tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75496729122955164732024-03-13T10:59:54.306-07:00Sunshine SavannahUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-43416401255503464212013-10-23T20:12:00.000-07:002013-10-23T20:12:37.210-07:00Savannah's Sunshine Shop has a NEW HOME!!Why hello there my lovely friends! We've moved our blog to the new website. Be sure to check it out, comment, follow, and keep in touch!<br />
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Our new site is:</div>
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<a href="http://www.savannahsunshineshop.com/">www.savannahsunshineshop.com</a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-39248367382345891002013-09-18T21:13:00.000-07:002013-09-18T21:13:00.219-07:00And then it was mid-September...Yep, its been a while since I've posted but I promise I have some really good excuses...kind of...<br />
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Do you ever have those days or weeks (or maybe months) that are just off? I'm talking about those little chunks of time that just wear you out...its the little interval of time that, when its finally over, you realize just how stressful and exhausting it had been. Yep...that was our summer. I'm not quite sure how to explain it, but one minute we were at a picnic at Erik's friend's house on July 4th and the next minute it was August 31st and we were finally heading on a much needed vacation from reality, from stress, from <i>everything</i>!<br />
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So where did our July and August go??<br />
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To make a long story short, my lovely hubby came down with a case of Shingles. It started as just a really bad, intense headache that lasted for a week...and then after more signs started to appear (like small bumps on his forehead and around his eye), it was finally diagnosed as shingles. The poor guy was out of work for over a week <i>after</i> he was finally diagnosed and he was exhausted and in pain for while when he went back. Its so hard to see someone you love in so much pain and not be able to do a thing.<br />
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Erik finally started to feel better but for some reason <i>my</i> immune system decided we weren't ready to enjoy the summer yet...I ended up with a bad cold (and due to the sick day I used and our lack of cable- this cold led to my new obsession with Downton Abbey...thank you Hulu!). One last little snag...As soon as I was feeling better, Erik had a bit of a shingles relapse. Luckily, he was feeling almost 100% by the time we left for Maui. <br />
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Needless to say...we were ready for a break from everything. We needed to relax, take a breath, enjoy some sun, enjoy each other's company, and just turn off everything. We were fortunate to be able to get away...and finally (!!!) things are getting back to normal. We are healthy, happy, and less stressed...and for a couple days, a little tan- which is a little rare in our neck of the woods...<br />
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I definitely did NOT intend to make this a whiny story about how rough our summer was up to the day we landed in Hawaii...I just feel that I owe an explanation for my silence...Here I am, trying to build my little shop, tell my story, share my craft, and create this Sunshine Shop world, chat with my friends and family and fans on my Facebook Fan Page...<br />
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and then...*crickets chirping*<br />
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I apologize my friends. I'm still here. Savannah's Sunshine Shop is still up and running and will have a new look (and new website!!) soon. So please hang in there with me...and STAY TUNED! <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-46428748392316628392013-07-10T20:48:00.002-07:002013-07-10T20:48:26.703-07:00A Patriotic ProjectA special project for my lovely Aunt Terry...more pillows! She requested a patriotic color palette to go with her quilt, and she wanted one round, one square, and one rectangle pillow.<br />
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I wanted Terry to be able to get a lot of use out of these so the square and rectangle are reversible. I had originally planned to do the same with the round pillow but once I started cutting it out I decided it needed a little something extra...and this is where the idea for the pieced together, raw edged, wrapped, knotted, fabric fringe came into play!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-78757565068768703062013-06-21T07:00:00.000-07:002013-06-21T07:00:03.126-07:00Photo Friday: Colorful FindsI couldn't walk by these without taking a few photos!<br />
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A bright green building with bright leafy plants...<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-50778073428842191332013-06-18T22:23:00.000-07:002013-06-18T22:23:00.479-07:00Handmade Business Obstacle #1:Wanting to please EVERYONE!I know if you are reading this, you probably know me...whether your a family member, friend, old classmate...and many of you who know me well, know that I love when people love me and I fret when people don't. For some reason I've had this crazy idea that my life mission to make everyone happy. I aim to please...and this desire to be liked and make people smile started early on in my life. There are stories of my dad pushing me through the store in a grocery cart while he worked. As he finished ordering or pricing or whatever the task was, I became the unofficial customer greeter- I made sure to say hi to everyone that walked by. Maybe it goes back to my mom's "kill'em with kindness" method. Sugar-coat it, add sprinkles, and poor on the sweetness...it'll make anyone come around. Trust me, I've been perfecting this technique for years...make that decades!<br />
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By day, I'm customer service for a high end fabric showroom...I get <i>paid</i> to make people happy (and if they have an issue with an order- that can be waayyyyyy harder to do than it sounds!). By night, I work on building my Sunshine Shop brand by working on a new design for my blog, a new logo, new products...I dream up and plan out new items to add to my shop and work on current projects...I try to stop in and say hi to my Facebook fans, post fun photos, blogs, status updates....and why?!? So people <i>like</i> my brand!</div>
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I can openly and honestly admit it...I am a people pleaser. I have made some improvement- not everyone needs to like me...just <i>almost</i> everyone....just kidding (kinda of). I have grown though. I don't take things as personally as I used to. I'm learning that I <i>can't</i> take things too personally...especially if I want to have a successful handmade business. The truth is, some people will like my stuff and some will not...and much to my own surprise- I'm ok with that.<br />
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Here's an example- I had my first official 'unlike' on my Savannah's Sunshine Shop fan page...for a split second, I was a little hurt but then I remembered, it takes all kinds of people to make this big old world go 'round and not all of them are going to love colorful scarves, handwoven rag rugs, funky potholders, etc. I'm sure I've 'unliked' a page or two just because I forgot what it was! No matter what the reason, I really surprised myself by how quickly I brushed it off...Who knows who it was and really who cares...I'm ok with it!<br />
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There are so many styles, tastes, opinions out there that there is no possible way I can please everyone. I'm giving it up- at least when it comes to my Sunshine Shop. I'm never going to please everyone and I won't become successful trying. From what I've read- finding the perfect niche market is key. It almost feels like a weight off my shoulders...I'm here to follow my own creative eye and makes things that fit my personal design asthetic- and with that I'll be able to build an honest brand.<br />
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And you know what they say...if you build it, they will come.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-30704197143516102062013-06-14T07:00:00.000-07:002013-06-14T07:00:03.294-07:00Photo Friday: Lilies (Georgia O'Keeffe style)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here are some photos inspired by the abstract floral paintings of <a href="http://www.okeeffemuseum.org/art--exhibitions.html" target="_blank">Georgia O'Keeffe</a>...</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-83195103172430693662013-06-07T07:00:00.000-07:002013-06-07T07:00:01.216-07:00Photo Friday: Hidden Treasures- South Lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">One sunny Saturday afternoon, I found myself wandering around South Lake Union</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> with my husband, my camera, and all the time in the world...</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-62836010773601421642013-05-31T21:20:00.000-07:002013-05-31T21:20:00.563-07:00Photo Friday: The Perfect PoppiesSo if you assume that because I grew up in Kansas, I'm familiar with the movie The Wizard of Oz...you're wrong. I'm not just <i>familiar</i> with it...I'm pretty sure I could put on a fairly accurate one woman reenactment of the movie. Oh, and if you want to throw in my two sisters, we could absolutely quote the whole movie (songs included!).<br />
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Its been a really long time since I've seen the movie. Well, except the time Erik and I looked up 'Wizard of Oz Dark Side of the Moon' on youtube just to check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoAIY_6qkmU" target="_blank">the urban legend</a> for ourselves...but that doesn't really count, right? No matter how long its been, there are little things that remind me of this classic. Like the time we were out on a walk with Austin and without realizing it (until an older gentleman walking in the opposite direction pointed out), I was wearing my red tennis shoes, my Kansas hoodie, and walking my scruffy dog. Or whenever I hear any cover of Somewhere Over the Rainbow...you know the song I've mentioned a few times that I like?</div>
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And then there's poppies...I will never be able to walk by poppies without hearing The Wicked Witch of West..<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG2keYgBiZc" target="_blank">.<i>"Poppies...poppies...poppies will put them to sleep.."</i></a>. You know the scene...</div>
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No matter what your association with the flower, you can't deny it's beauty- the crepe paper-like petals and the vibrant color. I've never noticed them as much as I have this spring though...maybe I'm under their spell?!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-60050369026993819402013-05-24T07:00:00.000-07:002013-05-24T07:00:11.215-07:00Photo Friday: Skagit Valley Tulips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
April showers bring <i>April </i>flowers? I know that's not how the saying goes...but April is the Tulip Festival! It was a rainy drive up to the fields but completely worth it...</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-16396504825496047122013-05-20T22:20:00.001-07:002013-05-20T22:24:31.211-07:00Brunch Date!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I remember our first night up here...our first night in the city. Our mattress was on the floor, boxes and Rubbermaid bins stacked up around us, and outside our window...our 'night light'. We could see the very top of the Needle from our bedroom window and we fell asleep to it softly glowing in the distance.<br />
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Over the years, it has became more than just a local landmark to us...not only did it help light the apartment for those middle-of-the-night sleepy stumbles to the bathroom- it also represented a brand new life, a new beginning, the journey we were starting on our own...just the two of us (ok, technically three of us, counting our pup, Austin).<br />
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After almost five years and with the help of a gift card (thanks Leslye & Don!), we finally made it to the top! We had the biggest brunch or my lives...lets just say my <i>appetizer</i> was a Belgian waffle.<br />
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We spent our two+ hours in the restaurant pointing out every building, landmark, mountain, neighborhood we knew. We pointed out the streets, the highways, the hills we've driven down and the streets we've walked along.<br />
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We could even see our old apartment building...it was crazy to think how many nights we spent staring at the Needle in awe...<br />
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And there we were, remembering that first night...staring right back at the place where this whole adventure started.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-48331082883850219312013-04-15T22:25:00.001-07:002013-04-15T22:25:37.518-07:00Trying to find hope in humanity...I checked my phone over my lunch and found out through facebook posts and twitter what had happened. My stomach dropped...not again. More innocent people harmed by a selfish, hateful act. I don't think I knew anyone running the Boston marathon today, maybe a friend of a friend on facebook, but it doesn't take a personal connection to feel the confusion, the hurt, and the anger resulting from today's events. <div>
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I don't understand. My whole life has been about being kind to people, trusting people and believing that there is more good than evil out there. I truly believe that most people are good...but then something happens...a school shooting, a coffee shop shooting, a bombing and I feel completely naive. The Pollyanna world of rainbows, sunshine, and 'do-gooders' is trampled. I lose hope, I become afraid...not just for us but for future generations, our kids and their kids. What's going to happen to them? Are they going to be able to go out to a public event or place and feel safe? Will they be able to live without being afraid to walk out their front door?</div>
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To be honest- I was having kind of a crappy Monday...stressful, customer issues, not ready for the weekend to be over, short staffed...I really had a case of the Mondays when I woke up this morning. I knew Erik did too. He started working on a task at work that he absolutely dreads on top of feeling stressed and exhausted. We were both a little grumpy and a little tired. Everyone has those days...but after I saw the news on my lunch break, I knew I needed to snap out of it. My day and my 'problems' were NOTHING compared to those whose lives will forever be changed by the bombings today. My blah mood and stress from work was nothing...I realized that I needed to get over myself and be thankful for every last ounce of life I have.</div>
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How do you cope with something like this? How does a participant, or a friend or family member of one cope? How does the community cope? How do we as a nation cope? We have to find that lost faith and trust in humanity. I've noticed a trend (it's sad that there have been so many tragic events that there can be a trend to be noticed). The worst times bring out the best in people. Through the confusion and tears, people pull to together. They help each other, they donate money and time to help. We start to realize again...that people are good. </div>
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<b>“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” </b></div>
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Along with rebuilding our trust, we cannot be afraid of walking out our doors. We can't be scared to go out to community events, to public areas, to museums, parks, landmarks...We have to keep going places, we have to continue coming together and celebrating our communities. </div>
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If the fear keeps us inside and stops us from living life, then <i>they</i> win...whoever <i>they</i> may be.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-27774417734450456632013-03-11T22:01:00.000-07:002013-03-11T23:13:00.209-07:00Spicy Pillows....so hot right now!If it isn't already too obvious- I'm a fabric lover...some may call me a hoarder but I prefer <i>collector</i> or <i>connoisseur</i>. I have a closet full of beautiful fabric. Among the many, many, MANY large scale linen prints, I have silks, velvets...even maybe a leather or two. Believe me, I've collected more than my fair share of fabrics. I am seriously concerned that someday my piles and piles will end up in the apartment below us...ok, maybe not...but that gives you an idea of how much fabric I actually have saved up over the last few years.<br />
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So what do you do with so much fabric, you ask? Well, besides a handful of hot pads, woven rugs, and bags, I've really enjoyed sewing pillows! As I've mentioned before, I'm a self taught sewer so I jump on anything that helps me improve. I've made monogram pillows for my sisters and my sis 'n law (who also added a few more pillows to her collection a couple Christmas' ago). I've whipped up a set for my Aunt. I've made a ba-zillion (ok...more like 15-20) different pillows for our living room and bedroom over the past few years. They are a simple way to spice up a room. Its always exciting to pull the bins out of the good 'ol craft closet and build a color palette. It helps remind me why I push myself every evening and weekend...it makes me feel creative and alive! </div>
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Most recently, my mother in law, Leslye, asked me to sew some pillows for her. She and her husband, Don, visited last November and we spent some time digging through the piles of pattern and color. </div>
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She brought a few photos of pottery she has on display in her living room and away we went...pawing through the piles of fabrics and here is how everything came together....</div>
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Spicy, bold, summery colors...a mouthwatering salsa and guacamole color palette! (am I making you hungry?!) I love this classic but fresh combo. We mixed prints, velvet, dots, stripes, embroideries...a little bit of everything but it came together beautifully!</div>
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The pillows I've made in the past have had an envelope closure in the back so the pillow can easily slip in and out. I made Leslye's pillows two sided so she can mix and match until her heart is content!<br />
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Side 1 on the left and Side 2 on the left:</div>
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And of course a few a group shots for good measure:</div>
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And another satisfied customer...and sofa!<br />
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More projects to come soon!! :)<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-5420472109955315912013-02-27T22:50:00.002-08:002013-02-27T22:52:22.660-08:00Jumping off the high dive.Wow...It has been 20 days since my last post! I thought I was getting waaaaayy better at this. Where did February go? And while your trying to figure that one out...where did the last year go? Or the last FIVE for that matter?! I'm starting to realize that it's true...time <i>does</i> speed up the older we get.<br />
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As March begins and yet another birthday approaches, I've started to look inward again. I'm really seeing a pattern...I <i>really</i> do this every year. Where was I last year at this time? What was I doing? What have I done to better myself? my craft? my life? Am I happier? stronger? I know you ask these questions too...maybe it's year round, or January 1st, or (like me) around your birthday...but I sure, or at least I hope I'm not alone. Overall, I can honestly say, I am happier...especially compared to that <a href="http://sunshine-savannah.blogspot.com/2012/03/creative-drought.html" target="_blank">creative dry spell</a> I wrote about this time last year. We moved into a new place about a year ago, Erik and I have tried new things (like outdoorsy things!), and we have some fun and exciting plans for the future. It is a fun time in our lives and I'm looking forward to the next year...my last year as a twenty-something. It has to be good, right?!<br />
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While looking back over this past year, I'm finding there is still one thing that I need to work on. It is the one hurdle that I just can't seem to muster up the courage to jump...I need to focus more energy on making this handmade business happen. It's something that I've dreamed about and chased around for years. I've sold things through Etsy to family, friends, and a few people I don't know but I know it can be more. I know it can be <i>something</i>. I know I need to do this to feel complete. Yep, I mean in a Jerry McGuire "You complete me" sort of way. I need to catch up with this creative, blown up dream and grab onto it before it's out of reach.<br />
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<i><b>But it's soooo intimidating.</b></i><br />
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I know there's something in your life too...that thing that you have always wanted to do, that thing you have always wanted to learn, that place you've always wanted to visit or move to, that career you've always envisioned or that non-profit you've always wanted to start. It's that thing that you know, deep deep <i>deep</i> in your heart, that would make your life whole, happy, complete. I'm not talking Roomba Vacuums or a healthy chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, people...I'm talking about your <b><i>passion</i></b>.<br />
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So now that I have you thinking about that passion of yours...are you following it? are you living it? If you are...you are my personal HERO. But I'm sure most of you are like me...you work hard during the day, you're tired at night, you have a laundry list (and laundry for that matter) of things to do in the evenings and on days off. If and when you have time to find and follow that distant dream, it feels so far away. Sometimes, so far away that you can't see it...maybe you forgot what it even looks like! It seems like a lot of effort, a lot of sacrifice, a lot of work to catch up to it and actually make it happen...and what if it doesn't work out? What if you <b><i>fail</i></b>?!<br />
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I've heard that 'C' students are most likely to become successful entrepreneurs because they are comfortable with taking risks. I always thought I was a risk taker...I take that back- I liked the <i>idea</i> of being a risk taker. I've tried to be that person...but eventually my stereotypical first born personality traits kick in. I need a plan, I need structure, I need to <i>know</i> that I will succeed, and most importantly, I need to know I will be the <b><i>best</i></b>...to put it plainly- I was an 'A' student. I'm pretty sure there was a moment(s) in my middle school and high school career when I cried because I got a 'B', let alone a 'C'.<br />
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I guess, busy schedules, fear of failing and fear of the unknown aside...we have to just <i>do</i> it. It may take some time, it may take that last little bit of energy we have left in the evenings...but we have to just make it happen even if it's scary and intimidating. It might be easier for some of us than others but as my wonderful friend Betsy told me, "You survived the high dive even though it took you 45 minutes to jump off."<br />
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And with this...I leave you with a pep talk from Kid President.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">To Be Continued.....</span></i></b><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-63398575370115218822013-02-08T07:00:00.000-08:002013-02-08T07:00:10.460-08:00Photo Friday: A Special Bear for a Special WomanA special bear I made for Erik's Grandmother in memory of her husband, Jack.<div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-38210101024111604352013-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:002013-02-01T07:00:08.923-08:00Photo Friday: Pet Project-Animals Up CloseAn ode to our BFFs...our pets!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WCs1W1wElPA/UPxOucJBZNI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/1lNgiNH346g/s1600/Andie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WCs1W1wElPA/UPxOucJBZNI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/1lNgiNH346g/s640/Andie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQDdbgjVn00/UPxOujqX2UI/AAAAAAAAA3U/nKo8DDnNTe0/s1600/Austin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQDdbgjVn00/UPxOujqX2UI/AAAAAAAAA3U/nKo8DDnNTe0/s640/Austin.jpg" width="498" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">And you know this guy...the one and only Austin (my favorite model)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelby</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIvGQChBkis/UPxOvJhQB6I/AAAAAAAAA3g/ryse2OhbFJY/s1600/Rufus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIvGQChBkis/UPxOvJhQB6I/AAAAAAAAA3g/ryse2OhbFJY/s640/Rufus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Rufus<br /></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-33835383478807795032013-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:002013-01-25T07:00:06.911-08:00Photo Friday: Nature Up CloseI started Photo Friday with the intention of posting <i>every</i> Friday...but we all know how that has turned out! I've decided to change 'Photo Friday' to 'Whenever I have photos to post-Photo Friday'. This will take some of the pressure (from myself!) off of my shoulders and it will ensure that only quality photos will be posted for your viewing pleasure. Thanks to my husband Erik, and my in-laws Leslye and Don I have an awesome new camera to keep me going!<br />
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On a weekend trip to Portland to visit family, our pup Austin and I (along with the new camera!) did a little exploring in the backyard...<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-36039887368803415842013-01-01T13:26:00.001-08:002013-01-01T13:28:34.307-08:00Happy New Year!Whether you spent it out on the town or curled up at home, New Year's Eve is a time we reflect on where we've been while making plans to move forward. It's a time we celebrate the end and new beginning...everyone gets a fresh start!<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">I wish you and yours a wonderful, happy, healthy, successful New Year full of hope, laughter, and love!</span></b></i></div>
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Here are a few photos from our cozy night in!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-57052374587114510182012-12-30T22:32:00.000-08:002012-12-30T22:51:59.422-08:00HomeAs our plane lifted off the ground and into the cold Kansas City sky, it began to softly snow...we were heading home to Seattle, after being <i>back home</i> for Christmas. Ingrid Michaelson's version of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uGXEJsF1Zo" target="_blank"><i>Somewhere Over the Rainbow</i></a> started playing on my iPod about an hour into the flight and I had to hold back the tears. <i>I already missed everyone.</i> To some it may sound a tad cheesy...but that song, preformed by any artist, has become one I go to when I want to be reminded of home, of where I came from, of my family and friends...of Kansas. Along with the memories, come bittersweet feelings of leaving it behind again intertwined with those of moving forward and growing. Not growing out or away, but growing into oneself as a person, an individual.<br />
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<b>home : seattle</b><br />
Erik and I have been in Seattle for four and half years now and we both love it here. The weather, despite what people may say, is not that bad...it rarely gets above 90 degrees or below 32 degrees. Once the sun shines, it shines bright and beautiful. Almost every summer day is like that perfect 75 to 80 degree day that might show up in Kansas in April or May. There is so much to do...so much <i>we</i> still need to do! There are more outdoor activities than I can name and so many restaurants and concerts, its hard to keep up. There's so much to take in that at times it can be a little overwhelming....but exciting. There is still such a feeling of newness and change here. It always feels fresh and full of life, movement, growth and opportunity. To quote the great Jimmy Buffett (who, many may know, is a family favorite)-<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbgGTOT9cJI" target="_blank">"<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">River gets deeper not shallow, t</span><span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">he further you move down the stream</span>, w<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">onderin if I can keep her</span></a></i></div>
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<i><i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbgGTOT9cJI" target="_blank"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">As I race to catch up with my dreams, h</span><span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">ow they shine and glitter and gleam"</span></a></i></i><br />
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<b>back home : kansas</b><br />
When I'm back in Kansas, no matter how frigid the temperature outside, it always feels comfortable and cozy, like home should feel. My parent's house hasn't changed a whole lot...a kitchen remodel, some paint in the bedrooms...but it still <i>feels</i> the same. It is still the place where we can act like little kids around Christmas, even though some of us (Erik and Adam) are closing in on 30 years old. Its a place we can let our guard down, we can cry, we can laugh, we can hug, snuggle up, say something dumb...and no one will judge you, no one will care...because they care so much<i>. </i><br />
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The longer we are away, the more nostalgic it feels going back...the trips back are fast and furious, so we fill the time with little sleep and lots of joking and laughing and story telling. Sometimes I have to pull myself back to the ground to remind myself that not everyday is Christmas...the whole family doesn't get together for large home-cooked dinners and gifts every weekend. I have to let the reality set back in...it isn't like this all the time. It isn't like this a <i>majority </i>of the time...that's what makes our visits so special. Everyone has a real life to live too, with real jobs and real stress. But for that little bit of time...we can forget everything and just enjoy each other.<br />
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The older I become, and the closer we get to someday starting our own family, the more I hope Erik and I can create that same sense of home and sense of place for our children. How does one create that sense of home? How do you make sure that sense of security is there? How do you create a home base? As sad as it would be, if my parents ever decided to move from the house in which so many memories were created, my childhood home, I know that its not the house.<br />
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It's the unconditional support, the trust, the love...<i>the people</i>.<br />
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And that's how I know we and our future kids will be ok...wherever we might end up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from my parents attic, while wrapping presents- 12.23.12</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-63278315030283454182012-12-17T21:41:00.001-08:002012-12-17T22:34:08.237-08:00Shopping Vintage: The Holiday Party DressI know I may have mentioned it before, but I am a sucker for vintage dresses. I've spent hours 'window shopping' for old dresses on Etsy and browsing through consignment stores, searching for that special, one of a kind piece to add to my closet. Don't tell Erik, but my dream would be to open a second Etsy shop full of vintage finds...but that may have to wait until we have a place with more storage...oh, and some start up money.<br />
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I can't remember when this love affair started but I have a few ideas...Maybe it was watching Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr, in her HUGE ball gown, dance across the screen in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAlvib2tiL4" target="_blank">The King and I</a>...or ANY of the amazing costumes I fell in love with while watching movies from my Papa's Rogers and Hammerstein collection, for that matter. Thanks to my sister's Judy Garland phase, maybe it was the red velvet dress and sparkly head scarf Judy Garland wore to the Christmas party in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g4lY8Y3eoo" target="_blank">Meet Me in St. Louis</a> that sent me over the edge. And Dolly...<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae0Hg6VLPc0" target="_blank">Hello Dolly</a>...that gold number Barbara Streisand wears while she's singing with Louis Armstrong...words cannot describe how much I love that dress.</div>
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Like most little girls, I remember really liking the idea of 'dressing up'...putting on your Sunday clothes (as Dolly would say). Not a lot has changed. I still like dressing up! Every year, I start looking for a dress to wear to Erik's annual Christmas party a couple months in advance. My one stipulation...it has to be unique. I go into this dress hunt knowing that there will be a little work...you can always find a vintage dress that is beautiful but its hard to find one that fits perfectly! I have to go in with an open mind. Its not what the dress <i>is</i>, but what it could be...I know that's pretty deep for dress talk, but its soooo true.<br />
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<b>My three rules for finding that perfect vintage piece:</b><br />
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<b>1)</b> <b>Know your measurements</b>...all you need is a measuring tape and maybe some help from a friend (and maybe a helpful <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsBczjU4uaI" target="_blank">youtube video</a>). One tip- I tend to buy dresses that fit my measurements or a little larger because you can always take it in but you can't always let it out!<br />
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<b>2)</b> <b>Learn a little about clothing construction</b>...or find a friend (this is an open invite people!! I'm here!)<br />
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<b>3) Be creative!!!</b> As long as the fabric is in good condition...go for it. I'm still teaching myself how to alter clothing, so if you are more experienced, the sky is the limit!<br />
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And this brings me to my dress of the season...I found the perfect dress a couple of years ago but due to a bad cold, we skipped out on the party that year. It was a $40 find from a shop on Etsy and it hung on a hanger in my closet for two years. Everytime I opened my closet door, there it was...begging me to wear it. With a few alterations, this dress became one of my favorites!<br />
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Here's my 2012 Holiday Party Project...I mean dress :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bright aqua and silver brocade fabric is what drew me in...every girl needs that statement sparkly dress, right?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit boxy, but, man....that fabric!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little big and a little too long...I have a short person complex thanks to my younger (but taller) sisters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took the dress in 2" on each side and took the hem up about 3.5"...I know, soooo scandalous.</td></tr>
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<b>AND.....The After</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paired with black tights, black wedges, a bun and bright red lips!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">And a couple model pics for good measure but mostly to make Erik laugh...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And my date for the night, doing his best James Bond impression! :)</td></tr>
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Lots of food, drink, and conversation (oh, and my hot date!) made for a great night out. Like I said before, I'm still learning this alteration stuff so I was pretty proud of myself! I received a couple nice compliments but my favorite reaction was when a lady told me (after she'd had a few cocktails) that she like how "it looked like it was from the future but also kinda from the 60's". Hmmmm...how do I top THAT next year?</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-62669047782954760242012-12-06T21:59:00.000-08:002012-12-20T14:18:01.492-08:00To anyone who has ever felt insecure...I know there have been many before me write about this, and I know I will not be the last one. For tonight at least, I want you to listen to what I'm going to say from up here on my soap box. <div><br />
</div><div>Recently, I've heard a lot of negativity...not gossip or world news...its been in the form of personal insecurities. I'm sure it is always around me but for some reason I've honed into it as of lately. I've heard everything from nonchalant comments about being too fat and needing to workout, to people depriving themselves that last cookie because they want to be 'good', all the way to a wonderful young mother feeling completely down and disappointed with herself. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Why do we think and talk so badly about ourselves? Whether it is regarding appearance, ability, personality...why do we so harshly judge ourselves? I do it...my friends, family, and co-workers do it...but are we all <i>that</i> insecure? I'm trying to source this trend of self-deprecation...and when I find it, I'm going to kick it in the shins and tell it to leave my friends and family alone!!</div><div><br />
</div><div>I can always blame society...(man that society is blamed for everything, huh?). With tv specials like the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show where woman who are bone thin but somehow can still fill a DD bra, flaunt their flawless, un-photoshop'd bodies. And for the record, you are crazy, <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2243198/Adriana-Lima-hits-streets-make-catwalk-extravaganza-airs-U-S-television.html" target="_blank">Adriana Lima</a>..really 8 weeks after you gave birth you looked like THAT? How are real woman supposed to compete with people like you? I'm not a mom yet, but I can't imagine the pressure this puts on REAL woman, who don't have trainers and nannies, and endless hours a day to spend at the gym. I know...it's her job..yadda yadda yadda...and still, like many other woman out there, I own a few swimsuits, pjs, bras, and undies from VS. I totally buy into it...</div><div><br />
</div><div>Another place that may bring on bad mouthing ourselves? Fashion magazines...Don't get me wrong, I LOVE them. I love the ads, the articles, the color and photography...the excitement I get when I see that extra large September issue of Vogue crammed into my tiny apartment mailbox...But all you need to do is flip through one to look at the unnaturally thin models and the expensive 'must haves' of the season. If I really owned all of the 'must haves' of the season, I wouldn't be able to afford the other, more common, 'must haves' in life...like food and shelter. But I subscribe to it...I like seeing whats new and trending. </div><div><br />
</div><div>We also have shows like Fashion Police (which I love...) that might be fun to watch after an awards show to see the pretty dresses but it also tears apart people who don't have the same fashion taste or sense that the hosts have. But I buy into it!!! "Oh yes, I agree with you Joan Rivers, that dress was a tragic mistake..." </div><div><br />
</div><div>And then I catch myself...I'm judging others. So obviously, they are judging me, right? </div><div><br />
</div><div>Odds are, they are too busy judging themselves and worrying what <i>you</i> think of <i>them</i> to worry about you...if that makes sense.</div><div><br />
</div><div>As I'm writing this, I'm realizing that the magazines and tv shows are not going away. Honestly, I like my magazines and don't want them to go away...They are not going to change, at least for a long time so we need to change how we take in what they are throwing at us. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Maybe the solution to our insecurity problem is to separate our own personal feelings from what is being projected onto us. We should all stop comparing ourselves to the Kate Moss' and Heidi Klum's out there and focus on what is good for us personally...we should live up to our own personal standards and meet our own personal goals. Maybe we can all learn to be content with who we are in our own skin. As long as we are active and healthy...does it matter if we can fit into those size 4, 8, or 12 jeans? We need to learn to be ok with ourselves, love ourselves, how we are <i>today</i>...not how we think we will feel if we buy that expensive bag or brand name pair of shoes or if we lost 20 lbs or had rock solid Daniel Craig abs.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Life is too short to let all of these insecurities stunt our happiness. When you are taking your last breath...are you really going to be thinking 'Man, if I could have only lost those last 10 lbs and bought those Jimmy Choo's, my life would have been perfect.' </div><div><br />
</div><div>I doubt it. </div><div><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-16023034799822280412012-11-30T07:00:00.000-08:002012-12-17T21:46:39.196-08:00Photo Friday: A Little Holiday Cheer!With Thanksgiving behind us and December only a day away, it's time to add some holiday cheer to the place! <br />
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Here are a few of my favorites...including the three stockings I made a few years ago and Erik's stocking from his childhood! <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-48439312386997984362012-11-14T22:59:00.000-08:002012-11-14T23:00:32.379-08:00How We Made Our New Apartment a HomeEarlier this year, Erik and I made the big move to a new apartment. When I say big move, I mean really big...a whole two blocks away from our old place. Our old apartment had lots of charm- old wood floors, glass knobs, tiny hexagon tile in the bathroom, to name a few things. It was a typical pre-war apartment building. It was cute, full of character, and the perfect first place for us in the city. Eventually, though, the issues that come with living in an older building (like a leaking ceiling/roof, for one) outweighed the charm.<br />
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If you know me well, you know that I love old things. I LOVE vintage clothing (check back soon to see what I found to wear to Erik's work Christmas party this year!!!), old furniture, dishes, buildings...anything that has a story and a past. Even the house I grew up in is closing in on 150 years old. Needless to say, moving from a place that had such history to a place that was still being updated the day we moved in was a little out of character for me. We decided that we loved our neighborhood too much to leave so we took the tiny leap and moved a couple blocks down, into a newly renovated apartment.<br />
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It was a fresh start...and a <i>very</i> blank slate.<br />
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Choosing the color palette was more difficult than I thought it would be. Since the first time I laid eyes on the red and blue flamestitch (bottom right), I loved it. I was so certain that it would be the perfect inspiration for our new living room. While I dug through my 'collection' of fabrics searching for reds and blues, another palette started to surface. It was softer, lighter, more subtle, more <i>Northwest</i>...what was happening to me?! I love bright colors...I AM bright colors! Why was I being pulled to this neutral palette? I knew Erik would love it...especially because we had pillows with fuchsia, orange, and even flowers in our last place. I couldn't decide so I took the issue to the people who I knew would not hold back their opinions...my facebook friends!<br />
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Right or Left?!?! There was no clear winner! I had to make a decision and just for kicks I chose.....<br />
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The Neutrals!!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NnclEoVSMLY/UKR_vR2M9fI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/rmssQZ7R6wU/s1600/fabric+and+rug+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NnclEoVSMLY/UKR_vR2M9fI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/rmssQZ7R6wU/s640/fabric+and+rug+close+up.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here is the before...the blank, bland, cream, living room. AND our new, comfortable, gray Kravet sofa!<br />
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We organized the books (a perfect backdrop for any space!)...<br />
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Found THE PERFECT coffee table on etsy (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/scottcassin" target="_blank">click here to see this guy's shop...amazing</a>) and paired it with a simple chevron throw rug.<br />
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I slaved away on my little sewing machine...not really...but it took a few week nights and a Saturday afternoon to finish up the pillows. Here are three of my favorites...<br />
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And a couple close ups...<br />
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One of my favorite movies and a gift from my Papa Garrett...my Casablanca poster is finally on display after so many years.<br />
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And after a few months, a little shopping, collecting, sewing, and picture hanging...here is our lovely living room, the space where we hang out, read, eat, and live.<br />
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I've learned something very important through this move and this 'make-over' of our living room. No matter where we live, whether its an old house full of stories, an apartment with lots of history, a simple, clean, renovated place or somewhere in between...it's what WE bring to the space that makes it a home (but a few new throw pillows won't hurt).<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-40023934523199970482012-11-02T07:00:00.000-07:002012-11-02T07:00:07.570-07:00Photo Friday: Seattle Great WheelFirst, I have to apologize for skipping last week. We are finally wrapping up a huge expansion and renovation at work so that means I finally have more time for crafty, creative, fun stuff in the evenings and over the weekends. Woohoo!!!<br />
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A couple of weekends ago, my mom-in-law, Leslye and her husband Don made the trip from Portland to Seattle and stayed with us for a couple days. We took a quick visit to the market and bought fresh salmon from <a href="http://www.pikeplacefish.com/" target="_blank">the fish guys</a>, had a few beers at the brewery, visited the new <a href="http://seattlegreatwheel.com/" target="_blank">Great Wheel</a>, and just had some good 'ol fashioned bonding time.</div>
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For your Friday viewing pleasure...some photos of the new ferris wheel!<br />
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As I was going through my photos, I realized I didn't take a single photo of the WHOLE ferris wheel...but I'm guessing you can use your imagination. </div>
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So, thank you for taking a look at my collection of abstract Great Wheel photos. Happy Friday!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-40495811705106797362012-10-19T06:30:00.000-07:002012-10-19T06:30:00.918-07:00Photo Friday: Facebook Fan Giveaway!So as of right this minute (10-18-2012, 9:38 PST) I officially have 95 'likes' on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Savannahs-Sunshine-Shop/172942502737494" target="_blank">Savannah's Sunshine Shop facebook fan page</a>. My goal is to hit 100 'likes' by Thanksgiving but with a little help from my friends <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHaA4RePosY" target="_blank">(insert John Belushi singing Joe Cocker here)</a> I think I might just hit my goal before the weekend is over!!<br />
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As a <b><span style="font-size: large;">big thank you</span></b> to all of my friends and family (and their friends and family!) I'm going to be giving away a set of my hot pads!!!! As soon as we hit the 100 mark, I'll draw a winner. The winner will have the choice between a set of hot pads posted in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SavannahSunshineShop?section_id=7473077" target="_blank">hot pad section of my Etsy shop</a> or a custom set in whatever color they choose. Hey, it could be you!<br />
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You could win a set like one of these!<br />
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**Please note that not all of the fabrics pictured above are still available but I can find something similar.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549672912295516473.post-57844959085733677602012-10-12T07:00:00.000-07:002012-10-12T07:00:13.189-07:00Photo Friday: How to discover (or rediscover) your style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To switch things up a bit, I'm throwing in a little 'how to' as part of this week's Photo Friday!<br />
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I need (and when I say need... I mean NEED) to have a creative outlet or I start to go stir crazy. Just ask Erik! If I'm not working on something or at least coming up with a list of things to work on, I start to have one of those, 'oh my god what am i doing with my life' moments...when I have something to keep these crafting hands busy, I'm at complete peace with the world. I'm learning, as I mentioned in my last post, that things seem to go in waves, we have ups, downs and somewhere-in-betweens. What do I do to keep sane during the slower times? I get out my old magazines and rediscover my style!<br />
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When I was in college, I had the opportunity to visit a few furniture factories, fabric mills, and textile design studios in North Carolina. It was an amazing experience but one woman stuck out to me. She was a color specialist at one of the design studios (ummm...officially my dream job). Her job was to research color trends and come up with colors and color combos for the fabric and trimming collections her studio produced. One way she researched color was by taking a stack of the newest magazines and cutting out everything she found visually interesting. Even if it was the background color of an ad, she would cut it out. She then took the pile of magazine clippings and sorted them into smaller piles. There wasn't really any trick or method to sorting them, she just thought the colors and images looked good together...the 'just beacuase' method- my favorite reason for choosing colors for my own work.<br />
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This would be a fun project for anyone, though, not just the crazy, color-obsessed weaving lady...Maybe you're trying to put together some new outfits for work? Or trying to decide what color to paint your bedroom? Anyone who is trying to discover (or rediscover) their style should try this out. And who doesn't have a stack of magazines?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r0dzgpCi7iI/UHZZ5jEGD0I/AAAAAAAAArM/pM1r51xjwec/s1600/sketchbook+and+mags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r0dzgpCi7iI/UHZZ5jEGD0I/AAAAAAAAArM/pM1r51xjwec/s640/sketchbook+and+mags.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fancy flowery sketchbook, a big stack of old magazines, tape and scissors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dmz069BaLco/UHZa4qfJnfI/AAAAAAAAArk/Fbs0-2tJh60/s1600/cutting+out+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dmz069BaLco/UHZa4qfJnfI/AAAAAAAAArk/Fbs0-2tJh60/s640/cutting+out+picture.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut out everything you love....EVERYTHING!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MndFvw7E1k/UHZZxZJbgAI/AAAAAAAAAq0/To_rdIIWF4A/s1600/magazine+pages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MndFvw7E1k/UHZZxZJbgAI/AAAAAAAAAq0/To_rdIIWF4A/s640/magazine+pages.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My big pile of every image I thought was interesting...yeah, I started tearing out pages. Maybe I LOVED too many things. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oY1W8z_wd6w/UHZZ27D7eMI/AAAAAAAAArE/7a2UubL978g/s1600/seperate+into+stacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oY1W8z_wd6w/UHZZ27D7eMI/AAAAAAAAArE/7a2UubL978g/s640/seperate+into+stacks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sort into smaller piles...HINT: DO NOT THINK TOO MUCH...just go with your gut and what you think looks good together. I tend to go more by color but you be the judge! I try to let it just happen...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjiXo0bpid4/UHZZutKZlNI/AAAAAAAAAqs/AunE_5gR8dw/s1600/lime+and+red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjiXo0bpid4/UHZZutKZlNI/AAAAAAAAAqs/AunE_5gR8dw/s640/lime+and+red.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glue or tape the smaller piles in your sketchbook and VOILA! <br />
This one of my finished pages that turned into a lemon, lime, pink, and red color combo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bzlv8ajb4W0/UHZZ8dXHLqI/AAAAAAAAArY/kmKcV_lIpn0/s1600/spa-qua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bzlv8ajb4W0/UHZZ8dXHLqI/AAAAAAAAArY/kmKcV_lIpn0/s640/spa-qua.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An ode to the celedon/aqua/'spa-qua' (spa + aqua) --this one's for my work mates.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqGq6nEfrXo/UHZZ0OnerEI/AAAAAAAAAq8/eqKnHgnHTqk/s1600/red+and+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqGq6nEfrXo/UHZZ0OnerEI/AAAAAAAAAq8/eqKnHgnHTqk/s640/red+and+blue.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indigo and Red</td></tr>
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I go through this little process every once in a while and it has been really interesting to look back through the pages I did months (or years!) ago. You should try it...Even though the colors and images change, you will start to see a common theme or 'look'. That common thread is YOU! It's your style...embrace it! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2