Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Written by Shannon Leigh

I never win anything by way of drawing.

My Grandma Dudley, however, has a great stroke of luck.

She won a car once.

She traded it in for an organ (like the musical instrument, not like a kidney).

That organ still sits in her great room.

I'm still amazed that an organ was the same price as a car.

She won a tree once too (like a big, nice tree).

My mom entered her into a drawing without her even knowing.

Lucky woman that one.

Anyway

My friend Kendahl started a new side business called All Things New.

They basically take old unwanted pieces of furniture (among other things) and bring them new life.

AHHH, one of my favorite things to do!

Isn't that what our gracious Lord does with us?

We are cherished and he makes us new, makes us changed.

Anyway,

I WON their give-a-way!

I won a chalk board slate made out of an old door and 3 vintage rosette hair clips that will look divine on the Ru.

You MUST follow their blog here.

And like their facebook page here.

A few things on my mind...

Written by Shannon Leigh

• Oh how I am dreading the students coming back to campus next Monday. If only they could stay away for 6 more weeks. Yes, I realize if there were no students there would be no job.
• Our poor dog Izzy had to get stitches under her eye as a result of a freak snow shovel incident. She now has to wear a cone when we are gone so she doesn't scratch at it. Every morning I am forced to put it on her. I feel like I am torturing her. She runs into things constantly and last night panicked with it on and ripped the outlet off of the wall. I'm not sure how this happened as I wasn't there. (Story & pictures to follow).
  
• Matt's very enthusiastic explanation of why Mark McGwire's admittance to steroid use has a profound affect on his past career and his future. I was more interested in who he is married to now. She is a blond pharmaceutical sales rep who is 15 years younger than him. I was shocked.
  
• Matt's detailed description of the movie District 9 which he rented while I was gone last night (thank goodness) and his hope that there is a sequel.
• How to find time to finish Peanut's baby quilt.
• How much I appreciate my mom making the crib bumper in her free time and putting up with my demands.
• How to love Jesus more and identify his grace and his will.
  
• Thinking about how and when Peanut is going to make her grand appearance.
  
• The rocking chair debacle. Long story.
• Valentine's Day.
• Everything I learned in my childbirth class on Saturday. Now I know that if Matt sings "She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain" while I'm in labor there is a 98% chance that I'll punch him in the face.
• My wardrobe is getting very slim as I'm getting bigger. I refuse to buy more maternity clothes. Get used to the same 3 shirts for the next 6 weeks.
  
• Lost.
• Frumpy doesn't really describe the way I feel. Mack truck might come closer.
• My career as a photographer and where it is going.
• How I am going to take care of another life when I can barely take care of my own.
• The foot in my rib cage.
  

Obsessed.

Written by Shannon Leigh

With this commercial for Amazon Kindle.

Check it out for yourself.

If only I had the time...

Written by Shannon Leigh

I would like to make THIS adorable Halloween quilt!

amazing-ness found here.

Now tell me how delightful it would be to sip hot apple cider wrapped up in this bad boy.

To my Lover: I Will be Your Soda Bearer

Written by Shannon Leigh

Matt is on a mission trip this week with the junior high youth group from our church. Although I miss him dearly I am glad he got to go and I know he is being stretched/sharpened in more ways than one. I'm jealous actually. If we weren't smack dab in the middle of training at work I would have gone with them. I think it would be such a blessing to see what God is doing in all of our little Sunday schooler's lives. For some of them this might be their first experience helping out the less fortunate and sharing the gospel. I hope you all will pray with me for the work that God is doing there.

Speaking of being sharpened... Matt is addicted to soda. A few months ago he gave up soda for 30 days (he didn't even drink a soda on his birthday... I was so proud). He went from drinking about 3 a day to zilch. He was pretty miserable for the first few days. He had pretty hardcore caffeine headaches. When he left for the mission trip last week I don't think he took his caffeine addiction into consideration. Because you see, this particular mission trip doesn't provide soda at meal time, or any other time for that matter and he's basically car-less so he can't run out and get a fountain soda (one of his favorite pastimes). Apparently, he had a massive headache for the first day and a half.
Last night I received a text from him that said
"By the grace of God..."
At this point I was waiting for a story about an amazing spiritual encounter. But the rest of it said...
"I dunked a basketball and we had soda with dinner."
Man you gotta love that guy. He really has his priorities straight. At least he recognizes that it's by God's grace.

That leads me to the next topic... I was browsing some party planning websites and I came across THIS. It is a gourmet soda bar at a wedding! What a fantastic idea! I mean it's genius really. Matt would have loved that ( & me too).

{photos via Project Wedding}

Anyway, I only have a few lonely days left until Matty gets home. I'm hoping to accomplish a lot before then. That way when he gets here, we can sip on some gourmet sodas and he can tell me all about his trip. Man I miss him.

Give me organization

Written by Shannon Leigh

preferably in a cute vintage suitcase (which I happen to have).{photo via: DIY magazine}

Right Now...

Written by Shannon Leigh

I just got in from planting flowers, Matty is mowing the lawn, and Izzy is drinking out of the toilet (someone always forgets to leave the toilet seat down).  

It's getting ready to rain so my flowers will get a nice big drink.  I think I'll get Matty a fountain soda, I think he'd really enjoy that.

Just a few photographs

Written by Shannon Leigh

Of a lonely adventure.  The way I prefer it.

Simplifying

Written by Shannon Leigh
I would never describe myself as simple. In fact I am incredibly complicated. My feelings are complicated, my wardrobe is complicated, my ideas/dreams are complicated, my LIFE is complicated. Most of the time I am a hot flaming mess.
I long to be simple.
I've been traveling a lot over the last few months and I have learned the importance of simple. I pack simple, I have a simple unpacking system, a simple shopping list every other week, simple expectations about time, etc. By being simple I have saved a lot of time and energy.
Most of my house is organized pretty simply. Everything has a place, even stray pencils and pens. There is one room, however, that is anything but simple...

my craft room.

It is stuffed to the brim with sewing things, scrapbooking utensils, old photography equipment, and all other things crafty. I have lots of hobbies... sue me.

For my birthday I ordered a slide scanner (I have a slight obsession with old family slides). That is one of the things I have missed the most from my photography school days. We had access to some of the most incredible equipment.
That, however, is really beside the point. When I got home from my parents yesterday I was TOTALLY overwhelmed with all of the crap in my craft room.
In college I would spend an exuberant amount of time cleaning my room and desk before I could start studying. When my room was cluttered, my mind was cluttered. I was so much more productive after my room was simple and organized.
That being said, I KNEW that I would never be able to start the scanning process until my room was nice and tidy. So last night my darling hubby helped me organize and reorganize our craft room to utter bliss. Simple Bliss.

Thanks Matty, now I get to simply create in my simple craft room.

Floating shelves from Menard's.

Bed roll, lamp, rug, and curtains from Urban Outfitters.
Jars from Hobby Lobby or thrifted.
Funny Bones Game thrifted.
I'm sure there will be me more updates soon, I'm still waiting for my chandelier, stupid ceiling fan. But for now, bring on the slides!

Created: A Bag with Pleats

Last Friday night my grandparents came to visit!  I love those two so much, they are are two of the coolest people I know.  They took Matt and I out to The Ribeye in Champaign (sorry Dad, you weren't invited).  I have been beyond blessed by the relationship I have with them.  They have taught me more than they will ever know.  Thanks Grandma & Grandad!

I spent some time sewing this weekend.  I made some fabric Easter eggs that, according to Matt, looked like wonky hacky sacks.  (Thanks hunny I love you too).  That's one of the most frustrating things about sewing.  There have been many projects that were utter failures.  I have learned to be o.k. with that.

I did start & finish this pleated bag on Sunday.  I got the pattern from Bend the Rules.  Despite the snow that blanketed our yard that morning, I appliqued the little birdie. hoping it would look a little like spring.  I was going to post a tutorial but it ended up being a lot more complicated than I expected.

 Anyway, you can see more examples of Bend the Rules projects HERE.  Hope your Tuesday is great and happy browsing!

Oh and this is just because Izzy is cute (and hilarious). 

 

"In Between"

The weather is finally catching up with my spring-cleaned house.  

To celebrate I bought some fresh flowers at the grocery store and scattered them around our house.  I didn't wear a coat to work today and I drove with my windows down.  I even wore shoes without socks.  I also bought some new candles so if my bargain blooms don't represent then I can count on some coconut lime.

Over the weekend Matty worked really hard on hanging some shelves above the buffet in our kitchen.  They look beautiful.  It gave me some great display space as well as freeing up the top of the buffet.

  

Today was the "in between" shopping trip.  You know the one where you are out of shampoo, mouth wash, dish detergent and an air filter for the furnace?  It is the trip that I particularly dread but is totally unavoidable and usually expensive.  I had to venture to wal-mart and go to the far corners of the universe to find what I needed.  Not finding what I needed on my own, I searched for an elusive employee who shrugged her shoulders and said "I think they are in that aisle over there."  Why thank you for that, pretty sure I couldn't have done that on my own. 

 Did you know that wal-mart doesn't carry cake flour?  I didn't, until today.  How am I supposed to make Elvis Presley's Favorite Pound Cake without it?  I guess I'll have to go to a real grocery store tomorrow.  

Since I was on my last drop of shampoo it was one of the "in between" necessaries.  I stumbled upon Tea Tree Mint shampoo and conditioner by Organix.  I am usually a Sunsilk user but I felt like I needed a change.  The TTM had a tag on it that read "try me for free."  I am always up for a bargain so I put them in the cart.  All I have to do is send in the tag with my receipt and I get a full rebate!  So what if I did 2 different transactions in the 20 items or less lane.  I am sure the other "in between" shoppers appreciated my tardiness.  I am betting it will be months before I actually get the money back and I will have wasted 64 cents in stamps but I am hoping it will be worth it. Can't wait to try it out in the morning.  

If you MUST do your "in between" shopping this week, take a peak in the shampoo aisle.  You might just find a bargain! 

A Few Creative Endeavors

What a beautiful day today! It was sooo great to feel the warm sun on my face after church while I played with Izzy in the yard. Matt is working on filling in the bare spots with the dirt that was dug up for our fence posts so I ducked inside hoping he wouldn't tell me to grab the other shovel. I am currently blasting Bon Jovi on my record player and enjoying the sun beaming through the windows. Maybe spring is here to stay this time. I'm not going to put away my winter coats just yet, but a girl can dream, right?

Matt's family came and stayed with us this weekend and as always it was a joy. They took us out to Jim Gould's, one of Matt and I's favorite local eateries. Since we were celebrating Matty's birthday our waitress gave him some yummy chocolate covered strawberries (which I got to enjoy).

As usual, I have been working on some crafts. I saw some adorable felt headbands on Etsy not too long ago so I decide to try my hand at working with felt myself. I made this little onsie for my nephew Keagan for St. Patrick's day using 3 different colors of felt. I wish I could see him in it. (I hope it fits him, I hear he is quite the chunky monkey).

Another little home improvement project I have been working on is my fabric cork board wall. I just painted a bunch of thrift store frames white and hot glued cork board to cardboard. I then covered them with some of my favorite fabric remnants and voila I have some very functional wall art.

I have been needing somewhere to store my records for a very long time so when I came across this buffet on one my thrifting excursions I couldn't resist it. I love to "restore" things and besides all it needed was was a little tlc (something I was more than happy to give it). I can't believe I got Matt to agree to the green color but I think he liked it in the end. At least now most of my records have a home and I can leave my new record player out all the time!!

Here's the before...

And here's the after...

{Spring} Cleaning/Crafting

Scrub the floors (on my hands and knees). Check

Wash the baseboards. Check

Clean behind the toilet (apparently I've missed that spot for the last 6 months). Check

Vacuum UNDER the furniture. Check

Get our comforter dry cleaned. Check

O.k. Spring, my house is clean! Can you {please} make it a longer stay next time?

I have a bunch of fun projects underway (I guess the few days of spring-like weather inspired me).

Some of them required paint and are still drying out in the garage (stupid cold weather). I can show you one...

I saw this somewhere awhile ago and I loved

it! All I did was cover cork board with fabric and tuck them in as the backing of some cubbies. I think I'll get 3 more at some point. They look a little smaller than I expected (I guess that means I'd have to pick out more of my fave fabric out of my stash... DARN).

It Couldn't Have Been Better...

I'm serious.I had the BEST time. It makes me wish I lived right next to the slopes all winter long. (It doesn't hurt that I turned out to be a natural... I was skiing the black diamonds before lunch time). It was the perfect day for snow skiing. Warm enough to wear a light jacket, cold enough to keep the snow light and fluffy and ohhhh that sun. My face hasn't seen sun like that in a long, long time. Gives me butterflies just thinking about it.We were with great friends, we ate at great local restaurants (with live music), got wrinkly in great hot tubs, took GREAT photos, ate incredible Wisconsin cheese, and I got to spend some much needed time with the love of my life. Makes me look forward to next winter... Colorado anyone?

Anyway, here's a recap.

Skiing our little hearts out... I think all of us are a little sore...

A wall of hats?? We couldn't resist.

After the great workout we got on the slopes we were able to relax at a local pub for some

delish food and great entertainment. The place was called Erin's Snug Irish Pub

and Matt was eating up the 90's rock not to mention his burger.

Matt and I had brunch at the most darling downtown restaurant called "The Old Fashioned."

It was right across from the capital building downtown. Apparently it was voted the best food in Wisconsin last year, that's why we chose it. Matt and I laughed at our choices. They pretty much describes us to a T. He chose the super sweet Belgian Waffle and the refreshingly cold o.j. (freshly squeezed and opaque) and I opted for the savory eggs scramble with zucchini, sun dried tomatoes, and fresh Wisconsin cheese along with a piping hot coffee. I mean could we BE any more different? Both dishes were incredible!

A Few Things

That made me happy this morning...1. A newly brushed/de-matted Iz.
Since spending time with the shitzu cousins at my parents house over the holidays, Izzy's chest was one giant hairball caked in dog saliva. I brushed the heck out of her last night and now I can rub her belly without the risk of losing my hand in a snarl of hair.


2. Kashi waffles.So I started working out regularly about a month ago. Since doing so I have noticed that I have more energy and I am in an overall better mood. But man am I hungry and I mean all the time. Take this morning for example. I woke up at 7:00 (this is earlier than usual mind you) and my stomach was already growling like an angry polar bear ( This may or may not be a reference to Lost). So I toasted up some Kashi Honey Nut waffles and ate them with devotion. If you haven't tried these delightful breakfasty treats I suggest you visit your neighborhood grocer's freezer section.

3. Smucker's Strawberry Syrup to go on my Kashi waffles.
I am crazy over this stuff. Maybe that is why I've had breakfast for dinner 3 nights this week. They also have blueberry and blackberry flavors. The best part? Matt doesn't like it, so that means I get it all to myself. Mmmm, sticky goodness.