Lovely Cruise

july polaroids

Inspired by this photographer and this one I decided to break out my little white polaroid with the cute little stripes and snap a few photos of my backyard.  There is something so magical and dreamy about polaroid photos.  I just love them. 

I can't believe another week has flown by.  We are off to the cabin either tonight or early tomorrow.  The only thing I don't like about it is the meal planning.  I really have to be organized and that is often a struggle for me.  And if I have one more brat, hot dog or hamburger this summer I might get sick, so I am really in need of some new cabin friendly recipes.  Last week I made these ribs (David grilled them, I did the prep).  They were so good.  I was thinking about doing grilled pizzas one night this weekend and maybe kabobs the next.  Whatever your weekend brings you, I hope it is a good one!  See you Monday.     

new business cards

I finally designed and ordered business cards.  I am very happy with the way they turned out.  Feels good to check something off of my long list of projects!

treading water

My week was starting to be one of those where I was completely busy but at the end of the day I still had a messy house, nothing planned for dinner and zero time spent with my kids.  You know, it's like treading water.  You work so hard and even though you don't go anywhere you at least are keeping your head above water and surviving, but still do not feel like you are accomplishing much.  Today I attempted to change the pattern and at least had a nice meal planned.  I made this.  All I have to say is AMAZING.  If you like shrimp, bacon and cheesy grits you must try this recipe (and check out the cocktail recipe after the shrimp and grits.  You are probably shocked to hear that I did not make it also.  Believe me I am too.  Next time, for sure!).  

I am feeling like the summer is slipping away a little bit, even though we have lots of summertime left.  It does not help when I was at Target on July 1st and they were starting to break out the school supplies.  It is one thing to see bikinis in February (yes, there is hope!) but school supplies in July is just depressing.  August 1st I will be ready for them, but not now.  Of course by then they will all be picked over and a mess.  Oh life.  Anyway, even with the chaos I cannot complain.  All continues to go well with our niece and I think my kids (especially Ella) are getting quite attached to her.  It will be hard to let her go.  But at the same time, it will be ok.  It always is. 

happy 40 and happy new house

My dearest and bestest friend turned 40 yesterday.  I always try to make her something for her birthday because she has always believed in me and my creative talent and has always treasured the stuff I make for her.  I think it also means a lot to her because she is not crafty/creative at all.  Although I really think everyone is creative, but that's another topic.  Anyway, her and her husband recently bought a new house so I thought she would like a painting of it.  David and I ran over there a couple days ago so I could snap a few photos.  I couldn't get the entire house in the frame, but I thought no problem, I will just piece them together.  Well, I didn't do such a good job of that because I left out one section of the house!  There is another garage too, but I purposefully left that out.  Oh well!  She still absolutely loved it.  After I painted it, I thought it would make the cutest tags.  Now, I don't know what you do with gift tags with your house printed on them, but that's not my problem!  Ha!  I think the house is so cute in the mini-size and I couldn't resist.   

links

Polenta Pizza (by Mark Bittman on the Today Show)

Tulle skirt (by pink picket fence found via luvinthemommyhood)

8 to 5 sandwich (by Design Mom)

Pallet day bed (by photographer Ashley Campbell on Design*Sponge)

Sunshine and rain (by me, my very first treasury on etsy)

Typewriter monogram mugs (by berd & bee)

summertime!

Does it get any better than this? We had a great 4th of July weekend, even if the weather did not cooperate until our last day.  At least we had one day of beautiful sunshine and blue skies.  And on the other days we had fun with the fishing, fireworks and good food. 

gone fishin'

In a couple hours we will make our way west to our little cabin for the holiday weekend.  If you are in the States, have a happy and safe Fourth of July!  Be back Monday. 

p.s.  My new stamps will be in my shop until early next week.  I did not get the photos taken of the stamps in the packaging (I just had too much prep to do for this weekend).  Plus, I'd like to do a few tutorials with these stamps.  Both will have to wait until next week! 

new stamps

My new stamps arrived yesterday.  I am very pleased with the way they turned out.  I don't know why but all of the stamps I've designed make me so happy and part of me does not care if no one else feels the same, although I'm hoping a couple people will like them because I now have a lot money invested in them.  I need to do a better job of marketing them...  Anyway, I hope to get these in my shop today! 

laptop accoutrements

In a couple months I will be celebrating my macbookiversary.  Exciting, isn't it?  The problem is, I still do not have a case for it.  Not that I'm out and about with it that much but I would like to have a cool something-or-other to put it in.  I've been bookmarking ideas over the past several months because I would really like to make my own (i.e. have my mom make one).  Here are a few things I have found:

Eco Padded Laptop Sleeve by Curious Doodles

Laptop Sleeve by Oh Fransson! on Sew, Mama, Sew!

Laptop Cozy by Design*Sponge

Knitted Laptop Sleeve by Martice

Now these I can't make, nor can my mom, but I think these decals are so much fun:

Dandelion decal by Art Conductor

Orange Damask by Margot Madison

Bubble decal by Michelle Christina

links

Here are a few things that caught my eye in the last week or so:

Great ideas for using your Moo cards from The Storque on Etsy

Vienna necklace by Dejarnett

Bandanna table runner by Martha Stewart

Summer in Marrekech purse by Jennifer Ladd

Aardvark Manifesto by AARDVARKONSEA

Whirl-it Lampshade by Pickles found via luvinthemommyhood