Sunday morning the hubby and I headed into Seattle for pizza at Pagliacci. Our favorite pizza!! Then we went over to Urban Outfitters where I found a hat that ended up being marked down from $30 to $5!! Woohooo!!! This was my best after Christmas deal!

new hat

After we were done shopping on Broadway, we headed over to Bellevue Square to check out a few shops then onto IKEA to get my new kitchen table. We had a monster of a table which I just sold on Craig's List because we needed to downsize. Now we have a small round table which seats 4 and has a leaf if we need to sit 6.

I was off yesterday and hit the Bath and Bodyworks sale. Picked up some great kitchen soap and hand lotion. Stopped by Chicos and Macy's. I got this cute sweater at Macy's for $10!!!

Yeah, I cut my head off when I took the self pic for the sweater. LOL!!

How was your Christmas?? Did you get what you wanted?? Did you score at any sales??

Congratulations and Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T21:31:00.000-08:00

While Cora was over today, I had her draw the winner of my Winter Wonderland Giveaway and the winner is.....

Callie!!!

Congratulations Callie! Please e-mail me your snail mail address at Callista72(at)hotmail(dot)com and I will get your winnings in the mail next week.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Last Chance

2010-12-23T08:03:00.000-08:00

Dont' forget to enter my Winter Wonderland Giveaway! You have until noon tomorrow PST to enter. Details can be found HERE.

Are you ready for Christmas?!? I finally finished all my presents and have them wrapped and under the tree. I didn't get any handmade cards done this year *sigh* maybe next year... still have cleaning to do and grocery shopping. Good thing I am only working a half day today and am off tomorrow.

Cora and Scope are in town and will be over tomorrow for a little lunch and gift exchange and then my family will arrive in the late afternoon. Yep, we are hosting Christmas Eve again. On the menu: Asian BBQ pork, noodles, marinated cucumbers and crescent rolls (yeah my SIL and niece can't have holiday meal without them). After we open gifts we will all relax with a nice hot cup of my grandma's secret recipe Hot Buttered Rum. Mmmmmm... My niece's will be mixed with hot apple cider. Soo good! Christmas morning, the hubby and I will exchange stockings and then head to his parent's house for the day. My mother-in-law makes the BEST Christmas brunch ever! Helllooo sausage tarts! Nom, nom, nom. And I am taking the fixings for Pomegranate Campaign cocktails. Then after gift opening and phone calls with the extended family in VA we will have a nice relaxed Honey Baked Ham dinner. Then I have Sunday and Monday to recover before I head back to work on Tuesday.

What are your Christmas plans?!?

Be back tomorrow to announce the winner!!! So be sure to check back!

A Few of My Favorite Things

2010-12-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

Friday night, the hubby and I went to see a production of Red Ranger Came Calling my all time favorite Christmas story! If you click the link it will take you to Amazon where you can read a little more about the book and if you have kids you should definitely buy it for them! LOL! OR even better, buy it for yourself. It takes place on my favorite PNW island and it tells you all about how this came to be...

The hubby came down with the flu on Saturday, so the rest of our weekend plans went down the drain... so instead of the weekend wrap up... enjoy a few of my favorite things...

Fir and Red Berries Shea Butter Soap from Sweet Petula it smells like Christmas!! And BEST of all I can smell it as soon as I walk into our powder room so it doubles as air freshener! Mmmmmm.... Love it!

Avon Basics Vita Moist Hand Cream an oldie but a goodie. Thank goodness my mom still has an Avon lady. LOL! It's the only hand cream that I have constantly loved over the years and continue to do so.

Origins Peace of Mind showed up in my stocking one year and I've been addicted to it ever since! Anytime I need to feel calm or I feel a headache coming on. I just whip this stuff out and apply. Love the peppermint smell!

Benefit High Brow pencil... the perfect pencil to add lift and life to the brow area.

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer I know, I know.. I talk about this one a lot! But I'm seriously an addict! I have Watermelon, Fig and Rhubarb in my purse!

Starbucks Iced Peppermint Mocha ... holiday time is the ONLY time I allow myself to indulge in these!

Mrs Meyer's Clean Day Orange Clove Soy Candle the hubby picked this one out for the kitchen after we had a little stinky incident in the microwave.

Mrs Meyer's Clean Day Lavender Laundry Detergent a friend recommended this to me and I have been hooked! I love the scent!

What are some of your favorite things??!?

And don't forget to check out my Winter Wonderfland Giveaway. Just click on the picture on the sidebar at the top to leave a comment to enter!

2010-12-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

Last night, my friend J and I went to Meadow on Queen Anne for champagne cocktails and cupcakes courtesy of Sweet Petula. I had never been to Meadow before and it's such a great shop! I loved the mix of items they carry and the great prices!

Since I was there on Queen Anne right down the street from where my mom grew up and my grandmother lived until she passed away in 1998, I decided to walk past the house. The lot it stood on has now been split in two and what use to be my grandmother's pride and joy water gardens, yard and green house is now another house. Growing up, we spent EVERY Christmas Eve at my grandmother's house until the wee hours of the morning and as I stood outside the house I was very nostalgic. The next thing I knew, I had a rosemary tree in hand and I was nervously knocking on the front door of the house. I figured one good turn deserves another (if you are new to my blog, the woman who grew up in the house the hubby and I now own showed up one evening with a wreath for our front door) I was slightly disappointed and relieved when no one came to the door and I left the rosemary tree out front for the owner's to discover. I took a quick pic of the house though... it was built in 1905 and was a boarding house before my grandparent's bought it. Sorry the pic isn't great, but it was already dark out.

Then my friend J and I went to Signature and shared a wonderful green bean salad and a tofu Bahn Mi sandwich. mmmm love the pickled veggies and jalapeno!

Tonight the hubby and I are going to see Red Ranger Came Calling at the Book-it, if you are not familiar with the story it's a wonderful Christmas book by Berkley Breathed and my favorite Christmas story. If you live in the Seattle area and have never read the book you really should!

The rest of the weekend is full of baking and Christmas parties and we are seeing Tron Legacy with the hubby's family at some fancy shmancy theatre that has cushy recliners and they serve food to your seats!!

What are you up to this weekend?!?

** Don't forget to enter my Winter Wonderland Giveaway. Just click on the picture at the top right side bar and the link will take you to all the details! **

Winter Wonderland Giveaway!

2010-12-14T21:08:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay in posting this, but I was down with the flu... so here we go....my blogaversary giveaway or aka the Winter Wonderland Giveaway, everything you need for a cold winter's day... or after the holidays pampering!

Included in this giveaway...
1 teal Coldwater Creek Scarf, 1 CTMH My Creations Display Album, 1 Starbucks insulated coffee cup, 1 crochet Cupcake Coffee Cozy by Twinkee Chan, assorted bath products from Institute Karite Paris (items imported from France), cashmere flower pin, assorted VIA, tea and hot chocolate samples and of course various scrap booking goodies. I reserve the right to throw in additional surprise items. :)

Details.. You will have until noon PST on Christmas Eve to enter...the random drawing will take place later that day. Sorry to my international friends, but this is only open to US/Canada residents due to the cost of shipping.

One entry for simpling leaving a comment.

Become a follower or if you already are, just remind me and I will enter you again.

Post about this Winter Wonderland Giveaway on your blog and leave me a link so I can check it out and that will get you another entry.

For each person that comments that they were referred by you to enter my giveaway I will enter your name again. So be sure to spread the word and be sure to have your referrals name you so you can be entered several times!

Now good luck!!

BLOGAVERSARY!!!!!

2010-12-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

On December 10th 2007 I made my first blog post in loving memory of my dad. You can read it here. It's short and sweet. My dad has been gone 11 years now and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him, especially around his birthday which would have been tomorrow, December 11th.

My dad's and my favorite place to hang out was Cannon Beach, Oregon. I can recall several extended weekend vacations there with him and my mom during all seasons. We especially loved the late Autumn storms down there. Haystack Rock holds some very special memories of my dad for me.

Remember to tell the people in your life how much you love and appreciate them. And come back next week for a giveaway to celebrate my blogaversary. Have a great weekend!

Sooo Many Hats... Sooo Little Time

2010-12-08T02:31:00.000-08:00

Today I want to introduce you to Flipside Hats. Yeah, that's a link, go there and check out their site... I will wait and wait while you peruse through their wonderful hats. Flipside Hats, located in Portland, Oregon, was another vendor I encountered at the Urban Craft Uprising show.

I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with hats. I also have an allergy to wool, so when I do usually find a hat, it gets quickly ruled out. As we passed the Flipside Hat booth I spotted a purple velvet hat that caught my eye and pulled me in, but my eye wandered across the booth where I spotted the hat I fell in LOVE with. Unfortunately the hat was made of wool, so I ruled it out and we moved on. But while we were wandering down the aisles of vendors that hat kept calling out to me and I of course I eventually made my way back to it.

The people working the booth were WONDERFUL!! And put up with my craziness! (Thanks Goodness!)The hat turned out to be reversible and so it was completely lined throughout with a non-wool material so I figured I would giveit a shot. So, let me introduce you to Celeste...my new best friend.

Do you wear hats? What's your favorite?

Introducing Seattle Designer Crystalyn Kae

2010-12-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! I KNOW I did!!

As you know, I was headed to the Urban Craft Uprising (UCU) show at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall on Saturday. I was overly excited about the show itself and then even more ecstatic once I learned I WON a Crystalyn Kae handbag by leaving a comment on her interview post on the Urban Craft Uprising Blog!! Please go check out her interview HERE!

After getting into the show, the hubby and I went directly to the UCU Booth so I could pick up my fabulous new handbag. Then it was off to search for Crystalyn Kae's booth. I have to tell you, I just KNEW from her interview that she was going to be the sweetest person ever, but she is even more sweet and gracious in person.

Crystalyn Kae (on the left) and me at her booth at UCU

And I just love that she is going to design her grandmother's next handbag!! How sweet is that?!? Her booth of handbags blew me away!! And I was totally in LOVE with the Foxtrot Medium Hobo in Green Tweed with turquoise top stitching at first sight!

I love this handbag! The colors are exactly what I had been dreaming of and NOT finding anywhere! The texture is amazing looking and feeling! And the turquoise ultra suede lining is a wonderful pop of color when you look inside. This handbag is the perfect size and there are 3 open pockets and one zippered inside which is just perfect for the things you need to be able to find easily. The strap is adjustable so if can be worn over the shoulder or across the body and can you believe it's hand washable and sustainably created here in Seattle?!? WOW! I can not say enough good things about this handbag! And you know what? I found out that was true for so many other shoppers at UCU. I kept getting stopped by people asking if that was a Crystalyn Kae handbag I was carrying. People gushed about how much they loved their own Crystalyn Kae handbags, how they lasted forever and how sweet Crystalyn Kae is. I am soo excited that I won this handbag and got to meet Crystalyn Kae in person. It totally made my weekend! Thank you Crystalyn Kae!!

Please be sure to check out these links:
Crystalyn Kae's Website go check it out and maybe do some Christmas shopping! ;)
Crystalyn Kae's Blog

And while at UCU I ran into someone I went to college with who know has her own great clothing line! I hope to blog about her soon, so be sure to check back!

Happy Friday!

2010-12-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Everyone!!! I hope you have great plans for the weekend! If this stoopid nasty headache finally goes away I have a birthday party to attend tonight. Otherwise, it will be home to bed with me so I can be all ready to attend

URBAN CRAFT UPRISING

at Seattle Center tomorrow. Definitely take a moment to check out that pink link, you are going to love it!

and I just discovered that I WON!!!! This gorgeous Crystalyn Kae Green Tweed Matinee Hobo Bag!!! Woohooooo!!!! I can't wait to pick it up tomorrow!! I am super excited! Its exactly what I've been dreaming of!

And here are the first pics of my December Daily 2010....

The Cover

December 2nd

I need to print out the picture for December 1st so I can go back and do that page. Behind already! LOL! But please wish me luck for the rest of the month!

Have a great weekend!!

Severely Lacking

2010-12-01T09:49:00.000-08:00

While cleaning up my creative space last night to make sure I have a clean work space to start on my December Daily, I realized while I have more Halloween paper and embellishments than I could use up in my lifetime, I am severely lacking in the Christmas department. So I ran out to Michaels and discovered they were severely lacking as well and then hit JoAnn's to only discover the same. *sigh* I guess I will try to make it over to the actual scrapbook tonight. What holiday scrapbooking items do you tend to hoard??!?

Checking In

2010-11-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

Had a great time at SteamCon over the weekend. Will hopefully have pictures to share next week. Been dealing with snow and temps in the teens. Something we aren't use to here. Power has also been off and on. Just wanted to check in and wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow!

TGIF

2010-11-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

So, I finished off my necklaces last night. Here are the final shots...

Hairpins are selling like hotcakes. A few people have been asking where I am selling them... I don't really have an official place. If you are interested in any, you can e-mail me at callista72(at)hotmail(dot)com. Or message me on Facebook. Doves are $3 each, Larger flowers are $2.50 and smaller flowers are $2.00 each.

What have you got planned for the weekend? I'm working a half day today, then hitting the European Soap warehouse sale. They always have the best stuff! Then home to get ready for SteamCon II this weekend aka Steampunk Convention. And I hear there is a possibility of snow this weekend. Ugh!

Creating Again and It Feels Good

2010-11-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

Last night I took a Resin Jewelry class at Impress with my friend Misty. I wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into and was a bit intimidated, but I had been wanting to do some work with resin and it sounded like a good introduction.

We used collage pendants from Nunn Designs, a non-glossy image, Mod Podge to adhere the image and seal it, Gel du Soleil to do the resin layering, a UV lamp to cure the layers before we added the next layer of resin and embellishments (charms, beads, glitter, etc) to add in the layers of the resin. We also learned about Ice Resin which does not require layering or a UV lamp, but does require 24 hours to dry. It is also a less expensive product and the method I will try at home. To give you an idea.. a 4oz bottle of Gel du Soleil is about $66 compared to the Ice Resin kit 4oz that you get for $25 and you don't have to buy a UV lamp. (By the way, the products are all links if you want to check them out)

Here are the two pendents I made in class... Sorry the pics are shadowy and a bit dark, but it's that time of year in WA.

The resin was still a bit tacky so I did not add my chains and beads to the pendants last night, but when I do I will post pictures again. I really enjoyed this class and am so glad I was able to go!

What have you tried lately that you were intimidated by?

It Was a Dark and Stormy Night

2010-11-16T11:29:00.000-08:00

It was a dark and stormy night... so I got creating!

First I made another round of hairpins...

Which I posted a pic on FB last night and have already sold about half of this batch! Woohoo!! (I'm really in LOVE with the doves and I don't know why!)

And then I pulled out my failed December Daily from last year... which I have decided to recycle into this year's December Daily and attempt to play along with Beth Perry I am hoping this will help me get inspired and find my missing mojo.

What are you doing these days to get inspired? And what are you working on?

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-11-15T10:46:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here today wondering where my long weekend went. Seriously... 4 days just vanished before my eyes. I think it's because the majority of it was spent dealing with our vehicles and not much else. *Sigh* I did get to catch up with a couple of friends while waiting on the cars. It's nice when people will come have coffee with you while you are pretty much stuck!

Other than the vehicles...I went to the dentist (woohooo!!! excitement I know!)

I talked the hubby into letting me use some of his xbox points to rent "Grown Ups" and I am SO glad I did. Another very funny movie!

Saturday night was Ladies Night at the spa with a few friends as a be-lated birthday celebration. Sooo relaxing.

Sunday we had a baby shower to attend for some friends in the StarWars group.

And that was pretty much it! Now I have a full work week ahead of me and I am dreading it! Can't wait for Thanksgiving week! LOL!

What did you do this weekend??

Sweater and flower were birthday gifts.

LOL

2010-11-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

Last night the hubby and I had a spontaneous date night at the $2 theatre. Only on Tuesday nights the $2 theatre becomes the $1 theatre. Unfortunately after running errands we were still a bit early upon arriving for the movie, so we blew a few dollars shooting zombies on some video game in the lobby. After zombie killing, we settled in and enjoyed "The Other Guys" a hilarious movie! I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it, but it was definitely a LOL flick! I definitely need a Prius and a copy of Grand Theft Auto now!

What did you do last night?

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-11-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for the well wishes and the birthday wishes last week.

Thursday afternoon, my mom called and told me she was coming into town to pick me up from work so that I wouldn't have to ride the bus home on my birthday. We made a couple of stops along the way before we got to the park and ride. She gave me a really nice birthday card, a set of Alice in Wonderland glasses, a set of Shamrock Irish coffee cups and shamrock glasses. Then she went off on her way and I went home and laid down on the couch hoping to fall asleep. The hubby's swearing in at the union hall didn't take as long as he thought, so when he got home we went to Joey's for dinner. I had the mushroom soup, green salad and gorgonzola cheese bread (too die for!) and the hubby had lobster grilled cheese. After that it was home and and I went right to sleep.

Friday morning I woke up feeling soo much better! My mom had her Cardiologist appointment and the stress test showed she has the heart of a 47 year old!! I was soo relieved I almost fell apart and started crying! She is soo mad that she lost 2 months of her life, but I am just soo relieved!! I couldn't have been happier! We went to our favorite holiday craft bazaars. Had lunch at Wild Wheat and split a Mocha Chocolate Cheesecake slice for dessert! Then we went to Costco to look at new glass frames for her. By then it was time to head home. That evening the hubby and I met up with our friends M&J and C&C for dinner at Endolyne Joe's. Of course there was plenty of friend zucchini to go around and also a very yummy artichoke stuffed goat cheese thing that was deep fried. Mmmmm....

Saturday morning I got up at the butt crack of dawn. My MIL and SIL picked me up and we headed down to Portland for some tax free shopping! First stop was a holiday food and gift show at the convention center which turned out to be a waste, but we quickly made our way to Home Goods and I know several hours were shot shopping there. Then it was lunch at Red Robin, followed by stops at DSW, Ross and Marshalls before we hit the Eddie Bauer outlet in Centrallia on our way back home. Phew!

Sunday was a lazy laundry day for me. Got the Halloween decorations put away finally. Went grocery shopping while the hubby and his friend studied for a test tonight. And made shrimp stir fry in my new Calphalon pan. Wow that is a nice pan!

What was your weekend like?!?!

It's My Birthday and I Will Cry If I Want To

2010-11-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Still NOT feeling good today. I guess it's good that I am at work alone and have nothing planned for this evening. I just want to go home and sleep. Suppose to be going out tomorrow night with friends, so hopefully I am feeling up to it.

The hubby is getting sworn into the Electrician's Union tonight. He has put in enough apprentice hours to qualify now. I can't believe he has one year under his belt and is already several weeks into his second year. So proud of him!!

Here is the pic of our Steampunk costumes that Blogger wouldn't let me upload yesterday. Thanks for all the sweet comments on our costumes for the Halloween party.

And Happy Birthday to Gwen, my birthday buddy! She came along 14 years ago and stold my birthday right out from under me. LOL! ;)

Halloween and...

2010-11-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween weekend!

We were busy... Saturday we had a costume party to attend.

That's the hubby as Dr. Steel. If you are unfamililar with him, check him out here and that's me as the slightly steampunked Mad Hatter. Too much foo foo stuff for me, I was completely uncomfortable the entire night.

Sunday we had a steampunk meet up to attend followed by a friend's birthday party. I was much more comfortable. I'd post the pic, but for some reason blogger won't let me!

The last couple of days I've felt like crap. Not even sure why I dragged myself out of bed today for work. My head is pounding. Good thing I don't have plans to celebrate my birthday tomorrow because I sure don't feel up to it! Yuck!

What have you been up to?

Weekend Wrap Up on a Tuesday

2010-10-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

We had a great time celebrating the hubby's birthday in the bar at Bahama Breeze last Thursday night. It was really dark so the pics that did turn out aren't that great, but here you go...

Friday I got to work from home because I needed to renew my driver's license so I dropped Moose off at the groomers and went to the DOL where I was told I looked like a Debbie by the guy taking the pictures. ?? Then it was a couple of errands before heading back home to work. I picked Moose up and grabbed lunch and the rest of the day was more work. By the time my day was through I was ready for a nap and thankfully the hubby was too. So a nap before dinner it was.

Saturday we met a friend at the NW Chocolate show at Seattle Center. MMMMMMM.... chocolate! We sampled all kinds of chocolate and sat in on a couple of demos. My favorite of the day was a Sea Salt and Nibs bar. Oh yum! I'm drooling thinking about it! After the show we headed to the hubby's parent's house for the birthdays dinner. The hubby's bday is the 21st and his dad's is the 23rd. We feasted on filet mignon, potatoes, broccoli and corn biscuits. Followed by the MIL's famous Red Velvet cake for dessert. Then we watched The Vanilla Ice Project because my SIL has been keeping it on the DVR for me! LOL!

Sunday I did the usual laundry and house work in between naps. It was pouring out and I didn't feel like going anywhere. The hubby was off studying with a friend from school for his test. I worked a bit on my Halloween costume and made one major change to it... I think I am almost ready to wear it.

Still waiting on news for my mom. She takes another stress test on Nov 5th and my brother was told to make an appointment with a neurosurgeon. Things got worse and it looks like he may need surgery now.

How was your weekend? What did you do?

It's a Special Day today!

2010-10-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the love of my life! You know how to have fun and I like that about you!

Weekend Wrap Up

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

Rewind to Friday... the hubby and I had date night at one of our favorite local eateries. Mmmm... crab cocktail!! While waiting to be seated an older couple kept staring at us and finally the woman said in a really loud voice that we would probably die if we had to stop texting. I of course, couldn't let that go.. so I informed her in a very sweet voice that we were not texting, in fact we were surfing the web to see if we could find out more information about a friend who had recently passed away. Yeah, that shut her up!

I am kind of freaked out about the death of people in their 30's.... I found out from my mom this weekend that a friend of the family's niece died of the flu this weekend. She was 36. That's two people now... waiting on the 3rd. Yes, I do believe things happen in 3's.

The rest of the weekend was rather quiet... Halloween exploded in my living room, the hubby had a friend from school over so they could study for class tonight, I did two weeks worth of laundry yesterday, my mom came over because she wanted to work outside in our yard for a bit but when she arrived the neighbors were fueding so I made her come inside, I planted some ornamental kale in the window box, I checked out a friend's church, we went to the Funky Junk Sister's Antique show and didn't buy anything!!!

So, that was my weekend... how was yours?

Home Again Home Again

2010-10-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

We got home Monday afternoon, but I am really having a tough time getting back in the swing of things....

Disneyland was FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!!!! Two days was NOT long enough, but we made the most out of every minute of it!!

The hubby hadn't been to Disneyland since Grad Night, so about 18 years ago. He was in complete OVERLOAD when we got into the park and we spent a few hours shopping first thing so he could ease into it. Being a native Washingtonian of the Puget Sound Region, I am NOT a HOT weather person and was hoping for weather in the 70's, but I hear it was more like the 90's!! I was completely cooked through by Sunday night, but thankfully I didn't get burned.

Some of the highlights of our trip...

At the first store we stoped in we were given Anniversary pins to wear during our trip. So EVERYWHERE we went cast members were wishing us a Happy Anniversary. It was crazy and fun! Sorry for the blurry pic and yes, the sharpie rub off of mine. :(

We met up with Amy and her family on Saturday. So glad to see her again and that the hubby got to meet her! Wish we had been able to get down for her wedding in a couple of weeks!

Amy, the hubby and me

(pic stolen from Amy because I am a dork and forgot to take one!)

We also met up our friends Mike, Marie and Aiden on Sunday. But again... I didn't get a pic. Thankfully Marie took one so I am waiting on getting that from her!

Me and Stitch at CA Adventure

Jack Skellington Chocolate Coffin Cake from The French Market

Mad Dog in the Dog Pound at Toon Town

Flynn's Arcade (from TRON) at CA Adventure

elecTRONica at CA Adventure

And thanks to my friends Paul and Lance for warning our Happiest Haunt Tour Guide about us. It defintiely added to the experience! LOL!

I have a lot more pics (mostly of the Halloween decorations) but I don't want to bore you all. If you would like to see more I have them posted on FB or I can send you a link if you leave me your e-mail address.

It was a great 12th anniversary celebration!

On the way home Monday we started seeing posts hit FB about an aquaitance of ours who had passed away in his sleep. He was in his early 30's. While I personally didn't know him all that well, he was always friendly, smiling and laughing. I know his passing has affected quite a few people in our life. RIP John. Your smile and laugh will be missed.

This and That

2010-10-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

So, this is our house, minus the 5-6ft ivy wall. That little brick wall was under it all. I was hoping to be able to share a before pic but I can't find it... hate when that happens.

Even after 4 trips to the dump and 5 or 6 yard waste containers full, we still have more cleaning up to do. The ivy roots are going to have to be killed off and the wall will have to come down before spring to make way for the privacy fence thingie my mom's boyfriend is making for us.

And I got my haircut this week... here's the new do bangs and all...

it washes and styles well. But I have to use hairspray again (ugh!) and I feel like I am fussing with my bangs all the time. Hopefully I will get past that.

Yesterday my neck/shoulder was killing me so bad I couldn't concentrate at work. Thankfully I was able to get in for a massage and today I am feeling soo much better.

Soo... tomorrow we find out what course the cardiologist wants to take with my mom. Fingers are crossed for good news!

And Friday we are off to CA to celebrate 12 years of marriage at Disneyland! Woohooo!!

How's your week going?

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-10-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

Rewind to Friday... I had a shitastic week. So when I got home the hubby took me to Fatburger for a Turkey burger and a Coke Zero. Ahhh.... so good. While we were out we ran a few errands and then it was home. I went to bed early.

Saturday we got up and met the hubby's parents and sister in Issaquah for the Salmon Days Festival. It was soo crowded we could barely see a thing! But it was a nice day to get out and enjoy some fresh air. After the festival we all went to lunch at Tutta Bella. They have the BEST pizza and espresso drinks. After lunch the hubby and I headed home to hang out with Moose for awhile. Then later in the evening we went out to run some more errands (including a stop at Michaels and JoAnns) and grabbed a bowl of black bean soup at Bahama Breeze. Yum!

Sunday was full of laundry, grocery shopping and dump runs since the hubby and my mom's boyfriend decided to cut down the ivy wall in front of our house. The ivy was about 5ft high and now all that is left is a little wall that is maybe 2-1/2 to 3ft tall!! It looks so strange. I made meatloaf with mushrooms, mashed potatoes, stirfried basil garlic green beans and salad with tri color carrots for dinner.

That was my weekend! How was yours?

Dinner at Willie Green's Organic Farm

2010-09-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry I am so late in posting this... took me forever to get the pics off my camera. So you may recall that the hubby and I went to a dinner out at Willie Green's Organic Farm on Saturday, September 18th. The farm is located out in Monroe which was just over an hour drive for us, but it was well worth the drive! The farm was gorgeous! The food was excellent! And everyone we met was super nice! This would definitely be a great venue for a party!

Dinner was roasted suckling pig, grilled chicken, oysters (I did not try these but I heard people say they were delicious), corn on the cob with basil butter, chips and salsa, fruit salad, green salad, coleslaw, pasta salad, and rolls. There was wine, beer, water and plenty of non-alcholic choices.

So on with the pictures!

This was such a great evening! And I am soo glad we were able to attend! Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to put this dinner on!

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-09-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

Rewind to Friday evening... the hubby and I had date night at Endolyne Joe's. I was craving their lightly fried panko zucchini. Yum! After dinner we walked around Nordstrom Rack.

Saturday morning, we grabbed Starbucks on the way to Seattle for Jet City Comic Con. A new comic book convention in Seattle.

Shady characters

Heads Will Roll

The Hubby (in costume) with his dad

We were exhausted after the con and went home to take a LONG nap!

Sunday was a lazy day of watching Grey's Anatomy Season 6 while doing laundry and the hubby was studying all day.
How was your weekend?? What did you do??

Halloween on My Mind

2010-09-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

I haven't had a chance to get my farm dinner pics off my camera yet...

So in the meantime, let me share some Halloween inspiration pics I've found floating around the internet...

I wish I had a wall large enough and blank enough to put a mural on for Halloween!

I Love this! Too bad my front door is newly painted red!

Every year I tell myself I am going to do a little tree like this, but I can never find the right branch!

Loving the pumpkin garland and wreath!

and I saved the BEST for last! Go to Cassie's blog now and check out the easy peasy yet awesome Halloween project she posted today! I soo need to get my act together and make one!

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-09-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

It was a fairly quiet weekend for me. Saturday morning was a lazy morning curled up on the couch watching Netflix while the hubby got some extra sleep. Then we headed into Seattle to go to a Steampunk Swapmeet. If you are unfamiliar with Steampunk you can read about it here. For whatever reason, I wasn't expecting much out of it, but I am thankful I was wrong. We had a great time talking with people who are involved in the Seattle Steampunk scene and enjoyed checking out what was for sale. The hubby even found a vest that he had been looking for. One thing I was really surprised about, it the prices were really reasonable. We've found lately that a lot of the thrift stores we have gone to have upped their prices and used goods aren't are reasonable as they once were. I am really excited for Steamcon, the Steampunk convention that is going to be here in November and I almost have my costume done for it! After the swapmeet, we headed to Monroe to have dinner on a farm.... which I will post about tomorrow. I have so many pics to share! It was a great evening!

Sunday morning I started to tackle the laundry and cleaning up the kitchen. The hubby went to see a movie with his dad and just as he left, Moose stood in front of the jukebox and peed on the kitchen floor!! I was astonished! He's been pulling this every now and again, but he has never done it right in front of me. We usually discover it later on. I don't understand what is going on with him. He has access to his dog run through the dog door. So needless to say I was a bit upset and also concerned. Once I got that mess cleaned up it was back to more laundry and house cleaning. We had to run a few errands in the evening and decided to grab dinner out. By the time we got home, I felt soo sick! My stomach hurt all night and I didn't expect to make it until morning without getting physically sick. But I did. Phew! Feel so much better today.

How was your weekend? What did you do?

TGIF

2010-09-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions.... first there was the "thing" about my mom...then there was the 11th anniversary of "loosing my dad" and during it all the hubby and I were trying to make the decision about whether or not to take the trip next month.

This is a really OLD picture of my dad... circa 1979. It was taken at my Uncle Al's house during that year's HUGE Fourth of July celebration. I still remember this particular celebration and how much my dad enjoyed being with his brothers and all of the family. They are all long gone now...and the days of a large extended family gathering are in the past.

Anyhow, this is my yearly tribute to my dad 12/1935-9/1999

Love you and miss you daddy!
(and yes! those are indeed the old style lawn darts in the bottom of the pic)

So, what are your weekend plans? We have a friend's birthday dinner tonight. Saturday night we got invited to a Fall Harvest Celebration dinner for one of the farmer's market vendors we regularly shop. I'm excited for this and hope I don't forget my camera! Other than that, I will be delivering some of my refrigerator pickles to a few people and of course dealing with the dreaded laundry!

Happy Friday!! Enjoy your families and let them know how much you LOVE them!!!

It's Official

2010-09-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

I can NOT believe I am typing this, but we are going to Disneyland!!!! Just me and the hubby to celebrate our 12th anniversary and our upcoming fall birthdays! We will have two FULL jam-packed days at the parks. Neither of us have ever been for Halloween Time and we can't wait to see the park all decorated. It's a dream come true! And a much needed escape with all that is going on... the timing is kind of crazy as we are leaving the day AFTER my mom sees the cardiologist, but I am hoping/praying that it will be too quick for anything to be scheduled to happen that weekend! The trip is ONLY 3 weeks a way which seems like a very SHORT time for the trip, but a LONG time to wait to see the doctor. OK.. DEEP BREATH! I can NOT wait to be at Disneyland with the hubby.....it's going to be such a great time! And I have even talked him into going on Space Mountain with me. He has NEVER been on it and he lived in So Cal for a few years! And I can't wait to see our So Cal friends! Happy Thursday everyone!!!

No News...

2010-09-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

No news about my mom. Apparently after the tests instead of telling her anything, they sent her home and told her to come back on October 7th to meet with the doctor unless she heard differentely before then. Sigh. Still in limbo. Ugh! Hubby and I were planning to go out of town on the 8th for our anniversary, but that is up in the air now....

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-09-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

Rewind to Friday... the hubby and I went to the Spaghetti Factory for dinner and ran into someone I've been in touch with on Facebook but haven't seen for (gulp!) 30 years. It was a friend's sister from when I was growing up and I am soo glad she saw us and stopped by our table. After dinner we walked around Goodwill but didn't see anything.

Saturday was a lazy morning. Neither of us really wanted to get moving. When we finally did, we went out to West Seattle to have lunch at the Matador. Then cupcakes at Cupcake Royale. Here's mine...

Then we walked around and checked out the thrift and antique shops. Went home empty handed which is a GOOD thing! Then Saturday night, I met up with some friends and we went to a local spa for Ladies Night. And Oh what a night it was! There was spiked punch, cake, sandwich wraps, party mix, and chocolate fondue! We each got a table massage (which someone how I managed 2!!), a chair massage, a facial, wax and parafin dip for our hands and feet. We had such a great time getting caught up and laughing.

Sunday morning I woke up sore. Yep, I had so many tender spots from the massages. Good thing we didn't have much planned. Mostly a day for laundry. We did stop by a local car show to see my mom and her boyfriend. Here is my mom's boyfriend's car..

Miss Pepper

My mom is at the hospital today having tests done on her heart... there may be surgery in her future which will be decided today. I was a little shocked to find this out. So today is kind of a rough day.

How was your weekend? What did you do?

Woohoo It's Friday!

2010-09-10T10:37:00.000-07:00

I absolutely HATE when I wake up feeling more tired than I did when I went to sleep the night before! Trying to break in a new pillow. Ugh! But hey, it's Friday! Woohooo!! And that means the weekend is almost here! And this is a weekend I've been waiting for! Saturday evening I am meeting up with 5 friends for drinks and then off to a local spa that is having ladies night! (Yeah that song is going through my head right now too!) We are getting a nice little package deal of a brow/lip wax, mini facial, mini massage, parafin hand/feet dip, drinks and appetizers for $50. I've been waiting since vacation for this day to arrive! I can't wait to see everyone (it's been awhile) and what an evening of RELAXATION!

What are your weekend plans? And what have you done to relax/pamper yourself lately??

Happy Friday!!

PS I tried the dill refrigerator pickles (from the recipe in the previous post) last night and oh my goodness! They were even better than I expected!

Pickles

2010-09-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

I am starting to feel better...how about the rest of you who've been under the weather?

Here are the recipes for the 2 types of pickles I made this week. I can NOT wait to try the dill ones tonight!

Easy Refrigerator Dill Pickles
6 to 8lbs pickling cucumbers
40 fresh dill sprigs
2 large onions thinly sliced
5 garlic cloves sliced
1 quart water
1 quart white vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup canning salt

Directions:
Cut each cucumber lengthwise into four spears. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, dill, onions and garlic; set aside. In a Dutch oven, combine the water, vinegar, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil; cook and stir just until the salt/sugar is dissolved. Pour over cucumber mixture and cool.

Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Easy Bread and Butter Type Refrigerator Pickles
Slice an onion and layer on bottom of container

Fill up container with thickly sliced cucumbers, leaving the peel on

In a bowl whisk together:
1/2 cup plain salt
4 cups white vinegar
4 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp mustard seed
1 1/2 tsp celery seed
1 tsp Turmeric

Pour syrup over cucumbers and onion. Put the covered container in the refrigerator and stir every day for 5 days and then enjoy! (The cucumbers will float to the top)

For the container you can use a 1 gallon jar or any large glass dish will work that can be covered.

If you make them, let me know what you think!

Monday on a Tuesday

2010-09-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

Yay for 3 day weekends! I hope everyone had a great Labor Day!

I still wasn't feeling all that great...so we didn't do a whole lot. I did venture out for dinner at the in-law's on Saturday night. And Sunday we had breakfast at one of our favorite spots in West Seattle, Luna Park Cafe. After a hearty breakfast, we walked around the West Seattle Farmer's Market. Then we went over to the University District to check out Recycled Cycles (a used bicycle shop) and a couple of vintage shops that were WAYYYY over priced! Ouch!

I also got my first batch (of the season) of refrigerator pickles made and marinating in the fridge. These are the typical bread and butter type. The hubby LOVES these. I prefer dill pickles and I just found a recipe for dill refrigerator pickles that I want to try next. So I am hoping to make it down to the Renton Farmer's Market tonight and hopefully get some pickling cucumbers and fresh dill to try them out.

How was your weekend? What did you do? Well, here's hoping the work week goes by quick!

Randomness

2010-09-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

Bummer! I wasn't feeling well yesterday and stayed home from work so I had to cancel my craft night with M. I basically slept all day on the couch and watched season 2 of "Veronica Mars" on Netflix streaming when I was awake. I am back at work today, though I wish I wasn't.

Good thing I had gone shopping the night before and was all set to make Chicken soup in the crockpot yesterday, I certainly needed an easy meal and it was all good to go. I just put some chicken breast in the bottom of the crockpot, added Trader Joe's Mirepoix (pre-chopped onions, carrots and celery), some minced garlic and Trader Joe's 21Seasoning Salute. Just before it was finished I dropped in some pre-cooked brown rice. Just what I needed yesterday and there is plenty more chiling in the freezer.

The crockpot beef from the other night turned out fantastic! I toasted some cracked wheat sourdough bread, spread some Boursin garlic and herb cheese on it and topped it with the beef. The rest of the beef went with some brown rice into individual containers in the freezer.

I think I've totally become a Trader Joe's junkie now. LOL! I went in the other night to get the fixin's for the soup and came out with their new spa facial cleanser and face lotion...

and a bottle of their lavender body lotion. Last time I was there I picked up their lavender sea salt scrub and lavender body oil spray. And I LOVE their lavender dry bags. Yep, I am a TJ Junkie all right! I always blow my budget there! How about you? Is there a store you go into with a list and always come out with more than what was on it? And I don't mean craft stores! I know we ALL do that!

Here Comes The Rain Again

2010-08-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

Yep, the rain is back.... by the time I got to work this morning I was soaked. Should have changed out of my dress shoes and into my rainboots before I left the house, but I really wasn't expecting this much rain. Oh well... I think Fall may be here... time to bust out the boots and sweaters and say goodbye to summer!

Yesterday after work I decided to spoil myself and stopped to get a pedicure. I got the little piggies polished in OPI Cha-Ching Cherry and I LOVE it! Perfect shade of a bluish-red for me. (too bad they are covered up in socks and shoes today!) If only I could find this shade in a lipstick! I wish OPI made one! LOL!

Then I went home and slapped on my favorite Mint Julep facial mask...

And while that dried on my face, I folded clothes, emptied the dishwasher and filled it again. It was 8PM when I finally sat down with dinner in front of the TV and Netflix streaming.

This morning before I left for work, I started a roast in the crockpot...

Mmm... can't wait for dinner tonight! This is always a great meal for leftovers as well. Just shred up the meat and put it over rice in individual containers and freeze. Trying to make sure I keep the freezer stockpiled with quick meals for the hubby. He texted me last night and told me that he was getting off at 2AM this morning and then had to be back at work at noon today to work until 10PM! His commute is an hour each way so I hope he got enough sleep.

I also set up the Toddy Cold Brew Coffee System before I left today

so about 6PM tonight, I will have my cold brew coffee concentrate in the fridge for my morning coffee. Yum!

Not too sure what else tonight will bring, but tomorrow night my friend M is coming over to craft! Woohoo! How's your Tuesday going?

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-08-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

Did everyone have a good weekend?!? I hope so! What did you do?!?

Our weekend was kind of quiet....

Friday I had my hair colored... those pesky silver hairs were showing again. Yikes! I went a little darker and a less red this time. No haircut though because I am trying to grow it out shoulder length and it was healthy enough that I was able to skip the cut.

Then the hubby and I had date night. We went to dinner at McGrath's and had some yummy crab legs.

Saturday we had errands to run while Moose was at the groomers. Then we went to dinner at my brother's house. He did steaks and veggies on the grill and we had this enormous baked potatos that had to have been on steroids. We ate outside and I took this pic of Mt. Rainier from his back deck.

My niece was off at a friend's house spending the night, so I got to know her cousin a bit better. My brother and sister-in-law are taking her in for the next year. I am really proud of them for doing this. She showed me her newly painted room that she picked the color and furniture for and was really excited about it all as it's the first time she's been able to do anything like that. After that I watched a Hallmark movie with her and my sister-in-law and then played Munchkins with my brother and the hubby. It was a good evening.

Sunday was full of laundry, freezer cooking and spending time with the hubby. He starts swing shift today so I won't see him again until Friday evening.

Hope you all have a great week!!

TGIF

2010-08-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

It's Friday!! Woohoo!! What are your plans for the weekend?!?

We are having dinner at my brother's, getting together with friends and in between I will be doing laundry (ugh!) and getting some food made for the freezer. Just found out the hubby starts swing shift again next week. :(

Doing a little online window shopping today...

Bunny Pillow by Terrecotta on Etsy

Take Me to Your Heart Steampunk skirt by Beyond Clothing on Etsy

Candy Corn Mini Soaps by FamaraDesigns on Etsy

Ida Clark Fluevogs

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! Enjoy your weekend!

Randomness on a Thursday

2010-08-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

Since I've been back from vacay, the hubby and I have been doing a lot of shopping for ~~our~~ his den. He has been wanting to do some re-organizing in there for awhile. The other night he found these hobby cabinets at Fred Meyer. They were on sale for $50 off, plus we got another $10 off of each of them. We bought 2. The hubby likes to keep his hobby paints and stuff in the den so he can work on projects while watching movies/netflix so he got one for himself to try and keep his stuff together. And he got one for me, hoping I might start creating again if I had a way to keep some of my stuff in the den and had a surface to work on while watching movies as well. The tops have two leaves that fold down for storage.

Here's Moose the other night trying to cuddle with the hubby while the hubby was working on one of his projects. I'm not sure why he looks soo guilty. LOL!

I have been REALLY BAD. Ever since I have been back from vacation I haven't cooked a single meal! I need to seriously do some menu planning this weekend and go grocery shopping. For those of you who cook, what do you find yourself making these days for dinner? Last night I got this ramen bowl.

The weather has taken a drastic change today. It's cooler out and I hear we should be expecting rain. Right now it looks like Autumn outside and I am daydreaming about boots, sweaters, apples, colorful leaves and a crispness in the air. What are you daydreaming about?

2010-08-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

Vacation was Good, Bad and Ugly all in one. LOL! I wish I had taken more pictures, but I was too busy reading, hanging out at the pool, napping, goofing off with my niece and her friend or getting extremely cold on a river rafting trip, so, here are the few pics I did take.

shot of absynthe at the Blacksmith in Bend, OR

the bar at the Blacksmith in Bend, OR

My mom's beer flight from my point of view

Fizzy Lizzy, some kind of blueberry vodka and lime concotion at the Blacksmith in Bend, OR

mmmmmm... could use one right now!

The soda refrigeratior at Powell's Candy Shop in Bend, OR

deer outside our condo at Eagle Crest

I wish I had some more time off, but at home to get somethings done and I don't want to be gone from the hubby for a week again. Alas, I am back at work. Why does vacation go so fast?!?

What have you been up to?!?

I'm Back!

2010-08-23T13:25:00.001-07:00

I'm back and trying to get caught up on all of your blogs!

Counting Down...

2010-08-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

Computers have been down at work yesterday afternoon and this morning. IT should be arriving any minute and once they are back up and running I will be immersed in a HUGE project that needs to be done by tomorrow before I leave work for vacation. I don't know why my boss has to procrastinate to the last minute of me going on vacation to finally to hand over this project, it's been sitting on his desk for weeks now. Sigh... and it figures the computers would go down just as he is finally getting ready to hand it over. Anyhow, I don't see myself coming up for air let alone blogging over the next couple of days so I will catch up with you all once I get back from vacation. Until then, take care and have FUN!

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-08-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

Rewind to Friday...
The hubby picked me up from work and we headed over to West Seattle so I could drop off some clothes at the re-sale boutique and find out what my prize was. I got to pick out one white tag ticket item from the store and it didn't have to be that day, so I decided to wait. Next stop was Cupcake Royale for a salted carmel cupcake. Mmmm good! Then off to Endolyne Joe's for their thinly sliced deep fried zucchini with lemon and basil. The hubby had their salmon special and I had their chicken chili and salad. Then it was home to pass out. We were both exhausted!

Saturday we got up and headed north to Anacortes for their Arts Festival. It's about a two hour drive for us. When we got there it was sprinkling, but that quickly changed. We had a good time despite the downpour that followed. We hit the festival booths and a bunch of the shops up there. And ate a bunch of festival food like corn on the cob, corndogs and shiskaberries. No pictures because it was just raining to darn hard. We stopped by two sets of outlet malls on the way home and then met the in-law's for dinner at Outback. We were so exhausted when we got home we crawled straight to bed.

Sunday morning was a lazy morning. Then it was off to Seattle for lunch at Homegrown in Fremont, followed by walking through the Fremont outdoor market and then samples at Theo Chocolate. When we got home, I started laundry and took a short nap. Then it was off to run some errands and by the time we got home I had a migraine coming on. Ugh!

I feel like I am seeing crosseyed today... but only four days and then I am on VACTION!! woohoo!!!
How was your weekend?

Happy Thursday!

2010-08-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

Where has this week gone? Can't believe its Thursday already! Wooohoooo!!!! That means tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!!!!

This week has been busy in the evenings... a trip to the dump, the recycle center and Goodwill. My creative space was unearthed! Now if my mojo would just come back. Still need to get the hubby's side of the room cleaned up. It exploded everywhere! My Halloween costume is already in the works. Yep, no kidding. A friend came over last night to do some crafting. I sorted through some pictures I want to scan and some I want to frame. And I've been planning for my VACATION!!!! Only 5 more days of work (not counting today since it's almost done). And planning for the weekend!

Tomorrow the hubby is picking me up after work and we are headed over to the re-sale boutique I blogged about so I can drop off some clothes for trade and pick up whatever is I won! LOL! Then we are headed to Endolyne Joe's for some of their fried zucchini. Mmmm good! Been craving it for weeks now! Saturday we are headed up to the Anacortes Arts Festival. This is my most favorite art festival! They always have great vendors. We've also scoped out some antique stores and second hand stores we want to check out. Sunday we were going to spend some time with our friends M&J, but J had to fly to Colorado as she got word that her father's health has gone down hill and it doesn't look like he has much time left. My heart goes out to her as she already lost her mom several years ago...

What are your weekend plans? What have you been up to? Tell me all about it!

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-08-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

Friday we headed over to the sister-in-law's house to spend some time with the extended family before they headed back to Virginia and North Carolina. My sister-in-law has a fantastic collection of martini glasses and this is the one I chose for my basil lemondrop.

And here is her dining table ready for us to sit down to one of her fabulous gourmet dinners.
Not sure why this is showing up so blurry now... oops!

Saturday was a great day of food, movies and friends. Just a totally relaxing day. We had been planning movie day for several weeks and I think everyone had a good time. It was a crazy movie line up... Super Troopers, Hot Tub Time Machine, Beerfest, The Hangover and Zombieland. Here is the lavender infused vodka mixed with lemonade and then I threw in a handfull of frozen blueberries. Yum!

My new boots arrived on Saturday!

And another surprise arrived in the mail later in the day... Beth Perry sent me this copy of Alice in Wonderland. Thank you Beth!!

Sunday, we ran errands, did laundry and headed over to my brother's for dinner and to make some plans for our vacation later this month. I also got a call from the re-sale boutique I mentioned last week. Apparently I won a drawing they had so I need to get over there and claim my prize!

How was your weekend? What did you do?

Happy Friday!

2010-07-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

Woohooo!!!! It's Friday (insert Friday Happy Dance here)

Tonight we are headed over to the Sister-in-law's house for dinner. We will be saying farewell to the hubby's two aunts that have been in town for the last couple of weeks.

Saturday is MOVIE DAY!! Yay!!! We are doing an all day movie day at our house from noon to ?!? Some people are coming over for the full day and others are dropping in as they can. I think its going to be a great relaxing hang out kind of day!

And Sunday, I am getting together with my brother, his wife, my niece, my mom and her boyfriend to start planning for our family vacation in Oregon in August. Can't belive we are finally to the planning stage. Seems like we've had the reservations for FOREVER!

What are your weekend plans?? Have fun whatever you do!

Girls Night Out

2010-07-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening I met my friend J for Girls Night Out at Capers in West Seattle. (check out that link in green to see their blog, there are pics of the shop there and they have great home decor items, alas the funky chandelier I fell in love with is not pictured and I didn't get a pic of it myself. bummer!) Anyhow, we had a great time. There were drinks, a great appetizer, friends and so much to check out! But the BEST part of it all was my favorite Sweet Petula was there with her fabulous bath products. J and I each scored a free bottle of her new Dainty Wash and a bar of Shea Butter soap. (check out the link in pink to visit the Sweet Petula blog, you will love it! Trust me!) And while at Capers, I picked up this cookbook

(picture borrowed from Amazon.com)

I can't wait to try some of the recipes out! Mmmmm...

On the way to meeting J at Capers, I got sidetracked... I found a Resale Boutique tucked away in the back of the strip mall so I stopped in. I am on the look out for clothing items for a costume I've had on my mind. So I took a look around. It's a smallish shop, but I have to tell you it was full of great items that were mostly name brand and most items seemed to be $5 to $6 a piece and there was a $2 rack as well. Everything I saw was in very good condition, so they must be pretty picky about what they take. Anyhow, I found two items for the costume (yay!), a pair of shorts for my vacation and a long casual skirt that I fell in love with right away. The total? $15. Woohoo!! The best part? The items really don't have any wear to them at all. They look brand new! So I signed up for their special sales mailing list. Sweet! And they take trade in towards items so even better!

After J and I hit Girls Night, we headed over to The Matador to grab a bite to eat and get caught up. Then it was home. I had a project I needed to work on for my boss before I headed to bed and for some stupid reason I was walking around the house barefoot. We keep a metal folding chair folded leaning against the door frame to our project/computer room to keep Moose out. Well, I stepped over it and didn't clear the chair and wound up smacking my small toe really hard into the chair... tore all the skin off it and I am fairly sure I dislocated it or broke it. PAIN!!! put ice on it but couldn't sleep most of the night. OUCH! So today is going to be a really long day. Ugh!

What have you been up to this week? Have you ever broken a toe?

Random Photos for a Tuesday

2010-07-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

OK a few of you have been requesting pics of projects we've been working on and to see the inside of my house. Here are a few I snapped with the camera on my phone. Didn't photoshop or picnik, sorry.

our newly painted front door with added kickplate and peep hole

Flower made of plates we got at the Renton River Days Festival

My shades of purple living room

(unfortunately this pic doesn't show the darker walls)

closer up view of the Alice and Wonderland filled cabinets

Tea Sets, reemers and hot chocolate set in my new Ikea case

(sorry about the reflection-oops!)

This was a china cabinet I inherited from one of my mom's friends. I don't have a kitchen pantry, so we replaced the glass door inserts with wood and painted them with chalkboard paint. The pics framed above the cabinet are the advertisement posters for the Renton Farmer's Market.

(Look Cassie- recognize that table cloth lol! still love it!)

Earring holder I made from an old frame I picked up at a yard sale

Moose trying not to fall asleep. He looks angry LOL!

Hope you enjoyed the pics. Happy Tuesday!

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-07-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

Where did the weekend go?!?

Rewind to Friday, I worked from home because we were suppose to have a plumber come over, only a friend of a friend who happens to be a plumber came over Thursday night instead and fixed the problem for us for a minimal fee. Woohoo so happy! So anyhow, I still worked from home on Friday. Around my actual work work, I also shampooed the carpet in our den, pulled a ton of weeds from the side of our house and did some other cleaning around the house. I did all of this on about 3hrs of sleep. For dinner we headed up to the in-law's so we could hang out with the family that is in town and I spent the entire time hoping I wouldn't fall asleep in my food. Which thankfully I did not! Yay!

Saturday we got up and headed down to the Renton River Days festival. We arrived while the parade was still going on so we were able to see the booths and everything while there was no crowd! We ran into my mom first thing and she was getting a henna tattoo and insisted that I get one as well. So I got a dragon fly on my ankle. Then we headed off to look at the booths and grab some festival grub before heading back home. Back at home we did some more serious deep cleaning around the house. And the hubby made his famous lavender palmiers so the house smelled wonderful

we also sampled the lavender infused vodka that I made. Yikes! Really strong on its own. But it made for great spiked lemonade later on in the evening. Note to self: next time make a larger bottle!

We met the in-laws, sister-in-law and Aunts at Claim Jumper for dinner and then everyone congregated back at our house for the evening to enjoy the lavender palmiers and the spiked lemonade. The family finally left at 10PM and I was exhausted.

Sunday we went and saw The Sorcerer's Apprentice at the local AMC. The first showing is always discounted and we had received coupons for $1 drinks and $1 popcorn. I thought it was pretty good although the ending wasn't all THAT. Then we went home and did laundry before meeting up with Cora and Gwen at Cold Stone to celebrate Cora's birthday which was Saturday. Then we picked up a sandwich at Jimmy John's to share and headed home to finish the laundry and watch a couple episodes of Torchwood on Netflix streaming.

How was your weekend? What did you do? I am already ready for another one! LOL!

Weekend Update

2010-07-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Wow! This week is almost thru and I am just now getting to my weekend update from last weekend. Oh well. Rewind to Friday night. The hubby and I headed out to my brother's to play Munchkins, it's a card game he bought that we've played a few times before. On the way we stoped at Sonic. Mmmm...diet cherry limeaide.

Saturday we headed over to the in-laws and hung out with the extended family for a bit. Then the hubby and I were off to Snohomish for the Kla Ha Ya Days parade. I grabbed space on the sidewalk and waited for the in-laws and aunts to arrive.

Here's the hubby stopping along the parade route to aim his gun at us. LOL!

Here's some more of the group...you can see my hubby peeking around

After the parade the whole family went to dinner.

Sunday came way too early. We headed up to the in-law's and I've told you about my shopping trip already. After shopping we headed back and had steaks on the grill.

Monday, I took the day off so I could join in on a surprise party. My Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law arranged for a special tea as it was one of the Aunt's birthdays. So the 5 of us went off to tea...we had a pumpkin spice tea, a pear cream tea and a cherry tea. The pear was my favorite followed by the cherry. Yum! We had chicken salad, tomato and basil, and cucmber dill cream cheese tea sandwiches. Slice oranges, pears and grapes. On the table were chocolate covered strawberries and fresh blueberry scones. And of course there were all the fixings cream, lemon curd, preserves oh my!

and of course birthday cake for the birthday girl!

we were stuffed when we left!

How was your weekend?