j.mae in the house on hancock

Cookies Must Die

2010-09-20T09:22:00.000-05:00

Stupid cookies, sitting so innocently on the counter. "Just have one!" they cry. That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard, cookie. No one can eat just one of you! I forget about them this morning, but then someone else eats one.

"That was not a good cookie. I am turned off by them now. Coffee-flavored, yuck."

I know this person will never be turned off by cookies for real, because i have seen him eat, like 10,000 of them. And you know he is eating them, because he eats them all over the office, leaving a trail of crumbs on the copier, counters, and floor. Has no problem snacking away, standing over your desk while you are trying not to show that you are totally grossed out.

The other thing I know is that no cookie flavored like coffee could be gross. Especially a cookie from The Very Best Cookies. They are so soft and chewy. You can tell they use the good stuff, not skimping on butter or sugar.

In conclusion, this is going to be a long day of trying to resist potentially coffee flavored cookies.

Bad Blogger!

2010-08-25T14:41:00.000-05:00

So, I have been a very bad blogger lately - well, all summer actually. I am kind of caught in a place where I don't want to get too personal, but at the same time, getting personal is what gets people to read your freakin blog! In an attempt to be a better blogger, I've resolved to be a little more honest in my posts, let people in a little, and not worry so much about using the blog as a way to market my small business(es).

Speaking of small businesses, the Ink Blot Cafe is going along swimmingly (on second read, I realize how stupid that phrase sounds) with 22 sales to date! All of my customers have come back at least once for more, which is a great feeling. On that note, I feel like I'm really starting to find a niche, a niche that does not have room for wool and felting and trips to the thrift store. I think I may keep my "Jessy Ray" Etsy shop open for destash, but am no longer interested in cutting off the arms of sweaters to make fingerless gloves. Fun while it lasted, by wool sweaters are currently choking my closet to death! Plus, I like making stuff for me, I like home improvement, I like giving gifts - all things I can do with my sweater time!

So to sum up this re-introductory post, I'm bringing the fun back to blogging. Look out - look out all 4 of you who might accidentally read my blog!

Lists

2010-06-18T14:31:00.001-05:00

image from Skel Design

Wow - almost a whole month without posting! So I have to warn you, this is going to be a super lame post. Even lamer than May's Pac Man post. I have a bad case of blogging block, and am not sure what the cure is. Maybe a list? Lists always help. At least with a list, you know your intentions are good. Like a cleaning list. Or a work list. You can feel good because, since you wrote it down, obviously you meant to do it. Or, it can be self-satisfying to make a list of things you've already done and check them off...

Friday
made it to work only 10 min late (x)
made coffee (x)
checked email (x)

phew - so busy today! accomplished so much already!

So here is my real list for today...

Things I've accomplished in 2010 (we're already half way through!)
-Opened up the Ink Blot Cafe on Etsy selling SEO writing services
-Made 13 writing sales! (special thanks to all of my customers Doctor Sweet Tooth, The Pink Pig, and Planet Earth Essential Oils)
-Learned html and css
-designed a wedding website for my friend, Liz

I ♥ Pac Man - Happy 30th!

2010-05-21T10:30:00.001-05:00

Loving Google's banner today! It reminds me of this old-school pac man board game my sisters and I had growing up. You had to set all of these white marbles on the board, and there where plastic ghosts and pac men that you would roll over the marbles to pick them up.

You Might Be Closer to Hiring Help Than You Think...

2010-05-18T14:40:00.000-05:00

image from here.

Somedays, when the dishes are piled up all over my kitchen, and the bathroom is a little less than sparkly, and the dog hair starts to clump up in the corners, I think: wouldn't it be nice to have a maid?

If you're like me, you associate hired help with luxury and wealth, a "someday" expense. But if you run your own small business from home, hiring help could actually help you make money.

I came across this Freelance Writing Success Article, which is a great read for any small business proprietor, including all of you fabulous Etsy shop owners. One of the author's tips for making more money is to hire people to do anything that can take valuable time away from your business.

You are an expert at your craft, and that's why people pay you the big bucks you deserve. But if you're spending time mowing the lawn, running to the post office, or vaccuming, you're taking away precious time from your expertise. While you might have to fork over a little dough to eliminate these chores, you'll make up for it by spending that time honing your craft.

Say you design swim wear. You've decided that you're worth $50 an hour. If you spend one of your hours running to the post office, you've lost valuable time in which you could have been creating. There is a multitude of people who have the ability to make a run to the post office, but no one has the knack for designing figure flattering swim wear like you do. So call the kid down the street who's off for the summer. He'll happily run your packages to the post for $10.00. You've made $40.00 instead of losing the $50.00 you could have made designing.

Awesome reason to hire help!

Why You Should Get Paid to Write Online

2010-05-14T13:35:00.001-05:00

image from here.

To my mom's happy disbelief, people actually pay me to write online content. It actually turns out to be a valuable skill because:

1) You can't pick up and item when you're shopping online. You can't taste, touch, or smell it. But you can be transported with some good descriptive writing.

2) Search Engines love content. I admire good web design. I'm jealous actually, as my artistic talents are limited. Luckily for me, search engines don't care about design. They crunch on html tags, keywords and links.

3) It's difficult to think of new ways to say the same old thing. Most of the content that's online is simply regurgitated knowledge. If you want people to read your content instead of someone else's, it has to be clear, interesting, and compelling.

Thursday Night Exploits

2010-04-23T11:26:00.000-05:00

So, J has work and class on Thursdays and is gone from almost 8 in the morning to almost 10 at night. This leaves me with some alone time on Thursday nights. The last three weeks, between class cancelations and Spring Break, he has been home early. So last night was my first Thursday night alone in a while. I MISSED YOU, THURSDAY NIGHT ALONE TIME!

So many magical things happened last night that can only happen sans J. I love him, but Thursday night alone time is THE BEST. Last night included crazy phone lady, breakfast for dinner, and reeses-induced coma.

You could stop reading right here, but if you want the full effect of my awesome Thursday night alone, please, read on.

I hate going to the mall, especially by myself, but especially with other people. I like to get in and out. The mall is a life sucker. Artificial light and air - it's no good. It's like you could be trapped in there for days not knowing what time or day it was or even what planet you were on. But I needed to go to the makeup counter, so I forced myself to go.

As I'm walking in, some lady stops me - "Excuse me, but do you have a phone?" I was like, yeah, me and every other person in the parking lot has a phone. Apparently she had been waiting for her friend to meet her for an hour and wanted to try and call her. She was a little rough looking, but I couldn't really tell her no.

I myself had been in a similar situation back in 2003, before I had a cell phone. It involved a stranger, my future husband, and a bar - always an excellent situation. (And yes, I was a 20 year old college sophomore without a cell phone.) Anyway, if this lady wanted to steal my phone, she would be really disappointed. It's a piece of shit.

So I let her use it. It was very awkward because I felt like when you're in school and you get paired up with the nerdy kid and you want to try to be nice, but don't want the other kids to see you're being nice to the nerdy kid. So I just stood next to her, but not facing her for about three minutes (felt like an eternity) while she tried to call her friend. I was also trying to stay very alert, because I was pretty sure that at any moment a brown rapist/murder van would pull up and try to kidnap me.

Her friend did not answer. I got my phone back. Finally got into the mall. Trip to the mall was followed by trip to Walgreens where I probably spent an equal amount of time because they have everything you didn't know you needed. J hates going there because he was a manager there for three years, and doesn't appreciate the browsing possibilities quite as much as I do.

When I got home I was super hungry. J has lost 20 lbs. since the beginning of the year. He can attribute some of it to working out and not eating fast food for lunch every day, but mostly he has been counting calories and eating super healthy. So I have been forced through lots of meals with ground turkey and egg whites lately. That's why it was so thrilling to put a giant piece of ham and scramble two real eggs on the skillet. To round it all out and cover all of the Jessie food pyramid bases, I also ate about 6 reeses peanut butter cups. Surprisingly, I passed out on the couch for two hours.

Thursday Night Alone Time - I love u.

Handmade T-Shirt Yarn Coasters Tutorial

2010-04-12T14:41:00.001-05:00

This is a super easy tutorial. If you've used most of a t-shirt to make t-shirt yarn, and are wondering what to do with the leftover fabric at the arms, this is the perfect project. No special skills required!

Cut arms off at seam

(Wondering what to do with the rest of your tee? Check out these posts:

Strung Out

T-Shirt Yarn Inspiration )

Cut hem off arm

Slice into equal widths

Stretch out resulting strands

I used a cork board to keep ends in place for weaving

Pull the end loops through eachother to finish the edges.

A crochet hook makes this part really easy if you have one on hand.

Why Blog for Your Business

2010-04-07T16:56:00.001-05:00

image from Gnipmac

A great blog post on SEO and how it can help your business:

A Startup SEO Lesson by Mike Sweeney.

I loved Mike's post because it stresses the importance of content to increase your presence online. As a freelance writer, this is great news for me because I can help people and businesses integrate their targeted keywords into well written content without sounding spammy. It's great for business owners, because they already have access to tons of content - it just might not be online yet. A super easy way to get your content online is by blogging. So if you aren't blogging already, you should start!

Lunch Break Finds - Mustard, No Mayo

2010-04-05T13:12:00.001-05:00

Had a wonderful Easter weekend - it just wasn't long enough! It was incredibly hard to get back in the grind today, so I thought I'd share some lunch break Etsy finds. Lately I've been drawn to mustard - both as a color and a condiment. Here are some of my favorites:

by Farewell Pony

Mustard Scarf by SR Design

I would love to pair either the scarf or necklace with this turquoise skirt from My Lola Fashion

love this dress from THIMBLE and ACORN

This listing is for the belt, but I love the mustard scarf with the dusty blue belt from Pretty Birdie

Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning GIVEAWAY

2010-03-26T13:41:00.001-05:00

As a follow-up to my spring cleaning post, Elan Vital Anthology is hosting a givaway featuring green products from Mountain Rose Herbs to get you started on eco-friendly spring cleaning in your own home. See Tara's post here on how to enter.

If you've been following her spring cleaning tips - I have! - you've come to know the awesome power of baking soda, lavander oil, and castile soap - who knew?

Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning

2010-03-22T13:53:00.000-05:00

image from here

It's finally getting warm enough to open the windows and refresh the house after a long, colder and more miserable than usual winter. Tara, from Elan Vitale Anthology, is sharing some excellent tips on her blog for getting mean, green, and clean. I am actually a tinsy bit excited about tackling some of those once or twice a year chores, like cleaning the windows and steam cleaning carpets.

Etsy Front Page!

2010-03-11T09:20:00.000-06:00

Was so excited to see that my wrist warmers made it to the front page of Etsy yesterday! Thankful for my fifteen minutes of fame. If only my shop was a little more full and that it wasn't full of mittens and scarves when we are on the cusp of spring and summer, I may have actually sold something! Still great and fun to be recognized.

Mystery Bag on My Doorstep

2010-03-05T12:15:00.000-06:00

please stop leaving mystery bags at my door. thxs.

Like a huge lame-o, I go home for lunch everyday. Earlier this week, I came home and was slightly disturbed to see a lumpy plastic bag stuck behind the storm door. I approached cautiously - when a strange bag shows up at your doorstep, common sense dictates to always procede with caution. My heart was racing a little, because no one had called, emailed, or texted me to say, "hey, i'm going to drop such and such off at your house this morning." So there was the huge possibility that this was a stranger's plastic bag, and there was no telling what could be inside....a bomb, dog poo, regular poo, dirt...

There was that time when I came home to find the railing that goes down our front steps missing. I was certain someone had stolen it in broad daylight at first, but eventually rationalized that my grandpa had been working some home improvement magic. Sure enough, it showed up later that day, painted silver and secured with extra bolts. So it was possible someone I knew had left the bag.

I got my face down close to the bag, but was careful not to touch it - did not want to get cootied on by this weird bag. No weird smells, which was a good sign. I could make out a note and some very familiar handwriting. Beginning to feel better about the whole situation, I felt it was safe to pick up and open the bag. It was a sweater with a note from mm that her mom was donating it to my sweater recycling venture. Sweet relief.

Button Bouquets - A Wedding Alternative

2010-03-03T18:50:00.000-06:00

Bouquets designed by Really Bad Kitty

With spring fast approaching, I can hear the distant chime of wedding bells as brides scurry to put the final touches on their upcoming spring and summer nuptuals. (I can also hear the sound of the ATM shreiking in pain as I withdraw more cash for new shoes, dresses, manicures, shower and wedding gifts to prepare for wedding season.) There's nothing more fun than unique wedding ideas, like a bouquet of buttons as alternative to fresh flowers.

I do love fresh flowers, but they die. There is a bitter-sweet, everything good and beautiful must fade aspect of fresh flowers (there is a Japanese phrase I'm trying to think of here...). But a button bouquet, like diamonds is forever.

If you're a do-it-yourselfer, a button bouquet could save you some cash, but remember that your time is worth something too. If you're a super busy bride, it might be better left to the professionals.

Plum button bouquet from Sunweeds Secret Garden

Bouquet designed by Miss Jennifer Ray

T-Shirt Yarn Inspiration

2010-02-26T15:23:00.001-06:00

I did a little t-shirt yarn experiment a few weeks ago. Today I came across this photo on True Up:

photograph by Robert Rausch

from here

I love the use of upcycled t-shirt yarn to make this vintage chair functional again - sustainability at its best. The best news is that I'm going thrifting this weekend, and will be keeping my eye out for a seat-less chair just like it. I think it would be a super cute addition to the front porch or back patio.

Mardis Gras 2010 - Bacon, Black Jack, and Moustache Rides

2010-02-23T21:15:00.002-06:00

A quick recap...

9:00 am bacon at our place

10:30 am Bacon Vodka Bloody Marys at Morgan Street on the Landing

11:30 am Parade in Soulard

2:00 pm Dollar Moustache Rides for everyone!

4:00 pm Big Daddy's for more drinks, appetizers, and new friends

7:00 pm Casino Queen. Black Jack...black out.

Power the Man Shed - Backyard Energy Wind Turbine

2010-02-17T13:37:00.002-06:00

This is a story of a family in Monticello, IL who is using sustainable, renewable wind energy to generate power for their pool house, or as they like to call it, "Man Shed". The Man Shed is a glorious place where you can drink beer, pee, listen to music, and watch HBO. And now it is all powered by wind and sparkles that sweep across Central Illinois.

My friend Matt Coyle and his company, Zelen Energy, built and installed the wind turbine in the back yard of said Man Shed owners. He took J and I to see it a few weeks ago. This is the first wind turbine he's installed, so there are still a few kinks to work out - like frozen batteries. But I'm sure this won't be the last wind turbine we see popping up from Zelen Energy - the neighbors already want to tap into the Man Shed's power supply.

Wind turbine is lowered by a wench

Checkin' on stuff

Mini cameras track temperature and wind speed so information can be accessed online from Chicago

Batteries are also stored here, and laptop is kept in Rubbermaid bin

I Love You, Lefty!

2010-02-11T16:38:00.012-06:00

Image Courtesy of
Dvd Beaver

We hacked into my parent's netflix account over the weekend to watch streaming video. I know, crazy saturday night antics, right? After pouring over a long list of B-list, less-than-fresh movies, we decided on Donnie Brasco.

This is when "Lefty" (Al Pacino) and all of his mad Italian new yorker gangsta skills entered my heart forever.

Throughout the whole movies, he boasts of his "26 hits", so he's not like a good guy or anything. But as one of the younger mobsters climbs the ranks, overshadowing poor Lefty, you have to feel for the guy. I mean, he's put in a lot of time. Those 26 hits weren't for nothing. He's done his service, played by the mob rules, yet gets overlooked for a more shiny mob guy model.

Donnie Brasco was released in 1997, and takes place in the late '70s / early 80's. However dated, it is an eerie reflection of our own current reality. Work for the same company, expect to be taken care of in the end, and suddenly you're hacked. Loyalty stands for little these days - it's old school. Lefty isn't just a bad ass gangster, he's the guy down the street who just got laid off, despite his 25 years of service to XYZ.

In addition, I love old people. Especially grouchy crotchety ones. And Al Pacino does a great job of being an old curmudgeon.

I don't want to give the ending away in case you decide to watch, but it does not end well for poor Lefty. Tear. :(
(okay, i guess that pretty much does give the ending away)

Strung Out

2010-02-07T09:17:00.012-06:00

Image Courtesy of
Implexus's Etsy Shop

Check out my T-Shirt Yarn Tutorial Slide Show on IndieSmiles.com. Feel free to stop by and leave a comment!

EasyTone Go Outside

2010-01-28T15:02:00.006-06:00

Yes, I am getting these gaudy gold shoes. Yes, I have a huge foot (size 10) and these are sure to make my feet look very sexy. And by sexy I mean like the hottest grandma in the nursing home. But, but, BUT, they supposedly tone your butt. Thank you to MODG for making me want these shoes really really badly even though they are obviously hideous. See for yourself here. Especially when she says they are sold out everywhere. Now that made me really really REALLY want them. Luckily, I have connections in the shoe biz (I bet that's what they call it, too). My friend S got me a discount - so these are guilt free ez toners. I just ordered them today and am super excited about wearing them to the gym that I don't belong to yet but am joining tomorrow.

it's thursday - can it be friday already???

2010-01-21T09:32:00.005-06:00

Horrific migraine woke me up around 4:30 this morning. Luckily I have my routine - two excedrin and a cold wash cloth for my head knocked it out in an hour. But then I kept waking myself up because i was grinding my teeth. So I'm actually in a great mood because I am alive and pain free at the moment...

I was also very happy this morning to see that I received a shout out from Sarah @ Little Kitten Homemade's blog. You can check it out here.

Also, am working on a writing gig w/ Indie Smiles.

Oh, and my sister, S just emailed me that she got the part time job she wanted w/ DSW.

Not too bad for a Thursday morning!

Bunting (Not Baseball)

2010-01-18T15:34:00.022-06:00

What the heck is bunting, and why do I care? I came across the most adorable Etsy shop selling the aforesaid bunting, and I wanted to know more. Apparently bunting is loose cotton or wool fabric used for flags. And Little Kitten Homemade features the cutest selection of flags and banners for birthday parties, holidays, and the like.

Sarah, the proprietor, favors quality fabrics in nostalgic florals, trendy mod designs and ginghams. Banners and flags are personalized with hand appliques. She pieces together appliques, buttons, rick-rack and fabric to make each design truly unique and shabby chic.

I would highly recommend checking out Little Kitten Homemade for the one who has everything. What better way to announce how special you think someone is than by displaying their name on a flag or banner for all to see. I mean, I'm 26 and I kind of want one! Or, customize a flag or banner for your newly engaged friends. It could showcase their new name, or simply say "love". Hosting a baby shower? Decorate with adorable bunting, or give personalized as a gift that can be hung with care in the nursery.

Bunting is a niche in the arts and crafts market that I wasn't aware of until now. With quality craftsmanship, and a knack for creating appealing designs, Little Kitten Homemade is sure to be a successful shop.

The Vintage-Inspired Home by Octavia and Brown

2010-01-18T14:20:00.007-06:00

Our everyday surroundings are a great influence on our mood, our self-perception, and our imagination. Whether you live in an old comfy space, or new modern digs, vintage pieces can whittle their way into your home and heart. Octavia & Brown is an Etsy shop dedicated to selecting vintage pieces that can transport you back in time while looking right at home in the present. Liz Geddes, shop owner, follows a credo that "great design can come from any era." Peeking into her shop, you'll also find that great design isn't snobby and is attainable at a variety of price points.

You might find cool refreshing milk glass, like this hobnail planter. Or stumble upon a vintage motor oil can with retro lettering and design. You may even fall in love with a simple glass jar that evokes memories of your grandmother's breakfast table.

Octavia & Brown has carved out a niche in home accessories that is both nostalgic and modern. Keep your eye on this shop for some irresistible vintage finds at OctaviaBrown.

Launch of InkBlotCafe

2010-01-18T10:36:00.005-06:00

Checked one thing off my list for 2010 and opened my Etsy shop for writing services. Now if only I could get that first sale...

CAREER
Create a writing portfolio in pdf format___
Open new Etsy shop selling writing services X
Register for at least one class pertaining to web design___

AT HOME
Finish homemade Christmas gifts (they are late!)___
Make slip cover for dining room chair___
Re-finish chandelier___
Refurbish ottoman to match dining room chair___
Ceramic tile in kitchen & guest bath___

Make Your Website Work

2010-01-14T15:29:00.005-06:00

Thinking about re-designing your website in the new year? This was an interesting webinar by hubspot - slides are here:
http://www.hubspot.com/webinar-website-redesign-strategy-for-2010-archive

Here is what I gleaned from the presentation:

Design is nice, but content is better.

Re-design to drive more traffic, not to improve your corporate "look"

Don't recreate the wheel w/ web design

Create SEO content. Use social media to talk about content. Content should lead back to website, generating traffic, leads, and customers.

Definitely check this out if you're planning on re-doing your website to improve on design.

Ready, Set, Goals!

2010-01-13T09:58:00.003-06:00

I'm still trying to get used to writing 2010 on everything, but it's time to whip out some goals for the new year. Here is my checklist of attainable goals for the near future:

CAREER
Create a writing portfolio in pdf format ___
Open new Etsy shop selling writing services___
Register for at least one class pertaining to web design___

AT HOME
Finish homemade Christmas gifts (they are late!)___
Make slip cover for dining room chair___
Re-finish chandelier___
Refurbish ottoman to match dining room chair___
Ceramic tile in kitchen & guest bath___

Debacle

2009-12-24T11:42:00.003-06:00

Stranded at work on Christmas Eve! It all began with a brilliant plan and ended in a huge debacle.

At happy hour with my sister, e:

me: want to stay at my place tonight & wake up early to hit the mall?
e: yes! awesome.
j: that is the worst idea ever. there is no way you will wake up in time to go shopping before you go to work.

this morning:

wake up at 6:30 am.
shower and get dressed
e is making scrambled eggs and coffee
we leave at 7:15 and are shopping by 7:20.
no one is at the mall.
it is glorious.

7:55 we leave mall and my sister drops me off at work. j is my ride home. j calls at 9:15.

j: do you have an extra set of keys?
me: no.
j: i am blocked in by your car. cannot pick you up.
me: NOOOOOO!

9:30 am
I call e. she can pick me up. relief, but anxiety because she is like me and is never on time.

11:30. everyone leaves office. it is time for me to leave. call e. she has not left yet. she is 40 minutes away.

11:31. finally realize that all of my friends live about 10 min. away.
call mm. goes straight to voice mail.
call mr. answers. can pick me up!

11:49. waiting for ride. wrap up some leftover xmas cookies for mr. she is the best.
mr: +1
me: 0

run run reindeer

2009-12-23T09:59:00.007-06:00

My friend S just ran the 5k on the new highway 40. I was impressed, as I am very far away from running a 5k anytime soon. In fact the only time I have been close to running a 5k involved rolling out of bed at a friend's apartment after a night of shenanigans and making my roommate grab my running clothes and race t-shirt, pick me up, and drop me off at the race. I finished the 5k, but did not run the whole time. I did learn a couple valuable lessons:

Do not attempt the 5k if you drank close to a gallon of milwauke beast the night before.
Do not attempt the 5k if your undergarments consist of a thong and strapless bra.

Anyway, my point is, I have decided it is time to take up running once again. So far, I have managed to run two nights in a row this week with my trainer, J. J as in my husband who does not have school or work until the end of January.
I am pretty impressed with myself so far as we were able to make it around the park one night and around the library last night. However, all of my progress has been negated by ice cream, reeses cups, and cookies. If anyone else brings food to the office, there could be trouble. (okay, totally empty threat - food and gifts still accepted)

Flavor Me

2009-12-22T10:25:00.007-06:00

Found this new site where I can put my whole online life in one place. I still need to figure out if I can get an etsy feed or not.

Photo and Card Holder

2009-12-09T15:21:00.005-06:00

Had some wire laying around from who knows what project and came up with this little card/photo tree.

Eco-Friendly Cozy Dog Bed How-To

2009-12-09T13:45:00.028-06:00

After we got our Christmas tree up and our home decorated for the holidays, our pup's bright orange and blue tie-dyed blanket seemed to clash with our red and green decor. I decided to make a pillow cover that was a little more in tune with a winter mood, and stuff it with our puppy's old blanket I was trying to hide. You can try the same thing for your home with items just laying around the house.

You will need:

an old blanket or two (try a thriftstore like Goodwill if you don't have one in your possession, or ask around)
scissors
tape measure
thread

needle or sewing machine
straight edge
padding (I used my dog's old fleece blanket that I was trying to disguise. You can use memory foam, a bag of fabric scraps, an old pillow or two, or anything else that is soft and cozy.)
Chalk or fabric marker

First I determine the dimensions of the final product. I decide on a 24" x 30" pillow/bed. I measure and chalke the outline of the top on my blanket.

If you are working with very specific diminsions, remember to add a seam allowance. In my case, I'm working with a more general size so it doesn't matter too much.

Next, I cut out the shape.

Now I have the top of my dog pillow. I could add the bottom pieces right now, but this is a homemade project - you've got to personalize it at least a little bit! I have another old blanket in a contrasting color that I use to cut out lettering for my dog's name. After the letters are cut out, I arrange them how I want them, being careful to leave a little room on the edges for the seam.
Before sewing the letters on, I pin them to make sure they're secure and stay where I want them.
I machine sew the letters on, but you can hand sew them as well.

For another embellishment, I cut out the pocket of an old flannel shirt and sew it into the corner. Now onto the bottom of the pillow. The bottom will consist of two overlapping panels, like a pillow sham. Each panel will be 24 inches wide and 18 inches long (half of the pillow length + 3 inches so the sides will overlap). I want to make the pillow a little thicker so I can fit an extra foam pad in it at some point. So I add 1 1/4" seam allowance to three sides of each back panel to give me about and inch thickness to the final pillow and cut out the corners. Now I'm ready to sew the pieces together. Each panel has two corners like the one pictured above. First I sew each corner together. Then I sew both back panels to the front panel.

Voila, your pillow is finished - all in one afternoon!

Now all that's left to do is stuff your dog bed with something soft and snuggly! It's a cost effective, sustainable, easy project!

Presenting This Year's Office Christmas Poem

2009-12-08T13:48:00.005-06:00

Each year my office sends out a gift to our clients, and I am the lucky girl who gets to compose the Christmas poem that adorns the package and gives hints as to what might be inside. This year's gift is a mini gift box of Penzey's spices.

When Pigs Fly...My Etsy Treasury

2009-11-06T15:37:00.001-06:00

Made my first etsy treasury. This one features cute piggly wigglies handcrafted in a variety of ways beyond the piggy bank. You can check it out here. (until treasury expires)

image from here

Pumpkin Romper

2009-11-05T08:48:00.001-06:00

I saw the cutest pumpkin romper on Etsy, but it was $75. That's a new pair of heels that I can wear to work every day. So, feeling ambitious, I tried to recreate it myself for a much more conservative price of $20. I think it turned out pretty awesome. Maybe not as awesome as James' Larry Byrd costume, but pretty awesome.

The best part was running to the fabric store at the last minute after I had broken the needle on my sewing machine. I was explaining to the cashier about how I was working on a halloween costume and sewed right over a pin and broke the needle. When she asked what the costume was, I wasn't quite sure how to describe it, so I said it was a pumpkin romper. Her and about four other ladies around me start gushing, "Awww, how old is the baby?" I probably should have just made something up, but instead I was like, "Actually, it's for me." Everyone pretty much looked at me like a huge weirdo. I couldn't get out of there fast enough! Either way, I think it turned out cute.

Workspace

2009-11-05T08:44:00.001-06:00

I love my sunny little nook in our office for doing all of my sewing.

New Wrist Warmers for Emily

2009-11-05T08:40:00.001-06:00

Made the cutest warm fuzzy fingerless mittens/wrist warmers for my sister. I kind of don't want to give them away! Soooo happy with how they turned out. Happy Birthday Em!

LEED AP Certificate...

2009-10-27T08:49:00.007-05:00

Image Courtesy of
LEED AP Explained

...finally came in the mail today. I had totally forgotten about it, so it was a good surprise on an otherwise mediocre day. If you don't know, LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the AP is for accredited professional. It's probably the number one standard for building green, whether it be new construction, renovations, additions, etc. and addresses commercial and institutional buildings. Basically, LEED is a point system for showing quantifiable reductions in energy and other resource use. It's a little more expensive to build a LEED building in the beginning, but the payoff is a reduction in operating costs. There was one LEED project that my company bid on before I was even considering becoming a LEED AP, so I didn't know much about it then. Since then, I haven't seen any LEED projects come to bid that we've looked at. Although, there isn't much building going on period, and owners are already having trouble getting financing without extra LEED costs. Hopefully, if the economy ever turns around, I can actually use my certification. Until then, I guess I just have to keep upcycling sweaters from Good Will!

Whale of a time...

2009-10-16T14:51:00.002-05:00

Betz White had the cutest tutorial on cashmere bunnies, so I thought I would give it a try. Instead of a bunny, I decided to go with a whale, no big deal - it's not rocket science. So I drew a whale, cut out my pattern and sewed it together. But I just felt like something was missing. I had to look at a picture of a real whale to realize I'm missing fins! Not the tale fin, but the side fins. I mean it's a pink cashmere whale, so I'm not trying to get that anatomically correct, but come on. Fins make the thing a whale.

image from here

Crafting Goals

2009-10-15T10:50:00.001-05:00

The trouble with being a part time Etsian is never a lack of ideas, but being organized enough to make them a reality. It's difficult to capture an idea long enough to put it on paper so it can be revisited at a later date. So I've made an excel sheet to track all of my projects from conceptualization to the finished project. I've also included potential keywords, pricing, shipping, product names and descriptions. Also helpful are reminders of upcoming events. I opened up shop in the beginning of September, and it already seemed too late to work on any Halloween-specific items. And here it is, the middle of October and hints of Christmas are everywhere. The point is, you need a little forsight to be successful. Thanksgiving, Christmas, the New Moon release (look for my Bella scarf) seem to be coming at me like a freight train. Hopefully I can get my little engine to chug along quick enough to maximize on some holiday sales.

First Sale!

2009-10-08T10:14:00.001-05:00

I made my first sale on Etsy today! It feels so good to have my first sale under my belt and add credibility to my shop. I have to admit, I feel a little unprepared since I was reluctant to think out my packaging and business cards before I made any sales. Looks like I will be doing some graphic designing when I get home tonight. And once I get packaging in order, I can concentrate on my pending projects:

Cute cashmere whale
cashmere leaf scarf
cashmere brooch pins

If only I were as good at finishing projects as I am at starting them!

More Signage

2009-10-05T15:42:00.001-05:00

MLA - My Life is Awesome

2009-09-28T13:25:00.006-05:00

Image Courtesy of
Strawberry Luna

Who could think otherwise on a gorgeous cool and crisp fall day in St. Louis? Some days are just so beautiful, it makes you glad to be alive. Can't wait to get out of work, take my pup for a really long walk and work on some fall projects.

My Etsy Shop

2009-09-21T09:07:00.005-05:00

Just posted my first item for sale in my Etsy shop, Jessy Ray. I already have seven views and one heart since last night! I have another pair of gloves I'm working on right now, and then I'll be on to working on some felted pillows. I grew up watching my grandma sew, and she would always have needle points for me to work on. I also liked to crochet and had started many a unfinished scarf. But I kind of got away from doing crafty stuff in high school and college, and I'm glad I rediscovered sewing and whatnot as a past-time. It's been really theraputic finding things I love to do outside of work, since work has been very slow lately. It's so relaxing to make stuff without a intended purpose (besides going in my Etsy shop). And it is something interesting to do while my husband watches football all Sunday...

Fresh Idea

2009-09-10T14:48:00.001-05:00

Had brunch at the Benton Park Cafe on Monday with my in-laws. The best surprise was a slice of cucumber on my glass of water instead of the traditional lemon wedge. Tasted so refreshing on a hot and humid St. Louis day. A nice unexpected twist to a late breakfast/early lunch.

(image from here)

For Lease

2009-08-28T10:04:00.002-05:00

Company signage I designed

Dry Cleaning

2009-08-26T13:10:00.001-05:00

What is it about dropping off dry cleaning that makes you feel so mature and chic? Dropping off my husband's suit for his interview on Monday!

(image from google)

Kirkwood Pioneers Ad

2009-08-21T15:31:00.003-05:00

Ad I did for the Kirkwood Pioneers Boosters Athletic Program

Note to Self: Be Smart, Be Funny

2009-08-19T16:03:00.001-05:00

So, I got this forward today. The sigificant thing about it is that I actually read it. Usually as soon as I see FW:, I delete it without a second thought. But my friend had taken the time to put "Read this, this is funny" in the subject line.

"Okay friend," I thought, "I will read this. Just because you specifically recommended it."

So I read the forward. The thing is, it was truly funny in a sarcastic and relevent way. What it actualy said really isn't my point though. My point is, at the bottom of the forward was this guy's digital signature. Grant Thorton: Tax. Audit...blah blah blah. But you know what, I was so impressed by the forward (I had to restrain myself from laughing outloud - at work) that I had to check this guy out.

"This guy gets me. He knows what is going down around here," I thought.

I mean, I actually googled him. And, okay, Grant Thorton isn't a guy - it's the company.
Brilliant marketing strategy. I sooo wish I would have thought of it first. Viral marketing.

Public Transportation Access: Access Isn't Enough

2009-08-19T15:03:00.002-05:00

The object of LEED Sustainable Sites credit 4.4 - Alternative Transportation: Public Transportation Access is to build or renovate in areas where existing (or planned and financially backed) infrastructure supports access to public transportation. But how is "access" defined? Is it all about location? And does "access" equate "usage"?

Access, in the simplest terms, means ability to use. Having access is a green light, but it does not necessarily = go. We may have access, but we also have a choice. We may have clearance to enter a building, but what is it that compels us to go in?
If we're talking about people, we say they are "accessible". Accessible people are approachable. They're friendly and they encourage interaction. Having access to public transportation isn't enough to generate a significant shift from personal transportation. Public transportation needs to be accessible.

Perhaps proximity most obviously defines "access". LEED says (in NC 2.2) that public transit within a 1/2 mile that has pedestrian access is "accessible". But let's look at pedestrian access. We could say it is simply a sidewalk, but I think it has to be more than that. A side walk is great, but who wants to walk along a busy road with all of the noise and fumes that entails? Pedestrian friendly should mean not only the infrastructure, but safety and freedom from excessive noise and pollution.

LEED addresses public transportation usage with a nice, neat formula. Basically, LEED says that in order to double ridership, the frequency must be quadrupled. So, if the bus stops four times a day, as opposed to twice a day, four times as many people will ride it. I think this equation does have merit. A transit system is not accessible if it never runs, or if it runs at weird hours, or if you miss one bus another one doesn't come for two hours. So, frequency is a valid factor for usage.
At the same time, I drive past multiple bus stops every day. I drive under the light rail system. Why aren't I, and others like me, riding? Personally, I have several excuses lined up. I don't know the schedule; I don't know how it works. There's a fear factor. I don't want to walk down Manchester from the bus stop to work. There's a sidewalk, but it's a busy street - traffic flies by and consists of not only passenger vehicles but semis, dumpsters, trailers - you name it. Plus the shoulder space between sidewalk and street is nervously small. Then there is my "American" aversion to being in close proximity with strangers, i.e. I might have to sit next to someone I don't know! What if they smell? What if they have a rash? What if I smell!?

But then I think back. Not that long ago, I was a student at the University of Illinois, and I road the bus everywhere...to class, to Dr. appointments, to the mall and the movies. I didn't have a car, because I knew I didn't need one. I didn't need one because there was a great student/public transit system in place.

So what's the difference? At the U of I, we were initiated into the transportation system. We were handed schedules and routes. Everyone knew "how" to ride the bus. It was part of the lifestyle.
So what will it take for a city (like St. Louis) to operate on mass transit? I would argue it will take a shift in attitude. Public transit will have to be a lifestyle choice - and an appealing one at that.

The Couple's Guide to Vegas (or How We Survived)

2009-08-13T16:53:00.001-05:00

If you’re thinking about going to Sin City with your significant other, take this opportunity to rethink. If you’ve already booked your flight, definitely read on. This is not your normal romantic getaway - there will be obstacles. To make the most out of Vegas with your one-and-only, it is advisable you dress up, drink up, and then get out!

With all of the glitz and glamour of the strip, the pools and fountains, and the freezing temperatures in the casinos, it’s easy to forget that you’re in the middle of the desert. Moisturize, apply your sun-block often, and stay hydrated. If you start feeling extra cranky, not only will it detract from time spent with your love, it could be a sign of dehydration. If walking down sunny Las Vegas Boulevard only renders stormy broodings and dismal thoughts, it may be time to walk into one of those ice cold casinos and grab an h20. You’ll feel pepped up in no time, and your beau will thank you for it. If water does not alter your mood, get yourselves to a bar. Spend some time out of the heat, distance yourselves from the dinging din of the casinos, relax and let the bartenders entertain you.

We all want to look our best, but just be forewarned that there will always be someone better looking than you in Vegas. Between the Pussy Cat Dolls, Chip and Dales, the high rollers and their arm candy, there is an endless supply of hot people. Be prepared to watch your significant other’s jaw drop to the floor at one point or another. Chances are, you’re probably staring too. It’s really not worth getting too worked up over. Don't get jealous - just pretend the hotties and freakshows are another eye catching casino or national treasure, like the Hoover Dam. Even take this opportunity to be a little more daring and baring with your own wardrobe than you would back at home.

Gambling is fun. But not always when you’re playing with your hunny bun. It’s hard enough to come out ahead on your own, but for both of you to win at the same time is a whole other story. Inevitably, you will end up watching your partner lose the hand you just won. It can still be fun, but just remember that “what’s mine is yours” takes on a whole new meaning when sitting around the black jack table.

Finally, the key to a truly fabulous Vegas get away with your sweetie is to leave there as soon as possible. This is not your ordinary lounge-on-the-beach-and-recharge type of vacation. It is a grueling test of how much fun you and your better half can handle. As a general rule, the longer you stay, the more sleep deprived and broke you will end up - major strains on any relationship. If you arrive that night and leave that morning, you have a chance of remembering what an awesome time you had (hitting your lucky number on the roulette wheel! Spotting Lindsay Lohan at Pur! Best hot dog you ever had at three in the morning! Watching the sun come up over the desert!) You might even look forward to your next Vegas trip.

Stadium Wedding

2009-08-10T16:04:00.001-05:00

Getting married at Busch Stadium basically says, me and/or my fiance love baseball/cardinals. Other than that, it's hard to let your personality come through when having your event at a larger than life venue like Busch stadium. Definitely a unique experience for your guests, but lacks a wedding vibe. Maybe it's because no matter how large your wedding party, you'll be dwarfed by the huge stadium. A Busch Stadium wedding totally lacked the intimacy of a traditional wedding. The nervous twitches, tears, and laughter are all lost in the void that is an empty stadium. Even with your picture displayed largely on the scoreboard, you seem distant.

One other note, planning an outdoor wedding in August at 3:30 in the afternoon is a little risky. I blame the heat for slamming down one too many rum and cokes (just trying to rehydrate!) and spending a good portion of the night with my face in a toilet at the Ballpark Hilton.

Shopaholic Made Me Sad

2009-08-05T15:05:00.001-05:00

I was ecstatic when I saw they were making the Shopaholic into a movie. I considered the Shopaholic series a guilty pleasure that was passable reading because it fell under the chic-lit category. So it's literature - I mean I took a class on this stuff in college!

Even my husband got on board and agreed to rent it with me.

[There are two plausible explanations for this:
1) secret crush on Isla Fisher (Rebecca Bloomwood)
2) thinly veiled man crush on Sacha Baron Cohen lived vicariously through his wife (Isla Fisher)]

So as we watched it, I began to feel more and more disappointed. First of all, Rebecca Bloomwood is a character defined by consumerism. And if you haven't notice lately, consumerism is part of a certain predicament our country is in. The magical plastic that may have seemed nice and shiny a year ago just seemed dull and foreboding. Bex's uninhibited spending just seemed cutesy when I read the book years ago (oops, went over my limit again!), but seems criminal in the current climate.

Also, Bex is clueless. She lands her job at a financial magazine through a mistake. The need for a fluke to get her the position undermines any brains or talent she may really have. Instead of being competent and qualified, she sort of trips and stumbles her way into a job she doesn't really want because it has to do with "finance" and not "fashion". Also, her boss who she falls in love with just so happens to be secretly from a filthy rich family. So convenient!

What did I find so charming about Rebecca Bloomwood the first time around? How is it that I am jealous of and annoyed with a fictional character?

My only hope is that perhaps she totally redeems herself in the end. I can't really remember the ending of the book. Plus, it was Sunday, so we had to stop the movie to watch "Kendra" on E. So maybe I'll never know.

How The Fray Turned Me Against Isaac Slade

2009-07-27T10:03:00.002-05:00

I'll preface by saying this is less of a review, and more of a rant...

I wasn't forced to see The Fray in Houston last Saturday; I'll just say it was strongly suggested.

I am not a particular fan of the Fray's music to begin with, but don't mind hearing a song or two in the background while I'm at work. However, reflecting on the evening, it's a little ridiculous for the droning noise in the background at the office to be headlining a show.

There is a reason The Fray makes great background music - there's a pleasant formula applied to every song that is soothing in small doses, but will put you in a musical coma if forced to listen to for more than fifteen minutes. Each ballad by the band starts out with this slow pulsing beat, sometimes intertwined with a moaning vocal riff by lead singer Isaac Slade, eventually culimating in faster pounding piano - pause - and then back to the slower pulsing. This might actually be prefereable if you're say studying, taking a nap, or talking to friends over coffee. But as a live show, the music was painfully monochromatic - just like the black and white live performance video on either side of the stage.

In addition to disliking the music, I was annoyed by Slade, belting out the same musical riff over and over again, coaxing the audience to join him. I don't like to be told what to do, and if you are actually a compelling artist, I'll sing with you on my own.

Not only did I feel no appreciation toward his bleating vocals, Slade's little inspirational quips interspersed throughout the performance made me want to projectile vomit on the camera obsessed teenagers sitting in front of me (they are a topic for a whole other post). I don't really need a guy who stands on stage for a living to tell me to "hang in there if you're looking for work or hate your job," or to muse that, "the closer you are to someone, the easier it is to get hurt." If I wanted to be preached to, I'd go to church. Seriously, Isaac Slade can just shove it.

Monday, Munday, Mondae

2009-03-23T10:14:00.000-05:00

What I love about Monday:

Opening the mail twice (Saturday's & Monday's)

Quiet in the office while Monday morning meeting is going on

Prospects for the rest of the week

Clean office and empty trash cans

Yoga

2009-03-05T19:45:00.000-06:00

There is a yoga studio about three blocks from my house. It caught my eye right away. For the past nine months that I've lived there, I've driven past it at least twice a day. Finally, I made it to my first class last night.

Maybe yoga is a little less trendy than it was several years ago, but living in the midwest it's not unusual to be a little behind trend. Yoga still meant fresh, young, fabulous, and female in my mind, and a month ago I decided it was time to sign up.

Let me back track a little. I'm the only woman in my office. Mostly it's fine. I have great friends and two sisters that I hang out with all the time on the weekends. But sometimes I do feel a little gender isolation. I go to work for eight hours with five guys and then go home to my husband, a different kind of guy, but still a guy. So I was hoping yoga would be a way to reconnect with the gal pal in me during the week and forge a few new friendships.

So before I went to class, I had this whole fantasy giggling with the other girls at something funny the yoga instructor did, our bonding eventually turning into a ritual to go out for drinks after class ever week. Of course going out with my new friends would open some doors for me and eventually land me a new fab job where I could work with equally cool people who did trendy stuff like yoga/hot yoga/power yoga or whatever the latest yoga trend is supposed to be.

My plan hasn't quite panned out yet. Last night during class I began to suspect that maybe I don't really even like other women. I guess what I was looking for was the fun, independent single girl type. Instead there was the mom who smelled like an ashtray and her daughter who was still in highschool, the girl who is potentially close to my age, but just had a baby (eww!), the middle aged lady, and the boy who helped me set up and then did this weird upside down triangle pose hanging from a strap on the wall. I just don't see any friendships being forged here!

In conclusion, my alterior yoga purpose has already been defeated. However, the actual work out was fantastic. My whole body is sore today, but in that almost pleasant post-work out way. And I didn't have to break a sweat or anything!

Baby Shower: DIY Diaper Cake

2009-03-05T14:44:00.001-06:00

Looking for the perfect centerpiece or memorable gift for the next baby shower you throw or attend? Try making a diaper cake so delectable, you'll want to eat it all up, and the mom to be will just eat it up too. Both functional and whimsical, a diaper cake is a thoughtful and fun shower gift you can put together in one afternoon.

If you are a bit on the creative and crafty side, you can really take your diaper cake to the next level with colors, themes, and accessories. If you're not so craftily inclined, it's still an easy project and you may even surprise yourself with your creation. When putting together materials, you might draw inspiration from the colors that have been picked out for the nursery, the style of the shower invitation, or maybe the shower has a theme with which you can coordinate.

Supplies you will need:
· White disposable diapers, in size of your preference (around 100, depending on the size of your cake)
· Wide Ribbon (1 1/2 to 2 inches)
· Rubber bands - large, medium, and small
· Diaper pins or hot glue gun
· Colored tissue paper or paper shreds
· Round or square piece of cardboard to act as the base of the cake

Optional:
Cake accessories/toppers - these are up to you. Cake accessories could range from a teddy bear or doll as a cake topper to several smaller objects placed around the cake such as socks, onesies, diaper cream, thermometer, rattle...infinite possibilities here!

You will also need three or four cylinders of various sizes to act as the frames for your cake layers. Different sized bowls, paper towel roll, or any other cylindrical shaped item you have in your household.

Step 1 - Making the Layers
Take your largest bowl, turn it upside down and place an extra large rubber band around it. Place the first diaper under the rubber band, hugging the bowl horizontally. The bottom edge of the diaper should be flush with the lip of the bowl to facilitate easy removal.

Place the next diaper under the rubber band. Have the smooth edge (where the baby's bottom would be) overlap the first diaper. Continue this pattern so that only the smooth edges of the diapers are showing until they are fanned out evenly around the diameter of the bowl.
Roll up a diaper lengthwise and secure it with a rubber band. It should stand at the same height as the diapers around the bowl. Roll several more diapers and place them in a tight circle around the first diaper. Continue to make the circle larger until it is about the size of the opening of your bowl.

Place the bowl over the circle of diapers. Now, remove the bowl by lifting it up and sliding off the outside layer of diapers. The rubber band should hug the pretty outside layer to the inside layer. This is the base layer of your cake. Add or remove diapers to the inner circle to make the base larger or smaller.

Repeat the steps above using sequentially smaller and smaller bowls. A paper towel roll may suffice for the top layer, depending on the size of your cake.

Step 2 - Decorating
Use your ribbon to cover the rubber band that secures each cake layer. Secure the ends with colorful diaper pins or hot glue.
Stack layers on the cardboard plat form. You may want to wrap the platform with wrapping paper to match the cake first.
Put paper shreds or tissue paper between the layers to act as the "icing".

Step 3 - Final Touches
The icing on the cake will be those other little items you picked up for the nearly-newborn. Get creative with placing around the cake little socks, hair bows, bibs, pacifiers or whatever goodies you have for the new addition. Some items can be tucked into the rubber band behind the ribbon. A cute teddy bear or pretty baby doll can make great cake toppers.

Step 4 - You Take the Cake!
Get ready to be showered with compliments on your creation as you walk into the festivities for the little newcomer!

Brunch: Hodak's

2009-03-03T13:56:00.001-06:00

Somehow, I managed to make it out on a Friday night. I was very reluctant to go, but sometimes you end up making the best of a bad situation and end up with a fun night. And sometimes you end up compensating for your lack of expectations for the night with beer.

Luckily, our brunch plan for the next day was Hodak's for fried chicken. Nothing helps a hang over like fried chicken, crinkle fries and a giant pepsi. I really thought I might throw up on our way there, but I knew what awaited me was sweet releif. So, I just gripped the door handle and took really deep breaths until we drove far enough down Gravois to get there. After two drumsticks encased in a crispy shell fried to perfection and about five pepsis, I was cured. I was a new woman and the house was spotless by the time my in-laws arrived later that afternoon.

Brunch: Rooster

2009-03-03T13:27:00.001-06:00

My friends and I have been on a brunch streak lately. When Friday night plans kept collapsing on themselves over and over again due to our inability to stay awake past 10 anymore, we resorted to a mid-Saturday gathering. And sometimes Saturday afternoon begins to look a lot like Friday night.

A few weeks ago we decided on Rooster in downtown St. Louis for crepes. I will eat just about anything, and I eat fast, so I can't really critique food. Mine was delicious, but I will say that about a lot of things. Probably the stand-out at Rooster was their extensive list of Bloody Marys and mimossas. Also, it was a really cute and cozy place with exposed brick and several sketches of roosters and chickens everywhere that looked like they were done by school kids.

After round one of drinks we were feeling pretty wonderful, so we decided to head up the street to an irish pub for more drinks. Things probably would have escalated to a full-blown bar crawl had some of us not had other engagements that day. The point is, Saturday day can be just as fun as Friday night. Besides, who doesn't love a little day drinking?

On Carpenter's Handwriting

2009-02-25T14:27:00.000-06:00

I love how it's always in cursive - not perfect, but each letter displaying all of the little curly-ques you learned when you first learned to write in cursive. As if they hadn't written a thing since third grade penmanship class, and today they decided to pick up a pencil. The rules for writing each letter are taken into consideration - no short cuts taken here. My own grandpa is a carpenter and always boasts about wining a penmanship award in grade school. And he does have wonderful handwriting. He addressed my cousin's wedding invitations. There is a certain meticulous-ness a good carpenter has about him. You can't read it from the worn work boots, stained cover-alls, or black fingernails. But it's definitely there in the handwriting.

1111 Mississippi

2009-02-05T14:00:00.002-06:00

So, one of my good friends suggested we go to 1111 Mississippi for dinner last weekend. I love to eat and will try pretty much anything. I also enjoy having a cocktail or glass of wine every once in a while. And I have a great group of friends. So to combine those things is always a recipe for a great time - which 1111 Mississippi was. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, our server was knowledeable and attentive without being annoying, and the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin melted in your mouth.

Introducing Wrigley B. Lunk

2008-10-01T08:35:00.001-05:00

my beautiful sister and my adorable puppy!

I'm picking up our new puppy today! We're adopting Mikey from the Humane Society and renaming him Wrigley. He has all of the vaccinations that he can get at his age and is getting neutered today. I'm picking him up from the vet this afternoon. He is completely black and looks like a lab-mix - so cute and little. It will be interesting to see how big he gets, how much he sheds, and how much he eats. I'm a little nervous about how he'll take the drive home. I've read some horror stories about diarrhea and vomit, so I'm hoping those don't apply, especially since I will be by myself.

Coincidentally, today is my husband and my 5th anniversary. Five years ago in the wee hours of the morning, we were sitting on the couch in his sketchy apartment at U of I. The Cubs were in the playoffs and they were tapping a keg every night that week. The other guys had gone outside to smoke, so we were sitting there alone and he asked me to be his girlfriend. Now we're married, getting a puppy, and the Cubbies are back in the playoffs again.