Win an Etsy Shopping Spree!

Don't forget to vote in the Best Handmade Kids Sweepstakes over at Etsy! You could win a $350 Etsy shopping spree, and you'll get to see some of the best handmade kids stuff! Perhaps you'll even find an early Christmas gift or two.

Yes, these are some of my favorites, no, they are not all the ones I voted for. It's hard to choose...and you'll just have to decide on your own what to pick!

Get Free Shipping!

Four days left to get FREE SHIPPING on all items in my shop! Sale ends September 1st.

The squirrels moved in.

Squirrels have invaded our upstairs walls. Emet saw one the other day walking the electrical wires to get up to the roof. He pointed and yelled, "A bear! A bear!"
Well, at this point, I would rather it had been a bear, because then he wouldn't be able to squeeze into the walls and make so much of a racket as to keep me up at night...every night. I imagine they've set up their kitchen with a stockpile of walnuts, gathered from the convenient tree right outside their front door hole, and their bedroom complete with a spun fiberglass bed taken from our insulation. I really hope they don't plan on having a family...
(clever photo from here.)

Is it time for chili?

It's still warm outside, but there's something in the air that is making me expectant of fall. So, I'm making chili.

Three-bean Chili

Ingredients
1 15-oz. can no-salt-added red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 15-oz. can small white beans, rinsed and drained
1 15-oz. can very low sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
1 14-1/2-oz. can diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 cup beer or chicken broth
3 Tbsp. chocolate-flavored syrup
1 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. Cajun seasoning
Dairy sour cream (optional)
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Directions
1. In a 3-1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker combine kidney beans, white beans, black beans, undrained tomatoes, beer, chocolate syrup, chili powder, and Cajun seasoning.

2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with sour cream and cheese, if desired. Makes 4 servings.
(recipe from one of my clippings. click here for nutrition facts.)

A Little Pretty in a Tent

I just bought some paper lanterns to hang in my jewelry tent. I'll be traveling to my first out of town show in October, so I want to make sure my booth is decked out.

Kenneth Parker

I'll be out all day, but for now, you should go browse the gorgeous photography of Kenneth Parker.

Western Spaghetti

I know you'll love this art video. Just don't try it at home!

Opening Reception

Get ready to get out and about on Saturday night! I hope to see you all there!!




SETH CONLEY | SCARLETT LIT | OIL ON PANEL | 24" X 36"

JULIA MARTIN | DOING BEAUTIFULLY | OIL ON PANEL | 24" X 22"




L O C A L

SETH CONLEY | GEORGE DOWNING | JULIA MARTIN

at

T H E R Y M E R G A L L E R Y

on the avenue of the arts

August 23 - September 20, 2008

Opening Reception
Saturday, August, 23 2008, 6 - 9 p.m.

233 Fifth Avenue North | Nashville, TN 37219
615.752.6030
info@therymergallery.com

The new me

It's definitely a HUGE difference...

My List:

(image from here.)

These are all items on my list of things to do before I die. (I know that sounds kind of morbid; I'm just saying I want to do all of these sometime in my life.)
1. Go to Fiji with Seth.
2. Go snorkeling in Fiji.
3. Go scuba diving (anywhere.)
4. Visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
5. Go to Paris with Kristen. (we've been planning it for ages.)
6. Wear false eyelashes...applied correctly and to a function that deems them appropriate.
7. Have blond hair.
8. See all my kids graduate from college.
9. Take them all to Disneyland. Hopefully before they graduate from college.
10. Go para sailing.
11. Ride in a hot air balloon.
12. See the Grand Canyon.
13. Set a diamond.
14. Wear a couture dress (even if I only get to try one on.)
15. Go on a vacation that lasts longer than two weeks.

Well, I'm sure there are plenty more things I want to do, but those are a good start. And I get to check #7 off my list tomorrow....

Inspired Polaroids

I love how since the announcement that Polaroid is discontinuing their instant film, photographers everywhere have been taking up the cause and shooting gorgeous compositions and posting them on blogs, websites and flickr groups.
This is probably my favorite photo of Nicole's from A Little Sussy so far. I'm not sure why, unless it's they way the lighting makes her look like an angel..and the little flecks of pink...

And here's one of the coolest videos I've ever seen. Made entirely with Polaroids and stop motion.

It's amazing how not taking something for granted causes a rise in creative imagination. I'll have to remember that the next time I need a little inspiration.

Heal for the Honey

My sister and I went to Brooke Waggoner's CD release concert last night. I only found out about the day before, or I would have told you...It was fabulous. I'm really a huge fan. I need more music in my life that doesn't sound like anyone else... Listen to songs from her new CD, Heal for the Honey, here.

Feature at The Pretty Peacock

Bijougirl Designs has been featured over at The Pretty Peacock. My dumb ole' computer won't let me load the page, though...so, go over there, and come back and tell me how it looks! I'm so excited!

Oh, p.s., the picture is from here.

Those Golden Rule Days....

Today was the kids first full day back to school. I got tons of things done while they were gone...and I'm exhausted. They are too.

Image from here on flickr. Which, incidentally, is a really lovely (and geometrical) photo stream, so take a browse if you get the chance.

I Love Retro Colour

I came across a blog on the Etsy forums that I've really been enjoying. Lot's of great pictures and quotes. Love Retro Colour.

Sea Orchestra

Like most of you, I'm sure, my little family stayed up last night to watch the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics. The kids marveled (and so did we) at the Chinese performers, but some of my favorite parts were the commercials. It was like the Super Bowl! Only, I didn't think the Super Bowl had very good commercials this year, so, they were better than the Super Bowl! This was one of my favorites:

(If you missed the ceremony, click on the link to see amazing pictures!)

Christina Romeo

When Seth and I were shopping for artwork for my anniversary present, we decided we would save up to buy one of this artist's paintings next.

Bijougirl Designs

I've been steadily added pieces to the shop this week. Go take a look, but be sure to go back later, 'cause I know I'll be adding a couple more between now and tomorrow;)

Tons of Black and White

Ok, ok, I know I've been posting a lot of black and white lately, but taking B&L photos with Tiffany has got me interested. I just found this blog devoted to black and white flickr photos. Have fun browsing! I did!

Time for some more pictures!

I've been busy making jewelry and I've done half of the pictures, but today will be a photo shoot day. Then I can get new pieces in the shop.

Chema Madoz

I love the creative black and whites of his photography. Via HaHa.nu.

Wanted: A little room of my own

I'm really drawn to this room. Usually I'm attracted to a more modern, minimalist style, but there's something about this art grouping...and the rustic stool over on the side...oh, and the orange.

From Jeffers Design Group, seen on JuBella.com via Flygirls.

Abracadabra

The kids practiced all day, set up a stage, and even made fliers that they put on all the doors to announce their magic show that started precisely at 4pm. They performed some good tricks from their magic kit, and also some crazy ones ("for this trick, I'm going to ask you to close your eyes for a second...") Seth and I both got to be volunteers from the audience.
Too bad the pictures didn't turn out great. The little hams kept moving...Ahhh, good times, good times.