merely the moon

Vintage Children's Books

2012-02-02T18:55:00.000-06:00

Have you ever noticed how there are not many options for gender neutral items for babies lately? It could be because so many people find out the sex of their babies before they are born, so there is more time to prepare. This has been a problem for me so far. I am normally a planner by nature, but my need to plan has been heightened by my pregnancy. The planning feels urgent now!
Jason and I get to find out tomorrow what we're having, but in the meantime, we have been trying to collect items that our baby will benefit from, no matter what reproductive organs it has. One of those things has been books.
We have been going to thrift stores to find the classics (like Dr. Suess, Corduroy, Have you seen my mother, etc...) and we've made out really well doing that. Thrifting for children's books is also a great option because you come across some reals gems that you wouldn't find normally, too.

On one thrifting visit a few weeks ago, Jason and I found three books from the 1930's. Pretty cool!
My favorite is Petite Suzanne, about a French Canadian girl who learns to hunt and weave, all by Christmas! That Suzanne...she really knows where it's at.

So, where have you been all this time?

2012-01-31T10:07:00.000-06:00

I just finished student teaching this past Friday, and I'm starting to get things together to begin subbing. It's so bitter-sweet to be done. In some ways, I feel as though I have just climbed a mountain, and on the other hand, I know that I will really miss my students.
I have had a really different student teaching experience than the average student. First of all, I'm not an undergrad, so that gave me a boost in the right direction from life experience. The second thing that made my student teaching experience different from most was that I'm pregnant. That's right! Jason and I are having our first baby. That's kind of why I have been so absent from blogging.
I know there are plenty of expecting/mom bloggers who can keep up with their blog, even with being so exhausted all the time (like the lovely Meg! I don't know how she does it.) During my first trimester, I would work all day, and go to bed as soon as I finished dinner at 5:30 or 6. As of this week, I am 19 weeks pregnant, so I'm thrilled to be out of that position and to have more energy!

So that's the update! Jason and I get to find out on Friday what the gender of the baby is. We're so excited!

Fill in the blank Friday.

2012-01-27T17:36:00.000-06:00

1. My favorite place I've ever traveled to is probably the Rockies of Wyoming or Seattle, WA.

2. Copenhagen, Vienna, or Venice are places I'd love to go someday.

3. I pass the time on a plane (or bus, or car ride or train) by knitting, reading, and thinking.

4. My three must-haves when I travel are minimal. I toured the country for months at a time with nothing but a ukulele, autoharp, a journal, a few change of clothes, deodorant, and a toothbrush. They all fit into a tiny messenger bag!

5. My favorite travel companion is my husband. He never makes me drive unless I want to.

6. The craziest thing that ever happened to me while traveling was meeting my husband. I played at the coffee shop he runs, and the rest is history.

7. The most exotic food I've ever tried while traveling is an Idaho Spud, among other regional candies and soda!

8. If I could live anywhere else, I'd live in Vermont, Washington, Austria, or Norway.

9. I have been to 38 states total. My goal is to visit each state before I die. (I only have ten left, including Alaska and Hawaii!)

2011 in colors: Violet and Neutrals

2012-01-07T17:08:00.000-06:00

Just a look back at the past year, organized by color!
See ya, 2011! You certainly treated us well.

2011 in colors: Blue and Green

2012-01-02T21:12:00.000-06:00

Just a look back at the past year, organized by color!

2011 in colors: Orange and Yellow

2012-01-01T11:06:00.000-06:00

Just a look back at the past year, organized by color!

2011 in colors: Red

2012-01-01T09:34:00.001-06:00

Just a look back at the past year, organized by color!

Wedding Week, Day 3

2011-12-22T12:08:00.000-06:00

Our reception was something that I had been working very hard on for just about a year. I'm really pleased with the relaxed atmosphere that we put together, and even though it was so hot, everyone had a blast.

Our friends Krista and Nathan made home-brewed ginger beer and wheat beer for the wedding, and it was a total hit! I didn't drink any, but everyone loved it!

Our friend Monica helped us with a DIY photobooth. My sister and I made the props with one of the older girls that I take care of during the summer. They were a blast!

I used metallic vintage frames with old family photo's for our centerpieces. We also had a variety of milk glass vases that held flowers from the Dane County Farmer's Market. I placed everything on a vinyl record to have some contrast from the white tablecloth.

Jason and I collected glass jars, plates (dinner and desert), and silverware from thrift stores and wrapped the silverware in vintage fabric.

One of my favorite things about our wedding was that we also had a family of hummingbirds as our guests! If that's not a good sign, I don't know what is!

Wedding Week, Day 2

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-06:00

Wedding Ceremony

Jason and I wanted to make our wedding ceremony personal and unique to us as a couple. We had our friends Nathan and Krista play guitar, ukulele, and melodica instead of having a recording. We also had our friend Stephane marry us instead of a clergymen. He's a professor at Ohio State University and he speaks beautifully in public, and is one of Jason's best friends.
I told my bridesmaids to get grey dresses, and they could choose where they wanted to get them from. They ended up buying there dresses from a variety of places, from bhldn to target. I also did the same thing with the flower girls. I was really happy with the outcome.

Processional: "Our House" by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young
Bride Processional: "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young
Recessional: "Wouldn't it be Nice" by The Beach Boys.

Wedding Week, Day 1

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-06:00

So, I know I promised this a few weeks ago...but I have another surprise for my readers at the end of this week that might explain my absence a bit. So in the meantime, feel free to enjoy the photo's, and stay tuned!

And now, a first look!

Jason and I took most of our portraits before our wedding ceremony. I'm so happy we did, because the day we got married was in the high 80's in August! By taking out portraits early, everyone was still comfortable and looking their best.

We got married at Olin Park in our lovely city of Madison, Wisconsin. Jason and I love Madison so much. It's where we met and where we started our life together. Jason is originally from eastern Oklahoma, and I'm from north-eastern Pennsylvania. Madison actually ended up being the perfect in between point for our wedding, and everyone traveled a fairly equal distance.

Check out the little girlies! ^^

All the girls I've cared for since moving to Madison (minus baby Clare!)

More to come tomorrow!

Wedding Week!

2011-11-13T18:47:00.001-06:00

Are you ready for this?? I don't think you're ready. Oh, really? You are?
Okay good, because I'm going to be sharing some of my favorite wedding elements with you from that one time I married my soulmate. You know, it happened in August, some people came to witness it.

Get ready for the DIY.
Get ready for the pies.
Get ready for lots of pictures of Jason dancing.
Get ready to see my glorious summer tanlines.

It was a journey, (and holy hell, and I more than thrilled that it's over) but it certainly was a fun day.
Everyday this week!

All images by KariK Design!

Things I'm loving at Anthropologie right now...

2011-11-13T12:13:00.001-06:00

A rickshaw! Yeah, you heard me correctly!
This beautiful wood cut turntable.
Matching aprons for mother and child.
A Chandelier made of forks and spoons.
And finally, a kids line of clothing!

Want to go fight the power with me later?

2011-10-19T16:53:00.000-05:00

My favorite part is when she says "So! Your money doesn't make you better than me!!" This girl is a powerhouse!!

Get More: TV Shows, Full Episode Video, Reality TV Shows

Fabric Bookshelf Tutorial

2011-10-18T19:55:00.000-05:00

Remember when I posted about giving Jason's vinyl bookshelf a much needed makeover?
Well, I finally did it.
And it was an easy fix. The best part was that you can change the fabric with ease to make it fit with any room decor! Love it.

Materials:

Cotton Fabric
Measuring Tape
Scissors/Rotary Cutter
Self-healing Rotary Board
Pen and Paper
Double-sided tape

Instructions:

Measure the length and width of the backboard of each separate shelf. If you have 5 shelves, you need to measure 5 backboard sections, unless they're all the same. Double check, just in case.
Jot down the measurements with your pen and paper so you won't forget!
Once your fabric is ironed, lay it upon the rotary board and cut accordingly to your measurements. You might want to give 1/8th inch of excess fabric, just in case your fabric is kind of stretchy. You can always go back and cut the fabric more if you need to.
Apply double-sided tape to the corners and middle boarder of each backboard section of the bookshelf.
Stick your cut fabric onto the backboard. Feel free to readjust as necessary.
Fin!

Idaho Spud? Charleston Chew?

2011-10-17T15:30:00.000-05:00

I'm in love! This is a graphic organizer of every chocolate bar you could think of, and what it is made of. Amazing. Even the good old Idaho Spud was listed.

via, and buy it via

Lack of Ladies?

2011-10-13T21:04:00.000-05:00

From what I counted, there were only 15/109 female musicians represented. I think this is a really cool depiction of hairstyles of modern popular music, however, it shows the lack of influential ladies in the music industry.
What do you think?

via

Appalachian Spring

2011-10-04T18:14:00.000-05:00

Here's to finding beauty in everyday life.

Appalachian Spring

Music by Aaron Copeland, Choreography by Martha Graham.

Finland's gift to expecting mothers.

2011-10-03T15:45:00.000-05:00

I just found out about this lovely idea at ohdeedoh.
Apparently Finland gives all of it's expecting mothers a baby box. What a wonderful way welcome the little ones.
Good thinkin', Finland!

Redecorating

2011-09-26T15:57:00.000-05:00

Since Jason and I have moved into our new apartment we haven't really had the chance to make it into a well lived in home. That's something that I'm trying to change.

Today I put up some thrifted curtains that I bought last winter and some fabric bunting. Yes please.

Video Timeline

2011-09-21T14:54:00.004-05:00

As a history teacher, I'm a pretty big fan of timelines. I'm an even bigger fan of video timelines.
Another example of how visuals can never be bad.

Here is a video timeline of modern London fashion.

Green Eye Candy.

2011-09-20T15:00:00.032-05:00

Jadeite anything is always homey, classic, and always the perfect pop of color. Love it.

Jadeite 9" Mixing Bowl

Fire King Jane Ray Jadeite Lot

Fabric Bookshelf

2011-09-19T15:00:00.001-05:00

I cannot wait to try this tutorial.
Jason's vinyl shelf has been a little sore on the eyes lately, so this should really spice it up!

Cat Paw-T.

2011-09-18T14:40:00.000-05:00

Did I ever mention that I threw myself a cat birthday party for my 25th birthday?
Well, I did.
And it was glorious.

Tunes for Tykes. September/2011

2011-09-18T13:49:00.002-05:00

Why? Because I like you.

Everyone has a similar story.

2011-09-11T18:26:00.000-05:00

There is a certain comradery that I have noticed does not exist in the mid-west like people in the northeast have, and particularly in New York. I don't really talk about being raised in Queens that often, because where I'm from, it's really no big deal. Everyone has a similar story.
My family was lucky enough to not to loose anyone on September 11, 2001. I don't know how we didn't, with everyone we loved in New York working in Manhattan.
There was always a silent understanding between everyone I knew on the east coast that you just don't bad mouth that day. You just don't. It's rude, uncalled for, and completely unnecessary. I don't know if I just don't hang out with the right people or what, but the midwest lacks that, and it hurts my heart.

Honeyluna.

2011-08-26T10:57:00.000-05:00

Jason and I had a beautiful, romantic, and inexpensive honeymoon. We traveled to Yellowstone, the Bighorn Mts., and The Black Hills of South Dakota. We decided to not keep a budget to keep track of, but rather make good decisions with what we spent on and where we spent our money. (Ex: Not buying anything in Yellowstone.) We didn't hold back on splurging here and there, but we didn't go crazy either. We didn't give ourselves any kind of schedule, so we had more of an adventure than a vacation.
As a planner by nature, I had a difficult time letting go at first. But after nine months of wedding planning, I was pleased to let go and travel with my phone off. I would highly recommend this mode of traveling to anyone and everyone.

The knot is tied!

2011-08-16T20:54:00.001-05:00

Well, here I am...

Resting from a whirlwind of excitement.
Back here blogging.
Back from our honeymoon.
And best of all, Jason and I are married!

It feels great to be back home and living normally again. And don't worry, we'll have more soon!

Via Kari K Design!

Fill in the Blank Friday (7/8)

2011-07-08T10:22:00.000-05:00

1. My plans this summer include getting married, going to Yellowstone for our honeymoon, and hopefully fitting into my wedding dress.

2. The best summer I ever had was my first summer touring, but I think this summer will beat it out.

3. Summer is bikerides, inhalers, lake swimming, and maybe too much ice cream.

4. My favorite summer food is plain yogurt with fresh fruit .

5. The best way to quench a summer thirst is with water, of course.

6. My summer uniform consists of lots and lots of skirts .

7. The best thing about summer is getting to enjoy the outdoors.

Dads are the Original Hipsters.

2011-06-19T16:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Father's Day, to your favorite O.H. (original hipster.)

Dads are the Original Hipsters

It's true, my father was obsessed with cats before I was!

Cherries.

2011-06-18T15:01:00.000-05:00

Can we just talk about how one of my recipes have been featured on grassroutestravel.com? Yeah! And it was my very first baking recipe that I ever created; a hearty, rustic fresh cherry scone. I feel so very honored for the nod. Thanks for thinking of us, GRT!

You can find the "What to do with Cherries" post: HERE!
You can find the direct link to my cherry and oat scone recipe: HERE!

via echoesofthepastonline

Fill in the Blank Friday (6/17)

2011-06-17T09:42:00.000-05:00

^ Homemade Hazelnut Gelato! ^

1. The last movie I saw was Midnight in Paris! Woody Allen's new movie. Jason and I went to see it last night, and I loved it.

2. I want to get my bangs trimmed today. They are driving me absolutely insane!!

3. Surprises are few and far between, but fun! This past week I brought the dinosaur-loving three year old that I watch to the Geology museum downtown. I didn't tell her where we were going, I just wanted to see the look of wonder and surprise when she finally got to see dinosaur fossils.

4. The best accessory is a chunky vintage necklace. I have a few that I will rotate when an outfit needs a little pick me up. It always does the trick!

5. My favorite warm drink is a soy latte. When it's made correctly, you don't even have to add sugar.

6. My favorite cold drink is water. I once read a book as a kid called "The Search for Delicious", about a man who travels the world for the most delicious thing on earth so he could complete it's definition in a dictionary he was writing. It turned out that he discovered that water was the most delicious thing on earth .

7. Currently loving sitting poolside, covered in sunblock, with nothing to do but read. Honestly, there's just about nothing better.

Sunflower Seed Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-06-15T20:17:00.001-05:00

Phew! It's finally cool enough to bake here in Wisconsin! We had quite the hot spell last week, but now all is well!
I baked some cookies for my father and Jason's father for Pop's Day, and I just thought I would share it with everyone!

What are you doing for your dad for Father's Day?

Sunflower Seed Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you're in the mood for a cookie that isn't too sweet with a light airy texture...this is the one for you, my friends!

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup natural, creamy peanut butter
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp Salt
2 large egg
1/2 cup soy milk
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
(optional) peanut butter M&M's for topping...only because it's a Father's Day treat.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350*F.
Mix wet ingredients into a stand mixer, then proceed to add the dry ingredients. Mix together until blissfully smooth and delectable.
Bake for 15-20 mins.
Fin!

Fill in the Blank Friday...only on Saturday. (6/11)

2011-06-11T18:00:00.000-05:00

1. This weekend I'm laying low and hopefully going for as many tandem bike rides as possible.

2. My last vacation was probably my trip home to Pennsylvania recently. I guess that would count as a mini vacation.

3. My next vacation will be another mini trip, only to Cleveland this time. I've been to Cleveland four times, three while I was on tour, and once while I was at a greyhound bus station. (Creepy!!) Jason and I are going there for our friend's wedding. Besides the wedding, I'm excited to explore a city with Jason that is mostly unfamiliar to us.

4. My favorite way to relax is watching hulu with Jason right before bed. Sometimes we'll even get a movie from the library! What a treat!

5. When vacationing one should always pack light. Remember that you are not moving anywhere, so you don't need all of your belongings. Trust me, I've lived out of a messenger bag for three months of my life, and that's even smaller than a backpack!

6. When vacationing one should never see themselves as being invincible, especially in a new place. Be sure to remember that scene in Stand By Me before you jump into that marshy pond. They ended up getting covered in leaches, and it was gross. I always remind myself that being spontaneous is great, but being covered by leaches is not so great.

7. The best part about a vacation is eating different food and seeing different surroundings.

Wedding Planning Blues. AKA.. Someone Shoot Me.

2011-06-09T19:28:00.000-05:00

I am going to make more of a conscious effort to blog more...I promise.
Lately I've been spending all of my free time doing wedding planning and reading Girls Like Us. It's an amazing read, and I highly recommend it, and so does Oprah...so that means you would probably love it.

I've been so absent because lately I've been feeling like I've had nothing creative to share with anyone, because I haven't been doing anything creative lately. It's been making me so jealous of everyone in the universe who is doing anything creative. Not healthy! I guess I'm finally realizing that I need to let go. Our wedding is not going to be on Ruffled of Green Wedding Shoes, because I don't have a stylist or wedding planner, and I refuse to allow myself to go insane over cupcakes and centerpieces. I quite simply refuse!

I think I just need to be better about asking for help. But guess what...that takes even more planning!
It's a vicious cycle.

Fill in the Blank Friday; 6/3

2011-06-03T10:45:00.000-05:00

It's my birthday today. I'm getting much pleasure out of the fact that I have an excuse to draw whiskers on all of my friends faces tonight, and my cat party.

1. I love playing music because I can carry a tune and play any song I choose. I've stopped playing out in the past few months because I just didn't enjoy playing by myself anymore, and Madison's music scene isn't the easiest place for a singer/songwriter to play. I don't think that my music will be my legacy, but sometimes it's nice to think that it might be.

2. A time that mama knew best was when she would tell me and my sister to not waste our time with fair-weather friends. Mothers teach their children how to be good friends, but most importantly, how to choose quality friends.

3. My first kiss went a little like this ...it was the spring of my 9th grade year, outside of the school bus after school. With my first steady boyfriend. It was raining!

4. My celebrity crush is probably John Cusak or Ryan Gosling. I don't really have a type of guy that I really typically like since personality is the most important thing I look for in a compatible partner. I always respect the roles they play as actors though, and I find that endearing. Especially Grace is Gone...gosh, I cried the whole time.

5. My splurge of choice is anything vintage. If I find a great deal on something old and lovely, I will snatch it up in an instant.

6. My biggest accomplishment is following my gut. It's lead me into every good decision I've made in life, among others .

7. My dance jam of choice is "Just a Friend" by Biz Markie. Definitely.

Jackie's Wedding!

2011-05-19T18:26:00.000-05:00

I went home last week to my parent's house in Pennsylvania for my best friend Jackie's wedding. I have a few best friends, whom I love for different reasons. Jackie is a forever caring and forgiving friend who's love has no boundaries. We took our driving test together in high school, and got each other through college, so of course I had to fly home for her wedding this spring.

While I was home, my sister and mom threw me a wedding shower, too! It was so great to see all of the people I love so much from home, and to spend lots of time with my parents and sister.

A History of Vintage Sewing Patterns

2011-05-11T08:57:00.000-05:00

I'm a great lover of history and old vintage patterns, so when I saw this article about the history of paper patterns, I nearly keeled over with joy!
Great read.

Vintage Patterns: The Importance of Paper

via

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T09:59:00.000-05:00

So, it's Mother's Day in the good ol' U. S. of A.! Call your Ma, your Grandma, or any mother for that matter, and give them a great big "thank you!"

And when you're done with that, read this super cute set of interviews from Paste Magazine:

18 Musical Moms Talk Motherhood

Photo by Chrissy Piper.

Fill in the Blank Friday; 5/6

2011-05-06T09:37:00.000-05:00

Join in the fun!

1. What I love most about my home is coming home to Jason and that cats .

2. I'm excited because, I'm going back to Pennsylvania next weekend for one of my oldest friend's wedding, then Oklahoma the following weekend (can you believe that? I'm finally meeting Jason's family!) .

3. My preferred method for blowing off steam when I'm frustrated is playing some music or picking up some knitting needles for some good old fashioned mindless knitting.

4. Currently I am craving a scone...or two...or ten .

5. The thing I love most about my mom is how she is a humble artist. It wasn't until last year when I planted my first garden that I realized how much of an art gardening truly was. Gardening is modest, and it come from the most primal of needs -- needing to eat. I find myself most admiring any art that is practical, first and foremost, lately .

6. If I was going to write a book about my life, the title would be "How to not let asthma ruin your life." Asthma attacks happen...but they don't have to make you boring.

7. If I were to eat one thing for the rest of eternity it would be Eggplant Parmesan. But it can only be made by me or someone in my family, because we've worked out all the quirks.

Wedding Dress.

2011-05-04T15:21:00.000-05:00

A lovely bit of detail to wet your whistle until August.

Tandem bike!

2011-05-01T19:58:00.000-05:00

Jason and I bought a tandem bike as our wedding gift to each other. We thought it would be a great activity that we could do together, and add onto once we plan our family. It's a little early, but we found a great deal on craigslist, so we couldn't turn it down. So in the meantime, we've been getting some good use out of it!

Today we biked around our neighborhood for a half hour, followed by a spontaneous bikeride around Lake Monona.
All together we traveled about 9 miles and leisurely biked for two hours! Not too shabby.

Fill in the Blank Friday; 4/29

2011-04-29T10:57:00.001-05:00

My sister has been doing this for a few weeks now, so I thought I would jump right in with it!

1. I am looking forward to getting married. Right now I'm at the point where I wish that Jason and I had decided to elope, that's how ready I am.

2. Something kind of embarassing that I still love anyway is any kind of dancing television program. As a kid I would always dream of being able to move my body like a dancer, so I would join dance classes. Then a month later I would get frustrated with the fact that I couldn't, so I would quit. I honestly couldn't tell you how many times I did that. Probably at least five (no exaggerations.)

3. My favorite car is probably an old school volvo station wagon. I toured and lived in one a few summers ago, so seeing one brings me back to those happy memories.

4. If I could pick one type of weather to live with for the rest of my life it would be Rocky Mountain summers. They're still warm enough for flowers to grow, but still cold enough for snow to be found occasionally.

5. My favorite thing to do after a bad/stressful day is take a shower. It's the perfect amount of alone time mixed with cleaning yourself of the B.S of the day.

6. This weekend I am taking a big exam.

7. If I were a color, I'd be green because, John Muir is my spiritual guru.

Mixing with Evie.

2011-04-26T11:53:00.001-05:00

I would really like to introduce you to my new best friend, my kitchen aid mixer.
Yup. I got it last Thursday from my grandparents as an early wedding gift. It was the one thing that I desperately wanted on our wedding registry, and now I can't imagine my life without it. Since Thursday, I've baked two cakes, one quiche, and one puff pastry.
I also baked these delicious Dulce de Leche cupcakes with Evie this morning. You can find the recipe here! Yum!

Be prepared for some more eye-candy. Lots more.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T19:43:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter!
Jason and I made the most amazing dinner!
We made a pecorino asparagus tart, lemon potato's, and tiny broccoli mushroom quiche. Traditionally my family always had lamb on Easter, and Jason's family would have ham, so it was nice to make something a little special for a holiday with just the two of us.

How did you celebrate?

Sippin' soda with Billy Mack.

2011-04-21T15:12:00.000-05:00

Jason and I moved a week and a half ago (that's why I've been absent!) Billy, Katherine, and Edwin came from Pennsylvania and Michigan to help us celebrate at our housewarming party, and gosh we're so happy they did!

Since a little bit after the tour started, Billy and Katherine have been taste-testing local soda across the country. What a clever idea!

Dang

Fentimans Dandelion and Burdock

A-Treat Grapefruit

A-Treat Rico Mango

Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray

If you want to keep up with the soda tasting of the United States, you can follow Billy and Katherine on their blog or on youtube.

OR go check out their new album; Soda!

It even has a cover of "The Pineapple Song", that is better than anything I've ever recorded!

denise nestor

2011-04-08T11:53:00.001-05:00

Sweet Jesu Christe, I love Denise Nestor's illustrations.
I found her blog randomly, and fell completely in love. I knew you would, too.
You can thank me later for sharing, if you choose.

Blog

via

Ground Inspiration -- Spring 2011

2011-04-08T11:31:00.001-05:00

Inspiring things that come from the ground.
Spring 2011

via

Drag City

2011-04-07T11:17:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago Jason and I attended a Drag birthday party for our remarkably sweet friend Janelle. Jason and I aren't really party people (I never have been), but it was a lot of fun! Honestly, it was just nice to dance with my friends for a change.
My advice to you:

Make some time this week to shake your groove thang.
Whoever said being the DD couldn't be fun? It can be, and your body will thank you later!

Stardust

2011-03-22T12:17:00.000-05:00

We're experiencing some late winter rain in Wisconsin today. Days like today are especially good for listening to jazz crooners sing sad songs. Not because they should make you sad, but because they should make you feel peaceful and content to be warmed by their voices.

"I get along without you very well" by Chet Baker

"Stardust" by Nat King Cole

Forward!

2011-03-16T19:25:00.001-05:00

I feel like my posts have been starting with "Sorry I haven't been around lately.." a bit too much. I actually am pretty sorry that I haven't been making a huge effort in blogging lately. When I'm not driving myself crazy with finishing the majority of my wedding planning before June, thinking about moving in April, or writing my dissertation, I'm protesting.

As I'm sure many of you know, and as I've mentioned before, things are pretty real in the mid-west lately, and although many people have moved from sleeping in the capitol after a month to re-call road, I'm still keeping it real with the FORWARD! Marching Band.
I mainly play bass drum, but I'll snare it up on long solidarity march days. It's alternative activism for sure, and I couldn't be happier to be in a group that uses music to inspire hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites to keep marching on!
And an added bonus; it's become my new favorite form of exercise. Ha!

Searching for a shoe...

2011-03-13T21:05:00.001-05:00

I am searching for a shoe for my wedding.
I am searching for a shoe for my wedding, and I hate shoe shopping.
I am searching for a shoe for my wedding that will say: "I don't always wear sneakers. ;)"
I am searching for a shoe for my wedding that will let me forget that I am usually wearing a cardigan covered in baby boogers and drool.

I am searching for a shoe for my wedding that will help me take my first step into my new life with my new husband.

Elopement Pumps

$340 -- @ BHLDN

Betsey Johnson Women's Iridescence Open-Toe Pump

$120 -- @ endless

Salutations & Closings Heels

$128 -- @ Anthropologie

Wisconsin is scary right now.

2011-02-24T14:25:00.001-06:00

Sorry I haven't had the chance to write lately, kids. Madison has been an inspiring and equally scary place lately.

via npr

Just in case you haven't been reading/watching the news lately, Wisconsin's Governer, Scott Walker has been effing with the working class Wisconsinite.
He is trying to pass a bill that will take away collective bargaining and mute the voice of Unions in the state. This is a really personal blow. Not only will it effect me as a teacher, but it pains me to know that many state employee's might loose their voices.
I don't talk about my dad often for safety reasons, but he was a Corrections Officer for 20 years. It wasn't rare for him to come home from work with blood on his shirt, or for him to have broken a bone or stitches. I didn't find this out until recently, but when I was in high school, my father went under a year of tests to make sure he didn't have AIDS after breaking up a fight with an HIV positive inmate. I guess there was a chance that they had been exposed to direct contact with eachother's bodily fluid. There aren't many career's that put you at risk for contracting AIDS, but a Correction's Officer's career does.
If Scott Walker thinks a person who risks their life everyday at work does not diverse a voice or every penny they make, then he's got another thing coming to him. I was always proud of my dad for being a part of a Union. He was even the treasurer of the local chapter for many years. It gives me pride to know that he had a say in knowing that his family was taken care of.

Now, I know for sure that Scott Walker is not even qualified to substitute teach in a Wisconsin school, let alone teach a class. (since he never finished college.)
...But I know for sure that he would not have the courage to do the job my father did for 20 years.

Walker is a weasel!

Wisconsin "Budget Repair Bill" Protest Pt 2 from Matt Wisniewski on Vimeo.

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T19:49:00.002-06:00

Hope your day was a fun one!
I got everything I could ever want, and so much more from my dreamboat of a fiance (including kissing the holiday goodbye with a chocolate covered cannoli!) Yum!

I got all of Jason's gifts at different Antique stores in little towns outside of Madison. Lots of old records and tons of vintage bow-ties! I'll post pictures of them tomorrow!

Happy V-Day!

Thrift!: in the name of love.

2011-02-08T11:28:00.000-06:00

Jason and I spent super bowl Sunday thrifting/antique-ing for wedding things. This, of course, was followed by pizza and having friends over to play Alanis Morissette songs on ukulele.

uke!

Picture dump.

2011-02-06T12:57:00.001-06:00

Just a quick Hi, Hello!

Flashback Fridays -- Peeing in the woods.

2011-02-04T17:27:00.000-06:00

Yeah, we've all done it.
Lately the desperation of having to pee in the woods has been bringing my spirits up. Not that I'm really down... but whenever I miss my family, my friends from home, or the exhilaration of traveling, I'll go to my strangest happy memory.
When you're peeing in the woods, there's no property anymore. The land goes back to being this wonderful place that belongs to no one. Let's face it, you can really get to the point where you can appreciate that tree and that dirt when you have to pee so badly it's making your fillings rust.

Peeing from coast to coast.
It's always good for an awkward snicker in public, that's for sure..

No means no, it don't mean maybe.

2011-02-03T12:45:00.001-06:00

Sorry, Ladies and Gents...I don't mean to get political here, but this shouldn't even be about politics. We live in a sad world if there are still people who believe that a victim of rape should be punished in some way...as if being raped isn't already bad enough. Luckily, it didn't go through!
Hallelujah!

House GOP Caves on Redefining Rape Bill.

Three cheers!

Because rape is wrong, and survivors need support to gain their lives back!

Snow Day!

2011-02-02T17:43:00.001-06:00

Today Jason and I both had a day off from work because we got 10 inches of snow last night, and 6 the previous days! The roads weren't plowed in our area until the afternoon, and our cars are still stuck in our driveway (and it's almost dinner time!)

We celebrated by playing in the snow in the late morning, and we even let the cats out for a bit (seeing as they couldn't go far!)

Brrr!

What's your favorite winter activity, readers?

Iron Cupcake Madison -- Citrus Challenge!

2011-01-30T11:20:00.000-06:00

1.) Evie and I didn't win Iron Cupcake this month, but it certainly felt like it! Everyone was so kind and welcoming, and we all baked our fine little booties off! Hats off to you, bakers and eaters alike!
At least now we know that we can bake over 10 dozen cupcakes and survive!

^ via Evie's facebook (but I'm not going to link it!)

2.) Ladies Rock Camp Madison is only a few weeks away! Women between the ages of 19-190 can come and learn their instrument of choice, form a band, and fund a girl to attend Girls Rock Madison this summer!
Scholarships are available for Ladies Rock Camp AND Girls Rock Camp!
Please contact GRC for more info!

In The Kitchen: 80's sitcom comp

2011-01-19T16:51:00.001-06:00

In The Kitchen has just released the collective's first compilation. It's built up of 14 different 80's theme songs from our favorite sitcom's from that special decade we all love to hate. It was an idea that I had thought up this past summer, and finally -- it's here!

Download and listen to it free here:

If you can't download it at bandcamp, it's also at CLLCT!

Buttercream Bru-ha-ha

2011-01-15T10:21:00.000-06:00

Evie and I have been hard at work. I'm so happy we had the past two days off together to try 4 different cupcake recipes, with 8 different varieties! I feel like this was much harder than baking 10 dozen cupcakes of the same recipe.

Gosh. It has been like the cupcake Olympics,

but I'm pretty sure we've found our gold metal winner.

Iron Cupcake Madison

2011-01-07T13:13:00.000-06:00

I just applied for Iron Cupcake Madison's citrus challenge this afternoon! Together with my friend Evie, we plan on participating in the second Iron Cupcake Challenge in Madison...and raising some money for Porchlight Inc.!

For more information on the event: CLICK!

I've mentioned Evie on my blog before, but I don't think I've given my readers a true introduction. We met at Michael's crafts store in the t-shirt/screen-printing department, with our significant others...and we were buying the same exact things! We ended up striking up conversation, and traded contact information. Later that week we got together for a coffee and knitting break, and discovered our shared love of indie pop music, baking, and crafts. Basically, we were placed on this earth to be friends. Duh!

Mad men headboard into reality...

2011-01-06T11:59:00.000-06:00

I've said before how much I love Mad Men...I was even Betty Draper for Halloween two years ago!
One of my favorite elements in the show, which isn't always "ooo'd and ahh'd" upon is the interior design aspects within it. They're historically accurate, creative, and breathtaking. The most striking in my eyes is the Draper headboard.

I know you're probably thinking, "How can I get that look?"
Well, allow me to direct you to a few scrumptious paths to follow...

Velvet Tufted Headboard in Antique Gold

@ UrbanOutfiters

$348

Draper Upholstered Headboard -- Oatmeal

@ WorldMarket

$299

Tufted Arch Headboard -- Caribbean Velvet

@ HomeDecorators

$499-$599

Upholstered Headboard with Button Tufting in Aztec Gold

@ HeadboardStore

$193

Wedding biggies.

2011-01-04T21:26:00.000-06:00

I've decided to keep my wedding banter to a minimum, because let's face it -- this is a DIY blog, not a DIY wedding blog. I mean, it's cool for people who are interested, but I'm sure most people are not.
I swear I will try my hardest not to mention it more than twice a week! This is one for the week!

I just wanted to update everyone on the biggies, because I like you.

The date is set! August 6, 2011! (We did this about two months ago.)
The venue is reserved! Olin Park Pavilion! (Also reserved about two months ago.)
We started a wedding website; here!
We started our registry today; here!
I'm also going crazy collecting fabric and things like cake stands at the local St. Vincent De Paul! (See milk glass vases below....)

It's all kind of fun, and kind of stressful......Okay, it's mostly fun.

2010, in a nutshell

2011-01-02T17:11:00.002-06:00

Oh! 2010! I'm sad to see you go, but I'm so excited for 2011.

2010, in a nutshell:
I started Grad. School.
Jason turned 30!
I planted my first garden.
Jason had his first art opening since moving to Wisconsin.
We adopted our second cat, Humphrey.
I released my first solo album on my 24th birthday.
I taught guitar and bass at Madison's first ever Girls Rock Camp.
Jason became an uncle (and soon I'll be an aunt!)
Jason released an EP and an album.
Jason and I were in a documentary about the DIY touring and house show lifestyle.
Jason and I got engaged!
In The Kitchen: Music and Creative Collective launched!
We were visited by 16 guests.
We had 10 house shows in our home.

2010 in colors -- Purple, Indigo, Black and White

2011-01-01T11:54:00.000-06:00

2010 in colors -- Green and Blue

2010-12-31T14:24:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year, kittens!

2010 in colors -- Orange & Yellow

2010-12-30T13:37:00.003-06:00

2010 in colors -- Red

2010-12-28T12:35:00.001-06:00

Christmas came early.

2010-12-22T21:09:00.000-06:00

Since Jason and I are flying to Pennsylvania for Christmas, we decided to open our gifts to each other a little early. Our main reasoning was so we wouldn't have to bring extra gifts with us on the plane...that, and we didn't mind an early treat or two!

The cats really enjoyed their gifts of wrapping paper, tissue paper, and paper bags!

I've done so much knitting this Christmas that I've had to wear an Ace bandage for the past few days!
I think my knitting "all day, everyday" day's are over.
Yikes.

Etsy Update!

2010-12-17T16:38:00.000-06:00

Just a little update, etsy style.

Senorita Coffee Sleeve

Lizzie Coffee Sleeve

Keep checking up this weekend for more!

Couple in Clouds

2010-12-10T08:33:00.000-06:00

Things that have been on my mind lately.
Sorry I've disappeared for a few weeks.
Finals, wedding, holidays....you get the picture. ;)

I'm worried about finding a teaching job once I graduate from Grad School. So I'm thinking of adding a certification in Special Education or ESL (English as a Second Language), in addition to my History and Art History cert's.
My number one craft project right now is planning my wedding. I feel like every other craft that I've ever made up until this date has all been in training for this day. My Wedding = Craft Olympics.
Jason and I flew to Tampa a few weeks ago to visit my grandparents for my grandmother's 75th birthday. While we were in the air, I took a few shots of these bad boys from Detroit to Madison. I loved these clouds.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-27T10:29:00.001-06:00

I love holidays, but Thanksgiving is extra special for me because it reminds me most of Jason. One of my happiest memories with Jason is of us dancing in our living room last year because we had four days off together for the first time ever. We were both over worked and exhausted, and I had pneumonia, but we were so happy that we had to dance.
I don't think Jason even remembers it, but it's one of my most treasured memories.
Thanksgiving is also the only holiday that we have already created our own family traditions. Baking my mom's cheese cake recipe together (and complaining the whole time about how we wish we had a mixer), making a beautiful vegetarian dinner all day, and watching It's A Wonderful Life before bed.

Check out the Quorn Turk'y ;)

This Thanksgiving we had our friends Kari and Wes over, since we were all kind of misplaced. It was very relaxed and informal, with no drunk uncles or awkward baby stories. Yes please.

Effortless Flower Girls

2010-11-24T17:31:00.000-06:00

Since little girls are such a huge part of my life, I feel that it's necessary to have flower girls in my wedding party. After all, I am around children as much as I am with adults, and they're my little girl friends too!

I want my wedding to be as close to my everyday life as possible, meaning that I want everything to be realistic. I have no interest in asking the lovely ladies in my life to buy a dress that they will only wear once, and the same goes for my flower girls. Of course, they will grow right out of their dresses, but I want those hand-me-downs to be worn and loved just like any other sundress.

I've been looking for a website that would fit with what I wanted, and finally -- I found Mini Boden!

Girls Buttercup Corsage Dress -- $60

Bow Trim Dress -- $48

Pretty Cord Dress -- $36

So cute!

Wedding Dress of the Week -- Frosted Windowpane Dress

2010-11-18T07:52:00.000-06:00

I love the idea of a dress with sleeves...especially since we're planning a September wedding.
This one is just way too short for me to feel comfortable though. Yikes!

Frosted Windowpane Dress -- from Modcloth.

$52.99

In the Kitchen Launch Party.

2010-11-17T17:13:00.000-06:00

In the Kitchen is a music and creative collective that some of my friends and I have started up as a way to compile all creative outlets into one. This past Sunday was our launch party at The Project Lodge, and I have to say -- it went well! Lots of people, lots of music, good food and hot cider!

Yum!

The next In the Kitchen projects:
(Just in case you would like to get involved! Anyone is welcome!)

A music compilation of 80's sitcom theme's. Final Date to apply: 12/1/2010
A cookbook. Email your favorite recipe to me at connie.jordan1[at]yahoo[dot]com!

ITK launch!

2010-11-11T20:12:00.000-06:00

Hi little babes,
I just wanted to let everyone know that In The Kitchen (A music and creative collective that I am a founding member of) is having our launch party this Sunday at The Project Lodge!

Right now we already have a lovely array of art work currently hanging in The Project Lodge, including a quilt made by yours truly.
Also our apartment seems super empty because almost all of the artwork by Jason that we usually have on display in our home is at the ProLo!

Anyway, come on out to the potluck, musical and poetic extravaganza that's going to start a wave of creativity in the community!
Hooray!
See you there!

Wedding Dress of the Week -- joan shum's Bella Tea

2010-11-08T20:21:00.000-06:00

I love non-traditional anything. The idea of a 100% traditional wedding kind of makes me want to gag...so I obviously I fell in love with this blue wedding dress.
And it meshes both signature styles of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn perfectly.

Bella Tea by Joan Shum

P.S. Check out Grace Kelly's bridal party!

She had a whole herd of people to support her!

via

Autumn Wardrobe Inspiration 2010

2010-11-06T14:00:00.003-05:00

Isn't it amazing how red suddenly makes every other autumn color a neutral?
And can we please talk about how much I like headbands right now?

Helloooooo Dolly!

All items found at Anthropologie.

What a delectable selection.
They are copy and paste friendly. Yes please.

Day 1 - Introduce Yourself

2010-11-04T20:45:00.000-05:00

Ummm, duh. I'm Connie. I feel like you should know this already, but I feel obligated to do it because it's part of this whole thing.
I live about a 95% (?) DIY lifestyle...meaning I try my hardest to make everything that I need myself. I try my hardest to make my blog about how easy/challenging living a DIY life can be, and use that as my unifying focus and topic.
I hope that my pitfalls and peaks help to guide others in their creative endeavors, or at least are somewhat entertaining!

When I'm not trying to think up different ways to self-sustain in modern society, I go to school, teach history, and warm bottles for a living.

Wedding Dress of the Week -- sarahseven Elope Dress

2010-11-01T20:01:00.000-05:00

Jason and I want a non-traditional diy wedding (did you expect something else..?), but we have to have some traditional options, like our location. The location has to be 100% handicap accessible in order for my grandmother to attend, so that crosses out most parks and backyards. I can deal with that, especially since there are tons of other options that we still have.
There are a few things that I will not budge on. I want a handmade or vintage dress. Right now, I'm still set on sewing my own wedding dress/reconstructing a vintage dress, so the Wedding Dress of the Week is purely for inspiration right now. I thought it might also keep track of dresses that I love, just in case my sewing plans fall through.

I love how shorter dresses are so low-maintenance and classy.
And you could wear it again! How can you go wrong?

Elope Dress -- sarahseven

$755

Engaged!

2010-10-31T19:56:00.001-05:00

It's true! Jason and I got engaged this weekend.
Here's the story:

Friday night we were supposed to go out for dinner and a movie with our friends Marin and Alec, but it fell through. Jason and I still decided to go out for sushi, followed by Howl at the Sundance Theater (our typical Friday date night together.)

As we were about to walk into the theater Jason stopped and said "You know, I wasn't running errands on Wednesday night." I said "I know!" because I could tell that he was lying when I asked him why he wasn't home Wednesday night. Then he pulled out a ring from his pocket and asked "Do you want to get married?"
And I said "Duh!!"

Then he kept asking me if I needed my inhaler, and if I was sure.
Of course, I said, Of course.

Halloween! 2010

2010-10-31T19:42:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween, everyone!
I hope everyone had their fill of roasted pumpkin seeds and candy. I know I did.
We made a John Lennon pumpkin (in honor of Johnny's 70th birthday!) but it kind of looks like the lead singer of Creed.

Yikes!!!!

Are you throwing up yet?

Overwhelmed with Creativity.

2010-10-29T16:00:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry that I haven't really been writing much lately! I just finished up a huge project for school, and now I'm feeling so overwhelmed with creativity that I don't know where to start first!
I decided to start here:

I'm also going to start this, which I found at the lovely Laura's blog.
I thought it would encourage me to write more, and allow everyone to get to know me more since I mainly write about my day to day creative life.

Day 1 - Introduce Yourself
Day 2 - Your First Love
Day 3 - Your Parents
Day 4 - What you ate today
Day 5 - Your Definition of Love
Day 6 - Your Day
Day 7 - Your Best Friend
Day 8 - A moment
Day 9 - Your Beliefs
Day 10 - What you wore Today
Day 11 - Your Siblings
Day 12 - What's in your bag
Day 13 - This Week
Day 14 - What you wore today
Day 15 - Your Dreams
Day 16 - Your first kiss
Day 17 - Your favourite memory
Day 18 - Your favourite birthday
Day 19 - Something you regret
Day 20 - This Month
Day 21 - Another Moment
Day 22 - Something that upsets you
Day 23 - Something that makes you feel better
Day 24 - Something that makes you cry
Day 25 - A first
Day 26 - Your fears
Day 27 - Your favourite place
Day 28 - Something that you miss
Day 29 - Your aspirations
Day 30 - One last moment

October House Show, Part II

2010-10-27T22:14:00.000-05:00

This show was actually from a few weeks ago, but catching up with life after the flu really has taken a tole on my free time.

The Awful Truth

Boots to The Moon

Let's talk about how sweet and talented these little boys are.

I was so happy to finally get to hang out with these lovely gents.

It was worth the wait!

1.) Now do yourself a favor and go listen to them. Duh.

2.) Now look at these carrots that grew in my garden. Duhhh.

Animated Kids Video's

2010-10-21T07:43:00.004-05:00

Critics of Yo Gabba Gabba have said that it isn't really educational, but young kids need the excitement YGG presents to stay focused on re-enforcing everyday tasks their parents are teaching them. YGG also interests young parents enough to watch it with their children by using things that adults like too...like their favorite band.
Aren't these video's the cutest? The animation is to die for, and the songs are catchy enough for kids and twee-pop loving parents alike!
Enjoy!

Be Nice to Animals

animation by Kangaroo Alliance
music by The Salteens

I Found Love

animation by Bran Dougherty-Johnson
music by Trembling Blue Stars

Psychedelic Cupcake Tutorial

2010-10-18T18:46:00.001-05:00

This weekend my friend Krista and I made the most colorful cupcakes for our friend's Andrew and Alex's joint birthday party. They were the champions of the evening (next to the company!), and will be sure to kick any funfetti cupcake's butt in the future.
By the by, I was inspired by The Dainty Squid's cupcake Tutorial!

Psychedelic Cupcake Tutorial.

Materials:

Light colored Cupcake Mix of your choice (I used boxed yellow cake mix because I was in a hurry, but you can use any light colored cake batter of your choice.)
1 Measuring Cup
Food Coloring
Cupcake liners
Four bowls (or more)
Four spoons (or more)
Toothpicks
Cream cheese frosting (like you would want to use another kind anyway...psh.)

Instructions:

Mix up the ingredients called for to make your cupcake batter.
With a measuring cup, separate the batter into four bowls (or more, depending on how many colors you want to make.)
Dye the batter in each bowl a different color with food coloring. There should be a dye chart on the back of your box of dyes, but if not, this chart might help. Also, Krista and I doubled the amount of dye if the color wasn't bright enough.
Place your cupcake liners into your cupcake pan.
Place a designated spoon to each batter color, and proceed to add small layers of each colored batter into the cupcake liners until the liner is halfway filled.
Swirl with a toothpick (optional.)
Bake. Cool. Frost. Eat.

Couch Companion

2010-10-13T02:44:00.001-05:00

I'm still sick, so I haven't really managed to move from the sofa for almost three days straight. (Except for walking to my bedroom to sleep, and driving to get more medication for my asthma. boring, boring, boring.) It has been hard to sit still, but let's face it, you don't exactly have a choice when your body is calling the shots.
I've never watched so much trash TV before in my life!

Luckily, I have had a constant little couch companion to keep my feet warm.

Hi Humphrey!

Bubblegum paws!

Apple of my eye.

2010-10-11T21:13:00.001-05:00

I have been sick with the flu for the past few days, and I can't wait to kick it to the curb. Jason came home with it last week, and I got to experience it first hand, like an unwanted hand-me-down! I think this is the first time he has ever gotten me sick, considering that I am always the one who will get him sick (since I work with young children.)
Before I got the flu, I went out on an apple picking/autumn extravaganza with Jason, and our friends Wes, Kari, and Andrew.
It was a lot of fun, but I think I really need to make more of a conscious effort to take it easy and take care of myself....which is hard to do when you are working all day and then you have night classes, without time to eat dinner!
Getting sick has been my sign to cool it. We can't always do everything, and it's okay to say no.
Does anyone else have a problem with being a "Yes" person?
How do you get through it?

Well, I'm happy I got at least one fun activity in before my weekend turned into World War Flu!

Lovely weather, lovely friends.

2010-10-09T11:30:00.000-05:00

October House Show #1, 2010

2010-10-05T17:33:00.000-05:00

Jamie and Neil are two of my favorite people in the universe...but they live in Seattle, so I never see them (actually, this was only our second time being together.)
And to top it off, Edwin was there well! We basically got to spend the whole weekend with these three delectable yum yums.

We ate cheese curds, made dinner, and Jamie and I pulled carrots from my garden together. It made me wish that I could see them all time, and I was so sad when they left. It made me yern for all of my friends and family who I never see. Oh well! I guess the sweet times wouldn't seem so sweet if we had them all the time!
So now we just have to wait for the next opportunity to be together again!

World History
Edwin R. Perry
Coney Island
Leonard the Comet

Easy Magnet Tutorial #1

2010-10-01T16:19:00.001-05:00

I'm always looking for easy ways to reuse old things, so when I finally used all of the sheets of paper on my magnetic notepad...I got a little excited.
Plus, I just got some really lovely vintage children's books that I was itching to use.

This is a great craft to do if you don't have much free time to craft in your life, but you would like to. It would also be a fun activity to do with elementary children.

Simple Magnet Tutorial #1

Supplies:

Paper (from a book, magazine, wrapping paper...whatev's. Just not something printed from your computer, because it will smear and look all kinds of horrible.)
Scissors/exact-o knife
Pencil
Magnet
Mod Podge
Paint Brush
Self-healing Mat (Optional...you should use it if you're using an exact-o knife.)

Directions:

Once you have found a picture that you like place your magnet over the image, trace it with your pencil.
Cut out the image with your scissors or exact-o knife.
Apply a layer of Mod Podge to your magnet with your paint brush.
Place the picture on top the wet Mod Podge, and add a layer of Mod Podge over the picture.
Allow at least 20 mins. for the Mod Podge to dry, and add another layer.
Wait a half hour before putting it on your refrigerator.
Good job, you're done!

Beard season, come soon!

2010-09-29T08:42:00.000-05:00

Number one reason why I cannot wait for beard season:

Jason turns into a handsome lumberjack!

Willie and Humphrey the Naughty.

2010-09-28T20:43:00.000-05:00

I just had to post this naughtiness/cuteness.
It's already a loooooong week.

(You might be asking yourself..."Is that Humphrey sitting in Connie's new succulents?"

Why yes it is. What disrespectful kittens I have!)

Productive weekend.

2010-09-26T17:14:00.001-05:00

Jason and I had quite a productive weekend.
We went thrifting at this new thrift store in town, where I found two vintage brooches and my first bakelite bracelet! Only $9 for all three items.
The bakelite bracelet that I found is priced in between $200 and $300, and I got it for $3!

Insanity, I tell you!

Jason also released his new album, Sunburned Sceptics this weekend!

El-tin fun had a huge release party at Mickey's Tavern, and I even managed to stay up past 9PM.

Congratulations to my one and only, and our dear friend Tom on their release!

The unknown.

2010-09-24T14:00:00.001-05:00

Hello, dear friends.
Autumn is about to show us her true colors, but in the meantime she has given us a lovely preview.
Life has been busy with school in full swing, and student teaching as well.
I often wonder what my life will be like by next autumn?
Will I land a job right away? Will I still live in Madison?

The unknown can be exciting, don't you think?

News cats.

2010-09-23T22:24:00.000-05:00

Remember that one time my cats were featured in one of the Madison newspapers?
Oh yeah, me too.
...All because of this video:

Check out the article here!

In the kitchen

2010-09-20T21:44:00.000-05:00

Oh hey. Things are happening in Madison, WI.
Night long meetings and creative times 24/7.
More to come.

Ground Inspiration -- Autumn 2010

2010-09-18T16:27:00.001-05:00

Inspiring things that come from the ground.
Autumn 2010

via

Omaha?...more like Oma-hot!!!

2010-09-17T12:34:00.000-05:00

Liz, Jason, and I made it back from Nebraska in one piece...and I even attended both of my night classes (thanks to Skype.) Win/Win.

We all had tons of fun at the festival, and I really enjoyed all of the bands we played with (which is rare for a musician. Usually there is at least one person who is not your cup of tea.) and all of the people we were able to meet.
Christopher even invited us to next year's Nebraska Pop Festival, which I'm already pumped for!

If anyone is in Omaha, NE this weekend, please be sure to hit up the remainder of the festival!

You won't regret it!