Guthrie, Oklahoma

Sophy's school was closed on Thursday and Friday of last week in preparation for school starting this week. Fall will be here soon!!!... digressing. And serious wishful thinking. Anyway, Rolland took the week off so on Thurs night, after work, we packed up and headed for Oklahoma. This could be considered an odd choice but it's halfway between us and our family (Kansas and Missouri). For this test run we met my parents who came down early Friday morning. It was a super short drive and just within Sophy tolerance limits.

Said little cutie, who appropriately looks a little bossy here, was our tour guide running wild through downtown Guthrie, Oklahoma.We picked Guthrie since my Mom had been there several years ago and there were lots of antique stores for browsing. The downtown/square area is adorable with tons of shops and great walking areas. It was really pretty. Kind of a Midwestern version of Stars Hollow.

This garden was on the corner and a little weedy but a terrific spot for some photos. Very few of which turned out. Ugh. It's a great little area to take a moment, journal, rest, whatever you need. I think McKinney needs one on our square.

Love these details on the buildings.

Relatively nice weather. It was crazy humid making the high 80's temperature seem much warmer. Everyone was a little "dewy" by the end of our shopping excursion.

Another little garden. This one a memorial garden. I'm a sucker for a vignette and this one with the pretty garden and the rusting metal roof behind it. Love.

And maybe most importantly, my goodies. I was on a quest to find some studio redo items but mostly just found stuff. This is slightly counter to my clean out project but I'll just have to replace not so pretty fun stuff with the new pretty fun stuff. I've been on a big pottery kick lately and found some great pieces. The two on the right are both McCoy pottery and in my favorite aqua/blue green. The pinecone jardiniere is a great piece combining my aqua~ish dining room/kitchen color with the rest of the mocha downstairs. Plus it reminds me of winter and I love that! I also need to credit the husband with finding it. He's a keeper!

The sweet little deer vase had some damage that had been repaired but I love him. He was less than $10 bucks and the cracks are barely noticeable. He had to come home. It's likely he'll end up somewhere in the studio space or Sophy's room. It's another piece of Shawnee pottery for my tiny collection. Sophy has a cute little Buddha planter that's on her bookshelf that I love. And I have little tiny fairy planter holding random bits on my desk. I may have to swap them out and put Buddha in the studio. So many choices!

The giant pig was at a fantastic store called Prairie Gothic.  She has a great mix of new and old finds. I kind of wanted one of everything but only piggy made the cut. I had my eye on one I saw in a Napa Style catalog but I hate Michael Chiarello so much I refused to order it. This one was cheaper and I like to think cuter. I want some of the serving pieces she has with western images of bulls, cowboys, Native Americans, etc but I need to do some major decluttering before I bring anymore kitchen stuff home.

And last, but not least, findings for jewelry and other arty goodness. A large jar of keys, a box of cracker jack charms, chandelier crystals and a Tupperware container of mix/match jewelry that smells a little but will clean up well. Lots of chain pieces to be taken apart for links in new necklaces and bracelets are worth a little moth ball smelliness. All in all the perfect mini getaway.

Up next, tons of family photos that if you won't care about if you aren't related to me. Plus more Sophy than a normal human can be expected to tolerate. Super excited about this week aren't you?!

Sophy Duo

It's Sophy two ways. Like on Top Chef.

 Daddy took these pics yesterday when we were on our mini-trip. More to come as I go through a couple hundred photos. I was a little photo happy for only two days! Anyway, these are great pics that I couldn't resist. This face is the best. Ever.

Faux Woody Goodness

A big hold up on moving forward with the studio planning was trying to figure out what to do with the floors for the house. We have a small game room upstairs that's carpeted but everything else is tile, concrete or Ikea laminate. Finally, I think we've decided to go with tile that looks like wood. Rolland's become a tile expert at this point and I don't mind grouting so it seems like the best DIY approach at this point. I love how easy it is too keep clean but looks like wood. Sophy can run wild without worrying about doing any damage.

These inspiration images from Houzz make it easy to see how pretty it could be. Now I'm ok with ripping the house apart and moving forward with all our to do's. Maybe keep that a secret from the husband for now though...

Houzz

Love the texture feel of this one but mostly we won't be hovering above it since we're not vampires or super heroes. I would agree to either as long as we're the wealthy sparkly faux vampires who live in gorgeous splendor of the Pacific Northwest or Iron Man/Woman. Sophy with that palm exploder would be a nightmare.

Houzz

This one is to remind me how we can do the transition space.

Houzz

We're heading out for a little antiquing with the fam in Oklahoma for a couple of days. I've got my studio list and can't wait! Pretty sparkling vintage goodness will be mine!

Aquamarines... maybe?

I have got to start labeling my beads and stones. I'm pretty sure these are aquamarines I had left over from an earlier project. Seriously, they were in a small white dish to the right of my desk. I'm trying to be a little more spontaneous in my art as well as work with what's on hand. This was a little bit of both. Clearly I have to start taking all my pics outside during daylight! You can't tell from this but these stones are blue, clear~ish and blue/green. Oy. I am too lazy to wait and go back out and retake then re-post. I only  have so many hours in the day and I had a Jeff Lewis Interior Therapy and while we were watching that why not make a night of it and watch Property Envy? I have a huge crush on Mary McDonald and loved her on Million Dollar Decorators. If we ever win the lottery I'm hiring Mary to design a studio with labeling, and good light, and a fancy book ladder thingy. Yeah, it's always the opening paragraph where the wheels start to come of on these things.

And...back to the necklace! I liked the idea of stringing these as opposed to using chain as I did on another piece I made a long time ago. The hole drilled into the stones is pretty tiny and the wire is very fine if you wrap it. I may have to go back and redo my earlier piece. I wore it on Monday and was petrified it was going to break. This piece is really sturdy. My only problem was that  I didn't like the stringing material showing so I  dug through my beads until I found these tiny moonstones and used those in between the larger stones. I wish they had a little more texture but I liked the matte finish so they don't compete with aquamarines like a rhinestone or a bead with sparkle would have.

There's a little bit of asymmetry in this one with the carved rose bone bead and the swarovski rondelles but I wanted just a little tiny bit of sparkle and some added interest around the vintage clasp. I added a little medal as pendant if someone wanted to wear the clasp in front. I really liked how it came out. It's also a little shorter, probably 17 inches, than my normal pieces. My friend Suzanne always wants me to do shorter pieces so I'm working on providing a good mix for everyone.

50 Shades of Gold

I couldn't resist the title although I hated the book. Hate isn't a strong enough word. Ugh, I'm irritated it exists all over again. I don't care about all the sex but it was badly written sex. It was the worst sort of fan fiction made popular. I have no problems with fan fiction since some of it is phenomenal as long as the authors don't mind that is. But, that's not really what this post is about. I finished this necklace last weekend and it's quickly becoming a favorite piece. I haven't worn it out into the world yet but I love it.

I am really digging all the shades of gold and silver. The image below makes the main beads seem more silver but they're not. They're a great mix of gold/silver with some black patina mixed in. The Rachel Zoe Project actually used the word "gilver" and I'm not sure it's a real thing. But, that's what these beads are. I got the them and the a string of the heart beads (and a few others) from one of my favorite vendors. That's actually down playing it. I would probably sell all of my worldly goods to get some of his wares but then I'd have no where to keep them. Ugh!  He was at a monthly market a couple of months ago and a bead show before that so I could slowly build up my stock. The beads are apparently from the same manufacturer who made beads and whatnot for Chanel in the 70's. Regardless, they're the perfect.

The main focal is a heart connected with a vintage swarovski rhinestone bead connected to an old crucifix. I normally avoid wearing crucifixes and crosses (I don't know why) but I loved this one. It just feels like it was well worn and loved. I like having that kind of energy around. The main focals are wire wrapped for more sturdiness but the main beading is simply a rosary style chain. I had a great old rhinestone clasp I wanted to use but it wasn't sturdy enough. I used a simple modern magnetic clasp. It might be a little harder for Sophy to yank off. Yay!

Fancy Camera Quick Pics

I've mentioned all over the intranets that I've cleaned off all of my memory cards for the point and shoot plus the super fancy, and newly repaired, DSLR. In doing that, we took a couple of cute Sophy candids. You know, just to make sure it worked ok.

I may never recover from this pic above. How can you resist this 23 pound bundle of cuddly goodness. In sherbet colored footie pajamas. So. Cute. Sophy loves, loves, loves her pacifiers. She would like them all at once and immediately. Once one upon waking and having her lamb paci removed from her mouth for diaper change and arriving home from school where she's gone ALL DAY without a paci. The horror! Unfortunately for her, I think we're going to work on weaning them next week. She's fine all day at school without them so bed time only until even that's gone. My heart hurts thinking about not seeing her dragging them around with her. But, she'll be talking constantly so there's that.

Oh yeah, super grown up baby can crawl onto the furniture by herself. I have no idea who approved this. She also likes to watch Peppa the Pig while sitting on the big furniture. The cute is non-stop.

Bombshell Beauty Charm Necklace

One of my favorite fashion bloggers, Sara at Bombshell Beauty, is pretty awesome. I'm envious of her cool weather up north and layering potential. She's also awesome about promoting fashion for all sizes and has become a super star with her appearances on Twin Cities Live and lots of other media appearances. I wanted to do something for her since I'm a regular reader and love how she's really put herself out there.

I made a few pieces for her and this one I found before and after pics while cleaning off the memory cards of the point and shoot AND the newly repaired and clean fancy DSLR so this one gets the publicity! Or you know this very exciting blog post. I really liked the finished piece and am addicted to all things charm related. My bracelet situation is getting a little uncontrollable but let's just keep moving. Nothing to see hear. Move along... pretty sure Star Wars will be creeping into after school viewing soon. She's nearly 18 months what's the hold up?!

Anyway, the "before" and planning stage pic. I love my little pink cloth for wrangling beads and keeping my tools relatively close. It's getting a little grungy now that I see what it used to look like. I wonder if it can be washed? For this piece I had been thinking of a more muted color palette but I love how Sara always works in some color so I went with the red coral/jade. I can't remember which and am now reminded that I need to tag my stuff better. Ugh.

And after it's all put together.

I like mixing the different metals so you don't feel like you have to wear all gold, all silver, etc. I never worry about it but some people feel more put together with the matching and this takes care of that! The clasp was a leftover piece from a chain I used on another project. Kind of love the antique look and feel but I'm pretty sure it was a Michael's clearance find.

This little red metal flower with turquoise center was a favorite in my vintage stash. I had to let it go and move away from the hoarding tendencies. Seriously, it's a real problem. It's why my desk only ever has about 8 inches of work space. The little bird cage and vintage saints metal give the necklace some pop. If folks are more wild than I am, this could be the focal point with an asymmetrical approach with chain on one side and beads on the other. I like that look on there people but for myself, the charms to one side are as wild as I get!

Happy Monday!

Park Visit

It was really pretty this morning, still hot, but really pretty. We packed up before it became too scorching and biked to the park. Sophy got her bike carrier this spring but was not a fan. She looked terrified and was ready to get out after her initial ride.I decided another trip with a swing and jungle gym pay off might be enough for her to reconsider.

As you can see, still skeptical but super cute.

The park by our house is awesome. There's several miles of trails, swings and play equipment and Cricket! Sunday morning is the local Cricket Club (?) with everyone in white. Love it.  No idea if anyone's any good but I just like that they're out there running wild with cricket bats looking nifty in the white uniforms.

First couple passes down the slide required a little help from Daddy. After that, she was loving it on her own. That's pretty much how she rolls. She's got this.

Swings are still a favorite, she giggles and giggles with each push but you have to stand at the end and grab her hand/foot. I have no idea why.

Running on the play gym. She's a lot more grown up than I'm prepared for at this point. She's running everywhere!

Well, maybe she's still got a little growing. :) Her romper's still pretty big!

The biking was a big hit. She sat back drinking her water yelling "weeeeee" with Daddy. The ride was fantastic and really nice through the shady portions. Wasn't even that hot. Unfortunately our planning did not account for all the hills at the end on the way home. Oy. Next time, reverse route to the playground.

Shoes, shoes, shoes

Looking at my shoe board on Pinterest you'd think I was Rachel Zoe wearing sky high heels everyday.

via

Not so much.

Yesterday's selection complete with super sexy mosquito bites. They're Uggs, if that helps. And super comfy. I've had them for a decent amount of time and still cushy. Today, gray Tom's. I know. Exciting. Still comfy!

It's going back to school time which gets me pondering all of the lovely fall boot options. And trips to Target for stocking the studio with fun supplies. Bouquets of sharpened pencils! (Now I want to watch You've Got Mail... squirrel!).  Anyhoo... if that weren't enough, all of the pushy Nordstrom sale promotions on the intranets. Honestly, they are everywhere!  But, we've really hit our summer stride in Texas, and it's unlikely that I'll be wearing boots soon. Regardless, I will not be deterred in my sweater layering, hot chocolate drinking fall fantasies. Those fantasies include some of the following: loving these floral cowboy boots. Similar but still takers. And my absolute all time favorites. I'm aware all of these require a decent amount of piggy bank saving. Stupid fiscal responsibility. And while I'm daydreaming and not going out of my way, I would pretty much take one of anything Frye.

Even Sophy had a little shoe hankering. Or, maybe I caved after all the adorable toddlers on the intranet kept showing off their crocs. Quick trip to Crocs outlet in Allen and super cute shoes and bag. She had a little trouble getting them off immediately after getting in the car but I think she's resolved that. Crazy. She hates wearing shoes in the car but is happy to wander the house in only a diaper and her shoes. Carrying her purse. Oy.

Random Weekend Goodness

Sophy's new favorite item.

She demanded her new hat when we were strolling through Target on Friday night. Girls night! Daddy took us to dinner then went home to mow while we hit Target visiting all the girly sections. Mostly those that interest a toddler. I'm not sure he didn't have more fun sans his ladies. We can be a handful. I know. It's a shock.

Going for a ride in the convertible. Might play some ball while she's at it.

Cutest baby ever. Please ignore the lack of back fence.We've complained to everyone we can think of and still no fence. At least they mowed earlier this week. I'm pretty sure small children and dogs had been lost in those weeds. Ugh.

Uhm, I was wrong. This might be the cutest baby.

Wait, maybe this one. Also, my herbs have gone crazy with the rain. Nope, above is my favorite. Look at those cheeks. And eyes. And smile. SO CUTE I could die.  To paraphrase Despicable Me. I can't wait until she's ready for cartoons. She's toe dipping with Peppa Pig.

 

Miss Robin took pity on us and watched Sophy on Saturday night while we ran wild. And by wild we pre-ordered movie tickets for Red 2 and went to dinner. It was Heaven! I'm actively working on figuring out how to be Helen Mirren when I grow up. Or at least get her clothes and accent. She's amazing. Love! Rolland found it good but liked the first one better. I loved it equally as well and can't wait to do a Red marathon.

We also crossed off one of the many restaurants on my list around Dallas. The British Beverage Company. It seemed like a good casual option for Rolland's birthday dinner as he requested nothing fancy. The food was super tasty, except the mac and cheese, not so yummy. Sophy rejected it as well and that baby loves any kind of pasta covered in cheese. The fish and chips, outstanding. As was the french onion soup. Soooo good. Rolland loved his Cottage Pie and Brussels sprouts cooked in Angry Orchard Cider. Yum. We got there about 7:30 and thought it might be getting crowded but pretty empty. Crowds have much later bedtime than we do. Would highly recommend a visit.

 

Fish and Chips

French Onion Soup

Sprinkles cupcakes for dessert, and babysitting pay off. I wanted to visit the cupcake ATM but the line was nuts. Turns out, the line inside was worse but once you've squeezed in you're committed. Tasty but totally not worth it. I just don't want to turn on my oven. Starting my chant for Fall, Fall, Fall...

Scott Simon

I've been following Scott Simon's twitter feed following his mother's illness and death. Heartbreaking and heart soaring. The best of what the internet can offer and I feel lucky he was willing to share it with us.

Birthday and Le Creuset Greatness

Yesterday was Rolland's birthday so went to the new Texas Land and Cattle Co. in Allen. It's the "fancier" version. Truthfully, it was a little fancy but not so much that I worried about Sophy. This was her dinner. Macaroni and Cheese (Kraft) with creamed Parmesan spinach. Spinach was in place of applesauce and our server couldn't believe she preferred this to applesauce but she did. She ate the sauce like soup.

This was my selection. You get to pick the meat for the entree and then the rub/spice and sauce option. I went with salmon, truffle salt and Bearnaise sauce. Holy smokes it was good. Garlic confit in the mashed potatoes was a big hit too. This is quickly becoming a new favorite meal. Their version was yummy. In the blurry background is Rolland's steak with cheese grits. Those grits were fantastic.

Sophy showing off her spoon skills. She switches hands but she really is right handed so that often goes much better. Gotta love her persistence though.

After dinner we came home to find this box on the step.

With this inside.

To reveal my new saucier pot!

A few weeks ago, there was apparently an incident where my Le Creuset chocolate pot fell, nearly braining the baby, and Rolland deflected it to the floor where the non-enamel handle broke with some enamel chipping off the pot itself. The details around the falling of the pot are sketchy. As I wasn't here at the time, he was able to formulate a game plan which included us hot footing it down to Williams-Sonoma when I got home. We were pretty sure they no longer made the pan (they don't) but a suitable replacement was found. My super smarty husband mentioned the incident to the salesclerk and she suggested we contact them since there's a lifetime guarantee for their products. He did and they sent this.  All we had to do was send in the broken one ($20 bucks in shipping) and viola! New saucier in Marseille blue.

Smarty pants is forgiven.

Blog Note: Neither TXLC or Le Creuset asked me to pimp out their products, although I'm not opposed to free goodies that I love and offer tasty goodness. This wasn't the case here.

Journaling... Project Life?

I've been trying to do some journaling every day. It's a helpful mini-meditation. I also feel like I'm doing something, even something small, that's creative. My poor little journal has been covered in tea and soda (multiple times) but it's hanging in there. I picked it up at Barnes & Noble a couple of years ago but it's finally being used. Luckily, my hoarding tendencies have served me well and I have a large box of new journals to work in if this gets irreparably damaged. I would love to do some more intricate journaling using my own bound books but for now, baby steps. This works for me and it's easy to carry around with my little pencil case with pens, highlighters and a few markers.

My new favorite journal trick is to doodle with highlighters. It's a quick color add to the page and a little lettering then good to go.  I'm still working into the fancier lettering. It's tougher than you might think. I always forget which way the sun is shining to create "the shadow". Ugh. 

Earlier this week, I did a quick note on "Intention" which my yoga instructor has been setting for me which is kind of handy. And the one she set was about resolution and being firm, mostly in practicing my yoga, but it got me thinking about commitment and trying to do some documentation regularly. I've been following Pam Garrison's lovely Project Life updates and decided I'm trying it next year. There's some hope that the studio might be in shape to handle an ongoing project like that. Might even get it's own cubby. But I don't want to over commit. :) I can also start gathering the supplies slowly, use what I've got and set aside for this as I go through supplies and reorganize. Relatively low cost beyond binder and inserts is my hope.

I'm also working on how to use my fancy DSLR along with taking better iPhone photos. Signed up for SnapShop (yay!) so with 5-6 months to practice with both I should be fairly proficient by January. I also ordered a super cute camera strap for the DSLR. If I can accessorize, it helps create the habit for me... at least that's my story and I'm sticking with it!

Also really loving the idea of getting started and involving Sophy. I would love to see a week through the eye's of Sophy. That baby has serious opinions.