Juxtapose

I am really liking the idea of carrying a summery straw bag during the Fall... The juxtaposition of a wool coat and straw bag just seems unexpected and delightfully quirky to me. Must have been my Saturday jaunt to Seatlle that got me thinking about market baskets...



These Morrocan Market Baskets at Brookfrom General Store are great. The market backpack is also intriguing (although sold out).


Jacket by Sessun. Market photo by me. (Bags also available locally at Alder & Co)

(p.s. the husband pointed out to me, post publish, that Fall is in fact the best time for a market basket as Fall is when Farmer's Markets are often at they're best... I guess my "style mind" imagines straw as a Summer material... either way, I'm getting one!) Read More.. Read More..

Chair Color.... Help!

Update:


Between this post and my facebook question, here are the results:

6 vote for white or cream
(The trim in the room is crisp white and the background of the fabric is cream... a dilemma.)

7 vote to keep it "as is"

none for brown
(interesting)

2 for stripping the original stain and staining darker
(I really like this idea the best and is one I hadn't considered.)

Sounds like A LOT of work. I will make the covers first and probably get inspired for a change on the wood on a rainy winter day. Thanks for voting!

I'm in the process of recovering the cushions for the chair and the ottoman.


By "in the process" I mean that I bought the fabric and artfully draped it over the chair. It may stay this way for awhile.

I love the look of painted wood, but now I'm not sure whether I should paint the frame of the chair.

What do you think?

I'm inspired by wood frame chairs, upholstered in vivid prints.

Also, loving that my version will come in under $50 for fabric thanks to my grandparent's hand-me down chair. It was new in 1968. 

My Grammy special ordered it for her red and gold living room (the cushions used to be vibrant red). I've reupholstered the whole set twice and my mom once; blue, green, and taupe. In that order. The couch, chairs, and ottoman have been around.

So comes my question: should I paint the chair frame?

The finish is definitely worn.

But it would be a PAIN in the rear to paint. 

I could paint it a nice matching brown.

(Rem kindly asks if he can move before I do any actual painting.)

Or white. 

Maybe with darker stain over the top to make it look antiqued.

Things to keep in mind: My new blessed and beautiful new couch is brown (the same tone as the background of the chair fabric) and all the other accessories in the room are either taupe or white.

So, what do you think?

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Excited

Here's one, of many, campaigns that has me excited for Fall... Bring on the hats, knee socks and knits...


Zara via Here Read More.. Read More..

The List

Although most Portlanders are hoping for many more weeks of Summer, I have begun compiling my (rather lengthy, as always) Fall wishlist (I heart Fall clothing!)... A few early picks:





Steven Alan Mimsy Dress @ Frances May, Les Morceaux Necklace, Me and Arrow Bag. Read More.. Read More..

Just say "no" to Huggies

Cloth diapering. Yes, I've succumbed. 

Do you see that box of Huggies in the background? That's $42 dollars and it doesn't even last a month. Awhile ago I bought 7 Fuzzy Bunz (the off-brand version) and then was given 2 more of a similar style. I used them occasionally with both Mandy and Rem, but never exclusively. To be fair, I used cloth diapers in emergencies when I didn't want to make a trip to the Bi-Mart for disposables.


Now I've come to my senses I can think of 652 better ways to spend $42 a month/$500+ a year, so.....


We are going exclusive. I think we are at that stage in our relationship.


I need a few more cloth diapers to make this solution practical. Fuzzy Bunz or their equivalent cost $18 and up. Being the Frugal Fanny that I am, I decided to sew them myself. Here is my first attempt at making a cloth diaper:

I bought:

3/8 yard flannel (should have bought a whole yard)

3/8 yard white fleece (should have bought 1/2 yard)

3/8 yard PUL waterproof fabric

elastic

2" wide velcro

______________

Total $11 (enough for 2 diapers... almost)

First let me say that I am not a "follow the rules" kind of sewer. I looked up a few patterns online and then I charged forth and did my own thing. I usually regret charging ahead and doing my own thing. This was no exception. Using one of the Fuzzy Bunz diapers I own, I made up a pattern.

My course of action:

1. my supplies.
2. make pattern and think perhaps investing in one isn't such a bad idea.
3. cut out one of each flannel, PUL, and fleece.
4. sew PUL and flannel together (the outside flannel layer is not necessary, but I thought it would look nicer). Add elastic to the back and legs.
5. sew elastic at the end, then fold the fabric and elastic over and make a casing (careful not to see the sides of the elastic.
6. add velcro, crispy side to the front of the diaper and soft side to white fleece.
7. sew flannel/PUL layer right sides together with fleece. Make channel for leg elastic. Finish opening at back. I used an insert I had from my other diapers, other wise I would need to sew one of those too (the insert comes out for washing). 

Remington is thinking of becoming an underwear model.

On my next attempt, I will:

• invest in a pattern

• buy a bit more fabric so I don't have to make extra seams. 

• make the elastic a bit tighter in the legs.

Currently, I have one baby in diapers full-time (about 6 clothe diapers a day) and one toddler in diapers at night. To make my life a bit more copacetic, and so I don't have to be religious about my morning, noon, and night diaper washing, I would like to have a total of 15 diapers. 

I have a bit more sewing to do.

This is my journey..... 

Just say "no" to Huggies.

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Knee deep

It's not only me. Seems like everyone else is living a full life and blogging less. It should be the opposite with lots to do = lots of blogging. Instead, the keyboard gets dusty and I'm thankful for quick looks at FB to hear what everyone is up to.

A few of you have asked how the pictures I entered at the fair faired. (That was fun to say). They faired fine. I still don't think the judges know what they are talking about, but I was happy to get a few ribbons.

This one of the girls got third place in Black and White photography, category "children."

And this one got first....

I entered it under "humor." Some of the categories get lots of entries like "landscape" or "portrait," but humor is one of the lessor entered categories.


The pictures that won the highest awards seemed to be still-life type pictures. It was fun to see familiar names and I was only happy to be beat out on some of my pictures by my friend Jill who did really well with her entries.


Emma was able to enter this year as a junior photographer. Her age group was 5 to 12 year old. I had no idea how she would do, but I was very proud of her entries and her seriousness in the competition. She got 2 blue ribbons (first place) and earned $3. She's nearly half-way to earning a Pillow Pet.

Emma's entry under "Domestic Animals" color. First place!

She also made a collage at Costco (the same price as an 8x10). It was a series of pictures she took around the yard. She took the pictures on auto with my Canon 40D with a 18-50 f/2.8 lens. The camera weighs about as much as she does, but she's a trooper and swings the camera up to her eye for each shot, takes a moment to frame the picture and then takes one. Just one. I tell her to take more, but it's like she's used to film or something.

When she is taking pictures, I give her basic advice:

"Get close to your subject."


"Take the picture at the same level as the kitten."


"Hold very still while you push the shutter."


"Give your subject clear instructions if you want them to pose." (The cat responded well to better direction).


"Take one shot and then try a different angle of the same shot."


I didn't edit her pictures. I let Emma sit at the computer and play around with the colors and sharpness. The photo above is tweaked a bit too sharp in my judgement. But what do I know? My 5 year old daughter got 2 blue ribbons out of 2 entries.

So, that was the fair. It was over 100 degrees on Sunday when we were there. Today it is 65 degrees. This weather is giving me whip-lash... and is assuring that I keep all 4 seasons of clothes on hand for all 5 members of the family.

Yesterday there was a danger of frostbite. Or so the girls told me.

(Emma was too cold to fold clothes).

You try folding clothes with mittens on. Very, very tricky.

And then there is this guy. Rain or shine, sweltering temperatures or misty cold mornings....

He's our sunshine.

I'm knee deep in a new project. I'm excited to be collaborating on a website specifically designed to inspire busy moms to daily devotion with Christ. It's called Drops... of Living Water.

Here's the intro:

As moms, we’re booked solid 24/7. The constant demands of motherhood tend to suck us dry and leave us feeling as prickly as cactus. Drops is designed to bring a little refreshment to your corner of the desert. We provide a daily Drop for you to use as you wish: first thing in the morning, last thing at night or anywhere in between. Each drop and the accompanying Bible passage can be read in about 10 minutes. The Drops are made up of original and borrowed writings directed specifically at helping busy moms discover abundant life through Jesus Christ.

(by Andrea Lunde)


"Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water,
welling into Eternal Life." John 4:14

Working on a project like this has been an inspiration of mine for most of the year. I'm growing in leaps and bounds in my faith as I seek God and his Word on a daily basis. It is hard to find the time for Bible study and I think there are many out there who have the desire to be in a deeper relationship with Christ, but don't know how. Drops will be a devotion to think about and a Bible passage to think about.

Drops will begin with an exciting giveaway on September 1st and then start with daily readings on the 7th. Stay tuned for more info and a link. :)

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Black or Tan

I'm contemplating the purchase of these Rachel Comey boots and at $345, they need to be PERFECT! I can't decide between Black or Nougat....



What do you think?

P.S. Do you ever fall in love with a style that you significant other dislikes (rather passionately)? Sadly the husband thinks these are less-than-awesome, while I am imaging all of the exciting Fall/Winter adventures I will have in these boots... Read More.. Read More..

Slam-bang golfing and more resort fun.

We just got back from half a week at the "resort." Otherwise known as Black Lake Bible Camp.

Swimming, sand-playing, nap-taking, eating, and mini-golfing were just part of the fun.

Turns out Emma is a slam-bang golfer. She putted under par throughout the course even getting a hole in one. Really putting me, our friend Jenni, and my dad (the course operator) to shame.

It's hard going trying to come down from the fun high of camp. No one is cooking my meals, or doing my laundry, or entertaining my children with awesome free events. Plus, I gained 2 and a half pounds on the delicious, but high fat camp food. I am now munching on carrots instead of iced mochas and chicken strips. Last time we were there I gained 3 pounds, so maybe in a few more visits I will learn how to say, "No thanks, I'll take the salad bar."

Back to real life....

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Want To Shop Here

I can't recall how I ran across Swedish store, Monki, but I fell instantly in love. Sadly, if you're state-side, you're out of luck (myself included). I guess it's just another reason (#264?) to plan a trip back to Sweden...

As long as I was poking around their site, I figured I would put together a little Fall Transisition outfit... Apparently I must be a "grass is always greener" kind of girl when it comes to weather. Now that it's finally hot in Portland, I am just itching for crisp Fall weather.


And while we are on the subject of Sweden, did you see the dreamy Vogue Italia spread "Sweden in the Summertime" posted over at The Thinking Tank?

Anyways, hope you all have a great week! xo Read More.. Read More..

Yogurt + berries + scones =

My earliest memories of scones are from when my sister and cousin worked at the State Fair. They weren't old enough to drive, so my mom also had to work at the State Fair. What a mom! They all worked at different food places, one of them being a scone hut. Every night they brought home leftover scones. They dragged in after midnight and all I cared about were the scones in the paper wrappers. So delicious! Who cares if they had to put up with minimum wage, hot temperatures, and tacky uniforms.... the scones rocked.



I was originally going to make these scones: Maple Blackberry Scones. I was recently linked on this blog, the Queen of Tarts from the Oregon Fruit Products. It's a great site! They feature local recipes and linked my post about making meatballs with the girls. There is a pictures of Mandy with snot running down her face. Classy. My reputation is ruined. Or maybe I never had a reputation as a mother who required strict hygiene while baking.

Maple Blackberry Scones

The Maple Blackberry Scones looked delicious, but I ended up making these: Yogurt Scones. I had precisely 1/2 cup of yogurt that was going bad and wondered if there was a recipe out there that used yogurt as the liquid binder in scones. Low and behold I found one!



Try it, the scones were delicious!


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Ah, Fall...

I feel a Fall must-have coming on....



Brown lace-up ankle-boot-ness = yes!

Minnetonka ($45), Bass ($148), Madewell ($198), Quoddy ($260) Read More.. Read More..

To be... fair

I always get a bit giddy at this time of year.

It's County Fair time. And that means photography entries and the chance to be judged against other photo-enthusiats.

It's not fame or fortune we are talking about here... it's the Polk County Fair afterall. But seeing my work out there for the world to see is inspiring.

Here are a couple I didn't put up on the blog previously:

(Entered under "Farm Scenes")

I probably should not have entered this wheat one. The judges at the fair don't like any tricky business.  The superintendent of the photography devision is about 106 years old and likes classic, sharp, and straight images. It doesn't say that anywhere in the rule book, but from the winners I've seen in other years, I can tell "washed-out w/ sun flare" isn't his cup of tea.

I love it though. I love everything about it. (Is that like complimenting my own cooking? Probably.) 

I feel all warm and summer-filled when I look at it. You could say it's my cup of tea, iced with sugar please.

You've seen all the other pictures around the blog. This is a re-run:

I enjoyed it so much I had it printed off at Costco to update a frame I have hanging in the living room. Costco is cheap, but every time I get pictures back from them I think maybe I missed something in the editing process. Did my picture look this dark on my monitor? Oh well, it was cheap, I tell myself.

I accidentally ordered it again when I was putting together pictures for the fair. This time I ordered all my fair pics from the printing company I use for my photography business. I figured I could give the extra print of Mandy to some grandma somewhere. No one was complaining.

Until the professional print came back. Can you guess which one was "cheap"?

The top one is from Costco and is dark and drab. The bottom one fairly sparkles and is full of depth. I promise there was no editing between the pictures shown above -- it is the exact same high resolution JPEG sent to two different printers over the internet. The bottom one is printed at White House Custom Colour. I've used WHCC quite a bit and am always impressed with their quality. I wrote them a thank you note. 

So my verdict: Costco is great for hotdogs and tube socks, but leave the photo printing to the pros.

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Stanley & Sons

I love this simple and classic look via Elle.com (especially the tote!) Who could go wrong with a gingham shirt, rolled-up shorts and a utilitarian canvas bag.

I was happy to discover, upon further reading, that her tote is made by Stanley & Sons... Check out their made-to-order bags here.

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10 months

There are some things I  refuse  to believe:

The "Big Bang Theory" has any relevance

tappered jeans are back in style

my house will ever be showcased in Better Homes and Gardens

and,

Remington is already 10 months old...

The time has literally flown by, maybe because Rem is constantly on the move. Scooting since 5 months, I can barely keep track of the child. He is now crawling at full speed on all fours. He easily pulls himself up to standing and cruises around the furniture. Rem even tried to walk a few days ago. I saw his attempts twice, both times he let go of the furniture and leaned as if to walk.... then he fell over when his feet didn't move. It's coming. I have no doubt.

"Baby proofing" the house has become necessary since Rem is in to everything. Things the girls are no longer interested in, like tipping over the garbage can and playing in the toilet, are now baby brother's favorite activities. Rem also climbs up stairs and falls down them, oh so ungracefully, so out came the baby gates.

People often ask me what differences I see between my boy and my girls when they were babies. I see a lots of things (besides the obvious, ehem).

Boy:

likes anything that is stick-like and tries to poke things

hits things around and yells more than screams when excited

is interested in blocks (the girls were much older before they cared)

makes motor sounds when he sees anything with wheels

gets very, very excited by farm equipment (the girls couldn't care less)

loves being outside and crawls through the grass like a champ (both girls preferred to stay inside)

is overall more independent and more content

Rem scoots, crawls, and creeps out of the baby stage without a backward glance. He rarely snuggles with me any more, so I treasure those moments more than my very breath. I didn't even mind when he woke up at 5am this morning. All he wanted to do was love with me. Okay. Sure, sweet little man. 

As with each of my children, I can't imagine life without them. Rem is a light in our world and we all marvel at what a gift he is in our lives. 

Everything with wheels is particular popular.

And because I can't stop taking pictures of this sweetheart.....

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