Arts & Crafts

Every year at this time for the past 5-or-so years, I break out my collection of 2 oz. craft paints. The level of excitement that comes over me when I walk into that aisle of the craft store and see the thousands of different colors should be illegal. Yes, I took art classes for 17 years of my life. Yes, I know how to mix red and blue to make purple. And yes, I still buy 'grape jam' partially because I like the name, and partially because I have to have exactly 2 ounces of that hue in my shoe box paint collection.

Every year at this time for the past 5-or-so years, I also sit at a table for hours painting small pumpkins for area farms. Growing up, I painted pumpkins for Soergel Orchards. For the past few years, I've been painting pumpkins for my husband's family farm: Harvest Valley Farms. 

Every year at this time for the past 5-or-so years, I give these silly looking vegetables WAY too much TLC. They sell for 5 dollars max, and I'm painting Disney characters on them! What can I say? I'm a perfectionist. Doing things half-heartedly is not in my repertoire. Not even when it comes to slapping 99 cent paint onto a squash. 

This year, while I was researching ideas on ETSY, I stumbled across this super talented artist that takes craft painting to the next level. I absolutely adore these peacock feather wine glasses. Ah, so trendy and way less cheesy than Lolita! I'm thinking leopard print? Dear friends, would you mind receiving a set of these from yours truly for Christmas?  I think that I'll be keeping the craft paint out a few months longer this year. 

*SWOON* I love you, ETSY.

Paint and pumpkins, 

I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse. 

[P.Yancey]

9/11: In Remembrance

red, white and beautiful :) 

With so many tragic images flooding news programs over the past week and throughout the upcoming weekend, I thought it fitting to create a more upbeat tribute to our beautiful country by scanning Pinterest for more patriotic inspiration. First of all- let me express that I, in no way, am trying to ignore the tragedy that was 9.11.01. My heart breaks for every single person that lost a loved one that day, or in the days following. My heart continues to break for this entire country when I see a newscaster or interviewee get choked up when having to speak candidly about the day on camera. Although ten years has passed, it is clear that the memory is very much alive in all of our hearts. As sad as that is to realize, shedding a few tears here and there seems so small a sacrifice when one thinks about just how many tears continue to be shed by the families of the victims and the heroic New Yorkers that were present in lower Manhattan that brisk September day.

On my way home from IKEA last night, I passed a house completely decked out in red, white and blue Christmas lights. At first, I was confused, thinking that these people decorated for the 4th of July and still haven't took their lights down in September. Then, I realized they were simply attempting to shed a little patriotism on the neighborhood, and I thought how fantastic it would be if this caught on around America. What more fitting of a time to remind our friends and neighbors using lights, signs and decorations that we are America. We are 'strong and determined and generous.'

Passing that house got me to thinking about 9/11, remembering where I was that day, and realizing that I'll probably remember for the rest of my life what I will be doing on the 10 year anniversary of the attacks this year. I have been to New York City three times and below three pictures from my trips. The first is a picture from near Ellis Island just four months before the attack. The second is of Ground Zero from the spring of 2003. I actually had to leave the area on that trip because I got so emotional. The third and fourth are from this July when J and I visited Ground Zero again (I snuck my camera inside the fence, shhh). If some of you aren't familiar with the story of St. Paul's Chapel which is directly across the street from the former WTC, Google it.

Also, while you're at it, check out this 9/11 infographic. I looove infographics.

Have you been to New York City since the attacks? Where were you on 9.11.01? What are your feelings at the tenth anniversary approaches? 

ny harber | spring 2001

ground zero | spring 2003

ground zero | summer 2011

St. Paul's Chapel has seen it all.

Collage photo credits: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10


Never forget,

Modcloth Love

the black/white/pink skinny belt combination is fun without being too bold

I really cannot get enough of Modcloth's dresses. The vintage patterns and classic cuts are so appealing to my personal style. This particular dress really struck my fancy this afternoon. This particular dress is a little more pricy than the ones usually featured on Modcloth, but the versatility of the style would ensure that you could get your money's worth by wearing it again and again. A pair of pink or gold dangly earrings would be a perfect compliment to the simple lines and deep-V neckline. The downward angled stripes on the top of this dress are particularly appealing to me, because they would minimize a slightly larger upper body.

Have you ever purchased a dress from Modcloth? What's your favorite thing about vintage fashions?

Gasp!

is there any better use for a closet without doors? 

Can you tell that I like nooks? This creative blogger sacrificed a closet for this gorgeous space.What a great way to tuck a work space into a common room. I've recently become obsessed with DIY home remodeling projects due to the fact that we have just gutted our first floor bathroom down to the wall studs. We're ordering a super modern vanity set from IKEA- so next on the list is coming up with a clever way to style this bathroom to match the rest of our more traditionally decorated home. Having experienced first hand how much work this is- I commend the creator of this perfect little nook.