You are currently browsing the monthly archive for March, 2007.
Appetizer
What are you proud of?
Not that much, I guess. I’m proud of my little family. Whenever I bake good bread, I’m proud of that!
Soup
What is the best thing you’ve ever won as a prize?
I can’t recall ever winning an actual prize!
Salad
Name something you do that is a waste of time.
My internet addiction.
Main Course
In what year of your life did you change the most?
Probably the year I got married.
Dessert
Where is a place you consider to be very tranquil?
MY own home, when it’s clean.
OK, so I’m probably the last person in the world to have an Etsy shop. But now I have my very own! Remember that Vintage Picnic Basket? It is the first (and so far only) item in my new shop, but that will be changing soon…
1. What kind of automobile do you drive?
We drive a ‘98 Isuzu Trooper. I love it!
2. What kind of automobile do you WISH you drove?
Well, I do love our Trooper, but with two babies, and all the gear that involves PLUS nursing etc. - I think I may be ready for a minivan. I swore I’d never drive a minivan, but I think I’m ready now…
3. When is the last time you bought a vehicle (new or used)?
Well, vehicles are in interesting topic of conversation for us. After we were married, we shared a itty-bitty but much loved stick shift Toyota Pick-Up. It served us well. Then we learned that Pipsqueak would be joining the family. After shopping for car-seats, we realized that the truck may not serve our need for a family vehicle very well. So, we bought a ‘98 Mazda MPV. I told myself that this was an SUV - NOT a minivan. It was OK, but we still had complaints about it. Then, my brother came home from the military for a couple of weeks. Dad purchased a Jeep for Caleb (my brother) and DeLana (his wife) to drive while they were home. But, one my Caleb, DeLana and myself went out to lunch together and I (six months pregnant) insisted that I did not want to ride in the Jeep. I didn’t feel like being blown around all day. I insisted that we take my vehicle, and that I drive. So we did. After lunch we ran a few errands, and then Caleb, seeing that I was tired, insisted on driving home. Long stpry short, we got slammed in the side by a flying mustang and flipped. Everyone was fine, though it scared the bajeezes out of six month pregnant me. Anyway, the Mazda was now totaled after one month of ownership. For a while we drove Dad’s Jeep, but I didn’t want to drive a soft top Jeep with a newborn baby so Dad let us use it as a trade in on a 98 Toyota 4Runner. I thought this was fantastic since it was obviously the long lost mate to Dan’s truck. Once Kinsley arrived on the scene, I quickly grew to hate the 4Runner though, because there was no room to nurse in the back seat. Dan hated it because he was worried (for some guy reason) that the engine didn’t have long to go. So we sold that (about three months of ownership) and bought the Trooper. Finally we’re happy. Oh, the question was when… That would have been the fall of ‘05.
4. What is your color of choice as far as vehicles go?
So far all of our vehicles have been a deep red. Almost cranberry. I like it so far!
5. Do you regularly have your oil changed?
I think so…
6. How long do you generally keep a vehicle before thinking about buying a new one?
See question number three. I hope to do better from here on out.
7. What kind of automobile will you buy next?
See number two. The day is coming… One more baby and we’ll need more room…
I had no idea! I want to be right brained when it comes to crafting, sewing and painting my house, but left brained in all other aspects of life. Can I pick and choose?
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Brain Lateralization Test Results
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| Right Brain (30%) The right hemisphere is the visual, figurative, artistic, and intuitive side of the brain. Left Brain (42%) The left hemisphere is the logical, articulate, assertive, and practical side of the brain |
Are You Right or Left Brained?
personality tests by similarminds.com
Appetizer
Who is your favorite news anchor/reporter? Why?
Yikes! I never knew that people could have a favorite news anchor person. Isn’t that like having a favorite villain, gangster or politician?
Soup
Name 3 foods that are currently in your freezer.
It’s Friday, so there’s not all that much in my freezer - but let’s see… A chicken, a box of tilapia, and a bag of chicken nuggets.
Salad
If you were to have the opportunity to name a new town or city, what would you call it?
Gentlewood, of course!
Main Course
What will most likely be the next book you read?
Well, I am in the middle of an Agatha Christie novel called The Third Girl and I just finished Lemony Snicket’s seventh book The Vile Village and currently I am listening to the audio book At Home In Mitford while I sew, do chores etc. So, what was the question again? Oh yeah, what is the NEXT novel on the list. If the library has it, I’ll be reading The Hostile Hospital next.
Dessert
What’s the first thing you notice about the opposite gender?
Eyes. Followed by personality, hair and hands. Pretty much in that order.
Before (View a.)
After (View a.)
Before (View b.)
After (View b.)
You’re not going to believe this amazing thrift shop score… the Twin Fit Dress Form for only one dollar! I couldn’t believe my eyes. This is the kind of find I have dreamed of - but never thought possible!
And these buttons. All for only fifty cents.
Kinsley and Sophie have new outfits! I’m thinking that these will be their Easter ensembles.
The tops are made from thrifted curtains using the pillowcase dress tutorial from Jen at RedInstead.
The bottoms are made from oh-so-soft batiste and trimmed with the remains of a thrifted but stained dresser scarf using this wonderful pattern for baby pants from “Bee’s Nest”.
Sophie had a rough day yesterday, and so is not pictures in her new outfit. Maybe on Easter…
Three Things Spotted:
Appetizer
Name two things that made you smile this week.
Kinsley and Sophie.
Soup
Fill in the blank: Don’t you hate it when ________?
Goodnight! How can I choose? When the babies hove rough nights and no one gets any sleep…
Salad
When you can’t go to sleep, what is your personal remedy to help yourself drift into Lullabyland?
Believe me, I never have trouble going to sleep!
Main Course
What is something about which you’ve always wondered but have not yet found a good answer?
How to raise children…
Dessert
What is your favorite pasta dish?
You’re not going to believe this, but it’s ramen noodles!
Thirteen Reasons I Adore My Husband
I adore his sense of humor. Could you be parents of a toddler and a newborn and survive without a sense of humor?
I love how tender he is with our daughters.
He still writes the most amazing love letters.
I love it that he holds me at night (whenever Sophie allows).
I love his sentimentality.
I love it that he knows to the day how long we’ve been married and never forgets a month anniversary.
He likes to read to me while I take a bath.
I love it that he always knows if something is bothering me. And knows just how to make me talk about it.
I love the fact that he’s blind to all my baby weight. However, I think he may be in denial.
I love the fact that we never argue. Dan says he doesn’t allow it.
I love it that he still sings “our” love song to me at night.
There is this certain spot on the highway (on our way home from anywhere) where we held hands as he took me home the night before our wedding. We have held hands at that spot every single time we’ve driven past - ever since.
I adore him because he is the Prince from all my girlish dreams.
Click here to view the auction…
Give the gift of an island of calm serenity in the ocean of chaotic daily life.
This kit has been lovingly assembled with careful attention to details.
Items included:
Basket has a very cottage chic feel to it. The embellishments look to be from the 40s or 50s.
Plate is a warm ivory with silver edging and has a floral design featuring the colors turquoise, mint green, rose pink, and golden yellow. The back of the plate (pictured) says “Crown Potteries Co. Made in the USA 4 47″. Family tradition says that the plate survived the San Fransisco Earthquake, but I have no idea if this is accurate.
Vintage Tablecloth is the perfect size for a solitary picnic. It is white with turquoise stripes on two ends. The cloth is in great shape, except for a small spot (the size of a quarter) which has worn through, and a tiny ink spot. It measures 31 1/2″ x 34″.
Antique Napkin is a warm ivory color with a tone on tone rose and lattice work design with heirloom entredeux on the edges. The napkin is made of a very sturdy and quality material.
Knife and Fork are authentic antique weighted silver flatware. They have been polished.
Thermos brand vintage thermos. We thought this was a truly unique item. It is a single serving size (one cup). The color is cream, with a turquoise inset on the cap.
Vintage Stoneware Mug has a very retro feel. It also echoes the color scheme of cream and turquoise, though the turquoise band at the bottom of the mug is of a lighter shade.
Monday: Mom and Dad’s
Tuesday: Southern Succotash
Wednesday: Crock Pot Tender Roast
Thursday: Tacos
Friday: Beef Stew
Saturday: Roasted Chicken Dinner
Appetizer
What is your usual bedtime? Do you like that, or would you rather it be different?
I generally drop into bed as soon as both girls are asleep. I need the sleep, but on the other hand I usually am kicking myself that I don’t have the fortitude to stay up for at least a few minutes and do a tiny bit of re-ordering about the house.
Soup
When it comes to advice, do you give more or receive more?
I’m afraid I’m a giver of advice. I tend to be highly opinionated. Which is something I hate about myself.
Salad
Describe a memorable meal you’ve had.
I think of two straightaway. Both were meals during our courtship. You would have to understand that our courtship took place in a somewhat unusual (but highly effective, it seems) way. Dan works for my Dad in the family business, as I’ve mentioned. The family business is located just up the road from my parent’s home. So, after every work day, Dan would drive down the driveway and we would eat dinner together, and then spend the rest of the evening talking out in the cottage garden. It was an intense courtship! The times when we went somewhere were rather rare, so those are the meals that stand out in my mind. The first was when Dan and I went to his brother’s house for dinner. Dan made blackened tilapia and the house filled with smoke. Thick peppery smoke that made breathing nearly impossible!
The second was our first official “date” where we actually ate out. Dan ordered a mushroom burger and I followed suit, even though mushrooms are my most dreaded food in all the world. I had a hard time eating that thing - in the end, I had to leave most of it on my plate.
Main Course
Name a work of fiction that affected the way you think about something.
This one is easy! CS Lewis’ The Chronicles Of Narnia has got to be one of the most influential pieces of writing I have ever read. Every single time I read it, something new and exciting jumps out at me. It’s one of the deepest works I can think of, in any genre. In my opinion, it is crucial for children in that helps to grow their imagination in a way that is very important to their spiritual growth. And each time it is read to them, or they read it to themselves in all the different walks of life, they will come away with something new and excellent for their minds to digest.
Dessert
What is your favorite type of fruit juice?
Peach! This stems back to when I was a preschooler, and the times when I stayed over night with my grandparents on a weekend. My grandma worked in the nursery at their church, and I was too shy to go to the appropriate class, so I went with her. They had a snack time about half way through for the toddlers where they served animal crackers and what I now know is peach juice (which I adored). Now, my mom never bought peach juice, and when I asked for the “Sunday School kind of juice” she (for some odd reason) had no idea what kind I was requesting. So it wasn’t until my married life that I saw peach juice in the grocery store and thought it sounded unique. Imagine my thrilled delight to finally rediscover that long forgotten taste!
A distant family member has taken the time and effort to unearth some ancient family letters and retype them for the enjoyment of all. I am finding them to be such an interesting read, that I can’t resist passing one on.
The following letter is from Ida Jane (Beasley) Williams to Dorothy “Dolley” (Foster) Williams who was the wife of her son Hayne. Charles - who is in the army - was another son. Ida Jane (Beasley) Williams is my Great Great Great Great Grandmother (is there a better way to say that?).
On to the letter…
Ark Homestead County
July 24th 1861
Dear Daughter,
I embrace the present opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present hoping these lines may come safely to hand and find you well. Dolley I have bin waiting for a letter from you till I have got out of patience. I haven’t herd a word from Carolina since your last letter that was dated the Fourth of May. I wrote to you shortly after that and I hav not received an answer yet. I am getting very anxious to hear from you all. Hayne has quit writing to any person in this neighborhood. I haven’t received a letter from him since he was at home in April.
Dolley it is with grief that I must inform you that Charles left Nashville on the 18 of June in Capt. Neals Company of Voliunteers. They went to little rock and was sent from there to Fort Smith. He wrote to me from Fort Smith but did not know where to tell me to write to him. I have not got a letter from him since. I expect that he’s in Missouri some place. I understand there will be some hard fighting there. I live a mile and a half of the road that leads from Washington to Missouri. The volunteers are going this road almost every day going to Missouri. There was two Companys of Calvery just a few days ago and a large number of foot men has been passing ever since. We were expectin two Companys to pass today. Dolley I herd there has been several battles fought in Virginia and a good many kild. If Hayne is kild I want you to let me know. I think his time is out that he first volunteered for but I don’t expect that he will come home.
I have nothin more to interest you. We have very good crops in this country though it is rather dry at this time but corn is made.
Dolley I want you to write to me as soon as you get this. Tell me all the news. You don’t know the trouble I see about my children. If they were to die at home I would know where they were laid but if they are kild I don’t know whats become of them but I hope some one will bury them. I will come to a close. Give my best respects to all inquiring friends if there be any and reserve a portion for yourself. Tell all of the children howdy and kiss them for me. I would be glad to see you all. Nothing more here at present only remain your most kind mother.
~Jane Williams
When you write to Hayne remember my love to him. I would write to him but I don’t know where to direct a letter. Be certain to write.
I’ve never been all that much of a shoe fan - but look at these! Aren’t they simply the most delicious shoe you’ve ever seen? Totally vintage! But at that price, I don’t expect to be ordering them just now.
Check out all Re-Mix Vintage Shoes to see all their wonderful shoes…
1. From beth:
What’s the most unusual hobby you have? How did you get started with it?
I guess it would be my vintage button collection. I think I have been influenced my grandma who is a product of the depression and never threw anything away. When I was a kid I would sort through her tins of buttons which were organized by color family. I don’t think she ever threw any buttons away, and would “hunt up” garments from thrift shops and yard sales just for their buttons. At first I thought the collection was neat, and I loved the way the metal buttons smelled. Then as I reached my early teens (the height of wisdom and maturity, I began to secretly sneer at Grandma’s junk. Now that I have begun sewing, and loving everything vintage, I have a new appreciation for her buttons. And many other notions which she has horded for decades.
2. From briar:
How many different kinds of music do you listen to? Name a few favorites, if you please.
Classical, Swing, Jazz, Bluegrass, Classic Country, Hymns, New-Agey type stuff… Just about every genre except modern country, modern Christian, hip-hop, rap or any of that type stuff (can it truly be called music?).
3. From iris:
Do you take advantage of the outdoor areas where you live? What’s your favorite thing to do outside? What’s your favorite local bird?
We live next the the walking trail in our small town. It borders two side of our yard, and just down the trail it crosses the pretty spring fed creek (see picture above). On summery evenings, we usually walk this trail all the way down to the local park which has a running track, play ground equipment, a river, and a basketball court. We make pretty good use of all the amenities.
About the bird - I’m wish I were more proficient at recognizing the birds in our area. The other day we watched a giant woodpecker on a stump in the yard. The thing was the size of a cat! Sadly, I have no idea what kind it was…
4. From kristy:
Children: Do you have any?
Oh, yeah! Two wonderful, gooey, ridiculous, charming and insane little girls. Kinsley Abigail and Sophie Lucia Marie, ages 18 months and two months, respectively. They are the light of our lives!
5. From amy:
What is your favorite part of spring?
The fact that it’s not winter any more. And there are no mosquitoes yet.
Comments ( 
Monday -
Lunch: Chicken Nuggets
Dinner: Tortilla Soup
Tuesday -
Lunch: Meatball Subs
Dinner: Tilapia and Rice
Wednesday -
Lunch: Avocado Sandwich
Dinner: Egg Drop Soup
Thursday -
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Mom and Dad’s
Friday -
Lunch: PBnJ
dinner: General Tso’s Chicken
Appetizer
What does the color pink make you think of?
Things feminine and vintage. Sweet and gentle little girls. Delicate and ladylike women. All the things I want for my tiny daughters.
Soup
Name something you thought you had lost, but later found.
Perhaps this is a bit of a stretch, but when I was 16 and madly in love with my husband (before he was my husband) he lived in another state. I laid eyes on him one Sunday when he visited our church. I could never put him out of my mind after that. Then lo and behold he moved to a nearby town two years later. Then I thought I had found him.
But then I learned that he in a long distance relationship with another woman and figured I had lost him. I thought it was pretty much hopeless due to that fact that I was 15 years his junior, and she was only five years younger than he. As it turned out, the relationship had dwindled and most likely been doomed from the start. So I thought I had found him again.
But then because his relationship hadn’t worked out, he was unsure of where to go from there and decided to move pretty much for the change of it all. He has a master’s in entomology and jobs in that field are few and far between where we currently live. So he sent job applications out all over the world and planned to move wherever looked the most interesting. Then I was sure I’d lost him. I learned that he did this on a Sunday evening. That night I dreamed that he was offered a job here in our tiny town (1600 people). It was such a strange dream because it was absolutely impossible. The following night (Monday) I learned that my dad’s office manager had cut back on his hours and that my dad had offered Dan (my future husband) a job as Office Manager in the family business (now would be a good time to mention that my dad didn’t exactly know that I was madly in love with Dan). And Dan accepted. And then I knew I’d found him! We began our courtship that June and were married that October. And - he’s as perfect as I had first imagined!
Salad
In 3 words, describe this past week.
Crazy, Insane, Whirlwind.
Main Course
What are you obsessed with?
Sewing. Vintage things. Organizational tools and lists *this does not transfer into actual organization though.
Dessert
What kind of perfume or cologne do you like to wear?
Lavender is my everyday smell. Right now my body spray is Fig and Lavender. My special occasion perfume is Tommy Girl.
