My Life Imagined

jamie house design

2010-05-12T18:54:00.005-05:00

hey friends!

i launched my new business this week! exciting times for me! i'll be blogging from their from now on. it's lonely there right now...it's hard to get a new site up & running. so stop by & say hello please lovelies! add this new address to your readers as well, www.jamiehousedesign.com.

jamie house design is a virtual interior design firm, meaning that i design a room for you without going to your house or meeting you in person. we chat about your space, you fill out my House Inquiry & get me dimensions, then i get you paint colors, lighting, flooring, furniture, fabrics, ect to pull the room together yourself. :)

i'm SO excited to FINALLY get this up & running!

i have a facebook page! i'd be SO EXCITED if you joined that one too:D

soon this site will redirect you over there. thanks for all of your support. you guys mean the world to me, i hope you follow me over there! i'll continue reading & following you guys as well!

i love you to pieces!!

jamie

i've been hanging out at tumblr lately

2010-04-26T21:45:00.003-05:00

it's just so much faster than blogger when you're pressed for time...i'll come back here too, just not as much. i'm not abandoning, just figured i'd let you know where i've been:)

http://jamiehouse.tumblr.com/ -you can still follow it in blogger if it's easier. but tumblr's fun, you should try it.

plus, i'm launching a new business next week, i've been working like crazy on it. i'll let you know the details sooooon.

xx
jamie

i'm still here!

2010-04-19T22:30:00.002-05:00

i haven't abandoned this blog! promisesss! just working REALLY hard on other things, life ya know.

here's some things...

i started getting up early to work out today. i'm going to try this 5 days a week for a month. i have to give it a month to give it a fair shot. today was reallyyyy good, but i'm sooo sleepy right now.
it's been gloomy rainy & i kind of like it.
my flowers are mostly dead, i want to make our patio SUPER cute this weekend. i've been on the hunt for patio furniture but no luck yet. of course i have in my head EXACTLY what i want, white round patio table & 4 wicker chairs that i can spray paint turquoise. cuteness.
we saw a super fun concert in boston, it's rare to just go to a concert & see a band that you really dig. i even bought the cd at the show, RARE, when was the last time i even bought a cd??? 1992??? :) here they are! kingsley flood. they can rock more than the song below, i'm really into them. i like old school country music. i do.

i hit a BIG wall of depression for the past little bit. i hate when that happens. my old acquantance just sneaks in w/out me realizing. i'm fairly non functional & a real drag to be around when that happens. poor mister, he's a sweet man. but for some reason the clouds started clearing yesterday & things are even better today. depression is a strange creature. (i'm not clinically depressed btw...although some have suspected & possibly diagnosed post traumatic stress disorder, but i ignore them & assume i'm over it;)
i missed a sweet boys birthday b/c i didn't put the EXACT time in my calendar, bummer.
but i got to hang out with the mister & a sweet girl on saturday.
we've started planning our trek to montreal for my college roomates wedding! exciting & also stressful, i can't wait for the day when i don't worry about $ anymore.
i got some cute liberty of london jammies at target, adorableness. i loveeee cute jammies. i collect vintage nightgowns, they're so pretty & romantic.
i dyed my hair this weekend, red again. it's DIFFERENT. it's really dark & kind of maroon. it'll fade, i'm not concerned. but i know when people compliment me they're just being kind, & i appreciate it.
i'm taking my pops to see neil young in early june. excited! i'll miss the flaming lips that weekend, but it's not so bad since i saw them new years eve.
i can't wait to live in a house!

happy day my darlingssss!

{i lost a follower :( sad dayyyy} but i'm soooo happy the rest of you have joined me!! yay you!!

jamie

i love movies

2010-04-11T11:52:00.003-05:00

i'm not sure how i feel about ANOTHER sex & the city movie...but i like me some aiden;) i also WISH WISH WISH that the satc movies would stop it with the lame music. those women are much cooler than the music, i'm afraid they've lost so much character development in the movies, there's too much focus on the clothes & lifestyle. the clothes & lifestyle were supporting roles in the show, that's why it was so cool. now the outfits trump the actors. bummer.

by now i'm sure you're all well aware of my love affair with eat pray love. it's nearly my bible. so i was BEYOND excited to hear elizabeth gilbert speak, i even just finished her latest, committed. which is also quite thought provoking & also magically in rhythm with where i am in my life right now, just like eat pray love. i was excited & hesitant when i heard eat pray love was being made into a movie. here's the trailer.

i'm SUPER disappointed that julia roberts plays elizabeth. julia roberts. bleh. julia roberts is NOT elizabeth. even in the trailer, it's just julia playing yet another lost woman looking for something.
i'll watch the movie AS SOON as it comes out...but it's got a lot to live up to. i'm talking to you, julia.

i'm off to a magical tour of the epperson building with mr. cuteness:)
happy sunday!

xx
jamie

yeasayer!

2010-04-09T18:57:00.003-05:00

me & the mister are going to the yeasayer concert tonight & i'm SO excited! i really loveeee them. i hope you listen to them & fall in love too:)

btw...should i keep the glasses & put my prescription in them or just keep them up for sale? i think i love them...

any big plans this weekend? i'll be working most of it...sooo i'll just live through you fun cuties:)

xx
jamie

sneak peek

2010-04-08T00:48:00.004-05:00

our boston fun. i have TONS more to go through. boston is a cool city. i didn't fall in love with it, like my love affair with new orleans & san fransisco. but i like it alot & i LOVE being able to go all about town without a car. we went everywhere we could think to go via subway & walking. fun fun times with that cute man.

above is our yummy gelato from the north end & then us enjoying the amazing weather in the grass on bunkerhill, imagining everything that had taken place in the very spot we were laying. it must be cool to actually live amongst so much history.

i have a HUGE lifeline (instead of deadline, via danielle laport, being that this dream is anything but dead) that is set to launch may 1st...except i'm changing the launch date to may 3rd. i'll be doing the warrior dash May 2nd so i won't be in town for the excitement & i MUST be in town for it. so look for it may 3rd. all of my hard work & absence from my online existence will become worth it:)

i hope you all had an amazing easter weekend! i can't wait to catch up with you all:)

jamie

happy weekending!

2010-04-01T19:13:00.003-05:00

happy easter pretties!

i'm off to boston for a fun anniversary trip! i've never been! i've never even been to the northeast region of the states at all. can you believe it? i'm stoked! i'll blog more when i get back:) i have exciting suprises up my sleeve!

any tips on where we should go in boston? any of you pretties from there? email me or comment here!

thanks darlingsss!!!

jamie

crazy heart

2010-03-29T11:27:00.005-05:00

crazy heart.

all images from google images.

i saw crazy heart this weekend. i am so in love. this movie moved me like a movie never has. i can't get it out of my head. i'm going to have to see this one again, then own it. i don't even know how to explain how it moved me. but it's got me thinking a lot about my own life. (let's be clear, this movie does not relate to my own life...it just got me thinking)

jeff bridges is phenomenal (he won best actor for this portrayal, did you know). so is maggie gyllenhaal. the soundtrack brings tears to my eyes, as do these pictures. unexplained tears.

go see it. i didn't know much about it before i went, which is best i think. so just go see, don't over analyze whether it's worth seeing or not, whether so & so liked it, or blah blah blah. just go see it.

jamie

hey there ho there

2010-03-26T18:03:00.003-05:00

i just listed this cutie cute cute vintage paper pack in MimiLane Vintage. it has tons of my favorite papers & some amazing vintage wallpapers! perfect for scrapping & art journaling! i only have 8 sets & when they're gone, i won't have ANY more ever again.

here's some pretties for a happy weekend.
1. Day 6/365 - A day at the beach, 2. 89|395, 3. New Vardo, 4. Fantastic Mr Fox_18, 5. Wonder of You, 6. Untitled

me in some fun glasses you can find in my shop:) happy weekending!

what would mary poppins do?

2010-03-21T14:54:00.006-05:00

(images via weheartit.com)

i ask myself that everyday.

what would mary poppins do?

xoxoxo

it's a quickie

2010-03-17T22:25:00.002-05:00

have you seen this??????? i DIE everytime!!!!

in other news...pretty post coming tomorrow;) happy st. pattys day folks! i spent it working out(bikini body 3.0 is on!!! get it cause i'm 30 now;)) & relaxing...now more working...

i hope you're out having a green beer for me!!!
xoxoxox

i want to move in

2010-03-15T17:13:00.005-05:00

this gorgeous house was done by interior designer Molly Luetkemeyer. all of the images are from her site. i love how it's earthy & cozy. it's comfortable & different & sort of like a fairy tale cottage. i want to live in a fairy tale. i need a cottage.

my monday is trucking along. drawing. drawing. drawing. i'm not used to all of this drawing...my hand hurts. so i took an inspiration break to chat with you prettiessss. i got some amazing news today that relieves my tax burden, don't you hate taxes. i mean get real, i make pennies & am still paying more than i paid last year. ridiculous. i need a house &/or a baby/child/dependent. anyone want to give either of those things?? ;)

this time of year is my veryyyy favorite! i want to go take a nap outside...or a shower if i had the cottage above;)

happy monday friends!!!

xxx

Inspirational Icon- Dolly

2010-03-14T13:59:00.006-05:00

i am fascinated with dolly parton. i think she's amazing. she's packed a lot into her life. she doesn't care what people think. she's private. she's kind. she's fun. she's beautiful in every one of her costumes. she's overcome significant odds. she's smart. she's hilarious. she's an amazing singer & performer.
here's dolly.

all images from google images.

i've been working on some SUPER exciting plans! i can't reveal anything yet, but it's big. i'm working out how to NOT work all of the time. & also how to NOT think about working & wish i was working when hanging out with fun people. it's not that i wish i wasn't hanging out with them, it's that i can't stop thinking about this THING i'm working on.

the weather has been AMAZING here. i went to a sweet friends show opening friday night. she's an amazing photographer. & saturday we FINALLY went to the new st. arnold brewery tour, which isn't really a tour but sitting around drinking yummy beers. fun times:)

happy weekending!!!

hey prettiess!

2010-03-12T13:25:00.003-06:00

it's been awhile! busy busy times.
this makes me soooo very happy!

i'm going to bury myself deep into drawings for the next 4 hours! this weather is seriously dreamy, i can't wait to get to a patio with a beer:)

i'll post again this weekend!

happy friday loveeees!!!

you're a winner!!!

2010-03-07T20:29:00.003-06:00

happy birthday giveaway winner IN THIS POST!!!

my birthday was magical. thank you all so VERY much for the birthday wishes!!! i got to hang out with a bunch of my favorite people:) i got to see alice in imax 3d which was AHHHMAZING. i can't wait to see it again in normal movie format;) i feel like i missed some scenery details so i NEED to see it again. also my loveeee of johnny depp was pushed over the edge. i'm not sure there is another person that i so greatly admire. he AMAZES & inspires me.

ok....soooooo the winner is the first comment!!!!
so send me an email sweet jen! jamie(dot)lanie(at)gmail(dot)com with your address & your super sweet enid collins box bag will be on its way to YOU!!!

thanks everyone for entering!!!
here's to the best week EVER!!!!!!

xxxx
jamie

ps...the AMAZING alice inspired pictures are from Fabulous Mag. Click the pictures to go to the picture pages on the site:)

here's me

2010-03-03T20:13:00.003-06:00

i video blogged...can you believe it? i'm REALLY stepping out of the box here...

thanks so much for reading i love you all to piecessss!!!
xxx

jamie

it's my birthday month...so here's a present.

2010-03-01T13:43:00.005-06:00

i've been thinking about my birthday ALOT. here are a few things that keep coming to mind & also some fun things i've found today. also....keep reading for a super amazing giveaway in honor of my 30th birthday this month.

Free music from Urban Outfitters here.
Visit Marta at The Dear Diary Stories all this week for a free blogging & business workshop.

this is the prettiest dress i've ever seen. ever. beautiful. prettiest party dress, perfect for a 30th birthday:)
for my birthday i want cupcakes that look like this. pretty & loved & completely imperfect, cause i'm not perfect either. i think these cupcakes look just like a party.

in honor of my 30th birthday on the 6th, this saturday, i'm giving away this goreous vintage enid collins cable car wooden box bag. click on her name to read about enid as a designer. this little beauty is so beautiful & i really bought it for me to keep. but in trying to come up with a giveaway awesome enough for my 30th birthday i just knew i had to pass this on to one of you darling readers!

so here's the details. the giveaway will be open this week. i will draw a winner, randomly, on sunday march 7th. in order to enter you MUST be a follower of this blog & leave a comment telling me about your best birthday ever. you will get extra credit for blogging &/or tweeting this contest as well. just please be sure to leave me a comment letting me know, otherwise i may miss it & it won't get counted! this giveaway IS open to international readers as well! thanks pretties!!!

march is the best month of them all! enjoy it!!!

xxx
jamie

Traditional Home's Young Designers

2010-02-28T15:04:00.004-06:00

This months, Traditional Home features a selection of young designers they are highlighting. They are also hosting a contest for the designers and the readers if you go vote for your favorite designer.

I am mentioning this is a beautiful woman that I worked with in Dallas is featured! Emily Miller. I am SO excited for her! She really is an amazing designer. She left the firm I worked for and went to work for another firm and now she's out on her own. What a dream to be featured in Traditional Home! I can only work hard & hope that I'll make it there someday too.

Please go here to vote for Emily! Here are more shots of her gorgeous work from her website (click the pictures to go to her website, the family shot is from DallasChild click that picture to be taken to the article they wrote about her)...

imagines greatest hits

2010-02-25T06:28:00.000-06:00

this is a HUGE post!!! sorry to lay all of this on you at once. i didn't start at the beginning b/c frankly it doesn't need to. this blog has come a LONG way, i've come a LONG way. here's my best of, without links b/c if you want to see it you'll search it out. i'm closing down a TON of old posts soon...not that you need to hurry over there or anything...no seriously don't bother, the new stuff is MUCH better. here it goes!!

Saint Theresa' s Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

"You're supposed to be doin' an article on me, man. Fuck reality!" -Janis

my sweet grandma turned 90. i just LOVE HER TO PIECES!!!

Ok, so my blog was never really invite only...I just stopped blogging. I needed some privacy, still do probably so I'll just be careful about what's posted b/c guess what...
i watched a bunch of movies. yep. uh huh.Sunday I ran 14 miles. Yep. I did it.My buddy & I got were running by 6:45 Sunday morning.

He ran 17 miles, I ran 14. That's the most I've ever run. I'm pretty sure I messed up my knee. I'm pissed about it. I'm going to have to have it looked at. I could have totally kicked more ass during the run if it hadn't been for my damn knee. Now it's hard to straighten it.

fun trip with a fun man!

my cute little place was brand new & totally me:)

You know when you're almost through something but not yet & you keep saying just alittle while longer, it's almost over, but it's not yet & it's been AT LEAST 2 months of saying that b/c this THING was predicted to be over in May & it's still continuing & driving me out of my fucking mind. {divorce is crazy & sad}

i scrap-booked sometimes.

i did yoga a bunch too...

my favoriteeee meal

Found out how many people are willing to take me in when I need it.
Discovered how much I love electricty.
Also discovered how much I take traffic lights for granted.
Missed girls night.
Gotten way behind on my emails, even to some of my favorite people.
Fallen into a funk about my life being upside down right now.
Grown apathetic towards work.
Found it hard to pull myself out of bed.
Missed running so much.
Had a great dinner & wine with some of my favorite people.
Missed a special someone that is still out of town.
Snuggled my Sugar more than normal because she's scared.
Loved putting together new outfits with my old clothes.
Put off moving forward in my career b/c I'm scared of failing.
Been really excited about fall & winter.
Dreamt of beautiful boots.
Had an incredible urge to make my place exactly how I want it, even if it means I have to bust out the credit card.
Desperately needed to make a monthly budget to stick to.
Realized that I'm an adult & that I'm responsible for myself.
Figured out that I need to learn how to ask people for help when I need it.
Decided I'm ready to get back to my Life List, that needs more care & nurturing.
Been ready to bust out the paints & canvases.
Been excited about painting/ refinishing some furniture.
Thought about the future & what exactly I want out of it.
Thought seriously about moving out of Houston.
Dreamed of Greece...

acl!!!
roundtop!!!

...So now I have started living my own life. Imperfect and clumsy as it may look, it is resembling me now, thoroughly. -elizabeth gilbert

i ran 9 miles w/out socks...b/c i forgot my socks but wasn't going to let myself off the hook...

i scrapbooked my other pretty grandma & lost her beautiful self in 2009.

“Only the young and stupid are confident about sex and romance. Do you think any of us know what we’re doing? Do you think there’s any way humans can love each other without complication? You should see how it happens in Bali, darling. All these Western men come here after they’ve made a mass of their lives back home, and they decide they’ve had it with Western women, and they go marry some tiny, sweet, obedient little Balinese teenage girl. I know what they’re thinking. They think this pretty little girl will make them happy, make their lives easy. But whenever I see it happen, I always want to say the same thing. Good luck. Because you still have a woman in front of you, my friend. And you are still a man. It’s still two human beings trying to get along, so it’s going to become complicated. And love is complicated. But still humans must try to love each other, darling. We must get our hearts broken sometimes. This is a good sign, having a broken heart. It means we have tried for something.”

- Eat. Pray. Love. by Elizabeth Gilbert

Love & feelings aren't something to be analyzed. They are to be felt. Feelings can't be controlled.
Sometimes a person has let to let go & relax & enjoy where you are right as this moment. -here

i ran a f*cking marathon!!!

i opened my adorable shop.

i reopened this little blog for readers again...

Possibility- Pos`si*bil"i*ty\, n.; [F. possibilit['e], L. possibilitas.] 1. The quality or state of being possible; the power of happening, being, or existing. "All possibility of error." --Hooker. "Latent possibilities of excellence." --Johnson. 2. That which is possible; a contingency; a thing or event that may not happen; a contingent interest, as in real or personal estate. --South. Burrill.

i made us.

Mister Man & I have been dating for 9 months, wait 10? Anyway, he is so special to me & I am so thankful that I met him. I'm so thankful that he is so sweet & caring to me. He is just so cool. I really respect him as a person. He's important to me.

Superhero Journal had a sweet post about Love. This is the quote I like...
Wherever you are in love, I want to be that whisper, that antidote to the Am I doing it right? Did I blow it? Will it ever happen for me? and say, Where you are is good. Start here. It's imperfect and it always will be. It will be fierce and ordinary and torn and mended again. We will circle back and start once more. The goal is not some happily ever after, but a happily ever now.

1 of my favorite rooms ever.

another trip to roundtop!!!

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”- Eleanor Roosevelt

i WILL build this someday.

grey gardens obsession.

silly me at 10ish, wearing a skirt to play soccer.

a cute post about my veryyyy favorite blogs...some i don't read anymore, some i'm obsessed with:)

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all - in which case, you fail by default.”
- J.K. Rowling

the circus!!!
no more diet coke, but massive amounts of iced tea:)

i met THIS lady!
i wrote & dreamed about fall fashion.

i dreamed about pancakes, still do actually.

i love hippies.

i will take many more adventures this year!

& i showed you my new studio, living with the mister. so in all of that i moved out of my house i had with my ex husband, into my own adorable TINY apartment & now into a cute little place with the mister.

it's been super fun & i've loved every moment of getting to know each of you! i don't think i can tell you enough how much i value knowing each of you & without this little blog that wouldn't have been possible. life is funny & amazing.

xxxx

oh my prettiesss

2010-02-23T23:32:00.003-06:00

cleverness.

my most favorite room in all of the land.

i'm trying.

i wanna sleep here.

obsession.

yep kind of.

i had some pretties planned this week. & i want to, but i've been adding to mimilane (check it out btw...super cute stuffs) & working a bunch & quite frankly i don't want to spend more time editing pictures...
i loveeee you all bunches & bunches!!! i'm going to catch up on your blogs sooooon!!!!

xxxxxxx

yummy sunday!!!

2010-02-21T22:07:00.003-06:00

yay it's yummy sunday for a few more hours!
i cook this recipe fairly often, it's super easy, it's from Real Simple sooooo many years ago (the recipe i linked to isn't the exact recipe that i use). the recipe is for individual chicken pot pies, which would be cute, but more dishes. i always make 1 big pie:)

i keep all of my recipes together in 1 binder that i made nearly 10 years ago, organized by primary ingredient (chicken, beef, ect).

the recipe calls for using rotisserie chicken, b/c it's so easy to buy already cooked meat & add it. i've done that before & it's so good too. i used ground turkey this time. when i cook with ground turkey, which is most of the time, i add a lot of seasoning to it. whatever seasoning i have around really. like italian blend or tony chacheres. i add tony chacheres to almost everything, instead of salt & pepper.
after the turkey is cooked & drained i add the rest of the ingredients directly to the turkey, to save an additional bowl from needing to be washed. {i REALLY don't like to do dishes, so i alter my cooking to allow less dishes whenever possible.} combine cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of milk, salt & pepper with the ground turkey.

line the bottom of a deep dish pie plate with refrigerated piecrust. spoon all of the filling into the pie crust.

top the pie with the other pie crust. pinch the edges together & cut vents into it. i used a heart cookie cutter instead of slicing vents, just to add some cuteness to dinner:)

bake for 35 to 45 minutes at 375 degrees or until golden brown.

it's always so yummy! it's really good as leftovers too. perfect for a cold cozy night:)
here's the real recipe!

Individual Chicken Potpies
(makes 4 servings)
hands on time: 15 minutes total time: 1 hour

1 8-ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables
2 refrigerated piecrusts
1 10-3/4 ounce can cream of chicken soup.
1/2 cup milk
2 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey (or 1 lb ground)
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Defrost the vegetables in a microwave for about 3 minutes (i don't do this, i put them in frozen). Cut 2 piecrusts into quarters, to yield 8 equal pieces. Coat the inside of 4 small aluminum-foil pans (4-1/2 inches in diameter, 1-1/4" deep) or 4 ramekins with vegetable cooking spray (i don't do this either, but my pie pan is stone, so i would recommend doing this step generally). Line the bottom of each with a quarter of crust, molding it with your fingers to fit. In a large bowl, stir together the soup and milk; add the remaining ingredients. Spoon about 2/3 cup of the mixture into each pan or ramekin. Top each with a piecrust quarter. Pinch the edges together and cut vents in the top. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown.

i hope your weekend was great! i have some fun posts planned for this week! also i am SUPER stoked to have an amazing meeting on friday. i spent most of this weekend at the showhouse, which is pretty fun. people liked my room & that makes me feel really good. also, i'm not sure if people realize when they're walking through a room that the designer is actually in the room. i heard some comments that weren't appropriate, that's unfortunate. while i may not like everyones design, someone will, we all have different tastes. so how was your weekend?? have you seen crazy heart? sounds cool, maybe i'll have to check that out next weekend.
have the best week of your life prettiesss!!!

xxx

Showhouse

2010-02-19T10:50:00.005-06:00

The showhouse is currently going on at Commerce Towers, tomorrow & Sunday 10-5. I believe there is a $15 entry fee, there are 6 units on 3 different floors, all of which are completely different. Each room is designed by a different interior designer, in their own style. I hope you locals can stop by! I designed the above living room with Sharon Staley Interiors.

I designed this room to be clean & classic with the focus being on the fabulous generously donated by McClain Gallery. Sorry the picture quality isn't the best, it's been professionally photographed, but these are my own shots taken with my little point & shoot.
I hope you like it!

xxx

Wayne Coyne's Home

2010-02-16T22:32:00.004-06:00

i found this magical goodness through the cute man. while i'm a flaming lips fan...he's much more of a fan. but this is RIGHT up my alley. wayne coyne's home is COMPLETELY inspiring. exactly the forward thinking design that i need to see today.

the oklahoma city architecture firm of fitzsimmons architects designed & acted as general contractors on the multi-phased project. all of the photos are from their site. pitchfork also talks about this amazing remodel here.

1 thing i really love about wayne...mr. coyne, is that he has always stayed true to oklahoma city. he continues to live in the neighborhood he grew up in, he's using a local architecture firm & local labor/artisans to build his home. i REALLY need to drive by there next time i'm visiting family. i also love that mr. & mrs. coyne have made this home exactly them. i wish that more people would show their personality through their homes. i hope i can help people do that. let's stop the beige.

i'm planning on incorporating more interior design into this blog, since it's what i do you know. i really love sharing what inspires me daily & also that you don't have to spend tons of money to create a home that's unique to you. i hope you enjoy it:)

i've been in DEEP inner reflection mode lately & i think i'm finally coming out of it. thanks so much to all of you for your kind thoughts. i'm in a place that HAS to change. like that quote that is something like, when thought of staying in the same place is more painful than the thought of changing it. i'm sure you've all been there at some point, some of us more than others! hahaha

happy day to you all!!!
xxx

ps....showhouse pictures coming tomorrow!!!

hey there!

2010-02-15T22:20:00.003-06:00

the mister & i went on a sweet little trip to austin for the 1/2 marathon & valentines. so i went absent. i've also been crazy busy with work stuff. i'm actually feeling guilty b/c i feel like i'm neglecting a few work things that i can hopefully pay more attention to this week.
i'm also completely behind in my blogging your way class. i'm no good at classes that i don't HAVE to attend. i must be forced to attend;)

i have some fun blogging things planned for this week. my showhouse pictures & i'll talk about the opening & how people really dug my room. eeeee!!!! & our austin trip & i also SUPER REALLY want to do a history/greatest hits post of this blog before i take down some of the past items. i'm going to clean house a bit & lose some of the beginning posts b/c i'm not in that place anymore.

i also have some ideas floating around about other features. i missed yummy sunday this week...maybe i can make it up to you with something extra yummy this sunday. no more take 5 tuesdays...i'll figure something else out. in that same thought...thanks so much for all of your thoughts & support about my previous post. you guys are seriously wonderful. also...not sure i was completely clear, but my birthday isn't till march buttttt the new orleans trip is CRAZY exciting so i had to share:)

this week i want to accomplish the following...

update my car, i need to transfer the title, put on my registration sticker & be inspected. i hate car stuff. i've put this stuff off for toooo long.
also another bleh...i need to go to the social security office to take care of some blah. also hate going there.
work on my new portfolio, i can't find my old one or any of my old drawings. sucks ass. i can pull together something better. it's for when people ask what i can do, i want to be able to show them:)
do a mimilane vintage shop update!!!
i also want to make something fun...not sure what it should be. any ideas??

sorry for the list...it's really just for my info so i HAVE to FINALLY take care of that shit.
i'm also going to TRY to spend less time on the computer this week. twitter & facebook are KILLING my productivity. do you have problems with that? i don't know how some of you pretties can be on there so much & still get so much done! please share your tips b/c i loveee chatting with yous!!
that's all i've got tonight.
happy day tomorrow! here's some cute to make your evening/ day a bit happier! xxx

let us chat

2010-02-11T06:22:00.001-06:00

for my birthday i was planning a cute party themed for alice, i still owe erin an email w/my ideas since i'm not doing it...i haven't forgotten:/ i'm just no good at the follow through... (pictures from you guessed it! weheartit.com)

but instead i'm going to turn 30 in new orleans! i'm SO excited!
i super loveeee all of your comments on my last post. i was so super busy today i didn't even get to look at them until now...so i'll just comment here.
my question was basically this, when you come up with an idea, whatever it's for- dinner or crafts or your blog or heck even your haircut, whatever, & you feel like you've given it a lot of thought & it's you, it's your style blah blah blah. then you realize someone is already DOING your idea, but it was theirs first. do you edit your idea? change it completely? ignore the other person & continue moving forward? question yourself & your ideals (haha just kidding)?

here are some of your thoughts, i really appreciate it, really...

If it were me and I saw somebody had already done the idea, I'd probably change it a bit just so they wouldn't think I was copying. I don't know. It's a tough one. I'd be SOOOO disappointed if it was something that I was really excited about and then saw it somewhere else. -jamie

even if somebody had the same idea, you might interpret it in a different way. And if you still are not certain to continue with it, take your idea and transform it by adding or taking away something. -everything & anything

i think it's rare to have original ideas lately... there are so many creative and talented people out there! and it's so discouraging when you find out that the idea you thought was original has been done by someone else.... i say, do what you had planned. it can't be exactly like the other persons... and if it is, change it a wee bit to make it your own. different colors or different placement or whatever...kassi

i think there are very few 'originals' anymore, as long as you give credit (or reference) where due, you should be fine. -jen

I say keep doing it. Yours will still be different because it is done by you. I have had this happen to me to. I think it's because we all see some of the same inspiration out there online and on t.v. etc. and sometimes your stuff is bound to turn out like someone elses even though you didn't see their idea in the first place. -melissa

i love hearing your thoughts on this. i've been wrestling with this all last night & today. i've been VERY in my head about it though, so to those i've actually interacted with today i'm sure i just seemed distant. i totally agree that similar ideas happen everyday. how could it not, heck i've even started to see where big fancy bloggers get their ideas.

i HATE (& i don't use that word lightly) getting called out on something that i feel is original & it turns out it isn't...but it's not entirely the same either, like 2 shops having the same name & selling different items. i mean let's be honest, i'm not exactly good/gracious/kind about taking criticism. it's a flaw. a big flaw. if i'm ASKING for criticism it's FINE, but out of the blue judgments aren't my thing. i'm working on it. so without going into details too much, i just don't want to get into it, i've not copied necessarily b/c i didn't know/do it on purpose, but i've been unoriginal. which is a BIG DEAL to me. i loved hearing your thoughts b/c it kept me from thinking i was crazy.

it should be fine, it's not exactly the same, i didn't copy, we're good. except i can't let it go. i'm going to have to make a change. i just can't stand being considered unoriginal. so i'm going to crawl into my hole & brainstorm a bit about what my options are. it's nothing serious, i mean not serious at all, but important to me. it's a part of this blog & i like my blog. i think it just brings up issues, like i'm not pushing myself as much as i should, i can do better, be better...ect ect. see this post for details on that;)
well now i'm rambling so i'll end it.

i'm glad i can share with you guys! thanks for listening to me babble on:) you're an important part of my life!
xxxxx

adventures

2010-02-10T06:58:00.001-06:00

i'm ready for one:) {images via weheartit}

i've been working so hard & much lately. i'm wearing out. i'm not working in the direction i want to go so i feel drained. i thought part time design work would mean more time for me to get going on my projects, but it's really just meant part time work for more people. which is good, i'm completely grateful for the opportunities, which is why i'm taking them.
if someone could just find some more hours in the day i'd really super appreciate it:)

i'm installing a super rad showhouse right now. i'll take some pictures today & share the progress with you. it's really fun & nerve racking. i'm going to have to give tours of the space i designed! eeepp!! that's scary stuff to someone as shy as i am;)

quick question, if you come up with an idea, then find out someone else already had the idea, do you stop what your doing or change the idea? or do you just keep moving forward with it b/c it wasn't done to copy nor is it related to the "original"? are there any truly "original" ideas anymore??

thanks for reading & commenting! i loveee chatting you!
xxx

Take Five Tuesday!

2010-02-09T07:16:00.000-06:00

i should really do a valentines addition...but i'm not really feeling very valentinesy (is that a word?). here we go! take 5 tuesday!!!

1. Sherri DuPree Bemis's flickr stream! 1st, she's adorable. 2nd, she's from tyler texas. here she is on twitter. here's her band. here's some flickr goodness:)

2. Etsy Love Stories! i loveee crafting couples! the mister dreams of us one day performing as a duet...i dream of us crafting together;) butttt i don't sing & he doesn't craft...hahaha
but lucky for us these cute couples do!

3. speaking of etsy...this is possibly the prettiest dress i've ever seen. i'm surprised it hasn't sold yet.

4. The "what type are you" quiz. it gave me dot matrix. weird & also bummer. i wanted to be some sort of really cool font;)

5. james of bleubird vintage's post on gold dust woman. i loveee old hippie pictures, i think i should have been born in time to live through that:)

i have a HUGE day! installing a showhouse that i designed, a fancy luncheon for texas tech (i don't know how i got invited but i did!), shopping for fabrics & hopefully running by a sweet clients home to photograph the cutest little nursery waiting for a sweet little girl.
i'm going to share more than i usually do now...sarah palin's very existence offends me. there. i said it. not her existence maybe...but the fact that she is in the place that she's in, held up as a woman that is smart. embarrassing. sorry, i don't mean to offend.

change of subject.
have the greatest tuesday!
xxx

thank yous!

2010-02-08T06:56:00.001-06:00

i've had the most wonderful happy mail lately! it's so exciting to get fun things in the mail! i never shared my december happy mail, from miss indie, which was SO GREAT! i got MANY things more than i am showing...b/c most of it's put away & being used...BUT she made me this BEAUTIFUL butterfly necklace! i LOVEEE it:) she is so talented it blows me away!

next up my january happy mailer miss diana from our city lights. she is such a super cool person! her photography blows me away. she sent me a bunch of post cards & prints & they are ALL on my inspiration board. she also sent me SO MUCH MORE...but again i'm using it all already;) i even already used the delicious strawberry bath fizzy she sent. but she also sent me these ADORABLE notecards! SO PRETTY! i've shared 1 with my happy mailer already:D

NEXT is the sweetest caitlin from chaotic creation. we were partners for katies craft swap. she sent me the most amazing package, i feel inadequate with what i sent her:( i'm not showing it all here, she sent the most amazing little vintage papers & buttons & a super cute vintage dress pattern. i loveeee all of it so much. the best part though is this ADORABLE journal she made! i think it's so great! i can't wait to use it when my current 1 is full!

thank you so much ladies! you are all really TOO good to me! i'm so grateful & happy that each of you are in my life. yay! you make me so happy:D

have the best monday you can! i have TONS to do...so it's SUPER busy monday for me!
xxx

ps....apparently this is my go to outfit & i always feel the need to take pics when i wear it...sorry for that, i DO have other clothes & they're really cute. this was my grandmas shirt & i feel SUPER loved when i wear it:D

yummy sunday!!! super bowl edition...

2010-02-07T23:26:00.004-06:00

just kidding! it is LATE yummy sunday...but not super bowl addition! i did make these super yummy cupcakes DURING the superbowl though:)

i had this recipe in my pile to make, i found it on flickr...so i don't know where it's REALLY from anymore. if anyone knows please note it in the comments below:)

ok, i'll go through my steps them put the entire recipe below.

Black Bottom Cupcakes!

preheat oven, soften cream cheese

line the muffin cups...i try to use cute liners but when the cupcakes bake the color isn't visible anymore. i should look into better liners.

beat cream cheese, 1 egg & 1/3 cup granulated sugar in a small bowl until smooth.

smooth! i was nervous using these beaters, it's been along time! but my sweet kitchen-aid has a better home now:)

combine flour, brown sugar, cocoa, remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda & salt in a large bowl & mix well. beat buttermilk, remaining 3 eggs, oil and vanilla in medium bowl until well blended. add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture, beat until well blended. welllll i didn't take many pictures of this step apparently! sorry!!!

spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full. spoon heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture over the batter in each cup.

gently swirl with tip of a knife to marbleize.

bake 20-25 minutes (it took closer to 25-30) or until toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean.

cool cupcakes on wire racks 5 minutes. they really overflowed a bit, but just enough to make them cute! i didn't ice them with anything, the cream cheese is enough. they are SO MOIST! i am going to use this recipe w/out the cream cheese mixture for ALL of my chocolate cupcake recipes! it's better than marthas, i know i've tried hers too:)

Black Bottom Cupcakes
1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese, softened
4 eggs, divided
1/2 C. plus 1/3 C. granulated sugar, divided
2 C. all purpose flour
2 C. packed brown sugar
3/4 C. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 C. buttermilk
1/2 C. vegetable oil
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 20 standard muffin cups with paper or foil baking cups. Beat cream cheese, 1 egg & 1/3 C. granulated sugar in a small bowl until smooth & creamy; set aside.

2. Combine flour, brown sugar, cocoa, remaining 1/2 C. granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda & salt in a large bowl; mix well.

3. Beat buttermilk, remaining 3 eggs, oil & vanilla in a medium bowl until well blended.

4. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture; beat about 2 minutes or until well blended.

5. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Spoon heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture over batter in each cup; gently swirl with tip of a knife to marbleize.

6. Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in pans on wire racks 5 minutes. (makes about 20 cupcakes) ummm mine made 16;)

we had sweet friends over tonight & ate too much & made too much food & had fun. & i totally kicked ass playing scene it on wii:) i hope you had a great weekend! did you make anything yummy! i'd love to swap recipes!!!! here's us cause we're silly:D

xxxxx

studio saturday

2010-02-06T20:45:00.006-06:00

i borrowed this little idea from miss elsie this week:) here's some pics from my studio...in exactly the opposite order that i intended. soooo maybe start at the bottom...hahaha...

i'll take better pictures when it's cleaner...you know show you my desks;)

we're having saturday night in watching movies & playing wii. the best times!
happy saturday night darlingssss!!!

xxx

some gift ideas

2010-02-05T21:35:00.003-06:00

to help out some that have asked...since there are a few occasions coming up...
i want to put the disclaimer that this has taken me a REALLY long time to come up with all of these. i have all i really need...these would just add some pretty:)
*click the pictures for links to the items*
i loveee breakfast at tiffanys...maybe i'll watch it again when i'm done here...
i'd love this print also b/c i sleep in a mask just like that almost every night:)

i adoreee ashley g's little ceramic arts...i have 1 & need this one to fill in a gap that's currently waiting on her. i'd also LOVE a custom portrait of the mister & me...you can contact her for details;)

i've drooled over this shirt for SO LONG. it goes in & out of stock...i've had it sitting in my "cart" for months at a time. it's finally in stock again. i just can't bring myself to spend $ on another tshirt right now...but i'd loveee it as a gift:)
i'd really lovee this beauty...will film as well of course:)

i wear scarves all of the time. the little beauty has stolen my heart.

this beautiful print is like a dream. i can get lost in it. i want to be there.

since i can't own a pretty trailer i'd lovee to have this print. if you aren't familiar with leah, go check out her site www.leahgiberson.com. she's amazing. maybe someday i can have an original...that would be SO amazing.

i've been working on my studio & these would be very helpful:)

this is my FAVORITE gifty on my list! have you seen this!!! i've been DROOLING over it for well over a year now. i've even been on a waiting list for it. & i desperately NEED an address file for all of the business cards i get. i prefer the dark wood...but i'd be more than HAPPY with either:)

this pendant is so amazing. i imagine wearing it on a strand of wooden beads. prettyyyy.

i'm trying to stay focused & work on my blogging your way homework...since it's due tomorrow;) i loveee that class so very much! i'm home sick for the evening. i hope to be better by sunday since we're having people over to watch the superbowl, which is odd b/c neither of us care about football. i couldn't even tell you who's playing! haha i shouldn't admit that, or admit that i don't care enough to google it. sometimes it's like i live under a rock.
i hope you have the bestest weekend!!!
here's a super pretty song that i just found:) this song pretty much sums up this blog & my life...i've just never heard jack johnson's version.

xxx

Fill in the Blank Friday

2010-02-05T15:02:00.005-06:00

i'm brain dead from the sickness today...you know, foggy head. i didn't know what i wanted to talk with you about, then i saw fill in the blank friday on cutie kassi's blog, & she found on this cool girls blog. i'm going to do it too:)

play along & link up to lauren's blog or leave me answers in the comments...

1. If I had two hours to myself today, I'd paint something .

2. If I could travel anywhere today, I would go to paris (as in france) or marfa texas, for some reason i'm fascinated with it & i think i'm planning something fun there sooooon .

3. i can't think of any one memory that is my happiest memory.

4. Sometimes you're so with it other times you're just a big nerd .

5. Beauty is in everything if you look close enough.

6. I would be embarassed if anyone knew how freaked out i get about public restrooms.

7. Love at first sight is something i can't wrap my head around. i believe love is a choice, i don't believe it's something that happens to a person, like getting rained on or something, i believe we choose who & when to love .

yay so go link up!

i did some contract work today, now i'm done & COMPLETELY worn out. i had big plans but i think i'll be spending the rest of my day here.
happy friday prettiessss!!!!

xxxx

ps the heart lights are a surprise i made for the cute man during christmas & decided to keep up all of the time...we call it our love...we're mushy weird sometimes;)

I'm blogging from my phone!

2010-02-04T21:01:00.003-06:00

I'm not exactly sure how to post pictures...any ideas??

I'm laying low tonight watching tv with a cute man. I feel icky...definetly getting sick. Huge bummer.

I'm sorry for the lack of pictures:(
xxxx

music!

2010-02-04T06:11:00.001-06:00

i've been to a bunch of concerts recently. here's some videos from the concerts...

fiery furnaces are so good. def my favorite concert in a LONG time.

i also LOVED girls live. really really good concert.

i've been completely lacking focus lately. also no drive to do anything. i'm trying to figure it out...but now i'm getting sick so i'm laying low & hoping this passes quickly:/
i added a question box over there <-------- if you wanna know anything i'll answer questions. i got some cuteeee happy mail lately so i want to get pictures taken of it to show yous guys. i'm also SERIOUSLY debating etsy purchases. i loveee them.

here's something i need help on...what should i get the mister for vday?

xxxx

yes please...for my closet

2010-02-03T07:02:00.001-06:00

i'm sort of a clothes/shoes/accessories junkie. but i don't spend tons of $ on it. the past little bit i've rarely purchased retail & i'm completely addicted to scouring for vintage goods in thrift stores, vintage shops, on etsy & even ebay.
here's a few of my VERYYYY favorites from etsy...click the pics for the listing page:)

i have a few tops similar to this & i wear them all of the time. i loveee them. they're my go to's when i don't know what else to wear. i put 1 on with a silly tank top that sticks out the bottom of it (my fav is an owl tank i have) & then throw a grandpa sweater over it with skinny jeans & boots or shorts w/knee high socks & boots or EVEN my work dressier pants. they are cute with everything. i'm just DYING not buying this right now;)

the sweetest spring coat i've ever seen! EVER! i can't think of 1 single outfit that would make this coat look bad or out of place. it will go with everything i own. but i need 1 more coat like i need a hole in my head...well it would look soooo cute...

i would wear this all of the time...in the wintery months...i do live in houston & it's generally hot here. but so sweet...i love that it's like a cape or shawl but it's a sweater so you don't have to worry about it always falling off.

this skirt looks like it's straight out of an anthropologie catalog. i would love to wear this all spring with pretty sandals.

another pretty little shirt that i'd wear all of the time! it's so hard to not go buy any of these beauties instead of sharing them with you pretties!!!

i can see me wearing this EVERYDAY in the summer! perfect with cut off jean shorts & cute flat sandals...i can't wait for warmer weather!
i'm really addicted to cute tops right now...this one reminds me of something i wore when i was little. it looks so comfy. perfect weekend shirt.

who doesn't love grandpa sweaters??? this is the greatest vest! the color, the length, the cool buttons! dreaming...

i've been dreaming about this swimsuit & i didn't buy it & now it's sold:( i'm really sad about it. it is so much exactly what i want my new swimsuit to look like. sadface.

what a cutie modern grandpa cuddly girly sweater! this sweater is everything i look for in a sweater;) pretty color, cut, texture, details...i want it in my closet.

i can't believe i'm only including 1 dress in all of these pretties! vintage dresses are my favorites. this cute little number is perfect for work. & spring & it reminds me of sailors. i can always use more work clothes right?

i could share soooo much more but i do have some other things to get to tonight. i'm taking a fun blogging class...the button is over there ----->from holly becker of decor 8. i'm so silly i didn't even get the play on words till the other day when i said it out loud. i don't think i've ever said her blog name out loud. i admire her tons & am loving her class, it's right up my alley.

even though i JUST DID my take 5 tuesday i'm going to share with you some awesomeness that i've found today...

-Chez Larsson blog...1 of the best blogs i've ever seen. ever. i could spend hours reading it.

-if you haven't seen the short film Lemonade you must. go here to watch it. really. go now. it's amazing.

i've been thinking about my big turning 30 & i have been planning on having a fun wonderland party for months. but i decided that i can just see all of that ending in disappointment. i KNOW how i am & i'll be disappointed at who doesn't show up & i'll feel bad & unimportant & blah blah blah. so i'm not having any sort of party at all. no dinner. nothing in houston. the mister & i are going to new orleans for the weekend & i hope my friends come but i don't expect that i can get a whole weekend commitment (it's hard to get a night commitment which is why no party) out of anyone. but at least we'll have fun & i won't be disappointed. & i am going to drink & thrift & possibly get a tattoo & wander the city. i'm excited:D

in honor of my big 30 i'm planning a SUPER cute giveaway on this little bloggity!!! i'll announce it sometime this month. i may not leave it open for too long, i don't like to drag things out.

thanks for reading! i loveeee you!!!

Take Five Tuesday!

2010-02-02T06:06:00.003-06:00

my favorite take 5 tuesday yet! here we go!

1. This is a SUPER cool tumblr site, The Barstool Romantic. It's a great collection of old school sort of wandering things. I've been digging around on it for awhile now. Here's some goodness from it.

“And now I feel my great roots unearth, free…”

Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, The Motorcycle Diaries

“If anywhere in your travels you come on a man with guts, mark the place. I want to go see him. I haven’t seen anything but cowardice and expediency. This used to be a nation of giants. Where have they gone?”

John Steinbeck

2. Martha Stewarts Clip Art...super cute. i just need to get my printer working.

3. America’s Pandemic: “I’m Running a Mararthon” is the New Meth by Public School Intelligentisa. Really super funny. Here's a clip...

Much like Scientology, Mad Men, and tumblr, marathons are just a way well-to-do white folk can replace one addiction with another that’s less “urban”. Here’s why being friends with a marathon-runner is EXACTLY like being friends with smack addicted Balitmore junkie...

4. Free pattern for this adorable necklace. This is so cute...I can't wait till I have time to make it!

5. Shop Ramona West. The CUTEST little vintage shop i've seen in a LONG time. Here are some of my favorites!

i hope you're week is going amazing! i'm so excited to share these cute things with you! you guys are the bestest!!!!
xxxx

yummy sunday!!!

2010-01-31T11:08:00.005-06:00

comfort food yummy sunday! it's cold out so it's time to break out the yummy comfort foods:) i found this recipe in the february martha stewart living. i haven't been able to find this recipe online...it's below with my notes of changes. not that martha needs changed, but i always simplify my recipes, i don't deal well with a bunch of steps if i can edit them;) also my camera was dead, so iphone pictures in low light, i'll plan better next time.

Chicken Parmigiana

here's the recipe from the magazine, as soon as i saw it i knew i had to try it!

here's where i immediately start making changes, the recipe calls for making your own breading using wheat crackers, fresh parsley & dried oregano. i ended up using bread crumbs that i already had & added dried parsley & oregano with a little salt to it. place it on a plate so it's easy to bread both sides of the chicken breasts.

the sauce. martha calls for 1 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes, onion, garlic & salt to be pureed together until smooth. i used a 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes (to skip the pureeing step & cut down on the amount of dishes used), then i used frozen chopped onions (i always have these in my freezer, i buy them like that at the grocery store in the freezer section, b/c i don't like chopping onions it hurts my eyes) i also used already chopped garlic that's available in the spices section of your grocery store. i stirred them all together.

i added a bunch of sarah's sea salt to the sauce. someone gave this to me years ago (i probably shouldn't still be using it but it still tastes good to me) & i put it in alot of things, it adds a bit of zing & has sea salt in it.

to bread the chicken breasts i followed ms martha's instructions exactly. take 2 egg whites, beat them a bit & then put them in a low dish (i used a plate). take each chicken breast & dip both sides in the egg whites, then the bread crumb mixture & place it in the oiled cooking dish.

bake the breaded chicken breasts for 10 minutes at 425 degrees.

after the chicken bakes for 10 minutes, pour the sauce over the top of it, making sure sauce also gets underneath the chicken. sprinkle a combination of pecorino romano (i used parmisian) cheese & part skim grated mozzarella cheese over the top of it. bake for 15-20 more minutes.

i served it with green beans. it'd also be super yummy served over spaghetti noodles. it's SO GOOD & super easy. with my short cuts this could easily be made on a busy week day evening. i hope you try it! the formal recipe is below. let me know if you try it or have anything to add...also if you have any questions!

i hope you're having the best weekend & snuggling up with your families & friends!!!

xoxoxo

Chicken Parmigiana
from Martha Stewart Living Feb. 2010
Serves 6

Ingredients
-3 ounces baked whole-grain wheat crackers, such as Triscuits (about 12)
-1/3 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
-1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
-coarse salt & freshly ground pepper
-1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, no salt added, with juice
-1/2 medium onion, coarsely chopped
-2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
-1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
-2 large egg whites
-6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
-3 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
-1 ounce Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated (about 1/2 cup)

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Pulse crackers, parsley, oregano & 1 teaspoon salt in a food processor until finely ground. Season with pepper, and transfer to a plate. Puree tomatoes with juice, onion, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt with an immersion blender or in clean food processor until smooth.

2. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with oil. Lightly whisk egg whites, and transfer to a shallow dish. Dip each chicken breast in whites to fully coat; let excess drip off. Dredge chicken in crumb mixture, lightly pressing to coat both sides.

3. Transfer chicken to prepared baking dish, and flip once to coat in oil. Bake until crisp, about 10 minutes.

4. Pour tomato sauce over chicken, allowing some sauce underneath each piece. Top with cheeses, and bake until bubbling and top is lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes.

PER SERVING
307 calories, 4 g saturated fat
5 g unsaturated fat, 80 mg cholesterol
17 g carbohydrate, 501 mg sodium
34 g protein, 2 g fiber

yummies

2010-01-28T07:19:00.000-06:00

Instead of trying to live a risk-free existence, let me tell you a few things that are truly worth worrying about: The road not taken. The destination not explored. The adventure not pursued. The life unlived. If we're going to lose sleep over something, it seems to me that those are the things that should keep us awake.
Life is dangerous. It's risky. It's worth it. -Chris Guillebeau

i just tried a strawberry & peanut butter m&m. interesting. it's pretty good i guess...well i don't need another one:)

just some pretties. i don't really want to explain why i am loving them:) i had a discussion about marriage today. maybe i'll share my thoughts sometime, i'd LOVE to hear your thoughts.

sometimes something irrupts inside of me, feelings i haven't felt in awhile & i become completely aware of how fragile relationships are. & beautiful.

happy thursday! it's almost friday! yay!!!
xxxx

i'm ready for a fairy tale

2010-01-27T15:49:00.000-06:00

{click on the image for the original source, if it doesn't take you to the source i found it through weheartit.com}

i've been dreaming of getting away, not worrying about life. just being away. like in a fairy tale. in a little tree cottage.
here's some honesty. overwhelmed is my current state. i'm letting things bother me that i shouldn't. i'm fully pulled into myself. i have huge piles of things that need taken care of around our apartment, i'm a messy person to live with. work is booming right now...but for some reason that's not adding up to billable hours & i'm trying to figure that one out. a lot of spinning my wheels.
i saw the pictures from the 1/2 marathon. i haven't posted any of myself b/c i look so big. i'm really embarrassed. i don't weigh too much, weight wise i'm happy. appearance wise i'm not. i need to figure out how to get up earlier, pilates in the morning running at night. the rest of the time spent working or keeping my life together. right now my plate is too full & i'm trying to figure out what has to give.
right now my thoughts point towards mimilane vintage. there may be a temporary shut down...but i loveeee that little shop so much. somethings got to give. i'm letting myself down.

so in my head i'm retreating to a fairtale:) my veryyyy favorite fairytale has always been the princess & the pea. always. loveeee it.

xxxx

Take Five Tuesday!

2010-01-25T23:24:00.007-06:00

my favorite things on the internets RIGHT NOW!!! enjoy!!!

1. miss white hot truth herself wrote this kick ass article. here are some hightlights...
You’re a kick-starting, self-referencing, fiercely independent, remarkably tenacious, dollar- maximizing, idea-realizing entrepreneur. 9 to 5’rs come to bask in the glow of the freedom you’ve claimed. You eat-risk-for-breakfast. Your middle name is Innovate.

Image is a fragile thing. Hope is for suckers. And selling something that is not
real, is fucking exhausting.

“Do me a favour,” I said to a former business partner, “just be yourself, it’ll be a lot easier
that way.” Authenticity is incredibly efficient. Consistency builds velocity. When you’re who
you really are, people know what to expect of you, and that’s a beautiful thing.

Just so you know...i don't think hope is for suckers generally, but in business it is:)

2. 69 love songs illustrated! sooo funny & cute & perfect for right now...with it almost valentines & all:)

3. The Oatmeal! This website is soooo hilarious!!! If you read any of it you HAVE to check out the printer ink comic. it's SO TRUE, that's why it's funny:) especially since i've been in a fight with my printer for awhile...

4. I just found this cuteeeee felting blog & she has the BEST tuturial for making felted hearts. Felting is SO FUN & SO easy! Plus everyone is completely impressed that you actually made something so cool. Martha Stewart also has some cute felting ideas:)

5. i'd be silly if i didn't acknowledge that i really like conan & am sad about his situation. but i think it'll be good for him. here's his amazing words for us.
i feel like i've been sooo boring lately! i'd tell you about my day...but you might fall asleep! haha i got new running shoes tonight! but i also got the most amazing socks EVER! they're compression socks & as soon as i put them on my feet felt amazing. i can't wait to run in them!
i'm off to clean up my studio so i can ACTUALLY work in it & draft some furniture layouts for some people that i like:) maybe i'll prepare for a mimilane update soooon too!

thanks for reading my blog! you guys make me smile everyday:) if i'm not reading/following your cute blog & should be let me know!
xoxo

iphone pics!

2010-01-25T22:54:00.005-06:00

here's some pictures from my phone recently...i can't seem to get it together enough with my point & shoot:)
sugar snuggling with her friend:)
she even jumped in the chair with him! little foots my sweet little friend from when i was little. i don't sleep with him anymore but he sits on our bed:)
this is miss sugar begging for me to please get up & feed her. she doesn't like sleeping late.
a fireplace that i designed for a client, they aren't using it...they want brick instead. sad...but it happens all of the time.
in loveeee with this fabric!!!
our little bedroom...
i loveeee it when the cute mister plays his guitar...he's learning new songs here.
i found this adorable old record & i didn't get it! i should have...at least to frame on my wall!
this little plant has been living on my desk in a styrofoam cup of water for 1.5 years & i FINALLY planted it! i hope it's willing to live in dirt;)
the mister rocking in the rocking chair at a cute little bar.
sparkle burger! we tried this yummy shack for burgers & it was sooo yummy!
it's us!!!
i helped my mom install new shelves in her pantry! her new place is the cutest!!!
my veryyy favorite yogurt place fruituzi!!!
my sweet sugeys pink paws:)

2nd ever take 5 tuesday coming tomorrow! exciteddd!
i keep thinking of doing an ask anything, but i don't knowwww. but if there's anything you want to know you can ask:)
i ran 6 miles in 55 minutes tonight! i'm super excited about that!

hope your monday was lovely!!!
xoxo

yummy sunday!!!

2010-01-24T19:58:00.004-06:00

hey pretties!! i'm adding ANOTHER weekly feature to my little bloggity! yummy sunday!!! i'll share with you delicious recipes from me or some yummies that i'm drooling over & planning to make. this week i didn't make what i was planning, so i'm sharing some recipes with you that i'm going to try ASAP.

but 1st! OMG!!! i'm looking into this as soon as i'm done here. AHHHHMAZING!!! (image from wehearit.com)

i've been dreaming about making bagels ever since i saw THIS post! & since it's winter i am really going to make them. when i do i'll share it with you. but this doesn't fit with my gluten free ideassss...i think it'll be worth it though;)
here's the recipe found on the pioneer woman's blog from smitten blog.

Peter Reinhart’s Bagels
Adpated from The Bread Baker’s Apprentice

Hoo boy, there are a lot of notes for this one, so you might want to skim ahead to the end first. Otherwise, these are utterly glorious as-is, chewy with a crispy and tough exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. I have it on good authority that these are as good as, if not better, than the Old School variety.

Yield: 12 extremely large, 16 regularly large or 24 miniature bagels

Sponge
1 teaspoon instant yeast
4 cups unbleached high-gluten or bread flour (see note below)
2 1/2 cups water, room temperature

Dough
1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
3 3/4 cups unbleached high-gluten or bread flour
2 3/4 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons malt powder or 1 tablespoon dark or light malt syrup, honey, or brown sugar (see note below)

To Finish
1 tablespoon baking soda

Cornmeal or semolina flour for dusting

Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, kosher salt, rehydrated dried minced garlic or onions (Deb note: this was what I chose, and found the taste very authentic), or chopped onions that have been tossed in oil (optional)

1. Day one: To make the sponge, stir the yeast into the flour in a 4-quart mixing bowl. Add the water, whisking or stirring only until it forms a smooth, sticky batter (like pancake batter). Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature for approximately 2 hours, or until the mixture becomes very foamy and bubbly. It should swell to nearly double in size and collapse when the bowl is tapped on the countertop.

2. To make the dough, in the same mixing bowl (or in the bowl of an electric mixer), add the additional yeast to the sponge and stir. Then add 3 cups of the flour and all of the salt and malt. Stir (or mix on low speed with the dough hook) until the ingredients for a ball, slowly working in the remaining 3/4 cup flour to stiffen the dough.

3. Transfer the dough to the counter and knead for at least 10 minutes (or for 6 minutes by machine). The dough should be firm, stiffer than French bread dough, but still pliable and smooth. There should be no raw flour – all ingredients should be hydrated. The dough should pass the windowpane test and register 77 to 71 degrees F. If the dough seems to dry and rips, add a few drops of water and continue kneading. If the dough seems tacky or sticky, add more flour to achieve the stiffness required. The kneaded dough should feel satiny and pliable but not be tacky.

4. Immediately divide the dough into 4 1/2 ounce pieces for standard bagels, or smaller if desired (Deb note: I used 2.25 ounce pieces, and yes, I weighed them because I wanted them to bake evenly). Form the pieces into rolls.

5. Cover the rolls with a damp towel and allow them to rest for approximately 20 minutes.

6. Line 2 sheet pans with baking parchment and mist lightly with spray oil. Proceed with one of the following shaping methods:

Method 1: Poke a hole in a ball of bagel dough and gently rotate your thumb around the inside of the hole to widen it to approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter (half of this for a mini-bagel). The dough should be as evenly stretched as possible (try to avoid thick and thin spots.)

Method 2: Roll out the dough into an 8-inch long rope. (This may require rolling part of the way and resting if the pieces are too elastic and snap back, in which case, allow them to rest for 3 minutes and then extend them again to bring to full length. Wrap the dough around the palm and back of your hand, between the thumb and forefinger, overlapping the ends by several inches. Press the overlapping ends on the counter with the palm of your hand, rocking back and forth to seal.

7. Place each of the shaped pieces 2 inches apart on the pans (Deb note: I got away with 1-inch space for the minis). Mist the bagels very lightly with the spray oil and slip each pan into a food-grade plastic bag, or cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let the pans sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

8. Check to see if the bagels are ready to be retarded in the refrigerator by using the “float test”. Fill a small bowl with cool or room-temperature water. The bagels are ready to be retarded when they float within 10 seconds of being dropped into the water. Take one bagel and test it. If it floats, immediately return the tester bagel to the pan, pat it dry, cover the pan, and place it in the refrigerator overnight (it can stay in the refrigerator for up to 2 days). If the bagel does not float. Return it to the pan and continue to proof the dough at room temperature, checking back every 10 to 20 minutes or so until a tester floats. The time needed to accomplish the float will vary, depending on the ambient temperature and the stiffness of the dough.

9. The following day (or when you are ready to bake the bagels), preheat the oven to 500 degrees F with the two racks set in the middle of the oven. Bring a large pot of water to a boil (the wider the pot the better), and add the baking soda (and optionally, a few tablespoons of barley syrup, see Note at the end). Have a slotted spoon or skimmer nearby.

10. Remove the bagels from the refrigerator and gently drop them into the water, boiling only as many as comfortably fit (they should float within 10 seconds). After 1 minutes flip them over rand boil for another minute. If you like very chewy bagels, you can extend the boiling to 2 minutes per side (Deb note: I used the 2 minute option). While the bagels are boiling, sprinkle the same parchment-lined sheet pans with cornmeal or semolina flour. (If you decide to replace the paper, be sure to spray the new paper lightly with spray oil to prevent the bagels from sticking to the surface.) If you want to top (see note below) the bagels, do so as soon as they come out of the water. You can use any of the suggestions in the ingredients list or a combination.

11. When all the bagels have been boiled, place the pans on the 2 middle shelves in the oven. Bake for approximately 5 minutes, then rotate the pans, switching shelves and giving the pans a 180-degree rotation. (If you are baking only 1 pan, keep it on the center shelf but still rotate 180 degrees.) After the rotation, lower the oven setting to 450 degrees F and continue baking for about 5 minutes, or until the bagels turn light golden brown. You may bake them darker if you prefer. (Deb note: I actually baked them quite a bit longer, often almost five extra minutes. I judge by color, not internal temperature, in this case. I did not lower the oven temperature because I had multiple batches to bake.)

12. Remove the pans from the oven and let the bagels cool on a rack for 15 minutes or longer before serving.

Cinnamon Raisin Bagels: For cinnamon raisin bagels, increase the yeast in the final dough to 1 teaspoon, and add 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the final dough. Rinse 2 cups of loosely packed raisins with warm water to wash off surface sugar, acid, and natural wild yeast. Add the raisins during the final 2 minutes of mixing. Proceed as directed, but do not top the bagels with any garnishes. When they come out of the oven and are still hot, you can brush the tops with melted butter and dip them in cinnamon sugar to create a cinnamon-sugar crust, if desired.

Notes:

In his introduction to bagels, Reinhart mentions two ingredients that are not exactly ordinary, but completely essential to the bagel texture and flavor. The first is barley malt powder or syrup, more for that typical bagel shop flavor than anything else, and something that was readily available at Whole Foods and a bunch of other stores. Sadly, I cannot tell you if this ingredient is as essential as he said because I woke up with a startle at 7 a.m. the next morning, “Oh my god I forgot to add the barley syrup!” Don’t you hate it when that happens? Later, I read a recipe that suggested you add the barley syrup to the boiling water bath, and I did so in my later batches, figuring it wouldn’t hurt to get the flavor in somewhere. I ended up feeling that these bagels had a slightly darker, and more stereotypically-bagel color than the earlier batches, so I am adding this as an optional step.
The second is high gluten flour, a step above the extra gluten in bread flour. (Though he says regular bread flour will work in a jam, I’m used to getting top-notch bagels, and was convinced I’d be able to tell the difference.) This can be ordered online or available in a specialty store (though I couldn’t come up with one in NYC that had it). Or, you can beg your local bagel shop for some of theirs, and given that the other two options would take time and energy, I turned to our beloved Murray’s on 8th Avenue. They came through, and then some, and I am now the proud own of some ten pounds of super-high gluten flour, and a sinking feeling that I’ll be making bagels again or some very tough cookies (bah!) this winter. The crazy, it keeps coming.
I had difficulties getting my seeds and onion bits to stick to the top of the bagels. Though the recipe does not call for an egg wash, I would definitely use one next time to get them to stick, after the boiling and before the baking.

i am fascinated with these little cookies b/c they are SO PRETTY!!! so for valentines day i want to make them. a few different kinds. they seem fairly complicated...but we'll see how it goes. this is the recipe that i found that i'm going to try, it's from the givers blog.

French Macarons
(recipe from MarthaStewart.com
posted here with annotations)

1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 4.5 oz
3/4 cup almond flour, 2.5 oz. (I made my own by processing almond slivers)
2 large egg whites, room temperature (take from the fridge the day before or the morning of)
Pinch of cream of tartar
1/4 cup superfine sugar, 1.5 oz. (also called baker’s sugar, I’ve read you can make your own by processing granulated sugar, but have never tried it)
3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam, for filling

See MACAROON VARIATIONS and SUGGESTED FILLINGS on Martha’s website, including chocolate, coconut, peanut, pistachio, raspberry, and vanilla bean

Directions

1. Pulse confectioners’ sugar and almond flour in a food processor until combined. Sift mixture 2 times. I found sifting with my usual flour sifter near impossible. The almond flour caked under the sifting hand and balled up over it. Instead I sifted with a simple bowl-shaped sieve.

2. Whisk whites with a mixer on medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar, and whisk until soft peaks form. Reduce speed to low, then add superfine sugar. Increase speed to high, and whisk until stiff peaks form, about 8 minutes (for me it took only 3 to 4 minutes, take care not to over-whip).

3. Sift flour mixture over whites, and fold until mixture is smooth and shiny. I found the amount of folding to be crucial. Fold too little, and your macaron shells will have peaks instead of nice rounded caps. Fold too much, and your meringue will drip into a mess of wafer-thin blobs. Tartlette recommends about 50 folds, until your batter has a magma-like flow. You can test a daub on a plate, and if a small beak remains, turn the batter a couple times more. If the batter forms a round cap but doesn’t run, it is just right. When I spooned my batter into the pastry bag, the perfect batter started to just ooze out of the tip once the bag was full. If it stayed stiff inside the bag it was too stiff, if it dripped out too fast the batter was too runny. I found that doubling the recipe made this step very difficult for me, I found I would over fold to incorporate the flour mixture and I would end up with a runny batter.

4. Transfer batter to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain round tip, and pipe 3/4-inch rounds 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets, dragging pastry tip to the side of rounds rather than forming peaks. (You can pipe 1-inch to 2-inch rounds, but you will need to add cooking time). Tap bottom of each sheet on work surface to release trapped air. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. (Different recipes recommend anywhere from no rest time to 2 hours rest time. I was most happy with 30 to 45 minutes rest time, once the caps looked more dull and had formed a slight crust.)

5. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Bake 1 sheet at a time, rotating halfway through, until macarons are crisp and firm, about 10 minutes. After each batch, increase oven temperature to 375 degrees, heat for 5 minutes, then reduce to 325 degrees. Every oven is different, so you may need to play with your oven temperature. The tops of the macaron shells should not brown.

6. Let macarons cool on sheets for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If macarons stick, spray water underneath parchment on hot sheet. The steam will help release macarons.

7. Sandwich 2 same-size macarons with 1 teaspoon jam. Serve immediately, or stack between layers of parchment, wrap in plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. It takes only 30 minutes out of the freezer for macarons to be ready to serve.

i also CAN'T WAIT to make some yummy valentine heart cookies! i just use sugar cookie mix & then make my own icing. i'll share it:) yay! don't you lovee valentines day??

i'm disapointted that i didn't make my yummy dinner that i had planned, i'll do it. promise! i'm really excited about it! but this baking stuffs has been on my mind FOR SUCH A LONG TIME! i'm happy i finally shared;)

i hope you share your favorite recipes! email them to me & i'll try it & blog it...jamie(dot)lanie(at)gmail(dot)com. yaysss!! i'm excited about this weekly feature!

happy yummy sundayyyy!!! xoxo

friday funday!

2010-01-22T19:38:00.004-06:00

-i scored HUGE today at estate sales, at least the best i've done at estate sales.
-i got an unopened 9 disc set of windsor pilates with the unopened strength band at 1 of the estate sales for SO CHEAP...i'm excited to try it. pilates has been missing from my life.
-i have some cute thing planned...i just need to get on them!
-i'm already behind on my super cool blogging class (the buttons over here --->). i'll catch up this weekend...
-i always type tweets exactly how i feel, then i edit them before posting...i think i come across too harsh.
-i want to make heart sugar cookies, french macaroons & bagels asap.
-i loveee working on my own terms. i'm BEYOND much happier.
-did you know that i have a session with this lady SOON. i'm OVER THE MOON excited!!!
-the cute man wants me to mention that we're listening to the new spoon record & it sounds soooo awesome:)
-i'm heading out with some cool people....soooo i'll bloggity more cool things tomorrow.
-i need to take more pictures to share with you lovelies!!!

happy friday night!!!
i'll be catching up with your blogs & comments tomorrow! you all are the sweetestsss!!!

Take Five Tuesday!

2010-01-19T19:21:00.007-06:00

welcome to my 1st take five tuesday! i'm going to show you the top 5 things on the internets that i'm digging the most! hey!!! i just realized i have a top 5 correlation...i'm learning that in a little cute class i'm taking;) fun times.

enjoy!!!
ok...well this is just me being so excited that my new instax mini film came in! picture times!!!
now to the take 5's!!!

1.this is my top favorite etsy item right now! i'd loveee to have it buttt i don't really think that we're living in sin...even if we're living together & not married. doesn't seem very sinful, it seems really loving & sweet- living together i mean;)

2. gluten free girl! i JUST found her blog & now follow her on twitter & i'm excited to figure out how to incorporate this in my life. i'm currently in the phase of looking at food/thinking about food/examining food to determine what i eat actually has gluten, what i can find substitutes for & wrap my head around actually giving up some yummy foods. i think i'll give the gluten free thing a test run for lent. we'll see...

3. Ryan Korban! WOW!!! i feel so inadequate. seriously. he makes me anxious to get off my ass & do some good design. btw...he's only 25.

4. Kassi's Two Things I love...Around My Home. She's just the cutest! I am participating this week:)

my cute pyrex bowl filled with yummy lush bath goodness in my BATHroom (it's just for baths...feels so luxurious):D

my new edward sharpe & the magnetic zeros album! i loveee

5. elizabeth gilbert! this MAY BE old news...as in old video, but i still love it. i listen to it while doing other things. LOVE HER. she's coming to houston too! THIS MONTH!!! i'm over the TOP excited!!!
her new book is about marriage. i can't wait to read it & hear her thoughts. at this point in my life i don't want to get married again. ever. i can change my mind, but that's where i'm at so i'm interested to hear what she has to say. she does say this "with the most important lesson of all being that I am, at the end of every day, responsible for my own state of being. I doubt that there is a more important tool of cheerful companionship than that truth." that's the BIGGEST thing that i've learned about relationships. it's what makes me better in this one than the last. it also seems it's what a lot of relationships lack.

look how quickly that went! i can't believe the first take five tuesday is already over!

these weekly things will be fun. good times:) thank you for reading my blog. i think you're really cool.

jamie

again with these

2010-01-19T06:17:00.002-06:00

more getting to know me. After you read these, be sure to do it on your blog and then link up here because for every link, she will be donating 25 cents to the American Red Cross for relief efforts in Haiti

1. Hair color..Au naturale..or not? not. i'm naturally a blond. but not a pretty blond, it's kind of noncolor. i felt more like me as sooon as i dyed my hair red.

2. If somebody has food in their teeth or lipstick on their teeth do you tell them? i tell them if i have a chance without completely embarrassing them in front of a bunch of people, i have to tell them discreetly.

3. Would you rather have a million dollars or your vision of the perfect body? that's so hard! if i had a million $'s i could pay someone to make me have a perfect body...so i'll go with that:)

4. Favorite magazine? i don't really have a favorite...just a bunch that i like. martha is a monthly read though...so maybe that counts as my favorite. i sound so domestic;)

5. Bra style..lacy or plain? i wear both...it really depends on the shirt that i'm wearing.

6. If you walked into Victoria's Secret..would you most likely come out with something sexy or comfy? probably somewhere in the middle...i like pretty undies...but i'm not much into lacy silky sleep-or not sleep things...

7. Do you fake and bake? i did in high school & a tiny bit in college...not since. i try not to even lay out. i do like swimming though. i'm REALLY white. REALLY blinding white. i'd feel better about myself with a tan, but i'm trying to accept that i'm just a REALLY WHITE person & that's pretty too.

8. What's your favorite body part on a man? the shoulders. loveeee strong shoulders.

sooo i'm working on some ideas for this blog tonight. i have some features i'm going to start implementing so i don't feel so lost when i KNOW i have fun things to tell you & show you but i can't remember when i sit down at the computer. if you have anything that you like & want me to share/talk more about let me know & i'll do it. or if there is something that is sooo annoying let me know that too;)

i'll be working on my patience & boundaries today...

xoxoxo!!!

i just felt like runnin'

2010-01-18T20:06:00.004-06:00

the mister & i ran the houston 1/2 on sunday. neither of us made our goals, but he was way faster than me. this was my 3rd race & my 2nd 1/2 marathon. the 1/2 is a fun race. the full marathon is not my cup of tea. marathons are complete mental games, your mind does weird things around mile 20. but! the 1/2 is only 13.1.
a bunch of people have been asking me about running. i am by NO MEANS an expert. if i can do these races ANYONE can do them. but here's my thoughts & tips;)

-if you want to run, just start running. you don't need to follow a fancy plan, there are no rules. just run.

-when you're tired walk. but don't walk to long, you are trying to push yourself. also keep moving forward & run as much as you can. the more you go out there & try the better you'll get.

-set a goal EVERY time you go out running. STICK TO IT. when you're in the middle of beating yourself up b/c the running is hard & you don't think you're good enough...you are good enough, you're doing it & you're NOT going to let yourself down. remember that.

-get good shoes. it's important. all other gear is optional.

-good music works wonders.

-try channeling all of your frustrations & anger while running & let them go. running does WONDERS for my mood. it's meditation for me.

-running IS hard. that's why it's so good for you.

-running does amazing things for your legs. that's the best part for me;) you have to be consistent to see the results though, i haven't been consistent lately so i'm not seeing results. i'm working on that...

-the longer you run the easier it gets

-watch yourself & be careful while your running! keep an eye on what's going on around you, know where you are & always tell someone where you're running.

-i prefer running alone, but many people enjoy running in groups. find out what you like & do it your way. every city/town has a group that runs together, if not ask around & start one.

-finishing a race is the best high EVER.

-runners are a good group of people. friendly, happy. i think it's all the running;)

-if you don't love it, don't do it. don't beat yourself up. if it's not your thing, it's not your thing. everyone is different & THAT'S OK.

let me know any questions you have. i am NO EXPERT, but i'm a non-athlete that figured out how to run. i like running. it got me through hard times & now it's just fun.

xoxoxo!!!

friday funday!

2010-01-15T18:04:00.002-06:00

hey sillies!

here's a quick post! the cutest kassi at bacwoods fern tagged me, so i'm gonna do it. i'm supposed to tell you guys 7 or 9 or 10 facts about me that you may not know. this is going to be boring...

1. i sleep with an eyemask everynight. my favorite one is from miss indie here! miss indie was also my happy mail lady last month & i still need to post the super cuteness that she sent my way!!! (ohhh i sleep with an eyemask b/c i don't always sleep with my eyes all of the way shut which scares people but it also super dries out my eyes). there's some weirdness;)

2. i didn't start running till late 2007. since then i've run 1 1/2 marathon & a marathon. i'm running another 1/2 this sunday & then again on valentines day. i was not the girl that did much activity before that. so if i can run anyone can run. i plan on getting a tattoo for every race...but not sharing the idea yet!

3. i have purchased a url for this blog, just need to redesign it & then i'll present it to YOU!!!

4. i am NOT a natural redhead, but i should be;)

this is REALLY HARD!

5. i can't stand wet pieces of paper or bread. CAN'T HANDLE IT. sooo gross. i have a story that i think is the reason why...but no need to share silly details like that.

6. i'm a messy person & pretty scattered. but the Mister said most people already know this;) funny.

7. i took an architectural trip in college through mexico with my girlfriends & it was the best trip of my life. amazing. mexico is amazing once you're in the mountains away from touristy stuff. i also haven't been out of the country except mexico & i've been there MANY times. ok, lied, i've been to jamaica & grand cayman.

ok i'll just stop there since now i'm depressed about my BORING life. i'm not going to tag anyone, but please comment your link here if you do it b/c i want to read yours! also if you read my blog & you have a cool blog that you don't think i should read or put your button on my site let me know!!!

i'm off to hang out with some cool people. i was SO busy today & i'm WORN OUT. hopefully some 100% taquito is in my near future. all of you houston lovelies should check it out if you haven't. the best mexican food outside of mexico!

do you have a hard time being motivated this time of year?

xoxoxo

nation.

2010-01-12T22:18:00.004-06:00

i'm in a weird introspective place. i'm not getting done what i've planned. i have higher expectations. i don't have snuggles built in to my plans...so i end up not getting what i need to do done, but i need snuggles too. & i have a cute man here that i like hanging out with. i also have some projects that need more attention & designers that have projects that need more attention & i want to craft but no time. i shouldn't be blogging...no time. i feel soooo behind. i don't think i'll ever catch up. makes me nervous in my tummy.

i made these cuties before christmas. i'm THAT far behind on what i've been up to. i'm taking a cue from brandi (she's the cutest & cut my hair & i never even blogged about that! my first real life bloggy meeting) & putting my pics in poladroid b/c i don't have time to do all of the editing i'd normally like to do. if you remember the website that these are from please post in the comments, i can't find it or remember. i made the cute man a he-man that he keeps on his desk too:)

soooo now i'm done with the whining. i need to move into action. accept the fact that my house will never be as clean as i like & i'll never get a handle on working out, cooking dinner, quality time & more work- all after work. it's such a struggle. what i REALLY need to accept is that if i am really going to do all of that i need to get up earlier. i'm working towards that now.

hope your week is better than mine sooo far! it's the january blahs...

xoxo
jamie

happy monday funday!

2010-01-11T13:52:00.004-06:00

To vibrate, to accept, to expand… this is the new duty. To give oneself as is, to let life meet us as it really is, to live for the moment and extract from each moment all that it holds of truth, beauty and goodness, without scruple, without vain questioning, in the spontaneous desire of life, in childlike purity of heart… to be able to be oneself, to dare to be happy and at last allow one’s soul to spread its wings.
Jeanne de Vietinghoff

i want i want i want i want i want...sooo desperately....
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves 'who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? Your are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Marianne Williamson

soooo...i'm running into some glitches that i need to figure out asap. working for me is super sooo amazing. BUT it's hard to stay focused, i'm still running around going yay wow look at me i'm at home & it's monday! never mind the fact that my to do list is a mile long & i have 2 meetings today. 1 of which i better hurry & get ready for...

xoxoxo
jamie

this guy

2010-01-10T23:22:00.003-06:00

i was watching my VERRYYYYYYY favorite documentary tonight while making cute stuff. if you haven't seen it you should, Sketches of Frank Gehry. amazing. i LOVEEEE watching artists do their thing & talk about their process & their neuroses. it makes everything that goes on in my head feel more normal to be quite honest.

but THIS GUY cracks me up! could he be anymore pretentious?? it's so funny. he must be such an interesting person. what would your thought process be when asked by sydney pollack to be in a documentary? ooooh you know i think i'll look best lounging around in my bath robe drinking some unknown alcoholic beverage. & then i'll add sunglasses. yep that's the perfect outfit for being in a documentary.
so CRAZY!!!
btw...this guy is julian schnabel, known for many things, but most of you will know him from directing the diving bell & the butterfly.

that's all for tonight...i'm in my own little world & figuring out some things. a super amazing blog post about that coming soooon i'm sure;) (sarcasm)

happy new week!!! make it sooo awesome! i'm going to try to find a way to add some extra special to everyday this week...

xoxoxo
jamie

so true

2010-01-09T16:55:00.001-06:00

from weheartit.com of course. sorry.

xoxoxoxo

this weekend...

2010-01-08T18:14:00.002-06:00

make our room & my art space pretty.

remember to change my attitude;)

listen to my new records.

go bowling.

sleep in.

go running.

wear braids.

eat pancakes!
dream of being here.

paint something.

i'll also work as much as i can. & snuggle & drink hot drinks b/c it's really cold here! houston isn't supposed to be THIS cold. how am i supposed to run 9 miles in this cold...brrrrrr.

what are your exciting weekend plans? do you have a hard time fitting it all in? i do! i don't ever do as much as i want!
pictures via weheartit.com, i will stop being so lazy & use my own pictures sooooon.

hugssssss
happy weekending!!!

jamie

bbrrrrrr

2010-01-07T23:30:00.002-06:00

it's getting sooo cold outside!!!

i don't really want to talk to much...i like talking to you guys though:) ummm i'm glad texas lost, well i shouldn't say it like that, i'm glad alabama won. but i didn't know what roll tide was till today & i couldn't care less about the game & didn't watch it.

i've been updating the cute shop!!! check it out!!! MimiLane Vintage!!!

i'm working on making goals & accomplishing them...also trying to make $, but also make that fun. soooo not much time to chat today. i hope you're making your 2010 exactly how you want to live!!!

loveeeeee all of yous!!!!!!
jamie

remember

2010-01-06T17:17:00.001-06:00

xoxoxo

je ne sais quois

2010-01-05T18:35:00.005-06:00

these pictures from anthropologie make me soooo veryy HAPPY & ready for spring! it's my very favorite season. i want the lifestyle that these pictures show. i want to be her;) i want to live there. i want such pretty simple clothes. i want a simple life full of good quality things. quality food. quality times. quality conversations. quality people. quality laughs. i want real. i really want to feel more comfortable in my own skin. that would probably make it all come together.

i'm over winter already. & it's supposed to get even COLDER!!! the Mister & i were seriously considering moving to denver, looking at work prospects/home/location options...but i'm over it. it's tooooo cold. i still want to visit & i'm kind of flaky so i could change my mind...but i doubt it. houston may be it for now. :/

the houston 1/2 marathon is the 17th & the furthest i've run is 6 miles! holy crap! this one is going to be hard to pull off.

i've been obsessed with that phrase. watch me. it keeps running through my head. i want to put it everywhere. i don't want to explain it though...just watch me;) beautiful. it's keeping me going & keeping me soooo inspired. i've had soo many ideas this year already!

oh...i don't like working 9 to 5. bleck. i need more freedom.

i'm reopening mimilane vintage tonight! keep an eye out for some new things! i'll be updating everyday for a week...so keep checking back!

have you found anything special that is representing this year for you??
huggzzzzziiessss!!!!

jamie

some sillies

2010-01-05T15:47:00.000-06:00

i loveee her outfit sooo very much! & that fridge!!! loveeee this room.

cute dress! i'm ready for spring & i want this dress!!!

pretty clothes! my favorite!!!

wellll....yesterday was goooood. i'm sooo very far behind on blog reading!!! also twittering! which is silly. but follow me;) i'm starting my 365 AGAIN.
what are you doing TODAY to make the day fun? i'd love to hear your ideas!

okayyyyy...have a fun day!

jamie

the lips.

2010-01-04T21:38:00.006-06:00

the most magical concert i've ever seen! the best way to start an amazing new year:D THE BEST!!! mister man wrote about it more here. plus he has videos of some of the songs!

i ran 6 miles today. kicked my ass. i'm exhausted. i'm nervous about this 1/2 marathon i signed up for that's in less than 2 WEEKS. i've got to get running!!! today was soooo good. i'm so happy. i think working on my own is a great thing for me. yayyy!

xoxoxoxo

watch me

2010-01-04T10:10:00.004-06:00

today is the start of a new huge future. hopefully it's the start of me, me trusting me, me working for me, me getting this career off on its own. i'm very fearful of it...being self sustaining...working for myself. it seems easier to depend on someone else for that...although not really very smart. i trust myself with my future far more than anyone else. i need to remember that i can handle anything. i've dealt with some shitty things that were so hard to get through that nothing to do with my career can be THAT BAD. in fact what if it's SO GOOD.
i think it will be. i think that's why i have butterflies in my tummy.

i have chosen my words for 2010. FOCUS. ACTION. DIRECTION. i chose 3 because i just can't narrow it down. i'll get into the meaning of them laterrrr. exciting times!!! moving forward!!!

so i'm working from my little nest today. exciting stuff. no really. it is exciting:) i also have a thrifting trip planned b/c i've got to get mimilane vintage back up & running & oklahoma just didn't provide the vintage goodness that i had hoped.
happy monday!!!!

the flaming lips post is coming soooooooooon:D

my holidays!

2010-01-03T18:49:00.006-06:00

i'm finally catching up! we've been back home for a couple of days & it's soooooo good to be home! it's hard for me to be gone for sooo long...i feel like i don't get anything done. especially when it's snowing yucky outside & we all have to stay inside. so here's some of my holidays:) new years magical post coming next!!!

i made the post it tree & did sweet drawings as the ornaments for mister man.

our "real" tree. my pretty vintage ornaments & a knitted piece that's in my shop as the skirt:)

i made these amazing easiest candies! i want to make more! i used almonds instead of pecans b/c i couldn't find pecans anywhere.

christmas lunch spent at the airport due to snow...it wasn't so bad. we got to have potato soup leftovers when i FINALLY got to oklahoma city.

me patiently waiting for my flight out of houston...

wearing my new gloves inside b/c it was SO COLD in the airport...sketching & journaling to keep me busy.

finally on the plane with my drink & more sketching...

santa brought mister cute a he man comic book!

so glad to be somewhere warm & not flying anymore...i was soooo very tired & irritated that not all of my luggage made it.

finally on our way to see my family!
wearing my favorite socks:)

yummiessss to keep us warm!

my dad at his favorite hamburger place in tulsa.

unintentionally wearing the same tshirt...it was to bed, don't worry we didn't go out in public matching;)
i like them...i found them thrifting & no one else seems to "get it". ahh well.
mister man likes his kareaoke. it's not my thing...

thennnn we had the most amazing new years eve!!! my favorite concert EVER!!! so that deserves its own post:D
hope your enjoying your last few hours before work! tomorrow is my first self employed sort of day! eeeeeeee!!!! i'm so excited!

xoxoxo

happy new years!!!

2009-12-31T10:04:00.003-06:00

hey hey lovelieeess!!!
i feel sooo disconnected from you darlings. i've been traveling around the winter wonderland of oklahoma;) fun times, a bunch of thrifting disapointments, but some goodness too. 1 of my very favorite people had her sweet baby early while i'm here & i can't make it to see her, bummmss me out.
i'm ready to be home.
but first is the flaming lips tonight!!! yay!!! this new years will be sooooo amazzzzing!!!!

i have a full day of taking care of some business...tying up looseee ends...making something cute...then putting on my cute winter weather new years outfit & hanging out with cool people & the super funnn concert.

happy new years yo!!!;)

2009...almost done.

2009-12-30T07:23:00.001-06:00

2009 has been a crazy weird year...some really good parts, some really frustrating parts...some parts that were incredibly boring & other parts that flew by before i realized.

i spent a lot of time fighting with myself. pisces. you know;)

i've also spent a lot of time figuring out this blog & where to take it. i used to get incredibly uncomfortably personal, then i pulled back, then i tried some personal again...then i sort of wobbled back & forth & now i'm posting mostly things i like. i think it's best when it's a combo of both, what i want to share & mostly what i want to remember.

so i'm going to go ahead & throw this all too personal stuff out there...from superhero...then i'm calling 2009 complete & getting out of my own way for a life changing amazing 2010.

1. What do you want to acknowledge yourself for in regard to 2009? i made serious plans...i didn't follow through with most of them & that's a bummer. i am acknowledging that i'm still growing & i still need time to become the me that's trying to get out & show herself. i acknowledge that i spent too much time watching other people go after their dreams. i acknowledge that i have a serious self doubt & confidence issue. i've got all i need, except the confidence. i acknowledge that i made the hugest step with my mister & i am so very happy & proud of us. i also acknowledge that i may not want for my life & future what society says i should, at least not in the way that society says it should happen. i also acknowledge that this was a great growing year.

2. What is there to grieve about 2009?
(What was disappointing? What was scary? What was hard? What can you forgive yourself for?)i'm disapointed that i didn't finish my major goals & that i didn't figure out a way to push my creative limits. i was sooo scared to admit love for a certain man. i was also sooo scared to move in with him. it's hard to acknowledge that my past has scarred me & it's hard to figure out how to acknowledge that without giving any power to it.

3. What else do you need to say about the year to declare it complete?i need to be ok with 2009 & the bits of progress i made.

i am proud of 2009. i took huge steps. i am starting to learn what i can take on & what i'm just going to have to settle at not being good at everything. i have big plans for 2010, so 2009 i'm so glad we had the pleasure of getting to know each other so well, i will remember you fondly.

I DECLARE 2009, my year of possibilities, COMPLETE!

thank you all for reading me! i'll see you on the other side!!!! GO!!!

ooohhh lookie!!

2009-12-22T21:25:00.003-06:00

the mister & i exchanged presents early b/c we don't want to travel around with our own packages! & i got a spoon tshirt, a roadkill id &&&&& an instax mini!!!! yay!!!! i'm already addicted, but cautious until i have a reliable source for film;)

ok...on to today.
the thing is, work has been weird. besides being incredibly slow.
i'm also not one to initiate change. soooo i'm being forced. i will no longer have a full time job. which scares the crap out of me. it means i'm going to have to get out there & HUSTLE. i have some plans in the works. but it's still so scary. change is scary. i really enjoy the people that i work with & i'll still be there part time, though the details haven't been worked out. it's just that it's time & i could work kind of for someone else as well...but the details aren't working out how i would want & you know, it's time.

so today incredibly stressed me out. i still have a headache from it...but i'm coming out of it. i've been laying around sleeping & waking up & whining & laying around some more...the mister is incredible sweet when i get like that. then i got up & i think i'm ready to move forward. i'm going to have to work really hard to afford my new film;)

here's to new adventures!!!!

my crafty & style 2010 intentions

2009-12-21T18:23:00.000-06:00

experiment & play with my hair color.

express my feelings in my art.

continue my collection of vintage dresses...shirts....sweaters...jackets...

ride my cute pink bike more & get streamers & a basket for her.

learn how to knit or something...

make more fun yummy cuppycakes.

make more adventures with a cute man.

use my journal more, maybe share it sometimes;)

sleep less.

make more wreaths...i have sooooo many planned.

use this obsession in my art FINALLY.

play with my photography more, figure out some of my oldy cameras & finally get an amazing digital.

make some jewelries...i have cute ideas...

show my love for someone cute in everyday ways.

figure out a way to display my cute horse collection.

photoshoots with my pretty girlfriends...even when they protest;)

make some pom poms!

remember to be childlike & ignore people that judge & comment. it's their issue not mine.

experiment more with my clothes...make new combinations.

make a bed like this for my cute cat.

*also tattoos & piercings are in my not so distant future.

also a cute wonderland themed 30th

also fun trips to places that start with a C! hehe totally unintentional, colorado, canada & california!!!

i don't want to talk about my day & ruin these pretty intentions:) so i hope your monday is better than mine. i get to see the prettiest little girls & their parents are some of my favorite people, tonight so it'll get better.

**click on the pictures for the links**

xoxoxo

recently...

2009-12-20T13:10:00.013-06:00

some pictures from my phone...it's about as much photography & uploading as i've been able to handle lately. here's the run down starting at the top...
a weekend in galveston with awesome crafty ladies, the dog of the galveston house that stole my heart, my favorite chair right now- i love chairs, it's an obsession, the smallest apples i've ever seen- they aren't really very good, sugar found a lizard on the window & was upset she couldn't get it, an amazing italian bike that folds in half that i didn't get & now regret just like everyone said i would, sugey in the window AGAIN, me, rosas! 1 of my top fav restaurants- they aren't in houston :(, in liberal ks for my grandma's funeral, me wearing my grandmas shirt, crazy huge ridiculous truck in liberal, my grandmas vase with flowers & her when she was young, driving into fort worth, the only sculpture i've ever loved, my office mate maggie, lunch at tiny boxwoods, the lebowski bash downtown, me flying somewhere, pretty house, the mister unloading for the westheimer block party, my little family hanging out with my while i make art stuffs, our magical fort, we cooked a turkey!!!, the stags head, cactus records, the misters home away from home, our feet, my pops, stella!, reindeer butt- i was driving, snow!!!, my ornaments for kimistar's swap, me waking up with the sugar, my work to do lists, my work inspiration board, me working, some magic, sugar giving me her puss in boots eyes, a wreath i made for a friend, snuggles, our little christmas tree, sugar hanging out in my messy art space.

this week is christmas!!!! can you believe it?!?!? i'll probably be mia for the last few days of the year...big plans:) my sweet mama just bought the cutest little place to live & she'll be moving & i'll be visiting tons of family & thrifting & concerts & fun times!!!

see you soooooooonn!!!
xoxoxoxo

aahhh yes

2009-12-19T22:25:00.002-06:00

yay! it's turquoise!!! pantone's color of the year announcement is always a super exciting thing for me:) i couldn't believe this year's mimosa...seemed like it came out of left field...but now it's all over my closet & home. it's the perfect accent! almost a neutral!
i <3 turquoise too! i hope i get to use it in some clients homes next year!!!
all images are via weheartit...unless you can click on it, then it will take you to the correct owner;)

yay weekend! it's soooo good so far! i'm not getting my to do list knocked out...but i'm hanging out with cool people & just enjoying them. i also made yummy chicken enchiladas:D

more soooooon...xoxoxox

this seems like a big deal right now

2009-12-17T21:54:00.002-06:00

my big NCIDQ tests. the ones i put my life on hold for. the ones that i studied like a madwoman for.

i failed.
i failed so closely that it's painful.

it's really hard to work for so many years in a profession & be good & win awards & then fail the certification exams. it IS a SUPER HARD exam. 2 ENTIRE DAYS of testing. it's madness.

but there it is.
FAIL.

it really threw me for a loop for a day. then i got my head together & remembered my amazing firestarter group session with danielle. i remember where i was when it was over. i was completely over this test. since i don't value it & all.

plus. i don't like to fail. i'm not used to failing. i'm uncomfortable with failing. failing will not become a habit.

i'm in a good place now. it would have been amazing to have passed...but i'm smarter for taking it & i'll take that. i don't have plans to retake it...in case you were wondering. i have other plans.

2009 had a lot a career fail. but i heard right before big success comes a lot of fail. i'm going to hold on to that thought:)

xoxoxooooooo

so hmmmm

2009-12-13T21:19:00.004-06:00

i was planning on having more to share with you than my outfit today;) i've been soooo busy doing whatever i want, which includes lot's of decorating & crafts. but i'll have to share later, they're all surprises for Mister...sooooo it'll have to wait.

anything exciting happen this weekend?? none here.
i miss the cute man more than i expected...he'll be home sooon. i'm feeling a bit more christmasy. i get my hair done on saturday by the cutie brandi. it's been an embarrassingly long time since i've had my hairs cut & it shows. also...i need to have the red done by a professional every now & then, me doing it starts looking toooo bad after 6 months:)

ok....enjoy the rest of your sundayyyy!!!

mmmmmmm

2009-12-13T06:44:00.000-06:00

i could reallyyyy go for some pancakes this morning:) i prefer mine to be sweet potato pancakes with peanut butter, bananas & syrup. mmmmmm.

how do you prefer your pancakiesss???

i'll be back again soooon:)

some say i'm a dreamer

2009-12-12T20:03:00.004-06:00

It is not the critic who counts;
not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled
or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man
who is actually in the arena,
whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood;
who strives valiantly;
who errs and comes short again and again;
who knows great enthusiasms,
the great devotions;
who spends himself in a worthy cause;
who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement,
and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while
DARING GREATLY
so that his place shall never be
with those timid souls
who know neither victory or defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt

i wish i could tell you my dreams last night. sooooo weird. i'm pretty sure if they were interpreted i wouldn't like what they are saying.

i've been taking care of things today. isn't it crazy how just when i'm starting to get my life sorted out my apartment turns into a complete mess, but if it's clean then my life is a mess. i can't seem to have it both ways;)

i'll have some things & lists to share shortly!!!
hugsssss!!!!

yes

2009-12-11T21:50:00.004-06:00

i totally understand.
don't you just love him?

some things i loveeee

2009-12-11T06:33:00.000-06:00

this is the FIRST plushy thing that i've seen that i actually want. i don't know what i'd do with it...but it is sooooo magical! i loveeee skunkboy's style sooo very much!
if someone bought me these i'd wear them every single day...in the winter. my heart belongsss to these boots.i adoreee with all of my heart this tattoo...ideas a brewin;)

i think my coworkers would appreciate it if i could warn them of my moods...i'm moody.

making chicken salads felted cherry tutorial. soooo cute! i love felting too...i just give it another go.
hhhmmmm i for sure want to make 1 of these before new years...
love these comfort & joy sketches!!!

happy fridayyy!!!
my sweet mister man is out of town...so i'm hiding out & making crafts & christmas allllllll weekend! with a run or 2 thrown in there a bit...also with some hot chocolate & marshmallows:)

jamessssssss

ohhhh advent.

2009-12-10T22:51:00.004-06:00

i did this little adven t from how about orange, as seen on red velvet. it's quick & super easy...but i'm completely in love with silje's advent calendar!!! i wish i had more time to craft...

hugggsssss!!!

hey pretties!

2009-12-09T11:28:00.002-06:00

i've got a MILLION ideas & to do's wondering around in my head! i'm sooooo excited about 2010 & almost want to just skip Christmas....i'm just not into it this year. i have some Christmas crafties that i've made, i'll share this weekend. i have TONS of pictures to edit that i want to share too.

busy busy busy!!!

i love you all soooo very much & i'm sorrry for not interacting much lately! i will soooon! i appreciate each of you creative beautiful souls!

happy wednesday lovieeess!!!

sorry

2009-12-08T11:35:00.003-06:00

i am trying my best to be happy & positive. so those are some pretties that i love, notice my little "family" in there;)

this is what i'm really thinking.

but people get sort of put off when you say things like that out loud;)

i don't know where these images came from, i had them saved on my phone. if you'd like to enlighten me i will give credit where credit is due.

happy cussing tuesday!!!

anyone see nip tuck this week?

2009-12-05T16:08:00.000-06:00

hahahahahahahaha