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: 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
Show and Share Thursday: Playing Dress Up
Happy Thursday!
As a little girl, I loved to play dress-up. My mother, being a teacher, allowed me to take lick-and-stick foil stars out of her desk whenever I wanted to be Wonder Woman- after all, bracelets and headband/tiaras weren’t *really* like Wonder Woman’s unless they had stars on them! I loved looking through her high school yearbooks, because they had full-page photos of Homecoming and Prom royalty, decked out in crowns, robes, formal dresses, gloves, and dyed-to-match shoes. Each Christmas I had a new holiday dress, each Easter too. They usually twirled.
My first prom was in an Eskimo village at the top of the world, and surprisingly, I was invited to attend even though I was only in the eighth grade. I attended many more proms throughout high school, and dabbled in pageantry as well, so I had a steady fix of satin, rustley tulle, high heels, and sparkly jewelry to wear.
When I became a kindergarten teacher, it was natural to continue to play dress up! Fairy Tale Dress Up Day was enjoyed annually in my classroom, and I always made sure to wear a twirly dress and sparkly crown. When my husband and I met, I had no idea that my love of taffeta, Gunne Sax, and evening handbags would serve me well as a military “significant other,” a future (and present) military spouse.
No, I’ll never have a reason to archive my favorite gowns, but for now, I just can’t bear to part with these:
My “Zorro” gown was what I wore to my first Military Police Ball in Alaska…it swishes, it rustles, it sparkles, it’s gorgeous…
This is my Gunne Sax treasure- all lace, pearl buttons, ribbons…I wore it to a Christmas/Holiday Ball:
Details, details, details…
of these…
I could have danced…all night…
**As for the gowns that I CAN part with, they’ll be on Ebay this week**
Even fully decked out in a fancy gown, pretty jewelry, and possibly a tiara, I know I’m only pretending to be a fairy godmother. After listening to last night’s Democratic debate, I agree with Tara: just because a person wears a little flag pin on his or her lapel doesn’t make that person truly patriotic. Patriotism isn’t what you wear, it’s what you do. And yes, could we please stop dumbing down the debate questions?
“I was going to write that patriotism does not require wearing a silly cheap plastic flag pin bought from Wal-Mart and made in China. I don’t care if you drape your front lawn in flags and wear a flag pin every waking moment, if you aren’t doing something to establish a dialogue and change the downwards spiral in America, you’re part of the problem.
Patriotism is questioning what’s happening in your country. Patriotism is being a soldier trying to stay alive amidst terrible conditions in a war fought under false pretenses. Patriotism involves the families who struggle to pay bills while their husband or wife is in Iraq or returning soldiers who have serious injuries, yet must fight to get the proper medical care they need. Patriotism is those who fight for the underdog and try to protect the Constitution and our civil liberties. Patriotism is shining attention on critical issues affecting us all, such as global warming and human rights. Patriotism involves helping insure a better future for our children and their children, by keeping informed about issues that impact our lives. Patriotism is thinking for ourselves. It is not accepting blindly what someone else tells you to do - that’s fascism.”
Tara Bradford, Paris Parfait
Show and Share Thursday: Bear With Me
Thankfully, these don’t growl:
I mentioned in a previous Show and Share Thursday post that my husband has a thing for bears. Consequently, so do I!
The first bear figurine to mark our relationship was the one with our favorite animal posed at a computer desk. The reason I purchased it was because one of the first photos I’d ever seen of my husband had been of him sitting, leg crossed over, at his computer:
One of the first holidays we celebrated together was Christmas (in Alaska), so naturally the snow globe had to join our technically proficient bear.
When we married, we wanted a bear family that matched our own (little did we know that cub number 4, our toddler, would arrive two years after we were wed!), so we adopted the bear couple, a standing bear for my stepson, the pair of bears playing (it’s actually a napkin ring!) for my two children, and the extra bear because he was too cute to leave at the store (it’s probably what guaranteed the toddler’s addition to the family!):
My husband had this bear tucked away in his bachelor belongings:
…and we purchased this bear family on the road trip from Oz to the Bordertown last summer:
We hadn’t found a new bear to add to our collection for quite a few months, and then lo and behold, Polly sent us the cutest coaster set/figurine that I’ve turned into a candleholder:
We are always on the lookout for a new bear to add to our collection~ yes, we’re “beary” happy when we find just the right one!
~Sky Manor shares a recipe for Teddy Bear Bread
~ Author Jez Alborough has written some of my favorite teddy bear books (kids love them too!):
~ Here are the lyrics to The Teddy Bear’s Picnic
~ What are polar bears called when they’re caught in the rain? Drizzly Bears!
~ Bear activities for kids at DLTK’s Growing Together
Show and Share Thursday: Mom’s Gift
Mom received her gift, a day before her birthday:
I’m certain the gift tag was a hint, since I used part of one of her favorite photos on it- the flowers are fireweed.
Inside the multiple layers of bubblewrap, Mom found some Scrabble tile holders that spelled out her family’s name, and this shadowbox:
This was one of the projects featured in Mark Montano’s Big A** Book of Crafts that I told you about in an earlier post.
I started with two copies of a photograph of my grandmother, mother and uncle standing in a field of fireweed in Alaska:
Using a very sharp x-acto knife, I cut around the image of the family, then placed it on top of the unaltered/uncut photo, using two or three layers of sticky adhesive foam squares:
Using the squares gave a 3-D effect, raising my family slightly out of the field:
I had several choices when it came to altering the photo further: doing more cutouts, which I decided against because the focus was the family; adding whimsical details like fairy wings, birds, stamps which frankly, just wouldn’t “fit” my family; and adding lettering, an oh-so-appropriate choice for a teacher:
Chipboard letters, or stickers?
For size and font, I chose the stickers, and went about figuring out placement:
The shadowbox itself was lined with a dull gray mat, so I played with some papers that seemed to compliment the lettering:
Once the papers were adhered to the interior walls of the box, it was time to add the altered photo:
For some reason, the photos I took of arranging the Scrabble tile rack, silk flowers, and pink beads didn’t turn out, so here is the final product:
With the scraps from the second photo, I chose a section of fireweed to use on Mom’s gift tag.
It’s a project I’m looking forward to doing again, possibly working with black and white photos next time- thanks Mark, for the idea and the how-to!
What would a birthday be without cake, preferably, cupcakes?
Creampuffs in Venice tried some whimsical mini-cupcakes with very pretty floral icing…Trophy Cupcakes and Party in Seattle was just featured on Martha (oh my goodness they make some beautiful, and apparently delicious cupcakes!)……and while Laura Rebecca’s Kitchen shared this recipe for coffee cake, I’m wondering how it would turn out if the batter was spooned into a cupcake tin instead…
Num, num num num!~
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