Sarah Moyar

The Drama of Change

2011-10-18T22:29:00.001-05:00

Doing what you like is freedom...Liking what you do is happiness.

Dear Yoga Booty,

2011-10-13T01:22:00.003-05:00

Hmmm...this pleasant Sunday morning, the house is quiet, the birds are singing outside the kitchen window, and Apollo is actually stretched out looking like the Estate dog he's intended to be. Typically this would be an ideal moment to roll out the Yoga mat and find some glorious union between body and mind. However, mastering the ideal "pumpkin loaf" beckons equally as strong. I mean it's like Starbucks is taunting me! Everywhere I turn I see the signs, "Pumpkin Spice Latte Returns". It's that time of year again, friends. You know, when you can get a Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf and a Pumpkin Latte for breakfast, and then later that night wind down the evening with Blue Moon's Pumpkin Ale. I LOVE the fall!!!
So the real question I must ask myself this morning is this, "Sarah Lyn, which is more important to you?? Are you gonna go for a 'yoga booty' or a 'pumpkin loaf/latte/ale-harvest comfort kinda booty'???"
Hmmm....
cinnamon...
nutmeg...
clove...
I can yoga tomorrow!

Recipe Attempt #1
1Preheat oven to 350 F.
2Butter and flour two 9x5x3 loaf pans or muffin tins.
3Beat sugar and oil in a large bowl to blend.
4Mix in eggs and pumpkin.
5Sift four, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, salt, and baking powder into another large bowl.
6Stir into pumpkin mixture in 2 additions.
7Divide batter equally among prepared pans (muffin tins).
8Bake until tester comes out clean, about 1 hour for loaves, 20 min for muffins.
9Transfer to cooling racks and cool for 10 minutes.
10Turn out onto racks and cool completely.Gather Up:

1 ½ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon cloves
¼ teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 cup sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
¾ cup pumpkin puree
¾ cup canola oil
¼ cup chopped pumpkin seeds, optional

(Recipe #1 was a success! Anne and Charlotte are fans, too. Baking and good friends go together like peas and carrots, or Ford and Chevy!)

Bridesmaids

2011-09-28T22:53:00.001-05:00

You know what is out on DVD now? Bridesmaids I am pretty sure that is my new favorite movie of all times. I went to see it at the movie theater 3 times. Kristin Wiig is my new imaginary best friend, which is totally awesome because I get to share her wardrobe. Which other than Chris O'Dowd is probably my favorite part of the movie! That and, oh... it's so funny, it makes me cry.

Welcome, Janene, to Houston's Eastside-Suburbia

2011-09-23T00:55:00.000-05:00

Janene, this post is for you! Welcome to Texas. Your timing as a photographer in the area is great. One of my dearest friends and phenomenal photographers Mackenzie Wheatley, of Chubbyfoot Photography, is off to Brussels. Aside from my crushed heart, and wailing and weeping, "Don't go Mackenzie!!", it really does make your timing in these parts impeccable.

Jennifer Womack, of Pickles to Giggles is also pretty stellar around your new hometown. Rumor has it she may be taking a sabbatical to care for her new baby. So I don't foresee any turf wars in your near future. ;)

And since I'm an eye-candy junkie, you should also be introduced to two former Kingwood gals. Who are not only beautiful women, but also beautiful photographers, Megan Knorpp, and Marisa Johnson. And because I know you will appreciate this sort of thing Marisa also keeps the wonderful Backyard Farming Blog.

And for the fabric. My one true love, here are my favorite resources:
High Fashion Home (Houston)

GRS Fabric (Old Town Spring, btw is an adorable place to go shopping)

It's A Stitch (Humble)
That should cover you for all your decorating needs!

It was wonderful to meet you. See you again soon!

Set Up Shop

2011-09-18T11:34:00.000-05:00

Cable and Internet, I salute you. I am for the first time in four months with my own cable and Internet inside my actual house. I may never leave!
I have set up my new kitchen (feel like you missed a chapter? I have rewritten the Goodbye to Bear Branch house blog post 40 times and it's just too sappy.) So turn the page with me and let's write the next chapter...

With my modest, yet adorable kitchen in full swing, and the taunting of fall weather I am inspired to discover and/or develop the perfect pumpkin bread. I already make a mean banana bread, but I want something that rivals Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf. I have a few recipes I will try. We'll see if I can't find my way around this new kitchen, experience what kind of baking mojo lingers in this house, and bake something that is some kind of wonderful !

(Unfortunately, the above pic is not my new kitchen but the modesty and mosaic ARE inspiring!)

Dear Internet,

2011-08-15T09:22:00.003-05:00

You are a luxury and I miss you! As soon as I find a place to live, I will come back for you and I will post all my saved drafts waiting to be published. But when I look at the upheval we will call "my life", I will have to say "shelter" is my most pressing need.

Dear cable, I can live without you as long as I have internet. Dear glasses, I have to wear you all the time due to the fact I am using my iphone for all my prior internet needs.

Dear Transparent Tales,

2011-07-29T22:09:00.002-05:00

I like the shape you are taking! :) It feels like the start of a little something special...

Dear Christina Perri,

2011-07-28T01:17:00.003-05:00

"To thine own heart be true." I would like to thank you for your amazing show at "House of Blues" Friday night. How can you articulate precisely the emoting of raw emotions? How can you do this and it still be a fun and upbeat tour? I would like to thank you for being pretty much the most amazing and inspiring girl around. Your talent. I mean, your talent. You write the crazy haunting lyrics, you write the music, and you lay down your guitar to play the piano. Is there anything you can't do? Oh, and also, thank you for not giving up on yourself. Thank you for teaching your fellow tenderhearts how to be "lovestrong". That concept seems to land somewhere between angry feminist and niave love-struck little girl. Kind of smack-dab in the middle of "you're enough just the way you are". Be you because you're the only you. And if the object of your desire doesn't recognize, then it's "their loss".

What still amazes me is that you even have unrequited love to write about. Who would drop you? Who wouldn't have you? Why does the heart inside of someone so beautiful and talented waste even one second on anyone who keeps you anywhere past an arms length? (Ladies, could we all take a note?) But it makes for honest stories, genuine music, and plenty of places for us mere civilians to relate.

The other thing I would like to thank you for is how fresh your set was, it was not overtly sexy, and that was sexy! You are simply a beautiful girl, making music with her band, rockin' the coolest hair, wearing nothing but a bomb little skirt, confidence, a smile, and flirty tattoos in all the right places. Doesn't get much sexier than that. You are a fox! Just to further prove my point, only you could make Tom Petty, swanky (had to be there). So thank you for the breath of fresh air. And may you be an inspiration to all of us...to own it. Own your own.

O dear, baby Jesus, I have just become a groupie. Don't be creeped, only flattered, by my devotion. I am inspired! Take home message received: When you do what you love, take a risk, and follow a dream, it's scary, and hard, but your life can be more than you ever imagined~too!

P.S. Someone is going to arrive in my chair and get a variation of Christina Perri hair. Who is the lucky client? Again, Christina, do not be creeped, only flattered. ;)

Dear Weston,

2011-07-21T22:28:00.006-05:00

It is not a slight thing to send your baby brother to war, and while you may always be my baby brother, you, most definitely are no longer a baby. You are a stoic, brave man and I'm so proud of you. I think you are noble! And while I don't always trust those who lead this country, I trust in you. I believe in you. I think you will fight many battles in Iraq over the next year. Some will be missions you have trained for, others will be battles with yourself, but all will be invitations to transition you into the highest calling of yourself. I feel confident you will return home. You will come home changed, and that change will not break you. It will develop you fully. You will experience things you've never experienced before. You will know things you wish you never knew, but you will also find beauty in some of the most unexpected places. I wish you courage, strength, peace, bravery, wisdom, intuition, confidence, and the gift of feeling God near when you need him most. All virtues which you already posses, but may they be cultivated more deeply. May the depth of your character, your experience, and your compassion become rich deposits back into the lives of those you love and the communities you serve when you return home. We will all benefit from the beautiful story that is your life! Thank you for choosing to defend our country. Thank you that my baby girls get to sleep snug in their beds because you defend them. As the True boys would say, "Live life, taste death!" Come home safely. Don't get into too much trouble. Think with your head (you know which one), better yet think with your heart. Protect your heart, but don't let it callous. Kick some ass! Show 'em what your made of! When you think about your family that loves you, may you feel the comfort of home. And from the bottom of my heart, "THANK YOU"! God bless you, and keep you. I love you, man!

Erin Go Braugh

2011-07-19T22:28:00.004-05:00

I want to take a trip to Ireland. You see, I'm always dreaming. So I'm going to quit "thinking" about it and really do it! I want to go to County Kerry where my grandfather's family is from, I want to kiss that Blarney Stone and receive my gift of eloquence. I want to walk the country side, and see the Cliffs of Moher. I want to pull up a barstool next to some classic Irishman in a quaint pub and listen to him spin a web of tales. It's official, this excursion has just been moved to the top of my "bucket list".

Okay friends, if you've been tell me where to go and what is a must do...So I can plan my trip.

Read All About It

2011-06-12T21:42:00.004-05:00

It's really on the newstand. I'm excited. Read more here.

Tall, Dark, and Handsome

2011-05-19T22:49:00.002-05:00

Meet Apollo...my new Great Dane puppy. He's such a lover...We'll see if my tune changes over the next couple weeks, but for now I'm in super deep. Deep in "puppy love" that is.

Spring is in the (H)air

2011-03-16T11:17:00.002-05:00

March 20th denotes he first official day of spring. I love the spring. The cool days, the blue skies, the working in the garden, and the spring clothes in ALL my favorite stores.

What will spring 2011 hold? I don't know but I'm sure I'll love it.

I like In Style's Spring Fashion section. My top predictions include:

A strong 70's vibe- (Hair) Think Farrah Fawcett. Golden blond, fringy bangs and feathery/swoopy sides. (Clothes) High waisted, light washed, wide leg jeans worn of course with wedge sandals . My color predictions: rust, mustard, navy, and peach.

Florals- We'll see lots of floral tops, skirts and dresses.

Dresses and skirts- feminine summertime dresses with cardigans and full short skirts with T's and cardigans worn with oxford shoes, of course.

Block colors- I do also think you'll see people taking a risk with colors.

I like Lucky's Spr ing time Trends for hair. I tend to agree.

Ombre highlights: I love love love them.

Pixie cuts

Wavy bobs

Pureology

2011-03-11T09:42:00.006-06:00

Pureology...I'm starting to see it everywhere. I don't mean to "toot my own horn" or "pat my own back" but I LOVE LOVE LOVE it when I discover something before it's "tipping point". (Tipping Point: moment of critical mass -by Malcolm Gladwell from The Tipping Point)

I'm falling in love with Pureology. It was hard to transition from Aveda to ANYTHING else. But now that I'm familiar with Pureology I find it an avid rival to Aveda. They have similar central corporate values, humanitarian efforts, and ecological focuses. Their products are 100% vegan, organic botanical, and sulfate free. The shampoos and conditioners amazingly improve the quality of of your hair and prolong the life of your color. I sound like a commercial, but anyway they don't need me to advertise b/c I've seen them everywhere lately. The cuticle polish is in this month's Lucky Magazine

The Knot

2011-03-05T17:44:00.004-06:00

I got a phone call from The Knot the other day. Oh yes I did, and I'm pretty excited because the amazing Rocky + Sara photography will be featured in The Knot because of the charming Abigail Campion wedding. I just so happened to do Mrs. Abby's hair, so I should get a little shout out in the fall wedding issue. So look for it in August. I'm excited. Actually I'm thrilled because the whole wedding was the most "Anthropologie chic" wedding this side of the milky-way, and the photos that Sara + Rocky do are amazing. Actually, I'm going to have to learn a new vocab word to describe the pictures that Sara + Rocky take.

Have a sneak peak...Campion Wedding

Check out their gorgeous blog:

but if you look closely at these weddings you can see me earning a day's wage...

Abby + Chris

Jennie + Matt

So I have a bit of a shoe thing

2010-10-27T16:23:00.007-05:00

I'm so in love with shoes. I have really high maintenance feet and a low pain tolerance so unfortunately there is often a disconnect between what I actually wear on my feet, and what I actually cherish in my heart. But I have recently stumbled across some adorable new shoes. Take a look.

Seychelles

Poetic Licence

Tomorrowland

2010-10-23T22:21:00.006-05:00

"Mad Men" if you're a viewer, need I say more?

The season finale was amazing! After I recovered from the initial shock, I really love Meghan. She's adorable. Oh, she won't be enough to keep Don from "his ways" but she will keep the show interesting.

Here are my predictions. Don will try to stay straight. There may even be a few episodes where he will resist a temptress or two, but then he'll cave. He'll head back to his rambling ways. I even anticipate a rendezvous with Betty in season 5, maybe even a drunken mishap with Peggy? Betz, she'll be around a little more, and we'll learn a few things about Henry next season I presume.

This is absolutely my favorite show on the tele' right now. Matthew Weiner is amazing. He's so astute. He understands both men and women so well. He really personifies relationships, and the roles we all seem determined to fill. Good thing, otherwise there wouldn't be anything to watch on television. :O)

Chianti

2010-10-23T21:41:00.004-05:00

I want to go to Italy so bad I can taste it. And that's exaclty what I want to do, eat and drink my way through Italy. I'm not exactly sure when I fell in love, but I'm infatuated. I want, of course, to see Rome (because it's Rome), Venice (because it's Venice), and Naples (becaue it's Naples, where they invented pizza AND ice cream) but more than anything I want to go to Tuscany. Really I want to travel around, shop at local markets and learn how to cook

from some Italian grandmother.

But tonight I'll settle on suburbia and a traveler's fantasy. We did make spaghetti and drink a new Chianti. Da Vinci, it was 'molto delizioso'. It was so tasty and no headache.

We were celebrating my passing score on the TDLR board exam. I am officially done. I am a licensed cosmetologist operator. :) Just like Elizabeth Gilbert's favorite Italian phrase, "attraversiamo" it feels like a crossing over.

Best Interview Scene in the World

2010-10-13T09:09:00.001-05:00

Job searching and interviewing is stressful business. It should be taken very seriously. Watch very closely and take all your cues from this training video. It's "cut-throat" out there.

Life Under Construction

2010-08-26T21:42:00.004-05:00

On September 24th I should attend my last day at Aveda Institute Houston. Other than being very sad to leave all my girlies, do you know how happy this makes me? It has been a long hard year. It has been 365 excruciating days. It has been a grueling experience. Did I mention the long hard year I've almost completed? Every other aspect of my life has been subject to complete neglect to entirely overlooked. But that is all about to change in 4 weeks. Although I have senior-itis and school has become a drag I am about to emerge with a new career that I absolutely love. So it has been totally worth it.

This post is not another failed attempt to blog again daily like I use to. No, but rather a transition into whatever this blog will become. It will not be what it was, but it will evolve into something new. The focus will be on transitioning into a new career, and all the facets that surround this transition. My creative new career as a cosmetologist, putting a healthy and quick dinner on the table, Ayurveda health, and just a place to stay connected.

Abby Jones this post is for you

2010-02-24T22:36:00.000-06:00

Come over to my house, Abby, and we will make these out of my fabric stash. You too, Brittany, Stephanie, Lizzie, and Sam-okay?

Plus were gonna have a Stella and Dot party with Patricia, too.

Fabric Flowers

2010-02-20T21:54:00.005-06:00

I've been dying to make some fabric flowers lately out of my baskets and baskets of fabric scraps. I've been using my scissors a lot these days, but it hasn't been on fabric that's for sure. As of late, hair seems to be my only medium. But I've been dying to get upstairs to the studio and pump a few of these fabric flowers out.

I figured I'd share my internet research for you just in case you want to play along.

Tutorials:

Pink Paper Peppermints and this book looks fun!

Martha, More Martha, Even more Martha

Develop the need to create

2010-02-20T21:43:00.003-06:00

I found a new supercute blog.

Jubella

Not only is it super-stimulating eye-candy, it's got a creative purpose.

Urban Dictionary

2010-02-20T20:17:00.013-06:00

Have you ever looked up your name on Urban Dictionary? I have, and I like what I discovered. Sarah as defined by the Urban Dictionary means:

1. A quiet, sensitive girl. Loves animals and loves to be with people. Not selfish and thinks of others constintly. doesnt always revolve her life around guys, and thinks education is more important.
man, i wish i was a sarah like you!

2.A hero, a friend, a sexy peice of @#!
whoes that girl over their with that toad in her hand? oh thats my friend sarah, isn't she a sexy peice of @#!? Yeah; what a hero.

3.the hottest and cutest girl in school shes just so awesome and has the best personality, shes realy shy at times but everyone loves her and whoever doesnt love her is just a jelous lozer:) and if ur a guy(damion, aj) then u should deffenitly go out with her
omg did u see that sarah girl over there? yea isnt she the coolest? ya, dont forget the nicest!

4.The correct spelling of the name sara.
What is your name? Sarah Me too! But how do you spell it? The correct way.

I'm pretty sure it's factual. All I can say is what a hero!

While we're on the topic of me, I need your opinion. When I first started school everyone- not exaggerating- everyone told me I looked like Ellen. But now lately, a group of people have been saying that I look like Drew Barrymore. I've always wanted a celebrity look alike. Do you think these could be mine? It appears I'm some sort of odd hybrid. ;)

Oh, how I love thee...

2010-02-12T12:00:00.001-06:00

I think I want Elizabeth Gilbert to be my valentine. Oh, Liz, let me count the ways...Thank you for articulating everything I never said. Thank you for being brave enough to live the adventures I never had the guts to live. Thank you for setting it in stone...I will go to Italy, and I will learn Italian.

So, I haven't had a love affair with a book like this since the Shack and before that it was the Red Tent. You know when you pick up a book, and it hits you smack dab in the middle of right where you are? Do you know? Eat, Pray, Love is amazing. I'm not finished, but I'm enthralled. I love this book.

"'Go back to bed', said the omniscient interior voice, because you don't need to know the final answer right now, at three o'clock in the morning on the Thursday in November. 'Go back to bed', because I love you. 'Go back to bed', because the only thing you need to do for now is get some rest and take good care of yourself until you do know the answer." -Elizabeth Gilbert

For more amazing quotes.

Oh Glorious Seed Catalougs

2010-02-11T09:55:00.000-06:00

Look what has been arriving in the mail lately. ..

Seed Savers Cataloug

Seeds of Change Cataloug

Abundant Life Seeds Cataloug

Why not buy seeds from a mega store or nursery? This year I feel strongly about preserving seed "biodiversity" and my love for sustainable "organic" agriculture has grown.

This year will be the first year that our garden will be completely organic. From the soil to the seeds. We have our own compost pile and everything. I'm so excited. I started last year, but this year it's in full swing. My husband has enthusiastically taken over. He's built these beautiful garden boxes and has been faithfully stirring the compost. It's looking like it will be a collective team effort by the Moyar clan this spring. Down home @ our "food not lawns"- suburban farm. :)

Can you believe it is time to start the garden already? Check the Farmer's Almanac for your local plant dates. Ours are right around the corner.

Americana

2010-02-09T22:16:00.005-06:00

The most adorable Jenny came to my school today boasting about her most adorable salon and made me want to move to Alpine, TX. Yes, Alpine.

It's a top 200 Salon for 2010.

Oh, oh the charm. Her salon seems to combine the whimsical, independent charm of the blogs I love with the focus on high end results and education that I'm after professionally.

I'm just sayin' this hippie chic made me want to "wrassle" a tumbleweed, and head out west...West Texas that is.

It must be an ancient heritage "West Texas" draw. My dad's side of the family is from Ft. Stockton and I still have plenty of family out in Midland. It's madness out there, I tell you, just madness. But at least we could still go swimming (a major concern for me) in Balmorhea.

Read more about the endearing Americana.

The Floor

2010-02-09T20:50:00.004-06:00

So I started on the floor. Actually, let me just preface this post with, pretty much my worst nightmare for my first day on the job would be someone with long (down past their waist) hair who wants a full head of highlights. Guess who walked through that door Friday morning? I kid you not. Lady with long hair way past her booty, wanting highlights. Luckily, I got to work with a partner and we talked her into a partial set of highlights. It wasn't bad. Learned a lot, conquered a fear, got some skills. Check, check, check. Come Saturday, I had one client. Guess who? Another lady with hair almost to her waist who wanted a FULL head of highlights.

I can't help but wonder. When you have a worst fear. Something rooted down there deep, are you destined to encounter it? Does the universe ~poof~ just pop it out there. Does God allow it to happen for some cosmic lesson that must be learned by you. I desperately hope this is not a true principle. If it is, I am never going on or in or any wear near or over the ocean. I'm very afraid of being lost at sea or attacked by a shark. Considering I spend less than 5% of my life at the beach, it seems an irrational fear. But it lurks, I'm not gonna lie. I'm also a bit overwhelmed with how distinct and personal fears are. My mom or dad did not teach me this fear. I've never had a run in with a shark. Even Jaws didn't scare me (and everything scary scares me). Just to prove this point further, I have a twin brother who swims with sharks daily and makes a living on the ocean everyday. I guess that's why Captian Faulkenberry is a sailor and his sister is a hairdresser! Arrgh, I'm a land luver, I am. Actually not really, I'm a river lover! (Only one exception, my friend Jennie tells me bull sharks have been found in the Mississippi River. It's documented. So no swimming in the Mississippi for me. I think I can handle that. I'm as happy as the summer is long swimming in the Guadalupe and Blanco Rivers.)

New Year

2010-01-23T22:14:00.003-06:00

I know you've heard this one from me before, but I'll say it again, this year's resolution:

"to keep in touch". Not only on my blog, but checking my email, returning phone calls...answering the phone, remembering birthdays, etc, etc. It's a focused effort this year, so watch this resolution change me. :)

I finished a good book. The Lace Makers of Glenmara.

It was a cute story. It was a story of hope and promise. Not a promise of a happy ending tied up with a bow on a perfect package, but a promise of life. That life will go on, you will rise again and you will fall again. Tragedy and joy both strike, so you have to enjoy and endure, but what matters is the relationships you develop as you travel the journey of life.

I liked it. It was my summer read. Yes, I started it July 4th weekend. I intended to have a light story to enjoy for the rest of the summer. I didn't realize it would take me till next year to finish it. It's funny I really love fiction, but I end up reading so much nonfiction in between actually finishing the novel. Do any of you ADD read like me? I have 7 books going at a time. Most people tuck a book in their bag and tote it with them wherever they go. No, not me. I need a bag specifically for the numerous books I try and tote.

My next fiction interest are Eat, Pray, Love and Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert. Maybe I'll get them in
CD format and listen to them in the car and actually finish them the same year I start them? "Novel" idea?

I love Online Christmas Shopping

2009-12-07T00:09:00.005-06:00

I couldn't make it to the shops this weekend, but NO BIG DEAL!

So, my current favorite etsy shops are: irenesuchocki

(photo from irenesuchocki's etsy shoppe)

and heatherberry

It's hard not to make my Christmas list longer and longer. But I just keep chanting, "remember the reason for the season, remember the reason for the season..." and keep shopping away.

I've also visited and purchased from Land of Nod and Boden.

2009-11-18T21:57:00.003-06:00

"Many things will catch your eye, only a few will catch your heart, pursue those."

Family Pics

2009-11-01T00:03:00.003-05:00

Thanks mac, for such great family photos. I love them. Here are my first couple faves!

Hmmm...what to do for Christmas cards this year....

P.S. Do ya'll like my red hair? It's my first "Frenchie" experiment. :)

Boo!

2009-11-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween. No homeade costumes this year, just a little dress up from the dress up bin, and a fall festival. I'm not much of a Halloween mom. Sorry, kids. But obviously we did carve pumpkins.

Fredricksburg

2009-10-31T23:49:00.003-05:00

Lost in a time warp when we go to Fredricksburg. It's so just fun.
There is usually some shopping time,
some time at the "five and dime",
some river time,

and inspiration overload. I love this little Texas town. It's the perfect weekend getaway!

Aveda Here I Come

2009-10-31T23:44:00.003-05:00

Here's me on my first day of school. Here goes nothing...

The Wheels On the Bus

2009-08-26T11:01:00.004-05:00

Doesn't seem that long ago I was posting about my oldest first day of Kindergarten, and now I'm posting about my youngest first day of Kindergarten. Man, how time flies. Whoever said, "The days are long, but the years are short." was so correct. Each year seems to get faster and faster.

The weeks preceding school, I was flooded with thoughts of the girls when they were still babies and every day was a haze of diaper changes, getting dressed & groomed battles, and muggy mosquito trips to the park (which inevitably led to sandy bed sheet naps). I can't believe these little talking, walking, eye rolling, decision making, front door of elementary entering kiddos are mine. I can't believe I'm the same person or this is the same life. I'm not sad, really, I'm mostly excited, but I am overwhelmed with how fast I suspect their childhood will fly by. {The upside is I'm not quite as crazy or frumpy as I was in the baby haze days!}

Without further adieu, on their first day of school:

My Fair Lady

2009-08-06T07:12:00.001-05:00

I helped my sweetest friend, Katie, alter her dress. We should have taken a before and after, but we didn't and now it's too late because it's "after".

Super cute dress, super short. So we added a band of pink around the bottom for length and a pink sash to tie it all together. No pun intended. So cute. Super fun.

What I want to be when I grow up...

2009-07-30T11:06:00.002-05:00

With my youngest heading off to kindergarten, and me being faced with the prospect of a big empty house all day, I began to panic. I had always dreamt about this day. How I'd pay my dues for eight years, and then just live it up at the coffee shop every morning, and then head to the gym. Enjoy leisurely trips to the grocery store no rowdy, whiny kids in tow. Do chores around the house, paint and create. Then finish the day, of course, by preparing delicious organic meals from scratch for my family to enjoy every evening. But as the day drew neigh, I felt panic. Yet equally, I feel free. Free to be and do anything I want to do. And in this moment, I feel like I need to do something outside the house to keep myself from becoming stagnant. To avoid the bon-bon jokes. Anything but the bon-bon jokes. (FYI anyone who makes bon-bon jokes has NEVER, I repeat NEVER, stayed home rearing small children, can I get an Amen from my “stay-at-home sistas?) I’m ready to turn the page and begin a new chapter for me.
After weeks of reading and contemplating, I have made a "life plan". I put goals on paper, goals

that are specifically important to me. I examined how I want my life to look like, how much time I want to be able to spend with my family, and I truly assessed what I enjoy doing, and now I think I know what I want to be when I grow up. Actually, that isn't true. I know what I want to be for this season of my life.

Are you ready? Aveda here I come. I’m so excited. I’m going to go back to school for one year to get my cosmetology license and become a hairstylist. For those of you who know me well. You will automatically think this is a match because of my freakish fetish with hair. I have been known to stop complete strangers in the grocery store to tell them how cute their hair is and ask if I may check out their layers or highlights. For those of you who know how well I talk, you might possibly think, “How perfect”. She will get to flap her gums all day. Fresh ears every couple hours, just keep those clients cycling through. For those of you who know how I have “tell me your problems” stamped across my forehead you will think, what a match. Kind of like bartenders stylist get told everything. In an honest fashion, not like the putting on appearances done for counselors and pastors. Don’t we ladies, we tell our stylist everything? There will be some quality time for building relationships, shedding wisdom into real life circumstances, and hopefully making a client feel more beautiful inside and out. I also appreciate the creative outlet with my hands part, and the flexible schedule part. I’m really excited about having somewhere to be, outside of the house, everyday.

(photo from Aveda website)

Here's A Hint

2009-07-25T00:19:00.003-05:00

{ prints by Courtney Oquist}

My Life Plan

2009-07-24T23:32:00.007-05:00

As you surely know by now, Jed's has been laid to rest. I've been handling some serious life events and creatively I was hitting some real motivational walls. I still love to sew. I still love fabric, pattern, and creating. But right now it's not what I want to do as a job. Sadly, you will notice the website is gone. It was a tough decision, but the right one (for now).

I felt like I woke up one day and the life I was building turned out to be nothing at all like I intended. I know it's a combination of "life happens" and me feeling dominated by circumstance. So I decided it was time to make some changes. To be intentional about where I was going and what I was doing with my life. I felt like the proverbial "chicken with my head cut-off" running around in circles, but never really accomplishing anything. Never really having anything to show for it. But before I could really lasso the bull by the horns, I had to define down what path I truly wanted to head, and how I truly want my life to look. For what am I truly here?

On the path to develop my "life plan" I asked myself these three important questions:

1. What can I do that time just flies by? (What do I really love?)

-talking -reading -research -teaching -being creative & using my hands -being original -sewing -painting -traveling -listening to music -finding new "things" -predicting trends (before the curve) -developing relationships

2.What themes have stayed consistent in my life?

-nutrition -spirituality & philosophy -teaching -young people/children -writing -creative outlets -nature -natural/organic -food

3. What legacy do I want to leave behind? (How do I want others to remember me when I'm gone?)

-loving -kind -intelligent -dynamic -pioneer -adventurous -unafraid -unashamed -fun to be with -edifying -novel -classic -beautiful -make others feel better -genuine -authentic -honest -strong -stand for what I believe -small but mighty -full of laughter -thoughtful

I answered tons of other questions like these. I really evaluated what I want, what I value, and how I want my life to look. I set specific goals and wrote them in my journal. Are you dying to know what I'm choosing to do with my life?

Listening for My Calling

2009-07-24T23:05:00.005-05:00

Since my youngest is starting kindergarten this year I thought I would gloss over this interesting book, 48 Days to the Work you Love, recommended by a friend. (Maybe figure out what I want to be when I grow up.)

Okay, oh, hello...life changer. This book is amazing. It's inspiring, uplifting, and specific. It's about finding your calling by knowing yourself and listening for the call. Sounds vague. It is not! Not only is this book a major vocation motivator it's also an emotional B-12 shot. Read it!

Also, if you or someone you know has been laid off, is looking for work, or is even depressed. Buy them this book! He explains an excellent, specific job hunt as well as recounting encouraging side stories.

Alright after you read this book and you are gun-ho to determine who you are, why you were put on this earth, what you have to offer that noone else can, and what your "changeless core" is, yet you come up drawing a blank. Then you pull out this book :

What Color is Your Parachute? Do the specific exercises. You will discover what you are good at and what you really enjoy.

Okay so I don't know what I want to be when I "grow up". But I do know what I want to do with my life right now. I know what I want my life to look like. I know what I value. I've determined what my priorities are and what I do well. Are you dying to know what I'm going to be?

Dan Miller's website

Jon & Kate plus 8

2009-07-18T19:52:00.004-05:00

I'm not one to follow tabloids, but I am really sad about this tragedy. I really don't follow celebrity gossip, I wouldn't be caught dead buying overly sensationalized hype, and to be honest the only other story that ever caused me to peruse it before paying for my groceries was when the news first broke that "Jen + Brad" were splitting b/c of "Angie".

Is anyone else sad about this?

So many things are wrong about this, but for starters...what is he doing? I don't care how controlling or moody Kate is- this is not a mature way to "handle" it. Maybe try sticking up for yourself every now and then, or figure out how to make yourself an equal partner, but messing around with college girls and getting married to one of them weeks later. Come on. Can he really be that dense? What is wrong with him?

Poor kids. Poor Kate. It will be okay. Kate will feel rejected for now, but she'll do the hard work of healing and self repair, the kids will get counseling, they'll rely on their faith and they will turn out fine. But Jon, oh Jon, I'm not a fortune-teller, but my gut says this "new" marriage will not have a blissful fairytale ending. He will wake up one day and think, "OH MY GOSH, what did I just do to my family and on national television. Oh no, and it's perfectly documented for my children to know every detail of my detour." That day will not be pretty for "poor" old Jon. I'm not judging, well, yes I guess I am, but mostly I'm just sad. Sad about people I don't even know. It's just that 9 of them seem so innocent (8 at the very least).

Spiritual Fun Loving Extrovert

2009-07-08T22:08:00.000-05:00

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a

Spiritual Fun Loving Extrovert

Lemonade Stand

2009-07-07T00:02:00.002-05:00

Beat the summer heat + being industrious = Lemonade Stand

For us it was a "Cherry-Lime Kool-Aid" stand. I was tired of hearing "I'm bored", so I gave them the lemonade stand suggestion and they used our busy street to their advantage. They certainly had the start up stamina, but their long range goals and focus left much to be desired. It was fun none-the-less!

IndustriousIn*dus"tri*ous\, a. 1. Given to industry; characterized by diligence; constantly, regularly, or habitually occupied; busy; assiduous; not slothful or idle; -- commonly implying devotion to lawful and useful labor.
.
2. Steadily and perseveringly active in a particular pursuit or aim; as, he was negligent in business, but industrious in pleasure; an industrious mischief maker.

The Earth Laughs In Flowers. -Emerson

2009-04-24T14:49:00.005-05:00

It's been a few years since we've pulled off the side of the road and plopped down into a brilliant blue patch to snap a few shots.

2009 Texas Bluebonnets

Shop & Give

2009-04-24T14:00:00.003-05:00

So... my savvy shopping/gift giving sister-in-law called me on Wednesday to see if I would like a pair of Tom's for my birthday. "I've never heard of Tom's", I say. She proceeds to tell me all about them and recites their mission statement for me. I like them already, sight unseen. Wednesday night I head to student ministries, and one of the young ladies is doing a fundraiser for Tom's and we watch a whole video about them and their vision. So Tom's it is this year! I love their "movement", and I'm always a fan of the gifts that keep on giving (as long as they are not communicable diseases).

The twins might get a pair too.

Swim Suit Season

2009-04-17T12:36:00.005-05:00

In Texas it's starting to look a lot like swimsuit season. All the ladies are walking around nice and orange, and razor companies are not experiencing the same economic recession as the rest of the corporate world. The only way to survive a Texas summer is to swim. You HAVE to swim! So for us non-"swimsuit model" types this sends us into crisis mode. So much pressure to get to the gym and undo genetics before the heatwave strikes. The quest for the perfect swimsuit is on. It must be flattering, cute, functional and under 200 dollars. Added challenge: if you are shopping with children you must also find the perfect suit in less than two hours. You know the drill.

This year I found the perfect fit. This is a "one size fits all" type purchase. It's guaranteed to boost your self-esteem. I love it.

This year instead of getting one of these for summer,

Try this one on

What an amazing book. Captivating. This is not a book about how to be a better woman, mother, single or wife. This is an amazing book about the beauty of a woman. Why she's beautiful inside and out. How the standard of beauty our culture tries to sell us is false. This summer do yourself a favor, put those InStyle mags away and read this. You will not be disappointed, and you will flaunt your femininity no matter what suit you choose. So pick up this book, schedule your summer pedi, and crack this spine.

Mother Daughter Aprons

2009-01-16T09:37:00.003-06:00

What is pink, black and white all over? What is french inspired? What couldn't be cuter?

These "coordinating" mother and daughter aprons!

What recipe is in the pocket? Today is your lucky day. It's my "Butter Cream Frosting" recipe, and now it's yours.

Butter Cream Frosting

1/2 c butter

1/2 c shortening

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 c powdered sugar

blend it all together with a mixer and add any color food coloring

Sure to be the "icing on the 'cup'cake". Uh, yeah, it's "low cal".

Late NIght Experiment

2009-01-16T09:21:00.004-06:00

I made these for a BFF birthday. I've been wanting to make kitchen towels with my scraps and fun trim. These were my first attempt, and I don't think I'm satisfied completely but these were a fun place to start. Happy Birthday, BFF.

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-03T23:41:00.005-06:00

Well things are gonna change around here. Lots of things. For starters..

I would like to wear more earrings.

I would like to employ only my favorite of everything (dishes, clothes, bed linens, etc) and get rid of the rest.

I would like to accomplish my spring garden, thank you Mr. Ike.

I would like to validate some weekly time for writing/journaling.

I would like to blog (at least) weekly again.

I should start returning phone calls and e-mails.

I should cut out caffeine.

Oh yes, of course, I would also like to "exercise more" and "get organized".

After a couple years at a strenuous trot, I think Jed's will be taking a break. I'm not sure if it's a sabbatical or what, but I feel like it's time to pull back the reins. Creatively, I need to change directions for a while. I want to be able to go into the studio and make whatever I want to make. I don't want to feel pressured to sell it, or turn it around quickly to fill an order. I want to have time to make for my friends and family, time to make for my house and for myself. Selfishly, I want thrive off the benefits of using my hands to create.

I figure I can still blog, however, only make it "dedicated to inspiration". You can view my flickr account and past posts for ideas. I can post anything exciting I find, from the web. If I finish projects, of course I'll "show and tell". I also anticipate introducing more of my garden/cooking interests, as well as farm to table interests. If your interested keep hanging out for a front row view of what transpires. If not I bid you "adieu". I always hate goodbyes. May you find what you are looking for.

With every end comes a new beginning... shall we embark?

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T21:21:00.000-06:00

The assumption that beauty is an accessory, and dispensable, shows we don't understand the importance of giving the soul what it needs. The soul is nurtured by beauty. The soul craves beauty and in its absence suffers. Beauty is arresting. It is important to be taken out of the rush of practical life for the contemplation of timeless and eternal realities. You may find yourself driving along a highway when you suddenly pass a vista that catches your breath. You stop the car, get out for just a few moments when the soul glimpses an occasion for beauty, if only passing a store window and stopping for a second to notice a beautiful ring or an arresting pattern in a dress. Outwardly, of course, nothing is accomplished. We may not buy the ring that has caught our eye, or photograph the vista. The point is simply to feed the soul a sight that invites contemplation. Living, soulfully, might require something as simple as pausing.

(Thomas Moore)

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Christmas Baking

2008-12-16T23:32:00.002-06:00

Baking has become therapeutic for me...I'm pretty sure everybody will receive baked goods this Christmas! I've done most of my Christmas shopping, and now while everyone else fights shopping lines and holiday "sneers", I will be in my tranquil kitchen baking till my heart's content.

I'm still looking for charming and clever ways to package my baked goods. I want the presentation to be simple yet stunning. Any ideas? I want the girls to be able to help.

I think I know what I will bake. I'll use this easy fudge recipe, and of course some of Martha's cookies, and maybe a few Stained-glass cookies , these were always a tradition in our house.

International Quilt Festival

2008-10-31T00:38:00.005-05:00

Sorry guys, I had to remove the pics.

So apparently Houston has the biggest quilt festival in the US, so I decided to check it out.

Just when you think you are good at a hobby...

know that there is somebody better than you!

No matter your taste, there is something for everybody...

I mean look at this detail...

Ya'll even the carpet was cool!

Skills. There were skills!

I discovered Kaffe Fassett. What rock have I been sleeping under? I love his fabric! Plus, I heard echoed from MANY vendors, he's a great guy, charming and a major character!

I also passed Jenny Doh in the hall. It was kind of twilight zone-ish. I've always been a fan of Somerset Studio Magazine, and as I'm walking in the hall I'm thinking, "How do I know that lady? Oh yeah, she's the editor of SSM! Eek!" {sheepish smile}

Fabric Recon

2008-10-31T00:05:00.004-05:00

okay, so have you seen...

Michael Miller's farmer's patch fabric line yet? so cute...

try these for a killer combo

Recently I've been able to see Heather Bailey's new fabric line, up close and personal. "Online" I thought it was a miss. Secretly, I was suprised that such a tantalizing artist could miss it so badly...nope, I'm pias, and it's the translation of color on the computer that doesn't do it any justice. Pop Garden is fantstic! The color combos are bold and just right. So don't be fooled by the pc, it is fabulous.

Advent Conspiracy

2008-10-26T16:40:00.006-05:00

I recently came across this wonderful website, but more than that this wonderful concept. It is a simple Christmas philosophy of 'worship fully, spend less, give more, and love all'. It's awesome watch the video! Watch it, and maybe this year, like me, you will be inspired to "give presence".

I really think this year's Christmas might look different, given the current "economic" state. Wouldn't it be wonderful to really internalize this message and not stand in prolific lines, not get flicked off in the mall parking lot, and possibly have a "Charlie Brown" Christmas.

Don't forget to look at etsy for great hand-made in the USA, one of a kind gift ideas.

Ministry of Food

2008-10-10T16:18:00.005-05:00

Because I just can't get enough, I went to Jamie Oliver's website to see the latest Jamie At Home info, but he has already moved on. You know how Texas gets everything later than California and New York? Well the UK does everything before the US. He's already starting a new project called the Ministry of Food, and I haven't even had enough of Jamie At Home yet. I was bummed, until I checked it out. It's pretty fabulous. Go look...

Wanting to contribute to the "food revolution" I've been trying to utilize what's in season. However, for those of us a few generations removed from the farm may not know what is in season. Check out this great website updated weekly to let you know what produce is freshest!

Since potatoes are in season why not try this incredible recipe from Alice Water's The Simple Art of Cooking

OMG super simple and super tasty. If you are a vegetarian this is a main dish!

Potato Gratin

butter a casserole dish

peel and thinly slice (food processor or mandolin) 4 large potatoes

make a layer of potato slices, sprinkle with salt and pepper (i added fresh herbs also)

make another layer of potatoes and repeat once more to make 3 layers total

pour 1 cup of milk over the top, the liquid should come up to the first layer

dot the top with 3 tablespoons of butter

Bake 350 degrees until the top is browned and slightly bubbly (approx 1hr)

P.S. Another interesting website along the "food not grass" guidelines is http://freedomgardens.org/

Gift Ideas

2008-10-04T09:27:00.008-05:00

I know we are just kissing summer goodbye, but trust me it will be the "mad" holiday rush before you know it! I've decided to make random "Gift Idea" posts. Ones that I can dog ear and have readily available when I actually park myself in front of the sewing machine. My aim this year to actually begin these projects BEFORE Christmas Eve!

Some gift ideas swirling around this head of mine look a little something like these:

Pocket Book Cover from Crazy Quilt Mom

Dishtowels from Anthropologies,
or similar to these from Anna Maria Horner

And because I'm still not over my "house love"

{pics from my summer travels}, I would like to rifle through my scrap basket and make some more like these.

Fridge Makeover

2008-09-30T09:34:00.007-05:00

For most of us we lost everything in our refrigerators after Hurricane Ike.

I stumbled upon this great blog. Domenica has great advice about restocking the fridge and pantry with healthy alternatives. Since we are starting from scratch, why not?

In my research this summer I have found trans fats (hydrogenated oils), high fructose corn syrup, and artificial colorings to be major offenders.

Check out what Mom-a-licious has to say about restocking those shelves!

And while you are shopping if you would like to buy genetically-engineered free foods check out this list from True Food Now.

This is where I'm going to start when re-stocking my fridge and pantry.

Ike

2008-09-26T09:38:00.005-05:00

{All images are from a power point I received through e-mail. None are of us or ours.}

For all of you who were worried, we fared well. Ike although scary, destructive, and massive did not hurt our family, home, or cars. There is lots of destruction and many still without power so pray for these people b/c the humidity is rising and the mosquitoes are prolific and the size of pterodactyls right now.

We did survive 10 days without power! The cool front and no mosquitoes for 7 days was a modern day miracle. We got our power just as the warmer temps and Gulf Coast mosquitoes began to appear, and we never lost our fresh water. Because of the graceful circumstances it ended up being like a long camping trip in our own home. It's a bizarre experience, like a step back in time a century or two. I think it was a much needed experience for my children to help them realize what is important and what luxuries they really have.

An entire city without power changes the city. Without TV, video games, or computer, and with lovely weather EVERYONE heads outdoors. Neighbors visit with each other daily. Fat kids are out riding their bikes. Neighborhood kids meet up to play (IE: ride bikes, skate boards, roller blades or use their imaginations).

Other changes:

-Seek others for your current events, "HEB has ice, go now the line is only 20min."

-Not checking your e-mail for a week

-Not checking your planner for a week

-People seeking others instead of things for entertainment

-Kids playing outside all day with sticks

-Go to bed early

-Read more

-See the stars in the city

-Slower pace and more introspection

-The formerly dormant survival instincts are ignited

-The senses are enlivened and more closely connected to nature

With everyone unplugged and heading outside we saw lots of positive changes in our neighborhood. It makes you wonder???? Maybe embracing the simple things is what provides abundance?

I'm certain with no fresh water and more typical south Texas September weather this would have been a very different situation. But for the most part we were spared. But remember the others in your thoughts and prayers. Kiss an electrician, and say a special thanks for the first responders, line men, and clean up crews who have been working around the clock. The cities don't just repair themselves, real people have to work hard and remain in high stress situations for extended periods of time to restore the creature comforts and modern day amenities we've grown so accustomed to.

My Summer: 3

2008-09-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

Because of my oldest daughter's stomachaches, I spent many hours in the kitchen this summer. I very much enjoyed At Home with Jamie. I used his enthusiasm to put my garden to use, and start cooking fresh!

I also feel like I received a cooking education via Alice Water's The Art of Simple Food. It is fantabulous! It's a few generations of lost secrets in the kitchen. It's funny, in this era of graphic design with all things visual, and our generation's rapidly declining attention span, enter Alice Waters, with the brilliance of simplicity. I need pictures... I need pictures on everything, blogs, magazines, and cookbooks (especially cookbooks). Nope, not in this book. It's a tonic to over stimulation. It's a salve to hyperactivity. It is a classic.

Waters offers nine tenets for a "food revolution":1 Eat locally and sustainably 2. Eat seasonally 3. Shop at farmer's markets 4. Plant a garden5. Conserve, compost, and recycle 6. Cook together 7. Eat together 8. Remember food is precious

We spent the summer trying to do just that!

And one of my proudest accomplishments this summer is my attempt, and successful achievement of homemade jam. There is something powerful about researching and attempting something that seems so forgotten, and lost inside a people of convenience. It's enchanting. I think I understand myself better and have drawn a little closer to my farming roots. There is a simple way of life that I hope my family can sustain inside of suburbia.

Now we have tasty jam on the shelf made from blueberries, apricots, and pears. Not to totally freak you out, but we did happen to pick the blueberries and pears ourselves!

But none of that tasty jam would have been possible without Lip Smakin' Jams & Jellies. What a resource!

My Summer: 2

2008-09-08T10:00:00.002-05:00

Wanderlust...
We traveled this summer! We went everywhere and saw everyone!

I love to travel. Maybe it's because my parents were divorced and I spent 8 hrs of every other weekend in the truck riding from Houston to San Antonio, or maybe it's just innate? Either way, nothing makes me happier than good music coming through the radio, the dotted line on the pavement whizzing by, fields and trees passing along the window, and the intoxication of anticipated adventure. Restless by nature, I guess, born under a wandering star.

The list includes but is not limited to Austin (TX), Fredricksburg (TX), Fort Worth (TX), Little Rock (AR), and New Port (RI), and Boston (MS).

My Summer by Sarah Moyar

2008-09-07T21:10:00.004-05:00

This summer was fun. I was very busy. I did not write on my blog because my computer broke. I also have two kids that are very demanding.

I'm a little rusty, but I'm back! New computer, lots of pictures, plenty of stories. Stay tuned, I'm sorry I abandoned you all, but here's my white hankie...rebook-mark Jed's and make weekly (at least) visits!

Jed's Sewing Camp 2008

2008-07-28T15:15:00.003-05:00

Another successful year! We had a blast. This year we were able to meet at my new house in my upstairs studio. It worked out swimmingly. We made those cute peasant tops I told you about and we made a cute and convenient zipper pouch.

Adorable...

Summer Reading

2008-06-04T14:00:00.001-05:00

Here are a few books on the top of my list for this summer's reading pleasure. I anticipate being very smart come August!

The Creative Family

Lunch Lessons

Fat Flush

The Art of Simple Food

Doodle Stitching

You Grow Girl

Pie

Artisan Bread

Shopping From Home

2008-06-03T22:59:00.004-05:00

A few purchases have been made today, right from the comforts of my very own home in my ergonomically designed computer chair, and I couldn't be happier. I love internet shopping. No fuss, and no need to drag this brood to the mall for endless hours of torture! This leaves more time for pool and popsicles.

I got two new swimsuits from Athleta. They are very cute. Online shopping really takes the sting out of bathing suit shopping, however I hope they are lovely on. Correction, I hope they are 'less than horrible' on, which is the best I can hope for in a swimsuit.

I got this one, and this one. This was a runner up, but out of stock! :(

Thank you, Stacy, because today I also enjoyed cashing in my Amazon gift card. I'm pretty sure an Amazon gift card is the ideal gift. It was super easy to use, and these books should be arriving in the next couple days. I ordered You Grow Girl, Doodle Stitching, and The Creative Family. They have all been on my wish list for quite some time.

Now I wait (and quit shopping). :)

Summertime

2008-05-30T09:39:00.005-05:00

School's out for summer! I can almost smell the spf 50, backyard swimming pool, and garden fresh green beans sizzling in a buttery iron skillet! It's time for water fun and free time! I'm dedicating this summer to "enjoying the summer".

Below I've compiled a list of local summer activities I'm aware of. Obviously it does not include EVERYTHING, but I hope it's a start for most of us. If you know of anything else in our neighborhood (or nearby) please leave a comment with the info. I'd love this post to be a summer staple for local families to denounce the children's, "I'm bored" squall.

Water Fun:
http://www.quilliancenter.org/

http://www.thebulletin.com/archives/2003/may/waterworld.htm

http://www.schlitterbahn.com/gal/

Eateries:

http://www.kingwoodhumblekidseatfree.com/

Activities:

http://www.amctheatres.com/smc/movies.html

http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=19054784

http://www.themudpie.com/index.htm
http://www.themudpie.com/Storytime.htm

Shanks http://www.shankzgolf.com/ (balladium is a blast!)

Library activities http://www.hcpl.net/calendar.php

Culture:

http://www.adplayers.org/CT_home.html

http://www.mainstreettheater.com/

http://www.centrestage.org/index.html

Local Harvest:

Moorehead's http://www.sayblueberry.com/

http://www.localharvest.org/search.jsp?map=1&lat=30.052800&lon=-95.220720&scale=9&ty=-1&nm=&zip=77339

http://www.localharvest.org/search.jsp?map=1&lat=29.770633&lon=-95.414819&scale=9&ty=-1&nm=&zip=77299

Summer Camps:

YMCAhttp://66.162.125.52/lakehoustondaycamp.pdf

Discovery College http://kingwood.lonestar.edu/27083/

From Scratch

2008-05-24T12:19:00.000-05:00

We've been in the kitchen a lot lately, and here are some new recipes I'd like to try.

My mint is trying to take over my yard, but this recipe ought to tame that herb!

Homemade Mint Ice cream from Blue Yonder.

First, take a bunch of mint leaves, I don't know, half a cup or so, and put them in a bowl with a cup of sugar.
Use the back of a spoon to grind them up into the sugar.
Pour in two cups of heavy cream and a cup of whole milk, and stir until the sugar dissolves.
Let that sit in the fridge for a couple of hours (or overnight if you like it really minty).
Strain the leaves out of the mixture, and then pour it in 13X 9 (ish) pan (glass or ceramic is best - anything that will give it enough room to spread out) and cover with plastic wrap.
Put it in the freezer.
Every hour or so, take it out and scrape/mix it with a fork. This will keep it from becoming one solid mass. This freezing part should take 3-4 hours.
Voila, ice cream!
*A variation could be to add in chocolate chips.

We recently made these homemade Lara Bars, easy to make, and yum to eat! Here's another variation of the recipe. Make a big batch. Throw one in your bag with an apple and you have yourself a meal. When you are having a "mobile" day, never drive through for french fries again, keep a stash of these handy and offer your starving over-transported kids one of these. So healthy and tasty too.

My two worlds have collided! You know I love Amy Butler for her whimsical fabric and chic patterns. But did you know she also wrote a book about Jams & Jellies? OH YES SHE DID. I haven't done the jams or jellies, but I intend too. However, I did try the recipe for Sharon's Cream Biscuits. OMG!

2 cups AP flour

1 tsp salt

1 TBS baking powder

2 tsp sugar

1 cup plus 2 TBS heavy cream

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

Preheat oven to 425. Mix flour, salt, bp, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add the cream to the dry ingredients and mix. Gather the dough together and knead for 1 additional minute. Pat the dough into a 1/2" square and cut into 12 biscuits. Place biscuits on ungreased cookie sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter. Bake 15-17 minutes or until light golden brown.

Jed's Sewing Camp

2008-05-22T11:42:00.004-05:00

Hello local seamstresses:

Summer is almost here, and that means sewing camp is right around the corner.

When: July 14-17, 9:30am - 1:30pm

Who: ages 10 & up

What: Jed's Sewing Camp, Reg. $65 + supply list

This year we will be making this Built by Wendy peasant top.

Like last year, I will limit the class to 6-8 students. If there is enough interest I will open a second session. Likewise, if these times do not work for you and you are interested still let me know and we can hopefully fill up a second class. To register please email lil_mustard@hotmail.com . I will send you the registration form and the supply list. I can gladly answer any questions about camp, purchasing a sewing machine, where to buy the pattern and fabric, and measuring for the proper size pattern. Please feel free to contact me.

Can't wait to see you there. You girls will 'rock' the peasant top!
Hurry and sign up,Sarah

Check out camp from last year, when we rocked the three tiered skirts!

Happy Birthday To Me

2008-05-18T07:26:00.014-05:00

(These cupcakes were from Sprinkles.)

I enjoyed a belated birthday "girls weekend".

It was perfect. I basically pretended to live my best friend's single life with her for a weekend in Dallas. :) We saw movies, went shopping, ate at local eateries, and spent a morning kayaking.

We also saw the best movies! Angelika is my new favorite movie theater. I saw Helen Hunt's Then She Found Me, and Ben Stein's Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. They were both wonderful. One's a "tear-jerker" and one's a major "thinker".

Thanks, Jennie. Now back to reality. ;)

Bounty

2008-05-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

"The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none." ~Deut 28:12

The first fruits of our labor. They may appear modest, but this excites me so much because I know it's only the beginning.
These days everything is enhanced around here, even an ordinary cup of tomato soup gets some added pizzaz!

Congrats, Megan

2008-05-07T20:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a diaper bag for Megan. I hope she likes it! It's designed to perfection (in my humble opinion). I've enjoyed using the Amy Butler Nappy Bag pattern, and adding my own twists. I added a key hook, and an extra pocket inside, as well as including a changing pad.

This bag SHOULD be big enough for a new baby boy, and his 2 big brother's stuff plus mom's goodies, but we'll see????

Is there a newbie in town who could use one of these? This custom bag will retail for $50. Simply convo with me and put in your request, or order through my etsy shoppe. For the perfect baby shower gift fill it with a onesie and burp cloth, a special offer for only $65.

Reusable Shopping Bag

2008-05-07T18:26:00.000-05:00

Inspired by my previous post, I'm sure, I've been toying with the idea of making reusable shopping bags. I've been figuring out the details, and trying to bring something new to the market. My intent is to offer something charming and delightful to carry, as well as help alleviate the needless accumulation of plastic bags received at the grocery store. Although my design is still in progress, check out these crafty alternatives for "reusing" your plastic bags.

(photo by gooseflesh)

Life's A Beach

2008-05-07T11:08:00.002-05:00

I'm back, and boy was it refreshing. I had a blast with all my old friends, and made some new ones too.

Traveling with twelve moms is as easy as it gets. Everything is taken care of, and everyone is relieved to be handling normal tasks without hearing any whining or abrupt interruptions due to emergency bodily functions. One thing I must caution you about when vacationing with twelve moms, is...do NOT I repeat do NOT let them go shopping. I think I still smell plastic melting.

Consumerism at it's finest! I was pretty good, but I did make a few new purchases! ;)

Time Off

2008-04-24T23:12:00.000-05:00

(Image from Anne Taintor website.)

I'm off to the beach tomorrow. Whoo hoo!

I just sent out three cute t-shirts. They were peace signs. I fully intended to take their picture all lined up on the clothes line, but totally forgot. Oh well!

Be back soon.

Would you like to know my predictions?

2008-04-24T17:47:00.000-05:00

It's crazy how these things are always happening to me... I was out thrifting one day and found this very appealing knit. I liked the neutral color, yet lovely texture and pattern. I grabbed it. I'm pretty sure I paid a whole dollar for the yard. Well only a few days later in my mailbox arrives the Anthropologies catalog with this photo of this dress on the cover. Tell me they do

not look similiar?

Remember this post? In my humble opinion, but on my style radar this is what I'm feeling???

Coming Soon...

It's all about the "shabby chic". Think antique roses, whites and shades of neutral. Sweet florals especially soft blues, greens, and pinks. Artists like Rachel Ashwell , Tanya Whelan, or Pam Garrison have got the ticket!

Hubby DIY

2008-04-23T17:12:00.000-05:00

We're all a bit crafty these days. I love, love, loved this bench in the Sundance catalog, but couldn't justify the price. Only a few weeks later when I walked outside my betrothed was lovingly giving his own craft a whirl. He is a handy man!

Now we have our own version. Made from the fence that fell over a few months ago. :)

Tacky decor, I know, I know... I haven't decorated yet, but I pretty much want it to look like ANY room in the Sundance catalog when I'm finished. I guess I better DIY a quilt with those kind of prices!!

If you don't already get the Sundance catalog. Sign up the pictures are gorgeous, the style is novel, and you get a mug shot of Robert Redford in every issue. I found this great website for catalogs. It's called Catalog Choice. You can make an account and browse many catalogs, as well as cancel catalogs you may get that you no longer wish to get. They have a paper-friendly motivation so they don't sell your info to every other catalog company!

Fresh Eggs

2008-04-21T17:35:00.002-05:00

Most of the hens over yonder at Back Yard Farming are starting to lay eggs. The girls hate to see any go to waste, so there is a contest involving egg recipes. It looks like fun, and there are many prizes to be won. The apron pictured above is one of the prizes. Head on over and take a look.

Speaking of prizes mary f., ashley, megan, stacy, and mary n. your stationary packs will be heading out tomorrow.

It's a Bake Sale

2008-04-21T16:44:00.004-05:00

Because who doesn't love a cupcake? If you look closely you can see there is one missing...hmmmm???

Cupcakes are not just for tea parties anymore, they are everywhere. You can decorate with them. Put your sewing pins in them. For cupcake love check out Take the Cake devoted soley to cupcakes, plus find a cupcakery near you.

Maybe next year we'll make something like these?

Cupcake T's coming to the shop soon!

Simple Pleasures

2008-04-04T23:56:00.007-05:00

Like three year old girls with sparkly pink shoes, and red berries from Nandina bushes, it doesn't take much to make me happy.

Today I am amused by Craft Sanity's podcast with Anna Marie Horner. She is so inspiring! {I will admit to a slight case of career and blog envy.}

And these links could keep me busy for hours. Art, Art, and more Art!

http://simplystated.realsimple.com/home/2008/03/affordable-art.html

http://www.thing-of-beauty.com/100-great-artists-etsy-you-might-want-to-visit

one more added

http://pikaland.com/

Signs of Life

2008-04-04T18:09:00.004-05:00

Although a "cool" front blew in this evening (cooler than the 85 degrees it was this afternoon), earlier in the week I snapped these pictures of the "flourishing" container gardens. The top pics are sweet 100's (cherry tomatoes) and a little basil. The bottom pics are some Kentucky pole beans climbing a tee pee.

Are you an urban homesteader? A backyard farmer? A novice, suburban rookie? Do you want more gardening posts, then don't forget to check out Backyard Farming, even Blue Yonder is reading! She is so cool, she makes me want to home school and bake pies...all of us at Backyard Farming agree. ;)

www.jedidiahsnovelties.com

2008-04-01T21:45:00.005-05:00

Hello readers, I need your feedback. It is time for me to renew my website subscription, and I'm curious how you all feel about it.

Do you think the website is a must??
How much do you love it?
Do you think to convey Jed's first impression accurately, the website is required?
How often do you visit the website??
Do you think I can accomplish a professional appearance with my blog, flickr account, and etsy store??
Do you think a first time viewer would be able to see all the products offered easily without the website?

In the very near future I will probably phase out the greeting card section of Jed's. I mean how can I compete with these fine stationary companies?? I intend to focus a little more on my art and offer post cards and prints of my original artwork.

Sooo, I have a fun little contest....the first five readers to leave a "feedback" comment will receive a sampler pack of greeting cards. So hurry and speak your mind!

Mags

2008-03-30T08:51:00.004-05:00

Remember this post about the dear loss of Blueprint Magazine? Let me share with you what I've been reading to fill the void. I've really been enjoying Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion. This magazine cultivates an indie fresh feel. I was pleasantly surprised. It's a bi-monthly subscription, and the April/May issue has a nice spread dedicated to Heather Bailey with her gorgeous photographs.

I'm also a fan of Country Living. It is not "old lady" like you might assume. (Or maybe it is and I'm becoming old lady without even realizing it, you know my 29th birthday is right around the corner.) It has great decorating ideas, nice articles, and scrumptious recipes.

Then for an edgy balance I love Domino! Ahhh Domino. It's hip and trendy. This month has an article on Drew Barrymore and her production company. I haven't read it yet, but I love Drew!

While we are on the topic of magazines, what the heck happened to Adorn Magazine?? No current issues? The blog isn't updated?? Where did it go?

Hoodie

2008-03-27T22:32:00.003-05:00

This was a custom order, special request, and I sent it out Wed. I think it turned out pretty rockin'.

The Art of Procrastination

2008-03-25T00:37:00.004-05:00

Why am I such a procrastinator? Okay so the story of the dresses...I bought this adorable fabric last year. Then I found a great dress in the Boden catalogue and thought I'd do something similar. I've had the pattern and the fabric for over a year. I decided this year I would turn last year's project into this year's Easter dress. Luckily I altered the pattern to fit my growing girls, and cut out the dresses in Feb. The cut out dresses sat up there in my sewing room for well over a month, and then the night before (yes, the night before!) at around 9pm I decide I am going to make their Easter dresses. I stayed up until 4am making dresses. I would have finished much sooner, but I completely assembled the second dress backwards, had to hang out with the seem ripper for a few hours and then reassemble it correctly.

How hard would it have been to finish those dresses a week early?? It's like my brain needs the adrenaline to knock into high gear, function properly and complete a task!

Happy Easter

2008-03-25T00:18:00.005-05:00

Pretty girls. Easter dresses. Designer fabric. Lemons. Pears. Texas Spring. Resurrection.

All in all a pretty good day! ;)

{I never stand still...}

{ I am 3. I am done with this photo shoot.}

Goin' to "Cali"

2008-03-17T21:42:00.000-05:00

If you ever loved a cousin... Couldn't this picture melt any heart of stone?

Well they're off, and it was a teary goodbye. Poor little cousins bidding "adieu". They will go from weekly visits to yearly visits and they are not too excited about it.

S-I-L will be in California until my brother gets out of OCS, and then they will get their new assignments. And then we will plan our vacation. :) If you look closely you will see her shirt subtly says, "wish me bonne chance" {good luck in French}. She will need it flying solo with her 6yr old, 3yr old, and 1yr old. ;)

Rodeo

2008-03-15T23:58:00.001-05:00

Can you believe we took the girls to Hannah Montana?? And let me just say I really enjoyed the livestock show. :)

Loved the chicks, the rabbits, the cattle, the bull riding, and barrel racing!
Hannah Montana, sheesh. What is wrong with mainstream America? Do they really not have anything else to get earsplitting excited and dressed up about? If not that is sad! Never one to be impressed by pop culture, lets just call it an innate reflex to reject what is trying to be force fed to me, I really don't get it. She is cute enough, and the daughter of the oh~so~famous Billy Ray Cyrus, (just think achy-breaky heart and a mullet to jog your memory) but why the craze? Everyone was so buzzed about her I was kind of hoping to REALLY like her after the show, but it was quite anti climatic. I guess it's just good marketing??

Of course the girls liked it, and we surprised them with the tickets so that was good family fun!

The Nappy Bag

2008-03-09T22:20:00.010-05:00

Don't you love that fabric?? I taught mi amiga the sewing basics the other day and together we created this diaper bag. We hit lots of speed bumps ie: not enough fabric, 3~3 yr olds, and the flu, but the end result is pretty snazzy??? It's the Nappy bag from Amy Butler. Then we used our "crafty leftovers" to make the matching burp cloth. You know me and scraps! Mi amiga was a stellar pupil. All that teaching started the wheels a turnin' for this summer's sewing camps...hmmm who? when? what? where? Summer will be here before you know it!

This is tentative, but I know I will have a ladies' class and a teen's class. I don't know if we'll do summer craft camps this year or not??? If you want to keep it place your vote now!

P.S. Is anyone else on blogspot having trouble posting pics? I've tried to post a dozen pics today and this is the only one I can get to post????

Yellow and Gray

2008-02-28T13:15:00.006-06:00

I have this uncanny knack for knowing what colors will be the season's it colors. Sometimes I'm a year or two ahead, and sometimes just a season. I've done this since I was a kid. I don't know why I know, or even if it's important to know, but I do draw great pride from it for some unexplained reason. :)

I knew baby blue and brown a year in advance. I knew this green before it started showing up everywhere. But my big call for spring and summer this season will be yellow and gray (or silver). (image from Spiegel) Last summer one of my students made clay beads with yellow and silver. And it instantly became a favorite combo of mine and I heard that still small voice in my head say, "that's a comin"... (image from Target)

One afternoon last year, while coloring with my girls, a red and turquoise crayon were laying next to each other, I saw it and knew...It's very strange!

(image from Pottery Barn) Yellow for sure is the it color this spring. You will also see lime green and brown try to make a cameo, but believe it or not I think people will finally tire of brown. Nice plum purple will also be every where this spring and summer. Primary colors will hold on a little longer. Last year it was primary yellow, primary green and royal blue. This year I think it will be more like navy blue, primary red and white~patriotic I guess??

It's not science, but welcome to the inside of my brain and the knowledge it chooses to obtain.

"Speak no evil of an absent friend."

2008-02-27T14:31:00.003-06:00

Did you miss me? I'm long on ideas and short on time lately. Aren't we all??

Recently I've taken a pattern making class from First Samples, and while the place was adorable and inspiring, pattern making is not really my cup of tea. I had my first intuition when I started gathering my tools and my husband the engineer had almost all of them. It pretty much took every skill set that I don't have and wrapped it all into one. I think a good artist, someone with major spatial skills, or an engineer, someone geeked up about precision work, formulas, and perfection would ace this class. I'm an outside the box, tactile, learn from guessing kind of worker bee, so although it was a great time, I don't see myself doing a lot of pattern making in the future.

I know what I love most about sewing is playing with fabric. I love color, pattern, and texture. I love the design aspect. Besides when I can find patterns as cute as these by Amy Butler, why would I mess with a good thing. You know Amy Butler has a new book out too. It's called Midwest Modern. The photos are amazing! Speaking of books, I FINALLY got Bend-the-Rules Sewing by Amy Karol. It's so lovely, and what's even lovelier is I found it at JoAnn's fabric and happened to have my flyer with my 50% off coupon in my purse! Sweet~

Boss Lady

2008-02-25T10:00:00.000-06:00

A Weekend In the Yard

2008-02-12T13:25:00.000-06:00

I spent this past weekend in the yard, mostly straightening up after "fall". I did manage to plant a few things, basil, thyme, oregano, and dill to be exact. I still plan on planting rosemary, mint, wheat grass, and a few tomatoes. I don't think we will be able to have a big garden this year. We just don't know the yard well enough yet. At this new house we have so many trees and they produce so much shade. I think we need to take one summer to note where in the yard gets the most sun. {Although after reading this post, I feel inspired and "pumped" to do a really BIG garden!} I WILL at least have tomatoes, by golly. I think I will do them in whiskey barrels.

I decided to plant my herbs in pots. I have never grown herbs from seeds before, but it's still wet and rainy around here and I figured it was a small gardening venture that required minimal effort and little risk. If you want to plan a garden don't forget to check the Farmer's Almanac. I did and look what it says about the dates I planted my seeds! (Feb 10-11 Seeds planted now will grow poorly and yield little.) I tell you, that FA is really handy. You can cut your hair, plant seeds, and quit smoking by it. I love it! Maybe there is still hope for my little seedlings? Maybe if I whisper sweet nothings to them???

I've been enjoying this book You Grow Girl. It's a no-fuss guide to gardening.

Do You See the Potential?

2008-02-11T15:10:00.000-06:00

Trash to treasure, baby. Check out this chair someone was getting rid of on garbage day. I saw it, did a u-y and grabbed it. I think I will spray paint it white and make a seat cushion out of this great sparkly red vinyl I saw at High Fashion Fabrics. It's so great on it's own, I want to resist the urge to over do it.

My little muchkin insists that it's a chair for Herman. This is herman! I don't think Herman will be with us for long, so until I can undergo a new makeover project I'll let Herman hang out in the totally awesome brimming with potential chair.

Speaking of makeover projects, do you remember this post? I was nominated as a finalist! Thank you, Danielle. There were four finalist in my category (fabric...of course). Most categories had a winner and one runner up. My category had a winner and TWO runners up. I was neither the winner nor the 1st or 2nd runner up. I really, really lost, nah we'll call it "fourth place". Pretty exciting none the less, and my coffee table does STILL LOOK AWESOME (and protect noggins)!

chickadee

2008-02-06T02:55:00.001-06:00

girl in a cafe

2008-02-06T02:51:00.000-06:00

St. Valentine

2008-01-31T16:49:00.002-06:00

I did some etsy looking today. There's lots of fresh stuff. If you need to buy for a Valentine check out some of these ideas...

Is your guy handy in the kitchen?
Does he love the Sopranos?
Does your man kick it old school?
Maybe he drinks coffee all day at work?
Does he have a great sense of humor?
And the grand prize winner for my redmeat lover of a hubby.

Or deck a gal pal out with these ridiculously cute accessories.
How about a cupcake bath bomb?

Looking for cards? Maybe something from this gal,
and I don't know if cards get any better than these.

Or for your little Valentine...

of course there are these for your girlies,
barrettes, tutus or some of these would be cute.
Oh, oh look at this pretend baking set.

For your little dudes maybe try

From my Valentine I would love to get any of these...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9085948
maybe a print like this firefly print or this Amelie print, or this lovely milk print
or maybe this t-shirt

any of it, i'm easy to please :)

So I Made that Apple Pie

2008-01-31T12:26:00.003-06:00

There's a party in my tummy, so

yummy, so yummy...

So here it is right before it went into

the oven. Isn't she lovely...

The end result = delicious, everyone in the house was a fan. Funny story though, the night I baked it my husband didn't eat any pie when the girls and I tried it. Later that night, I went upstairs to put the girls to bed and when I came downstairs he was eating a BIG helping of pie and watching TV. He NEVER, not once, made a comment about it. No "this is good" or "thanks for the pie". I was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

irritated. I wanted to yank the bowl out of his hands. Normally I would have made a comment or at least gone fishing for one. I mean this was handmade crust and a dad-gum homeade apple pie. No freezer, no box, but an old-fashioned labor of love. I went to bed angry (one of my no-nos) and woke up angry, but I didn't say a word (next to impossible for me). However when he came home the next day from work, he was casually looking through the mail and out of nowhere came over and gave me a high five and said, "Oh, that by the way was the best apple pie I've ever had!" Redeemed. I did mentioned how I'd been seething at him for almost 24 hours now, so he better be glad he removed his head from his... luckily he's still my sweetie pie.

At least it ended well. And now the pie is gone, all gone. If you want to take an apple pie adventure of your own these are the recipes I used:

pie crust

apple pie instructions

Good Luck

Heading to Canton

2008-01-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pics of some of Shelly's order. I sewed my fingers to the bone. On Sat I sent out 10 aprons for the February show. They would make really great Valentine's Day gifts, don't you think? I had to send them so quickly I didn't take very good pictures, but there are many more to come, so hopefully the documentary o apron will improve. :)

Jamie at Home

2008-01-28T13:38:00.000-06:00

Have ya'll seen this yet? It comes on Sat mornings. It's awesome. My "Naked Chef" romance began the first time I ever laid eyes on Jamie Oliver, so please understand I'm a bit partial and you know I'm a sucker for Brits(my hubby)...but check this show out.

I discovered that the show even existed here. Download his recipes they are easy and straight forward. You know I'm a Martha fan, but Jamie's recipes are so easy to follow. And sure I'd love everything I make in the kitchen to show like a Martha magazine, but I'm more of the equivalent of a lazy crafter in the kitchen. I want it to taste good~numero uno, but I want to cut as many corners as possible, and dirty as few cooking utensils as possilble. I believe Jamie ascribes to these mottos as well. I've seen him beat eggs with his fingers, toss the pepper seeds over his shoulder and use his rabbit chips for smoking salmon. He keeps it simple, and you know I like simple.

Please note I am by NO MEANS comparing myself to Jamie in the kitchen, he has mad skills, nor am I making preferences between Martha and Jamie. I'm just really enjoying his ecclectic mix of dishes, his candid approach, and his down home country kitchen simplicity.

muah

Hot Cocoa Morning

2008-01-25T13:00:00.000-06:00

Today is a hot cocoa morning. Lately we've had so many cold and rainy days, while it makes most depressed, I LOVE it! It invigorates me. I want to make tea, cook and bake, read a book, and wrap up in warm wooly clothing. :) For me it's a refreshing change from the perpetual sauna-like climate in south Texas.

...the reality check is that the kids are crazy because they've been cooped up all day, then we bundle up to go outside, a 25-30min ordeal, and everyone ends in tears because they are too cold and they come inside with snotty noses and pink chapped cheeks. Wussies, just kidding. ;)

I'm super excited about two projects I'm working on. Shelly from Rockin' Vintage has placed a buxom order for aprons to sell at her booth in Canton. You know I love her work and style so I'm delighted to have some Jed's aprons mingling in her rockin' booth.

I'm also joining the lovely ladies at Backyard Farming to be a contributor to their blog. I'm super excited to collaborate with these urban farming chickadees. They all share the same simple, sustainable life philosophy that is ingrained inside my heart. I may be stuck inside the suburbs, but my mom's family and my dad's family were Texas farmers and I will pass the torch to my kiddos any way I can. So visit often because this blog is a newborn, but has amazing inspiration and potential.