Modern Crush

Texas Forever

2012-01-25T15:27:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite pictures from our visit to Texas.... little memories to last a lifetime.

2011 - Goodbye to You.

2012-01-04T00:05:00.000-08:00

2011. "The Year of Change." More happened to/for us this year than probably the last 5 years combined. My life completely changed this past year, so I think it's only fitting to make a little list to look back on it. Some of it good, some of it bad. But it's life, so here we go!

:: Started the new year by continuing on 3+ years of working 2 jobs.

:: Billy turned 30 in January - a huge milestone in my book. I planned and threw a big party for him that had me cooking for days beforehand.

:: We moved out of our condo (against our will) that we loved so much after living there for over 3 years and calling it home sweet home. I was so sad to leave!

:: We moved into Billy's parents house - and put most everything of our in storage. A HUGE change for us. Going from a whole condo to one bedroom was HARD. But we did it.

:: I got layed off from my Graphic Design/Office Manager position. I worked there for almost 10 years and was told one day that "it was my last day." What a blow. This turned out to be one of the biggest blessings of my life in disguise.

:: I attempted to try to get used to "sleeping in."

:: We celebrated 5 years of being married.

:: I prepped, tested and interviewed for a position with a local Police Department as a dispatcher for a span of about 5-6 months. I was in the top 10 out of hundreds. At the end I did not get it. This was devastation for me, which was followed by mild depression throughout the summer.

:: I collected unemployment for the Spring, Summer and part of the Fall. This was awesome. What a wonderful break.

:: Summer was kind of me trying to figure out were I was headed in life. I have some ideas, but I still don't exactly know.

:: I cried a lot this year.

:: I turned 28 in July. Jeesh. 28.

:: I did a handful craft fairs this year, most of which were complete bombs. Not to be repeated!

:: I decided I am done making kids toys.

:: Jonah the cat almost died, and ended up reviving but went blind. Poor Joanie!!

:: Celebrated 4 years working at Starbucks. I still love going to work every day.

:: I lost 25 lbs since June by eating way more fruits and vegetables than bread and processed packaged foods. I didn't work out for a second!

:: I had to buy all new pants - see explanation from above note.

:: Some of the clothes I saved from my high school years fit me again perfectly. SCORE!

:: Billy's parents sold their house and we moved yet AGAIN into another house. 2 moves in one year! The new house is awesome and huge, and I think we are all much happier, although it is further still from work and shopping and church.

:: I got a new job at Trader Joe's (at the same location one of my brothers works at) in November. I love it there so far. I am still working at Starbucks at the same time, which is mostly tolerable, but on a stretch of days where I work both places in the same day for any more than 2 days in a row I mostly want to rip my eyeballs out.

:: I am just really thankful they hired me, so I will keep working as hard as I can.

:: We got approval to lease 8 acres of land to expand our family farm. AMAZING!

:: Billy, I and my sister went to Austin, Texas for Christmas to visit his sister and her husband. What a wonderful week!

:: We said goodbye to my brother right after Christmas - he headed off to New Zealand and Australia for almost 5 months. I miss him already!

So there is some of what went down in 2011. Crazy. It flew by but it's impact has made an impression that cannot be erased. Cheers to a new year. To 2012! I raise a glass to you!

Friday Night Lights Tour

2012-01-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

For those of you who know me, I am a big Friday Night Lights Fan. Billy's sister Heather turned me on to the show years ago, and while it is long over now, I still love to watch it. For Christmas this year we went to visit Heather in Texas and got to do something fun while we were there. A Friday Night Lights tour!! All 5 seasons were filmed in the Austin area, so we tried to hit as many locations as we could in a day. Heather and Brian were extras for a couple of the filming seasons, so they had been to most of the locations already. Here we go!!

Dillon High School - obviously not called Dillon since the town doesn't actually exist, but all the high school scenes were actually filmed at the school. I asked Heather, how did they do it? Weekends, holidays and summer break!

Frans - a burger place frequented in the show.

Highlight #1: Coach Taylor's House. It looks exactly the same!! There were no sets - everything was filmed right inside there. I wished Tammy lived there still so we could sit and have coffee :)

The Alamo Freeze - really a Dairy Queen that got a light makeover every time they filmed there. You may recall both Smash and Matt worked here.

A little momento left inside the Dairy Queen :)

The public pool - remember Julie and the Sweed?? Remember when Tammy's water broke? It all happened here!

Smash's House - definitely in a rougher area, we felt a little awkward getting out and taking pictures here. But hey, it was all for our cause, right?

The mega church where Lyla attends for a while...

Highlight #2: TIM RIGGINS' HOUSE. Hoohaa, yeah! Too bad he wasn't home! The only differences here were that in the show the front door was blue, and obviously, the trash cans are a distraction.

And last but not least, Highlight #3: Matt Saracen's House. It looked IDENTICAL, minus the ADT security sign, and the tire where he practices throwing was gone.

We also passed by the bridge where Landry and Tyra dumped a dead body, the infamous Landing Strip, and the car dealership that housed Buddy Garrity Motors in the show. I wish we could have gone to see Lyla's house, and the stadium (if it's even still there), but there is always next time!

I hope you liked my little tour through north Austin to some of the Friday Night Lights filming spots. If you've never seen the show, it is so worth the time!

December 1st.

2011-12-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

We don't get snow here, but we still do have some amazing trees!!

Happy December 1st! Christmas is in 25 days people!! [insert meltdown].

Catalina

2011-11-18T09:56:00.000-08:00

Sunday we took a boat out to Catalina Island. It stormed the day before so the sky was clear and everything else was fresh and clean and the air was beautiful. It was the perfect day to go.

Catalina seemed very "Lord of the Flies" to us. Piggy, Ralph and Jack could of hopped out of the landscape demanded to know what we were doing on their island. It was such a small little place and I found myself wondering what kind of weird folk decide they want to make home there. Aside from the cluster of homes and dock and airport, the rest of the island was just wild brush. I guess the attraction is that they live on an island...? Our conclusion was that Catalina was beautiful, but a strange place.

One fun thing that we saw - there were cats everywhere. Feral cats live all over the island and they were some of the most majestic creatures I've seen! Especially the one I saw that looked like a miniature lion - what a beard it had!

Hello November

2011-11-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! It's been over a month, but I have good reasons. First, we moved! Only 3 miles down the road, but it took us a good couple weeks to get it all done. Cramming two households into one house means there was a lot to move. Most of our stuff was still boxed up in storage but still, we had to move it all. Right after I posted my last quilt update I had to start packing. I haven't touched the quilt yet.

So let me tell you about our new house! We moved 3 miles further into our lovely little Fallbrook, into a big house that suit all four of us just fine. Billy and I have a big bedroom, our own living room (with space for our computer desk and a craft area!) and our own giant bathroom all to ourselves. This big house we share with his parents is on an acre of land (we already started planting a garden) with a cut flower farm that backs up against us. The drive is a bit longer to everything, but the windy roads, big trees and charming houses are lovely and make up for the distance.

It was a lot of work, and took all of our days. Working all day moving and cleaning and then going to work and getting off at 10:30pm for almost two weeks made me a very tired girl. Now you can understand my absence! Right after we got moved in I had two weeks left until the Carlsbad Street Fair, at which I had a booth. I spent a ton of time getting ready for it, and will share some pics and details with you soon.

Now it's all over and I can focus on regular life again. And blogging. And cooking and baking. And crafting. The season is just upon us!

Fall Quilt Progress

2011-09-27T23:45:00.000-07:00

I've made a ton of progress on my Fall quilt! Monday I spent a good 5 hours sewing and got the bottom half completely sewn and a good start going on the top half. This large block design is a dream to sew - it would be a perfect for beginning quilters. I'm finding that part of the reason it is sewing up so well is because I measured and cut very accurately. I bought a 6x24 quilting ruler for this one, and I can't believe I ever went without it before! I got fairly technical with my block labeling. Everything is numbered and lettered to ensure it gets put in the correct spot and so far no mistakes.

Overall I am really pleased with my progress, and I should be able to finish the top half and get the whole top completed today. I had made a goal for a start to finish time of two weeks, so it would be ready before the weather starts to really cool off. Hopefully it will be on my bed sooner than I had planned!

New Baby Kitties

2011-09-27T23:31:00.000-07:00

Sunday we went to pick up some baby kitties to live at my parents house. A few days shy of 8 weeks old, these babies are so little and cute!

Why must baby kitties be so cute?? I want them ALL!!

They are brother and sister, soft as feathers, and have the most playful spirits - and the cutest part of this story is that when we were taking them from the mama cat and saying goodbye she gave each of them a little lick on the forehead.

Gahhh!!! Cute overload.

First Day of Autumn

2011-09-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

Happy First day of Autumn friends.

I've seen pumpkins showing up at the market, along with displays of cornbread and cider. It's still awfully warm here, but if I know Autumn, it won't be for long. The nights are starting to really cool off which is the first sign.

I certainly will celebrate tonight with a pumpkin latte.

Don't you love a change in season?

Fall Quilt Fabrics

2011-09-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

My fabric arrived for my fall quilt! My package from Sew Mama Sew was just as beautiful as ever - and as I pulled the fabric bundle out of the packaging everything just sang in perfect harmony. I am so excited to start on this.

Erika and I are endeavoring in quilt making together this Fall and I drew patterns for both us based on this gorgeous quilt by One Shabby Chick. The large blocks are perfect for showcasing beautiful fabrics, in fact, once Erika showed me that quilt I couldn't imagine any other possibility for mine. I decided on 90 x 9o inches for our king size bed. I hope to end up using a nice flannel for the backing, making it cozy warm for the Autumn months.

This is one of the more exciting projects I've started on in a while - probably because it is for us. I know that this quilt will be loved when it's stormy out, when the rain pours, and when the morning cold slips through the glass during the chilly months of the Autumnal side of the year...

A Little Hello

2011-09-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say hello. Hello!

I ordered all my fabric for my Fall quilt today. So exciting.

Enjoy your Saturday friends.

Learning to Can

2011-09-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

Finally! I've learned how to can! My first attempt at home canning was very gratifying and it was actually really really fun. For those of you who can on a regular basis, I want to be like you. And guess what? You ladies better tell your husbands what's up, cuz mine knows how to can. So now that I've gotten a taste of the process I have a lot to look forward to. Having a large home garden like we do means that when we harvest we usually have way more that we can eat, and so we have to do something with it. This week we had half a crate of green beans and about a crate of cucumbers to take care of.

We spent a few hours today canning cucumbers and green beans, and freezing even more beans. We have a vacuum sealer for preparing food portions for freezing, which is even more fun.

Today one of my coworkers was reflecting that if she had lived in another time in history she would for sure have been a hippie. I said I would have been a pioneer lady. And wouldn't you know it, I am certain I would.

Fall Quilt

2011-09-14T23:21:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the seasons - I just can't get over how much I love it. For years I have been wanting to make seasonal quilts for my bed, and I am finally starting with a Fall quilt. See I have this idea in my brain that it would be super fun to switch out bed quilts with each new season. If you're a nut like me, you may think the idea is smashing too.

Here is a fun little Polyvore set of the fabrics that I decided to go with for my king size Fall quilt. I think I am going to make the patten up myself, so we will see how things transpire. I will keep posting on this project throughout it's progress, and maybe you will get inspired too!

Hands

2011-09-13T00:29:00.000-07:00

I've been in love with laurel wreaths lately. I want to draw them or paint them or stitch them all over the place. This little hoop was done for my mother in law's birthday. She loved it and I am glad because I almost didn't finish it to give it to her. I started doubting her reaction to it but Billy thought it was lovely so I kept stitching. And wouldn't you know! I love how it turned out. I am so not technical when it comes to embroidery, I just freehand penciled this whole scene at record speed. I really should learn to be more methodical! Even so, it was enjoyable and ever satisfying to use my hands.

Still Summer...

2011-08-29T23:36:00.000-07:00

It's been really hot here, which means lots of water and iced tea for me. Ice cold black tea with milk has been my favorite this year. What is it about the heat that brings memories of childhood? Maybe it's all those recollections of lounging all summer break long, well aware of a generally empty calendar. My sister and I did take advantage of her Summer break, and spent almost every Monday together doing something to entertain ourselves. We could usually be found at some point in the day pounding iced lattes in a desperate attempt to stay cool/stay awake.

As much as I love Summer, I am missing cooking. It's just too hot. I made scones a couple mornings ago, and just being around the hot oven almost sent me over. I love Autumn sincerely, and I will be overjoyed when it comes to town, but still I must continue to dote on Summer while I have it. Salad and fruit have been my companions for months, but when the weather starts to cool I know I will be anxious to start on some soups. And pie. My good Lord the thought of cinnamon...

Before I forget I have the winners for the glitter heart cake topper contest. I used a random number generator to get the results, so the turnout is quite fair. Ok here goes...

WINNERS!!!
<< Natalie Jane
<< Katie Watts
<< Lisa Mac

Let me know which colorway you would like (pink or silver), and I will get your heart toppers off to you! I will email you to get your addresses too.

xo

Give Away >> Glitter Hearts!

2011-08-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

So I've had these glitter hearts in my etsy shop for a few weeks but haven't posted about them. I keep thinking about birthday parties, and how lovely and simple they can be with just a little effort. My dad and I just shared a birthday party at the end of July, and I made these cake toppers for the occasion. Of course when the time came, I forgot to put them in the cake. But I guess it's the thought that counts!

Growing up we didn't have a lot of money, and some years we had even less than not a lot (ya it is possible). Despite our *ehem* thrifty lifestyle, my mom and dad always made a deliberate effort to make us four kids feel important when celebrating our birthdays. We had the kind of birthdays with construction paper crowns, crepe paper streamers and balloons my mom would blow up and tape around the house in the middle of the night. Homemade cakes, homemade banners, homemade party invitations - it was a little extra effort put forth by my parents to make their children's birthdays were more special than any regular old day. And then when it was all over we'd save the ribbons, wash off the candles, roll up the crepe paper and save it for whosever birthday came next.

My memories of birthdays are unalterably special to me, mostly because my parents really used their imaginations. They only used what they had or could borrow, and had a simple goal - to make sure we felt loved. I love remembering these things.

So I am giving away three sets of glitter heart cake toppers for three of you lucky winners. I hope they are something simple you can enjoy keeping in your birthday stash. All that is required to enter is to briefly share about something your family did for you growing up that made birthdays special to you. I can't wait to hear from you, and please, tell your friends!

Random winners will be chosen Saturday, August 20th. Please make sure to include a way for me to know how to contact you!

Cookies and Icing

2011-08-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

Friday we had an all day cookie decorating party at Megan's house. The cookies were wedding favors for some friends of ours who got married on a grassy knoll and then had their reception at a rented out coffee house and restaurant (so romantic!).

So I think I realized I could frost cookies for a living, I am that weird that I loved it so much.

Meaningful

2011-08-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

Learning to have a meaningful summer... it's here and then it's gone.

xo

Postal Ribbon Headband

2011-08-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

Now in the shop!

Summer Weekend

2011-07-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

Just some summer eye candy here, this last wonderful weekend of July. You can find me basking in the glory of this serendipitous season.

xo

Birthday

2011-07-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

Love from friends and family is the very best Birthday gift a girl could receive!

Urban Finds

2011-07-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

I promised I would show you what I bought at the Urban Barn last weekend - so here is the spread. The owl charm is actually quite large in person (maybe 6 inches?), and I think it will look sweet as a necklace. My favorites are the German glass glitter bottles and the owl salt and pepper shakers (that I scored at the Goodwill for $6 after we left Urban Barn). My very favorite though, is the little vintage cabinet that I actually got for $16 instead of $20. The drawers are library card sized, and I can't wait to use it!

Urban Barn

2011-07-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday we had plans to drive up to LA for Renegade, but due to some major freeway closures (they news was calling it "Carmageddon") we decided that camping out on the freeway wasn't something we wanted to risk after all.

Instead Alice and I went to the Urban Barn in Escondido, which was just named #4 best romantic flea market in Romantic Homes Magazine. It was a huge warehouse filled with thousands of flea market treasures. It was also 10 minutes away, so we were sold.

They have a little street fair in front and behind the building, vendors selling flea market finds, jewelry, glass, linens, furniture, etc. They do the street fair once a month, and it was so fun!

Be back soon to show you what I got.

xo

Weekday

2011-07-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

Scenes from a weekday,

xo

Like No Place Around Here...

2011-07-15T23:39:00.000-07:00

These shots were not taken by me, but they were so pretty I had to share them. Billy took these while he was in Cedar City, Utah last weekend, while working setting up a mountain bike race. Utah is gorgeous, and I am totally jealous of the Utah folk that claim that country.

xo

It's Summer

2011-07-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July a day late - I got a terrible cold starting Friday and it took me out for most of the weekend. Don't you think summer colds are the worst? It was sweltering hot in my bedroom and I couldn't do much else but stay put. I have a show at the mission in Oceanside this coming weekend and I have a lot to do. I need to just keep focused on one thing at a time...

Fairy Festival 2011 Recap

2011-06-24T00:16:00.000-07:00

The fairy festival was a blast this year! Despite a few snafus near the beginning everything went well. It is always fascinating to see what sells the best - this year it was the fairy bell rings (hanging on the vertical stand). Last year it was the magic wands. Overall I sold a lot of stuff, which is always a relief!

I half-assed some things this year that I need not repeat in the future. I am making myself take notes on a few things that I need to improve on for future shows:

<< The Tent. The blue tent was TERRIBLE. I hated the color it made everything under it, i.e. all my items for sale. I used it last year and hated it then, so I have no idea why I didn't get rid of it this year. I need white. I don't care if I have to sell something I own to buy a new one... I will.

<< Be EARLY. Way early. I was not as early as I wanted this year and it left me stressed out.

<< Sketch a diagram of my setup. With everything I usually use for display currently in storage I didn't have a lot of my usual decor etc. This left me this time around with tables that were extremely vertically challenged. I could have done more to improve this, but I didn't and it's my fault.

<< Get a sign. Why don't I think of these things when I have time...

I have another show in a couple weeks with an average attendance of 20,000 people. Wow. I already have some great plans for my space, which will be quite different as I will be sharing a booth for this one.

Planning is important...

Things I Haven't Told You, Part 1: The Cat on the High Dive

2011-06-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

This cat has quite the form. He has been practicing on the high dive. I kid, but it's funny how they scrunch themselves into these sorts of precarious formations. Jonah sleeps a lot. He lost some weight too. Then he got big eyes - not like the kind when they get spooked by a sound, but pupils that are dilated all the time. We knew something was not right so we loaded up Joaney-cat and took him to see his favorite vet (lol he hates that place). $575 later they had all these test results and no idea what was wrong with him. They told us to take him to see a neurologist - maybe he has brain tumor they said. Yeah, like we can afford a neurologist!

So we took him back home and decided to watch him for a bit. Then Billy's dad had a great idea to take him to see Jonah's old vet, an older gentleman who has seen a cat or two in his day. So turns out Jonah is blind. The old doctor said high blood pressure can cause blindness and that's what he thinks happened. My cat is blind as a bat. If I took him to this vet from the beginning this may not have happened. But it did.

I feel terrible for him. He bumps into stuff and it's just about the saddest thing ever! The old doctor said he will still live a happy life, whether or not that's true who knows.
So yeah.
Blind.
One of the best cats I've ever had.
Still is.
Just... blind.

There are a handful of things I haven't said too much about on this space. I am going to start a little series called "Things I Haven't Told You." Then I can get it all out of my system.

xo

First Day of Summer

2011-06-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

Happy First Day of Summer friends.

I have been waiting for this day for a long time. Well, since the end of last summer anyway.

Cheers!
xo

Battle of the Fairies >> Fairy Festival!

2011-06-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

I looked at my calendar the other day and realized that the Fairy Festival at the San Diego Botanic Garden is this Saturday. Oops. I need to start looking at my calendar more often. I am really excited to sell again at this year's festival for a few reasons, one of them being the host of fun new fabrics I have been collecting for wands. Etsy is a fantastic place to shop for things, wouldn't you say? Some of these prints are just not in stores. I think Etsy must have been created by God himself. I kid.

If you have a little girl, or niece, or granddaughter and live in the San Diego area you would totally enjoy the Fairy Festival. Just about every little girl comes dressed in wings and tights which is just about the cutest thing. The look on the faces is sheer joy and it is downright entertaining to watch their insatiable lust for just about every thing they see. Icecream? Definitely. Fairy wand? Why not. Useless trinkets? Of course. WHY DO YOU EVEN ASK. Give me 50 more. By the end of the day a handful turn fussy, or just grow silent with exhaustion, dragging their wands in the dirt as their tried mothers wheel them along in little sister's stroller. But there is a fairy queen, a parade, games and crafts, and all for the price of the garden admission. It is so worth it :)

My arsenal this year includes wands, headbands, fairy bell rings, toadstool treasure chests (these deserve a post on their own), and perhaps a new crown design I have been working on.

Ok, so that's it for now, I seriously have to get back to work on this stuff. I just charged my iPod and have a fresh cup of tea so I am ready for battle.

xo

Summer >> Just Can't Wait

2011-06-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

If I could tell you about all the things I love about this time of year, I might run out of room to write. Thoughts of summer just plain get me excited.

I asked Billy the other day to pick two or three things that represented the scents of his childhood up in Northern California. He said the beach, the mountains, and the pool. I said for me it would be the beach and my dads bbq chicken. Thinking about it again I think I'd have to add watermelon and sunscreen. My parents love the beach, and we were always there. They didn't care if we buried ourselves in the sand or if seaweed was tangled in our hair. Both of them were very easy going like that.

>>

Remember the little contest we had a few weeks ago? Jeesh. Time flies. Thanks so much for all your comments on which logo you liked best - I knew I could count on you! So I did pick a random winner for the mystery prize and the random number generator picked...

Chelsea from The Dainty Woods! Yay Chels! I will be sending something fun your way soon!
I hope everyone likes my new bloggy look. A change was long overdue!

Next on my list>>

<< Pick up a couple more summer dresses
<< Find a raft for the pool
<< Make some amazing sun tea
<< Attempt to get some sort of color on my ultra white skin.

(At least the first three seem realistic).

What scents represent your childhood?

xo

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Friends.

We did some relaxing, some cooking, some celebrating and some remembering too.

Summer is just around the corner!

xo

From Maisonnette >> Seashore Sundress

2011-05-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

I had to post about this little girls sundress that my friend Madeline made (she owns Maisonnette). I love everything about this little dress from the pattern and the fabric she chose - right down to the buttons. She made the dress out of a linen cotton blend from Melody Miller and has such a dreamy, substantial feel. It's a brilliant choice for a little girls dress!

I remember having a red View-Master as a little girl. I don't remember all of the slides I had for it besides the classic ones of mickey mouse and donald duck, but I loved them dearly and played with them all the time.

Someday when I have a little girl I want to make awesome stuff for her like this dress. I have been toying with the idea of learning how to make kids clothes now, just so I have the knowledge for when I really need it. My grandmother sewed and knitted for each of us grandchildren, and it was so special to wear things that weren't bought at a store. There is a special love that comes with each stitch. For those of you who live around here, you should check out Madeline's classes and private lessons (her prices are more reasonable than you would think).

Doubled over by cuteness :)

xo

Logo Contest - HURRAY!

2011-05-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

Modern Crush is getting a makeover (it is about time). My little label has had it's fun but now it's time to move forward some. This is where you come in. I have narrowed down a logo and want your vote to help me decide!

YES, I have a PRIZE. An awesome prize that will be disclosed at the time of the drawing. I just need you to vote for your favorite logo, A, B, or C by the end of Sunday, May 22nd. One lucky voter will win. the. prize! And don't kid yourself, YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT [insert giddy laugh].

>>
xo

Thinking

2011-05-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

Absent. It's what I've been. But I've been working on things I promise!

Do you ever feel like you have such a hard time organizing your day? I am really struggling with it right now. I would never classify myself as someone who is a perpetual time waster but the days seem to just slip right on by. Making a list helps sometimes... any suggestions?

I have some new goodies to share with you and a contest too - very fun. More soon.

My sister Deanna and I went to see Water For Elephants yesterday. We both just read the book and decided to see the movie together and it really was very good. I cannot believe the 10 year age gap between Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson - crazy! She looked amazing! I have decided that reading a book before watching the movie it's adapted from is totally the way for me. Watching movies before reading their original books can be such a letdown - you know?

Lastly, I wanted to ask if anyone has anything on their summer reading list yet. I've got the entire Anne of Green Gables series on my list as well as The Virgin Suicides on recommendation of my friend Lauren of Fox and Finch. Then I will watch the movie...

Hope you're fine,
xo

Mother's Day at the Aquarium

2011-05-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day! Nope, I'm not a mom, but we did celebrate one - - - mine!

xo

Come See Me at m•o•m this Weekend!

2011-05-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

If you've never been to m•o•m you are seriously lacking in life. Bethany and Tere really know what's up, and have the sweetest space down in Encinitas. This weekend the pair will be at the Queen Bee Market which means two things:

1. Their shop will be sparse.
2. A few of us local crafters will be hijacking their store for the weekend.

The first thing that caught my eye when strolling past the shop for the first time was the lace and fabric garlands hanging from the ceiling. The lights, the colors, the white walls - all of it together make their space magical.

Saturday and Sunday, get your scoot on and come by the shop for a chance to pick up some amazing goodies for like Mother's Day? The coming of Summer? Because you love us? (did you hear that little bird whispering in your ear?)

I've been working on some things (some new things!) for this weekends pop up show too...

Saturday! Sunday! May 7 & 8

1055 S. Coast Hwy 101, #A
Encinitas, CA 92024

xoxo

Easter - Better Late than Never, and our 3rd Annual Adult Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Easter - yeah that was a week ago. Because I am awesome and showed up to Easter with a dead camera battery. I just got the pictures that we took from my sisters camera so here we are! Reliving Easter!

3rd Annual Adult Easter Egg Hunt. We started this tradition on request by my sister Deanna. It was so much fun the first and second years that we had to keep it going this year. It is ridiculous, completely silly and we are way too big for this, but when you get older sometimes things are fun like they once were in a totally different way. I'm talking competition. There was plenty of that. Plus every kid in our family inherited a ravenous sweet tooth.

Ok, here we go for the 3rd Annual Adult Easter Egg Hunt:
Participants :: 5 Adults (me, my brothers Cole and Coby, sister Deanna, and Billy)
Age Range :: 19-30
Number of Eggs :: 120

Fierce.

WINNER :: 1st Place goes to Deanna with 36 eggs.

RUNNER UP :: 2nd Place goes to Billy with 32 eggs.

LOSER :: Coming in last place is my brother Cole with 13 eggs. We held him back 10 seconds at the start of the hunt because he is just too fast. Looks like it came to his detriment this year. He doesn't care because he will be eating my sisters candy anyway. He's like that.

We had so much fun

Just being ridiculous and silly

These pictures are priceless

I can see us brothers and sisters looking back on these pictures when we are old and enjoying the memories of all of us having a really good time together when we were in our 20's. This is magical. All of these pictures say fun and love to me, and that is exactly how I want to remember my life.

Happy late Easter friends.

xo

Easter Trifle!

2011-04-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

The best trifle EVER = using what is in your pantry.

SHIZAAAM!

Sun Hat Project

2011-04-20T00:16:00.000-07:00

I love a nice tan like any other girl next to me but I am also somewhat paranoid about wrinkles. Last year I was dying to get a sun hat for the pool and the beach. I had my eye on an inexpensive hat at Target and when I finally made up my mind to get it they were gone for the season. This year I saw one that was even better at my local Target so I snatched it up. Excitement! It was cute on its own but it didn't really do much for me SO like my typical self I instantly had a vision of what I could do to it to make it amazing.

First I bought 3 yards of blue and white striped ribbon from a seller on Etsy - this is 1.5 inch wide ribbon. I didn't end up using all 3 yards, maybe just 2. Funny, I was reading through the latest Victoria Magazine at lunch today and I saw this exact ribbon in their feature - nestled among things blue and white.

My vision for the hat also featured feathers - and I wanted something that would go really well with the ribbon. Peacock feathers were my first choice but I was a bit concerned how this would work because most of the peacock feathers I've ever had are huge. To my delight I found mini peacock feathers from an Etsy seller at a very reasonable price.

I tore the knotted straw trim off the hat I bought and replaced it with the striped ribbon, tied with a simple bow. I trimmed down the mini peacock feathers just a bit so they didn't stick up too high and stick them under the ribbon secured with a little dot of hot glue. SO cute! I am ready for the sun!

This was a very easy an inexpensive little project, I think the hat was $13, the ribbon was about a dollar a yard, and the feathers worked out to be about 80 cents each with shipping. The total amount for this project was about $17.50!

Scenes from a Tuesday

2011-04-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

A mellow cloudy day - today. My laundry is done and our room is clean. I can't wait to show you what I made with the ribbon and the flowers. If you haven't tried the lavender lotion from Trader Joes I urge you to. I love to put it on when I go to bed and fall asleep to the scent of lavender and citrus. Much love to you from kitty Jonah, we're off to make a cup of tea.

xo

Palm Springs :: Day 2 and 3

2011-04-15T23:33:00.000-07:00

Day 2 in Palm Springs consisted of exhibit A: the pool. We were lucky with the perfect weather, and I had brought along a good book. I had a book in my left hand and a pina colada in my right which made for a day that I cant get out of my head.

Saturday night we went out on a date, to celebrate our anniversary. Champagne, dinner and a movie was had in the city full of warm weather and palm trees. It was so wonderful to enjoy each others company with absolutely no expectations or plans - we just did what we wanted.

Day 3 we enjoyed a morning of mimosas and then packed up and hit the road, stopping in the little town of Idyllwild on the way home. That storm that chased us over the mountain the first day dropped buckets of snow, and so we went from the hot desert to snowy mountains in less than an hour. Southern California is amazing in this way.

Quaint, chilly and quiet - we stopped for lunch and then meandered our way back home. Sometimes the best trips can be found in your own back yard. Nice and slow, just the way we like it.

xo

Palm Springs :: Day One

2011-04-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

We took the scenic route from San Diego to Palm Springs. We did not take the 10 Freeway, so no traffic. Just the us and the scenes through Anza. A storm chased us all the way over the mountains, totally threatening snow and actually we did see a bit falling on us at times - hail too. Those of you that live in parts of the country that are still seeing snow, I now feel sorry for you because in my opinion there is no reason for snow in the middle of April.

We got out of the car near the top of the mountain to take a few shots and to stretch our legs. Dude, it was cold. And I am talking about the kind of cold that comes with the wind - you know the kind. At this point I really started looking forward to our descent down to the desert floor and the piña colada I knew was waiting for me on the other side.

The mountains were breathtaking, as wind chilled as they were. I couldn't get over all the colors in the rocks - every tone and shade. California is carpeted like this, and couldn't be more evident in the desert mountains.

And we got over the top just in time before the snow storm hit the mountain towns, and I was glad too, because I had nothing more than sandals, pants and a light coat. And down to a wonderfully warm Palm Springs we went...

Palm Springs!

2011-04-11T15:58:00.001-07:00

This past weekend Billy and I took off for a long 3 day weekend to Palm Springs. The trip was amazing, and I cant wait to share it with you...

New

2011-04-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a few new projects lately, wands, crowns and at the bottom, feather tree ornaments. Whenever I start working on something new I automatically feel better. My spirits are lifted and I find myself enjoying working with my hands. Given a cup of tea and a Wilco album and I am on could nine...

Working on anything new?

xo

Springtime: Thoughts of Love

2011-03-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

I love the rain. The droplets that gather and then fall. Gravity wins. When the weather turns sour, I dream of hiding up in a fort made of sofa cushions and all the blankets in the house. Like its my own little world in there. But I would never be able to help myself from coming out to watch the rain fall. Gloriously bewitching. The sound alone is enough to drive me out of my hideaway. A harp in nature, to play for my pleasure. Be still in my heart!

Basic

2011-03-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Basic Pizza. Where all the cool kids in downtown San Diego go. I am sure I wasn't as cool a kid as they may come, but I did have fun.

CSA - More than an Acronym.

2011-03-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

I love to cook, and I love to try new recipes. For me personally I have a philosophy for eating - I will always try something at least once. But once, that is kind of a cheap shot - a cop out. Let's give kale for example. You may remember me making kale chips, which didn't turn out all that great that time. It would be easy for me to wash my hands of kale. But staking my opinion after trying something just once is really not fair, because when you really think about it, how many different ways can kale be used? There is no answer because the possibilities are endless. I enjoy being open minded to food I am unfamiliar with, even sort of humbly pride myself in it. Perhaps I feel a twinge of sorrow or regret for those who snap their mouths shut so tight at the sight of unfamiliarity.

As I mentioned in this space before, my husband and I run a CSA called "Farm Fresh San Diego." We grow our own vegetables and we also source excellent fruits and veggies from local farms who we have struck up a relationship with, package them into tidy little boxes and deliver the goods to those who sign up to receive them. The term CSA is almost unheard of around our area. People give blank stares when we utter the acronym "CSA" and so we explain by saying: "You sign up with us to receive farm fresh fruits and vegetables and then we deliver them right to you!" Relief! They get it! And what's more, many can't believe such young people have such a passion for this sort of thing. I mean, who in San Diego county grows up with aspirations of farming? Yeah, that's right. We are young farmers in San Diego, and we love it.

But back to the food. My eyes are being continually opened to the wonders of fruits and vegetables. And not just that. Honey, and bread, and pasta - so many things that so many wonderful people around us make. A trip through a "super market" leaves me saddened at the lack of special local items - elephant garlic, kohlrabi, even local honey - you won't find it. All the stuff that sits there slapped with it's overpriced stickers - most of it is not from our home region, or even our home country at that.

When did we start swapping out the local for the foreign? When was it where people started to get so inconvenienced by only eating what is grown seasonally that they had to import it all? I don't know about you, but I like seeing my own area's farms flourish because of the local support they receive. When local people actually get to taste your harvest. Now that is community. Community Supported Agriculture, or simply put, that little acronym: CSA.

If you are local, and you would like to know more about what we do or even join us, hop to our website, and read about it.

Cheers to caring about your food! Hurrah for Farm Fresh San Diego!

xo

They're Fairy Beautiful

2011-03-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

Magic wands! These are the perfect dress up accessory

for all the little girls out there in the world

who enjoy the thought of turning little brothers into toads.

NEW Fairy Beautiful Princess Wands :: making their way into my etsy shop.

I've missed you, be back soon!

xo

Oy! If Only I Could Keep These for Myself!

2011-02-23T08:19:00.000-08:00

Covered embroidery hoops are one of my absolute favorite little crafts. They are quick, colorful and render endless possibilities. If I could fill my whole house with these I probably would... but I don't want you to get the impression I am psycho. The supplies are simple - hoops, fabric, glue gun.

This set was a gift for Chelsea as part of her Christmas/Birthday package that I sent her in December. The hoops are small - only 5, 6 and 7 inches and are the perfect size for a small room - to cluster next to a bed side light, or by a small frame. I think an entire wall covered in these would be awesome. At our old house I had a space between two doorways filled with these, and it was so eye catching. My sister had the great idea of changing them out seasonally - which I think I will have to work at as the seasons change.

Speaking of seasons changing... March is just around the corner and the grass is starting to turn green. Spring is on it's way. < 3

Happy Birthday Celeste!

2011-02-22T08:32:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Celeste asked me if I would make her a birthday crown for her upcoming February celebration... brown and robin's egg blue. Well I deviated slightly, but you get the idea. What a joy! Sort of French, soft and sweet. I haven't done a hand embroidered button cuff in a while, so it was a good excuse to pull out the embroidery thread. She loved it, and I love that she did. She is a amazing woman!

Happy Birthday my dear Celeste, I hope your celebration was wonderful. I am so glad I have you in my life!

Love,
Georgia

Package from a Friend

2011-02-13T22:24:00.000-08:00

This is the evidence of two very good friends,

who love Valentine's Day, and all holidays for that matter.

Two friends who are creative, and share the love

for things that are pretty. She amazes me every time,

that Chelsea. With all her hand-made < 3's. A friend who loves me.

And whom I love back. Chelsea! Will you be my valentine?

Oh dear, I think you already are!

xoxoxoxo

When Two Worlds Collide

2011-02-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when two families combine their pantries.

SHAZAAM!

Can you spot 3 containers of marshmallow fluff? Oy vey...

xo

New Day, New House, New Book

2011-02-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

Blah.

So, we moved. Successfully. Everything I own is now in my new bedroom and in a 10 x 20 storage room. EVERYTHING that I fit into a 1,000 sq ft house is in there. Except for the refrigerator and the chest freezer and our beach cruisers - they are still outside. The 3 amigo cats are getting used to their new surroundings, and are adapting better each day. I can't seem to sleep peacefully though. You know when you're on vacation and you wake up and think "this is not my room, is this a hotel?" Yeah, I've got a bit of that going on. I need to just relax, I keep telling myself that anyway. I am really happy about the move, I am no so happy that my closet is in disarray. You know, it's the little things that get you!

Do you follow Orangette by Molly Wizenberg? You should. I bought The Breakfast Book by Marion Cunningham, and have been pouring into it, dreaming about the possibilities, but am the sort that gets excited about the prospect of eggs and hand made food anyway. While some bemoan cooking, I'd rather say yes please, I want to learn that. Wouldn't it be wonderful to never be the one at a gathering where folks wonder who brought that dish, cuz it wasn't good. I am all for the painlessly simple, don't get me wrong, but it needs to be tasty!

I have a lot of things to share but I am going to need to get my surroundings in order first.

Love to you,
<3

You Are My Justin Matisse

2011-01-18T08:09:00.000-08:00

Today my husband is 30. 3-0. WOW. If it were me and I were turning 30 today I would be under the covers crying, and spending all afternoon counting backwards with my fingers crossed, choking on my own tears. But not Billy, he says carelessly that it is just like any other day. He is not scared one bit to turn 30, in fact he rolls his eyes at me when I tease him about it. So here is 30. 30! It looks good on him if you ask me. This beard I love, and I hope he keeps it. Although if he does he may get told again that he looks like Noah from The Notebook. Umm, can you say sexy? I digress...

30 years of Billy on this earth.

Lover of political discussion, meaningful conversation, cats, dark beer, good food, good friends, cooking with his wife, plants, travel, and people. Oh does he ever love people. He gives me kisses liberally and lives sincerely. Deliberately.

You are my Justin Matisse, my Jake Ryan, my... lol, Noah Calhoun.

Happy Birthday my dear, I hope you know how much I love you. I love you FOREVER!

Love,
Georgia

Sewing Lesson {Part 1}

2011-01-13T07:47:00.000-08:00

If you live around here, and you have an eye for fantastic fabric, then surely you have shopped at Maisonnette. Trust me, if there was a cubby large enough for me and a mini fridge for my bon bons I would live in there if I could. For Christmas I told my mom that if she really loved me (I kid) she could gift me with a lesson with Madeline at Maisonnette. Two hours of private lessons for $25 (!) To my pleasant surprise she took my suggestion to heart (my dear mother does love me!) and gave me $40 for a lesson and supplies. I decided a while back that I wanted to make a purse, but because I have never sewn anything more than straight lines for quilts I thought I would really like someone to help me through it - someone who knows what they are doing.

So now I have my lesson paid for, and my fabric picked out:

When Tula Pink's Parisville line came out last year I saw these fans and fell in love. I am going with the colorway on the right, with the blues and greens.

I still have to pick my purse pattern, which is what has been delaying me from getting this going. I like my purses to be a good size, so I can carry my sketchbook, my water bottle, a snack, my fingerless gloves, and about eighteen other things around with me. I don't care if it's heavy - I want it to fit!

If any of you have a great pattern (preferably that you have used yourself) I'd love to hear about it. I am feeling inclined to go with Amy Butler's Birdie Sling but for some reason it's not exactly what I had in mind. Maybe if the straps tied at the shoulder in a bow to give it more character? I want pleats, I like bows, and I'd like something that no one else has. I have about 15 patterns bookmarked in my delicious, but I still can't decide!

Maybe I will give myself until the end of the week :)

2011, Hello? Year, Are You There?

2011-01-12T13:06:00.000-08:00

So Christmas is over. And New Years is over. It was bittersweet, as I was exceptionally excited about Christmas this year. The rain absolutely made the season for me, and I don't think I have been so jazzed about Christmas in a long long time. Living in Southern California doesn't do much in the way of "seasonal" holiday weather, which in a sad way makes Christmas day kinda like any regular day. But not this year! We had a ton of consistent rain which left me giddy about the out of the ordinary seasonal weather. We even got rain on Christmas night, which I was just swooning over.

The end of the holiday season was also bittersweet because that was the last time I would trim the tree or hang the holly in our house. I haven't mentioned it here, but we were told in October that the owners were moving back to our house and so we needed to be gone by the end of January. We are sad and happy about this - actually when we found out I was crushed. I find that I get way too attached to "the way things are." I never move my furniture around, and I seldom redecorate, because I guess I like things the way they are. Look at my blog header or background - have you ever seen it change? NO! We have spent most of our almost 5 years of marriage here, and I guess I like that fact.

So.... we will move, and all will be well and I will look back and think about all the fond memories at 620 Bel Air. I am sure you are wondering where we are going! Actually, we are moving to my in laws house, which will give us an amazing opportunity to pay off some bills and save some serious dough, and at the end of the Summer we will reevaluate where we will go next. I am really looking forward to this, and am looking at it like an adventure.

Billy turns 30 next week and Saturday night we are having a party for him. I have everything planned out, even down to a list of ingredients for each dish I am making. It is weird to think of him as 30 - and I never thought he would turn 30 without having at least on baby yet, but that is just how things are. He grew a beard and grew his hair out. And now I will have a 30 year old bearded man whom I love dearly. He is my best friend in all of the world. Hurray!

Jolly Craft!

2010-12-27T08:59:00.000-08:00

I found these Santa clothes pins less than a week before Christmas - for $1 at my local Michaels. One of the things I love about shopping so close to Christmas is the deals that can be had. $1. Seriously! I've seen a few bloggers make a sweet arrangement with their Christmas cards using twine or ribbon, and clothes pins used to hang the cards. When I saw these jolly Santas I knew I could dress them up and use them for something cute like that.

Red and pink hats...

And some glitter...

Makes my holiday world go 'round.

<3

Christmas Joy

2010-12-26T18:40:00.000-08:00

Silent Night, Holy Night, all was calm, all was bright.

Hope your Christmas was joyous...

xo

Winter Quiet

2010-12-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

After days of rain and cloudy skies and dreaming about hibernating in a cozy den like Mr. & Mrs. Beaver, it has let up. I thought I'd be jazzed but truth be told I can see the threatening rain clouds rolling in from my window and I am glad. I guess rain and I are friends. The quiet mornings are like no other with the sound of rain on the roof. Little pleasures, taken advantage of in quiet times - is a soothing start to our newly acquainted Winter season.

Enjoy little times like these - when the house is dim as rainclouds block the sun, the bed is left unmade, and you can start to hear the kettle whistle. A sincerely glorious season!

xo

More Ormaments! {Christmas Treasures}

2010-12-20T07:31:00.000-08:00

A rainy Saturday drive with friends brought us to a magical place near us. Canterbury Gardens is a seasonal store and must be appointed by Santa himself, as I am sure he would genuinely approve. Whoever thought of decorating trees with shiny objects was a genius - not only are they fantastic to gaze at, but some of those pieces are really expensive. This second thought is dangerous for me, but when you come to a store like this, and you love Christmas ornaments like me, you have to set limits.

So after considering said limits I narrowed it down to these three pieces: Hollow glass and a glittered Victorian image. It was a wonderful outing to get me into the Christmas spirit, and with the addition of the blustery weather it actually felt like Christmas, and not like July. Just about every ornament on my tree has a special meaning. Some were purchased with the company of good friends, others while traveling, and some were gifts. Like little snapshots of time, hanging right there on a real live tree that sits in my living room.

Shiny Bright

2010-12-17T16:41:00.001-08:00

I came across this blog a month or so ago, and was instantly in love with what I saw. If I close my eyes really tight I can faintly see an image of my mothers Christmas ornament boxes, where young eyes could peer right into the window pane cellophane lids and see all that shiny glass nestled in a nest of tissue, handled so many times all that tissue paper had turned soft as a hankie. All that we would hang on our tree was magic. Many of the ornaments that make up these wreathes look so much the same. And I love them.

It's raining. The sound of the water dripping from the eves is glorious! I am looking forward to an outing tomorrow to this Christmas store we have nearby with some of my girlfriends. Should I find any treasures I will certainly share them with you...

xo

Featured: Bink & Boo

2010-12-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

At the Zig Zag Craft Show I was privileged to have Bianca next to me. She may not know it, but that girl inspired me - beautiful (she glows), talented, smart, and kind - and I know this last one because she kindly spent much of the day talking to Billy. I loved her brand "Bink & Boo" so much that I felt like what she had were treasures that I wanted to share with everyone.

These little clutches had a zipper on the bottom, making them a dual purpose piece. Her pattern choices were amazing, some oil cloth, some vintage fabrics, some scrap finds and others - marvelous scarves.

My favorite. So perfect!

Along with the clutches she had items for babies - bibs and booties. Once again, the fabrics were dreamy...

It's funny how a brief encounter with someone can leave you so inspired. And I left quite inspired, and I have very much enjoyed pondering these things.

Zig Zag Show

2010-12-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

So I am just getting around to posting about the Zig Zag Show that I participated in last Sunday! Forgive me please, but I am sure you all can relate:) I was really excited about doing this show for three reasons, the first being it was free for me to participate(!), the second, it was in Encinitas (one of my FAVORITE local towns), and third, I was excited and hoping to sell sell sell to earn money for Christmas gifts! We stopped at our famous VG's Donuts first to fuel up on sugar and hot cocoa. None of the children there were wearing shoes...

This cake that looked like a Christmas tree was amazing, and can you see the little tree cupcakes on the bottom shelf?! Gah! I almost bought one! But no, not for breakfast (today).

So on to the show. I mean, does it really surprise you that I would start this post with pictures and talk of sweets? Haha!

Everyone's booths were amazing, and the talent was there. The only thing missing were the shoppers. I am not really sure what happened, but there weren't many browsers. This put quite a damper on my #3 reason I was jazzed about the show.

So we waited, and waited, and waited for a bite. Damn! No bites! Was it the weather? The music? So sad...

But it was all so beautiful!

The sweet lady next to me made these amazing wreathes, I now regret not picking one out. Perhaps I will have to try my hand at making one myself!

Brooklyn, the sweet sweet mama who put this show on had some awesome goodies, ties and clips, so many adorable creations.

Good company :)

Well all in all, the show was not successful sale-wise, BUT we had a great time with the other vendors, and that made it totally worth it!! We had lunch from the Potato Shack (the best grilled cheese sandwich and seasoned fries of my life), and I left just as happy as a clam :)

xo

Giving Thanks

2010-12-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

Hope your Thanksgiving was as tasty as mine. I love it when everyone has a really good time. It makes me feel like all the effort and stress has gone to good. I started my morning with hot chocolate, a bowl of yams and a peeler, and the Macy's parade. I am so thankful for so many things, the list would be a mile long.

What is it about sweet potatoes that makes you want more and more? Mine had toasted pecans and maple syrup. Did anyone see that in the November issue of Martha? It was calling to me, and while I would make it again with a few changes, it was delightful. So were the green beans with shallots and mushrooms in greek yogurt... also from Martha. The best!

Hope your Holiday was fine...

xo

Zig Zag - December 5th!

2010-11-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

(click image to see it larger)

I am getting so excited for the Zig Zag craft event that is coming up the first weekend in December. I have been working on a whole lot of goodies for this, and I am so looking forward to it! I will have headbands, crowns, fairy ring bells, fairy wands and hair clips (all the same sorts of goodies as the Magnolia show). If you have a little girl or know of a little girl who would love some of these lovelies from dear old santa (*wink*) then be sure to come! The show is themed around kids: apparel, accessories, toys and other goodies - all handmade by a group of us local artists, sewers and crafters.

Here are the details:
When: December 5th (Sunday)
Time: 11-3pm
Where: 1055 South Coast Hwy, Encinitas, CA (it will be in same parking lot where Hansen's Surf Shop is, as well as m•o•m and UNIV).

Here is the line-up so you can get a taste of what is to come:
Pumpkin Pie Originals - blankets, clothes and bags
m•o•m - clothes and some of the most amazing accessories you've ever seen!
White Apple Threads - clothes and bags
Linzy Dinzy
Plush Parade - handmade plush toys
The Pop Project
bink & boo - bibs, booties, bags, etc. - these are so so cute!
Modern Crush - that's me :)
Vanessa Dominy - fantastic artist
Zippity

Put December 5th on your calendar, and come get some of your Christmas shopping list crossed off. And spread the word! The more the merrier:)

xo

The Market Place

2010-11-18T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Market Place show out at Magnolia Creek & Co. Atelier was lovely. My booth set up like a dream, and my sister was an amazing help to me. Here are some of my favorite shots of the day...

<3

The booth! So so sweet!
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We had fun, sold a good handful of lovelies, but the best part - the friends that drove all the way out there to support me. And my awesome sister who gave up her whole Sunday to help me, just because I asked. In a word - blessed!

Like what you see? Mark your calendar to come see me at my next little fair soiree, December 5th in Encinitas! It's called Zig Zag, and I am getting so excited:)

<3

A Sweet Sunday {at Magnolia Creek}

2010-11-15T07:57:00.000-08:00

And..... wer'e back! This weekend's show out at Magnolia Creek Atelier was wonderful. Beautiful grounds, hospitable people, and a so many of my friends came out to support me. Be back tomorrow with some shots of the day.

Till then,
xo

Happy Halloween: Get Your Gnome On

2010-11-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

Hope you had a lovely Halloween celebration! Ours was fantastic, it was the perfect Autumn day. After such nasty weather we finally got one day to shine golden as the sun.

Celebrating with friends, it was a day filled with good food, and stories - and sweets.

And I had a little trick up my sleeve...

Gnomes!! Billy, my sister Deanna and I were garden gnomes! Our hats were over 4 feet tall... and completely awesome. This year I decided I was going to test the waters and head out around the neighborhood with my candy sack. It worked! No one thought I was too old!

The first house we went to had this amazing gnome patch, so naturally we fit right in:) Ok so line of the night: We show up at a house, ring the bell, shout "Trick - or - Treat!!" and a couple ladies come to the door. The one that was probably in her 60's says with all sincerity "Oh, maybe these big kids would like a glass of our rum punch!" and the younger woman scoffs and says "NO! You can't give teenagers rum punch!!" We all looked at each other and laughed a good one, and then Billy pipes up and says "I'm turning 30 in January!" Hahaha! And THAT is the truth.

We may of felt a little silly at times, trying to trick-or-treat, seeing as how we definitely are WAY past the age, but my loot bag would tell me otherwise. The LOOT. Feast your eyes on that!

Hope your holiday was hauntingly amazing,

xo

Modern Crush: At The Market Place

2010-10-28T23:32:00.000-07:00

Let it be known that yours truly is participating in an event! Yes, it's true, and I am so excited. Bethany from m•o•m asked me if I would like to participate as a vendor, and knowing how neat of a lady she is I couldn't do anything else but say of course, yes please, uhh where do I sign? I met Bethany back in June. I stopped in her shop after stepping out of Hansen's because her decor caught my eye. You better believe I waltzed right in there and introduced myself. *Gahh* I am sure I made a giant idiot of myself! OK Georgia, try not. to think. about it. Seriously, if you find yourself down in the Encinitas neighborhood you have to stop into her store, m•o•m, it is "amazing genius." Talented, talented ladies.

If you are local put Sunday November 14th on your calendar so that you can come to our event. From what I hear from these ladies, it will definitely be worth it! They are calling it 'The Market Place' - at which you can expect to find a host of awesome merchants (including me!), and a photo booth (Photo Both Fun by m•o•m).

So mark the date and start saving your pennies!

Here are the details:
Magnolia Creek & Co. Atelier
"The Market Place"
Sunday November 14, 10am - 5pm
31339 Valley Center Road
Valley Center, Ca. 92082

Oy vey, I have a lot to do.

<3

Little Sister's Birthday

2010-10-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

If I didn't have a sister, I would be in some serious trouble. Who would I call up to discuss important things? Who would I bake new dessert recipes with? Who would I watch chick flicks with? Goodbye second closet... These are important things, you know.

My little sister turned 19 on Tuesday. 19! I remember her coming home from the hospital still. I begged my mom to let her sleep on my bed. She was like this prize my mom was just awarded with, and I wanted to have a front row seat for the award ceremony. Being 8, I had a host of plans for this newborn. I was going to drive her around in my red convertible (at least that's what I thought I wanted at the age of 8), I was going to take her to the mall to pick out awesome accessories at the Sanrio store, and most of all, I was going to get someone else than my brothers to play barbies with. My plans were grand, they were ingrained in my brain, my eight year old brain...

Well, by the time she got old enough to do those things, I realized that just like she was getting older, so was I. I guess in my eight year old mind I had envisioned her growing older, but me kinda staying the same, so soon enough we would have been be equal. But when she was eight I was already a Junior in High School. Unfortunately things didn't exactly go according to the plan I made when I was 8. Though, I did get to drive her around in my beat up blue '81 diesel Mercedes (there was no red convertible), and we visited other awesome stores (by then the Sanrio store had closed for good). She would let me hold her hand, always. We would walk though the mall and my little sister would let me hold her hand. I would look around at the other young girls at the mall, all sassy and having no interest in anyone but themselves, left alone to endless supplies of sticky cinnabon cinnamon rolls and cheap underwear from the bargain bins at the cheapest fashion stores. I would look down at her and think about how lucky I was to have a sister who hadn't lost interest in me.

Now our ages have sort of plained out. Sort of like we are almost on the same level. Perhaps my eight year old vision has come true after all. We can drive each other, swap clothes, swap concerns about life and those around us. Best friends of the best kind... sisters.

Happy Birthday to my dear sister Deanna.

Love,
Me

Burning the Midnight Oil

2010-10-22T01:16:00.000-07:00

Last minute order for.... my mom. I love every chance I can get. Even if it means working into the night. Well, late into the night is the ideal time anyway, it's when the gnomes and elves come out. Party!

xo

Seasons

2010-10-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin patch picture: 2010. I love the tradition we have of taking a picture every year when we are there. I have a picture on my fridge still of us at the patch, probably in 2005 or so, and it amazes me how different I look. My clothes, my hair...

There is a patch of sun over my window right now, kind of painfully bright, if you know what I mean. It's a nice welcome though, since it has been so stormy here. Looking at the sky I can see very dark clouds in the distance. It won't be long...

We got up at 6:30 this morning to head out to put together our CSA boxes. I had to slough a host of cats off my legs to get out of bed. They were disappointed to lose the warmth. I think Autumn skipped town, cuz winter seems to have already arrived. This year will forever be known as the year that we got shafted out of summer. And now maybe Fall too! I remember when I was in high school, we had an El Niño year. It was SO wet, and I can remember just being perpetually soaked at school. I will never forget it, nor will I forget the way the weather has been this year.

Hope you are staying warm,
xo

Stormy Night

2010-10-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

"Me thinks the rain has stopped. For now it is safe to go outside! What a stormy night it was! Prrrrr.... it was nice to curl up and sleep on our blanket, soft as silk. Remember the sound of it? It was so loud on the open beam roof! But we were safe..."

"If you hear thunder once more, run for it! My feline nerves can't handle it. You'll find me wrapped up in my blanket once more...Prrr... "

Pumpkin Scouting

2010-10-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

We finally made it out to The Great Patch, our favorite spot to search for pumpkins out at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center. The day started out with heavy misty fog which soaked everything, so really we almost didn't go. Erika and I debated over the phone about whether or not we should attempt it, if it was worth it with the weather being as it was, but in the end decided that we couldn't break tradition.

And I am glad we didn't... This year marked our 6th year going together. Everyone was in such good spirits, despite the wet.

There is something charming about visiting a pumpkin patch when the weather is not it's best.

And it scared off some of the crowd,

which made it so much more fun, perusing pumpkins.

It was such a misty afternoon, but beautiful to see the light filtering through it all, leaving only a faint view of the mountains on such a day.

Turban pumpkins... with some of the most amazing colors.

We came in time this year, for last year there was hardly anything left...

Mounds and mounds of beauties!

The Big Macs shone in all their glory...

'Twas a very merry pumpkin occasion, indeed!

See you next year, Great Patch. Thank you for sharing your Autumn splendor with us once more...

Swap-o-Rama! {Hinties...}

2010-10-05T23:59:00.001-07:00

Some of you have expressed interest in joining the Autumn Swap, but have also expressed that you are stuck on what items you would swap. Well it's a good thing that you asked me, cuz, shazaaam! I am full of ideas. While I don't want to take the fun out of having you think of wonderful fall things on your own, I would like to list a few things that come to mind. These are suggestions only, to help your creativity flow! Here goes:

{Your favorite Halloween candy}
{Tea - glorious tea, or mulling spices}
{Coffee}
{A Fall ornament}
{A wonderful soup recipe}
{A special Halloween decoration}
{Scented things, like candles}
{Party decor}
{Baking accessories}

Things that spell Autumn: pumpkins, gourds, Halloween, spices, warmth, leaves, acorns, soap, skeletons, treat bags, owls, ghosties, black birds, trees, apples, pie, cider, hot chocolate.

{Remember:} The items you choose should not just be completely random, they should tell a little story of your favorite aspects of the season.

xo

More Spookyness!

2010-10-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

Last night I finally pulled down my box of Halloween goodies - so much fun to open up! As most of my friends know I LOVE decorating for holidays, and moreover I love collecting awesome decorations. Remember this garland I made a few years back? Now it hangs once again in all it's glory - and I still haven't seen anything like it in stores.

One of my favorite things about my decorations is that everything has a story. Some of my items have designers that I can rattle off, like Jennifer Murphy or Dee Foust. Others are recovered beauties from the bowels of ugly flourescent lit department stores. Yes, fantastic things can be found in afwful places (like Tuesday Morning). I swear every time I go in that store I want to shoot myself - it's like stumbling into a jungle nightmare. The paper mache cat sitting on the pumpkin came from that store. Two dollars, if I recall, since the cat was missing his hat - no mind to me because I just whipped up a new one when I got home.

If anyone is in the market for the most awesome Halloween decor you could find, I sincerely recommend you check out bayberrycove.com. Most of my goodies inadvertently came from there; the selection is wonderful.

Are your decorations out? I want to see...

xo

It's Time for a Swap! An Autumn Swap.

2010-09-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

Autumn is in the air... can you feel it? Pretty soon it will be time to do things like make cinnamon rolls, carve pumpkins, and put out the flannel sheets. This is a marvelous time of year to be dreaming about the upcoming season's festivities. So I proclaim to you, a swap! A wonderful Autumn swap. Chelsea and I have been scheming and now is the perfect time.

We are inviting you to participate in our very own swap! Here is all you need to do: email me (Georgia) at amoderncrush(at)gmail(dot)com with...

{1} your name

{2} your mailing address

{3} your email address

{4} your blog address

{5} a line or two about yourself and your hobbies

{6} whether or not you would be willing to send internationally (please don't feel bad to say no!)

I will randomly pair you up with a partner and then you will gather and send your new friend 3 to 5 things that have to do with the Autumn Season: These favorite things can be purchased or handmade, old or new, and they do not have to be extravagant. Ideally these things would represent your favorite sights, sounds, smells, tastes, or memories that are centered around the Fall season. Good examples could include: your favorite Halloween candy, a favorite fall recipe, an awesome Fall or Halloween decoration, seasonal tea, etc. Get creative!

So, if you would like to participate, email me by the end of the day, Thursday, October 7th. We will have a postmark deadline to mail out each others packages by one Thursday from then, October 14th (plenty of time before Halloween, so this doesn't get in the way of your All Hallows Eve festivities;)

I will make sure everyone has someone to swap with. No one will go swapless! Tell your blogging friends, this swap is open to anyone who would like to commit to join in! Don't be intimidated, get out your favorite notebook and start jotting down basic ideas. You just might be surprised by how creative you get!

Sound good to you? Sounds like Fall fun to me:)

Autumn Equinox

2010-09-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to pop in an wish you a happy first day of Autumn... I've been excited for this day to come, and now it is here. This morning as I drove to work I was dreaming about pumpkin pie and mulling spices. You know that feeling you get in the evening when the mulling spices are on the stove, and the whole house smells of it? It's wonderful. Out at our little farm we planted pumpkins and gourds early in the summer. We have a ton of pumpkins so far - Howdens (the best for Jack-o-Lanterns) and a few Cinderellas. And the gourds! We have swan neck gourds, just like these. When I get my camera lens (I will have enough saved by next week!), I will definitely take some shots of these beauties.

Enjoy your day, do something to celebrate! Even if it is small. The changing of the seasons is a very exciting occasion.

xo

Missing...

2010-09-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

You may have wondered to yourself, where did Georgia go? I am still alive, let me assure you. I have been missing from my blogging world but it's for a reason, I promise. I never mentioned here that Billy and I started a CSA this Summer. For those of you who aren't familiar with what a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is, it is basically a produce subscription service, where you invest in our farm by paying up front for a certain number of weeks, and you get a weekly supply of freshly picked produce in return. This summer was our first season ever, and it was hard work, but a ton of fun. Because I work work work all day, Billy and I had to discuss what would be the best use of the little free time I have. Sadly, for the time being I have decided that my crafts and my blog will be put up on the shelf for a temporary while. This makes me sad, but I know that it's for the greater good of our family. We want to be running the CSA full time and also starting up a mobile farmers market! I am really excited about the mobile farmers market. This part will take some serious saving though, since we have to buy a trailer that is refrigeration and that is set up for selling out of. There is a lot of organization on my part, because in our family I am better at that than the man (naturally, ha). This takes time! We have a blog for our CSA, which is called Farm Fresh San Diego. Also, I STILL haven't replaced my camera lens that broke before summer even started, but I am proud to say I have about 3/4 of the money saved up to get a new one. Sheesh, so now you know where I've been. Pining after my blog...

This week Wednesday is the first week of Autumn, can you believe it? I have felt the weather change; the mornings are wet, and the evening air cool. It's time to start thinking about pulling out the heavy blankets. I have been thinking about the recipes I made last Fall that were favorites, and have been looking forward to some of those again. So even though technically I am not supposed to be spending too much time in this space, I cannot simply resist coming over here once in a while. After all, in a sense, it is the history of me.

Renegade LA {2010}

2010-08-04T00:10:00.000-07:00

Renegade was so much fun! I know it's been a couple weeks since the event happened, but I couldn't pass on posting some of the pictures I took. This year the Los Angeles Renegade fair was in a LA park - it was warm, at moments very warm. Not sure if I enjoyed the park vs. the high rise location last year better or not. They were both very different, and so were the vendors. Being outside meant everyone fought the wind, and it was so much more crowded than last year. But the vendors were glorious! With me this year was my dear Alice, as well as dear Olivia - you may know her as she is the mastermind behind A Field Journal.

My kind of wall... embroidered hoop goodness

Rolls of the most amazing tape ever!

The three of us had an awesome time. Such fun girls... we were totally wiped out when it was all said and done. I came away with a couple necklaces, a new zipper pouch and some letterpress cards, which I will post separately. Looking back at the pictures I snapped, I realized there were so many awesome things that I saw that I never took a picture of. Such a bad habit to have a camera in hand and no pictures to show for it! Next time! Renegade! I love you!

xo

Birthday Bicycle Ride!!!

2010-08-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

On my birthday last Tuesday, I took a half day off work. We loaded up our cruisers and headed down to Coronado Island for some bike cruzin. Even though I've lived in San Diego all my life, there is so much of it that I haven't really seen very much of. We live at the very very top of San Diego County, so it's often a challenge to make time to go explore. So we explored! And there are some Ritzaaaay houses in Coronado! Those people must be loaded to live there! As we were riding we came across the Tuesday farmers market. I thought the cheese lady from Sonoma was the best. And so was the Asian guy with the giant purple grapes.

But the best thing... was riding around with Billy. If you know me, you would know...

Of COURSE

I would say that.

Cuz, I'm addicted to my husband

<3

B to the E to the A R D

2010-07-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

I recently attended a Murder Mystery party, in which I was assigned a character - Otto Van Schnapps. A jolly German fellow, wine connoisseur, and the head of an underground art theft ring. To get the full effect needed to make a beard. And what a beard it was!

Oh yessss you likey my beard, do you? So niceeee.....

Woahhhh!!!.... too much beard

Learning to be Positive

2010-07-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

So, last week something special happened. Ok, well maybe not special, because that would be sarcastic, but some things happened. All three of our cats had something happen/go wrong with their bodies. One required surgery, another medication, and the third --- a 5 am bath.

Initially I was going to write this post and just give you the facts - what happened, why it sucked, etc. But waiting a week to write it gave me some perspective on what happened, and caused me to look at things in a more positive light. So instead of sharing these stories with you in a 'woe is me' tone, I am going to simply state what happened, and the positives surrounding each event. Trying to teach myself not to be so down about stuff.

Jonah: This kitty is a lover, but a fighter. He is tough, and big, and orange! While he is a love bug indoors, he holds his ground outside. Living in a condo means there are lots of cats that come around looking to fight. One night we noticed a patch on his back that sounded like liquid was inside - an abscess. Off to the vet he went, for some simple fix, we hoped. Nope! Surgery was in the cards for this cat! Things are fun when you take Jonah to the vet, cuz you see the vets rate the cats for "feistyness" - he gets a whooping 9 of 10! This means he gets loaded into a gas induction chamber for his anesthesia - no shots for that monster. P.S. This surgery is very very expensive.

The Positives: The surgery was textbook, and there were no complications and it was a bit easier because the abscess hadn't actually burst yet. He is a champ when it comes to taking his meds. He is so funny to watch cruzing around with the plastic Elizabethan collar on his head. He has a humorous strut, and his entire back is shaved so he looks funny. Plus, he is an old pro, as you may remember he had this same surgery just after Christmas for the abscess that burst on his cheek (yes, that was only 6 months ago). The best thing was that when he went in to get the drainage tubes taken out of his back, he did not fuss, so they did not need to load him into the anesthesia gas chamber. Woo! We got a $43 credit for this!

Mary Jane: Jane is a lady. Sometimes when she lays down, she crosses her little feet. We knew something was wrong when this little lady was going in and out of the litter box every 20 minutes or so. She looked like she was trying to go potty but could not. I bet she did not appreciate my constant attention to her litter box time. What a nosy mother! Also we noticed a change in behavior. She was not sleeping in our bed, and she was avoiding us. We wondered if she had a bladder infection, so off to the vet she went. I was hoping it wasn't stones... or worse, bad kidneys.

The Positives: The credit we got for Jonah almost covered the whole exam fee. BONUS! Thanks Jonah! They did a urinalysis on her, gave her a couple shots and sent her home with antibiotics. We had to wait the whole weekend to find out the results. Tick tock, I do not like to wait! I worried about stones, about kidneys, about everything. Oh please say its a bladder infection! Pleeeease! Yes! What's that you say Dr.? No stones? Mild bacteria? Praise Jesus! Sincerely, praise Him. It could have been so much worse, and so much more expensive. Two weeks of antibiotics and a checkup later and we should be all better. I have my snugly little kitteh back.

Jesse: The Bear. Sunshine Bear. Lazy Bear. I like to think up adjectives or nouns and insert them before his name. The night before we took Jonah in for his surgery we heard a horrible cat screams at about 5 am. Billy went outside to investigate and there was Jesse, soaking wet and filthy. He had just been victim to a neighborhood bully cat, and the early morning sprinklers. Not being much of a fighter you could tell he took a beating. In fact, he was so scared he pooped, and it was all over his back legs and tail. YAY! We started to wipe him down but quickly realized a bath in the tub was the only solution. So that's what we did. Gave a cat a bath in the tub at 5 am. He was good, thank the Lord. So then as I was toweling him off I noticed a gash on his back, then another, and another, and another. They were everywhere. Out came the hydrogen peroxide and cotton balls, and the cleaning of wounds began. Then I had to take a shower and attempt to fall back asleep before I had to get up for work one hour later.

The Positives: I didn't have to take a shower when I got up to go to work. I practiced washing someone poopy, and I got to hone my cat bathing skills. We got to prune (or hack) the tree in the patio that he had been climbing to get out at night. Plus a new rule was established: no more going out at night! Everyone is on lock-down, no excuses. They always have excuses. I don't know why we didn't have this rule in place before. The last positive, is that Jesse is the most docile of the three, which means he was the easiest to bathe and pour hydrogen peroxide on. Beautiful!

I hope you have enjoyed the tale of the three mischief makers. If you have made it down this far in my post, you either love cats or love me. I am glad I thought to look at the positives instead of dwell on the negatives. Everyone seems to be healing up, although no one is allowed outside, for like... ever!

New Bracelets - Color Me!

2010-07-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a few new things for my etsy shop. Bracelets and headbands have been in the works. The bracelets are fantastic, totally one of a kind and full of color! The cluster of rosettes is tied on with the silky satin ribbons that hang from each side. I coated them in a clear varnish so that they would be extra strong and wouldn't tear. These two are up in my etsy shop.

xo

Pretty Pretty

2010-07-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

We stopped at a store in Solvang that I had never been to, Picket Fences. Now, my home is totally not shabby chic, but I do have an appreciation for it somehow. I love elements of it but I don't choose it for my own home because I know Billy would throw a fit. He already throws a fit about our home decor, although I think it is a nice mix between Pottery Barn and Anthro. Home decor has always been a touchy subject between he and I. I have friends who's husbands have told them to do whatever they want. The problem with us is Billy wants a say, but doesn't usually have very attractive solutions. Months ago we had an argument, you'd never believe, about how he felt that the house was "mine." That if it were up to him he would live with hardly anything, and would even be fine with a light bulb taped to the wall. I promptly burst into tears. I don't know what the man expects, really. Perhaps plaid and a heaping pile of dirt next to his bed would be his thing. Then maybe he could get pet snakes again, and keep them in some shanty man cave. And shower like every third day, shoot, maybe even once a week. Over my dead body.

So yes, the goodies inside Picket Fences were loved by me. I even hear some oohs and aahs from him as we perused, so I asked, "do you like this style, love? Would you be ok with more of this in our house?" He looked at me and replied "Hell no."

I hope you like these photos I snapped while I walked around the store, cuz the moral of this story is that's pretty much all I will ever see of them either!

Hooray for Celeste!

2010-07-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Celeste,
I got a package in the mail from you, and I tore right into it. I knew there was something amazing inside, so I just couldn't wait. Wouldn't you know I have always desired - SLEEVES! I love love love them. Sincerely generous. Your knitting skills are a mystery to me, since I have none. They fit perfectly, of course, how lucky we are the same size. I promise I will take excellent care of them. And your creativity with the garlands, a gift. It makes me a little crazy to think that you perused paper thinking of 'me' - colors that you thought said 'Georgia.' What an honor. And truth be told, you hit the mark, because I can tell you I have a couple of those paper patterns in my paper stash (!!!). I have the garlands hanging in the living room already, out of kitty's reach of course. They will be well loved and carefully stored. And the note cards (not pictured) I would have totally picked them out, and have already dug into that stash. Thank you for letting me use your pictures for this post too, since I still haven't replaced my camera lens. You rock, Minnesota girl, who kind of looks like me. We were meant to be friends, I am convinced of it.

XOXO

Monday Holiday

2010-07-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

It's nice to have a Monday off from work. I can do a little of my own work...

Hope your July 4th was memorable, (and please excuse the cat bottom above).

<3

Solvang! In the Summer!

2010-07-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

On our way back home from San Luis Obispo we stopped in the little Dutch town, Solvang. I have visited Solvang before, and it was just as charming as ever. One thing about Solvang, it is HOT there this time of year, the Central Valley of California has no mercy. Of course I had to visit my favorite store there - Jule Hus. Everything is Christmas inside Jule Hus, and a large majority being Scandinavian, which I love.

Whenever I travel I try to bring home a special Christmas ornament to remember the trip by. That way my Christmas tree is filled with memories of trips and people, and not just stuff from the shelves of my overpicked Target. Finding an ornament in Solvang is easy, because they have the Jule Hus! My ornament picks this year - a hand painted matryoshka egg and a bundle of sweet little forest mushrooms. These will make a very sweet contribution to my Christmas tree full of memories, when I look at them I will always think of my brother's graduation and the fun I had with my husband and sister driving up the coast of California to see him.

July Songbird

2010-07-01T11:34:00.001-07:00

July 1st. The first of July is always the true first day of Summer in my book. Maybe it's because June on the coast in San Diego can get be so gloomy. "June Gloom" as we call it. July is marvelous though - it's when the days really start to warm up and you have to turn on the fan in the evenings. If it were up to me to write a definition for the dictionary on the word July I would have many things to include -

:: homemade ice cream
:: nightgowns
:: evening songbirds
:: fireworks
:: sunshine
:: ice cold tea with lemon
:: eating outside
:: summer dresses and ponytails

I have to say that some other months have caught my fancy - the turning of the leaves in October, the novel Southern California rain in March, but still July is my prized month. I am glad you are here July, xo.

Tuesday

2010-06-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

I hate posting without a picture. But, I have no picture to post.

I have the worst stiff neck of my life. I got it Friday night, and can you believe? It is even worse today, Tuesday.

Chelsea, I don't know how you can handle your pain. And, this is just a really bad neck pain too. You are my hero. Have been for years.

Tonight is the Eclipse midnight showing. I am going but am not sure how much I will regret it tomorrow. I HAVE to go, I mean, I bought tickets. My friends are going, I can't not.

I have so many things to show you. You won't believe what Celeste sent me. My camera lens is broken and needs to be replaced. I don't feel comfortable borrowing my sisters anymore. And all I want to do is sleep.

What's a girl to do...

xo

The Fairy Festival!

2010-06-24T00:59:00.000-07:00

The Fairy Festival was fantastic! It was my first attempt at a booth - anywhere. I was literally running on empty the morning of the festival, having slept 2 hours the night before, and 4 or so the three nights before that. It was, in my eyes worth every bit after I saw all the little girls start to show up. They were so sweet, every one of them! For your enjoyment I have a good bundle of images here of how the booth was set up and what was for sale. Next time I would do a lot of things differently, but I guess I had to get my feet wet. It was a great first attempt and I sold about half of what I brought, which was good!

My husband is one of a kind... he stayed with me all day to be of assistance. Giant SMOOCH. And he brought me a Jamba Juice and that doughnut with sprinkles - the man gets it people!

wands wands wands wands and yes please, more wands

fairy ring bells - what every mother will regret purchasing when they get home - cuz they have bells! Who knew they would be my most popular item?!

adorable times 20 gadgillion smillion

homemade fabric banners from my fabric stash, I got a lot of people actually wanting to buy these.

a very frilly and eye-catching canopy - much as how I hoped it would turn out

felt hair clips, for the most adorable little fairies

And then I took a 12 hour snooze.

Thank you for all of your sweet words leading up to the festival day. I hope to definitely be doing more of this!

xoxo

Warning: This Post is About My Brother

2010-06-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my brother Cole! Our trip up to San Luis Obispo was a ton of fun - food, sights, hikes, and some good relaxing. I am so proud of my brother, and not just cuz he is a mechanical engineering brainiac, or that he graduated with a whole slew of honors, but because he is a thoughtful and considerate human being. He deserves his accomplishments because he really gave the effort. He has always inspired me to try harder and think smarter. I love you Cole! And the party after the graduation was legit too:)

xo

XXI Love

2010-06-20T22:40:00.000-07:00

So yeah, San Luis Obispo. It's about time that I posted about our trip up for my brother's graduation from Cal Poly, which was already a week and some ago. BUT FIRST - I have to tell you about the Forever 21 they have there. Get ready for this :::: 100,000 square feet of Forever 21 madness! Can you imagine?? I had no idea myself, what that could possible be like, so we had to take a little look see...

Here we are, outside this old Gottschalk's department store, now turned 21.

I cut and pasted two pictures together so you could get to see the size of the side of this store. Crazy!

So crazy, it was like our birthdays, plus easter, and the fourth of july too - all mixed in together. There might as well have been rainbow brite riding on the back of a unicorn in there, with a backpack full of cash and a plate of chocolate cake just for us - it was that thrilling.

Ahhh!! Excitement!

So here we are, the entrance. The Heritage section was huge, which is my favorite FXXI line. Everything there was just so darling, I had to keep pinching myself to remember that I had a budget to adhere to. Booo, suckage. I tied so much on, but had to narrow it down. Two dresses, a top, headband and a pair of super skinny jeans. To be honest, the store was a little too big. There was just so much to see, it was hard to even know where to look. But, considering what my sister and I came away with, it was worth it!

At a Loss for Words

2010-06-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

I was up till 3am last night working on fairy wands for the Fairy Festival that is THIS Saturday morning. I didn't plan my time well enough, that or there just isn't enough time in the day. I still feel like I have so much to do. I am going with the latter. If I scare all the little fairies off by the dark circles under my eyes, I guess I won't be so surprised. Thank God for Benefit Lemon-Aid.... that stuff is miraculous.

We had an awesome weekend in San Luis Obispo, but I don't have time to tell you about it just yet. I hope you understand:) But I will when this is all over, cuz I know you are just dying to know about my trip to the world's largest Forever 21. Shizzizzzle!!!

xoxo

Welcome Weekend

2010-06-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am leaving you with some blooms for some early weekend enjoyment. Renuncula season always seems so short, don't you think?. We are on our way up to San Luis Obispo tonight, and here's hoping to make it in under five hours. Then tomorrow is the big graduation day for my brother - all that hard work boiled down to a 3 o'clock ceremony. I hope to take some sweet pictures while I'm up there. Cheers to a fun weekend for you all.

xoxo

Paper Heart

2010-06-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

In my inbox this morning was a little email from the Paper Source, advertising some of their wrapping paper selections. Something that you might not know about me is that I love wrapping paper, but even more I LOVE the Paper Source. The first one I ever went to was in San Francisco with Chels, and I remember when I walked in I felt like I entered some magical candy and unicorn filled land, except it was filled with paper and envelopes and glittery-goo. Ya!

These wrapping paper patterns are so fantastic. I don't know that there is another word more fitting. Fantastic.

Wrapping paper........... I love you.

I < 3 Ribbon

2010-06-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

Ahhh!! The Fairy Festival is coming! Something I haven't talked too much about here - I have no idea why, cuz its totally not a secret. I signed up to be a vendor at a Fairy Festival (for little girls) that our local botanic garden is hosting (June 19). I am really excited as this is my first EVER Modern Crush event! My booth will be filled with fairy wands, fairy rings/bells and felt hair clips. So it is a week and a half away, and I am feeling good overall about my progress, but we will see after this weekend since we are going up to San Luis Obispo for my bro's graduation. I will for sure be bringing things to work on. But I can see getting so easily distracted... especially since he is convinced we are going bar hopping at 6am on Saturday morning. Haha, right!

My camera lens broke a couple weeks ago, so I have been using the only other lens I have, which is a zoom lens. These pictures are less than desirable to me since I had to stand like 10 feet back before taking them. Good thing my sister is willing to share her Nikon with me for the Fairy Festival... if I was camera-less I think I would dissolve into a pile of... fairy dust.

A giant pile of the felt hair clips - these were fun! I had my little lightweight wood drafting board out, so I could just chill on the sofa while I cut and glued. Now if only I could just do that every day...

xo!

Mumford & Sons!

2010-06-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

Last night we had the awesome privilege to go see London's Mumford & Sons at the Belly Up in Solana Beach. LEGIT. They were incredible - totally mesmerizing to watch. If you have a few minutes to check out some of their songs on youtube you should. Marcus said thank you to us about a thousand times - I don't think I have ever seen such humble guys up on stage before. Between every song there was some kind of compliment given to us about the city, or the hospitality thereof, or his sound men, or his roadies... we even got an encore out of those Brits after about 8 minutes of shouting, stomping and whistling. Ya!

Australian band Middle East was on before Mumford, who were pretty awesome as well. For their last song all the guys in Mumford & Sons came up on the stage to play with them - there were SO many musicians up there! The sound was epic -all of it made the fact that it was past my bed time totally worth staying up for:)

Hello

2010-06-05T01:27:00.000-07:00

You see,

she has these ways

about her,

her whims are the

explanation of mystery.

This little kitty makes my heart sing. She is a renegade one minute and a melted popsicle on your lap the next. She gives kisses abundantly, and still sleeps on my neck. An open window is her best friend, the roof is her province. The little girl with the stubby tail, who stole my heart and buried it in her napping basket. That is our Mary Jane. The barn baby from the country feed...

xo