A Rosy Outlook

Tomorrow....

2013-03-10T11:03:00.000-04:00


OCMD last summer - my photo, my words.

Spring Table Happiness

2013-03-08T09:01:00.001-05:00

I finished a new table runner for my kitchen. This came together fast! I tied it rather than quilting it, which turned out to be the perfect compliment for these fabrics. I really enjoyed putting it together - easy, fast and I like how the fabrics look together. Goodness knows I didn't need a new table runner but this will definitely get heavy rotation!

Now, on to a table runner for a friend's wedding.... Shhh!!

Loving Life

2013-02-22T12:33:00.000-05:00

Yep, that's what I'm doing!! This has been a busy month with a few work related trips and some general fun.

:: A trip for work that afforded me the chance to visit my stepsister in Pittsburgh. It's always to good to spend time with family.

:: Taxes filed. I know this wouldn't qualify as "loving life" for some but I do so enjoy getting this responsibility done early and filed.

:: A trip to one of my favorite conferences with a great colleague and some awesome students.

:: Valentine's Day with my love.

:: Brunch with my good friend Pam. She's good for keeping my head on straight. Plus, brunch was Crab Cakes Benedict. Yum!

:: A lovely gift from my students.... a bracelet that shines and makes me smile when I wear it. It was sweet of them.

:: Cadbury mini eggs. In stores now. Again with the yum!

I'm seriously blessed. Thanks (a wee bit early) February for all of your goodness. I hope March can match it!

Roses and Fabric: The Stuff Happiness is Made Of

2013-02-19T12:27:00.002-05:00

My Valentine's Day was great! Overall, I'm not a big advocate for celebrating the day. I like unscripted romance. Plus as someone who didn't have a Valentine for many years, I spent many a day without roses and chocolate. But, the manfriend is a big fan, which is super sweet. So there were roses and chocolates. Much appreciated by me! And, he liked the scavenger hunt for his gifts. I also got some valentines from some good colleagues....

The other blessing currently is a long weekend. I had a couple of vacation days I needed to take so I've been hanging out at home and taking care of a few tasks. One of them has been playing around with some of the editing apps for my iPhone. The below photo was one I edited the other day. I tried to take pictures of Rosy but it turns out I'm a more still model than her! Thank goodness for being able to turn the camera around on the phone. Anywho, it's fun to have a little better idea of what my apps can do.

I've also been doing some sewing. I've had this fabric for a while. And I've been pretty dissatisfied with the quilt hanging over my ugly electrical panel in the living room. (Really, the molding frame around it doesn't make it prettier, management company!) So I figured I'd get to work on sewing up something new.

I cut a bunch of 6x6" squares and put together the top below. I like it but am not 100% sure it's the right thing for my wall. Once it's quilted, I might decide it should just be a little topper for my kitchen table. Right now, I don't have enough batting to work on it so it's sitting in my "to be quilted" pile.

iPhone photo - sorry for the slight fuzziness!

I think I'll like it once finished!! I purchased some batting online because this week is simply too crazy to get to the store to get some.

I also purchased some fabric yesterday. I think I'm making a mini quilt for a friend and bought some fabric that I think will be perfect. I'm looking forward to that package arriving. It's been too long since I got a package of fabric happiness!

Lastly, a photo of my freshly groomed girl. (She does kind of pose for me sometimes!) It's been nice to have the last couple of days off to spend time with her. She's such a delightful little companion!

Hope you are having a happy week too! Off now to think about my Pinterest inspired dinner!

Love is in the Air

2013-02-13T22:39:00.001-05:00

I've been spoiling the manfriend with a "month of love." When he was out of town the first weekend of the month, I went and covered his door with paper hearts and a calendar with love quotes. Last week, I sent him a Cheryl and Co cookie in the mail. Tomorrow I have a few gifts for him and a scavenger hunt for him to get to find them all. I think I might come up with another little something for the end of the month too.

The good news is he spoils me too. Tomorrow we're going out to dinner at my favorite restaurant in Philly. Today, I got 18 long stem lovelies at work. I feel so blessed.

Happy Valentine's Day to you!!!

Valentine Crafting

2013-02-06T19:26:00.002-05:00

I've been doing a little Valentines crafting. Oh, it feels so good to have the sewing machine out again!! First, I made this little heart to hang on the inside of my apartment door. It's always nice to have a little something on the back of the door.

Then, I decided some Valentine's bunting was in order. I went through my pink scraps and put together this little lovely. It's hanging in the hallway between my living room and bedroom. So fun!! It still kind of surprises me to see it there!

Then today, I made this little cosmetics bag (or something.... not sure what I'm going to use it for!). I love the pocket. I used laminated fabric for the inside of the bag and pocket.

And last, a gratuitous shot of my girl. Rosy got a Valentine today from my friend's pit bulls Kayla and Reggie. It's rawhide. She chewed it, rolled on it, licked it and left it for more love later on.

Happy (almost) Valentine's Day!

Life, Movies and New Jewelry

2013-01-23T19:24:00.001-05:00

January is my busy month at work. Or at least the craziest, as I guess most months September through April are busy. Anywho, the crazy period has (mostly) ended and I'm getting back to my normal routine. I actually got home tonight at 5:40!

A note of thanks from my students

So not too much crafting going on around here right now.... although I did play with spray paint the other day. I had an old grapevine wreath that is now gold. I'm thinking a pretty little St. Patty's decoration for my front door. The only "problem?" I'll have to go to the craft store to find the right things to go on it. (Tragic, I know!)

Tug of war with my favorite pup

Flowers from my mama - lucky me!

I have managed to have a little fun lately. My friend's son turned one last week and I got to go to the party this past weekend. I took a bunch of photos (okay, over 300!) for them including some of my friends and I playing with the tunnels and tents. And the cake.... let me tell you that cake was crazy good. Yum.

I also had another birthday party, for a friend who is slightly older than one, this past weekend. It was out at a local BYO. (Philly is a BYOB town.... kind of awesome!) The short rib was a-maz-ing. And it was so nice to celebrate my friend!

Speaking of that cake, I hit up the bakery that made it on Monday after manfriend and I saw Silver Linings Playbook. The cupcake above decided it needed to come home with me. I'm so glad it did!!

And have you seen the movie? It was good! And Bradley Cooper is easy on the eyes. I think the only Oscar contender I still need and want to see in Zero Dark Thirty.

Last up, my "I survived my crazy time at work" gift to myself.... this ring from Kate Spade. I kind of love it!! A happy addition to my accessory closet!

How are you doing?

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Artichoke?

2013-01-07T20:11:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned, my friends were coming over this past weekend. Everyone was planning to bring something but I was making the main dish, a artichoke, spinach and goat cheese strata. I kind of love this recipe. It's easy, relatively healthy and delicious.

The tweaks I would make, should I cook it again are:

a little less bread
more spinach
sauteed mushrooms
more goat cheese.

I think it was a hit. And boy, did we have a blast. I don't know the last time I laughed that much. We just talked and then played my new game, The Game of Things. I'm so blessed to have delightful women to call friends.

How was your weekend?

Cupcakes, Friends and Good Food

2013-01-04T15:49:00.001-05:00

How is it that things feel so crazy yet I really don't know that I have anything to show for it? We've had a group of students that we've had to move at work. That on top of my already crazy busy work January means I've been feeling like the plate is full. Luckily, this weekend does not have too much packed into it. Tomorrow, my friends are coming over for dinner and a post-holiday gift steal. I got a great deal on four holiday plates at Crate and Barrel so that's what I'm contributing. Our limit was $15 and they were $15.80. And they are lovely!! I'm hoping they are a hot item tomorrow! I'm planning on cooking this strata for dinner. Serious yum I think.... I'll report back!

Along the lines of serious yum, I went to a cupcake class last night. It was fun but different than I expected. The group made mudslide cupcakes with a Kahlua ganash and an Irish creme frosting. I got to go home with four mini cupcakes. (I'm down to 2 already. Two minis equal one regular, right?) Sadly, there was not unlimited frosting...

Oh, and they encouraged people to bring wine to this. (Yeah, like I need encouragement.) It was a great time with my friend Jen and I'm so glad she asked me.

Oh, and a wee bit of crafting news.... I have been working on a cowl. I knit the whole thing and then decided I didn't like it. So after the fun of frogging, I am knitting it again. I'm about half done and hope to have something to show you soon.

Okay, I think I'm off to hunt for some artichokes! Happy Weekend-ing folks!

Year Theme: 2013

2013-01-02T20:40:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking about themes for 2013 and reflecting on the theme for 2012. As you might remember, the 2012 theme was "Inspire." I think I did an okay job with that.... it was all about being inspired and inspiring. I was inspired by: nature, love, friendship, travel, family, the creativity of others, the smile from a stranger on the street and so much more. I hope I was able to inspire others at time - my students, my friends, family members, and random people I've met along the way.

Ted and me on New Year's Eve.

As for 2013, I've decided to go with the theme of CELEBRATE. I translate that to mean the following:

Enjoy the now. Appreciate your blessings. Be inspired by big and small things. Love. See the sunshine in every situation. Smile more. Celebrate. In every way.

And so I hope to appreciate all of the little things I can celebrate.... clean sheets at the end of a busy day, sunshine after 2 days of rain, time with my love, a friendly greeting from a stranger on the street and so many other little bits of goodness.

What will you celebrate in 2013? And do you have your own theme for the year?

Christmas

2012-12-25T09:32:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Life in Photos

2012-12-20T11:15:00.000-05:00

I have been busy Instagramming a lot lately. And it seems like those are sometimes my only photos. Here's a smattering of what I've been up to.

I've been enjoying the holiday season. And cookie baking. And knitting (it's a gift, shhhh....). I've been spending time with neighbors who are moving away (oh goodness, my heart can't handle another one moving!). I've been catching up at work. When the students are gone, I can get so much done!

I was back at the Working Dog Center early this week for a little puppy time. Volunteering with puppies is the best thing ever. I've also been able to use the bit of quiet at work to catch up with some friends from other offices on campus. Lunchtime chats are the best!

And enjoying some treats left by my two colleagues. Seriously, they are the sweetest!

Because what girl doesn't like flowers on her desk? (Not this one in case you are wondering!)

And last weekend I exchanged Christmas gifts with my good friend Katie. I got this great keychain with a map of my adopted hometown, Philadelphia!

Today, my mom arrives for the holiday. I'm looking forward to time with her and a visit to see the Philadelphia Orchestra and some antique shopping. Yes, 2012 is coming to a glorious closure!

Some Rambling Thoughts...

2012-12-16T09:35:00.001-05:00

By now, the whole world has mourned the school shooting in Newtown, CT. There really are no words to describe the horror, the heartbreak, the sadness the permeates everything in this story. I have been actively trying to avoid the news because it is just too much for me. This hits a little too close to home. I used to live in the community next to Newtown. I still have friends there. Their kid's schools were on lockdown Friday. Thankfully, their kids are fine. But so many peoples lives are forever changed in a devastating way. What words can you offer? The grief is palpable for people not at all connected to Newtown.

There is also a part of me that questions whether I want to have kids. I can't imagine the overwhelming heartbreak these parents must be experiencing. It brings me to tears, quite literally, every time I think about it. The dreams they had for their children have been ripped from them. And now, in the midst of a holiday season, they are planning a funeral. Could I handle that? Yes, I've survived a lot of emotional things and I'm sure I could. But the trauma, the sadness.... I just can't fathom how I would survive.

I guess the message is to hug someone closer. Tell your loved ones how important they are to you. We never know what is around the next bend in the road....

Gifts and Puppies

2012-12-07T10:35:00.004-05:00

Yeah, that definitely makes a good week. Really, what's better than gifts and puppies? I'm pretty sure nothing.

It's been a busy week at work! TGIF. I've had a number of crisis, small and larger, to handle this week. And I've had a number of good, fun student interactions. I'm grateful for the last week of classes and the inevitable slow down that comes after it. Next week holds reading days and exams, a time where everyone is more focused and fewer people are getting into trouble.

This week was also my student group's Secret Santa/whatever gift exchange. The council president used an internet program to draw names for everyone and I was lucky enough to draw her. I found a great bracelet on sale at Loft. It seemed just about perfect for her and as luck would have it, she loved it. My package, above, of course needed a little flourish, and that feather ornament was perfect. Gosh, I love a pretty package!

My Secret Santa rocked too. I listed some suggestions on the online site. I've been wanting Crazy Stupid Love. It's one of those movies I know I'll watch a number of times.... cute, funny and Ryan Gosling. Plus, a great color of nail polish? Awesome!

I did manage to find time to go see the pups at the Working Dog Center this week. Gosh, they make any day better! I got to watch a search and then walk a bunch of the little loves. Throw in a few tug of war sessions and life is grand.

I'm looking forward to the weekend and some good learning next week. And hopefully some Christmas card writing soon too!

How was your week?

Things That Makes Me Smile

2012-11-28T16:34:00.002-05:00

A big thank you to Sydney for posting earlier....

I've Got Spirit, Yes I Do.....

2012-11-27T16:30:00.001-05:00

What have you been up to? It feels like life has been busy lately but I can't tell you I've achieved a whole lot. I did get to the movies with the manfriend on Sunday to see Lincoln. Can you say "awesome?" Because it was. Costumes, actors, cinematography, sets.... all awesome. We also saw a preview for Oz The Great and Powerful. And now I'm kind of obsessed.

Yesterday I finished knitting a Christmas gift. I'm loving the yarn and hope the recipient likes it as much as I do. I'm already thinking about casting on something else for a special loved one.

This hot chocolate accompanied my spinach, feta and tomato omelet on Saturday. Yum!

Photo booth photos with the manfriend from Sunday

Last night, I also went through all of the Christmas gifts in my closet. I'm thankful to report I have most of my Christmas shopping done already. (Yes, I recognize there are some of you hating me right now. Sorry!) I loathe shopping with crowds and I'm just so glad to not need to go into stores this time of year.

I'm feeling kind of great right now. Things seem to be falling into place. Now, if I could just motivate myself to do my Christmas cards!

Black Friday!

2012-11-26T16:51:00.001-05:00

Best Black Friday shopping ever! I went to the Wexford General Store in Wexford, PA (the only Wexford in all of the US of A!). This place is stocked with serious treasures and I just love looking around and taking them all in.

I loved this little Christmas display. I mean, sheeps and cute mini trees? I'm in. I got one of the mini trees for my house. And I'm kind of wishing I bought two now....

Many a bowl of old ornaments were found in the store. It is a Christmas miracle that I didn't leave with one.

A lovely Charlie Brown Christmas tree was decorated in one of the rooms. I really loved how they Christmas-ed up the place!!

I kind of wish this Nativity family had gone home with me too. It was $29 and just such beautiful porcelain.

Tons and tons of mirrors.... I wanted one of them too. Thank goodness I keep the buying for self at a minimum at Christmas time.... I could have done serious damage otherwise!

And this pretty little owl to guard your cookies! Oh, how I love him!

There were a lot of other finds too like a Ouija board, marbles, some cute little dog figurines and Ball jars galore. I managed to just walk out with the above mentioned mini Christmas tree, a small pitcher that is on my desk to catch pens, scissors and the like and a gift for a friend for Christmas. Less than $20 spent but a fantastic time spent browsing. I'm quite grateful for a patient manfriend who browsed on his own and who I think may have actually had a good time!

How was your Black Friday shopping?

Thankfulness

2012-11-22T09:56:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to my American readers. (And Happy Thursday to everyone else!) This year, I'm thankful for so much.

:: My health. A small scare this fall reminded me yet again that this blessing is great.

:: My family. I'm lucky to have so many who I love, who support and challenge me, and who are committed to me.

:: My friends. Goodness, they are a blessing.

:: A job. My job gives me the potential to impact lives for the better. And they pay me.

:: A home. My apartment is my perfect little sanctuary.

:: My Rosy. She's such a ray of sunshine and love.

:: Freedom. I'm blessed to live in a country that allows me to express my opinions freely and which, every four (or eight) years, peacefully transitions.

:: My love. He's a good man and I'm lucky that God brought us together.

I hope you are able to also celebrate the blessings in your life this holiday season.

Weekend Love

2012-11-18T08:55:00.001-05:00

I finished spray painting this giraffe. I wish I had taken a before photo so you could see how cheesy plastic it was. Because now it is kind of classy. As I said in my last post, he was inherited from my colleague who passed away. So it's nice to have him around but I'm glad I was able to transform him into something that works in my home a bit better. Now, to name him..... hmm...

Yesterday, I also went to see my friend at a craft show she was selling at. I managed to get a Christmas gift out of the deal too - something for my mom. Of course, I also walked away with a little something for myself. A new pink iPad carrier with dogs on it!! I bought it from the friend who was selling there - always good to support her!

And I spent a good amount of time with Rosy - morning cuddles, goofing around on the living room floor with squeaky toys and some photos like the below. She's a nose licker, that one. Actually, who am I kidding? She's a plain old straight up licker. And I love her.

Today, I'm headed to another craft show. The same friend is displaying. However, this time another friend is going with me so it will be even more fun. And who know, maybe I can get another Christmas gift!

Hope you are having a good weekend too!!

Smiling

2012-11-14T16:55:00.000-05:00

Hello again! A couple of happy tidbits from my day....

I inherited a little plastic giraffe figure from my colleague that just passed away. He was a big fan of giraffes and had a couple of them in his office. Right now, I'm trying to coat the plastic with a coat of gold spray paint. I think he could be a lovely little addition to my apartment if I class him up with some gold. I can't wait to see how he turns out!

Rosy and I helped out a pup on the way to work this morning. There was a wayward pup wandering the busy street by my house. Another lovely lady and I stopped and corralled him. After trying to contact the owner via the phone number on his tag, I ended up driving him to her place of business. Cooper is now safely back with his parents. I'm grateful Rosy was in the car so I could borrow her leash for him.

Homemade bread. Yum! My neighbor gifted me her bread maker as she and her husband are moving to California. I made my first loaf on Monday.

It's cool to watch it kneed through the window on top. I made the simple white bread, which was pretty awesome. I think I probably need to try some of the other recipes too. I love new toys!

What has been causing you to smile lately?

Keeping Out of Trouble

2012-11-12T08:11:00.001-05:00

Oh, I have such great intentions when it comes to blogging and then distractions get in the way. Life has been busy with lots of stuff and my focus just isn't as good as it used to be!! What have I been up to you ask?

:: Sewing a skirt. It's finished. I'm not sure I'm a fan. (Oh well!)

:: Walking amongst the leaves.

:: Trying new dishes. This is a new favorite, made last night.

:: Going on an overnight retreat with a group of great fraternity men and hearing about how they are going to make a difference. Sometimes my work is just so rewarding.

:: Drinking lots of tea. It seems to be my new favorite thing.

:: Volunteering at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. Seriously, these dogs are amazing. And it's so fun.

:: Seeing Bill Clinton. He was in Philly the day before the election.

:: Playing catch up on email. This fall has been tough with work changing and a colleague sick. I'm just now able to catch up on things professionally and in my volunteer roles.

:: Enjoying my book club friends. We even talked about the book briefly.

:: Instagramming my heart out. There are a lot of photos from the retreat site I visited this weekend, because they have a farm with sheep, a donkey, alpacas, a llama, chickens, mini horse and a peacock. How could I not take lots of photos?

:: Fooling around with new photo apps - Picfx and Signote are my two new favorites.

:: Generally appreciating the gifts of fall..... I'm blessed.

Skirting Sandy

2012-10-30T14:15:00.002-04:00

Nothing like a hurricane to foster progress on that skirt pattern you have laying around. It's been cut out and the bulk of it is sewn together. I'm lacking a zipper (I think.... gotta go rooting around in my supplies to make sure I don't have a 7 inch brown one laying around) so it won't be finished today but it's pretty darn awesome.

As for Sandy herself, I didn't have any problems. I never lost power (a small miracle since so many around me did) and the trees in the neighborhood seemed to weather the storm fairly well. Some of them even kept their leaves! My car looked fine although I only looked at it from afar. And since I had power, I also managed to bake up a batch of double chocolate sea salt cookies. Because sometimes a girl needs a cookie to get her through the storm.

And, apparently, a girl also needs a pot of chili. Every time we have extreme weather (though typically snow), I make a pot of chili. It's simmering right now..... I'm looking forward to dinner tonight!

Weekend Escape to Lancaster

2012-10-02T20:48:00.003-04:00

I missed the Big Questions post yesterday as I was out of town this weekend with the manfriend and had to work late last night. I plan to still post this week; it's just a bit delayed!

As for the trip with the manfriend, it was delightful. We went out to Lancaster County, PA and visited the PA Renaissance Faire, some antique stores, a street festival and a brewery. We stayed at a great little B&B named Furnace Hills. We ate good food. And bad for us food (funnel cake for dinner anyone?). We drank some beer at Stoudt's. We smiled a lot and celebrated two trips around the sun as a team. Most of the antiquing yielded Christmas gifts so there will be a couple of posts about things purchased but not too much. It was a great little getaway.

How was your weekend?

Funk-iness

2012-09-26T16:31:00.003-04:00

I haven't been crafting much lately. I felt the itch last week but couldn't quite get my machine out (my kitchen table looked too nice without it!). I miss creating in my life but just can't inspire myself to do anything. I'm not entirely sure why. It would probably help to get me out of my life-is-stagnant and I'm in need of positive change funk. See, I can say that yet I don't act on it. I did just buy a skirt pattern and some wool so here's hoping for a little crafting soon. In the meantime, I'm going to soak up as much of the lovely fall weather as I can.

What have you been creating? And how do you shake off the funk?

From Orchard to Pie

2012-09-25T09:38:00.000-04:00

I wet apple picking this past weekend with my friend Katie. We haven't visited Johnson's Farm as much as we have past years (we missed strawberry and peach season!) so I'm glad we made a date and went. They were picking Red and Golden Delicious and Empire apples. I planned to bake a pie so I stuck with the Golden and Empires.

After apple picking, it was off to the pumpkin patch. I didn't come home with this large one, instead favoring a smaller one for now. I also got some gourds for a dish in my kitchen and some Indian corn for my front door. Always an awesome little adventure!

And on Sunday, I made the pie. It's delicious!! Now, if only I could share it with all of you....