Other Musings

legos

in

Last night J. brought out a huge Tupperware box and emptied it onto our living room floor. Before I knew it, legos and mini cars were everywhere. (Now that his parents are getting ready to move, they are passing along all of his childhood toys from their storage to ours-or to our non existent storage haha.)

So what did I do when I saw our floor covered in little pieces of  colored plastic? I sat down and helped my husband build a fort. Because sometimes, you just have to relax and act like a kid.

I hope you all are having a wonderful Monday!

where has the romance gone?

in ,

I really have no excuse as to why it's been so long, so I won't try to give any. I will say that work has been busy and J. just finished up another year of pharmacy school so it's been super busy around here. Hmm...sounds a lot like an excuse though! Anyhow. I was reading Marie Claire (I think) when I saw this ad.

via simon g

now, there has already been a lot of controversy surrounding this ad over the past few months, but I personally had never seen it in print before. Trust me, it is just as appalling as you would imagine.  First, you are assuming that your wife to be would cheat on you (sign number 1 you shouldn't marry her) and then, you are assuming that if you present her with a big enough/flashy enough ring, she will "think twice" about removing it and therefore will not be able to cheat. Seriously? Who wrote this?! And given that it's not in a men's magazine what exactly are they looking to gain here? Are there any women who would see this, rip it out, and give it to their boyfriends with a post it that says, "if you buy me this, I promise I won't cheat. Or at least I'll think twice."

Personally, I wouldn't like to know that my ring was chosen after seeing this particular ad. I mean, I understand trying to be "different" and "edgy," but I think these ads are just in poor taste.

I was a little annoyed by this so I went to the site and looked up the other ads. All pretty much just as tasteless. One suggests showing how you spent your settlement check. Great. This is about as sad as when I opened a bridal magazine in the beginning of our engagement and one of the dress articles said not to worry too much about what you wear because "this is only your first wedding."

I mean, really. I know divorce happens, but personally, I wasn't planning on what to wear for the second go round before I even had the first. Seems like you're just asking for problems. Instead, how about say something like- don't stress so much because he's not marrying the dress, he's marrying you. I'd hope that even if you showed up in jeans you couldn't change his mind.

So where has the romance gone? And no. I am not talking about some fairy tale happily ever after romance- I'm talking about the real romance. The getting married because you love someone kind of romance. The "it doesn't matter how big the ring is, it's the promise that matters" romance.  The "I promise to love you even though you always leave the cabinet doors open" kind of romance. Are we really living in such a cynical world that we are already planning the cheating and the divorce before we say "I do?" How sad. I for one, do not want to live in that world.

Maybe that's why the ads annoyed me so much. I'm still one for growing old together. For building a life together. For arguing together over paint colors and then for admitting it was a silly argument and making up. I love the old couples in "When Harry Met Sally." Their stories and quirks. The fact that none of them are perfect, but that they are in it together. (Yes, I am aware this is a movie, but you get the drift.)

I'm not alone in this, am I? Please tell me there are still people like me out there.

And now that I've ranted, I'm going to get back to my escort cards. Happy Tuesday everyone! And I promise tomorrow will be more light hearted!

rock me momma like the wind and the rain

in ,

via Old Crow Medicine Show Website

My husband is a huge music fan. Like HUGE. (Our love of live music was actually one of the first things we bonded over!) And given that we met in Athens, Georgia (home of the B52's, Widespread Panic, and REM just to name a few) many of our dates revolved around going to see bands. Pretty much every night you could find some type of concert and we tried to get to as many as possible. One group we saw stands out in particular to me because of their recent success. I remember telling people we were going to see Old Crow Medicine Show and getting looks of "who the heck are they?" but  J. knew of them, thought I would like them, and for only $5 a ticket there was really nothing to lose. We were two of maybe 30 people there, but the band played as though it was a packed house. It was the first time I heard the song "Wagon Wheel" (still one of my favorites) and we both immediately  became huge fans. I think their CD was like $7 and after they played we got to say hey as they hung around for a little while. It was such a cool experience- even more so because OCMS was "unknown."

Of course now we hear "Wagon Wheel" almost every time we are out and I've noticed a really strong following for their music. Even people who I would never guess would like their "twang" are dancing around when their songs come on.

And if anyone happens to be around Athens this Thursday, they are playing another show! Of course this will cost you $30, not $5, but I can guarantee it is more than worth it. Maybe we'll even head up to the Alma Mater for it...

home sweet home

in

I woke up to thunder and lightning last night as heavy rain poured down outside. It was the kind of storm where you don't have to even turn on the lights because every few seconds the whole room will light up with a white flash. I love thunderstorms and couldn't help but sneak out of bed and watch the rain fall as I drank a glass of water. Of course, the moment my head hit the pillow I was fast asleep again. Nothing like falling asleep to the sound of raindrops. Of course, this morning it's so humid you could cut the air with a knife. Seriously, it felt as though I was swimming when I took Bella outside. Apparently the storms are worst than I thought because various areas of the interstates around here are still under water (and the rain is still coming down.) Not as bad as Nashville though, so I guess that is a good thing. (speaking of which, I really hope everyone up there is okay!)

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! J. and I went to my parents house for the weekend which was awesome. It's always so nice getting to hang out with my parents and catch up face to face. Even though we talk almost everyday on the phone (thank goodness for friends and family with Verizon!) it's always a thousand times better in person. Friday night, my dad and J. headed out to hunting club for some early morning turkey hunting on Saturday (which was a first for the husband, but apparently he had a great time because he's already talking about "next time.") As for us girls, I kept my mom up until 1am talking ("too late for her!") and then we spent all day shopping around Augusta before a late lunch and champagne out on a nearby restaurant's patio. After the boys came home, we all sat around together and then grilled kebabs for dinner. It was so relaxing and nice being there and I definitely got a little sad heading home Sunday "morning" (our definition of leaving early is 11a.)

Oh! And I almost forgot. My mom gave me a Le Creuset French oven! I cannot even BEGIN to tell you how excited I am about this. I'm already planning meals as I type! Even more special though, since it was my mom's, it's in the traditional flame color which always reminds me of her and her cooking. Even just seeing it on our stove reminds me of watching her cook when I was younger.

And now it's time to get back to work! I hope everyone has a great Monday!!

just somethings I am loving

in , ,

via project wedding. made by Jordan Ferney

ceiling decor? check. bright strips of paper? check. Easy and cheap? check. I need these hanging about our table at our next dinner party. Or next Tuesday. I think this is capable of turning a regular old day into a celebration.

via design sponge

Amen. I love this poster and I know someone who needs/would greatly appreciate this poster.

via Brook Farm General Store

I don't need these, but something in me really (really) wants them. Could you imagine getting these cleaned and disinfected though? Eh. I don't care. They rock and would look beautiful on my counter.

via black eiffel

Sometimes I think we forget things really are this simple.

via quirk gallery

Porcelain legos. A classic made even more amazing.

hey hey mr. post man

in , , ,

via personal collection

look what showed up in the mail this weekend! The photos online didn't do these beauties justice- they are so beautiful in person! I've already rocked 3 of the 5 and love the edginess they bring to an outfit. Thanks again to both the BSP and Candace!

via Saks

Something else that showed up via my electronic postman today was this super cute bag. I'm a HUGE picnic person (J. planned one for our first date and recreated it when he proposed so I have a soft spot for them) so this bag is right up my alley. And even though the price tag is not "right up my alley," it did give me a great idea, so stay tuned for my take on this one. It'll fit right in with a project I'm working on!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Tuesday!

switching up how I get my news

in

via wishfulfillment

Confession-I do not watch the news (usually.)

I always find it to be REALLY depressing and because I am one of those people who has to fight back tears when I see strangers hurting, homeless people, lost dogs.., I have to look away/change the channel all the time. (I've found that this is surprising to a lot of people.) And given that most of our local news is only about one person shooting another person, someone burning someone else's house down, sex predators... you name it, I usually find it best for my state of mind to just avoid it.

Of course, that in itself brings about some issues. An example? In college I complained to my dad about how much it was raining that week. He thought I was kidding. Yes friends, he thought I was kidding because there was a major hurricane system circling the southeast that I didn't know about. Instead, I was locked away in an art studio doing work and complaining about how long my dry times were. Whoops.

And last week? I was a day behind on the Iceland volcano issue. I really had no clue. Thank goodness it wasn't for that long so I didn't embarrass myself in conversation, but it did make me change my "no news" stance. So today I am writing this as I watch the news.  Currently I am hearing about how government workers got caught searching porn sites, how students at a local high school in Forsyth County were covering the school in threatening graffiti, and how a young lied about how he set 5 homes of fire (he said he burned a pizza and threw it on the back porch, but later admitted that he actually caused it after he lit an action figure on fire.) Oh, and this was right after I heard a story about a kid's family suing a school for not allowing him back into school after he was caught with a knife and a gun. This was after he said he was going to kill the baseball coach and the current team since he "was cut from try outs." Really people?!

This is why I can't watch the news.

I am now switching over to HGTV and pulling up online news. Maybe the ability to skim the horrible local news and read about this big issues (what the government is doing, natural disasters etc) will work out better for me!

Anyhow, on a more positive note, it's Friday!! This has been a very eventful and fun week- impromptu dinner parties, mid day lunches,  a dinner and a movie date with the hubs- and this weekend is just as busy! Hopefully the rain won't put a damper on the semi-formal we have this weekend even though it is canceling our kayaking plans. Either way, it's going to be a fun weekend. (And in one week we get to see my parents! I am counting down already because I cannot wait hang out with them.)

What about you all? Any fun plans? If you're bored and trying to find something to do to procrastinate the last few hours of the work day take a look at my blogroll. It's full of wonderful blogs that everyone should take a look at!

Have a great weekend!!

The Bright Side Project

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"devastated rumor rope" via Candace's site

I've talked about BSP before, but today the ladies who make it all possible get another shout out. First, if you haven't gone to the site, go now; I'll wait.

Awesome right? Everything day a new item (generously donated by the artist/designer/creator especially for the project) is posted along with a question for us visitors to comment on and *fingers crossed* win. I personally check the site almost every day, comment on pretty much everything (since I love it all) and check the winners box every Wednesday (to no avail.) That is, until now.

Two weeks ago, I left a comment to win a $500 gift certificate to Candace Ang's webshop (check her work out here just in case - like me- you don't live in NYC and can't visit the nearest Bergdorf's or Barneys to see her pieces in person.) Seen in magazines such as marie claire, Lucky, and Cosmo, as well as on celebs such as Kelly Ripa and Kim Kardashian, her jewelry has been getting a lot of attention. Edgy, unique, and just a little dangerous, they were definitely on my "if I had $200+ to spend on a necklace and not have feelings of guilt on whether or not that $200 should go into savings, this would be it" wish list. Of course, my practical side pretty much always wins out and that $200 goes into savings. (hey. doctorate programs aren't cheap and we're saving for a house!)

But today, my unpractical side got a present. Between launching the new site, advertising, emailing, and orders, I (gasp!) had NOT checked the winners box to see if my name was "up in lights" for over a week. Luckily the lovely Miss B let me know that a) I HAD WON and b) my time was running out to claim it (as in, I would lose my prize in less than 12 hours due to the 1 week to claim deadline if I didn't respond RIGHT THEN.) I sent my email confirmation within 30 seconds.

And of course, I then headed straight to Candace's site to spend some quality time "oohing and ahhing" and letting my indulgent side have a ball. And it rocked.

But now, I have two things I need to do.

First, the thank you's. A huge thank you goes out to Candace for offering up a very generous gift certificate for some of her beautiful pieces. It's always wonderful to have people share their talents, but this level of generosity is kind of humbling. So thank you! I can't wait to rock your jewelry.

The next thank you goes to the lovely ladies of the Bright Side Project. They work tirelessly to bring new work to the public AND give you the ability to win those awesome works. I have discovered so many wonderful pieces and artists through the site and fully support all they do. Oh and did I mention they do this on TOP of their 40+ hour work weeks? That's right. This isn't for making huge profits- this is really to "spread sunshine daily." Which leads me to the second thing I need to do. Ask a favor.

(I can hear you all now. "seriously? you JUST won something and now you want a favor?!")

yes I do. and I promise it's won't be too hard and it won't cost a dime. All I ask is that you spread the word about the Bright Side Project. If you're an artist/designer/etsy entrepreneur and would be interested in being a contributor, send them an email. Don't fit into those categories? No problem! Just become a reader. You'll get introduced to new talent, be asked fun and/or thought provoking questions, and who knows, maybe you'll luck out and see your name in the winners box!

happy Wednesday everyone!!

Taking a moment for yourself

in ,

isn't this bathroom beautiful?! via the city sage

Let me tell you a secret- even though I've seen the website more times than  I can count now, I still catch myself just clicking through it at least 3ish times a day. A little embarrassing, but true! Speaking of which, if you haven't seen it I would love for you to go take a look, and would love even more if you became a fan on facebook, started following on twitter (which I am still just now getting the hang of. sort of.) etc.

Last night, around 9ish, I realized that I still have 3 magazines sitting waiting for me to read.

Now to some people, that is normal, but to me I was shocked at how long it had been since they arrived the mail and I STILL hadn't even cracked them open. I'm one of those people who opens the cover the moment I pick it up from the mailbox, and don't put it down until I've read every.single.word.

These magazines were at least one week old. One might have even been 2 weeks. About this same time I realized that despite it being 9pm, I hadn't stopped working all day. Probably for the week. My husband stole me away to the pool on Wednesday and I still brought my sketchbook and ended up on the phone discussing the last minute touches of the website. Here it was 9pm, J. was at a meeting, and if I wasn't working I was cleaning, or organizing, doing laundry- doing something. I just COULDN'T sit still. It was as though I was working so hard for so long, that my body didn't know how to just relax. Which was strange since I'm normally  very good at relaxing!

So I closed my laptop- unplugged it even- turned off the tv and the lights and climbed into bed with one of my favorite magazines. I barely got halfway through before I could feel the tension melt away and sooner after I was sound asleep.

So why am I sharing this? Well I think this is something that all of us experience. Whether we're working, planning a wedding, or raising a family, we get caught up in the busyness of everyday and forget to look at the little things and find the simple joys all around us. So this is my challenge to all of you- take break this weekend. Finish up what you need to do by the end of the workday (and if you're like me and make your own hours, shoot for 5pm) and then check out for the weekend. Take a little longer making a meal you love, spend some quality time with those you love, take a bath, call a friend, read a magazine, do anything- just make sure it's something you love and something done for yourself.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

The new website (and blog) is live!

in ,

Hi everyone!!

By now I bet you are all noticing that things are looking a little different around here, and you are right! Over the past few months I've been working with my friend Neil Summerour to create a BRAND NEW website. And what an amazing job he did! After seeing my simple illustrator mock ups, Neil took the website to a level I couldn't have even imagine. To say the least, when I saw everything all finished and ready to launch, I was speechless (which takes a lot, trust me.) Before I go on to explain some of the new features though, I want to say a huge thank you to Neil. I am so lucky to have such a talented friend and without his hard work this website would have never happened. Thank you!!

Now on to the cool stuff.

First, the header was completely redone. I really wanted the site to feel airy. Kind of like a blank canvas where the photographs of my work would really pop. Incorporating the logo Andy Carlyle created for me a few months ago, Neil cleaned everything else up. The menu was overhauled with a new crisp font (the same font as "stationery and design" in my logo) and now when you roll over them, a simple little line pops up under the word. Small touch, I know, but I was pretty excited about it. The biggest surprise to me was the watercolor wash over the top of every page. I just love (love love) the organic feel of it.

Second, the home page. New photos were added, the pace picked up (so you didn't have to wait so long to see the next image) and a "number" tab was added so you can jump to, pause, and then play the image slideshow.

Then of course, the gallery, weddings page, and custom pages all were redesigned, with brighter images (clickable to view larger), new fancy titles (which match my logo as well,) curved drop shadows, and of course even MORE images to show some of the different items I can create for you.

Have you looked at the footer? There you can find links to contact me (on the brand new contact page!), become a fan on facebook, follow me on twitter... pretty much anything and everything you need all condensed in on little area.

And of course, one of the most exciting things to me is that the blog is now integrated into the site! Neil imported the entire old blog into the new, working with designs, etc and I have to say- I love the results (dates in gray circles?! yes please.) And now I have fresh new categories (I re-categorized and tagged each post into the wee hours of the morning so they are more accessible now.) Now I just have to get used to Wordpress!

So have fun with the new website! Go explore, click around, become a fan, follow me on twitter, peruse the blog- whatever you would like . And as always, feel free to spread the word!

Have a great day everyone!