How hard could it be?

I've always liked the look of an installation-type piece taking up empty space on a big open wall...

Via the lovely Lolita

This one in particular has caught my eye today, and I am wondering how hard it could possibly be to do with different sizes and even colors of coffee filters. Not that I have many blank walls laying (ahem, standing...) around, but perhaps it would even look cool to arrange them around a special framed photograph, or intermingled around framed pieces in a gallery wall.

Any ideas as to how I might stick them up there with out having to nail/tack/ruin the paint? Any other ideas of objects that could be found around the house and affixed to the wall for instant art?? DO tell!!!!

Purchases to Contemplate

Vintage Diamond Ribbon

She Is Cosmos Plaid

Brocade Ribbon in Aqua

Cinzia Paisley in Grey

All from Repro Depot!

Yes, I do believe I will be contemplating these this afternoon over a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. (Thanks, K!)

Those eyes, that hair.

Over here.

How do I make myself look like this? (Minus the middle-part. Middle-parts in my hair are the worst possible thing that I could ever do to myself aesthetically. Trust.)

Seriously, any tips on how to try that eyeliner? I think I might bring this pic with me to lighten up the hair for Spring!

My Favorite Rainbow

I posted about these rainbows last week...

...then saw this rainbow at Joanna's this morning...

so I thought I'd share my FAVorite rainbow with all of you. :)

July 14, 2007 - San Diego, CA

Photo by Jared Bauman

It sprinkled during our wedding ceremony (I didn't even know, thankfully we were inside), and when we all walked over to the reception, we had a lovely gift waiting for us. :) Looking at it now, it almost looks fake!

Rainbows symbolize a promise that lasts forever. Couldn't have been more fitting on this day...

***UPDATE: Our little photo was featured on Smitten today! Thanks, Joanna!

Truly Happy

Via Ffffound.



New-Segment-Time at The Lucky Stone...

"Truly Happy" is something that I started doing to practice writing in college, and now I'm bringing it back with a whole new spin.

Here's how it works: As they come to me, I make a running list of things that make me truly happy. I write a sentence, a few lines, or a short paragraph about each one and then I share them with all of you. The twist is that I am going to use these things to practice my newly budding (ok, non-existent) photography skills with our new camera (I might use an old or borrowed photo, occasionally).

Sound alright?

(You said, yes... right?)

Here's the first piece I wrote as a part of this practice. It is really more of a stream-of-consciousness that I found in an old journal, and it made sense to post a few of the past Truly-Happies before I start up with the new ones. (Eeek! I'm a little nervous...)

Dated January 12, 2004 - The Pen in my Hand

The practice of writing is a beautiful thing that allows and encourages us to enhance the story of life. It is a priveledge and a blessing that I had underestimated until I began to explore the connection between the pen and the hand. As I learn more about their relationship, I feel compelled to examine my background and the many writers who have preceeded me. The love of the written word is embedded in my genes, or perhaps, more appropriately, it flows through my veins.

This year, I have come upon an incredible realization: The enthusiasm and passion that have always been an important part of who I am now have a purpose and a home. The shelter, a blank page. The inhabitant, my thoughts. Attention and care are given to the long-neglected ideas that flow from my mind onto the paper.

They are somewhat reluctant, but arrive relieved; my words remind me of the first born who ran home in the story of the Prodigal Son. Their hesitance stems from lack of familiarity. The relief is a feeling that I embrace and cherish.

I have lived much of my life not quite knowing where to put my dreams, my stories, my whispers of thoughts and ideas. There are years and years of them built up inside of me, and now that they finally have a way out, I am overwhelmed with the information that my hand is inscribing with this pen.

A reliable pen is a very good thing. Mine recently seems to be attached to my hand. After all, you never know when one of these writing frenzies will strike. During class seems to be his favorite time of arrival, but he really does like to surprise me. I continue to be amazed by the amount that I learn about myself in these uncontrollable moments. How much information can one possibly have stored up in their hand? Do other writers experience this same sensation? If so, does that make me a writer?

My head insists on knowing these answers, but I tell her she'll just have to ask my hand the next time they meet. Either way, learning to love the pen in my hand has flung open the gates of my mind, and I delight in the fact that I'll never be the same again.

Pasty

My legs would need to be TAAAAANNNNN to wear these well...

Me gusta. I love the 70's in the summer-time.

And yet, they're called Pasty by BCBG.

Bring on summer and bring on the golden brown!

I like you.

Trumpet Table Lamp, come to MAMA!

Yes, I do.

Insipring room designed by Kristin Buckingham via Coco+Kelley

I've been feeling really inspired lately...

Can't quite put my finger on why, but my mind is just buzzing with ideas and I can barely get them all written down before something new pops into my head! I guess it's better than the alternative, but it's kind of freaking me out!

I have a few specific thoughts on some things that I think will be most likely to turn into actual projects, but for now I need to become much better at managing my time. I spend all day working at a job that really doesn't allow for much creativity (not complaining, just stating the facts... I thank God for my job everyday), and then I get home feeling pretty tired and with just enough energy to make dinner and relax with G. If I could just stay motivated to have a project set up for myself each night after dinner, then maybe my weeknights would become a little more productive.

Anyhoo, stay tuned for some fun ideas (I might need some help brainstorming), and I hope you have a wonderful and inspiration-filled weekend!

MWAH!

Rainbows

I adore this embroidered wall-hanging.

Found here.

It reminds me of him.

Freaking adorable.

Singing this.

NEW BRAIN CANDY

Photo by ShaneMac via Flickr

Until last week, I hadn't added to the "brain candy" feature on my sidebar in FORRRREEVVVVVVEER.

It was pretty embarrassing to realize that many of my favorite blogs were not getting the appropriate mention on my little listy-list... therefore, I decided it was time for a MAJOR update. My very major apologies to those who have inspired, entertained, and encouraged me, and gone without mention for so long!

I have listed the "new" brain candy below, and would love to have you click around a bit!

WAIT! Don't go yet...

First you must PROMISE that you'll still stop by every once in a while... even if you find a bunch of new favorites, you MUST. COME. BACK!

*sigh*

I'll hunt you down if you don't.

Ok, here are the goodies:

1000 Words
A Beautiful Mess
A Non-Desperate Housewife
Abbey Goes Design Scouting
Adventures of an East Coast Chick Turned Midwest Mom
Armas Design
Baking With Plath
Being Red
Bleubird Vintage
Bling on my Sewing Machine
Bliss
Bon Bon Atelier
Brilliant Asylum
Brown Design & Development
Buttons Magee
C Jane Enjoy It
Color Me Katie
Contented Me
Craft Yourself Rich
Daddy Likey
Daisy Chain
Design Crush
Design Dig
Economy of Style
Fashion Binge
Fashion Toast
Feather
Flight of Phancy
Go Fug Yourself
Golden Days
Heart Handmade
Huffmania
Humble Happenings
It's Mary Ruffle
Jackaroo Love
Judy's Blog (Atlantis Home)
K is for Katie
Lolita
La Bohemme
La Dolce Vita
Laws of General Economy
Le Love
Limon Claro
Lindamade
Little Ant Design
M.A. Belle
Made by Michelle Brusegaard
Made by Girl
Mayfly
Mrs. Blandings
My Marrakesh
Nie Nie Dialogues
Oh Happy Day
Party Perfect
Periwinkle Bloom
Please Sir
Pretty Good
Red Velvet Art
Ritzy Bee Blog
Ruby Press
Sammer Time
Sea of Shoes
Simply Seleta
Suddenly I See
Sweet Jessie
Sweet Nothings
Swissmiss
The Bedlam of Beefy
The Big Piece of Cake
The Jones Family
The Purl Bee
The World According to Jessica Claire
The Zion File
Undeclared Panache
Unruly Things
Vodka Has No Carbs
Wall Blank
Wikstenmade
The Year of Living Thriftly
Yes, Lemon Pie
Zest & Thyme

Phew! That was a lot... I'm embarrassed at how long it took me, but I feel MUCH better.

Enjoy, my lovely luckies!

Praise the LORD

Photo by The Sartorialist. My new hero.

"The Strong Shoulder is Back."

Says who? Says him.

Winners

This post is two-fold.

First, I'd like to show you exactly where I'd like to be right now, and exactly what I'd like to be wearing.

Behold: A winning look.

I need rest and relaxation here in this outfit. Please.

From the Toast Spring 2009 collection.

Secondly, I need to share these other kinds of winners with you...

I fiiiiiiiiiinally did the drawing from De-Lurkers Week!!!

Took me long enough, jeeeeeeez! I'm a jerk.

Congrats to Arlynn, Jen, and Kate!! You are the winnahs!

Kindly email me your addresses (except for you, Jen, hopefully I can hand you yours sometime soon!), and I will promptly send you your prize. Thanks for playing everyone!

Slam DUNK!

Thank GOD for DVR. This pic was taken from our paused TV...

I won't tell you how many times I replayed the clip. :)

This is Nate Robinson seconds after he hit the shot that won him the Slam Dunk contest... and THAT IS MY YOUNGER (bigger) BROTHER in the BACKGROUND!

I am happy to report that Joey caught that green ball and bravely carried it to safety. You can catch the whole clip on YouTube here. (Joey is the dude standing right under the hoop, leaning on the standard.)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Via Color me Katie

Hope you get a chance to jump on someone you love!

(Pets, children, and best friends DO count!)

Yo, bro!

Ok, I totally get that most of my readers (Yes, you three. Oh, Mom? You're here too? Ok - four.) are probably not big NBA fans, but I just thought I'd throw this out there...

If you happen to be watching any of the All Star Game Festivities this weekend on TNT (specifically the Rookie/Sophomore Challenge, the Skills Challenge, the 3-Point Shootout, AND the actual All Star Game), and you happen to see THIS little cutiepie ball-boy...

Baller

Sisterly Love

Three of my faves. Joe, Britt, Mom.

Then make sure you tell me, so I can confirm that I do-indeedy have the coolest little brother around.

Necklush

Thursday is my favorite day of the week, and that is why I'm posting about one of my FAVORITE new Etsy sellers!

Who needs regular old scarves when you could wear one (or ALL) of THESE to keep your neck warm!!!?

I heartheartheart these, my lovely luckies!!!

Cute's McGee

My dear blog friend over at Hiking in Stilettos has sent me a pretty pink blog award - just in time for Valentines Day! Muchas gracias, my dear!!! I love reading your blog and am so thankful that you are kind enough to read and comment on mine!

Now, I shall follow the instrucimundos...

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which you think are fabulous.

3. Be sure to link your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received you reward.

Fabulous Blogs... or, FABULOGS! (I just made that up... annnnnnnnd I'm embarrased.)

Petunia McMoonia

Mary Rufflepuff

Amanda Runningpants

Bling on my Sewing Machine

Solo Nicole

Gina New-Mama

Betsy BonBon

Lopi the Architect Extraordinaire

Darling Design Dig

Paige Heartster

There you go, dollfaces! Hope you enjoy your HUMPDAY, and I'll be seeing you soon!

1000 Words

An amazing new collaboration from Kansas City husband and wife...

Photo by Hannah Huffman of Huffmania and 1000 words

A place where one photo inspires a story of exactly 1000 words, and together they make a beautiful couple.

***Buy prints of Hannah's photos here.***

Beary Cute

Don't ask me why I love this.

Vintage Wooden Bear - from Etsy seller HausProud

I just do.

Happy Fridizzle

While nuturing my creative slump, I decided to make a few simple greeting cards this week.

I'm obsessed with this pink paper. Like, would wallpaper a room in it if I had enough.

Ribbon flowers... one of my current fave things to make. SO many possibilities!

Please note the newly painted chalkboard wall in the background! EEEEE!

Photo credits go to G. Can you tell we got a cool new camera?

I am SO thankful for my current job, but I cannot TELL you how much I wish that I could just make things for people all day.

Thinking back to those few months in the fall when I was unemployed and working on the Urban Bazaar/doing yoga consistently... I realize how relaxed and content I was. The stress of not having a job during that time was somewhat present, but was far overshadowed by the joy I found in just living, creating, and taking care of our home.

Until I find a place where I feel like I can truly contribute my education and my creative energy, I will just try my best to be joyful!

On a much happier note, it's Friday, and I'm REALLLY looking forward to the weekend plans!

Friday: Chili cook-off at work, afternoon shopping with friends at Good JuJu, hitting up some First Friday galleries with our husbands, and then dinner!

Saturday: Morning flea market run with G, spending a gift card at Target (YAYAY), running with Sadie (supposed to be 65 degrees!), treating the new chalkboard wall so that it's ready to be doodled on, dying my hair (geez, it's about time), and date night!

Sunday: Relaxation central! Jacob's Well, crafting time, movies and catching up on an almost-full DVR.

HOORAY! What are your weekend plans, my lovely Luckies?!

Wake N' Bacon

I knew Megan and I were destined to be friends when she sent me this at work yesterday.





A little disturbing, but it sounds extremely efficient. Move over daylight-simulator-wakeup-soft-noise-machines... the Wake N' Bacon has come to town!

I wonder if it would work with blueberry muffins!!! What would you put in your little box to wake yourself up in the morning?!

P.S. Does this remind anyone else of the episode of the The Office when Michael Scott tries to cook bacon at the foot of his bed in a George Foreman grill? Ok, because that was the very first thing I thought of.

LUCKY STONE SALE!

Shameless self-promotion...

Set of Four Juniper Berry Tea (or Espresso) Cups: Originally $18 - Now $15

Vintage Wicker Picnic Basket: Originally $45 - Now $35

Vintage Bronze Cats: Originally $12 - Now $10


Markdowns on almost all of my vintage homewares... store update - coming soon!!!

Vintage Riding Boots

After searching for MONTHS for the perfect pair... I won these puppies, from here (natch).

Just the right amount of wear, a clicky little heel, and the cutest gold buckle evah!

This is Sam.

... A friend of mine who is changing the world through his intentional way of not just supporting, but living, a non-violent lifestyle.

I am so proud to know him, and I just thought I'd share his tender heart and his desire for peace, with all of you.

Sam, you and the Palestinian children and families will be in my prayers, and you better believe I'll be following along with your incredible journey on your blog!

Felt

How many people do you know that could justify spending over $150 of 18" felt squares???

Just a question.

How could you NOT with colors as wonderful as these???

Don't judge. I can think of about a gazillion uses for all of this...

Ok, I didn't buy any, but I would like to buy it all.

All found at the gloriously inspiring purl soho.

Ok, back to work.