8FOOTSIX

Packing light for LA

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:54:00 +0000

The four of us (my husband and two boys) are going to LA for a week! I have never been to LA, I've never seen the pacific ocean, cheers to first times!

I like to pack light (I LOVE the bragging rights it gives you!)...and it seems I am always in a competition with myself...so every time we go away, I try to take less than what we packed previously! Here is what I am bringing:

In the suitcase:
- bathing suit
- sheer floral sleeveless + tank for underneath
- black bunny tank
- jean shorts
- sandals
- underthings and nightshirt
- a million beauty products (cleanser, toner, serum, oil, moisturizer, sun screen, makeup, deodorant, razors, body soap, sea salt spray)

On the plane:
- grey tank
- green jeans
- teal cardigan
- coral flats

I wanted to go with white jeans instead of green jeans because white is more summer...but I am worried about them getting dirty too fast. I think green can take it.

I built my outfits around this bag, from Zara.

I will pack light for the boys too. The kids get 3 bottoms, 3 tops, sandals + airplane outfit. My husband gets 1 bottom, 2 tops, sandals + airplane outfit! Everything should fit in one bag easily!

A cucumber a day

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:17:00 +0000

At dinner the other night, I ate a whole cucumber. Well, most of one. I sliced it and put it on the table to share, but I was the only one who was eating it.

Then at the grocery store today, I thought, I should get another cucumber - it was so yummers the other day.

As I was walking home, I googled "eat cucumber everyday," and, wouldn't you know it, there are people on the internet who say it is a good idea!

I got home, ate lunch, and puttered around for a while. Then I went into the kitchen and pulled my cuke out of the fridge. I wonder if Olivia Palermo eats cucumber everyday. Or that Emma Stone. Or Charlize. Or Annie...Chop chop chop...better take some photos for the blog. I brought the bowl with me upstairs to the office as I tried to list off in my head everything I was supposed to do today. Mail a package for Etsy, buy some razors, drop off the DVDs to the library, start the laundry... Then I sat down at the desk and mindlessly ate the entire bowl of cucumber while reading blogs.

How do I feel?

I have a tummy ache.

I ate a whole avocado (mashed with lime juice) with a few strips of chicken breast on two wholegrain wraps for lunch (in other words, two avocado and chicken wraps). I guess I deserve this uncomfortable overstuffed feeling.

I am about to google "I ate too much treatment"

The photo wall keeps growing!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 +0000

The wall of truck photos in my son's bedroom has exploded now that my 4 year old is the one taking the pictures. He uses my iphone. It makes going to fetch some groceries or the walk to Starbucks more interesting for him. It also prevents me from zoning out, checking my emails or texting as I push them around in the stroller.

I just printed another 33 pictures for him the other night. THIRTY THREE! And all of them are his favorites! We have a bit of space left for more...

Apple - Tree...substitute pyrex (or books, or milk glass) for trucks, and what do you have?

Photo Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:40:00 +0000

The winner of the photo is Robyn

Robyn please send me an email with your mailing address

Thanks everyone who left a comment and shared their story!

One of the best deals on used books in the city!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:01:00 +0000

I recently heard about Book Ends, the used book store run by the Toronto Library. They have two locations. I went to the one in the reference library (Yonge and Bloor) today.

I picked up 8 books for $11.50.

Deal!

I can not wait to get all the books up on the shelves...tomorrow, right?!

(In the meantime, I should put away all my paint supplies and the ladders!)

New light fixture from kijiji and new haircut

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:52:00 +0000

You guys know about the Listings List Tumbler, right? It's a round up of Toronto area Kijiji and Craigslist items. I know I wouldn't have bought this vintage bronze beauty if the Listing List didn't exist. I can't help myself when it comes to lighting!

I love this fixture!

I was thinking the nursery. We bought the existing pendant at a nothing-special lighting store. We settled. It was impossible to find decent affordable lighting. Our necks were getting sore, and I recall getting headaches, because we spent so much time walking around every lighting store in the city, looking up at the wares. The white honey bee hive pendant was an upgrade over a boob light, but I always thought we could do better.

Anyways, I also cut my hair into a bob. I am VERY happy with this cut. Why didn't I do it sooner?*

*Ok, I know why...about 1.5 years ago I was a little obsessed with top knots...because all the cool cats were doing it. So I needed the length. Except I couldn't pull off the length and wear my hair down...a bob is much much better for me! It's funny how I was influenced by other bloggers for a while. Why then? Why not now? I think being locked in the house with babies was part of it. Also being a weight I wasn't comfortable with (insecure)...and, well, sometimes they make stuff look so damn good. I don't think I am as easily influenced now, but it is hard to say. It is much easier to look back than to be aware of what is going on right now!

ps. went to the same salon I have been complaining about. Paid WAY too much for a cut...but since I am happy with my hair, I don't mind!

Moved the books downstairs, let the milk glass spread out

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:16:00 +0000

I have room to collect more!

ps. the giveaway for the photo of the garden will be open for a few more days!

When do you take off the painters tape?

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:26:00 +0000

Earlier today, I finished painting the living room bookshelves.* The prep was a bit slow, but painting (with a 4" roller and a brush) was a breeze.

I protected the walls by inserting heavy card stock in the corners (cut up file folders) and green tape along the edges.

Except, I couldn't figure out the best time to take off the painters tape.

- If I left the tape until after the paint dries, when I pull it down, it rips apart and I have skinny little pieces of green that stick to the shelves. I need tweezers to get them off.

- If I removed the tape as soon as I was done painting, I risked bumping my knuckles along the freshly painted shelf.

I couldn't win. I went with removing it as I go, only because if I accidentally splattered on the wall, I could clean up the mess with a wet paper towel (once the paint dries, I am screwed, at least, I think I would be...I am a paint novice)

Oh, and because I did two coats, I had to prep the wall with tape twice, instead of leaving it there until I was completely finished.

Anyways, what do you do?

ps. painting them before they were installed would have made my life easier, but I was putting off buying the paint. I needed to colour match the existing trim, which is oil-based and has yellowed. I had no idea how simple it was to request a custom colour matched can. I removed the painted hinge from my dining room swing door and brought it in to Maple Paints at Bathurst and St Clair. They mixed the ca, then rubbed a little on the hinge to make sure it was correct. It was a little on the pink side. So they mixed a new can, and it was a perfect match.
pps. Happy dance that it's done!

*How long should I let them dry before I can bring down the books? 24-hours?

UPDATE: I am going to wait another week, or maybe two, before putting the books up...to be on the safe side!

Getting ready for 11th or 12th or 13th annual street sale

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:23:00 +0000

We making invitations for the street sale to deliver to every house on the block.

I don't mind organizing the sale. By 'organizing' I mean setting the date, doing a bit of advertising and crossing my fingers. I can never tell if people are interested, but it is too much work, or if they are just hoping I forget so that they don't have to feel guilty for not participating.

Turn out was horrible last year.

Coat hooks by the back door

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:28:00 +0000

I can't decide if this is a good idea. Will it help clean up a mess, or will it seem like a mess?

Only two holes (with anchors) in the wall...should I give it a whirl?

ps. rug from ebay

UPDATE: BETTER IDEA! In the cloak closet for the umbrellas!

Spring outfits - up close

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:58:00 +0000

sixteen spring outfits
tossed on and off really quickly
what are you wearing this spring??

ps. I left my hair down in one photo - I think it needs to get chopped up to my collar bone...for some reason, I can't manage long AND healthy...
pps. I feel a bit self conscious about hitting publish, because I have posted quite a few clothing posts in the last week or two...I am not trying to be this-or-that-type of blogger...just showing-n'-telling
ppps. crazy black patten shirt image #4 is from Honey, on sale! Sheer black floral, image #5 from Sense of Independence, White knit top, Image #10 from Joe Fresh, and Tiger top, image #16 from Zara.
pppps. some outfits looked better in my iphone selfies..probably because it's hard to strike the right pose!

Living room shelves: installed and primed

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:02:00 +0000

Here they are! The new bookshelves for the living room!

Jim Hale, Kerry's dad, built, primed, delivered and installed them for us*. I will give them a coat or two of white paint in my spare time.

If you are handy, I am positive you could DIY something similar. They are made from 1x8 boards. Notice that we kept the bookcases open at the bottom - we didn't want to interfere or compete with our 90 year baseboards. The shelves are set in about 1 1/2 inches from each side wall, because those baseboards are thick and I didn't want to notch them.

You could always add trim to the bottom and fill in the sides with panels, but to me that was extra work, and wouldn't add anything. I wanted them to be simple, easy, and removable without causing damage. Actually, I should ask how easy it will be to pull them away from the wall if we ever want to re-paint the room. I assume we unscrew the anchors and slide them out.

It will probably take me a month or so before they are painted and complete. I will take a million photos when I add books and style them, so we can all have fun filling them up together!

What do you think?!

ps. Just to be super clear, we notched the quarter rounds but did not touch the baseboards.
pps. It took Mr Hale 5 hours to install them. He spent a chunk of time trying to find the studs. He fastened the two units on each side to each other - the two on the left are held together with screws, as are the two on the right. L brackets were used at the top to secure the shelves to the wall, and two L brackets ensure that the shelf over the doorway does not warp. Note: The shelves are not adjustable. They are about 12 inches apart.
ppps. I know I don't have enough books to fill them, but I love having the space to collect more. I can see them filling up over the next decade. In fact, if this turns out to be our forever house, then one day a lifetime of reading will be piled up on those shelves!
pppps. I was leaning towards natural wood...leaning hard. Every time I look at them I still crave the natural wood. However, once the books go in, the wall will be quite busy and alive with colour...so I thought it was better to paint the shelves out and let them be part of the background. Does this make sense?
ppppps. My son added his small painting exactly where he thought it should go (to the left of the encaustic) before I could take the photo.

*Cost: $960 (no blog discounts or blah blah blah...)

Art: One for me, one for you!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 22:47:00 +0000

Yesterday, I bought a chrome frame at a church rummage sale. The frame was nothing special, and the art was nothing special, but it was an incredibly busy sale and I got a little swept up in the frenzy!

This morning, I combed through ETSY looking for something new to put in the frame and I fell in love with a watercolour painting. Unfortunately (fortunately?), I wasn't really in the mood to spend more money, so I turned to our D: Drive instead and took a look at my husband's photography. I found this image from our trip to Paris in 2010.

Perfect!

My husband printed out two copies! One for me, and one to share!

Giveaway! Open to everyone!

Leave a comment and tell me the last time you went to Paris, or the next time you are going to Paris, or where this photo would go in your house!

ps. photo only, frame not included!
pss. thanks!

I will leave this giveaway open for two weeks - good luck!

Putting some outfits together

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:24:00 +0000

When I get dressed in the morning, my only thought is: "I hope they don't kill each other..." As you know, as soon as you leave the room, one of your two children will start wailing...sometimes both.

I rarely pay attention to what looks best with what. I usually wear exactly what I wore the day before, and probably the day before that. Ok, so there is nothing exactly wrong with that, a little sad (and maybe smelly)...but not wrong!

I have to say, practicing outfits is one of my favorite time-wasters ever! I found ways to wear tops I tend to ignore...and I discovered which items are better off in the discard pile...not to mention it gave me reason to run out and buy a few new essentials (TOMS black wedge booties and Sam Endelman Felicia Ballet Flats in black and snakeskin - on sale!!*)

There were some hideous combinations along the way that I have now saved myself from...for every hit, there were at least three misses...effortless dressing indeed...

Anyways, I came up with 18 fool proof combinations that I can wear day after day! My spring go to outfits!! Most are a little bit dressier than my normal jeans and baggy sweatshirt or oversized cardigan...Today I put on outfit two, from the top row - the cream sweater (3 years old - Joe Fresh) and black skinnies with ballet flats.

ps. bookshelves are being installed in the living room right now!!!

*I also bought a pair of green jeans from Joe Fresh for $12!!

What's in my Closet: Cardigans and Wraps

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:02:00 +0000

There were 24 cardigans, wraps and shrugs in my closet (and two blazers)...

I am putting half back and donating the rest, because, let's face it, I am never going to wear some of this stuff...

Which ones make the cut?

1- Gap
2 - JCrew
3 - Paris, France
4 - Etsy
5 - Local shop
6 - Gap
7 - Local shop
8 - Theory
9 - Joe Fresh
10 - Aritzia
11 - Urban Outfitters
12 - Local Shop
13 - Gap
14 - Homemade
15 - Femme de Carrier
16 - Club Monaco
17 - Club Monaco
18 - Zara
19 - Theory
20 - Local Shop
21 - Nice, France
22 - Local Shop
23 - Local Shop
24 - Local Shop

UPDATE: The toss pile...I completely overhauled my entire closet...gross to have this much stuff I won't wear

Riding the TTC carrying boxes and bags full of vintage!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:23:00 +0000

This morning, I went to the Christ Deer Park Church Rummage sale, and hobbled home with bags and boxes and more bags, and a large framed poster. I had to make two trips on the subway to get everything back home (loser!). I am going to list several things in the etsy shop (if I can tear my fingers off them)

Jordana left a comment and asked if I ever come out of a thrift store empty handed. I do! Honest. Sometimes I go through dry spells. It's the worst. More often than not, I buy things I don't need. Things that I love, but I don't need. The coolest stuff EVER, but it still isn't something I need. Like more vintage toys. Or a tiny jar. Or a wooden bowl. Or strawberry napkins. You get me.

But it's cheap, and I love it, and it's probably not something I will ever see again, and it probably costs a lot more online, and if I don't buy it, I might live to regret it, and the proceeds go to charity...and I love it!

This is the first time I bought clothing. I think I could wear this shirt all the time. It cost $10 so I don't know if this is a classy label or what?!! I was glad my friend was with me, else I may not have taken the time to notice it on the rack!

The Sony Tape. Full Colour Sound poster is available online for $100. Score! I paid $12 and it came framed! Plus it's an original! Double score!

The pyrex was priced average, not cheap. The small was $4, the yellow medium was $6, the brown medium was $8 and the large was $10. I didn't even look at the patterns until I got home.

My favorite purchase is the vintage fisher price lift and load railroad. We had this as kids, and I am really happy to bring home a set with all the parts for my boys to play with, for only $10!

So tell me, are you are garage sale and thrift store shopaholic? Or do you buy only what you need? Also, have you ever given second hand anything away as a gift? I think there is still a bit of a stigma around that, no? We should try and change that! I mean, most people might think you were being stingy if you gave them a chrome vintage pigeon...I would jump up and hug you!

TTC - Toronto Transit Commission

A cheery new print for the nursery

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:54:00 +0000

I found this print at Goodwill today. The price was $25.05 but the glass was broken. I asked if I could take it without the frame, and for how much. They gave me 50% off.

I will look for a white IKEA RIBBA frame, something a lot smaller, and get rid of the blue mat. The blue mat is too dark.

I love it in the nursery - it is quite a cheery little town!

ps. I wasn't able to google up anything about the artist.
pps. I am not looking for more art, it keeps finding me!

UPDATE: Cut it down to 18x24 (with exacto knife and ruler) and used a standard size frame from Deserres ($44.99)

i got a pocket full, a pocket full of sugar

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:05:00 +0000

The lower left pocket on my spring coat is coated with sugar. I need to take the coat off, turn the pocket inside out, and shake the fabric out*. The sugar has been there for over three weeks and I haven't got around to it. Every time I stuff my iphone into that pocket , or I forget and shove my hands in to stay warm, I end up coated in tiny white crystals.

Why?
3 1/2 weeks ago, I quit sugar (again). On the very first afternoon I walked to the coffee shop with my boys to buy an espresso. I opened the door of the shop and froze, as my boys ambled in, stopped, and stared. There was a petite brunette perched on a tall stool at the front of the shop singing in another language, and a man in an armchair beside her playing guitar. Every seat around the perimeter of the small cafe was taken.

I didn't want to interrupt, but there we were (they were), in bright orange winter coats, standing in the middle of it all.

I hustled the boys to the counter at the back and ordered an espresso. I excused myself and made my way over to the condiment table and shook a packet of sugar. Rip. "Shoot, that's right, I quit sugar, where is the garbage? ok ...hmm, it's too packed in here!" I folded the packet up and put it in my pocket, intending to toss it in the bin on the street.

Quitting sugar was a cinch this time since I already made the toughest dietary changes (no juice, switching to low GI bread, switching to canned tomatoes instead of pasta sauce, dropping cereal). It still took heaps of self control in the beginning. I wrote large notes to myself and stuck them on the fridge and in the cupboards.

I intend to keep it up for at least another month, until my son's 4th birthday.

*I cleaned it

ps. Sugar. So much to say...
First - you really DO feel better when you eliminate it from your diet. After three days it is a breeze. No mood swings has got to be the biggest perk.
Second - why does celebrating mean you have to indulge in sweets? Every holiday has some sort of chocolate or cake associated with it
Third - my teeth shriek with pain when I eat anything too sweet. I switched to sensodyne rapid relief toothpaste but I haven't put it to the test
Fourth - why do I have this internal conflict over eating healthy? I argue with myself. 'no, you do not need to eat that', 'but everyone else eats it, why do I have to be the only one who doesn't eat sugar' 'because if you eat that, you won't even enjoy the taste, your teeth will hurt, and you will have to fight sugar cravings again' 'but what is so wrong with satisfying your sweet tooth?' 'because sugar will make you fat' 'oh yah? as if french fries wont make you fat' 'ok, good point, BUT you are on a roll, you have a winning streak going, don't waste all this effort for a bite of granola bar' 'ok, but don't expect me to live like this forever' 'it's not forever...eat some celery and relax already'

Art from "...of Things Past"

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:17:00 +0000

We bought this large woodblock proof (1/1) by Sharon Merkur a few weeks ago from "...of Things Past"*

It was love at first sight. She caught my eye from across the room. My heart started to beat a little faster as I navigated around chairs and occasional tables with my two little ducks following behind me. I was hoping it wouldn't be too expensive. Since it had been in the store for several months, it was reduced by 50%! I called my husband over,

"What do you think?"

"I don't know anything about buying art."

"Just tell me if you hate it."

"I don't hate it."

He stood guard while I fetched a clerk to take it down from the wall. It came as you see it, floating in double glass with a thin brass frame.

To me, she is a mother worn down by life. For some reason, I can't imagine her not as a mother. I think there was a large family, probably a handful of boys, maybe she had to work a night job to bring in additional income. I don't see grief...she doesn't make me sad. I love that she is gazing away, she doesn't seem to know what to do with her hands. I even love her wide bottom.

The technique is gorgeous and my photos do not do it justice.

I'd love to hear what you think!

*We bought this before the store's recent clear out sale, so the walls were full of interesting pieces. ...of Things Past will definitely be a place I check first when I want new art.

ps. we intend to hang it from the bookshelves. The left side of the french doors.

Painting the dining room table black

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:48:00 +0000

Guys - when the weather FINALLY clears up (that has to be it for the snow! I don't think it's possible to snow in the second half of April! No, No...winter is over! You hear me winter? YOU are OVER!)

Ok, when the weather flips to spring*...I am going to paint our maroon veneer dining room table SUPER HIGH GLOSS BLACK.

Are you with me?

Any other colours you would consider?

I will probably go to the Home Depot (because they sent me a $50 gift card!) and buy a giant bucket of Tremclad and some sort of poly clear coat, oh and an oil-based primer....and small rollers...and just do it!

See more table & dining room photos here.

*Weather needs to warm up and dry out, patio furniture needs to be removed from the garage, and we need to shop for supplies. Then we need to haul the table outside. Someone needs to detach the kids from my legs. Then, watch me paint!
ps. Thanks Razmataz!

pss. this thought brought to you by a very strong espresso! I will probably reconsider after the caffeine buzz wears off!

ppps. The table is Ethan Allen Ashcroft Dining Table ...except it's not really that colour, or that finish...in my house it looks dark purple/burgundy.

Buying Used Books Online

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:20:00 +0000

I bought a few used books from awesomebooks.com, a UK based online bookshop. Have you tried them out?

I placed two separate orders last week, one for $7.94, one for $8.18*, and here they are already!

Time to get reading!!!

ps. not a sponsored post. I feel as if I am opening my arms wide, as wide as possible, big stretches, and then wrapping myself around as many interesting used books as I can locate, and pulling them all into this house. The question of what to read next has never been so satisfying.
pps. Currently reading the unlikely pilgrimage of harold fry and the red badge of courage
ppps. actually, it is time to get off the computer and prepare lunch, then run a handful or errands (that may, or may not include dropping into BMV, another used bookstore)

*there were no additional charges at the door

What's MY style?

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:48:00 +0000

I have three style heros from the blog world. Emma from the Marion House Book, Morgan from The Brick House, and Dabito from Old Brand New.

Emma does texture like nobody's business...I know you know this!
Morgan (who I am not on first names with, but, well, I can't hold that against her), to me, IS California. I love what she does!
Dabito, well now, Dabito is the best. He is young, he is creative, he has his own style.

I don't think there is even a hint of what I see on these websites in our house. This morning, as I scrolled through The Brick House Tumbler, I was wondering about this. If I am overwhelmingly drawn to a certain style, then why doesn't it show up in my home?

Let me suggest some possible reasons:
1) I am too cheap
2) I see our house as 'done', and I don't know how to push the limits
3) We used a designer in the beginning, and I am reluctant to change anything she did
4) We are not in California
5) I have my own style
6) I like modern AND I like gramma stuff
7) Too much IKEA (if there is such a thing!)
8) We don't live in a loft, or a modern house
9) I don't own any kilim pillows

What IS my style? Can you see it?

ps. Anytime I have 'copied' something from a blog it hasn't turned out well for me in the end. Inevitably, it is a waste of money. While I love looking through blogs, I try not to get too caught up in what everyone else is doing. Of course, it is impossible NOT to be influenced. At the same time I don't want to end up with a blogger home. You know?

Butterfly chair from Craigslist

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:33:00 +0000

I fell in love with a chair on Craigslist. A brindle cowhide butterfly chair.

The other night, my husband went to pick it up, and when he brought it through the door, my heart sank. This is not what I expected. It's so low to the ground. There's packing tape holding the rods together! It wobbles! What.the.HELL!

I need to pay more attention when I buy off Craigslist. I get emotionally attached to the item, I stop thinking. I don't question it. I just want it! I don't want to lose out! I WANT IT NOW!

In this case, I thought I was getting a Circa 50 chair. We could have bought two new Circa 50's for $540usd plus $30 shipping to Buffalo. Then drive down and pick them up, paying additional duty and tax. This chair was $325 - about the same price as a new one - but it had packing tape on its legs.

I am pretty sure the Circa 50 base is two continuous metal rods, not 4 rods connected by 4 base rods. Tremendous buyer's remorse overcame me.

"Oh well", my husband said, "we can always pick up a new base, the cowhide is in perfect condition."

But, I felt like a total failure. I took it HARD. I contacted the seller, she sent me a link to where they bought it from:

http://naturemadehides.eurofull.com/shop/detalle.asp?oynprodid=389

I felt a bit better.

Then I took the chair apart, figured out how to stop the wobble, re-assembled it (boy was that a ridiculous challenge), and removed the tape.

I have gone from in total love, to tummy ache, back to love...I sit in the chair every time I am downstairs.

ps. watching clist for a lower round coffee table now!
pss. Here's what my basement looked like when I went down to take a few photos:

What's in my closet: Jeans

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:45:00 +0000

I am finally at my pre-baby shape, more or less. I can fit (sometimes squeeze) into all of my jeans. I thought it would be fun to take a look at all the jeans in my closet!

I have to say, the jeans I wear most often, according to the camera, are one of the least flattering, paired with a tucked in tank top and flats*

I think there are a few in the line up I should wear more often...and a couple I should just get rid of.

Which ones do you like the best?? Which ones the least???

I can give you a list of the names of the jeans if you are interested, just let me know!

ps. That's a bite mark on my shoulder. My 1.5 year old took off a chunk of skin!
pps. I know what you are thinking: why is her face so pink?...I don't know...bad lighting? Lack of foundation?
*I never ever tuck my tops in.

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who left a comment! I am donating #9, and putting #4,7,10 into storage. I like the idea of hemming #4, but maybe I can find a pair of 7's that are skinnies that fit the same!
I wore #12 today. I rarely wear them.
#6 is practically slides off. I love that about them.
#11 works better with a loose top.

Names & Sizes
1. Citizens of Humanity - Avedon Slick Skinny Leg - 27
2. J Crew - Matchstick - 27R
3. Joe's Jeans - Skinny Fit - 28
4. 7 for all mankind - Bootcut - Cut 710679 - 27

5. Black Orchid - Lightning - 28
6. Adriano Goldscmied - Ex Boyfriend Crop - 27
7. 7 for all mankind - Bootcut - Cut 710673 - 26
8. Black Orchid - Black Blizzard - 27

9. 7 for all mankind - Bootcut - 013528 - 28
10. Joe's Jeans - Design No W175410, Cut #J00140 ENO
11. Joe's Vintage Reserve Jeans - The Skinny Fit - 27
12. Gap Always Skinny - 27/4R

Next up, coats & jackets & cardigans...you know, the outer layer...

More Pyrex and MORE Milk glass...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:29:00 +0000

Thrifting two days in a row might seem a little extreme*, I know! Well, what's extreme, is the fact that Janice also hauled home a load of Pyrex for me yesterday! So this is only half of what I picked up this week! There is a large blue bowl coming that I can't wait to add to my kitchen shelves!

Today, we ran down to the Salvation Army at Dundas and Parliament because of the great pieces Janice found yesterday. I wanted to make sure the shelves were picked clean! Despite getting there at 10:30am (as early as we could get out the door), most of the Pyrex was already in another guy's shopping cart. Have you ever seen a shopping cart heaping with Pyrex? This NEVER happens!! Every time he circled by me my gaze would fall on those beauties. For whatever reason, he left these four bowls on the shelf! They were priced fairly, but a little on the high side for Salvation Army: the large orange was $10, the two medium were $6, and the small was $5.

I am finally at the point where I need to take a bowl away from the stubby shelves in order to add a new one. Is this a sign I should stop buying? slow down? Or pass some more along to my sister in law? I think the third option is the best!

I also found two grape vine milk glass goblets that match my set, seven additional milk glass goblets (because you can never have enough!), a vase, some more milk glass finger bowls (I spent too much on these but it was mayhem at the cash and I didn't attempt the math), and three pieces of green pyrex.

ps. At least 2, maybe 2.5 years ago I met with a reader, (and her newborn) at Starbucks at Yonge and St Clair. Do you still read the blog? I bought the three green daisy dishes with you in mind...please email me if you would like to add these to your collection!!