Our Elf

Our kids are the ideal audience for Elf on a Shelf. Last year, I found this little guy in TJMaxx. We told the kids that this elf is a direct helper to Santa. He (or she?) watches them and then reports back on what he saw. Next morning, you can find Elf in another spot. With so many things to do and buy, I'm glad we've added this guy into our holiday tradition. O & V wonder where he's positioned himself to watch our family's chaos.

'I am Happy' list

1. using the word 'so', ex. so happy, so tired, so awesome. gets annoying at times, but it is me. true.
2. Paul Westerberg, Dyslexic Heart (after all these years...still)
3. rainy days even if I am working and not in sweats on the couch
4. I Like You by Sandol Stoddard Warburg
5. Making a master list and then crossing things off.
6. my desk calendar
7. netflix list
8. trade and sell on ravelry

Cyber Planning

Ok. I did a bit of cyber shopping, during lunch of course. Now I've got a few gift ideas pulled together. Gathering ideas, then the reality of what can actually get done before the holiday.

• For Viv and Anna: Tu-tu T-shirt from Joy's Hope.
• For Diane: Ruffle Necklace from Happy Together. I've some great fabrics stashed for this.
• For me: creating a version of Boden's Rosy Skirt with yo-yo's
• Gift exchange for Mary and perhaps others - cup sleeve w/ photo by The Object Project. love it!

Holiday Weekend Closing

We had a great holiday. Lots of eating, rest, as well as visiting with friends and families. Most of all, we were able to be home and just be cozy.


Any outfit goes with Cookie Monster slippers.



Mr. O had a fever and cough for a good portion of the week. We did find out he had perforated his ear drum, our poor little kitten. Once he had the medicine, he was so much better. He even created his own Indian headdress.

We lit our fireplace for the first time. The glow sets the tone making us believe everything is okay in our little world. A long weekend of thanks for simple pleasures.

Turkey Trot

I typically have Wednesdays off so I've been hanging out with O and V today, getting ready for Turkey Day. Lots of lounging and playing including baking pies - Pumpkin and the Martha Stewart Prize winning pie -English Toffee and Pecan and creating this bird. Yes, it is a turkey and it stands in front of my cookbooks for inspiration. This turkey will have friends after the kids create tommorow.

I've been working on a skirt - trying to understand basic structure principles. So rather than cleaning and setting the table, I'm putting the final touches on this skirt.



This skirt is made from re-purposed fabric (used to be one of my 'wrap around' skirts) trimmed in ribbon and tulle. I need to fine-tune my hand sewing. When I tried it on Viv, she said she looked like a princess. She always does.

Probably should focus on the other stuff since the reality of hosting Thanksgiving dinner is starting to hit me. My mom is bringing the bird and others are bringing other menu items.Have I told you how much I love a holiday with such great, comfort food?

I am grateful for many things especially family. We look forward to celebrating in our new home.

Thrifty Goodness

I love 'floating'. My cousins - Todd and Kim along with G and Ant D would float any given Saturday or Sunday when we lived in NJ. These days I recall fondly were pre-kids and now seem a lifetime ago. We would rise early and 'float' garage to estate sale and back again. The day usually ended with a meal prepared by Uncle C who had been cooking all day. I can taste his Vodka sauce now with tomatoes from his morning run to Corrado's.

We now live in another state and we can't float as often as we once did. I'd love to plan out some floating holidays back in NJ. In the meantime, I'm looking into my own local flea market adventures.

A couple weeks ago, my friend, Colleen, and I woke early (actually our normal time) and headed out with DD coffee in hand. Our inaugural trip was to Frederick, MD. What a sweet town. Very walkable and a great selection of stores.

One of my favorite spots was a Thrift store. Found this great house coat, hoping to re-purpose the flannel fabric.


I'm thinking a skirt for V or a bag. Don't you love vintage labels? I do.

Will share pics of other finds later. I see a return trip to Frederick in the new year.

Home is best

Just back from a conference in Boston. Travel for work these days is limited to once or twice a year. I enjoy the adventures. I was able to catch up with old friends. It was a great mix of business and personal. The conference was inspiring and so were the friends. Reminders of days when we lived in Boston - young and limited on funds but living it up, cocktails on a Tuesday night because the week was already so draining. so fun.

Days are different now - working part-time with two kids. As much as I like to reminisce, I love my days filled with school tales, potty training, frozen pizza after a day in the office.

Although the queen size bed with ridiculous amounts of pillows is heavenly, it is always wonderful to be home.

Jamie is in the House

I love Jamie Oliver. Really. My husband laughs. Jaime O.:me; Nigella:G. I've been obsessed lately. His piece in the NYT: Food Issue was great. I borrowed his latest from the library - Jamie's Food Revolution. Made Chicken Korma last week and this morn., some scones.

Let the rain come down

It's raining in Baltimore. I just finished a bowl of my mom's chicken soup with matzo balls that totally hit the spot. Added tiny curtains to the office/craft room, aka: the room of frivolity. They just add the right touch of cozy.

Sweet Helena, I mean Vivvy

Camera is back from the shop. Yeah! We have much catching up to do including this hooray.

Here are pics of Helena pattern I finally completed from Knitty. I am pleased with the color combo including the vintage buttons that POP. I started this sweater/jacket when Viv was tiny. Looks like it might be a jacket for early spring or next fall.

Found words

I picked up this card at, I think, the Philadelphia Flower show over 5 years ago (!) It still made me smile. When I worked at Ohio University's Visiting Writers program, Mary Oliver was one of writers at our Spring Lit Festival. These simple and moving words accompany a striking Peace Garden Helmet by Kate Bishop.

Welcome to the 'hood

We have been talking 'new house' since January. In July we sold our home and bought another. Summer 2009 was the all about the 'move'. Lots of sorting and packing and donating. Lots (and lots) of t.v. for the kids. Coming from someone who LOVES t.v., I really am not a fan of putting your kids in front of it for long periods of time. I exaggerate but there were many times when the t.v. just made everyone (including my husband and I) happy.

We literally moved across the street. We now live in a 1920's craftsman bungalow. Although we loved our old home and miss our neighbors, this new place already feels like home. It is fall now and most boxes are unpacked or in the basement - out of sight, out of mind. These boxes will make a nice project for the winter. I'll share pics of my craft space later.

One of the morning glories from Seed Savers Exchange, Grandpa Ott, was transplanted from our old home to new. Not that we're looking for signs, but what a welcome.

Full of excuses

I complain (a lot, recently) about not having enough time. No more excuses. I'm learning about this blog - how to's, etc. But I am glad I am doing. Working on bits of set-up, each day a bit more. This morn. I added more gadgets. Next step is getting photos up and cropping.

I need to start somewhere

Okay. I have a tendency to procrastinate until I am inspired. Although fall is here, we recently put up a clothes line. On my favorite lists of lists is the scent of sheets that have been dried outside. Love it. Now is time to make the clothes pin dryer. Found the following project by Luv & Stitches. I'm getting ready to tackle her DIY Clothespin Holder. Found some oilcloth in my stash.

I love the vibrancy of oilcloth. And gingham - what's not to love? Can't wait to get started.