Show and Share Thursday: Blast from the Past
There is ONE advantage to packers dumping, shuffling, and resorting your belongings when you move: you stumble across wishes and inspiration from your past!
This was my “dream wedding gown,” torn from a bridal magazine when I was either a senior in high school, or a freshman in college, twenty years ago:
What you can’t see is the powder pink embroidery along the bodice hem and train. The foofy hair? I *still* try for that look to this day! I love the feminine seed pearls and tulle rosettes along the neckline, and I even love the ribbons hanging from the-not-quite-Star-Wars-fantasy hair barrettes. It’s strangely funny and interesting to me that when Dear Husband and I got married so many years later, I wore a white gown, with “rum pink” embroidery, and had ribbons hanging from a bouquet made of tulle and satin rosettes with seed pearls.
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*One of my favorite bloggers, Saucy at Bloggedy Blog Blog, just flipped a house with her husband Veto. Here are some before and after photos (amazing!), and while I’m not brave enough, nor have the time or inclination to flip a house myself, she’s posted some pretty incredible renovation tips here. Ladies, she even included suggestions for how to store your lip gloss and how to protect your hands, nails, and manicures while you’re on site!
*Lisa at Crazy Adventures in Parenting… is making her own military move, family style. HER story had me laughing and crying after our own trip necessitated by Uncle Sam. Military spouses, unite!
*Vicki at This Art That Makes Me Happy has inspired me to try my hand at paper covered letters…once I finish unpacking of course!
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Let’s get back to the foo-foo-froo-froo, shall we?
It’s everything the name implies:
For the Love of Cupcakes and Everything Pink
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Show and Share Thursday: We Made It!
Hello again! I’ve managed to get the computer unpacked, the desk and chair situated, and thanks to Time Warner Cable, have internet access once again. Just don’t look around the rest of the house. Really. You’ll get to see photos of the mess sometime this weekend, I promise, but for today, check out some scenery from the trip:
Here we are, moments before we hopped into the trucks (Dear Husband drove mine, with the kids, hauling the big trailer, while I drove his white Chevy, pulling the Harley, with the cat in her carrier on the seat next to me):
Driving out of Texas, in the morning before triple digit heat set in for the day (ooh, look at all of that lovely…BROWN…):
The first of two blown tires on the trailer (yes, I’ve gained a few more gray hairs thanks to driving behind my family, watching helplessly as tires smoke, shred, then pop):
A tire repair shop that for some strange reason, we had trouble finding at first:
A storm rolling in (the weather service put out a hazardous weather warning over the radio as we were driving, telling all to “take cover”):
Driving past some wind power on Day Two:
An ominous looking sky later in the day:
Stopping for lunch (no, not at Walmart, we just parked in their lot) before the big push “home:”
Me checking on Anni the cat:
She loved the air conditioning:
Look! A patch of green:
…and another!
Honey, I don’t think we’re in Texas (or Oklahoma) anymore!
Where our adventure picks up:
**Spoiler alert: This is the photo I took BEFORE we were able to get inside. Other than the patchy grass, we weren’t at all concerned…until…
…to be continued…
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Here are some quick links for you (I read through 1300+ blog posts on NetNewsWire yesterday!):
~PhotoJoJo has a Photo Chain idea that I’d like to try! Anyone up for it?
~Cream Puffs in Venice just might lure me away from my usual stress relief food (peanut M-n-M’s) with this strawberry tart…
~I’m back to teaching in a few weeks, so with the hopes that parents who are still in the dark about NCLB and recent “school reforms” can better understand what is *really* going on, here’s Schools Matter, advocating for students and their teachers.
Sweeties, when we were in school, were we just taught the ITBS (or whatever version YOU took one time each spring) year ’round? NO. After watching Dear Daughter’s eighth grade curriculum material consistently being replaced by “test preparation” for the ENTIRE YEAR in Texas, I was appalled. Remind me to show you the DOG TAGS (military style) necklace her school gave out as “rah rah’s” for the TAKS. This military spouse, parent, and teacher hasn’t been amused for some time.
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I’m off to unpack some more boxes, but hope that all of you are enjoying a happy and sunny (yet not-too-hot) summer!
Show and Share Thursday: Wedding Gift
If all is going well this week (I’m writing in advance, attempting to fill the queue with blog posts so you won’t forget me), I’m picking up my hopefully-completely-repaired truck today. Good thoughts, good thoughts, good thoughts, good thoughts (seems to be my mantra for every move)…
Before leaving the Bordertown, I wanted to finish up one last craft, a wedding gift. Alex’s family rented rooms to my husband years ago when he was stationed in Germany, and we met up with her (and met Aaron) quite by accident a few months ago here in Texas. Alex and Aaron are both soldiers, Alex in the German Army, Aaron in the U.S. Army, and both are into Harleys, like my husband. Yes, it was the motorcycles that brought us full circle, but we have enjoyed the humor, company, friendship, and German COOKING ever since we were reunited. Perhaps we can convince them to honeymoon in Oz!
Alex’s bike is black, Aaron’s is burgundy/red. It was fairly simple to figure out a color scheme for their collage:
Figuring out the layers took a little time, trying this configuration, that arrangement, shaking my head, maneuvering each element into the spot that worked:
A pretty bow, a little heart charm:
Arranging the photos (black and white seemed to work best):
Black velvet ribbon for the trim:
Ta da!
Since I caught Alex and Aaron playing up and down the aisles of Hobby Lobby one weekend (seriously!), I’m thinking they just might like the gift. If not, they’ll certainly enjoy the gift CARD TO HL!
(By the way, I used a 12X12 chipboard square for the base, decorative papers, a chipboard heart, burgundy Scrabble Tiles, ribbon, a small heart charm, brown photo corners, black brads, black velvet, and lots of hot glue for this project. Not pictured is the metal stand I purchased to prop the collage against so Alex and Aaron can display it wherever they like.)
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~We’re still packing, I’m sure. By now I might be in need of Five Tips for Tranquility (thanks to WishStudio Blogzine)…
~ So it’s not yet Christmas in July, but Mom, if you need ideas for what we’d like for Christmas in DECEMBER, how about some of this guy’s knitted creatures? Here’s his products page…
~Candice is making me wish my crafting goodies were unpacked by July 4!
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If all is going according to plan, we’ll watch the movers load up the semi tomorrow, and we’ll be relaxing in the hotel, getting a good night’s rest so we can start the drive to Oz on Saturday morning. Thanks for any good thoughts you mentally send our way!
Show and Share Thursday: Collision
I’ll let the pictures do the talking, but no worries, I’m fine, the toddler is fine (though he did exclaim “Mommy, BUMP!”) and the young man who hit my truck (with his 1976 VAN!) is fine too. Instead of posting something girlie or teacherish, I’m off to spend the afternoon filing a “blue report” for insurance purposes. In 100+ degree heat.
Yep, it certainly could have been worse, and I’m ever thankful that it was only the back of my truck that felt the crunch. Whew!
I’ll be back tomorrow, posting on hopefully more *cheerful* events!
Ribbon Fiasco, Martha to the Rescue
I’ve spent my stay-at-home-mommy-year blogging, crafting, reading, crocheting, baking, and reading some more, discovering fun new things to try, and searching out necessary materials and supplies at craft stores, yard sales, etc. Yesterday I thought I’d sort through all of the pretty ribbons I had found or bought this year so I could show and share them for my usual Thursday post.
I underestimated the widespread appeal of the ribbon however. I also underestimated my toddler’s determination to satiate his interest in “helping Mommy” with the ribbons. And I committed the ultimate faux pas: I turned my back on the toddler while he was in my crafting area. With…the…ribbon. ALL…of…the…ribbon.
Did I get a photo of the resulting tangled-ribbon-noodle-like-mess on my floor? Uh, no~I couldn’t take a picture because I was too busy putting myself in a much-needed Time Out. Just superimpose ribbons over the toys in this bedroom shot in your mind to get a feel for the mess I enabled the boy to create:
While I was rolling my ribbon back onto their spools, a miracle occurred! I got an email from Michael’s Craft Store with a fifty-percent-off coupon in it. I took a break from the grosgrain and satin, and searched the store online when lo and behold, a link for Martha Stewart Crafts took me to a page featuring ribbon storage boxes. Michael’s and Martha~ how did they know?
Here’s the midpoint:
(Did you notice there’s no sign of the toddler? I learned my lesson, and had Sister take him out to play in the water while I rolled, sorted, and organized!)
Muuuuuuucccccchhhhhhhhhhhh better:
Earthy browns, blacks, and black/white:
Golds, cream, white, and an extra roll of patriotic red/white/blue:
Purples, greens, yellow and orange:
Blues…
Solid pinks:
Patterned pinks and reds:
And look! With the lids closed, you can still see a little peek of what’s inside. Once we’re in our new home and my craft area is established, little tails of ribbon will stick out of the slots… just so my toddler can yank on them and unspool them onto the floor…AGAIN!
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*Don’t forget, Sunday is Father’s Day!
*The Pioneer Woman Cooks Cowboy Nachos
*GoodyBlog posted about Velcro’s Birthday (and shared a photo of a much-desired-by-me Velcro WALL…here toddler-toddler-toddler, here toddler-toddler-toddler)
*And how about a blog written by a dad? Perfect for this Father’s Day weekend!
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Show and Share Thursday: Favorite Redhead
Are you in shock? After missing two Show and Share Thursdays, here I am, rarin’ to go!
Continuing on with I Saw Red...
This is a photo of me and one of my favorite redheads, Shannon! Aren’t we oh-so-glam? We’re both holiday girls, that’s for sure, but today’s an extra special day for her~ that’s right, it’s her BIRTHDAY! It’s a “milestone” birthday too (she had a two year head start on me), which makes me even more pleased to “show and share” her with you!
Shannon is funny. Shannon is smart. Shannon is the hostess with the mostest. Shannon is Dear Daughter’s godmother. And Shannon is creative and crafty. She made me something red the last time I visited Alaska:
Dah-lings, it’s a beaded red stretch bracelet! Go ahead, ooh and aah…
…just don’t try taking it off of my wrist. It’s MINE.
Guess who has her own Etsy shop? SHANNON. It’s called AngelKissesAlaska! Some additional photos of some jewelry…. Holiday items… Another bracelet (this time, snowy white)… You can contact her via her Etsy link to ask about special orders~
Won’t you help me wish this special friend a very happy birthday? (No, I have no clue who Grey Worldwide might be or might do, but this is soooooo up Shannon’s alley!)
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Here’s a peek at the card I made for Shannon (details AFTER she receives her birthday box in the mail):
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*Have you ever played Hot Potato? Try eating one with jalapenos! Recipe from Cream Puffs in Venice.
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Tonight Dear Daughter graduates from the 8th grade. I’m off to finish my first ever banner (paper, not fabric), bake some cupcakes, and teach my husband new breathing techniques to lower his blood pressure. She’s attending “8th grade Prom” tonight. In a black dress. Without either of us chaperoning.
He’s not doing so well.
Show and Share Thursday: School on the Brain
While most teachers and students are ready for the school year to come to a close, I’m busy “getting my craft on” in the form of preparing my school binder for August. I’ve visited Office Depot, purchased my binder, page dividers, and page protectors. Hobby Lobby and Michael’s lured me in with various coupons (it was a conspiracy I tell you) and conveniently enough, school-themed scrapbooking paper was on clearance. A sign, obviously.
The pile:
My paper selection for the front cover:
Adding some ribbon and doo-dahs (er, “embellishments”):
Papers for divider pages, title blocks of polka dotted paper framed with photo corners:
The spine:
…and the finished binder!
I *really* need to get back to teaching!
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*I’ve discovered another awesome FOODIE BLOG! The Pioneer Woman Cooks is my new favorite diet destroyer- go, go go! Perfectly detailed photography and directions for recipes- hey, I said “go, go go!”
*The Graphics Fairy shares some wonderful ephemera- I can’t wait to sort through the pages from her Victorian Alphabet Book to make one of my own!
*Laurie at Laurie’s Charming Designs has miraculously erased my aversion to chalk (heh heh heh, I know, that was bad) with her beautifully painted plates, trays, etc. Of course I’m also a fan of her pincushions and am sorely tempted to ask if she’d transform my lidless sugarbowl into a pincushion for my future craft area…
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An offering for Q and A…you ask me questions, I’ll answer. Pretty simple. Keep it clean or I’ll put you in Time Out. Either comment here or email me: michaelek1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Show and Share Thursday: Spangles, Dangles and Jangles
When I discovered Kirk’s Folly jewelry and accessories on QVC years ago, I was hooked! Barrettes, necklaces, bracelets, brooches and watches all made their way to my jewelry box. Since then, I’ve purposely re-arranged my sparkly stuff each time we’ve moved to see if I can accommodate any new pieces when they catch my eye.
Here are some of my favorite “teacher” pieces. I wear them all regularly during the appropriate holiday season, and the teacher watch at all parent teacher conferences. For Halloween and Thanksgiving, it’s all about the brooches:
At Christmas and in winter, my jackets and sweaters sparkle with a patriotic snowman and a cluster of snowflakes:
Here’s an easy way to wear green in March:
My teacher watch, patriotic watch and wedding anniversary bracelet:
…and the last piece I bought before leaving Kansas:
Students always love to examine the jewelry I wear: it sparkles, it moves, and some of it even makes the best little tink-tink-tink noises!
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Just in time for Mother’s Day:
*Seasonal Delights shares a tutorial for making Gift Flowerpots
*CakeSpy has cakey/sweet/dessert treats for the Overbearing Mom!
*Smitten Kitchen shares Martha’s Macaroni and Cheese recipe…
Show and Share Thursday: Thimbles
My mother started a thimble collection for me *years* ago, which thankfully several friends have continued to add to:
Pewter thimbles, porcelain thimbles, metal thimbles, figurine-style thimbles, Royal Family thimbles… though in honor of May Day, I’ll show you closeups of the floral thimbles:
A daffodil and a shamrock:
A red rose with golden leaves:
California sunflowers:
A lotus:
A vining flower on black lacquer:
Pink porcelain rosettes on glass:
A bunny hiding amongst leaves and flowers:
Old Country Roses:
Blue….what are they?
And my favorite, pink roses:
Do you know which thimble I’d find hilarious to add to my collection?
Yep, the Monopoly Thimble!
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Have you ever played the Thimble Game?
One person hides the thimble somewhere in a room. Children/family members are then allowed into the room to hunt for the thimble one by one. Once each child has found it, he/she leaves it and sits down in the middle of the room. After all the children have found it, the first one to find it gets to hide it the next round. Of course the giggles, twitters, inhales of breath, etc., make it easier for younger children to play as they take their cues from the other players who are trying their hardest to not give the location away!
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~Inspired Ideas, volume1, number 3 has arrived!
~Ez at Creature Comforts offers a “D.I.Y. Paper Wrapped Soaps” tutorial in time for Mother’s Day and Teacher Appreciation Week…
~Skip to My Lou offers some of the cutest Teacher Appreciation gift/craft ideas I’ve seen in a looooooonnnnnnnnggggggggg time!
~Laura Rebecca’s Kitchen is baking again, this time it’s Peanut Butter Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Cookies…num!
~Kelly at PhotoJojo has found a web site that will “oldify” photos you choose to upload…
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And my newest blog discovery?
(go, go, go, you know you want to!)
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Don’t forget to leave a comment here for my blue wreath giveaway!
Show and Share Thursday: We Went for a Walk
Spring has sprung here in the Bordertown, so the toddler and I decided to take a walk today, enjoying the foliage, flowers, colors, and textures:
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* Here are some details of our local desert foliage, thanks to El Paso Water Utilities.
* A Plant Hardiness Zone Map for those of you with greener thumbs than mine…
* Martha provides how-to’s for making pressed plant cards…
* Casa Sugar suggests making your own aphid spray to keep the pests at bay and your plants thriving…
* Paper-and-String made “disguises” for her Happy Trees!
* Crayola has a cute craft idea for spring or May Day bouquets (kindergartners LOVE to dress up and sneak through the school to leave these on classroom doors- and the dress-up factor helps me in some sneakiness of my own: May 1 is the day I photograph my students for their end-of-the-year certificates!)
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Where flowers bloom so does hope.
- Lady Bird Johnson, Public Roads: Where Flowers Bloom
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