Katydid Inc.

A Short Film to Touch your Heart

2012-01-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Spike Jonze: Mourir Auprès de Toi on Nowness.com.

One of those songs

2011-08-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

This is one of those songs that just hits me like a ton of bricks. In general, I really enjoy almost every song by The Avett Brothers, but this and one other song by them resonate loudest. I woke up early today thinking about it and had to see if there was a video. Hope you enjoy. The audio is for shit, but they look, well, they look like The Avett Brothers.

cooking while beautiful

2011-06-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

oh, to be perfectly "simple" and beautiful and british, just like sophie dahl.......

Bags, Jewelry and Nuevo Bazaar

2011-05-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was my second time trying to sell my bags and my first but not last time at Nuevo Bazaar. I managed to get 8 bags finished in a week, which was pretty good considering I didn't put a huge amount of effort into it. Anyway, I didn't sell anything, but Maryann of Drama Queen Jewelry left up around $20 after paying for the table. I on the other hand left in the hole $100 when all was said and done. It felt like a trip to Vegas! We had a really nice day meeting new people and have lots of ideas of how we'd do it differently next time. In fact, Maryann and I are planning on setting up shop again in June at another craft fair, more details to come, but look for a much larger and much more interesting inventory!

Tags Kiera made for my stuff.

and she made these for Maryann.....

and these are the tags Kiera made for Drama Queen (I think Kiera should be peddling her stuff too!)

some of my bags

Drama Queen awesomeness

The upshot was I got this super cool bike which I've been working on restoring! More pics to come, but so far so I've been loving learning how to work on and restore old bikes. Perhaps, I might be selling a few of these at the next Nuevo Bazaar..........

1973 Schwinn Breeze

2011-05-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

This is my sewing room. It's a disaster, I know, and I wanted to clean and organize it this week, but I think I'm going to be too busy making my "wares" for Nuevo Bazaar this weekend. I am so super excited to actually be selling (or trying to sell) my stuff! I never would have done it by myself, even though I ask the couple that runs it about getting a space every time they do it, but my brave friend Maryann is selling her awesomely fantastic jewelry and she's been kind enough to let me share a space with her. I don't care if I sell a thing, in fact I might only have 3 purses made by then, I'm just proud of myself for giving it a go. I'll post more pics of the purses and "wares" in a couple of days.

And here's the oilcloth I'm using for some of my wares......

Shoes that measure up?

2011-05-02T07:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry had to do.....lame, I know. Anyway, I thought they were kind of cool and I love the lines, but at 798 pounds (again, i don't know what that is in american currency, but i think it's a lot) I'm not going to be owning these any time soon. Besides, where would I ever wear them?!?!

Sweetness

2011-04-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

This made me happy. Not sure why, but there was just something about the two of them together. It was like....love.

My perfect boy

2011-03-28T22:13:00.002-07:00

Somehow this beautiful little man knew just what his mom needed today. I don't think I could love him any more if I tried. He makes my heart warm and perfect and allows me to be me.

Romantic Bicyces and Ideas

2011-03-22T07:57:00.003-07:00

I want this bike, I mean I want it BAD! I love everything about it, the color, the basket, the style, I just love it. I have this romantic idea in my head that I will ride it everywhere this summer - to Patrick's swim team practice every morning, the local market, the library, the post office, the bank and all the while there will be beautiful countryside and wildflowers and my adoring son will be riding next to me, I will be wearing a lovely little floral dress (much like the picture) with a pretty cardigan and a fresh baguette in the basket.....ah. But in reality it will be like 200 degrees out, we will be slathered in SPF 100, Patrick will be complaining that he's hot and tired and thirsty, I'll get a headache from the heat and generally it's just easier to drive, even if gas is $5.00+ a gallon. Plus this bicycle is from Beg Bicycles in London and costs 875 pounds (which I don't even know is in American $$) and would probably cost a fortune to ship. A girl can dream though, right?

A mother's love...

2011-03-20T10:11:00.001-07:00

My great grandmother wrote this poem for my grandmother when she was a baby in the early 1920's. It makes me cry every time I read it and has so much more meaning for me now that I am a mother myself.

A new skirt

2011-03-20T09:38:00.001-07:00

So I couldn't afford this skirt, which I love along with just about everything at Garnet Hill.

So I made this skirt out of what I had. Not bad, huh?!?\

Growing Carrots and Kohlrabi and Lettuce and tomato transplants

2011-03-20T09:19:00.002-07:00

Growing carrots in Tucson isn't super easy in Tucson, in fact, this is about it for our crop this year. They were small and some were a little bitter, but we enjoyed each and every one! The white ones are actually parsnips and the small round guys are "thumbellinas", which were quite tasty!

I had never eaten kohlrabi, much less grown it, but it's good. It's tastes like a cross between broccoli and cauliflower. We steamed the greens and boiled the peeled root (the big ball). Patrick loved it!

Here's some more of what we've harvested and what's on the way........

Flower Gardening

2011-03-20T08:57:00.004-07:00

Beautiful and thought provoking. What a lovely way to live life. Not easy, but I can't imagine a better way to surround yourself with beauty everyday.

The National and John Slattery?

2011-03-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

I can't begin to tell you how HAPPY this makes me. I love both of these things and together they are perfect. This video ROCKS!!!

The National

My toolbox

2011-03-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

Doesn't exist. I have a dream that one day I will open the tool drawer in my kitchen and find just what I'm looking for. That hammer and the perfect nail, the pliers, the phillips screwdriver, they'd all be there, right where I need them when I need them. HA. That's not gonna happen with 2 boys in the house (bear in mind one of those "boys" is 42). I love tools, always have and I like to fancy myself a pretty handy gal. I can rewire a lamp and hang the perfectly centered picture with the best of them. All while wearing heels and pink lipgloss (okay maybe not heels). Anyhow, when I saw this post on Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » DIY 101: building your toolbox – saws part I I started thinking about how every attempt to have my "own" tools, including a drill, has failed miserably. Oh well, a girl can dream, right?

During the Oscars.....

2011-02-27T20:51:00.001-07:00

I made this. Thanks to FlamingToes.com and her lace & pearl tutorial.

this wild and precious life

2011-02-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

Inspired by this poem and a very special friend, I made this gift for her birthday.

The Summer Day

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean-
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
With your one wild and precious life?

And this is the pretty wrapping job, along with the "bakers twine" I made - which is super simple. Just use the zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine and plain cotton yarn. Love it!

Before and After

2011-02-27T00:41:00.000-07:00

We had this old bench we got at IKEA at the end of our bed. The before picture actually makes it look way nastier than it really is, but still....it needed to be covered. The plan, when we bought it a few years ago, was to make a slip cover right away, but I just never got around to it. Plus, figuring out the measurements and pattern just didn't sound like very much fun. Lucky for me I came across this tutorial from Whipstitch and i didn't have to do a lick of measuring or figuring on my own, she outlined it all! Anywho, I like the way it turned out.

BEFORE

AFTER

I wasn't very careful about matching the stripes in the pattern. I had, like, 2 hours to make it before I had to pick up my son, so I was kinda sloppy. Oh well, it's still 100 times better than the stained, nasty before picture!

Poptart-ish goodness

2011-02-26T19:56:00.001-07:00

Patrick and I made these yummy treats tonight. I love that my little man likes to bake with his mama. I didn't really care for them, they were too sweet, but Andy and Patrick loved them. We used a brown sugar and cinnamon filling and made a glaze to drizzle over them. And of course we used homemade pie crust - thank you Pioneer Woman, now my freezer is never without one or two extra. I know, I know, it's made with lots of Crisco but dang it is one good recipe. Better than my mom's and that's sayin' somethin'. Next time we'll try a jam filling instead. Yes, this is definitely a repeat.

Amigurumi

2011-02-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

I'm afraid my eyes don't work well enough to make these cute little creatures, but man this is a pretty fun video! I'm might give 'em a try anyway.

The perfect haircut

2011-02-10T22:28:00.000-07:00

I'm not sayin' this is is, but if I could get away with it I might just do it.

Wishful thinking.....

2011-02-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

http://wideopenspaces.squarespace.com

Nightswimming

2011-02-08T14:04:00.000-07:00

just one of the many reasons i love REM.

R.E.M. - New Music - More Music Videos

Plus Size?

2011-02-05T22:09:00.000-07:00

Wow, this is plus size? Seriously? No wonder I have a complex.

Burda3

apple pie bars

2011-02-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

i think i gotta try these..........the velvet bird

Sometimes friends just get it....

2011-01-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being one of those friends Kiera......

Home Grown Goodness

2011-01-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

Yep, we grew it - all of it, well except for the tomatoes because they aren't in season. Other than that, it all came from our home garden or from our urban farm. Speaking of our urban farm things are moving along and we are hoping to have things ready for market in just a few months. We sent some broccoli up to the Ahwatukee Farmer's Market this past weekend and sold out! Yippee! More to come on the progess.....

And he ate it!! (He helped grow it too.)

Sad Sack or Dress...you decide

2011-01-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here's my finished dress (sorry about the poor picture quality)...it took all of a Sunday afternoon to make, and boy can you tell. I don't know how to alter patterns and I did my best at fixing it after it was finished, but still, it was huge. It was like a sack on me and wasn't flattering in the least, but I wore it and I wore it proud, cuz I made it.

I used McCall's M5519.

I'm definitely going to learn how to alter patterns and clothes this year.

my mom rocks

2011-01-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

Check out more of her awesome artwork at Judy Nostrant Paintings

Broccoli

2011-01-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

Fresh from our farm....the broccoli that is.

My next project

2011-01-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

I was working on this in line waiting to get into the memorial in Tucson, but I had to abandon it in order to get in! Anyhow, I'm going to start over...I'll post pics when I'm finished.

If I had a place of my own......

2011-01-14T13:54:00.001-07:00

It would look like this.

seesaw.: giveaway: quote.

2011-01-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

Love me some houndstooth!

seesaw.: giveaway: quote.

Makes My Heart Warm

2010-12-31T16:44:00.000-07:00

To see my son love broccoli as much as he does. And who wouldn't love this "urban farm" grown goodness - straight from our farm?! Or the beautiful bouquet of Cosmos that Andy brought home to me fresh picked with the broccoli? Speaking of farm, I will be posting a lot more in the coming year about our new "urban farm" and it's progress. Right now we are getting ready to put up hoop houses for tomatoes and more cosmos as well as other warm weather crops. We're trying to get a jump start! I'm super excited and with a lot of hard work and a little luck, we should have tomatoes soon, and hopefully before the rest of the vendors at market!

Tomato transplants - they are growing so fast you can almost see them growing. We're having tons of fun watching them come up and get bigger!

What's your top New Year's resolution this year?

2010-12-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

I have moved my blog over to http://kateebessey.blogspot.com/ . Please visit me there!!!! I'll be posting lots of new and super interesting stuff about our "urban farm" and new creations and life over there.

TypePad Conversations » Answer this question!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2010-12-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

This is just a sample of the things I made and the things that Patrick got from Santa and us and the things that we have done over the past few days. Life is so busy and we are so broke, but I have a beautiful family and I feel lucky to have such wonderful people in my life - including my very special friends. I spent lots of hours cooking and sewing and knitting and worrying about how things were going to get done and how we were going to afford to make it a special Christmas for Patrick. But in the end it all worked out and he loved the day, mostly because he got to spend it with us and his cousins and his Grama Judy and Grandpa Bessey.

Shout Out to TUCSONMAMA>ORG

2010-12-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

Website is a parent magnet

This is a wonderful blog that I follow. She's great about sharing lots of local happenings, places of interest, things for kids and families and useful parenting information! Check out the article and check out her website at tucsonmama.org!

I"m tired.....

2010-12-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

School and life.

2010-10-27T01:48:00.000-07:00

so far my son's elementary school experience has been challenging for me...not so much for him, but extremely so for me. nothing has challenged my feelings of inadequacy as a parent more than the school experience. sheesh...who would have thunk it? Anywho, this video is an interesting take on our current school system and it's future. I can't say I disagree with him.......

TypePad Conversations » Answer this question!

2010-09-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

So every few months (give or take) I decide it's time to start blogging again, creating again, getting a life again.....you get the picture. So here is my attempt at it for the month of October. I am going to try to post something everyday, hopefully something interesting, or at least not totally, completely boring.

It's been a rough go of it the past few weeks (especially the past few days), but I'm seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I was training to do my second triathlon and I injured my knee. I tried to tough it out, in typicaly Kate (headstrong) fashion, but my knee won out. I ended up withdrawing from the race, but I haven't given up all hope. There is another race in March that I am planning on doing and my knee should be good an healed for that one....watch out 40 something year old ladies, I'm on the mend.

I read this post by Vintage Chica the other day and it really inspired me. It touched me to the core and left me sobbing, but in a good way. If any of you are struggling with decisions that you've made as a parent or doubting your abilities I highly recommend reading this: http://vintagechica.typepad.com/the_life_and_times_of_thi/2010/09/navigating.html

talk about simplified

2010-08-24T01:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/interior-design/living-in-182-square-feet-in-seattle-the-seattle-times-125242

I lived in an apartment that was 325 square feet, which I shared with my beagle, and it was SMALL, but 182 square feet??? That's crazy!

2010-08-13T04:39:00.000-07:00

2010-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

i'm only gonna post things i like from now on.

Home. Makes me remember and look forward.

2010-06-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

Today is a day for Pixies.

2010-05-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

2010-04-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

Swept Away....makes me smile and cry.

Tri and you shall succeed

2010-03-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

I finished my first (and NOT last) triathlon on Sunday. I couldn't have done it without Maryann. It was awesome and I learned so much and I can't wait to do my next one. If there's one word I could use to sum up the experience it would have to be "transitions"! I learned that I'm stronger and tougher than I ever imagined and that I can do anything I set my mind to.

Positivity

2010-02-16T02:24:00.000-07:00

How could it not be a great day when this is my horoscope:

You may feel elated and pleased with yourself today. Your future will probably look bright as you gaze upon the many possible paths that are open to you. In your optimism, you may discover that opportunities you once thought were out of your reach now seem attainable. If you should find yourself facing a difficult or stressful decision, you’ll likely approach it with the understanding that you are capable of overcoming it. You may feel courageous and bold in your personal and professional lives and ready to take calculated risks to build the life of your dreams. You can make the most of the confidence you feel today by asking your boss to let you handle more responsibility or by undertaking a personal project that can contribute to the fulfillment of your most precious aspirations.

Feeling positive about your prospects can be one of the most important elements in your ability to achieve your goals. Pessimistic thoughts easily become real-life roadblocks because our negative attitudes are then reflected in everything we do. It is impossible to feel helpless or out of control when you view your world optimistically. A positive and hopeful attitude will inspire you to look for opportunities to take advantage of challenging personal and professional prospects. You’ll feel capable of addressing any difficulties the universe puts in your path and of handling distractions in an empowering way. Your attitude will carve a path that leads you to success. The positivity you feel today will give you the courage, willpower, and discipline you need to reach your goals.

Just to prove my point, look how great Patrick's breakfast turned out this morning. Made with an egg fresh from our chickens.

Another Thing I Think I Need

2010-02-09T03:34:00.000-07:00

Mistakes and Imperfections

2010-02-09T01:46:00.000-07:00

I kind of like them, or at least I'm learning to embrace them? This is what I think: they make life so much richer and authentic. I should know, I've made enough of them in my life - and that's all that I'll say about that. Now, moving onto the sock - you can't see them but they're there. This is only the 3rd sock I've made (I'm planning on making it's match, bringing the total to 4) and this pair will be for Patrick. He won't notice the mistakes, but I have a feeling he notice the love that I put into them....at least that's the hope. He's pretty excited about them and keeps asking me when I'll be finished with them. Soon.

2010-02-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

Lovely, Lovely Song - Plus Ben Folds wrote a kick ass song about a girl named, Kate. I'm just sayin......

The Bag and the Birthday Girl

2010-02-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

I finished the bag I made for Kiera. It's really similar to the one I made for myself, only MUCH nicer. I really paid attention to the details and took my time with hers.

And here's the Birthday Girl

We had dinner at Blanco to celbrate Kiera's b-day and had a great time. There were about 12 of us and it was really inspiring to see all the cool, creative things people made for her! Good times, good times. It's just how we roll (and that's for you Kiera)!

The boots I want

2010-02-07T03:48:00.000-07:00

can be found here, in case you were wondering....

2010-02-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

I made another overnight bag for a friend's birthday. I've taken pictures but I'm going to have to wait until I give it to her on Saturday to post pictures! I'm so excited, it's really cute!!!

another bag

2010-02-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

I made this:

from this:

My super good girlfriend, Maggie from sweetwaterbaby sent me a link to this purse. I altered it a little to fit the material that I had, which was a placemat purchased on clearance for $2.78 at Target. I really like the way it turned out and you can't beat the price!

2010-02-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

I saw a bag similar to this in one of the French General books and thought to myself, I can make that. The picture is awful and the bag is actually much cuter in person. I used it this weekend for a quick girls weekend away and got lots ' compliments.

2010-02-01T02:28:00.000-07:00

'Cause it's Monday....

2010-01-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

I'm starting again. I swear. I really want to give this blog thing a chance. Maybe something good can come out of it? Who knows.

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

2009-10-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

IMG_4891, originally uploaded by kate bessey's pics.

it took a lot to get there, but we made it.

Singing in the Rain

2009-09-07T04:38:00.000-07:00

Last night we had friend over for a bbq and it rained and rained. Not that any of us complained! We so needed the rain and the storm last night was a perfect send off to the summer. It was the first time all summer that it rained so hard and long and the kids had a blast playing and sing MJ songs in it! Well, the girls sang, the boys just jumped around! We sat on the porch, under cover drinking our drinks and enjoying the entertainment. I took a few pictures, the quality isn't great, but you get the idea....

Been a long time...

2009-09-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

there are definite reasons that i've been neglecting my blog, non of which i want to get into right now. let's just say life happens.....anywho, hopefully this will bring a smile to the 4 people who look at my blog. :)

Pancakes...with a twist

2009-08-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

This morning Patrick wanted pancakes, again. I pulled out my trusty Better Homes and Gardens recipe, but this time i decided to mix it up. I substituted half the flour with almond meal and topped them with blueberries, brown sugar and butter, ala Bobo's. I don't even want to know how many calories were in them, but judging from my small taste and the fact that Patrick finished almost TWO pancakes the size of his head, I thinking they were extra good. Plus he said, "Mom, these were made with lots of love, weren't they?" Now if that doesn't warm a mom's heart, I don't know what could!

I can't believe it's been a whole month...

2009-07-31T14:58:00.000-07:00

since I've posted anything. Bad on me. Oh well, I've been busy, apparently really busy. I've made lots of things and done lots, but this is what I am going to share with you. It's pattern the Parfait pattern by Collete Patterns. It was kind of pricey - $15, however I love the fit and I am positive that I will be using it again and again. I had to alter it slightly, but not much. Here are some pictures, please don't pay attention to my goofy face and messey kitchen.

Man is it hot.

2009-07-01T01:32:00.000-07:00

The last few days here have been HOT. I mean REALLY hot. I think we fooled ourselves into thinking it wasn't coming, but it does, every summer. It gets HOT, REALLY HOT. One way Patrick cools off, besides all the swimming he does, is with the hose.

2nd AFC

2009-06-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

Last night I met Kiera and Maryann at ZinBurger for our 2nd annual failure celebration. I know, it sounds kind of like a downer, but it really wasn't. This is the second year that we have set weight loss goals for ourselves and not met them. In fact, i was farther away from my goal than when I set it. Yesterday morning I got on the scale, even though I would have rather not, and in fact, it did bum me out. Then Kiera sent a link to a post by bits&pieces talking about how she was back up to the same weight she was when she was 6 months pregnant-holla! It was funny and I laughed, but Maryann was bummed out by it. I started thinking about it and I decided to take a different approach, a much different approach for me anyway. I decided given that I am going to be 41 (i still am having a hard time believing it) in 9 days, I'm not doing to poorly. I mean yes, I could be thinner and look younger, but all in all I'm not doing too bad. 2 years ago I was 20lbs. thinner and could fit into lots of cute clothes that I still can barely squeeze into, but I am much happier. Kiera said she knows someone who would rather be thin and unhappy, but I think I would rather be happy and a little heavier. I've never been a small person and I've always been athletic, so i don't really know the joy associated with be thin. Besides, a little chub on the face fills in the wrinkles, right?!

So we celbrated with burgers and milkshakes and I ate so much that I had a baby barf in my mouth. Perfect. We also set new goals on an 18 week deadline, so here we go again. Not only am I more motivated, I am really looking forward to our first annual celebration dinner. (our goals were slightly more realistic this time). Here's to good friends and the love of food we share and the love of exercise we are trying to find....

PS. I've made lots of new purses and i'll be posting pics soon. oh, and about that salted caramel ice cream. It might have to wait.....

Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T04:42:00.000-07:00

He wasn't always my favorite, but man when he was good, he was GOOD!

These cheese crackers are deeelicious!

2009-06-25T06:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to smittenkitchen for this awesome recipe for chese straws! I altered the recipe slightly by adding more salt, using skim milk instead of cream and I also chilled the dough to make it easier to cut out the round shape. It was super simple and they are going fast in our house. I might have to make more!

This is the coolest wedding ever!!

2009-06-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

check it out...

I am SOOO making this....

2009-06-13T03:45:00.000-07:00

One of my all time favorite things to make (and eat) is salted caramel sauce, so when I came across this recipe by David Lebovitz I got super excited! I can't wait to make it, in fact, the icecream bowl for our icecream maker is now in the freezer again. I'll post pics and reviews of the final product, soon, very soon!

Cadillac Camping - Early 1950s

2009-06-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

Cadillac Camping - Early 1950s, originally uploaded by vieilles_annonces.

Studio

2009-06-05T00:03:00.000-07:00

Studio, originally uploaded by kitschcafe.

Oh, I want this studio. I love the cutting table and the stacks and the everything!

Blueberry Pie Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-28T00:15:00.000-07:00

Blueberry Pie Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

May Day Giveaway

2009-05-27T00:02:00.000-07:00

So here it is my giveaway. I will leave this post open until May 31st. This is my first time participating in a giveaway and I am very excited. Please leave a comment and I will pick a winner randomly!

not many days left to sign up for the May Giveaway Day!

2009-05-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

A storage basket I can make.

2009-05-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

Here is an awesome tutorial on fabric boxes from The Sometimes Crafter.

The Sometimes Crafter: New Tutorial + Winner!

Now this is what I call style....

2009-05-21T01:37:00.000-07:00

Not necessarily my style, but I love it!

Belted Jumper?

2009-05-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

Leopard heels by HannaWaistcoat featuring Forever21 accessories

I must be in my 40's now because this look just DOES NOT do it for me. The belted jumper? Really, a jumper? Really? I must say No Thank You. Plus the shoes, again, not a fan of them. I just can't do the gladiator style. Not to mention it's all put together with a pic of J. Lo. Like I want to look like her?!?! As my friends can attest to, she is one of my least favorite people in the world. Now I MUST go find a look that I like, no, make that LOVE, to erase the awfulness of this.

Grosgrain: The Brass Hussy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Grosgrain: The Brass Hussy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

So cute!

2009-05-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

The Brass Hussy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Loose Teeth Vintage Inspired Sundress with Petticoat GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

Loose Teeth Vintage Inspired Sundress with Petticoat GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

Loose Teeth Vintage Inspired Sundress with Petticoat GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Flowers for Minnie

2009-05-15T02:08:00.000-07:00

When I went to bed last night I fell asleep thinking of all the things that I wanted to write about in my blog. However, I woke up this morning to find that one of our chickens, Minnie, was missing. I don't really want to write too much about it, but I think that a coyote might be involved. Needless to say, i am VERY sad today and I don't feel much like writing. I went out into the garden and picked these flowers in honor of her.

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes...

2009-05-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, not really, but they are HUGE. Patrick went outside to pick weeds and when I went to look for him I couldn't find him hidden in the tomato plants! The fruit is still green at this point, but I can't wait for all those ripe tomatoes! I might be feeling differently in about a month after I've exhausted all my tomato recipes, canned all the tomato sauce and tomatoes I can, and can't possibly ingest another tomato. But for now I'm looking forward to picking the first ripe ones!

Oh and my friend, Sweetwater Baby, sent me this beautiful hakui from Andie Edwards.

Creations...

2009-05-07T01:04:00.000-07:00

When I first started this post I was origanally going to write about all the projects I've worked on over the months. I was even going to try to photo document them, however I switched gears. I was checking my daily blogs this morning and I saw this really cute bag on Little Birdie Secrets, so I decided this is my next project. I'm going to try to make it today! Anyhow, i wanted to share it instead of posting pictures of old projects. Hope you enjoy it and I'll share a picture when I'm finished.

April in my garden

2009-04-30T05:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's not Paris, but it's still stunning. I can't believe how much things have taken off. Roses, poppies, mint, peppers, onions, and I swear we are going to have like 200 tomatoes. My oh my, what are we going to do with all of them! There is nothing better than a tomato fresh off the vine. Grocery store tomatoes don't have nothin' on them! Even those "organic" hydroponic deals! I am so excited for the summer and the bounty it brings. Salsa, salsa, salsa, not to mention the yummy mojitos made from fresh mint! Patrick has had such a great time tending to and spending time in the garden. He is a lucky boy indeed! If it could only be April every month of the year.

Vidler's, oh how I miss Vidler's

2009-04-29T02:25:00.000-07:00

Almost every summer I get to take a trip back to Buffalo, NY to visit family, take in the cool summer (or sometimes unbearabley hot and sticky) summer air and enjoy the fresh green, lush beauty of Buffalo. Yes, I said beauty of Buffalo! One of my favorite places to visit is East Aurora, just outside of Buffalo and home to Fisher-Price and Vidler's! I haven't been back in a few years and I don't think I'll get a chance to vist this summer, but I can always take a look online! I do miss Buffalo and it's beauty, history and of course, my family left behind there!

There's always something to look forward to.

2009-04-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

On the poopy side, I have a cold, but on the bright side of things, Amy Karol has a new book coming out in a few months! Yeah, here's a link to a sneak peak of it I really loved Bend the Rules Sewing. In fact, I loved it so much I got a copy for a friend and challenged her to a project a week. Okay that was a little ambitious, but we've both made some pretty cool things from the book. You can check that on out here.

Cake for Brendan's Birthday

2009-04-23T04:31:00.000-07:00

I would like to say I like cake, but the truth is, it's not my favorite dessert in the world. However, I LOVE Cake the band. As Maggie and I like to say, "Cake makes me happy." Anyhow, I realize other people do like cake, and if I were to pick my favorite kind of cake it would be Pepperidge Farms Coconut Cake. I know, wierd. But I love it. I think it takes me back to my childhood. So being that I didn't really want to buy a cake full of perservatives and the like, I'm "trying" to be healthier, I decided to make a semi-homeade, semi-healthy cake. I used eggs from our chickens, so I feel better about that. I'm pretty sure that it's going to taste yummy and I love the way it turned out. I made it for my brother, Brendan's birthday dinner. Here's to a Happy Birthday (and year) for Brendan!

Last Post

2009-04-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

I decided to delete my last post because the muffins looked like something not fit for consumption and the chicken soup looked something like a jar of brains. Gross. Although they both were delicious, they just didn't translate well. I haven't been keeping up with the blogging, I still don't really get the whole thing, but I'm going to keep trying. I have some really cute creations, mostly purses, that I need to take pictures of and some updates about the garden. I guess we'll see if I get around to it....

Salsa Garden

2009-02-09T02:39:00.000-07:00

We started our summer "salsa" garden this week. It's actually going to be more than just a salsa garden, but i like the way "salsa garden' sounds! I have to admit, we "cheated a little with the peppers, but they were so big and beautiful we couldn't resist buying them in pots. I'm going to try to keep this blog updated with the garden's progress. We'll see...i haven't been too good at keeping up with this blogging thing.

I've been really busy lately, making things, taking care of a sick family and myself. I'm at the tail end of a yucky cold and I just want it to be over! I crocheted my first beanie and did something wrong, but it's cute anyway. I also made one for myself, but i won't share a picture of it. i look kind of silly in it, but Clementine look perfectly adorable!

2009...

2009-01-06T03:41:00.000-07:00

This year is going to be a big one for me. First off, I am going to try to figure out how to make this blog look and read beautifully - quite a lofty goal in and of itself. Then I want to officially get into SIRLS, complete a triathalon with Maryann, make one project a week (even though i really don't like calling them projects), save money and get out of debt. And that's just to start. It's going to be a busy year, but I'm hoping that it's the best year it can be. I'm coming off a few really bad years and am ready to move forward!

My Wonderful, Artist Mother (Judy Nostrant) has started a website!!!!

2008-12-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

I am so proud - she's super talented and you can even purchase her work!!! Click here to check her out Judy Nostrant Paintings.

Chickens make me happy......

2008-12-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

These are terrible photos, but I was so excited after I made this that I had to take pictures - even if no one sees them!

Feeling down.

2008-12-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

Today I had the blues for some reason, don't know why. But it was nothing that a little creative sewing and Carrie Rodriguez couldn't cure. I find that when I'm feeling blue if I pick up something and try to be creative it usually helps. This time of year is crazy and sometimes I feel overwhelmed, but if I slow down and think about all I have to be grateful about it helps.

i finally did it

2008-11-30T04:55:00.000-07:00

i took the gre!!! i've been saying that i'm going to take it for 2 years so that i can actually apply to the IRLS program instead of just taking classes! it was weird taking it. first off, i haven't taken a test like that in around 20 years and secondly it was administered on a computer screen. back when i was a undergrad we barely had computers! times have changed

anyhow, now i'm finished with it and i can get back to making lots of stuff. in fact, i'm not sure how i'm going to get everything done. i've made a pledge to have a handmade christmas this year. i might have to break that pledge to get a bike for patrick, but other than that i really do want to make everything or only purchase handmade items.

Martha Stewart's design staff is evil

2008-11-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

I've spent about 3 hours on this pig and it's just a mess. The instructions are okay, but it's just not a sound design. For years I've tried different patterns, recipes and ideas from her magazine and website with poor results. Her projects are usually complicated, time consuming and bound for failure. Of course, this isn't really news to anyone who likes to make things. When will I ever learn?!? She's all style and no substance. ugh!!! what a waste of precious time.

Wee Wonderful....

2008-11-12T03:46:00.000-07:00

I made these really cute stuffed cats from a pattern I got off of Wee Wonderfuls. I love them and they were super easy and fun to make. I've decided to give them as gifts for the holidays. I have more to make and would like to alter the pattern a little and design some more animals like them. I just have to find the time!

Still Creating

2008-11-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

I'm still trying to figure out how to design this blog and how to make a really cool banner. Angry chicken has such an inspirational blog and makes me want to create something equally as nice! Anyhow, I'm working on making lots of different things for Christmas. I've made a pledge to have a homemade Christmas, for the most part. It's seems like time is closing in so quickly and there is lots to do. Oh yeah, I'm SOOO happy Obama won!

So far...

2008-10-30T00:47:00.000-07:00

I'm kinda enjoying this blog this. No one is reading it, but it's still fun to write. I'm hoping I'll get better at it the more I do it. I don't like the lay out and want to work on that, but I think it's really the content that needs the most help. I'm hoping to keep it up and improve as I go along! I'm home with a sick boy today, so I'm not sure I'll be able to work on it, but here's hoping!

My very first post ever.....

2008-10-27T05:06:00.000-07:00

So this weblog this is really new to me. I know, welcome to 2008, right?? Anyhow, I'm still not too sure I'm down with this, but I enjoy reading other people's blogs to much I thought I'd give it a shot. I have run across so many wonderful weblogs done by such creative and fascinating people, it has inspired me and now I believe that even i might be able to do it!