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>

Paper Post

July's kit had the coolest stamps ever. Hello? Ttv frame? Probably the easiest way to produce a ttv image. It is my favorite stamp to date. Unfortunately the main kit is sold out but I'm sure the stamps will be available in the shop soon. There are still some add ons left as well.

 

 

friday love, a tad late.

 

knocked off work early friday to spend the day with my pops. the drive was beautiful and exhilarating. windy roads, the sun beaming through forest trees, fields of wildflowers. perfect way to end the week.

hope your weekend is going well. now I'm off to continue mine.

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

 

 

On behalf of every man
Looking out for every girl
You are the god and the weight of her world
-john mayer, daughters

Happy Fathers Day Dad!

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

I am alive and well. Just busy with work and random life stuff. You know how it is I'm sure. Be back later for a proper post.

quickie.

Dare #139 Calendars.
 

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. :)

Have a great weekend!

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

a reminder and something pretty.

 

Tonights sneak night over at Studio Calico but I don't have to remind you of that right? :)
I should have some sneaks over the weekend as the scrap bug hasn't hit me yet. It seems hard
to translate ideas onto paper lately. I can get something started but finishing seems to be a bit of a
challenge. So yeah, 3 half ass layouts sitting on my table right now.
Plus I've got health issues on the brain. Nothing serious, just a pesky polyp that may need to be removed. Doctor's offices make me nervous...it's never really a joy to be there in the waiting room reading worn out magazines and making accidental eye contact with other patients. *deep sigh*
Wish me luck!
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 ;)

friday, you are my bff.

 

'roid week 09 has been a lot of fun. finding film, not so much. the polaroids are going to slow way down as with all my spending but let's not get into that right now.
watched rachel getting married or gets married, I can't remember. boring. I like anne hathaway but i felt as though I wasted 3 hours of my life watching that movie. how is benji buttons? anyone? worth the watch or no?

anyhoozle....I'm a mixed bag of emotions this week. I tend to get this way around mothers day and knowing that clomid is my near future, it's been a weird week. Not the depressing blah blah blah emotions. No, not going there at all. I'm actually taking this a lot better than I have in the past. A constant supply of good&plentys has helped. Got to just keep truckin'. I hate that term but that's where I'm at. Really, that's all we can do.

We got a little rain this week and now everything's gone green. It's beautiful out and all I want to do is hang outside with my camera which is exactly what I plan on doing when I get out of this office.

happy friday. :)
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.

kicked off 'roid week.

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.

lastly.....

paper gangsta.

late but here none the less...my may sc sneaks.
up for grabs tomorrow night.

oh and guess what next Saturday is? Only the most awesome holiday ever...national scrapbook day! hehe...SC's kicking off things right with a slue of challenges and some pretty sweet give aways. Check out the SC blogfor all the details. You've got a week to get the designer's challenges done. Just be sure to post it to the SC gallery and tag it with what challenge it goes to. My challenge is about music. Scrap your favorite song lyrics. What's your top ten played songs on your Ipod? How about creating your favorite mix and personalizing your own cover. One random winner will get this beauty...

hope to see lot's of great paper creations in the gallery this week and I'm really looking forward to dedicating a whole day to paper and photos. enjoy the rest of your sunday, T