Owl and Robins

Blog Design Construction

2011-07-23T11:37:00.000-05:00

Sorry it's been a while. Again! I have started a post about a tutorial for a crib teething guard I made and it is taking a lot longer than I thought. It is very hard getting the instructions stated thoroughly so that it makes sense and is easy to follow. Plus adding pictures and it just takes forever! It's just sitting there in my drafts.

In other news, I am really tired of the good old blogger layout and I know I just switched it a couple weeks ago but something still doesn't feel right to me. So I've been researching and scoping out other sources to get some ideas to make this blog easier to navigate. Post templates for photos would be good for starters! And I need to change out my header - It's so 2008. Literally! Haha! Plus with the change in content (i.e. baby, kiddo and momma stuff) I need to change the sub headings I suppose.

So I will talk to you soon again dear ~~readers~~ reader, I only have one follower on GFC (Google Friend Connect). Thanks Mary!

Look for next post, regarding 'I'm done' lists versus 'To do' lists! And possibly a giveaway soon!

Toys R Us and Babies R Us Clearance Clothing Sale: Until 7/21/11

2011-07-10T11:08:00.000-05:00

If you like Carter's or any of the other clothes sold at Toys R Us and Babies R Us, definitely stop by soon. They have 30% off already marked down clothing. As quick as my little one is growing (did she just skip 12 month sized clothes?) this is the only affordable way for us to buy new clothing. We happened to be close to a Toys R Us when we went in and they didn't have a huge selection but what they did have was cheap! It was a lot of short sleeved items, skirts, and some random long sleeved pajamas. It's going to be hot here in Texas for a while longer so we will still get a lot of use from the short sleeved stuff. Anyway, we bought a five pack of Carter's onesies, two pairs of shorts, and five or six shirts for $37. That's an AWESOME deal! I just checked the website and it is in store only and lasts until 7/21.

This might just change your life, no kidding. E-mealz.

2011-06-30T17:04:00.007-05:00

Since I teach art from mid-August to the beginning of June I am usually pretty swamped with creating lessons, grading artwork, and then coming home to take care of Noella. Weekends are filled with cleaning house and working on my personal artwork or doing projects for other people. And then sometimes, there is more grading. So when I heard about E-mealz from a friend and then heard about it some more on the radio, I decided it was time to check this out. Surely it couldn't be anything that hasn't been done before right?

I was wrong. It's AMAZING. The ladies at E-mealz basically come up with a new dinner menu for each week based on sales at the grocery stores and what is in season. Within each week they generally use all of each package of whatever you are buying too. So if you buy a package of chicken, you use all of it (possibly split between two meals). This is really important for us with produce and breads. Each week is a different menu; I've been doing this for a little over a month and a meal hasn't repeated itself yet! Each meal takes about 5-15 minutes to prep, the actual cooking time varies. They try to put in a really easy prep meal or a crock pot meal a week. Which is nice. But wait! It gets better! They create the shopping list for you, with prices! Each week (for the 2 person meal) cost from $35-$45!!! It is so easy. The meals are numbered on the menu and the items on the grocery list are numbered according to which meal they are used in. So if you have, say, a kiddo that won't eat fish you can just cross all of the ingredients on the shopping list off with that meal number. All of this fits on a neat and tidy two page print out. They leave extra room on the shopping list for you to add your own stuff too.

There are several different plan options. Family plans are for 4 - 6 people with 7 meals. Plans for two include 5 meals. You can choose which store you usually shop at and they also have gluten-free, low carb, low fat, portion control and vegetarian meal plans. It is $15 for 3 months of meals. The convenience alone is worth it, but it just might save you money too. And for a family on a budget, like us, it really is helpful. We like it! You might too.

If you want to try it out, please click the referral links here or you can run a search for E-Mealz in your favorite search engine. I appreciate it!

Alaskan Cruise Gifts from Ginga and Poppi

2011-06-28T12:04:00.006-05:00

Ginga and Poppi (that is Noella's name for my mom and dad) just came back from their cruise in Alaska. I know they had a blast, they zip-lined and everything! Saw whales, the glaciers, the whole bit. It was awesome to look at their photographs. Just beautiful! Makes me want to move there even more.
They picked up a numbers books for Noella that I fell in love with in one look. It is completely gorgeous. It is called Learn to Count with Northwest Coast Native Art with illustrations by various Northwest Coast First Nations Artists.

Added BONUS: Partial proceeds of the book support early childhood development! As a teacher and a mom I really appreciate this.
They also picked out some really great moccasins for Noella. They are magenta pink with white fur. I'll try to update with photos of those later. These are real live handmade moccasins, with stitched seams (no glue). I love moccasins, I had a pair when I was little too and would love to find a pair of my own but I haven't really liked any of the ones that are currently or recently in stores. Someday. :)

It's been so long!

2011-06-28T11:22:00.003-05:00

Well, it has been so long since I last posted here. I now have one AMAZING daughter! She is ten months old and will be a year old before we know it! Today she started standing on her own. I am just so blessed and loving being a mommy. I am still at work, but off for the summer and it is so nice to finally be able to spend time with her. I had her the day before the students came back to school and if you aren't aware, here in the US we get 6 to 12 weeks under FMLA to take off for maternity leave and still keep our position of employment. So... I took 8 weeks with her and then she was off to daycare.

How does this affect the blog? Well after getting more used to the routine of my new life, I wanted to start my blog back up but now, of course, since I have a slightly different focus, the blog will too. It will still focus on beautiful design and interesting pieces of artwork, clothing, furniture and gadgets. Now, I will obviously be posting cool baby and mommy stuff too! With the addition to my little family I will of course continue to look for the best deals on these items! And if there are a few things about my life thrown in.. well let's just say I'll try not to bore you! Haha! :)

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-23T08:34:00.002-05:00

Everyone have a great long weekend. Summer is almost here!

Getting a jump on some of the stuff. Filling up the iPhone with music and going through old cd's.

Testing iPhone: Cute pic of Charlotte

2009-02-01T09:50:00.002-06:00

Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair

2009-01-20T19:40:00.004-06:00

I know I haven't posted in a loooong time, but I've been doing a lot of eBay "research." I'm trying to find some awesome mid century modern chairs, you know, Eames era for my old school styled home... and I found this awesome chair. It's so cute and the best price I have seen for a nice chair like this. Seriously! Check it out now.... One day left!

eARTh stickers and These Come From Trees

2009-01-03T20:03:00.006-06:00

Oh my goodness gracious me! So sorry I've not posted lately. I have been busy with holiday festivities and such. You would think with two weeks off I would have a bit of time to stop by. It's been movies, gifts, traveling, and hanging with family non-stop. I actually got a few things done today too! Anyway, on to good news...

In the past six months or so I have seen two bumper stickers that say EARTH on a black background. The lettering is white except for 'ART' which is in red font. Very simple and lovely. I finally remembered to look for them and have found the source: EARTH Sticker, LLC. They were designed by the artist Philip Krohn. Check out his sculptures made from cast off materials. The one shown above is called "Cat's Cradle" and is made from bicycle parts, a broken plastic recycling bin and coat hangers. This MUST be the first (and probably only) bumper sticker on my car!

On my quest to find out more about EARTH I happened across this photo from the Project Earth 365 flickr stream. Which led me to These Come From Trees blog. I'm thinking I will definitely purchase these stickers for my classroom. We literally go through one roll of paper towels in each class when painting or doing ceramics!!! It drives me crazy!!! And while they usually are recycled afterwards hopefully this might help my kiddos think about the amount they are using....

Blog: Art Craft and Design

2008-11-15T14:54:00.003-06:00

I just started following a blog by Andrea Porter called Art Craft and Design. She is the owner of Bluebottle Art Gallery in Seattle. They showcase really great local and national prints and artwork and crafts. Sign up for their postcard mailing list - I did. They are also having a giveaway right now for a gocco print by Julie West. How cute!

TIMMIE!!! #166

2008-11-01T11:38:00.006-05:00

I finally was able to score a Timmie from M. Patrizio today. Just now! #166 will now be chilling in Texas at mi casa. I also picked up this really cute jacket Marilyn made from recycled trim from a gift bag. It kinda looks like one I found this summer. Can't wait for it to get colder here (as cold as can be expected in the great state of Tejas) so we can match! Check out her Etsy shop So Softies here...

Autumn Cornucopia Giveaway at Indie fixx

2008-10-31T10:46:00.003-05:00

Indie Fixx is having a really great giveaway! Two HUGE prizes are being offered including many items from various indie art/craft businesses. Go check it out!!!

Several of my favorite shops participating are:
Sublime Stitching, embroidery patterns straight from Austin, Texas!
Becky OH!, handbags.
Berkley Illustratio n. I've been wanting one of these prints for a loooong time!
Faite Designs, handbags.

Hello Kitty Gel Ink Pens

2008-10-18T14:01:00.004-05:00

This was posted on The Pen Addict yesterday. Limited Edition Hello Kitty Hi-Tec-C Gel Ink Pens. Get the set for $30 at JetPens. My first 'real' job was at Sanrio so I've always had a thing for Hello Kitty and anything Sanrio.

I won loveliness!

2008-10-18T13:39:00.004-05:00

I just received an owl brooch in the mail from Sarah at paper-and-string! It is so adorable and my favorite color!!! She had a giveaway after making several of these and I won! I won! Yaay! I will post pics this coming week, when I wear it again (I forgot to take one yesterday). You should check out her blog, it's really great because she shows her stacks of felt and fabric and works in progress. That is so inspiring to me because you get to see her progress, not just the finished product.

Thanks Sarah! And congrats on being published in Sew Hip!!

Screen Printing with Stencil Pro

2008-09-07T22:09:00.003-05:00

I was searching around for alternative screens and bulbs to use with my Print Gocco, since it is being discontinued. I'm guessing the supplies will be dwindling fast considering so many use it and love it.

So, I found this stuff called Stencil Pro. It was discussed on this thread at flickr. I really want to buy the starter kit so I can try it. If it's awesome, I could probably have the kids make t-shirts for the art program at the school I teach at. I have been wanting to do that since I started, at least for the art club. Which we are going to have to start also. Yes my school does not have an art club yet. Anyway, I will update when I purchase and try it.

Art + Craft Room Accessories - Brainstorming

2008-09-07T10:12:00.007-05:00

Forgive me, this post is totally me brainstorming what to do with my workspace...

I've been playing with the layout of my teeny tiny craft room. It's difficult to 'make it work' because it is small, but I love this room because of the two windows to the front of the house. This equals lots of light. So, I just have to be super organized to make this more functional because of the lack of space.

Requirements:

Olive's (the Amazing Hedgehog) home.
I paint and print mostly.
Grading papers/work.
Computer stuff.
New fan needed - this one is irritatingly noisy.
Would like materials organized by color.
I have paint, colored pencils, markers, beads, fabric, magazines, books, etc.

Sometime within the next couple weeks Alan said he would rip out the fug carpet and is going to practice staining/etching concrete in here. Hopefully will look something like this...

via Stained Concrete by Peyton and Associates

via Texas Concrete Effects

Now, on to things I would like to acquire for the workspace!Ikea Finds...
1. Bygel rail. $2.99 for 39 1/4" rail.
2. Bygel containers. .99 each. To be hung on Bygel bar. Organize colored pencils, markers.
3. Grundtal magnetic containers. $4.99/3 pack. To store beads, buttons, anything smallish. Would work with magnetic bar thingies.
+ I also have some Lack shelving (I believe that's the name) that I could use for storage on the wall as well.

Magnets by Three by Three Seattle from Fridgedoor.com
1. Magnetic Strip Bulletin Board. $12.99 each. 2.5 x 28". Lots of colors available. I'm thinking this would be nice to post artwork on, instead of sticking pushpins through everything and damaging the work.
2. Shape up Metal Magnets - Dogs. $7.50 for pack of 4. Come in stainless/black or red/white.

Plants
The important things! I need some green in my space. True, the walls will most likely be green - but I need some living green too!
1. Galvanized Aromatherapy Trio Set from Wrapables.com. $22.95. Chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm seeds. Bonus: I've heard chamomile and lavender is great for arthritis!
2. Baby Grobal Self-Watering Planter from Delight.com. $12.75. Many colors available. Might help keep my plants living!!

Paper Making

2008-09-01T12:39:00.003-05:00

I LOVE paper making! Want to do this with my students. Via Folding Trees.

Joey Update: 12 Days OOP, Eyes Open

2008-08-31T11:27:00.005-05:00

Okay, I'm getting behind on joey updates. These pics are from several days ago, when they finally opened their eyes. They grow so fast!! Hopefully I will get new pics tonight as they are now officially 24 days OOP! Oh, it is definitely a boy and a girl - their names will be Elliott (girl) and Roman (boy). :)

Cute Street Repair in Frisco

2008-08-31T10:58:00.004-05:00

How cool is this? One of the city workers in Frisco in charge of repairing the streets created some artwork with the tar. It's not too crazy, it wasn't even noticed until recently and it's been like this since December? I think they should do this more often, it made me SMILE!

WFAA - Frisco street repair employee gets artistic with tar

Best Stuff This Week in Blogdom

2008-08-30T17:54:00.006-05:00

Call it lazy, call it what you will. Haven't had much time to check the net since school started back up. Thanks to my handy Google Reader and my fave blogs - here are the best things I've seen this week.

Craft Skills Contest at Instructables via Craftzine

Mini Journal Making at Maquette via Craftzine

Add Fabric to an Embroidery Pattern at Pimp Stitch via Craftzine

Vintage at Kanibal Home via Design*Sponge

Labor Day Sangria via Indie Fixx

Inspiration: Anna Maria Horner's home via JuBella

Inspiration: Pretty and Functional Office via decor8

Bicycle Cork Coasters and Water Grass Plant via Mighty Haus

Update on Sugar Twins 8 Days OOP

2008-08-16T00:46:00.006-05:00

Eight days OOP... Eyes are still shut. They are still crabby, but I held them a little bit longer and they are getting a little more used to me. You can see how small they are compared to my thumb in the picture above. And I have small hands! Yoshi doesn't mind me checking on them. I'm not sure about how Izzy and Pixel are though. Izzy (the mother) I think could care less unless she's feeding them. But I think Pixel might be a little bit protective. I lure them with mealworms so I can check on the kiddos though. Here are some pics from tonight:

Here they are with Izzy and Yoshi. Yoshi is the one closer to the bottom with the bald spot. The bald spot is a scent gland that male sugar gliders have. The cage set is from Kaczie's Etsy shop. She helped me divert an almost accident with this little hammock here. You can see how it is placed right outside of the sleeping pouch. Joeys cling to the adults' backs and sometimes if the adults aren't super careful a baby could fall. And it happened earlier with one of the babes, the day I received the hammock! The baby fell directly into the middle of the hammock safe and sound. Thanks Danielle! You're a joey lifesaver.

Shinzi Katoh UK

2008-08-15T20:28:00.008-05:00

Thanks to this post at paper-and-string, I have now found a new favorite website full of cute things. Shinzi Katoh is adorable! Here are my faves:

From left to right, top to bottom:

Western Spaghetti

2008-08-15T18:42:00.005-05:00

I don't even remember the first blog I saw this on. But it's very cool, and if you haven't seen this yet you should. More stop-animation, with loads of found objects! More stop-motion shorts at PES.

Automatically Open Links in a New Window

2008-08-15T16:08:00.003-05:00

I just put up a poll about opening links in a new window. Apparently that is not Web 2.o standards, but I know when I am reading mid-post and decide to click on a link, I don't want to lose my place and have to hit the back button 20 times. Especially if the link is a store, I know I'm going to have to go back by hitting back button forever! Or just right clicking every time I click on a link. Which to me is annoying. So what do you think? I would like to appease you guys, if anyone reads this in the first place! Feel free to comment, but please vote in the poll on the right also.

Three Columns!

2008-08-15T15:35:00.005-05:00

I was able to get three columns in my blog because of this post at Random Bytes. It's an old post, but hey it was just what I was looking for. Now to restore all those widgets! And center my header again. Anyone know any tricks for that? I did make a copy of my old template...

Thanks again Random Bytes!!!