Blissful Changes

Yes! Yes! Yes! It's here!

2009-11-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting for what seems like a long time for Essie's new nail polish collection to become available, and as of now... it is!!

image via: amy chance

I love this color (mint candy apple) so much and I will for sure be buying it this week. I think it's so unique and pretty!

Extra coats or blankets that you just don't know what to do with??

2009-11-01T14:33:00.000-08:00

image via: recovered girl

On November 7th (Saturday) from 9-3, Project Warmth will be having a blanket and coat drive in KC.

So... if you have extras that you don't like or use anymore it would be a great way to help someone who's cold and clean out your closet at the same time!

There will be 14 different drop-off areas around the city, so there will probably be one close to you.

Also... if you're crafty and have some extra time, I came across a great non-profit this week called Project Linus. It's an organization that collects & distributes homemade (crocheted, knitted, quilted, or whatever you like to do) blankets for kids who are sick or have been through some kind of trauma.

image via: mudfacemarge

I'm still in the scarf making stage of crochet, but I think it would be such a nice thing to do.

I can image a bright, fun blanket would definitely cheer up a sad kid (and who wouldn't like to do that?!)

Let's help keep KC warm & happy!

anyone else need motivation??

2009-10-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

I've kind of been slacking this week... Sorry! I kind of lost motivation, but I'm trying really hard to get it back!

Today in Ink I read about this great new store in KC called Mash handmade. I'm excited and wanted to share!

image via mash handmade

It's owned by a mother/daughter team and they sell handmade things from local artists. I'm SO excited to check it out, it sounds amazing. Here's their website I don't think you can buy anything online... but it will give you their address & hours and everything, if you want to check it out too!

If I ever won the lottery, I would travel all over then when I came home I would open a store just like this. Some place that sells creations from local artists. I would love that! But... because that's probably not going to happen any time soon, I plan on enjoying their store, because it sounds like a fantastic place!

And... about that motivation, if anyone else out there needs some this week too, I just came across two great posts from Jessica of What I Wore about following your dreams and using the power of the secret to get all you dream of. And... this great post from Kandee is also super inspiring. She's always wonderful and motivating, and I love how she makes life sound so beautiful and exciting.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and a
happy, safe Halloween!!

image via velvet strawberries

Lucky. Girl.

2009-10-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

For a long time I've been wanting to get a tattoo on my wrist of "blessed." (Or something like that, just to always remind me to be grateful for all that I have, because I really am so lucky, it's just easy to forget sometimes! (I'm not actually going to get a tattoo there, but I still think about it! It's also apparently pretty common & I don't want that either!!)

So... I think it's because of that I've decided that the L.G. on my new bracelet stands for "Lucky.Girl." It just works and I like it. (I really am a lucky girl, maybe not so much lucky, as blessed, but it's an L, not a B, so that's how it is!)I think I'll be wearing it a lot because I love it, so it will always be a good reminder!

I stumbled across this article from Savvy Woman magazine (while looking for a quote that I can't find.) It's a great article about living your life with grace and gratitude. Because we can all use a reminder, right?

image via My Corner View

Because, really, is there anyone more graceful?

Have a wonderful, grateful day!!

Fabulous finds Friday, on Monday!

2009-10-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while browsing Etsy, I got an idea to post each Friday some of the lovely things I've found throughout the week. So... maybe this Friday will be the first! I always see so much stuff I would love to buy but can't, so... I might as well enjoy it here!

I'm thinking it would work to call it "Fabulous Finds Friday" and hopefully it will be a regular post every week. (I'm trying to be a better blogger & not get discouraged because I really want this to work!)

So... today I wanted to show off some of my real life finds from this past weekend. Friday I took a half day off work to re-group and to take some personal time. I can spend a lot of time in thrift & antique stores just looking at things and thinking. So, after lunch, I went to the antique store & found lots of great treasures!

I wasn't really shopping for jewelry, but that's what I ended up finding!

This bracelet:

has the initals "L.G."

I love it & have actually been admiring it for a long time.

I have no idea what the initials stand for...

but I love that it has history & soul and it's obviously been loved for a long time.

On Saturday, Justin & I volunteered at the FOPAS garage sale (& they made $900!!)

At the end of the sale though, a lot of stuff went to the dump and I couldn't bear to see this lamp go (along with a couple other things...) So I rescued it & I plan on painting it (maybe?) and finding it a different shade. I think it looks great on our radio cabinet, it's a treasure!

(Notice the blogging book in the background? Nice. I told you I'm getting serious!)

So.... those are my finds! Does thrifting make anyone else this happy??

A finished scarf & a new endeavor!

2009-10-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

On Friday I finally finished my very first crocheted scarf (well, one that I actually like & will wear!)

Okay, so the really exciting thing? I've realized that I can crochet something wearable in a relatively short period of time. So... I'm going to make scarves to sell on Etsy and donate all the proceeds to FOPAS (the animal shelter that Justin & I volunteer for)! If they sell, which I'm really hoping they will, I should be able to donate a lot more money than I've been able to give in the past.

I want to get a few done before I list them & spread the word, but I will for sure post the link when it's all ready to go. In the meantime, I will be crocheting like crazy! If anyone wants to help... let me know!!

The next American dream & me

2009-10-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

image via Mills Realty

I've been thinking about a documentary I watched on PBS last week. It's a series called The Next American Dream and it's basically about people leaving the city in the 1950's to move to suburbia, the effects it had on downtown areas and the current revitalization of downtowns. My family did this, and I don't know, it just got me thinking.

I'm sure that anyone who lives in Kansas City is familiar with the "white flight" that happened in the 50's, and how it changed our city. I've always known that it was a negative thing, because obviously, people leaving the city and driving into the city to work everyday can't be a good thing for the city.

However... it's my family's history and I've always romanticized and loved it. All four of my grandparents were raised in the country, then moved to the city. Both of my grandpas went to WWII. When they came home, they married my grandmas, then they all moved to the suburbs. My parents stayed there, and I am very much a product of the suburbs. And then?

My husband and I bought a 50 year old house in the suburbs. And I love it. (I was going to put a picture of it here, but something about that seems kind of creepy! But, it's a tiny little bit like the one above. At least you get the idea!)

Anyways, I kind of took offense to the show, because it seemed like an attack on a part of my history that I love. I know it wasn't, but I'm wondering how many other families are like mine, because honestly, I kind of thought that's how it was for everyone. Now I'm starting to realize that my family's kind of special.

The documentary was great though, I was already familiar with everything from school, but it was exciting to see our downtown being revitalized. It also just made me think about our city and my own history, and I liked that.

image via whatsupjacksonville

I went for it. (And I'm going to geek out about it.)

2009-10-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I did the belt over cardigan thing. I've been loving how it looks and seeing pictures of it... but haven't had the nerve to actually try it. So, I decided to just go for it, and I really liked how it looked, it was different and something new. I'm not sure what people at work thought, but it doesn't matter. I tried something new! I haven't worn belts in a long, long time, but there are so many great belts at thrift stores and I want to figure out how to really make it work!

Also... looking at this picture, I'm realizing that everything except the white shirt was thrifted. I like that.

Have a happy Thursday!

Kansas City documentary

2009-10-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night there will be a documentary on PBS about KC's downtown (how it was abandoned and it now coming back to life.) It's actually part of a series called "The Next American Dream." It's on at 9 and it's only an hour long. If you're interested... here's their website.

Did anyone else just fall in love...

2009-10-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

With the new Anthropologie catalog? I love the model's hair, I think the whole catalog is just enchanting, romantic and fabulous. I usually just swoon, but... I think I'm actually going to buy this headband:

Triple strand headband

(you can't really tell how pretty it is in this picture.)

What else do I love?...

Call of the West booties

the only cowboy(girl?) boots I've ever really liked

Fall frock sweater

Would be perfect over leggings

Studded fete dress

How is it that Anthro catalogs never fail to be so full of inspiration?

All images via: Anthropologie

Tomorrow is...

2009-09-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

Worldwide vegetarian day! I feel like it's something I need to celebrate, only I have no idea how to! Everyday is a vegetarian day, so I'm not really sure what the point is. Maybe it's for non-vegetarians to not eat meat for the day? I really don't know, but I feel like it should be a good day.

It's kind of ironic because I spent all last week with meat cravings. I wanted a prosciutto and salami sandwich really bad one day, It doesn't sound good now.... I also wanted a McDonald's hamburger. It's funny because the cravings are always really specific and usually hit around lunchtime. At first I thought maybe I wasn't getting enough protein, but I don't think that's it, because I always make sure I do. Anyways, they're annoying. I know I can always give in if I want to, but I think that if I'm going to make this work, I just can't, and I won't. In the end, it's not worth it. So tomorrow, maybe I'll eat something special and feel proud of how far I've come!

So happy vegetarian day! Do your own thing, and enjoy it whatever you do!

*And this reminds me! For all you vegetarians, or people interested in animal rights, or even if you're just interested in animals: I finished a book last week by Temple Grandin called Animals in Translation. Ms. Grandin is autistic and believes she understands how animals think and feel because of her autism. The book is all about how animals perceive things and how people can better work with them. An interesting thing about Temple is that she designs machines that are used in plants for slaughtering animals. That might sound strange since she loves them, she just understands that people are going to eat meat, and she wants the animals to suffer the least possible, so she designs machines and processes to ensure that. I really admire her, I think that takes a special kind of person. I totally understand how some vegetarians disagree with her, but I'm on her side. People are going to eat meat, what I care about is animal suffering, and if she can help keep them from suffering I think that's wonderful. Anyways, it's a good book, I enjoyed it.

image via: JellS on flickr

It's banned book week (Sept 36-Oct 3)

2009-09-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

One author, whose books were recently pulled from school shelves, wrote a poem in her defense and it has become the manifesto for this week's banned book week. Ellen Hopkins' books Crank and Glass are about her daughters addiction to methamphetamines. They were pulled because some parents didn't want their kids reading about drugs. Fine, don't let your kids read them, or better yet, let them read them and then talk about it. Drug addictions happen. Hiding from it doesn't help anyone, and doesn't stop addictions from happening. Talking about it and being open about it can help people.

This is her poem:

To you zealots and bigots and false
patriots who live in fear of discourse.
You screamers and banners and burners
who would force books
off shelves in your brand name
of greater good.

You say you're afraid for children,
innocents ripe for corruption
by perversion or sorcery on the page.
But sticks and stones do break
bones, and ignorance is no armor.
You do not speak for me,
and will not deny my kids magic
in favor of miracles.

You say you're afraid for America,
the red, white and blue corroded
by terrorists, socialists, the sexually
confused. But we are a vast quilt
of patchwork cultures and multi-gendered
identities. You cannot speak for those
whose ancestors braved
different seas.

You say you're afraid for God,
the living word eroded by Muhammed
and Darwin and Magdalene.
But the omnipotent sculptor of heaven
and earth designed intelligence.
Surely you dare not speak
for the father, who opens
his arms to all.

A word to the unwise.
Torch every book.
Char every page.
Burn every word to ash.
Ideas are incombustible.
And therein lies your real fear.

There was also another book banned recently, a children's book, called And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. This is a picture from amazon of the front cover:

It's a story about a little penguin with 2 dads. I've seen some of the pages from inside and it looks like a really cute story. I would buy it for my kid (if I had one) in a heartbeat. I guess some parents think their kids shouldn't know about different kinds of families? Or different kinds of people? Or people who have problems or obstacles? I don't understand how people think they can just hide from parts of our society that they don't agree with. We have so much to learn from each other and if we keep closed minds and judge other people for how they live their own lives, we'll never be able to do that.

poem via: The Huffington Post
image via: Amazon

Lamed Vavniks

2009-09-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

A couple months ago, I came across the term "lamed vavniks" in a book I was reading. Basically, it's a story from Jewish folklore, and I think it's interesting. "It's said that there are always 36 people on earth that are so good they balance out all the bad stuff that's always happening. These people are lamed vavniks, or the 36 concealed righteous ones, and they keep God from losing patience with us." It's an interesting idea, and I like it. All the information I have is from this wikipedia article and this essay by Danusha V. Goska from The Impossible Will Take a Little While by Paul Loeb. I have no idea how to cite stuff in a blog, but you should check out those articles anyway! "It's also said that the 36 people are not aware that they are the lamed vavniks and the 36 people are always changing (it's not always the same people.)" So, the whole point is that we should all behave as though we are lamed vavniks, we should try to be good people and take care of each other, I like that.

Patricia's baby shower

2009-09-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

Today I had a baby shower for my friend Patricia. It was sweet & simple, and I think everyone had a good time. Here are some pictures... (and how to make some of what I did.)

The parents-to-be!

with Laura & Brian

with Sue Ellen

& us.

The cake,

it says "welcome baby" in Brazilian Portugese.

It was from Wally's* and was amazing.

The favors

(Hershey's kisses inside.)

garlands

I made them with construction paper & ribbon.

I got the idea from a Martha Stewart book, she did the same thing only she used

those little dot stickers instead. I just wanted the circles to be bigger and

they don't really make those in baby colors.

The punch.

I'm not sure exactly what flavor it ended up being (but it was good!)

The ingredients we used are:

pineapple sherbet,

mountain dew voltage (because it's blue),

sprite,

and a tiny bit of berry blue kool-aid (for more blue)

I thought it would be super cute to float a rubber duck on top...

but rubber ducks don't float very nicely (who knew?!)

So, I froze it in a bowl of ice and that kind of helped him stand up better.

If I did it again though, I would make the ice more shallow, because

if it's too heavy it will sink.

The baby blanket I made for Patricia.

It was so easy and I was really happy with how it turned out.

I bought 1 & 3/4 yards of 2 different baby flannels,

washed & ironed them (which I think made a huge difference,)

I put the 2 good sides together and sewed it inside-out,

then flipped it (make sure you leave a hole,)

Then sewed around the edges.

It's also cute because you end up with rounded edges (which I wasn't expecting!)

The end!

*Wally's is a little German bakery that has been in KC for 47 years. They don't have a website that I can link to, but they are at 3855 N. Oak KC,MO 64116 and their phone number is 816-452-7535. I would highly recommend them for anything because their pastries are always unique and special.

KC Spay & Neuter, you're awesome.

2009-09-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

For every time Michael Vick was sacked in the game today, they donated a "sack" of dog food to people who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it. LOVE that.

Check out the video here.

*Okay, I really wanted to find out if he was tackled today, and if so how many times... but after a lot of boring football research, I still have no idea, sorry! From what I understand... it doesn't really happen that much in a game? But still, it's the idea. I also learned that animal shelters all over the country will be holding similar events this season, and I think that is just incredible. It's such a great way to get the point across, and the best part is that hungry pets are getting food. Just warms my heart.

And just because... here is the link to KC Spay and Neuter. They will spay/neuter your pet for around $20.

Also... if you would like to donate dog food/$, here is information from their website on how to do so:
Donations can be mailed to SNKC C/O Pet Outreach Program PO Box 410303 Kansas City, MO 64141. Donations of dog and cat food cat be dropped off at the clinic M-F from 8am to 4pm. Please call 816-353-0940 for Saturday drop off times. You may also drop food off at Brother’s Pets at 4015 Sterling Ave. in Independence, MO.

The unplaza art fair is almost here!

2009-09-25T21:19:00.000-07:00

If you live in KC, you should check it out this weekend.

It's Saturday and Sunday at the All Souls Unitarian Universalist church (which is our church,) right across from the Nelson. It's put together by an organization called PeaceWorks (their name basically explains what they're about- they work for peace in the world) and all of the artists donate a portion of their proceeds to them.

There are tons of local artists there and it's awesome because the vast majority of the art is affordable. And it's all different types of art, it's not just paintings and prints- there is also jewelry and pottery... and whatever kind of art you can think of.

Last year we bought print of the Flint Hills in Kansas. We have yet to get it framed... but we love it, and when we actually get our guest room together, it will go in there.

Our weekend is pretty full... but I really hope we can make it again this year!

Here is a link to the brochure with all the information.

Farm fresh eggs (and where to get 'em)

2009-09-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I'm just now realizing this, but I think it's something to think about...

Here's what I learned yesterday: Chickens lay 1 to 2 eggs each day. I don't know why I thought they laid more, but I did. 1 to 2 isn't very many.

What that means to me is that if I eat 1 to 2 eggs every day, and I usually do have a hard boiled egg with breakfast, that means there is a chicken in a tiny cage laying eggs just for me. (In theory.) I realize most people don't care, but when you think about it, isn't that kind of sad?

By the way, I'm a vegetarian and I eat eggs. A huge part of being a vegetarian means making conscious choices about the foods I eat (which involves ethics, the environment and my own health.) Chickens naturally lay eggs, and I think that as long as I'm making the choice to buy eggs that involve the least possible cruelty, it's perfectly fine to eat eggs. Also, of course they're a great source of protein and energy. Anyways...

This whole thing came up yesterday when I was telling a friend about the eggs we're now getting from Justin's boss's farm. His chickens only recently started laying eggs and they're a lot smaller than grocery store eggs and they're all different sizes. Our conversation led to some questions about chickens and eggs... and online research (because we're both very much city girls and have no clue about stuff like that.) That's when I learned how few eggs they lay.

Anyways... I feel totally lucky and blessed to be able to buy eggs from a local farm where I know the chickens are free-range, cage-free and happy. That makes me happy.

If you're not so lucky to know someone with a farm, and care about the chicks, here are some local KC area farms and places where you can buy your own fresh eggs:

Karbaumer farm (Platte City)
Sage Moon Naturals (Excelsior Springs)
Parker Farms (Richmond)
Good Natured Family Farms is local and they sell eggs in area Hen House's
There are also farmers who sell eggs on craigslist
And of course you could check out our farmer's markets.

(and by the way, it's worth it to go a little out of your way, farm fresh eggs are way better!)

Smoothie Love

2009-09-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

I've been loving smoothies for breakfast lately, it's such an easy way to get in fruit and protein and it's just a good start to my day.

Yesterday I found a couple recipes on Glamour's Vitamin C blog, that I think I'll try:

This one is made with tofu. I really had no idea you could put tofu in a smoothie, but it would be a good way to get protein. I'd try it.

And this one has cooked oatmeal. Which actually sounds kind of good. I never have time to actually eat oatmeal in the morning, but I could throw it in a smoothie and take it to work.

I'm also really excited to try maca powder. I've recently started reading Kandee Johnson's blog, who, by the way, is super sweet and funny. And in one of her videos she said she mixes it in with her smoothies for energy. It's basically from a Peruvian root and is all natural. She also has a youtube channel and tons of videos on make-up, (she's a make-up artist) health and life. She has to be one of the most inspiring people I've ever seen and she's so warm and sincere. This is a great video where she talks about what she does to stay healthy and happy. If you can use some inspiration.... here it is! You can't help but love her.

The Power of Kindness

2009-09-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

I recently finished a good book called The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Living a Compassionate Life by Piero Ferrucci. I've started slowing down when I read and taking more notes. I've realized that if I don't, then I don't remember much about the book, and that's just sad. I ended up taking a ton of notes because it was an easy read, and inspirational. I wanted to share some of his wisdom:

"Kindness saves us energy that we might otherwise waste in suspicion, worry, resentment, manipulation, or unnecessary defense. It brings us back to the simplicity of being."

"In giving our warmth-and so too our vital presence, our positive, nonjudgmental attitude, out heart- we can bring into the lives of those near to us vital, sometimes extraordinary changes. And, we, too, do not remain unchanged."

"The quality of our thoughts is felt throughout our organism. Will we make them thoughts of hatred and revenge or of love?"

"If we can return, even for a moment, to our center, then quarrels and resentments seem an absurd waste of time."

"Find a place inside where there is more breathing space, where love and beauty are possible. Forgiveness is there."

"When we are centered and can feel at peace with ourselves, we will be able to forgive and things won't seems as awful."

"If a substantial part of our mental effort is spent in worry and self-defense, what becomes of our potential to take new initiatives, to create something original or to enjoy life?"

"The ability to see value even in humble, unremarkable situations is essential to our happiness."

"If we see people as interesting and special, our world becomes stimulating and open."

"Kindness has a slow pace. If we slow down, we are more likely to meet and to truly know each other."

I realize these quotes are a little out of context, but I hope they're as inspiring to someone else as they are to me! We can all use a little more kindness.

Lazy Sunday?

2009-09-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Not here.
I've found some inspiration:

and some paint that I got awhile back from a Glidden giveaway.
and I'm off to start a project.

Saturday

2009-09-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

Justin and I woke up before dawn to go blackberry picking. We drove to The Berry Patch in Cleveland, MO and were there by 7am. (Yesterday was a long day!)

It's nearing the end of berry season, so the girls from work and I wanted to get in a berry picking trip before it was too late. There weren't a lot of berries left, but we picked what we could, and we all got a few pounds.

I had never been to a berry farm before, so it was a fun experience. It was also a nice time to be there. Because we got there so early in the morning, it was still, cool and peaceful.

After sharing some of our berries, we ended up with about 3 pounds, which was enough to make 2 pies, with some left over. Justin made the pies and they turned out really good. He used a recipe with tapioca, and used a frozen crust. He made streusel for the top (a nice compromise because I wanted cobbler instead of pie!)

Earlier in the week, while we were trying to find a place to go that still had berries left, I came across a great website that lists all the farms around here where you can go to pick your own fruits and vegetables. It's a little late this year to really take advantage of it, but I would like to do that more next year.

Also, since fall is right around the corner, I'm really kind of looking forward to going pumpkin/apple picking. I'm far from a farm girl, but it's fun to pick your own food. It's a great time with friends, and you get to make pie!

Fashion week

2009-09-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, no, not really. But this week I did attend a small fashion show and I was really happy with the outcome on Project Runway. I know I'm a little late posting this, but I'm posting it anyway.

Last Thursday my mom modeled for the Quotations fashion show. It's one of her favorite boutiques and she was super excited about it for months. These are some pictures from her modeling debut.

I'm pretty proud. The clothes from the boutique are too mature for me, so I was there mainly for the moral support. It was fun though, and all the ladies in the audience were so chic and fabulous. I hope I have grace and style like that someday.

And... Project Runway this week? I loved the dress Ra'mon designed, it seemed like it was actually wearable and it looked so cute on the model. And that's all I'm going to say about that, because if I said more, about who went home, it would sound mean. But... I will say I'm not disappointed.

We did the crawfish Crawl.

2009-09-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

And it was fun. Last night Justin and I went to Cameron, a small town near another small town where his mom and step-dad live. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from a craw fish crawl, but basically it was just a small town getting together to listen to some bands*, eat craw fish, drink beer and just hang out together. I thought people would go crazy eating the crawdads, but this guy
was the only one that I actually saw eating them. (Just so you know, you don't really eat them like this! He's just a silly guy.) If you've never had crawdads, you basically break off the head and then eat the meat from the body and suck whatever it is out of the head. That sounds so gross, but as far as I know, that's the only way to explain it!

I didn't try any crawdads, I kind of wanted to, only so I could say that I did it. I couldn't bring myself to do it though. They just seem too much like bugs and I'm just not down with that. They actually look like little lobsters, but they aren't seafood. And I don't regret not trying them. I did have jambalaya though (without the meat) and it was pretty good, definitely spicy!

It was fun because we got to meet all of Justin's mom and step-dad's friends. They were really nice people, and it was fun to finally meet them. We met a guy named Crazy Larry. Yes, he was pretty crazy, but a fun/friendly crazy and he made me laugh a lot. We also met a lady named Roxie who told us that Justin and I will be together forever. And she told us we will have a baby within 3 years! (we won't.) I never really figured out why she thought she knew those things, but she told us almost like a psychic would tell you something, and I didn't really know what to make of it! And this beautiful lady...
is my mother-in-law. I love this picture, yes she is wearing craw fish claw earrings. awesome.

I know I've said this before, but I love seeing a community coming together for something like this. It's something I've always wanted to experience, (aside from being a city transplant in someone else's community.) Being a suburban girl, it just kind of fascinates me. I think that's why I'm so excited for my mom. Now that she's retired she's becoming more involved in her town, and I love it, I'm happy for her.

Anyways... it was fun, and I'm really glad we went.

*The link is for the mo mud bugs, they were by far the best.

Dear shabbyblogs.com,

2009-09-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

I adore you. I feel like my blog can really join the blog world now. It *finally* looks like I want it to. It's no longer generic looking and you have made my life a ~~little~~ lot happier today! You have so many super cute templates and it's so easy... even I can do it. Thanks a whole bunch!

If anyone else would like to link to you... here's the link.
(They should really check it out)

Love,
Jenna

Nate and Amy are getting married!

2009-08-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

Our friends, Nate and Amy, are getting married in a little over a month. I guess I just realized how soon it is and I'm excited. It seems like I just saw her trying on her dress (which, by the way, was one of my favorite moments. Her dress is amazingly beautiful, and perfect for her. And it meant so much to me to be there.) I remember it was snowing that day and August seemed like so far away. I know their wedding is going to be so beautiful and special and I can't wait to see it.

Speaking of can't being able to wait... I hope with all my heart that these 2 Luxembourgadian ladies are there.
They're Amy's aunts. We stayed with them for a couple weeks when we were in Europe 2 years ago. I've been looking forward to Amy's wedding since then because I knew that would be their next trip to the US. I absolutely cannot wait to see them. I know there's a chance they won't be there... but I haven't been able to bring myself to ask Amy if they will be. I want to go on thinking they'll be there. I will be beyond crushed if they can't make it.

Since we have a couple weddings coming up... I've been thinking about a new dress. This:

Is what I would really like to wear.
I love it. It would be so perfect. swoon.
I love weddings.

image via anthropologie

This weekend I...

2009-08-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed snow cones with Justin at Fresher than Fresh, He had lemon prickly pear and I had green tea pear. They were so good. All of their ingredients are natural, so it's not like normal snow cone syrup.
And something really cool?
Their plastic cups are compostable! Of course we took them home and put them in the bin. Love it, I've never seen that before.

After snow cones, we went down the street to a panderia/pasteleria that I've wanted to go to for awhile, and bought huge Mexican cookies.
On Sunday I went thrift/antique store shopping and found 2 cute sweaters, and 2 necklaces.

Later on Sunday we went to the KC Ethnic Enrichment festival with some friends.
We had a lot of fun, and ate a LOT of different foods. For lunch I had vegetable cous cous and Justin had a gyro. We also had a variety of other good food/drinks... and we watched a Brazilian Capoeira presentation and that was really interesting. The dancers did an awesome job and made me wish I could do something like that.

We had a full, fun-filled weekend, but also found a lot of relaxing time too. I love weekends.

mom's birthday party

2009-08-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

Today Justin and I had a birthday party for my mom. I wanted to give her a special party and I really think she enjoyed it. Justin made grilled shrimp and I made toasted corn and asparagus and a fruit salad. My grandma brought a German chocolate cake and we had a really nice dinner.

I wanted the decorations to be really sweet and pretty, and I liked how it turned out. I think my mom felt special and loved, so Id say it was a success!

Date night, done right.

2009-08-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

Last night Justin and I went on the date we were meant to have last week. He picked me up from work and surprised me by taking me to Lill's on 17th, this cute little tapas cafe. I've been wanting to go there for awhile because we see it every time we go to Mattie Rhodes.

We had some time to kill before they opened for dinner, so we did a little urban adventuring and ended up at Michael's, a men's clothing store, that's been in KC for 104 years!

It is such a nice store, we can't really afford much there... but it was a cool experience and the salesman was very friendly.

Later on at Lill's, we had drinks and tapas. Lill's is in an old house in west side KC, and it's really romantic and cozy. It wasn't too hot so we sat on the patio, and enjoyed beer/sangria while listening to blues. Can't really say I'm into blues, but it somehow fit the atmosphere.

We had never really had tapas before, so we decided to try it. We had avocado creme toasts. They were really flavorful because the avocado had wasabi in it.

The only other time I'd had tapas was in Barcelona with Amy. We were so hungry that night we just ate them super fast and left, but I think having tapas could actually be a more of an experience than I thought. They brought out our avocado toasts and we shared them, then they brought out the crab cakes after we finished the toasts.

It didn't actually fill us up... but it was about the experience!

Here's to urban adventure dates!

one more quick post

2009-08-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

Speaking of vegetarian food... We just had a pretty awesome dinner. I wanted to share it, because it was really good!

Twice baked potatoes and spinach salad with feta, olives, mushrooms and tomatoes.

Obviously we're only half vegetarian... and I think we're a pretty good team at making it work!

Banana nut muffins

2009-08-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

One of my goals for this blog is to post vegetarian recipes I've tried. Because I'm not an especially great cook... this is the first! Although I'm not vegan, this recipe is. It's my favorite muffin recipe because it's super easy, I always have all the ingredients and it's the perfect way to use up a few too ripe bananas!

Here it is:

Vegan Banana Muffins

3 ripe bananas
1/4 c. vegetable oil or melted margarine
1c. sugar
2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. chopped nuts

*Mash bananas and add oil/margarine and sugar, and mix well

*Sift flour, salt, baking soda, and salt. Add to banana mixture (do not beat)

*Bake at 360 until toothpick comes out clean

I found this recipe online somewhere a few years ago. I can't find it now, to give credit where it's due. I didn't make it up, but I love it!

I'm pretty sure Justin approves too.

weekend recap

2009-08-09T07:36:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been a little stressful. We've been nursing our sick cat back to health and we had to say goodbye to these sweet babies

We realized this weekend that we won't be able to foster/adopt any more pets. Our queenie cat just won't allow it. She stopped eating a couple days ago in protest of the kittens, so we returned the kittens to the shelter on Saturday. I'm going to miss them and it makes me really sad that we won't be able to help kittens like we thought we would be able to. After saying goodbye, we went to Petco and bought this...

We syringe-fed Beulah all day yesterday and put her on pheromone collar on. I think she's tired of us feeding her and I'm pretty sure she's going to start eating today (if she hasn't already.) This is her this morning... I think the pheromones are working. She looks like a pretty happy cat.

So, on a happier note, this was my favorite part of the weekend:

A Friday night date with my husband!
We went to Chappelle's and it was low-key and relaxing. Our plans were changed a little... but it was still a date and it was fun!

Today, I might go visit my mom, relax, and get ready for the week ahead.

Are these popping up around you?

2009-08-05T19:43:00.001-07:00

Around this time of year, they grow in little clusters in random places around here. I guess they're called amaryllis lillies. I love them because they remind me of flamingos.
I know that might sound a tiny bit crazy. But seriously, think about it the next time you see them. I think it's because they have such a tall stem and they're so delicate looking. They're also always in clusters. And they're pink. Just like flamingos.

I really love them and I'd like to plant some in our yard.

images via sowing the seeds and ics.uci.edu

Saturday night company

2009-08-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight my brother-in-law, Jesse (Justin's brother) and Suzanne, Jesse's wife, are staying with me. They had a wedding to go to this evening in KC and couldn't really drive home afterward because it's such a long drive. I'm excited to have the company, Justin's been gone since Thursday, and I'm kind of getting lonely!

We made quesadillas for dinner, then they took off for the wedding. They looked really cute together.
Since we don't get to see them all that often, we're having brunch with Justin's mom and step dad in the morning. His mom is coming over to make us funnel cakes for brunch and I'm pretty excited about that... It should be fun!

Congrats mom!!

2009-07-31T18:57:00.000-07:00

Today was my mom's last day at work... she's retiring! Her friends at work had a party for her today and *almost* our whole family was there. I think it's funny how alike my mom, grandma and I are in this picture. This is basically it except for Justin:

Since I've been working in the pharmacy in her building for awhile, I've gotten used to seeing her everyday and being able to go up to her office whenever I wanted. I'm really going to miss that!
It seems so weird to me that she's retiring. Although it's something she's been talking about for a few years, I just can't believe the day is actually here. It's a good thing for her though, and I know she's excited to start this new part of her life. I really hope she enjoys all the freedom and that she keeps herself busy with all kinds of fabulous things!

Kitties. oh kitties.

2009-07-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

Today when I got home from work, I had an email waiting for me from Parkville animal shelter asking if we would be interested in fostering a litter of kittens. They were contacted by another shelter that couldn't take care of them. Of course we said yes... because it's something we've been wanting to do for awhile and now we have 4 three month old kitties in our guest bedroom. There are 3 female tabbies and 1 all black male.

They are all so cute and super silly/playful. They're still jumpy, and they haven't really let us hold them yet, I think they just need to get used to us and their new foster home. It seems kind of crazy that we're taking care of 4 kittens, but knowing that we're helping them find good forever homes makes it all worth it. I just hope we're good foster parents, I'm sure it's going to be quite an experience!

They aren't ready to be adopted quite yet, they still have to be spayed/neutered and micro chipped, but after that we will start taking them to adoptions every Saturday at the shelter.

There are many other lovely pets available for adoption at the Parkville animal shelter. Click here for more information!

Big Lake

2009-07-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Justin and I took a half day of vacation to go to Big Lake State Park in Craig, Missouri.

We were pretty excited because it was our first trip in this:

my new jeep!

We decided to take a *small* trip (90 minutes) because it was our first real trip on the highway.

90 minutes ended up being a long trip! (it was pretty windy!) But it was fun… it was a perfect sunny day and it was nice to be able to leave work early to take off on an adventure.

We arrived there around 5, set up our campsite then walked around exploring the park for a little while. Later we went to their restaurant for a fish fry.

There wasn’t a designated place for swimming but we climbed down the bank and swam for a little while before it got dark.

We had so much fun together… but we were so hot and exhausted… sleeping in the tent wasn’t going to happen. After laying in the tent for awhile hoping it would cool off we decided to pack up and drive home! Camping overnight just wasn’t going to work.

So, we drove home late last night. We slept in this morning and now we’re getting around to starting the weekend!