The Crimson Owl

so lovely...on pinterest!

2012-02-09T09:00:00.012-05:00

My mom and I frequent a few antique/indoor flea markets in a town smack-dab in the middle of our journey to each other. We have recently discovered that I have this obsession with touching things. Like feeling fabrics and ribbons and trinkets. Which is strange because I'm quite a bit of a germaphobe...a little fact for ya...and I carry around hand sanitizer and use it like it's going out of style. She said that I've always been that way though, since I was little. That it used to drive her nuts...but now she just laughs about it.

I can honestly tell you that I want to touch and pick up each one of these jars photographed in this image and see inside. They are so pretty and curious.

Music Monday : Real Estate

2012-02-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

Real Estate - Green Aisles.

What a great user video. I love driving down back roads listening to awesome music.

Hope your Monday is great! ♥

home sweet home...

2012-02-04T17:28:00.000-05:00

We've finally decided on a house plan that we like and found a local builder! We went today to meet with the builder to see what features and colors are available. We were also able to look at a house there by the same company to see the quality of materials and some features that we liked. It's all very exciting!

Here's a picture of the house...they don't have an option on their site to change up the colors and we were trying to decide on 2 shades for both the shingles and siding. So I painted it in Photoshop to help finalize our decision...you get the idea.

It has a loft upstairs with an unfinished bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet (my fav!!). We plan on finishing it and moving upstairs and making the downstairs bedroom a guest room and office. It's small-ish and modest...just right for us.

Now to pick out options and upgrades!! We decided on this fabulous worn cabinet color for the kitchen:

And this darker hickory color laminate flooring throughout the house.

We are SO ready for this. We've officially been in the camper now for 2 winters. Hopefully we won't have to weather another one. *Big grins from us both*

♥

so lovely...on pinterest!

2012-02-02T09:00:00.019-05:00

So I have this folder on Pinterest....it's called So Lovely. I put things in there that I love because they are pretty or because I think they would be lovely somewhere in my space. This is one of those pins...

I spotted these images over at BurdaStyle of 1950's circus costumes. Magical. It really reminded me of Water for Elephants...which I thought was a dazzling and beautiful story. Have you seen it or read the book? Not only were the costumes and sets spectacular but the story and actors were perfect.

So much inspiration. ♥

pinterest.

2012-01-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

It's my new addiction. It's like being able to organize everything in your mind all in one place. I have folders for my cousin's baby shower, house decorating, food and cake ideas, a bucket list, a list of things I want to do this summer, and a newly added folder for my sister-in-law who just got engaged and I am going to be the maid of honor (!!!!). So you might say that Pinterest saved my life...and sanity. ;) thank you whoever created this simple little tool. Because I heart you. Really, I do.

Follow me for tons of found, amazing ideas all over the internets! Are you on Pinterest? ...let me know so that I can follow you!

♥ ♥

Music Monday : Fun.

2012-01-30T09:00:00.005-05:00

Fun. We are Young

Discovered recently on Sirius XMU.

Have a great Monday! ♥

p.s. I've made a few changes to the blog layout. Yay for vintage fabric.

under the weather.

2012-01-29T11:40:00.000-05:00

blah. Let's get a pity party for Stephanie going...I think I have been sick for like 4 weeks now. It started off with a fever...turned into the flu...then I might have been better for about 2 days and picked up a head cold. Now I've been battling it since this past Thursday. I hate being sick. The weather has been so wierd here...hot, cold, mild, rainy and even snow mixed in. A strange winter indeed. This morning I finally broke down and made a smoothie for breakfast with echinacea tea leaves mixed in. This is the best cold-busting smoothie recipe I've come up with and it usually seems to help a little...though maybe that's the Dayquil talking. ;)

Here's what I add to my cold busting smoothie:

frozen peaches (from last summer)...about a whole peach (if they are fresh then add a few ice cubes to the mix)

1 banana

a squirt of agave (or honey) about 1 tbsp

1 tea bag of echinacea tea leaves (open the tea bag and dump the leaves right in)

about 3/4 C OJ (fresh or bottled)

I add them in that order so that the heaver peaches will fall onto everything when I flip it onto the Magic Bullet...if you are using a blender I would recommend reversing the order. Always add the heaviest item the furthest away from the blades so that it pushes the lighter items into the blades...make sense? And please tell you have a Magic Bullet...because it's the best. Did you know that they make a Baby Bullet for baby food?? Genius!

Any special cold-busting remedies that you have up your sleeves? I do have some ear candles that I'm planning on doing tonight.

Thanks for listening to me whine...hey, at least I shared a recipe in the mix! =)

be well.

weekend project take 3

2012-01-11T11:29:00.001-05:00

I've been toying around with writing a pattern for fingerless gloves for quite a while. I have made some for myself and given them as gifts...but never been happy enough with a pattern to share with the rest of the world...until now. I'll be sending off a handful of these dears with my next shipment to my friend's shop.

I've been making them with homespun yarns and alpaca blends. I hope that everyone else loves them as much as I do. :)

weekend project take 2

2012-01-09T16:21:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm jumping on the bandwagon of elbow patches and grandpa sweaters. But seriously...I picked up this sweater at a resale shop in Pittsburgh for $10 and it had holes worn into both elbows! Good thing I was already planning on adding patches.

A horrible pic I know...I need a better camera phone.

weekend project take 1

2012-01-08T11:36:00.001-05:00

I'm feeling so creative and inspired lately since I've been crocheting again. I found this cardigan at a local consignment shop for $8 Friday and as soon as I spotted it I knew what I wanted to do.

I picked up a bag of vintage velvet ribbon scraps a few weekends ago at a place near Pittsburgh. They worked perfectly with my vision. This project turned out exactly how I had planned. So pretty. More pics soon

warm your ears.

2012-01-02T11:31:00.000-05:00

Hey! So Merry Christmas AND Happy New Year! We had a lovely holiday spent with family and friends here in town. It was different than our normal yearly traditions...but I think this year we created some new ones. Which I love!

I have to admit that the week I was off for vacation I also took a week off from crochetting. I tend to over-produce sometimes...having high-hopes that all of my goodes will sell out quickly. So I didn't crochet all week and now I am kicking myself!! I found out after the holiday that just about everything (except a few hats) I sent to my friend's shop did in fact sell out...and I was left empty handed with no goodes waiting to ship her. All weekend I worked on more hats, cowls and earwarmers to send.

I thought you might like to see the earwarmer that I've been making...

I've been whipping them up in homespun yarns and alpaca blends. They are soft and cozy to wear around outside...and even look cute with your hair pulled up.

I am excited because although I am so limited on space in this camper, crochet doesn't take up much. And while I might have a pile of goodes sitting around for a day or two, they are shipped off before you know it. In short...I'm thinking that this is my salvation from the winter blues and lack of crafty inspiration this year. Maybe you'll even see some free patterns coming soon!!

How was your holiday? What crafty endeavors have you taken on lately? ♥ ♥

you're just somebody that I used to know.

2011-12-21T14:22:00.000-05:00

I can honestly say that I have no idea where this month went. I feel this in daily life too. I haven't been able to get nearly as much completed this month as I set out to do. And now I've been on vacation for a few days and still haven't checked but a few simple things from my list. Ah well...that's life...and that's December.

Last weekend we celebrated the holiday with the mister's family from out of town. We all gathered at a japanese steakhouse and then we went back to his grandma's for wine and gifts. It's funny how things have changed this year from last. I always notice that when it comes to giving and receiving. This year consisted of lots of running gear...last year definitely did not.

On another note I joined the gym near my work a few weeks ago. I've only gone 3 times. See what I mean when I say this month has escaped me?

Anywho...what have you been up to this month? How is your holiday planning going so far? I can't wait to have room again for a tree and decorating doesn't clutter the place up. Looking forward to that.

Here's a great new song I just heard yesterday. <3

makeups.

2011-12-08T09:00:00.001-05:00

I've been on a makeup kick lately. I have seriously purchased more new makeup in the last 2 weeks than I have in the past year. I went into Sephora searching for something new...something to replace my current natural tinted moisturizer. Something to minimize my morning routine. Something to brighten me up this winter and make me feel better about my skin. Every time I visit Sephora I leave empty handed and frustrated. I went in determined to not let that happen this time around and after a lap around the store determination was not enough but luckily I was saved by a sweet girl who spotted the lost look on my face! She sat me down in a chair and went to work. I walked out with 4 new products and a handful of samples. Yay me!

I am always hesitant to try new products because of the price. So I thought that I would share my thoughts with you on the products that I did purchase in hopes that I can help if you are also searching for something new to brighten up your life.

First and foremost is the tinted moisturizer. My only request was that it was natural and moisturizing. I walked away with Tarte Smooth Operator SPF 20. This product is one of those overachiever kids. Not only is it natural and moisturizing but it is SPF 20, spreads quickly and with ease with my fingers, leaves an almost dewy finish and a little goes a long way. I don't need to add powder over top. Plus if I need a little more to cover a blemish or a red area, I can pat it on with my finger to provide just a bit more coverage without being obvious. Since it is taking the place of both the tinted moisturizer I was using and the powder...I believe that I'm breaking even and can justify the $36 price tag.

Next up was an under eye concealer with good coverage. My skin is so fair that I have dark circles under my eyes that make me look aged and tired. I have always fought them and even apply a concealer when I apply nothing else. I was using Lancome 'Effacernes' Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer until I ran out after we moved. I hesitated to purchase more because of the price. So I have been cycling through brand after brand from the drugstore and have not found anything that works to date. During my trip to Sephora I walked away with Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Waterproof Concealer. I have to honestly tell you that I hate this product. When the consultant applied it won me over. It looked great for the rest of the evening. But when I apply it looks terrible, pools in the creases and almost seems to get splotchy towards the inner part of my eye. Not good. On top of that, the coverage is not nearly as good as the Lancome. I have tried a brush and my finger with no difference in either. Due to the difficulty of blending, price and coverage I will not be purchasing it again.

I was not searching for a brow pencil. I have never found one that works for me and I have a fear of applying them thinking that I would look too much like a cartoon character. But the consultant used Anastastia Perfect Brow Pencil in Strawburn and I was in love at first site. Strawburn is a reddish blonde that blends perfectly with my brows and hair color. It applies easily, without effort and the brush pulls the color through your brows for a perfect blend. I highly recommend this pencil!

I also purchased Boscia Amino-AG Eye Treatment, which I love, and sampled a (non-natural) cream blush and a lip tint, which broke me out (no surprise there). So there you have it. A few products that I either love or hate...have you tried any new products lately? What is your favorite under eye concealer? ♥

This ship will carry our bodies safe to the shore.

2011-12-07T08:07:00.000-05:00

I wrote this song down a few weeks ago when I first heard and fell in love with it. But I must have forgotten about it but now I can't get it out of my head. It reminds me a little of Home from Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros.

Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks

It's going to be the next big thing. ♥

Wowza

2011-12-05T22:21:00.000-05:00

I've been busy...swamped actually. Between the normal evening and weekend chores I've been crocheting my fingers to the bone to send some goodies to my friend's shop for the holidays. This is the first package. 2 large hooded cowls, 2 medium cowls, 3 hats and 2 headband/earwarmers. More pics to come!

What have you been up to? <3

I got a love that keeps me waiting.

2011-12-01T17:25:00.000-05:00

I tried hard at first to reject this song from my daily listen. It's not that I didn't like it...it's just so catchy that I figured I would be over it as soon as I started liking it. I figured it would be played out on my 2 favorite indie stations, t.v. commercials and on mainstream radio stations. I figured that I wouldn't be able to get it out of my head and it would drive me insane all day long. It would be one of those songs that I wake up with in the morning and try hard to remember the lyrics to while I'm getting ready for work in hopes that I could quit humming it.

But then I saw the video which makes it really hard not to love.

p.s. I did hear it on the way home on the same station twice...within 15 minutes. I couldn't believe it.

So thankful...

2011-11-26T15:04:00.000-05:00

to have these beautiful, inspiring women in my life.

This was our pre-race picture.

and our post-race picture. Still excited...I would say even more so.

We couldn't have asked for a better day to run a 5k. We all left feeling amazing and proud of our accomplished selves. I ran my first 5k in 32.07 and placed 23/56 in my age group! There was 700 people at the race, which is amazing. And all of the proceeds went to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters in Frederick County, VA. The course was tough and sometimes muddy and slippery but we all finished! Yay for us. =)

I hope all of you lovelies are having a great weekend and holiday break. <3

2 days and counting

2011-11-22T09:48:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is almost here! Tomorrow after work I'll make the journey back to VA for some much missed movie time with one of my favorite ladies while we see Breaking Dawn. And this time Thursday I will have just ran my first 5k, be back in my hometown and preparing to spend the evening with my family. I'm looking forward to the trip back, looking forward to the race and looking forward to spending time with people that I haven't seen in many months. Then it's back home Friday for the WVU vs Pitt football game. We love night games. The lights of the stadium, the electricity in the air...it's like a big party! Lots of exciting things to be thankful for.

I'll be making this recipe from taste of home for family dinner (pictured above). Yum!

What are your holiday plans?

friend crush

2011-11-21T16:20:00.001-05:00

Here's a catchy song with a dreamy, sparkly video I'm digging this Monday. Friends : Friend Crush

inspired : vintage locket

2011-11-18T19:29:00.001-05:00

blouse: Charlotte Russe // skirt: vintage/thrifted // boots: Relativity/Elder-Beerman (buy them) // necklace: antique

This week's inspired comes from this vintage horse locket. I was looking through a bag of brooches and earrings that I found a few weeks ago when going through our storage and happened upon this gem. I had forgotten all about it and fell in love all over again, just as I was when I bought it. I felt inspired to wear tall boots and a tall collar. Truthfully I love this blouse but have never once been happy wearing it until I conjured up this outfit. And the skirt? It is one of my favorite thrifted finds. With the high waist, perfect fit and amazing pockets, I could honestly wear it everyday if it were appropriate.

p.s. It is snowing in this picture. Winter really came on fast. And that piece of farm equipment is hidden up in high the hills behind our house near an old apple orchard. Another forgotten treasure.

Have a lovely weekend and stay warm! <3

30 degrees

2011-11-17T18:12:00.000-05:00

Wow. I will tell you that I am pretty thankful for these things right here. It's cold out there. I mean snow flurry cold. And it's dark.

Champion running gloves and ear warmer from Target. Kelty head lamp from Target and Vedante reflector pop bands from Amazon.

It's all about the little things. ;)

going the distance

2011-11-15T08:58:00.001-05:00

image via Be Fit, Feel Good

Let's talk about running today. Instead of constantly updating you on my running progress I thought I would just post about it only when I have a milestone…which I guess I already missed one because I finished the Couch-to-5k program over a month ago. I was relieved to finish though the program conditions you to run the full 3.1 miles with no stopping or walking…it has taken me longer than the full length of the program to successfully run the 3.1. The day I did, by myself, all with my own motivation, I felt a rush of emotions that I could not contain. I felt proud of myself and excited that I had finally accomplished a goal that I had set earlier in the summer.

______________________________

About a week after I completed the program I began hash running with a friend of mine. So far I've done about 3 or 4 runs. They are SO much fun. Here's the break-down, in case you are not familiar with a hash run; there is a hare (who marks the trail) and the hounds (who follow the trail to catch the hare). This type of running has been going on since the early 1900s and according to Wikipedia there are more than 1,700 chapters spanning all seven continents. I believe it because everyone I have told about hashing has been in different states and there is an organization local to them.

There are also things that you do along the way…like false trails meaning that you could run for a block or two and it could be the wrong trail so you have to turn around. Or beer nears…where there is beer near, yup! We also ran for Halloween in costumes. My friend and I went as 80s aerobics girls and there were zombies, superheros, pregnant hospital escapees and even Jesus (or Moses?) ran with us that night. So much fun. It's like social hour with exercise.

The run usually ends up around 4-6 miles…some longer but I haven't partaken in any thus far. I was intimidated by the distance before I ran one…after that I realized we are in town so you have to stop to cross the road and wait for traffic, plus wait to find the right trail and break for the beer nears. So there is plenty of time to catch your breath in-between miles.

If you are interested in finding a group in your area just go to Google and type in Hash House Harriers and your town. If you don't find one, type in the closest town to yours. There's bound to be a group in your area. And let me know if you try it!

______________________________

Thanksgiving day I'll be running a 5k near my hometown in VA. This is what I have been training for. This was the goal that I set when I began the C25k program and now I have my mom doing the program and the 5k with me and my cousin from Boston coming home and running the 5k too! So we are all in this together. That's pretty great.

What's next?

p.s. Are you on dailymile? Add me as your friend and we can motivate each other!

Not my deal.

2011-11-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, 1. I'm in love with the sound that is Best Coast. 2. I am in love with this song and 3. I love her hair. It rocks. That is all.

♥

inspired : chic for cheap

2011-11-09T14:32:00.001-05:00

This week's inspiration stems from one pair of boots, found on Refinery29.

I receive their e-newsletter. I find myself clicking on the articles for wardrobe inspiration and tips almost daily. I do find it curious that they have posts for such things as ridiculously expensive as these boots, below, and then later have a post for ways to save money on beauty products. Not that they are the only newsletter, blog, website, magazine, etc, etc, that do the same....please don't get me wrong. However, while I appreciate fashion and frugality living as one...I just have to ask, are they trying to help you save money on your beauty products so that you can afford said $269 boots? Just a thought, although meaningless.

Anywho I am really kinda digging the heeled hiking boot. So I was inspired to find a few pairs of similar boots for cheaper...because that's just how I roll.

Inspiration boot :

Kettle Ski Hook Heeled hiking boot found at ASOS for $269.55 via Refinery29

Chic for Cheaper :

Call It Spring Alltop Bootie from JC Penney for $69.99

Route 66 Fair Short Wedge Boot from Kmart for $29.99 (comes in brown)

Qupid Pamper Sherpa Short Boot from Kmart for $37.49

Now that's more like it. <3

pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes

2011-11-08T11:30:00.001-05:00

I mades them. I ates them. They were awesome.

Before sharing I topped them off with a dollop of whipped cream and a shake of pumpkin spice blend.

You can make them too. Check out the recipe here: http://www.farmersmarketfoods.com/downloads/FMFRecipeBook.pdf

They leave out when to add in the pumpkin so I added it last. I also just used plain Farmer's Market packed pumpkin because I already used the pumpkin pie mix I bought. Farmer's Market pumpkin beats the heck out of Libby's pumpkin when it comes to taste...fyi.