Europe was...

FABULOUS! And incredible, and beautiful, and exciting and exceeded my expectations and I'm running out of adjectives so I'll stop there. I'm SO fortunate I had the opportunity to see a bit of the world and even happier that I was able to experience it with my sister.

Yesterday we woke up at 4:00 in the Polish a.m. and arrived in Louisville around 4:00 in the Polish a.m. (There's a seven hour time difference). I've been in a semi-zombie state for most of the day, and sadly, I return to work tomorrow. So, I must save my accounts of the trip for a few days.

Until then, here are a just a few of the 1,000 photos(no kidding) that I took. Hey, the more you shoot, the more chances you have of getting a decent photo, right?

Me...in Europe! Ack!

My travel companions, Scott, Jackie & Blake

And We're Off!

Bags are packed!

Leaving for the airport in about 15 min.!

Please pray for a safe trip.

So stinkin' excited!

Later, y'all!

YEEEHAW!

Sheesh!

I'm leaving for Europe in the morning.

The house is a mess.

I've tried on every outfit that I thought I would take and assess that each of them makes me look a) Fatter b)Dorkier.

I have nothing packed.

Yet I sit on the couch and watch Food Network & TLC whilst eating every 100 calorie snack pack in the house.

I'm starting to freak out just a little.

Flashback Friday

LOVE this song! Love the nerdy glasses and hair too.

That's Right I'm Not From Texas...

But last night I had the pleasure of seeing Lyle in concert!No, no, not that Lyle!

THIS Lyle...I wasn't really sure what to expect...I was a big fan of Lyle Lovett back in the If I Had a Boat days. Still a fan, but Lyle Lovett's music isn't exactly mainstream so I hadn't heard from him in a while. Don't get me wrong...not being mainstream is a good thing...I'm not really much of a fan of modern country radio. I learned that I COULD'VE been listening to Lovett on public radio, however. It's a shame the only public radio we get reception for is the local Pentacostal church station and a station where people get on the air and talk about all of the crap they have for sale...boat motors, weed eaters, goats, and the like...actually it may be the same station.

So ANYWAY, my brother gets us tickets to see Lyle Lovett and his Large Hair Band in Louisville last night. Folks, I was blown away. Lyle and his band were highly entertaining and the music was fantastic! Country...bluesy...a touch of bluegrass...heavy on the gospel. Amazing, really.

One of my favorite numbers from the concert...



Head to Shea's blog for even more of a rundown AND learn which 80's band now performs with Lyle Lovett! I'll give you a hint...boom boom acka lacka lacka boom...

New Toy!

I decided a few days ago that it might be prudent to buy a new digital camera rather than try and stuff all the souvenirs in Poland, Vienna, Prague & Germany into my suitcase. A picture is worth a thousand knick-knacks, or something like that.

Despite the quality of most of the photos I post on the blog, I actually love photography. As a teenager, I usually had my manual SLR strapped to me constanltly and as an an adult I've often enjoyed playing around w/my SLR and have taken some nice photos if I do say so myself. I still have a clunky SLR which has to be duct taped together to use, and I enjoy being able to manipulate the camera...play w/f-stops and shutter speeds, and lenses and whatnot. I've also always thought photos shot with a film camera have a quality that you just can't get from a digital camera. That is, until the advent of the digital SLR. Unfortunately, I don't have the dough required for a fancy scmancy digital SLR camera. I have SLR dreams on a point and shoot budget, er, make that on a disposable camera budget.

SO, I did my research, called my brother fifteen thousand times for his opinion on the matter and finally decided on a Canon A570 IS. It was as close to a digital SLR that I could find in my meager price range of not that much. The reviews on this camera were really good , and it's a model that came out about a year or so ago so the price was most definitely right! It is currently being clearanced at Sears...so I got a fantastic deal on it.

Yesterday I took a short walk in the yard and around the neighborhood...just playing around. Once I learn the settings and figure out the manual modes, I know I'm going to enjoy it immensely!

I was standing on the stoop, turned around, and there she was, staring at me! Took 3 photos, one normal(this one) and two using the digital zoom. The digital zoom was a little noisy...this is a cropped photo...our Easyshare would never have allowed me to crop a photo and keep any quality at all.A happy accident...
These were taken in the "auto" mode, as you can tell, was overcast and dreary yesterday morning.My house. Ha! Not really!I DID play w/the "foliage" mode and the Macro setting. Addicting! I want to macro everything I see!Can't wait to play more!

A Swap Apron & Coming Attractions

This is the apron and set of matching gloves that I sent to Ally in our Favorite Things Swap.

It was new pattern for me. I like that it uses bias tape as the waistband and for contrast. Something different from what I usually do. I plan to add some things to my Etsy shop in August. No, really, I do! I'm seriously thinking of adding some aprons in this style. No gloves, however...they were darn cute, but very fussy to make.

Two more aprons that will be going in the shop are these two that I made using some Amy Butler fabrics. One is a simple gathered waist half apron in red. And one blue/yellow apron patchwork cafe apron. These patchwork styles are still my favorites to make.

ONE WEEK

I'm leaving for Eastern Europe one week from today! I'm not ready...I mean I'm ready as in so excited that I can barely stand it, but not ready as far as my house being in order(I don't like to leave home w/a house in disarray!) or having my packing planned.

Thanks to these two (and my dorky self doubt), I am having trouble deciding on what to wear(or what not to wear) on my trip. My sis tells me it will be HOT, so lightweight clothes are a must. Being a size chubby, however, means no shorts for me, only capris and skirts will do. Most of my stuff would likely fit in the "not" category if Stacey & Clinton had anything to say about it, but I have purchased some new tops. I just can't seem to put them together with anything in my closet! Frustrating! If I have time I may post some of my options later and beg for guidance.

I've shared the video of the lovely city of Vienna, Austria with you. Today I want to share Wroclaw, Poland. This is the city that my sister & her hubby call home and where I will be spending most of my time.



Notice all the gnomes in the video? Read about them here. You might also notice many photos of bridges, the city is situated on 12 islands connected by 112 bridges. I'm certain that it will be even more beautiful in person!

Now, I'm off to pick up a new digital camera! I've decided I might be better off to take lots photos than try to stuff all the souvenirs in Eastern Europe in my suitcase. Don't get me wrong...I plan to shop. Oh yes, shopping will be done!

I still CANNOT believe...

that in a little less than two weeks, I will actually be here, taking in many of these sights!

Happiness in a Box

Yesterday Mark and I went out to the city park to do this and to enjoy the beautiful weather we've been having the past few days. Upon returning home, I discovered a big brown box on the front porch. My swap package from The Shabby Princess! The Shabby Princess and I participated in the Favorite Things Swap on Kelly's blog. I sent her a few of my favorite things, and she sent me a few of hers.

Inside the box I found...
Which I promptly unwrapped to discover...

• Two wonderfully scented candles...I caught a whiff the moment I opened the box and my kitchen/living room is currently infused w/the scent. Love it!
• The most FUN cups ever! I can pretend I'm back in the Bahamas lazing on the beach! And she even sent an extra for Mark...how sweet! Yes, I've tried mine out already!
• A variety of Post It Notes. Apparently the Shabby Princess is obsessed with stickies ;) How did she know that I can never find these when I need them?
• The book The Great Gatsby, her favorite, and one that I've enjoyed as well. I was watching my copy of the movie(starring Robert Redford & Mia Farrow) a while back and thought to myself "I need to read that book again!" Now I can! Yay!
• A pair of absolutely gorgeous Gatsbyesque earrings. Very vintage inspired. I love them!
• And finally, The Shabby Princess sent me a copy of her favorite cookbook, Everyday Italian: 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes by Giada De Laurentiis. How awesome is that? And what makes it even more special is that she actually marked her favorite recipes. So thoughtful! I'm really excited to try out some of these recipes!

What a wonderful surprise this package was! I am still overwhelmed and completely delighted by her generosity! Thanks again so very much, my friend!

Y'all should pay a visit to the Shabby Princess! She's a smart, amiable, aspiring writer who loves a great shoe and a bit of glam. Her personality really shines through in her blog...and she makes me giggle, often!

How CUTE...

Is this cupcake pincushion soufflé'? I love it! It came from a swap I did with my friend Steph of Lovestitches. Another of my fine bloggy friends, she is very crafty and does lots of fun things with fabric, needle, and thread! This, for example. She's getting ready for a big craft show at the moment, but perhaps she will be restocking her Etsy shop with these later. Did I mention I love mine? I do. It sits right next to my sewing machine which is nice, because now I can keep my ugly magnetic pincushion on the ironing board. Thanks Steph!