It's amazing how the weather can alter one's mood.
The wind is cold, bone chilling cold. The sky is several shades of the dullest gray.
I'm wearing my go to cold weather pajamas which are thermal with colorful snowflakes printed on them. They are extremely soft and sooth my goose-pimply skin.
I watched an episode of the Barefoot Contessa in which she makes this luscious looking risotto with
white wine and leeks and mascarpone cheese.
Watching her make it gave me warmth. I wondered what tasting the risotto would actually do.
So I went to my cupboards and sure enough I had the arborio rice. No white wine or leeks or even the mascarpone cheese but I did have chicken stock, half an onion left from the night before and frozen peas. Also found some parmesan cheese which made me giddy. I thought J had used the rest on our weekend spaghetti feast.
This was the bees knees. Creamy, salty but sweet from the onion and peas. It was delicious. Warmed me to the core. I sat in my favorite vintage red chair that clashes with everything in my living room, opened my paperback which was perfectly creased on the chapter I left off on and savored each bite of my bowl of risotto.
This was my comfort for the day. The thing I needed, the thing I was restless for.
That was the highlight of my Tuesday.
A layout from Jenn's sketch featured on the Studio Calico blog.
my errands are done for the day. it's gray and rainy out. perfet time to tuck in and read.
happy sunday
It's been an exhausting week and I'm glad it's coming to an end.
I lost something valuable.
I also lost part of my sanity but quickly recovered after a little retail therapy.
Working my way backwards in the sookie novels, started with #4. almost finished with #2.
Currently listening to Blue Foundation, Mute Math,& Cold War Kids.
Scrapping August Studio Calico. Good stuff as usual.
Need to go through emails.
Really need to go grocery shopping. Pretty cleaned out the pantry this week. Haven't been in the mood for anything other pineapple milkshakes and a two-piece from the Lucky Wishbone. Healthy, I know. Avoiding the Nordstrom sale....maybe.
Anything exciting planned for the weekend? Hope you enjoy whatever it is. TGIF!
old skool.
Last weeksDare prompted me to dig up my very first scrapbook circa 1997. It's full of old photos that were massacred by decorative scissors. I also felt the need to matte everything with coordinating paper and place stickers in every empty space. Not the most stylish thing but considering the only scrapbook products I could find here in Alaska were at JoAnn fabrics and the stationary department at Fred Meyers.
I fondly remember making this scrapbook. I started it the year after I graduated highschool. I wanted to document all my grade school memories while they were fresh which I'm glad for now because I don't remember half of what I journaled at that time. So I guess the cut photos aren't a complete loss. I can also rescan them. I actually should scan them because I know I didn't use acid free glue.
all my journaling is a mess but it's how I wrote as a teen. lot's of exlamation points used. I had also learned to handcut letters from an artclass in jr.high. lot's of that too.
and here's the page I decided to re-do for my dare. it's just about this babysitting course I took that taught cpr and proper kid watching skills.
ah, good times.....
best weekend ever.
well...so far.
got a lot accomplished. cleaned parts of my home that have not been touched since we moved in. actually committed to some picture hanging in my living room although I ran out of wall mounts midway through. played with bubbles. watched dog try to eat as many bubbles as he could possibly catch. cuteness.
ate hubs outstanding falling off the bone ribs with my secret bbq sauce. sticky sweet...but not too sweet. I prefer more of a vinegar taste when it comes to bbq.
listen to fireworks rather than watching as the sun shines through the night. got to love alaska in the summer.
juggling 2 reads, Julie & Julia (so far, really good. constantly chuckling through paragraphs) and Dead to the World (just started. part of the sookie stackhouse/true blood series. one hour a week on tv is just not enough for me. need more.)
surprisingly taking this monday quite well. a tad stand-offish but norm for me in the morning.
day 3 of clomid. not feeling any of the side effects that I was worried about. keeping fingers crossed. hope fully set now but ready for disappointment. does that make sense? it's all about moving forward. things/life just feels uplifting right now.
scrapbooked a little. did my "re-do" dare. will post tonight.
need to catch up on emails. much needed break from the internet.
signing off. my hot pocket is ready.
tina
happy holiday weekend.
I have an overwhelming feeling to shop today. So that's exactly what's on my agenda on this beautiful Friday. J is at work, I'm currently in bed with the pups and a cup a joe. I could get use to this I tell ya.
No big plans for me this weekend. No traveling. Just chillin and grillin and maybe tackling some home projects. I've got my niece and nephew staying with me next weekend so I've got to get this place some what more kid friendly.
Hope you all have a safe 4th of July!
1. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/64333827@N00/830680751/">farmersmarket 027, 2. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/25444043@N02/3266603387/">WhiteFlower in Late Sunshine, 3. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/13105039@N04/2220459219/">Blue Sky and Clouds</a>
power shopper.
That I am. I'm not a browser unless it's the bookstore. I know what works for me and what doesn't. I don't shop on the weekends. Only during my lunch hour, that is how I became a power shopper. 1 hour, well more like 45 minutes after parking. Enough time to run through and get what I'm craving for that day.
Today's hunt, jeans and a black pair of chucks. I needed to replace my badly worn vans which I cannot find anywhere. They're old. Chucks are the next best thing.
Checked off the list.
Jeans are a whole different kind of search. Trying to find the right fit for a body shaped like an anjou pear is not an easy task. Banana Repub jeans were awful. They only enhanced my ample thighs. Gap's were so damn long, and these were the "regular fit". Shorts are always too short. I could have gotten them hemmed but they weren't that great looking to begin with. The sales lady was no help. I started in on a pile of promising jeans and she quickly directed me somewhere else saying "the bigger sizes are over here." Thanks. Thanks a lot. When did a size 6 or 8 become "bigger"?
Headed to Nordstroms but I wasn't really looking to pay more than $100 if even that. I just wanted a new pair for the weekend. That's all. Nothing fancy. Nothing to make my ass look like ripe apple. Just a pair I could comfortably wear while trekking around outside with my camera. Ass looking like an apple is a plus but I'd settle for lifted and a rise that could safely secure my little muffin top.
Found: AE Artist jeans. $49.50, perfectly soft and worn. Ass looks decent, rise is perfect and they look great with my new chucks.
All is good. I dismissed these immediately a few weeks ago thinking I would look like a teenager but they're not bad at all.
food for thought.
Taking a closer look at my budget and wanting to save money for 1. a trip and 2. a new lens, I decided to cut out food and certain home magazines. I would normally buy Everyday Food, Rachel Ray's magazine (only on occasion), Better Homes and Garden, sometimes Sunset and Jamie Oliver's newest mag. Now it's just Jamie. It's a splurge at 10 bucks a pop but it's more than just the food, it's the photography. I also love the paper it's printed on...feels good to the touch. You'd think I'd just get a subscription to these magazines but I like going to the bookstore every week and getting excited about seeing the newest issue all stacked up perfectly on the shelves.
To fill my recipe void, I've been hitting up a lot of various food blogs and so not missing the clutter of all those magazine. I signed up for Everyday Food online and get a daily recipes emailed to me which often inspires that nights dinner. I noticed that all the recipes that were in those nifty booklets are right there on the website. I wonder why I've been paying for them all this time. I also check Foodtv.com quite often but only for specific shows like Barefoot Contessa. Love both her cooking and decorating style.
I recently came across the most beautiful food blog, Sprouted Kitchen. Nothing I love more than good food and stunning photography. I'm not super healthy but I like to venture into organic good for you recipes.
The Kitchn updates quite often during the day with lot's of recipes and photos that make my mouth water.
I recently caught a preview of the upcoming movie, Julie & Julia.
I love that we're know making movies about blogs. I googled her blog and know just by her "about me" description that I'm in love with this writer.
From dead-end secretarial job to a 110-pound dog and a job writing in my pajamas... this is the story of Julie
Before the Food Network came along, I was watching old episodes of Julia Child and Yan Can Cook..do you remember that guy? So funny. "if Yan can do it, so can you!" Did I ever make any of those dishes? No. I guess it's watching some one be so passionate about food....how you can turn an x amount of ingredients into something special. Think I'll go and pick up the book...I can't wait for the movie release.
endings.
So I'm watching John + Kate announce their separation and I have to say I'm really heartbroken for them. It's something I never expected them to do and when all the rumors started, I was routing for them thInking they would some how overcome their marital issues. It's just sad.
It's been an overall sad day. I attended a funeral for a friends father. Although I didn't know him, it was heartbreaking to see their family in pain but there was also a sense of peace for them at the end.
It's cold here again. Rainy, gloomy. Not like the rainy days I enjoy. The sweet smell isn't there.
I'm husband-less for the next week which i would normally look forward too. My house will stay clean, tv will remain off until I crawl into bed at night, I can actually read a book and not be disturbed. But I'm missing him terribly. Not enjoying this man-free time at all. My dogs aren't either and are restless right now. I comforted myself by making a big pot of pipping hot soup. WatchedIna Garten make this over the weekend and thought it would be the perfect thing for me to make this week since J isn't much into meatless dinners (over using "less", I know this) it did the trick, totally warmed me up...that and wearing one of J's ginormous sweatshirts. Kick started some creative papery goodness(also over-used, no?) which I just remembered...I haven't put up any SC sneaks yet. (marking that on my to do list)
saturday selfie. good lighting in my scrap/craft room I don't even scrap/craft in anymore. now dedicated to self portraits. :) I've made it a habit of scrapping on my living room floor. I never use to like watching tv while scrapping but now I can't do without it. plus my old dog follows me EVERYWHERE and she has trouble making the trip upstairs. this way she can lay right next to me.
fruits of my labor. love being able to pluck a few petals for a simple arrangement. <3
also loving housewives of new Jersey season finale. stereotypical goodness (damn, there's that word again) True Blood....ouuughhhh...True Blood. my show. Z Rock on IFC. kissing masons big fat soft baby cheeks ans seeing his toothy smile. that kid is getting so cute, makes me weak in the knees.
t
Not really in the mood for typing. Here are some visual thoughts.
I have a strong urge to jump on a plane to Vegas to be with my aunt and grandmother. I'm craving their comfort and cynicism.
iamwool
also craving some quiet time.
This looks sssooooo good.
I adore this quote.
wanting to lost behind the lens this weekend.
Dare#140 korean food is my comfort food.
Studio Calico subscribers will now get an advanced opportunity to purchase new add-on kits each month. Beginning with July's kit, subscribers will be able to purchase their add-ons and shop items 12 hours in advance of reveal (12:00 noon on the 27th). Some add-ons will also be held in reserve and posted for sale at 12:00am for the traditional reveal. Not a subscriber? Email waitinglist@studiocalico.com now to preorder your subscription!
have a great weekend friends.
Tina
quickie.
Day 1 of C didn't happen. Let's just say my body wasn't ready for it. But thanks for the well wishes. will certainly keep those for next month.
Also, spring sale is still going on in the shop! Making way for newer prints. Everything is half off...a perfect time to nab a print or 2. :)
almost famous.
movies watched in the past week:
Ben Buttons...good movie. thanks to those who recommended it. was certainly long and a unique story. There were some beautiful scene, ones I would of loved to see as a still.
Ramen Girl...why I ended up with this movie, I do not know. renters remorse.
New to Town...this where my post title relates to my actual post. I was asked to submit a few layouts to be featured in the dvd since the movie is somewhat scrapbook related. I have to say I was partly excited but had a feeling it wasn't a for sure thing. And it wasn't. None of my layouts made it to the special feature section but I was really excited to point out the layouts I did recognize to my somewhat attentive husband. The movie wasn't all bad but it also wasn't great. Just your run of mill cutesy romantic.
Mall Cop...ok. I'm really not a fan of holidayish movies during the summer. '
it's been cold and rainy with sporadic sunny moments. perfect time to catch up on some movie time. wasn't successful on the laundry front but at least I've got clean clothes for work tomorrow. just finished watching the season finale of the Hills. It's funny how much I avoid drama in my personal life yet so fascinated to watch it somewhat scripted on MTV.
...post continued monday morning.
I started this one on Sunday night but Typepad makes my computer freeze up. Not sure why but it's getting frustrating. I should look into the problem since I'm paying for this sucker and I'm not looking to change blogs again.
so onto more important things other than tv.
today will be day one of clomid. half excited, half worried. wondering if I should document my journey here or keep it personal in my trusty moleskin journal. we'll see.
leaving off with a few photos.
first, Studio Calico June...
and a mosaic of this past week...
***I'm also having a spring clearance sale in my shop. Everything is half off. I'm making room for new prints and other items. Hurry before your favorites are scooped up!** <3 tina
Some sneaks from the June SC kit and add ons. My mojo has kicked into high gear the past couple of days thanks to my sc girls who sent some creative vibes my way. On sale Wednesday, May 27!
Didn't do so well with my blog resolution that was suppose to start this week but that just how resolutions go. Hopefully the long weekend will give me a chance to do some sprucing. No travel plans for me for lack of money and not wanting to fight traffic. But renting a camper and driving up to some far off hidden place is in the near future.
Have a great holiday weekend!
Tina
nothing like a little motorhead, young jeezy and rick ross to start my monday morning.
The mixed cd Jeff made for me solidifies the fact that he and I were meant to be.
The said mix are all songs that are basically inside jokes to us but I like the mix of metal and rap. Good way to start my morning...some ace of spades followed by "everyday I'm hustlin"...yeah..I'm ready to get this morning started.
The weekend went by way too fast but I made sure I enjoyed every minute. And I know I said I would dedicate mondays to a blog I love but I'm moving that to another day. Monday's are now dedicated to weekend love.
Saturday started at the greenhouse, again. It's addicting..buying plants..and I feel like there's never enough. Now we're making plans to make our backyard into more of a hangout. After the greenhouse, we headed to the market. Good people watching there. 
So I think I made the mistake of picking out a bad plantbecause I later noticed little aphids flying out it when I was transferring it over to a bigger pot. Super. Now there's little webs crossing over to my other plants. I'm trying the soap water mixture that was suggested to me on the SC message board. Hopefully that'll do the trick. Any other suggestions?
I've got to get crackin on my June layouts. Ofcourse I get hit with creative mojo a week before our deadline. Off to scrap!
Tina
a smear and lox kind of day.
today I hit the ground running. issues as soon as I walk through the office door. I love/hate mornings that start out this way. love because I know the day will fly by. hate because of all the demands...everyone needing things right this very moment when if they took care of their own issue weeks ago, it wouldn't be such a rush today. but this is my strong point with my position. I'm a problem solver. Solve, move one.
opted to pick up breakfast for everyone at a local bagel joint. craving smear and lox like crazy...something I eat maybe once or twice a year. a little stinky but totally worth it. I'm a much happier Tina when my belly is full.
Dare #138was a fun one this week. unfortunately the light cyan and yellow ink were out in my printer so I wasn't able to scrap it. instead I did a little faux typewriter work on a polaroid my sweet hubs took of me yesterday.
All about your signature style. What's your go to item?
Next week I'm going to start a bit of formatting to my blog. I've mentioned this before about taking advantage of my piece of the world wide web. Monday is blog love day. Thursday is retail therapy day. This is an effort for me to blog more and sort of organize and share the things I've come across. I'll probably fill the other days with pictures and short entries. We'll see. :)
I'm also working on branching out with my prints. You'll see some things like journals, postcards and other items I'm trying to work out.
well folks, hope you all have the most superb weekend. I certainly will, as always. :)
Tina
I just gained 8lbs for not fowarding you and 7 others that email.
I seriously can't stand these emails I get from a certain coworker. They drive me INSANE. I don't mind a few forwards here and there but enough with the grumpy Maxine 'toons, the precious moments (blegh) crap and the oh be happy because I sent you this email with the sh*ttiest sparkly graphics. Yet this woman constantly complains about being overwhelmed with work. shyeah right.
ok, my rant for the day.
going forward...my weekend was relaxing and fabulous.
mothers day was good, certainly unlike the past several years spent in a crappy, boohoo for me mood. If any one should be in a crappy mood on mothers day, it should be my mom. 'nuf said.
visited with the inlaws saturday and now realize how much my mother in law keeps up with my blog....hello linda.
j also endured a good bit of sunburn. poor guy. google farmers tan...you'll spot a photo of my husband.
sunday was spent in my backyard. i now understand why people garden and take so much pride in their work. even though we've live in our home for a good 6 or 7 years, this is the first time I've actually gardened. I was really inspired by this book:
I'm ashamed to admit I haven't really embraced the whole organic lifestyle but I'm taking baby steps. I do want to recycle more and I've accomplished that so far with my gardening. I haven't spent a dime on containers and finally found a use for all the wood wine cases I've picked up from garage sales in the past umpteen years. They look great but now I need more. Wonder if I could ask the liquor warehouse? I'll give it a try or maybe head to the salvage place. Not fully sure if I'm ready to do the compost thing, especially with our bear problems. Seems like it would just be an open invitation for them.
Didn't get a chance to watch the buttons movie but I will soon from the reviews I've gotten. It's so hard to stay inside and watch movies when the weathers so nice. I'll have to wait for a rainy day for that one.
that's that.
tina ;)
oh, hey monday...I didn't see you there.
my weekend went as planned and that was because most of it was unplanned.
drove around a bit on saturday morning and hit a few garage sales. spent a whole $1 on a vase.
opened all the windows in the house, the warm fresh breeze was invigorating.
transplanted some of seedlings. can't believe I have't killed them.
babysat my nephew who wasn't feeling well but was still his happy self. amazing kid.
had bbq and enjoyed the most delicious corn of the cob. light on the butter, heavy on the salt.
watch an oldie, Me, Myself and Irene. forgot how funny certain scenes were.
enjoyed a busy but relaxing sunday all to myself.
took old dog to the park and found this random rock stack.
also made coffee stop because my home brewed coffee was a little off.
went to war with laundry and won.
sat in the sun and ate breakfast. currently on an eggs benedict kick. not so great on the waist.
the smell of bounty and fresh air in my bedroom made for the best nights sleep.
and even though monday came too quickly, it brought the sun again and for that I am grateful.
happy monday.
so typepad is wigging out on me again...this is going to be brief.
- National Scrap Day shenanigans tomorrow at SC. Check here for the list of challenges and give-aways.
- May SC reveal was amazing. Kits still available and plenty in the shop so if you're lacking inspiration, start there then head to the gallery.
- I updated my SC on paper gallery over there <<<<<<<< with my latest layouts.
- Dare #126. Inspiration:decor.

























