We interrupt this bloggy break for some Neil Patrick Harris geekery.

Without meaning to, it seems I've taken a bit of a bloggy break. Hopefully I'll be back to blog reading, responding to your comments and posting Europe photos this weekend. Now that I'm working again, I can't seem to do anything productive when I get home...or non-productive for that matter!

Speaking of non-productive, I DID stumble upon this.

GO.

Watch it.

Now.

While it's still fee to watch.

Neil Patrick Harris is AWESOME! Nathan Fillion is HYSTERICAL.

Best of all...it's a MUSICAL!

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!

Robot Love

I could ramble endlessly about this movie.

But I won't.

I will, instead, encourage you to go see it.

The storytelling is both entertaining and moving.

The visuals are spectacular...even breathtaking at times.

This isn't just another kiddie flick.

This is art.

A Major Award

Wow. Two awards in one week. I feel very honored that my bloggy friends would think me worthy! Val(the lovely and talented), at Yarni Gras! and my dearest Pinky at Cheese in my Shoe were both kind enough to award me with the Arte y Pico. The "Arte y Pico" award which was created to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creative energy and talents no matter whether it be in the form of writing, artwork, design, interesting material, or contributions to the blogger community. When a blogger receives this award it is considered a "special honor" and, once presented to you, it is to be passed on to at least 5 other bloggers who meet the criteria.

I am passing this award on to these folks...

Shea at A Day in the Strife. Who's creative energy and talent is so vast it is barely contained in his ultra cool red-brick bachelor pad. This guy is a smart, witty, lover of music and an insanely talented artist and photographer. He's been inspiring me since the day he was born! And I'd say all that even if he weren't my kid brother!

My darling Jackie at Embracing Accusation who inspires me every single day. She shares her thoughts, her faith and her life in Poland in her blog and posts some great photos and fun videos from time to time too. Yes, another photographer in the family. If you visit her blog, be sure and click on her flickr link for some amazing views of Poland and France.

Fiona of DragonFly Crafts. Fiona is one of my first and best blogging buddies. Fiona is so much fun...reading her blog is like talking to an old friend. And this gal is a quilting FIEND I tell you! She makes beautiful quilts and so many other projects. She's like the Energizer Bunny of sewing! You'll enjoy Fiona's blog!

Patty at Pipstitch. Patty brings the world of cross-stitch, embroidery, and other crafty endeavors together in one place so that the rest of us don't have to go searching the internet willy-nilly. She also does some lovely stitching herself...this for example. Patty shares my love of aprons and vintage things...and she's funny!

Angie of Many Little Blessings. Another blog that I find inspiring. Her life, the awesome "Works for me Wednesday" tips that she shares(one of my favorites is this one) her faith and her family...I find them all inspiring. And did I mention she also makes lovely jewelry? She does.

And a while back, I got this most excellent award from my bloggy friend Birdie. I apologize for not posting it earlier...I am scatterbrained as y'all well know. Go visit Birdie, I urge you. I love her funny and sweet stories about her life and family, and the crazy-gorgeous jewelry that she makes. If she hadn't already been given the Arte y Pico, I'd pass it on to her too!

Thanks again, y'all, for being so kind!

More of what I did on my Bloggy Break

In addition to shopping, movie watching, disc golf and making the top, I did some sewing whilst on my bloggy break last week. I whipped up this little craft apron. This was my first try at this type of apron, and I sort of made it up as I went along. I think it'd be nice to wear while crafting of course, but also perfect for vendors at craft shows for keeping up w/money and such with it's deep pockets. AND since it incorporates gingham(and if I don't get anything else made), I can use it for the next Tie One On project.

I also made this cherry apron as a special request. If it weren't a size small and weren't for someone else, I'd be sooo tempted to keep it! Luckily, I have one more yard of this cherry print fabric! I lined this one, too. Not nearly as tricky as I thought lining would be!

And THIS I have to share with you, my crafty friends. I discovered it at the last Block of the Month meeting. Incidentally, this is my Churn Dash block...and no I haven't warmed up to these fabrics yet.The shop owner always shows off her newest fabrics and products during BOTM. This month, she had these awesome kits for cell phone bags(also great for ipods, ID, etc.). The kit uses pre-printed fusible web. You simply iron it to your fabric, fold, sew, and flip...and there you have it! They are so easy to make it almost feels like you are cheating! I added the little clip on this one to use it with a purse that has rings on the strap. I love making them! I plan to make one with a loooong strap to use to carry my passport while in Europe.

You can buy the kits online at QuiltSmart. You know you want one!

And on a completely unrelated note...we're getting Dish TV today! WooHoo! It's been two years since I've have more than five channels and a clear signal. This is cause for celebration y'all!

Flashback Friday

Two clips for today's flashback. I read this blog post and was immediately reminded of a Friends episode. I watched that show from the very first episode and loved it till the end. It never got bad, it never got tired, they never jumped the shark.

Gum Would Be Perfection. I remember watching this episode the first time around and nearly falling off the couch from laughing so hard. It still makes me laugh, hard.


"Ah de Foof!" I imagine if my sister were trying to teach me to speak Polish before my trip(which is just 17 days away!)it would go a lot like this.




Besides The Office & Earl, I can't think of another television series that has made me laugh out loud every single episode the way Friends did. Remind me when I'm making out my Christmas lists that I need all seasons on DVD.

I miss you, Friends!

**edit**I've given the episodes my own titles. I'm sure they were probably called something like "The one where Joey Speaks French" or "The one where Chandler Gets Trapped..."

Blouse, shirt or top?

Back in January, I posted a list of some crafty goals for this year. One of those goals was to make a piece of clothing, a piece of clothing that I'd actually wear in public. I started off by making this skirt. It was fun, not tooooo terribly difficult, and I thought it turned out quite cute and I actually wore it in public.

That was back in January. It took me until June to give clothing another try. This time, a blouse... er shirt...er top. What IS the proper term? Whatever it is, I used Simplicity 3504.
I had some Amy Butler fabrics that I bought out of the bargain bin on my one and only trip to Hancock's of Paducah. Because they were purchased from the bargain bin, I was guessing at yardage when I decided there was enough to make this top(blouse, shirt, whatever). My all day garment sewing experience went a little something like this.

Previous Night. Go to my parent's house so my mother can help me because I know I will be on the phone w/her all day in addition to throwing things, huffing and puffing and most likely cursing my sewing machine if I don't.

9a.m. begin laying out the pattern pieces so they can be cut out.

9:10a.m. realize I don't have enough fabric even though I read the pattern package numerous times. sheesh.

9:11a.m. "MOM!!!!!"

9:30a.m. Mom figures out a way to shorten the shirt and re-do the sleeves so that I will have enough fabric. I wanted flippy butterfly sleeves and I got sausage-arm-puff-sleeves w/a straight hem at the bottom instead. But I can live with it.

9:30a.m.-12:00a.m. the following morning. Sew the shirt. OK, we did take TV, food and shopping breaks between sewing times. A fair amount of hours were spent cutting, sewing, seam ripping, bias tape applying/removing, Mom taking up the back seams after I had the whole thing together because despite my thinking I was a size 20 when it comes to sewing patterns, I'm not. Yeah, she tried to tell me, but I am hard headed, y'all.

The next day, once I was home, I decided to add elastic to the bottom of the sausage-arm-puff-sleeves which really enhanced the sausage-arm effect. I was totally going for sausage arms. Totally.

Although it took a while, I completed what I think is a nice first try at a blouse that was NOT one of those "easy/2hour/for dummies" patterns. Of course I learned some lessons along the way...

1. Mom knows best.
2. Listen to Clinton and Stacey about designs that go around your body. This I realized after seeing myself side view in the mirror in this shirt and then again on seeing the photo. Yikes! Still, I HAD to use this gorgeous fabric and therefore wasn't remotely thinking about how it would look on me at the time.
   
3. READ and RE-READ the fabric requirements and make sure you have enough fabric before you begin.
4. Take measurements and follow them instead of guessing at your size.
   
5. A shopping break makes everything better.

Here's my finished shirt/top/blouse. I've worn it in public. Twice!

Friday Flashback

Did anyone else LOVE this show as much as I did? I wanted to be Blair Warner.

A bloggy diet...and a European vacation...

I've decided to take a bloggy break for a week. School's been out for two weeks and I've accomplished squat. Frankly, I'm a bit ill w/myself. I feel as if I've spent more time online reading about other peoples lives than I have living my own.

SO a week to get myself back together and in a good routine. My routine as of late hasn't been much more than get out of bed, get online, eat, get back online, eat some more, etc.

Hopefully this little break will get me in the frame of mind to be more active and productive w/my time. Not that I don't enjoy reading your blogs and blogging myself...I soooo do...but as I said, I am spending waaaay too many hours per day sitting in front of a computer screen.

So....I'm on a bloggy diet(hopefully I'll stick to it better than I do a real diet).

I've got one post scheduled to go up tomorrow(for Father's Day) and a flashback scheduled for Friday but other than that, you probably won't be hearing from me. I will be checking my email, however, so don't let any fabulous giveaways pass me by, ok?

While I'm on my bloggy hiatus, feel free to check out some of the cities I will be visiting on my fabulous and exciting European trip! I leave in four weeks people! FOUR! Ack!

I will be visiting Wroclaw, Poland where my sister lives. I'm so excited that she'll get to share her home of two years with me! There's a Wroclaw guide here and there is another one here. While I'm there, we will also be visiting the beautiful cities of Prague. and Vienna. No definite plans right now other than that. My only requests(besides Prague and Vienna) were a flea market...a European flea market just sounds so...ummm, European! And a castle, I've always wanted to visit a castle. Anything else we do is just icing on the cake as far as I'm concerned! I will keep you posted on the countdown to Europe as I learn more about what are plans are.

Alright ya'll, I'm gonna go get busy!

Friday Flashback

The year, 1977. Me, a nine year old girl with a MAJOR crush on this guy.


OK, so after watching this I think I still might have a crush.

Oh the hours I spent scouring Teen Beat and Tiger Beat magazines for anything Shaun Cassidy related! And I'll tell you this, I would have done just about anything for a Shaun Cassidy satin jacket! I did have a fabulous blue satin jacket, but sadly, it was completely devoid of Shaun.

Many of Shaun Cassidy's songs have been posted on youtube and I listened to all of 'em while I was sewing on Wednesday. I must have heard them a thousand times when I was a kid because, amazingly, I still know the lyrics to nearly all of them and it's been 30 years since my Shaun Cassidy phase. On many of the songs, you can hear that distinct sound that only comes from a record playing. Aaaah! To be nine again...