Laundry room project update

This is what I started out with..... This is the first step-( this was just a cosmetic fix up. New paint, new organization, newly cleaned.......) the paint color was picked out by my 3 yr old.
This is now painted, the baskets organized, the small metal cabinets taken down over the sink and a pair of mirrors from my childhood home put up in their place. New artwork and curtains. The holes (which were everywhere in this addition) have been caulked and filled.













sorry about the bad picture arrangement. Something went crazy here. I can't seem to fix it. EEEK!

What do I still need to do? Fix the wall with the newly found box and mouse damage. Finish painting 2 walls- there is a "L" shaped walkway to the right of this picture. Find some new baskets or containers that I like, find a new laundry hamper to sort of match the one in the last picture. Organize a closet in the "L" walkway that is my paint closet. Then this little piece of hell on earth will be organized and functional. Did I tell you now it has heat? for the first time ever? Yea!

Christmas home project updates.

This is the before picture- we have moved the buffet to the dining room by this pic and emptied the shelves. The shelves are going to be re purposed in the mud room.

This is the hole in the floor and wall for the duct work to the laundry room. My husband is putting up a cleat on the back wall to hold up the countertop (which weighs about 100lbs. Really, no lie) My son wants to help so much, he got out his "tools" and is driving my Mr. crazy.

This is with the legs. That is the countertop. See the duct? Coming out of the floor? Nice huh. (it's going to have a box built around it. Honest. )

This is it up.

Next is the wall on the right side, trim underneath the thing and trim on the legs. The legs I am going to paint- maybe white to go with the kitchen. The box for the duct is going to be painted the color of the wall. We have to also get a new monitor for the computer. The monitor I have works great but it's 10 years old and HUGE. I am going to use some of my Christmas money for a new, flat screen. Tomorrow I will update on the laundry room project. (some pics are already on Flicker.)

Merry Christmas to all

We had a great Christmas at our house. Big dinner, lots of presents. Actually, my son got tired unwrapping presents! He seems to like them, so I am very pleased. I am tired of hearing about Santa Claus though.

We are very busy doing home stuff this week. My husband has been cutting holes in walls and floors- putting in new heat ducts- and I have been painting my arms off. Today we had a "major snow event" so it was easy working inside- we couldn't really leave the house. I know we got at least 6 inches so far......

We still have a huge project to do- a bar height butcher block table that is attached to the wall by the kitchen, and a box to cover the heat duct going to the laundry room. The heat duct had to come up out of the floor and then through the wall into the laundry. Why you ask? The laundry room was an addition off of the main house and we couldn't go through the foundation wall to put in the duct. The laundry had no heat source and I don't want the pipes to freeze again, so I really needed a heat duct in there. We will see how it all turns out in a few days.

My Christmas Vacation

We are lucky in my house to have a lot of paid time off for the holidays. My husband works at a university as a senior recruiting agent. Today will be his last day at work until the first week of January. It's nicer because he doesn't have to use any vacation time for this break. We try to get some real work done during this time, it usually doesn't work out as well as we hope, but we still plan.

This year we have 2 large projects to work on. This weekend is all about Christmas though. Wrapping gifts, and cleaning the house for the family. In addition I need to package the voodoo dolls I sold to Horror Mall and write an artists statement (since my brother in an artist I think I will rope him into this job) and if it doesn't get to icy this weekend- sledding is in the plans.

After Christmas it's time to get down to work. The buffet and shelves in the kitchen area are going away and a butcherblock table set bar height is going to be installed. The buffet has to go somewhere for the time being- I don't know if the weather will be good enough to get it outside and in the basement.

My office needs to be cleaned up since it's been trashed with bags of gifts and doll making supplies. This stuff is all unwrapped gifts for the most part (not the deer head, that's mine)

My kitchen needs to be finished. Caulk, trim and paint. It's a smaller job than it sounds.

Then there is the laundry room. Last weekend we found another electrical box hidden in the wall. Yep, we knew there was something funky with the garage wiring, and our electrician thought there was another box. Well, I thought the wall was rather strange and I opened it up on a whim. There was the box along with many many mouse signs. ICK! So , my husband has to build some sort of door so we can access this newly found electrical box, then it's painting time!

Still trying to decide on a color. I have about 20 gallons of paint to choose from at the house, it's just a matter of time. Then I have to organize that room. It's not working for me well right now. It's pretty tiny, pretty ugly, and has a lot of jobs to do. So I have my work cut out for me.

In addition there is just some regular cleaning, organizing, and oh yes, finishing potty training the boy. He's got #1 down pat, now we move on to # 2. Yes, that's about as much fun as it sounds like.

Pirates

My son loves pirates. He especially loves the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. They are way to old for him and parts scare him - but he's distractable at this age so we just turn his head and make it a game for those parts. No nightmares yet! So I have spent about 8 or 9 hours of my life (that I can't get back) watching Johnny Depp swish about the screen . Don't get me wrong, I actually like these movies. They aren't art house movies for sure, but I like a good sword fight. And if I can just ignore the condition of every ones teeth in the movie I can have a good time watching them. And then there's this

To quote Will Farrell in Taladega Nights "Dear sweet baby Jesus". I find Orlando Bloom to be yummy.

My husband and I have a game in which we have a small list ( 3) of celebrities we would leave each other for. Mine are George Clooney, John Cusak and Orlando Bloom. Don Johnson used to be on the list but he got old. So did I of course, but this is my fantasy list damn it! I can't remember who is on my husbands list except that one of them Marie Osmond. (I just nodded and smiled at that one. )

Planning Christmas dinner- and other things

I love Christmas, but I don't love to spend it with family. Strange huh? I think after years of being a nomad and having the holiday by myself I don't like to share it with others. That and when I was a kid I was trotted all over hell and back on Christmas to see my Grandparents. That said, now I have a 3 yr old with 3 grandparents (my husbands father passed away about 18mos. ago) so there has to be some family involvement. This year is the first year I am allowing the whole family to be at my house on Christmas Eve, but only from noon to 8pm. I told everyone at 8 they have to get out. They have to be to my house because I am not going to trot my sons butt around on the holiday.

So, Christmas Eve dinner is up to me (like Thanksgiving is too). Here is my menu.

1) I have a ham. Shank, bone in, NOT spiral cut. (spiral cut tends to make the ham dry IMHO) I think I am going to make a coating of graham crackers, brown sugar, butter and whiskey to coat it. Makes a nice crust. I don't like fruit on my pork, so all sorts of glazes are out.

2) Green beans. NOT the casserole with mushroom soup because my Mr. hates fungus. Just plain green beans. Maybe some almonds. And butter.

3) Roasted carrots because my Dad likes them

4) Mashed potatoes. At least I think mashed, maybe roasted with onions,rosemary, garlic and lemons. That is still up in the air. IF I make mashed potatoes than I also need to make country gravy.

5.) Cranberry sauce.

6) Biscuits. Because they go great with ham. Because I like them. Because I need something else and I don't want to have to bake bread.

7.) Apple Pie for desert.

So that is my Christmas Eve dinner for 6. Or 5 1/2 if you want to get picky.

Week 8- potent potions

I have to admit that I have a problem with makeup, lotions, perfumes etc.... I love them and collect them. During apartment therapy this time I did manage to cull the herd a bit. I threw out a large garbage bag full of outdated, old, and smelly stuff. I also got rid of all of my old medicines, hairbrushes, etc... at the same time. That said, I never really took it further, and I'm sure this week when I go through some of the baskets I will find holes in product coverage.

Since it's late and I don't want to pile or sort, I am going to skip through Breath and Bones and focus instead on the creativity resolutions. ( don't think I won't do them though) I have actually been thinking of this prior to Wende bringing it up. I have three, and only three. I believe they each have projects for blogging, and measurable, attainable goals. So here goes:



Creativity Resolutions
1. I want to take better care of myself. How does this feed into creativity resolutions you may ask? Why, I will tell you. I love to cook. I would like to cook better and healthier. To do that, I need to try new recipes, techniques, etc... Bloggable and measurable. And cooking can be quite creative. So there.

2. Return to painting. I used to paint all the time. Mostly acrylics. I have a bunch of canvas that I never got around to using when I quit a few years back. I want to paint again.

3. My dolls. I want to keep on doing them, and to learn new sewing and beading techniques to keep them fresh and new. I might even think about selling more. Maybe doing a few more art type dolls.

So, that is my creativity resolutions for 08. I would like to break down all my resolutions for next year into this- I want to be healthier, I want to spend less money, I want to create new creative outlets for myself. A little vague maybe, but doable. (fingers crossed)

Cleaning out the leftovers of week 7

I don't really have much to say about this week. I don't have a lot of items unaccounted for and what I have for the most part works for me.

Party/Dress up. I wish that you could hear me laugh. I have no use for a party outfit anymore. A lot of the clothes that I own are far to dressy for up here already. I have 2 long skirts and a beautiful cream colored silk shell that are like a dinner dress when put together. I probably will never wear it here though.....

exercise wear. I guess that means shoes for me. Yoga pants and t shirts. yup, got them. When I find comfortable new yoga pants I will be buying some more.

Luggage. I have a weekend bag from Banana Republic that is rather nice, a Tumi suit bag, and a vintage metal Haliburten suitcase- all very nice. I have a wheeled small suitcase suitable for carry on a plane- but since I no longer fly- and don't believe that I will ever set foot on an airplane again, this is now a weekender. I also have 2 pieces of Jansport a big duffel bag and smaller tote - both with pirates on them. (my son picked them out)

I have 2 odd pieces- 2 blue saris. I don't know why I have them and I don't know what I am going to do with them.

Umbrellas- I have a nice large plaid one that lives in my car.

Well, those are my leftovers. Not really exciting huh????

new faces- handsculpted creepy voodoo art doll faces

Originally uploaded by thefarmersdaughter

These are 4 of my new faces that I have made from molds I make myself. I am trying to figure out what face to put on my Mothers Christmas voodoo doll. (she asked for one)

Oh- I sold 2 of my voodoo dolls this week to a website- Horror Mall. Yea me!

Late night Sunday night

It's going to be a late night for me, I have an IVP, mammogram and chest x ray tomorrow morning so tonight I have to "cleanse". An IVP checks for growths in your liver, and to do that effectively, your colon has to be empty. I hate this. I have to drink this nasty stuff which makes me want to puke, and then it just goes downhill from there. Plus, I can't eat anything and I am starving. Worst of all- no coffee in the morning. Thank God I have to be at the hospital at 10am and so by noon I'll be sitting eating a big hamburger.

I have to have these every year. This year I am sort of concerned as I have been having some stomach pains and backaches, and for someone with my past condition neither is a good thing. Of course, sometimes a backache is just a backache. Wish me luck.

Purse entry- bags 8 thru 11- Francesco Biasia handbags

Here are my Francesco Biasia bags. I really do like this maker- so I have a couple.

This one reminds me of a saddle bag.

This one is burgundy/plum colored. It has black hardware.

This one is a larger tote style ( I have owned this for over 15 years.)

This one is an even larger tote style. I have had this one for about 10 years. This bag (and a few others) allowed me not to have to carry a diaper bag. I would just put a small waterproof zip pouch inside and carry wipes and diapers and an emergency bottle and binky. I still don't understand what women put in those gigantic diaper bags.

So I have a total of 4 bags from this maker- including the orange barrel patent leather bag I have already blogged about.

Style Icon

Wende left me a comment on my jewelry post, pointing out that my pieces showed a clear style viewpoint. I started to think about that statement, because I have never really considered the possibility that I had a clear style statement at all. I have always had a fragmented wardrobe- due in part to the jobs that I have had I think, and the difference between my work and home life. Apparently my style was being shown in my jewelry.

Once I had that piece in my head, I started looking at some of my other choices.Who is also wearing pieces like mine that I could google ? (the internet is my friend some days).

After searching and much thinking I have a new style icon. One that actually fits my style aesthetic well (in my opinion) and actually my age (sort of ).

Lauren Hutton. I like how she wears her clothes. Her accessories are fantastic. She had made what some people consider to be a flaw to be a statement. She has aged gracefully, and naturally- she isn't botoxed tight and shiny. I have seen her in fantastically beautiful clothing and in jeans and t shirts. Now, the girl on the left is totally what I used to look and dress like. Yes, even that hair. But I would like to think I can grow up now and do it gracefully.

Purse #7- suede embroidered hobo bag

Well, the title says it all, this is a embroidered hobo bag, brown suede. Small interior pocket. One handle. I like it, but with a kid, it doesn't work all that well for me . I use it when I go out to the store or something when I am not wearing a big coat and am child free. (2 things that don't happen a lot right now)

The jewelry I wear- my staple pieces

These are the rings I wear most of all. Missing is my favorite ring, which is a silver ring with crosses on it made my some artist in Santa Fe, NM. All are silver except for my wedding ring set and the jade ring in the center.

These are the earrings I wear most of all . The upper box has my diamonds, raw peridots set in silver, and some large silver hoops (the last 2 I bought on trips out west). The bottom box has (clockwise from left top) red earrings were a Xmas present from a friend of mine, the cross earrings and stone earrings I bought on a trip out to the Grand Canyon, and the multi colored black earrings I bought in the market square in Santa Fe.

These the necklaces that I wear. Right to left- a large bead with Buddha necklace my Dad gave me, my silver byzantine chain I wear daily, necklace with amber and blue pendant on rawhide, a green stone necklace my husband gave me on our wedding day, and a stone an silver necklace I bought in Albuquerque NM on a trip.

These are the bracelets. From top left clockwise. Silver bracelet is from Texas, I bought that as a cheer up item. The middle silver cuff is from Scottsdale. I used to have matching ring and earring, but I don't know where those are anymore. The silver chain I got in New Orleans on a trip. The bead bracelets were given to me by a friend of mine (they are great in the summer) and the round silver pin was a gift from my parents 24 years ago. It is mother of pearl and has a dragon bird on it.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....

Seven inches so far and counting.....It's going to be a very white Christmas.

Christmas pictures.....

We took Christmas photos today- we use about 6 different poses (sort of luck of the draw who gets which ones) here is one of this years photos-

Hey- I actually like my jewelry!

These are my piles of jewelry. The picture with the actual box and rings in front are pieces I don't wear anymore. Some are not my style anymore, some have bad memories, some are too tiny for me now- especially since I am not so tiny now.

This picture (in the box top) are all pieces I love and wear. I don't really know what to do with the pieces I don't wear anymore.

I am missing some pieces- all my pearls are awol. (Wende and I must have gone through the same phase) I have a large pair of (faux) diamond earrings, a beautiful silver cross and chain, a stone bear on rawhide, and two diamond rings that are missing. I must look for them before I do any further posting. There is probably more, and I may find them while looking for the others.

Week 6 Wardrobe Therapy

Accessories are not my friends. Lets get that out in the open right away. I don't wear belts. I don't wear scarves except to keep my neck warm. I wear jewelry, but often forget it places. I love earrings, but due to allergic reactions I can only wear gold or silver. Costume jewelry gives me infections. My hands tend to swell after my surgery and so my ring sizes can change from week to week or day to day. I can only wear necklaces that I don't mind losing right now because my son loves to grab hold of them. Yes, I know he's 3. But he still does it.

But I believe that accessories are the best way to interpret your style. So, this week is very important. The pictures above are some pieces that I love. All from Sundance. I would wear each and every one of these.

BREATH Piles. That will come tomorrow or Tuesday. I have to scour the entire house top to bottom to find all my stuff. It's like the polar opposite to my purses. I take fantastic care of those, jewelry gets thrown about like it's worthless.

Bones - This is obvious for me. I have to find a jewelry control center.

Head - What does my accessories contribute to my sense of style ? Well, for the most part, they remind me of where I have been. I buy a lot of jewelry and accessories on my travels. Also, I think that my style tends towards the practical, relaxed creative and comfortable. My accessories can either drive those points home, or act as a foil. Also, they give me a bit of color. My fashions are rather simple, no bright colors, monochromatic, solids- no prints ever- no girly-girly stuff, no pastels or delicate fabrics. If it wasn't for jewelry and accessories- it sounds like I dress like the Amish (which by the way I partially am- also Native American, Swedish and polish. What a combo huh?)

A coat to warm my soul

or at the very least, the rest of me. My Mr. and I went shopping Sat. and I got a warm, winter coat. Columbia, in grey and black. It goes past my hips and has an attached hood. Very warm and waterproof. Now, is a fashion coat- no. But I don't want a fashion coat to go sledding in or to walk to the post office.

I also got a new pair of jeans from J. Jill, and did all my Christmas shopping. All I need to do is finish the good luck voodoo doll for my mothers vegas trip and buy my son a nerf football for his stocking, oh , and buy the stuff for Christmas dinner.

We trimmed the tree tonight too... looks quite festive if I do say so myself.

Holiday parties deserve a festive evening purse

This is a small- maybe 5 inches- Nicole Miller evening frame style handbag. Champagne colored satin, lined with a small interior pocket. Single strap, with a small square platinum colored clasp.

Is it party season already?

So last night was the start of (work related) Christmas party crawl. We just had 2 to hit yesterday, and since we got 4 inches of snow last night, that was more than enough driving . I hate these things because I really don't know anyone and my Mr.'s job is kind of a social one. That and the fact that he is extremely well know in this area makes for a long night. The first party was rather non descript, the the second was rather interesting- but for all the wrong reasons.

Thrown by a Vice President of the University, it brought out a huge crowd. Their house is lovely- all beige, but beautiful. I would have been worried about stains all night. The party was catered, so that was nice, but no liquor, so that was bad. This party had a lot of student ambassadors and workers invited to it, so out of the hundred or more there- maybe 40 were between 19 and 25. It made for an interesting night fashion watching.

I would have thought that girls that age would have dressed a bit better. Heck, I would have thought women my age would have dressed better. Even my Mr. was getting a bit catty. The older women with a few exceptions had the perennially mid west holiday uniform of poly pants (why are they always grey and too tight?), "holiday" sweater or cardigan, white turtleneck, and comfortable shoes. The few exceptions actually were dressed a lot like me, dress pants, sweater, and shoes, but the main difference was we were not wearing a santa, snowman or elf anywhere on our bodies. ( I wore black dress pants-bootcut, with a light blue v neck sweater in a tunic style, a blue scarf, black high heel boots, with a large blue and amber pendant necklace.)

The younger women- well, apparently, the tighter you wear your clothes, the thinner you think you look. Tiny sweaters with another tiny midriff sweater on top and to tight jeans do not look good if you are zaftig- or even normal sized. Mini skirts and UGG boots- again, not a good look. One girl had a rather nice outfit on- a black and white tunic top and wide leg palatzzo black pants- until you looked down. Those pants were at least 3 inches to long. Maybe 4. Just a lot of clothes that were to tight, to short, to low cut, to much.

I did see a beautiful brown sweater on a woman with orange flowers embroidered from the cuff up to her elbow area. It was a turtleneck so I didn't covet the sweater, but I did rethink my aversion to embroidery on sweaters. And I thought of SCB when I saw this woman wearing a beautiful red sweater with a red matching scarf.

Going thru this WT process had made me look more critically at outfits (on me and others). I just kept thinking last night that there was such a double standard for women at these events. Men have it easy- I saw a few questionable choices (like the guy in the suit with cowboy boots) but for the most part, they have an easier time wardrobe-wise. There were a lot of women I saw last night that if they dressed for the body they had (not thought they had, or the body they wanted to have) they would have beautiful. I saw women my age or older who looked like they had just given up and no longer looked at themselves as women, let alone attractive women.

All in all, I had some fun - I talked to other adults about topics other than spongebob. My husband and I spent a few hours by ourselves. My son had a good night playing with his grandparents. We all got home in one piece. It was a good night.

Oh the weather outside is frightful

After todays unfortunate mall incident (boy am I glad I don't work in those anymore) I decided to windows shop. This little baby is Norma Kamali for Everlast. And, if I had about 350 bucks it would be mine. But, since I don't (or won't) I have to think about color, shape, and silhouette. I like that this is simple. I am not a big dress fan, but I think I would wear this if it looked good on me. It comes in black too, but I actually like this color- it's called Toast.

Wardrobe in 10 easy pieces- ok maybe 13

After thinking about this overnight, I have decided that I really can pick out a few key pieces for my wardrobe and really focus on them- their fit and quality. I have done a lot of windows shopping and finally come up with this list. No pictures right now. Thinking was hard enough.

1. Wider leg dressier pants. With some stretch and a lower waistline. But not super low. Black of course. Washable is a must. When I find them, I am buying 3 identical pair. (not 9, just 3)
2. Shirt. Button down, with enough shaping so that I look like I have a waist, and with enough room that I don't blow a button around my chest. No peek a boo allowed. Long sleeve, with a normal pointed collar. More than likely white.
3. THIN knit sweater. Slightly longer so that it flows over my waist, but not tunic length. V neck. In a great blue color and a chocolate brown, maybe even a great rust. Thin so it doesn't add any more weight to me visually, but thick enough so that any "back fat" doesn't show.
4. Jeans. Lower waist, DARK denim. Bootcut or straight leg. Some stretch to them. Normal pockets that don't have have any extra snaps or buttons etc... that would make me to "bootylicious"
5. Blazer. Probably 2 here. One a black gabardine with a little stretch, either 1 or 3 buttons. More professional looking. The other one is a leather blazer. Brown or tan. Large enough to layer underneath.
6. Shoes. Either lace up oxfords with a 2 inch heel, or a nice pair of maryjanes with approx 2 inc heel. Either one in black.
7. Tennis shoes. I don't know what kind yet, but they have to be white. As plain as possible. Very comfortable. I like Merrill, but they tend to put their name all over everything.
8. Yoga pants. Super comfortable, black stretch pants. wide leg, lower waist. Not tight at all.
9. T shirts. 2 kinds. One a heavier weight cotton with a v neck, the other a very light weight cotton. I need both long and short sleeve (not cap sleeved) and I would like them in Black, White, pink, light and dark blue, and brown and maybe even a pattern or two.
10. Dress. I know I need one, I just don't exactly have that one worked out yet. Probably a button up dress with some sort of self tie around the waist so I don't look like a tube. I would like to find a brown or navy dress.

In addition to these 10 items, I know I also need
11. A great big watch. I like men's watches. Metal band, no leather. Big fat white or blue face.
12. Winter coat. At least hip length. Black or navy. Rated for at least 0 to 10 degrees. Hood attached. This is more useful than stylish in my mind. But I don't want something hideous.
13. Everyday bag. I have more than enough of these already. I won't be looking for anymore this season.

So these are my items. Now I have to find them in person.

My overs

Well, my over pile is not as large as I would wish it to be. Because I still don't own a proper winter coat. And now it's winter.

I have gobs of coats, just nothing very useful this time of year. Here is some of my pile. No pics because I have a migraine tonight and the flash will send me into a hell that there is no escaping from for hours.

In the front closet I have
1. A lightweight 3/4 length black trench/rain coat from Columbia. I just bought it this fall. It has a great limey green liner and it's nice looking.
2. A pull over fleece from old navy in navy. It was cheap. It is warm. It has OLD NAVY written across the chesticle area. It is oh so not a good look for me.
3. a washable suede jean style jacket in camel from Eddie Bauer. The color is maybe a bit iffy for my skin when I'm very pale, and I am not sure that jean style jackets are all that flattering on my type of body.
3. a jean jacket from Eddie Bauer. Again, I question the entire style on me.
4. A yellow rain coat that looks like I am the Gortons Fisherman. But it keeps me dry. And, the color is so loud no one will hit me with their car.
5. My Hobbit coat. Also from Eddie Bauer (thank you employee discount) It's wool. Grey, with a hood and goes to my calves. Warm, but oh so ugly.
6. I have my Grandmothers cashmere coat. Black, 3/4 sleeves, knee length. Very proper. I have worn it out.
7. Washable suede cowboy style shirt. Eddie Bauer strikes again. My favorite clothing item. It looks great over t shirts, it's perfect as a light coat. I love it.
8. Green (kelly) trench coat. Built in belt thingy in back, big snaps. Lands just above my knee. Fits nice, I like it, but I'm not overly comfortable wearing colors, so I don't wear it enough.
9. Classic trench by Ralph Lauren. Nice coat, but no belt- so it goes strait up and down - I kind of look like a tube of toothpaste.
10. Black, long, trench coat style light weight dressy winter jacket. From Calvin Klein. Nice enough, not warm though.
11. Grey wool motorcycle jacket from Liz Claiborn. What was I thinking?
12. Black, lightweight swing coat from Dana Buchman. I think I look matronly in this one.
13. Greenish suede jean jacket from Gap. Sale purchase. Usually lives in my trunk as an emergency coat.
14. Heavy corduroy blazer, by-wait for it- EDDIE BAUER- looks a bit preppy/collegiate to me. Not my style.

So that's what is in my closet now. I think that numbers 11 thru 14 will be donated. And then I have to find a coat. Something car length, in grey or black, that looks adult but not grandma like. And it must be warm........

Handbag/Purse number 6 - my go-to bag

Everyone should have a go to bag. The kind of bag that you know looks great with just about anything, will hold all your stuff, and requires little to no thought on your end. This is the bag I grab and carry when I don't know what I will be doing or where I will be going. It looks appropriate in downtown Chicago or downtown in my small town. It doesn't scream look at me ! Steal me- I'm expensive! But if you are a purse snob like me, you know that it's a nice bag.

I bought this years ago- maybe 10. ( I believe that good, solid, quality purses are the only item of clothing that can and should be purchased with quality and longevity in mind. An expensive sweater- no matter how nice- is only good for a few seasons. A quality purse can be used for a decade or more if you make the right choices.) It's leather and from Italy. It had these funky moving handles when I purchased it. The straps moved. I broke one of the strap mechanisms and took it to my shoe repair place. They couldn't fix the broken metal piece- or order a new one (mainly I think because they had never seen one before) but they told me they could remove the hardware and sew down the handles. I didn't have anything to lose really, the bag wasn't usable with one and a half handles. They did a fantastic job- even the thread matches. I think the repair cost 10 dollars. Well worth it. Shoe repair guys can be your biggest friend in the world and they don't get enough respect or business in this throw away society we have become. My advice to anyone is find a repair place that you like and trust and USE them. Many shoes and bags can easily and cheaply be repaired or resoled, and heels can be fixed- even cut down!

This bag has 5 little metal feet on the bottom, a dark brown lining with a interior zip pocket (that's HUGE) and a top zipper to protect your stuff. Great all around bag.

ICE STORM

it was supposed to be a blizzard, but we got ice instead. Everything is closed down around here- except of course for my husbands university and walmart.

This weekend I decided to forgo going through coats and underwear to do a few needed things around the house. I started painting the laundry room, but after about 6 ft I decided I really didn't like the color, no actually I thought the color was awful. I will start again later this week-after I recover - now I think I may just use the leftover paint from my bathroom. I like that color and it will go with the kitchen color. That room is very visible- and looks horrible! Cheap nasty 60's vinyl floor, and a drop ceiling. The room itself isn't level (it was an add on to my house), the floors squeak, and it's COLD, it's also the room where my little dog and cat do their "business". Yes, I said dog. He weighs 8 lbs and refuses to go outside once there is a dusting of snow on the ground. If I were to take him outside now, he would lay down and not move. I am terrified he will get hypothermia. He's from Texas and when we came here it was quite a shock on his little system. SO, when you add all that up- ICK! So the laundry is my big project now. The kitchen is out of my hands, the table shelf , the trim and the 2 new electrical outlets are up to my husband.

We got the Christmas tree and got it up. I like to have it sit for a few days and fall before putting lights on it. We get the tree from a tree farm up the road. This year they were much cheaper- the owner said the economy was the cause. He just can't sell the expensive kinds. Ours is a Frasier Fur. I like them because they don't hurt when you touch them. 2 years ago we go a blue spruce and it went out of it's way to cause me pain. I hated that tree.....

I also put together my fish tank that has been in storage for 5 years. My son loves looking at the fish every time we go shopping at Meijer. I thought that I would fill it with goldfish. It needs to filter out for a few more days before I can put living fish in it. We have a well, so there isn't chemicals in the water, but I am still waiting. Even .15 fish need a good shot at life!

We also cleaned the garage so that my car will fit inside. We have never had even one car in our garage in the 4 years we have lived here. It's always been full of project chairs, strollers, garden art etc..... I can't wait to see how it goes ! Getting my son in and out of the car without the rain or snow will be a treat!

I got an email from an on line retailer interested in selling my voodoo art dolls. I don't know exactly what to do. My brother is going to put them on his web site too.... I don't know how exactly I feel about that. I never started doing the dolls for cash or profit, just for fun and something to do. They are rather odd, and a niche item. Besides, I don't even know how much I would sell them for. What a quandary!