Saturday, May 31, 2008

Mail Goodies

Today was a good mail day! I received my Summer Sassy Apron Swap apron from Lorigami. It is lovely! Made from all recycled materials. I believe it is a vintage sheet, and I love the way it feels. The style of apron is so sweet and feminine. I know I'm gushing, but I adore it! Definately take a moment to check out Lori's blog. She makes some beautiful clothes and some amazing jewelry.I also got this fabricm ordered on Etsy, in the mail today. I'm 99% sure the robot fabric is going to become a bag...for ME!And some mail that I sent this week... This apron went to my apron swap partner. She likes lime green and said she had orange in her kitchen, so I went with that and added the lemon-lime fabric to make it fit the Summer theme. I was happy with the way it turned out and I have enough of all of these fabrics to make another one of these for my Etsy shop.I also finished and mailed the Apronista swap apron to Janel earlier this week. I can't show you that one just yet, as I don't know if she has received it or not.

Check back in a few days...I'm going to be doing a giveaway next week!

Friday, May 30, 2008

"You fear my butt because you don't understand it. You resist it like all the others before you, yet its power only grows...Look at it! "

Last night my friend Stacey talked me into doing this. For an HOUR.

Even though there were only six of us, I felt mostly self-conscious the entire time due to...
  • being overweight
  • having the dance skills of Elaine from Seinfeld
  • the fact that I'm ALWAYS self-conscious
  • having the dance skills of Elaine from Seinfeld
Let me tell you, there was some SERIOUS booty shaking going on. I don't know how they did it...my butt refused to budge.

And, is it wrong that I became hypnotized by the butt action around me and got completely out of step more than once? I was reminded of Dana Carvey as George Michael on SNL. In my mind I was hearing...

"Look at it! You can't take your eyes off it, can you?! It's hypnotic! Try to look away! You can't look away! Try to look away! You can't! Look at it! Look at it!"

Despite the booty-hypnosis and my self imposed awkwardness, it was fun!! I found myself grinning more than once and I intend to go back next week.

But, man! I'm still sore!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

The Loveless Cafe OR Mmmmmm.

Last week at this time I was with my folks in Nasvhille. Dad had surgery, everything went well and while he's recovering slowly, we expect him to be up and at 'em again soon.

While in Nashville(pre surgery of course) we made a stop at my favorite restaurant, The Loveless Cafe. I love the atmosphere at the Loveless. Relaxed, simple, homey...from the minute you pull up. It even looks like granny's house.Go ahead, sit a spell before or after your meal. They don't mind, really.The inside is as inviting as the outside. Of course I adore how they've used aprons and tablecloths on the windows.And there's a porch for those days when you feel like taking it outside.Surrounding the cafe in what used to be the motel are several artsy-fartsy shops and a Trace bike shop. They were closed that day, but I got a big kick out of these...whatever they are. I assume smaller versions are sold in one of the shops. What are Jack and Sally doing in Nashville? At the Loveless? Neither of them look like Ham and Biscuit kinda folk to me.I think I've posted about my affection for the food at the Loveless before, so, I'll try not to go on endlessly about how down-home-just-like-your-sweet-southern-mamaw-used to-make-good the food is.Hot biscuits and homemade jam come just as soon as you sit down. Speaking of biscuits...we walked in and Carol Fay, the famous Loveless Cafe Biscuit Lady was standing behind the register. Of course I didn't realize it was Carol Fay, the famous Biscuit Lady until about two minutes later. And then came the delayed reaction. "Hey, was that Carol Fay, the famous biscuit lady? I think it was. It WAS! Shoot! I should have said hello...I should of asked for a photo with her!" Of course then I didn't want to look like a complete dork getting all googly-eyed over the biscuit lady, so I did nothing. Shoot! It was not unlike the time Shea and I walked right past Sting's son, lead singer of Fiction Plane, on the streets of St. Louis. Yes, THAT Sting. I'll warn you. The serving sizes at the Loveless are meant for two people. Even the sandwich was huge. Plenty left over for lunch later in the week.

For me it was barbeque, mac & cheese and hashbrown casserole. Hiding under that mound of bbq are hoe cakes. If you've never eaten a hoe cake, my best description would be this...imagine the flavor of cornbread fried up into the consistency of a pancake. YUM! For Mom, collard greens(which I would not touch w/a ten foot pole) white beans, caramel sweet potatoes and grilled pork chops in an onion gravy.Just a BBQ sandwich and a salad for Dad.
After our meal, Mom and I made a quick stop at Hams & Jams where a girl can get her fix of Loveless goodies to take home. Here's what I picked up...Mark LOVES the homemade granola and I will be making a batch of biscuits using this mix very soon!

You can pick up your own biscuit mix, hams, jams, cookbooks and other Loveless goodies like this super cute handmade in Nashville apron(why didn't I buy one?) at Hams & Jams online. The online shop is great, but if you're close enough, next time you're in Nasvhille, should make the trip to The Loveless Cafe. I think you'll be glad you did.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Kentucky Rain

It's been raining all day here in my little corner of the Bluegrass State. Made me think of this song. I couldn't find a clip of Elvis singing the song, but I love the photos of young Elvis.

And while I'm thinking 'bout the King, this is one of my all time favorite clips of Elvis, ever.


No Memorial Day picnic or outdoor fun(like I ever have outdoor fun...snort!) for us...looks like I"ll be grilling up some burgers(REAL for me, veggie for Mark). Maybe we'll have us an indoor pic-a-nic and catch up on some movie watching.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Poodielicious!

I've been hanging out a lot over at The Apronista. Created by the fabulous Domestic Chicky (who has an apron loving blog by the same name), The Apronsita is wonderful network of gals who adore all things aprony. Many of us make them, some of us sell them, but most importantly, we all love them.

I signed up for the first Apronista Apron Swap and had the absolute pleasure of being partnered with two wonderful ladies. I am making(this weekend) an apron for Janel, who is a sweetheart and has a lovely blog. For Janel's apron, I chose some fabrics that are outside my dork box and I if all goes as planned, I think it's going to turn out girly & pretty!

The lovely and talented Val of Yarni Gras! made an apron for me. And folks, it's a doosie! Even though we have never met, Val and I have this we're-almost-the-same-person vibe when it comes to some things. We discovered this before either of us realized she was my partner. So it made getting an apron from her that much more fun! Oooh...and Val hails from the land of Harry, so you know she's good people.
The apron she made for me could not have been more perfect! The fifties are my thing. I love and am fascinated by the clothing, the cars, the architecture, the music and the culture of that time. Have been since my teen years. So my apron sista Val goes and makes me a pink poodle apron! I LOVE it! It's Poodlerific! It's Poodletastic! It's Poodielicious!
Is it not the most adorable thing ever???

And as if that weren't enough, she goes and adds even more goodies! It was like Christmas in May, I'll tell ya! Recipe cards, tags, adorable "apron hook", beads, PEZ, a journal and check out those most excellent bookmarks!

Val...you are a doll!

In addition to all of the other apron goodness that goes on, there is a monthly Apron Project for those who wish to participate.Last month, we did recycled aprons. So much fun! I made this one from an old mu-mu style house dress, a valance and a bandanna. I call it "Desperate Housedress"! Hardy har har!

This month the theme was a ruffled apron using this tutorial. Here's my submission, I couldn't think of anything clever so I'm just calling it "Lemon-Lime".Now...I know some of ya'll are closet apron girls, so why not come join us at The Apronista? Let me know if you want to join in on all the aprony fun and I'll send you an invitation!

A Birthday

This is my brother-in-law Scott.
I couldn't have hand picked a better man for my little sis than this sweet, caring, smart, funny guy. He fits right in with the rest of us...I love that about him.And today is his 25th birthday!! Happy Birthday Scott! Love you...Miss you...See you SOON!!

Friday, May 23, 2008

A Little Pink

The much awaited and highly anticipated pink hair extensions have arrived. I must admit I was a tad disappointed in the size of them...remember I was kinda wanting something that looks like the photo in this post and it ain't happenin' with only three of these little guys. And I know what ya'll are thinking...I'll never look like that chick w/o some serious diet/exercise/facial "work". But still, I can dream. Here's the size of my extensions.Here's what they looked like last night added to my hair in the normal way that I wear it most days...when it's not in a ponytail. VERY tame as far as pink hair goes, I think. Not sure they work with that particular hairstyle. Mark & I went to the movies last night....the new Indiana Jones movie ROCKS, by the way...and I wore them. I only felt slightly self conscious.

Today I took the flat iron to the hair (both my old hair and my pink hair) and wore them to work. I got a lot of questions about it, several compliments and people wanted to touch my pink hair. I wonder what people would have said/done had I done something more drastic? Anyhow, this is how looked by the time I got home. Despite that the extensions were handled all day and that I practically slept on them during a stop at the tanning bed after work, they managed to stay in. I'd say they were worth the 8 bucks that I paid for each on this website. I kinda wish I had went ahead and bought five instead of just three. Even though it's not that drastic, it's something different and different is fun!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Lemony Lemon Cake

I was salivating just listening to my friend Rhonda talk about this yummy lemon cake last week. Imagine my bliss when she brought me a piece the next day! It was deeelicious! I can't wait to try one myself.

Lemony Lemon Cake

1 pkg. lemon cake mix

1 pkg. lemon instant pudding mix

4 eggs

¼ cup oil

1 cup water

1 (6oz.) can frozen lemonade, thawed

11/2 cup of confectioners sugar

Combine cake mix, pudding mix, and eggs in bowl; mix well. Add oil and water; beat until well blended. Pour into greased 9 X 13 inch cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool for 5 minutes. Combine lemonade and confectioners sugar in bowl; beat until smooth. Pierce holes in cake with fork. Pour glaze over cake.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

I just can't help it...

I'm still dreaming of pink hair. I don't know why really... Wishing for a change? I'm a bit punk-rock at heart? Early mid life crisis? Desperate need to appear cool? My friend Pinky has pink hair...well it's pink now...she was purple a few weeks ago. She's totally a cool chick, but she'd never admit it.

Anyway, a while back I wished for pink hair. Pink highlights, to be more specific. I didn't go pink then. I ended up going yellow(by mistake) and then blonde. I just picked up more blonde(my roots are showing waaay too much) and found myself looking for temporary pink hair color. It's probably a good thing that there was none to be had at CVS.

I'm a tad afraid of applying a wild color myself and I don't really want to plunk down the $ it would take to have it done correctly in the salon...for fear of looking ridiculous and being broke afterwards. This is an extreme version of the look I'd like.

Here's the fun part...those are extensions!! Made from human hair, the extensions can be curled or straightened. How cool? They come in several shades ;) and they are much cheaper than a trip to the salon. I ordered three...just to try...mind you. If I love them I may get more or who knows...add a blue streak! For less than 8 bucks, I can afford to be daring for once! I bought them here.

If it doesn't look completely ridiculous, and even if it does, I'll post a pic when they arrive! I'm excited! Now I can have my pink hair if and when I feel like it!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

And Ya'll thought I was joking about being domestically challenged...

Note to self:
The next time you wash a load of dark clothes that includes your favorite cargo camouflage capris, check the cargo pocket to make sure that there IS no cargo...such as an entire mini pack of kleenex...in aforementioned cargo pocket.

Man, I Wish I Could Dance

When it comes to dancing, I got nothin'. No smooth moves AT ALL. This guy...he's got the moves...and they are hilarious.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Apron Day!

Today was National Apron Day. Needless to say I participated and I enjoyed it! I even whipped up an apron last night just for the occasion. The pattern is called "Lorelei" and it came from this book. I may be mistaken but I believe it is the same or very near this pattern. I plan on making some of these for the shop in the near future. This fellow is a student whom I forced who agreed to tie on an apron and pose for a picture with me.

Luckily I have some good great wonderful friends at work who are almost always willing to join me in my occasional bouts of silliness. Is that? Why yes it is! There's Southern Belle Mama looking gorgeous...as usual.
Several other gals at work tied one on today...more than are pictured here. And these girls, unlike others of my generation, see aprons for what they really are.

One gal said about Apron Day..."What? is that something some man came up with to keep women in the kitchen cooking?" Yes, aprons, by default, are a symbol of domesticity...but not in the derogatory sense she meant. Aprons, for me anyway, also represent the generations of strong hardworking women who came before me...those women who donned their aprons and worked on the farms and in the fields, women who, during WWII, worked in the factories and returned home at night to care for their families, who labored at home to provide a good life for their children and husbands. And aprons are a symbol for the strong hard working women that we are today..be it in our homes, in the workplace or both.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Mother's Day...Happy Birthday....and a Belated Birthday Blog

Happy Mother's Day! My Mom...she's the greatest.
And a big Happy Birthday today to my kid brother Shea! He's the coolest kid I know! Love you Shea!! And I forgot to send bloggy birthday wishes to my Lil' Sis Jack on her birthday back in April! Happy belated Birthday Jack! Love you!